It's going to be all Metro West all the time for the top two teams in the conference as the regular season draws to a close.
St. Louis Park begins the week with a half-game lead over Chaska in the standings, but the Hawks (13-4, 4-1) have a game in hand thanks to a 72-66 home victory on Jan. 16. If they can improve their current three-game winning streak to six by ending the week with a win over their aviary rivals, the Metro West could be all but wrapped up.
Junior Cole Nicholson has become the offensive hub for Chaska, posting 23.6 ppg this season after averaging 13.1 ppg as a sophomore. Senior Parker Bjorklund has also stepped up his offensive output since last season, going from 5.3 ppg to 16.3 ppg.
To keep a firm hold on the top spot in the Metro West standings, St. Louis Park needs to take care of business against Chanhassen on Monday and avoid a second loss to the Hawks.
The Orioles had only one victory between Dec. 15 and Jan. 16, but have come flying back with six straight wins. St. Louis Park (10-8, 5-1) does not have a player scoring more than 20 ppg, but Cire Mayfield (17.4 ppg), Aidan Doherty (14.1 ppg) and Joey Whitlock (13.3 ppg) have combined to lead the Orioles offense.