Two of the best big-school teams clash in this week’s Top Game of the Week, as Lakeville North, ranked No. 4 in Class 4A by Minnesota Basketball News, travels to undefeated No. 2-4A Eastview on Tuesday.
For Eastview (4-0, 1-0), the Panthers will be the third Class 4A top-10 opponent they’ve faced this season. The Lightning defeated No. 10 White Bear Lake 61-44 on Nov. 24 and No. 9 St. Michael-Albertville 60-43 on Dec. 2.
The Lightning will have their hands full trying to contain the firepower of the Panthers, but defense has been their biggest strength this season. In their four wins, they’ve allowed an average of 37.5 points to opponents. White Bear Lake's 44 points scored has been the most on the Panthers this season.
A big part of defense is ending the possession with a rebound, and Megan Walstad has done that effectively this season. She leads Eastview with nine rebounds per game.
Lakeville North, too, has had a tough schedule to start the season, but it has not handled it as well, losing in two of its three marquee matchups to date. After beating No. 13-4A Minnetonka 73-63 on Nov. 30, the Panthers lost to No. 3-4A Wayzata 70-56 on Dec. 2 and to No. 5-4A Centennial 70-56 on Dec 7.
The Panthers (3-2) have five different players who are averaging over 10 points per game this season, and four of those players have scored 20 or more in a single game. Lauren Jensen has led the way, averaging 15.4 points per game.