Minnetonka vs. Osseo

7 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 4

Followers of Minnesota high school boys' basketball knew what Minnetonka had in Jalen Cain. They are finding out the Skippers have a whole lot more in the lineup.

Minnetonka won just six of 18 games last season but has risen to a No. 4-4A ranking with the emergence of sophomores Jordan Cain and Andrew Stefonowicz and junior Ibrahim El-Amin.

The three are averaging a combined 53 points and 15 rebounds. Jordan Cain, a 6-foot-2 guard, leads the way with 18.4 points and 8.5 rebounds per game. El-Amin averages 18 points and 3.5 rebounds; Stefonowicz 16.8 points, 3.5 rebounds and 5.5 assists.

Add Jalen Cain's 18.2 points and 6 rebounds and the Skippers (7-1, 0-0) boast a formidable lineup. Minnetonka already has beaten the likes of Eastview and Maple Grove and takes on No. 9-4A Osseo (5-3, 2-0 Northwest Suburban) on Tuesday night.

The Orioles will be hungry for a victory after losing last week to No. 3-4A Wayzata and Owatonna at the Capital City Classic. A loss would mean the Orioles would enter Friday's game against No. 1-4A Park Center with a three-game losing streak.

Senior guards Tyirece Watts (19.6 points per game) and Benard Omooria (16.0) shoulder the bulk of the scoring for Osseo. Senior Lewis Cargeor adds nearly 10 points a game.