Rogers vs. Monticello

7:15 p.m., Friday, Jan. 26

Rogers and Monticello each have conference games prior to Friday's meeting, but if the slate goes according to plan, this matchup featuring teams atop the Mississippi 8 Conference standings could be decisive. 

The two-time defending conference champion Royals (7-6, 3-0) have fallen off a bit this year in terms of record, but Rogers still has plenty of talent and could sweep conference play yet again. Jordan Belka is the only player averaging double figures in points for the Royals, scoring 24.3 points per game. He also is contributing 8.0 rebounds per game. 

The Magic (13-2, 4-0) have their own high volume offensive threat in Matt Todd. The senior averages 29.1 points, 6.8 assists and 5.6 steals per contest.

Monticello's only two losses on the season came in the same week -- 80-67 against Minnetonka on Dec. 5 and 88-84 against Orono on Dec. 7. If the Magic can extend their winning streak from 11 to 13 by the end of this week, they will be in prime position for conference success and could have the momentum to return to the Class 3A state tournament for the first time since 2006.