Maple Grove is accustomed to contending for a conference championship. The Crimson finished in the top three in the Northwest Suburban Conference West Division each of the past five seasons, winning the league title in 2014-15 and 2016-17.
Nothing has changed for Maple Grove in its first year in the Northwest Suburban's North Division. The Crimson (9-2, 4-0) can take sole possession of first place in their new division on Wednesday with a victory over Champlin Park (8-5, 4-0).
With senior guard Lovell Williams leading the way, the Crimson like their chances. Williams averages 13.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 3.5 steals a game. Teammates RaShaun Parker (12.3 ppg) and Sean Bergstrom (7.8 points, 5.6 rebounds a game) are other leading contributors.
The Rebels' record has been formed against top-notch competition. Four of their five losses have come against teams that are currently ranked in the top 10: No. 2-4A Eastview (82-50 on Nov. 30), No. 6-4A Robbinsdale Armstrong (56-53 on Dec. 13) No. 4-3A Totino-Grace (53-50 on Dec. 17) and No. 5-4A Hopkins (78-41 on Jan. 3).
The Rebels' leading scorer, 6-foot-7 junior Francis Nwaokorie (14.4 points, 9 rebounds per game) will be playing just his third game after missing six games. Cooper Olson, a 6-foot-7 senior, averages 9.7 points a game.