No. 2 Hopkins at No. 5 Eden Prairie
7 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 21
MN Basketball Hub Spotlight Game

As it has been many times in the past two decades, Hopkins is loaded with elite talent at nearly every position. Sophomore wing Amir Coffey (14.4 ppg) is considered a top national recruit and may be first in line tabbed as Minnesota’s next “great player.” The son of former Minnesota Gopher Richard Coffey is smooth and has incredible length, a bit different than his father, who was known as an aggressive and tough banger.

Senior Jake Wright (17.3 ppg) has terrific range and has signed with The Citadel. Senior forward Stephon Sharp (16.9 ppg), point guard Kamali Chambers (11.2 ppg) and guard Noble Fahnbulleh are all experienced players who have had plenty of success. Chambers is an elite on-ball defender and runs the offense, much like his older brother, Mr. Basketball Siyani Chambers. Add in young talent such as John Warren (10.3 ppg) and the Royals will be a tough out in the playoffs.

Eden Prairie has also had a great run of success, but it’s been confined to a more recent calendar, as the Eagles have finished in the top four in state the past four years.

The Eagles returned three starters from last year’s state tourney team: senior forward Anthony Anderson, and senior guards Andre Wallace (18.9 ppg) and Alex Ihrke. Wallace has proven to be an elite scorer from the point guard position, and he’s hit some big shots already this year, including a buzzer beater to beat Lakeville North 79-78 last Saturday.

The addition of Maranatha Christian Academy transfer Grantham Gillard (21.7 ppg) has buoyed the Eagles as well. Gillard helped the Mustangs to the state final last year as a sophomore, scoring 11.7 ppg off the bench, but he’s stepped up his game even more as a junior. He’s athletic and explosive.