Eden Prairie at Shakopee
5 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 2

Shakopee's back-to-back runs to the Class 4A state tournament the past two season might be the most impressive stretch in the program's history, but the Sabers have not been able to figure out Eden Prairie, which has won the last two meetings (68-66 and 68-55).

Shakopee's success under coach Bruce Kugath is due in part to Steffon Mitchell. The senior forward, who has been a key cog the last two seasons, is playing at his highest level ever, leading the Sabers (8-0) in scoring at 24.1 points per game. Senior guard Booker Coplin has also emerged as a reliable scoring threat, averaging 18.6 ppg.

Eden Prairie (5-3) possesses a balanced offensive attack with three players averaging double figures in scoring. Junior guard Owen Chose leads the Eagles with 17.9 ppg while seniors Brady Rudrud (12.6 ppg) and Ryan Jacobus (11.4 ppg) have also started strong this season.