Hopkins center Eric Davies (24) and others on the bench cheer during the Royals' victory over Apple Valley in December. The two teams meet Thursday in the Class 4A state semifinals.
The 8 p.m. Thursday semifinal matchup between Apple Valley and Hopkins at Target Center is perhaps the most anticipated game of the season.
Hopkins, led by Metro Player of the Year Amir Coffey, defeated Apple Valley 89-81 on Dec. 12 before a packed house at the Breakdown Classic in Minnetonka. It proved to be Apple Valley’s only loss of the season. Hopkins’ only defeat was 71-58 to Wayzata on Jan. 29.
“We sat our guys down with 12 minutes left [against Blaine] in anticipation of playing Hopkins,” Apple Valley coach Zach Goring said. “We’re going to need all of our guys at full strength.”
Senior forward Cameron Kirksey said the Eagles are determined to force a different outcome. “You always want another chance at a team you lost to,” he said. “We’re going to come out competing and hope there’s no repeat of last time.”
With two such high-powered teams — both drawing attention in national rankings this season — Goring said he expects something special Thursday night.
“There will be a lot of Division I talent on the floor,” Goring said. “It will be a great game.”
JIM PAULSEN
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