No. 3 Lakeville North at No. 1 Apple Valley
7 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 14
MN Basketball Hub Spotlight Game

Lost in all the hubbub of this game’s top recruits is that both teams are a perfect 6-0 in the South Suburban Conference. Both qualified for the state Class 4A state tournament last winter (Apple Valley won the title) and both are angling for a return visit from their respective sections.

Expect Lakeville North to be a bit cranky entering Tuesday night, though. The Panthers (11-2) suffered their second loss of the season Saturday when Andre Wallace hit a buzzer-beating three-pointer to give Eden Prairie a 79-78 victory. Macura was held well below his season average with 21 points. Keep an eye on 6-foot-4 forward Connor Flack, a capable scorer (12.8 ppg) who is also a rugged defender, and 6-foot guard Alex Reiland, who scored a season-high 20 points in a victory against Lakeville South.

The Panthers will be tested by an Apple Valley juggernaut that goes much deeper than its point guard.

Jones is the marquee player, but the Eagles are loaded with talented players up and down the roster, many of them underclassman. Coach Zach Goring appears to be sitting on a potential dynasty not unlike Hopkins’ run in the 2000s. Jones (26.6 ppg) paces the offense with his scoring and distributing abilities, but freshman Gary Trent, Jr. (11.5 ppg), senior Dennis Austin (11.3 ppg) and sophomore post Brock Bertram (10.5 ppg) also average in double-figures.

Trent, the son of former NBAer Gary Trent, Sr., is a different player than his father, who was known for his rugged, but undersized interior play. That description fits the tough Austin, who isn’t afraid to do the dirty work in the paint. Trent is a wing player who can hit from three, but also drive to the rim. Bertram is the bulk inside for Apple Valley, standing 6-foot-10 with broad shoulders as just a sophomore. Senior Robert Tobroxen, sophomores Jordan Bolton and Cam Kirksey and eighth-grader Tre Jones (yes, Tyus’ younger brother) round out a strong roster that has college coaches taking note.