Shakopee at Apple Valley
7 p.m., Friday, Jan. 16

Slowing Apple Valley’s powerful scoring attack may be Shakopee’s primary task when they meet in a South Suburban Conference showdown Jan. 16. Both teams are tied atop the league with 6-0 records.

The No. 7-4A Sabers (11-3) hold teams to 58.1 points per game, but the Eagles are the state’s top scoring team and average 86.9 ppg.

No. 2-4A Apple Valley (13-1) has built momentum since recording its only defeat of the season, a 79-74 loss to Champlin Park in the Granite City Classic in St. Cloud on Dec. 27. The Eagles have won four consecutive games, each by 19 or more points. 

Apple Valley's top scoring options are guard Gary Trent Jr. and Jordan Bolton. The pair average a combined 37.6 ppg.

The interior matchup between Shakopee's junior center Steffon Mitchell and Apple Valley’s Brock Bertram should be one to watch. The 6-foot-7 Mitchell is the Sabers' leading scorer (25.0 ppg) and rebounder (9.0 per game). Bertram is a 7-foot center who averages 14.9 ppg and 11.4 rpg.