St. Thomas Academy

vs. North St. Paul

7 p.m., Friday, Feb. 9

St. Thomas Academy is chasing North St. Paul in the Metro East Conference title chase, and with each team playing two league games this week, there's plenty of opportunity for some movement in the standings. 

The No. 10-3A Cadets have won four straight and all by at least 23 points. Their last loss came against North St. Paul, a 73-69 defeat on Jan. 19. Reversing that result, and taking care of business against Mahtomedi on Monday, will be crucial if St. Thomas Academy (11-7, 7-2) is going to stay in contention for the conference crown.

Offense is run by committee for the Cadets, led by Sam Vascellaro (15.6 ppg), George Stewart (13.9 ppg) and Jack Thompson (12.2 ppg).

Winners of three straight coming into this week, the No. 10-4A Polars are perfect in conference play and are in great position to win the Metro East. North St. Paul's remaining regular-season schedule contains only league games, and if the Polars can defeat Hastings and the Cadets this week, they could have all the breathing room they need to secure the conference title. 

North St. Paul (15-3, 8-0) is led on offense by senior guard Goodnews Kpegeol (20 ppg), while junior Dajuan Carter contributes 13.7 ppg.