Eden Prairie's core group of seniors has dealt with high expectations for a long time. Those expectations are loftier than ever now, with the Eagles sitting atop the Class 4A rankings.
Coach David Flom is among those with high expectations for the Eagles (4-0, 0-0), led by seniors Drake Dobbs (14 ppg), Austin Andrews (17.2 ppg), Connor Christensen (15.2 ppg) and John Henry (9.5 ppg).
Keeping his team from the distractions of those expectations will be among Flom's top priorities.
"The challenge will be to maintain our effort and focus for the next four months," Flom said.
Opponents such as No. 4-4A East Ridge should help keep that focus sharp.
The Raptors (3-1, 2-0) opened the season with a 76-60 loss to No. 3-4A Prior Lake, but rebounded with a 62-57 victory over then-No. 2-4A Park Center on Dec. 7 and have since been rolling. Ben Carlson, a 6-10 senior committed to Wisconsin, is averaging 27.5 points per game.
"It all starts with Carlson," Flom said. "I don't know of too many players who can put up 40 points against elite competition like he did (against Park Center)."
Kendall Blue, a 6-5 sophomore guard, averages 14 points and Drew Adams, a 6-7 junior forward, averages 11.