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Class 4A final preview

By Star Tribune, 03/14/14, 9:47PM CDT

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Class 4A Championship

Class 4A Championship

No. 1 Hopkins (30-1) vs. No. 2 Lakeville North (26-5), 9 p.m., Target Center

Why Hopkins will win: Lakeville North’s defensive style is much more to Hopkins’ liking than the suffocating zone Shakopee threw at the Royals. Other than Jacob Wright, whose terrific performance in the semifinals went unnoticed, none of Hopkins’ starters was able to get on track. The Royals could scarcely have played worse. Expect Amir Coffey, Stephon Sharp and Kamali Chambers to play more like the trio that averaged a combined 41 points per game before Thursday.

Why Lakeville North will win: Senior guard JP Macura is living up to his billing. A shooter without a conscience, he thrives on tough situations. And he’s much stronger going to the hoop than his slender 6-5 frame would indicate. The rest of the Panthers know their roles and execute them well. Connor Flack gives them a second offensive option and is a sneaky rebounder, 6-6 center Bronson Bruneau will be the most physical player on the floor, and they have the athleticism to run with the Royals.

Key to the game: It’s no secret that Macura, who averages 32 points, will score, but Hopkins will need to make him work for every shot and keep the rest of the Panthers from picking up the slack.

Did you know? Hopkins beat Lakeville North 89-84 in the Tip-Off Classic on Dec. 14. Macura scored 48 points in that game.

JIM PAULSEN

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