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Top Games: Apple Valley, Minneapolis North meet in interclass matchup

By Trevor Squire, SportsEngine, 11/28/16, 4:00PM CST

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Dec. 3: Each team lost three starters and begin anew in the Breakdown Sports Tip Off Classic.


Despite losing key players, Apple Valley remains a Class 4A state-title contender. Tre Jones is expected take on an even bigger role for coach Zach Goring's (center) Eagles, who meet defending Class 1A Minneapolis North on Saturday. Photo by Mark Hvidsten

Approaching the debut week of the boys' basketball season, coaches either schedule a tuneup or a challenge for their teams.

As programs that have state tournament pedigree, Apple Valley and Minneapolis North chose the latter and opted for back-to-back appearances in the Breakdown Sports Tip Off Classic, which is held on consecutive weekends at Hopkins High school beginning this Saturday.

The Eagles, who are ranked No. 6 in Class 4A by Minnesota Basketball News, will have to adjust to life without three starters who helped the team finish third in the Class 4A state tournament in March and post a 30-2 overall record.

Apple Valley star Gary Trent Jr. transferred to Prolific Prep in California this summer, and Brock Bertram and Cameron Kirksey graduated, leaving the Eagles with significant gaps to fill.

But this team isn't devoid of talent. Tre Jones is the heir apparent to take over Trent's scoring presence (26.4 points per game) and will lead a tight-knit junior group whose chemistry should keep Apple Valley among the big school's upper echelon. 

The Polars return to the court after claiming the school's first state title since 2003 and retain the No. 1-ranking in Class 1A, but they must also reload following the graduation of three starters who led North to a 28-5 finish.

Western Illinois commit Isaac Johnson (14.6 ppg) returns at the wing for the Polars and will play a huge role in the team's transition game. Junior ODell Wilson IV earned all-tournament honors last year and is entering his fourth year as a starter.

Jones and Johnson played together for the Howard Pulley Panthers 17-under team this spring and summer and will likely be a deciding matchup in North's game against Apple Valley.

Both teams enter this highly touted game featuring fresh starting lineups, and both will be looking to prove the new faces can ease the losses of key players, making this interclass meeting our Top Game of the Week.

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