Waconia at Orono
7 p.m., Friday, Jan. 23

Waconia has arguably one of the toughest schedules of any Class 3A team.

The No. 7 Wildcats are 8-8, with six losses to quality Class 4A schools, including two to No. 3 Eden Prairie and one to No. 10 Hopkins. 

However, Waconia is coming off surprising back-to-back losses to Class 3A schools Minneapolis Washburn (90-63 on Jan. 15) and Hutchinson (58-54 on Jan. 16), which may leave some people wondering if the Wildcats are deserving of their state ranking.

Winning a game at Wright County East Conference foe Orono would help convince some skeptics. 

It will be no easy task, however, as the No. 8-3A Spartans (12-4) have quality scorers in senior guard Cole Hennings (19.7 ppg) and junior forward Sam Sustacek (12.6 ppg).

Waconia counters with junior guard Joey Kortuem (12.6 ppg) and senior forwards Roch Whittaker (12.5 ppg) and Oliver Smith (10.1 ppg).