Class 4A Championship

No. 5 Lakeville North (26-5) vs. No. 2 Hopkins (30-1), 8 p.m., Target Center

 

Why Lakeville North will win: With a group of athletes accustomed to state tournament pressure in more than one sport, the Panthers have a knack for playing their best in tight situations. In their semifinal victory over Osseo, they outscored the Orioles 8-3 in the final 1:16 after falling beind 53-52. This team is battle-tested, athletic and is well-prepared by coach John Oxton, who is finally getting noticed as one of the best in the game.

Why Hopkins will win: Boys’ Basketball Hall of Fame coach Ken Novak says Hopkins’ style is to attack. That may be an understatement. Rarely in a half-court set, the Royals push the ball at every opportunity, break down opponents off the dribble and can quickly turn a close game into a rout. The Royals average more than 90 points per game. They scored 84 in defeating highly regarded Apple Valley. “That’s a comedown for us,” Novak said.

Keys to watch: Lakeville North’s interior defense vs. Hopkins’ desire to attack the rim. No team is quicker to the basket than Hopkins. The Royals guards — Amir Coffey, Vinnie Shahid, Xavier Johnson and Izzy El-Amin – aren’t shy about going right at a defense. Fouls, or a lack of them, will play a big role. Coffey, the Star Tribune Metro Player of the Year, has been playing for almost two months with a turf toe injury. How will he respond to his third game in four days?

Did you know: Lakeville North defeated Hopkins 84-82 in the 2014 Class 4A championship game, scoring the last six points of the game. The Panthers did it again last year in the Class 4A quarterfinals, 65-61.

JIM PAULSEN