Apple Valley’s third place finish at the state tournament last March was the epicenter of what was perceived to become a rebuilding year for the Eagles who lost four starters and seven other rotational players.

Fortunately for Apple Valley, Tre Jones’ 34 points, one short of his career-mark, and 12 rebounds was enough for the Eagles Tuesday night, as they held off Lakeville North for a 60-51 victory.

“Tre’s a winner and has an unbelievable motor and desire to win -- we lean on him a lot," Apple Valley coach Zach Goring said. "He also puts guys in spots where they can be successful. He has such an impact on the whole game offensively and is a great defender.”

Jones, one of the top guard prospects in the country, carried Apple Valley, ranked No. 5 in Class 4A by Minnesota Basketball News through its growing pains early in the season.

That remained true on Tuesday as he played all 36 minutes, scored the Eagles' first nine points and capped the win with a steal and transition dunk, but his teammates made some key plays late in the game that alleviated the pressure.

After two free throws by Jones with 38.5 seconds remaining on the clock, Panthers sophomore Tyler Wahl, who just converted a three-point play on the previous Lakeville North possession, drove the lane and crashed into Spencer Rolland who drew a charging foul with the Eagles (17-2, 11-0) leading 54-51.

“I told the kids ‘I wasn’t big on taking charges in high school either’ but we talked about it all day today and yesterday,” Goring said. “‘Take that charge’ and Spencer (Rolland) did it and I think it won us the game today.”

No. 3-4A Lakeville North was forced to foul off the inbound and senior captain Mason Morse sank both his free throws to put Apple Valley ahead by six. 

Morse, who played an average of just 2.8 minutes per game last season, teamed with Jones in the final five minutes of the game where the duo closed the game on a 14-7 run for the Eagles. Morse slipped his way inside the paint and scored twice before his two free throws that distanced Apple Valley to two possessions.

“Mason Morse stepped up big and hit a couple shots down the stretch,” Jones said. “[Rolland] had a couple baskets when we needed them and he gave up his body and took a charge that changed the game and helped us win.”

Rolland went man-to-man against Nathan Reuvers and held the Wisconsin commit to 17 points, 10-under his average of 26.7 points per game.

The win was Apple Valley’s 11th consecutive against Lakeville North, dating back to 2012 when the Panthers last beat the Eagles. 

“We’ve had great games with them since Tyus [Jones] was in eighth grade. We run into them in spring and summer league -- always run into them in fall league -- and it’s always been a good clean rivalry with sportsmanship,” Goring said.

Jones said his teammates and him discussed the Eagles being ranked lower than Lakeville North (17-2, 9-2), despite only losing to No. 1-4A Champlin Park and No. 2-4A Maple Grove and dealing the Panthers their only loss of the season earlier this year.

“We came into this game thinking we deserve to be higher and this game made that statement,” Morse added.

The Panthers crawled back into the game in the second half by controlling the tempo and forcing Apple Valley to play slower after several blocks by Reuvers.

But after submitting to Lakeville North’s speed and completing the sweep of a familiar opponent who could very well make it to the state tournament, Apple Valley is confident it's prepared for the final stretch of the season where they expect the same from other teams.

“The guys coming in this year are really excited and really hungry,” Jones said.

Tre Jones’ 34 points and 12 rebounds boosted Apple Valley to a 60-51 win against South Suburban Conference rival Lakeville North Tuesday night at Apple Valley High School.

Jones scored 20 points in the first half to give the Eagles, ranked No. 5 in Class 4A by Minnesota Basketball News, a nine-point lead at the half. He also helped close the game, sinking four free throws in the final minute and capping the night with a dunk in the waning seconds of the game.

Apple Valley (17-2, 11-0) was 2 of 7 from the free-throw line, but converted its final six free throws by Jones and a pair from Mason Morse.

Wisconsin commit Nathan Reuvers scored a team-high 17 points for the No. 3-4A Panthers (17-2, 9-2).