Morris Area/Chokio-Alberta at Minnewaska Area
6 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 7

Morris Area/Chokio Alberta and Minnewaska Area are off to good starts after finishing fourth and fifth, respectively, in the West Central Conference North Division last season. 

The teams meet this week in an important matchup as the winner will stay within one game of division leaders and perennial league powerhouses Melrose and Sauk Centre. 

The Tigers (8-2, 2-2), who won both games against the Lakers last season, have to climb out of a deep hole after dropping two conference games already.

Minnewaska (9-1, 2-1) has relied on its defense to clinch several victories this season. The Lakers are holding opponents to a league-best 47.7 ppg.