Maranatha Christian Academy at Minneapolis North
3 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 17

The two top-ranked teams in Class 1A meet when Maranatha Christian Academy visits Minneapolis North on Jan. 17. The Mustangs and Polars also are in Section 4, which means this could be a preview of the section championship in March.

The No. 1 Polars are 12-3, and all three of their losses are to Class 4A teams (83-76 at Lakeville North, 89-72 to Chanhassen and 69-37 to Wayzata).

The No. 3 Mustangs are 11-1, and their lone blemish is an 83-80 double overtime loss to Fergus Falls (a Class 3A school).

Playing games against several larger-school teams hasn't kept Minneapolis North or Maranatha from scoring. The Polars are fourth in the state in total points (1,163) and average 77.5 ppg, while the Mustangs are No. 11 in total points (1,010) and average 84.2 ppg. 

Tyler Johnson leads Minneapolis North in scoring (17.4 ppg), and Isaac Johnson is second (15.6 ppg). Junior forward Jamil Jackson (12.4 ppg) gives the Polars an inside presence. 

Senior forward Jeremiah Hanson is Maranatha's leading scorer, averaging 25.4 ppg.

The Mustangs edged the Polars 67-65 in the section title game last year.