Chaska coach Dana Kallman already was feeling pretty good about his team entering the shortened 2021 season. So a 5-0 start in the Metro West Conference standings for the No. 5-4A Hawks comes as no big surprise.
But for a surprise, Kallman has to look no further than Jakobe Lyles. The 6-3 junior is averaging nine points per game, giving the Hawks (5-0) ever more than Kallman had hoped for.
"He has been a big surprise," Kallman said. "He played through a knee injury last season. I'd be watching him, and he looked like he was my age."
That was then. Lyles has shown a spring in his step that wasn't there a year ago and his performance has strengthened an already strong group led by seniors Luke Strazzanti (15.4 ppg) and Spencer Goetz (10.2 ppg). Senior Jack Frick, a new addition to the starting lineup, averages 11.4 points.
"I thought [Lyles] would help us a little bit," Kallman said. "I really didn't expect him to do what he's doing. He's been a very pleasant surprise."
The Hawks get their biggest test to date on Tuesday when No. 3-4A Hopkins visits Chaska.
"Year in and year out, they are one of the best in the state in size and athleticism," Kallman said of the Royals, who were ranked No. 1 before they lost 63-61 to Minnetonka on Jan. 26. Hopkins (4-1) rebounded with a 76-72 victory over No. 7-4A Edina last Friday.
Six Hopkins players, led by 6-5 senior Xavier White (20 ppg) and 6-2 senior Tristan Lee (18 ppg), average nine or more points per game. Senior Jaelen Treml (12.7 ppg) and 6-9 junior Elvis Nnaji (11.7 ppg) give the Royals plenty of firepower.
The game could become a celebration of longtime Hopkins coach Ken Novak Jr., who is one victory shy of 900 for his career. He has a record of 899-158 in his 39 years of coaching.