Lakeville North at Shakopee
7 p.m., Friday, Jan. 9

Lakeville North and Shakopee return several players with state tournament experience.

The Panthers' Connor Flack averaged 35 minutes and 7.7 points per game in the state tournament last season. The senior forward averages 18.5 points per game this season and scored 22 in Lakeville North's 84-81 win over the Sabers last season. Drew Stewart (30 mpg, 6.3 ppg in the state tournament) added 14 points for the Panthers. The junior guard averages 5.4 ppg.

Shakopee's go-to player is junior Steffon Mitchell, who averages 25.4 points per game. He scored 22 points against Lakeville North and averaged 35 minutes and 12.0 points per game in the state tournament last season. Booker Coplin (12.6 ppg this season) and Tevin Killeen (12.2 ppg) have been solid complements for coach Bruce Kugath's Sabers.

Lakeville North topped Eagan 57-47 on Jan. 2; Shakopee defeated Burnsville 62-55 on the same night.