Hopkins at Shakopee
7 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 4

Shakopee has gone right back to work this season, determined to put behind it a heartbreaking, four-overtime loss to Hopkins in last season's state semifinals.

The Sabers, ranked No. 10-4A, are 2-0 after defeating No. 9-4A Woodbury 92-56 on Nov. 25 and topping East Ridge 67-59 on Nov. 29.

Shakopee will be looking for some redemption when they host the Royals Thursday night. 

The Sabers need junior center Steffon Mitchell to continue playing at a high level to stop Hopkins. Mitchell scored 35 points against Woodbury and had 29 points against East Ridge.

The No. 3-4A Royals (1-1) hosted a tournament during the Thanksgiving break and earned a 94-51 win against Benilde-St. Margaret's on Nov. 28 before falling to No. 4-4A Champlin Park 90-86 the next day. 

Shakopee must find a way to slow Hopkins junior guard Amir Coffey, who is averaging 30 points per game and had a 36-point performance in the loss to Champlin Park.