The opening of conference play is almost a start of a completely new season. For Robbinsdale Cooper and Bloomington Jefferson, the beginning of Metro West Conference play will be an opportunity to steady themselves and push toward the postseason.
The Hawks (4-3) have only lost by double digits once this season and have shown the ability to keep control of games. Robbinsdale Cooper's offense is led by a trio averaging about 15 points per game: junior Jalen Justice (15.6 ppg), senior Nathan Hill (15.4 ppg) and junior Jalen Miller (15.2 ppg).
The Jaguars will welcome the start of conference play after losing their last four games. There is reason for optimism, however, as two of those four losses came to No. 4-4A Eden Prairie (60-36 on Jan. 9) and No. 8-4A Edina (72-64 on Jan. 12).
Bloomington Jefferson (5-6) finished at the top of conference standings last season, and despite losing its three top scorers, the Jaguars will believe they have the quality to win the league again. Senior Mike Evens (16.1 ppg) has stepped up to lead the offense, while junior Isaiah Watts is scoring 13 ppg.