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Class 4A championship preview: Can Park Center beat Apple Valley again?

By Star Tribune, 03/22/13, 8:03PM CDT

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The Pirates overwhelmed two of the state’s best teams in three of four halves in the first two rounds

CLASS 4A CHAMPIONSHIP

Apple Valley (30-1) vs. Park Center (28-3), 8 p.m., Target Center

Why Apple Valley will win: Tyus Jones. The nation’s top-rated junior point guard showed why he’s earned such status in this tournament. Expect him to amp it up even more for the finale. He has the ability to take over and make things happen.

Why Park Center will win: The Pirates overwhelmed two of the state’s best teams in three of four halves in the first two rounds. Led by point guard Quinton Hooker, Park Center’s athleticism exceeds the high school norm. At their best, the Pirates are hard to beat.

Keys to watch: Can Park Center remain calm and disciplined in pressure situations? Can Apple Valley keep up with Park Center’s athletes?

Did you know: Apple Valley’s only loss of the season was to Park Center. The game packed Minnetonka’s gym in the Breakdown Tip Off Classic. Jones missed a couple of late shots to tie the score. The Pirates became the state’s top-ranked team after that 72-70 victory over the Eagles on Dec. 8.

JASON GONZALEZ

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