Since Shakopee joined the South Suburban Conference for the 2014-15 season, the Sabers' success against Lakeville North has been an indicator of its ability to reach the state tournament.
It's been almost four years since Shakopee last beat Lakeville North, a 77-64 victory in the 2015 Class 4A state tournament third-place game. The Sabers were led then by a talented forward named Steffon Mitchell, now a sophomore at Boston College.
After missing the state tournament the last three seasons, Shakopee (10-2, 3-1) has put together another tourney contender built around juniors Will Cordes (16.8 ppg) and Charles Katona (15.9 ppg). A loss Tuesday against the No. 7-4A Panthers wouldn't spell the end of the No. 4-4A Sabers' aspirations, but could the outcome be a harbinger of what's to come in March?
It's looking good right now for the Sabers. They’re on a six-game winning streak, though contests against South Suburban contender Prior Lake on Feb. 1 and a rematch at Lakeville North on Feb. 12 loom.
The Panthers (9-3, 4-0) are also on a six-game winning streak and have two games remaining against No. 2-4A Prior Lake. Tyler Wahl, a 6-7 senior forward committed to Wisconsin, leads Lakeville North in most statistical categories, with 19.2 points, 11.7 rebounds, 4.7 assists, 3.3 steals and 1.3 blocks per game. Jack Rusch, a 6-5 senior, averages 11.8 points and Tate Stalloch, a 6-7 senior and tight end on the Panthers' Class 6A state champion football team, averages 11.1 points.