Mankato East vs. Mankato West
7:30 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 22

A classic city rivalry will be on display at Mankato State University when Mankato East takes on Mankato West in a Big 9 Conference matchup that also includes Class 3A, Section 2 seeding implications.

Damani Hayes's turnaround jumper helped seal a Cougars' 64-61 victory a year ago. He finished with 17 points in the game, and this year, the junior continues to impress, scoring 18 to help Mankato East (3-2) keep pace in a 77-63 loss to No. 2-3A Delano on Dec. 10. Teammate Kong Kong chipped in 15 points in the loss.

After graduating most of its top rebounding talent, Mankato West and first-year coach Tim Anderson have implemented a motion offense and a full-court pressure defense to hopefully force transition baskets.

The game plan proved effective in the Scarlets' 102-48 season-opening win over New Ulm on Dec. 8. Trey Burmeister posted a game-high 18 points for Mankato West (3-1).

Minnesota's Class 1A Mr. Soccer winner Jacob Makela is touted for his speed and that should play to his team’s offense. The senior is the team’s top returner after averaging 12 points, 3 rebounds and 4 assists per game a year ago.