Valley Conference play has already started, and the winner of this game between title-defending Cleveland and last year's runner-up Mankato Loyola could directly influence this season's eventual conference champion.
The No. 4-1A Clippers were a perfect 10-0 in league play last season, and have already won their opening game against Alden-Conger 79-48 last Thursday. Austin Plonsky averaged 19.7 points per game in the 2016-17 season and is the top returning scorer for Cleveland (1-0, 1-0). Solid guard play from Plonsky and fellow senior Mitch McCabe (11 ppg last season) could be the deciding factor in the contest.
The Crusaders (2-2, 1-0) have not played in close games this year, losing or winning each of their first four games by at least 10 points. Senior Zan Raverty scored 20 in the 74-62 win over Madelia on Dec. 7 and averaged 12 ppg last season.
Raverty and sophomore guard Ben Ellingworth (14 ppg last season) led the team in scoring last year, and if the pair can win the matchup against the Clippers' guards, Mankato Loyola has a good shot at winning and taking pole position in the race for the Valley title.