Apple Valley, the reigning Class 4A state champion, faces an early season test against an offensively talented Minnetonka squad on Nov. 23. Photo by Rick Orndorf
When Apple Valley hosts Minnetonka on Nov. 28, fans will likely be treated to a offensive affair. As two of the state's highest-scoring teams last season, the Eagles and Skippers expect to follow a similar path with each returning several skilled players.
But each program has something else that makes this matchup intriguing: a deeply rooted connection to the professional game.
Apple Valley opens the season ranked No. 1 in Class 4A polls provided by Minnesota Basketball News, and with good reason as the defending state champions return their top five scorers, including starters Gary Trent Jr. and Tre Jones.
Both helped lead the Eagles to the state title, and both have NBA ties.
Trent's father, Gary Trent Sr., played in the league from 1995-2004, including with the Minnesota Timberwolves from 2001-04, and has been working with the pro ballclub's post players this season.
Jones is following in the footsteps of his older brother Tyus at Apple Valley. Tyus is a former Minnesota Mr. Basketball award recipient, a NCAA national champion and is currently playing for the Timberwolves after being selected in the first round of the NBA draft.
In the offseason, the Skippers brought in former NBA player Chris Carr to coach the program. Carr played in the league for six seasons, including with the Timberwolves from 1996-99.
With the wealth of talent and experience on both teams, plus the professional basketball pedigree on both sides, this matchup has all the makings of a Top Game of the Week.
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