One team has been cruising this winter, while the other is still hoping to find its winning ways when No. 7 AAA Orono takes on Shakopee in the Breakdown Sports Tip Off Classic at Minnetonka.

Orono (9-2) made the leap to state tournament qualifier last winter, going 24-6 and losing in the state quarterfinals to Winona, 70-57. All that despite a lineup that included almost no seniors. It could be another state tournament year for the Spartans, as they’re loaded.

Senior guard Jordan Smith (19.6 ppg) is one of the elite shooters in the state and earned All-State honorable mention. A nearly unstoppable offensive threat, he’s the school record holder for points in a season (and has the second-highest total) and a single game (49, in which he shot 11-of-15 from three-point range). Smith is a certain D1 recruit.

But he’s not alone on the Spartans, as they bring back nine of their top 10 players from last year. Led by Smith, Orono will be a good shooting and quick team. Junior point guard Brady Wohler (12.5 ppg) and 6-foot-6 senior forward Jeremy Borg (11.2 ppg) are both three year starters.

Shakopee (5-6), which was ranked No. 12 AAAA in our preseason poll, always seems to be a contender from the south metro, although the Sabres are off to a slow start this winter.  But legendary coach Bruce Kugath always has the Sabers ready for the postseason. They’ve made six state trips in the 2000s, although none since winning the title in 2005.   Last year, the Sabers won 21 games and they return four starters, a great combination for a successful winter.

“Our strength will be our balanced scoring and our experience,” said Kugath, who has a 449-215 record in 28 years. “We are a close team and usually ply very unselfishly. Our weakness will be our size..”

Kugath’s “man in the middle” is a good one, though, in 6-foot-4 senior center Jason Perkins (19.8 ppg, 4.1 rpg), who plays much bigger than his size and is relentless under the basket. Senior guards Ethan Petrill (10.5 ppg, 4.4 rpg) and Ben Foss, a tough and never-say-die player, and senior forward Dylan Ulferts (11.5 ppg, 3.7 rpg) give Kugath and the Sabers a great starting base to build upon.

Smith, a 6-foot-3 guard, is one of the state’s most accomplished shooters and last year he brought his team to state.  What’s next?  Likely another state appearance and several career scoring accomplishments. Scored 22.5 points per game as an All-State honorable mention choice as a junior.

Can back down and create space to score on just about any post in Minnesota despite being 6-foot-4.  Plus, his three point stroke has really come along. Relentless under the basket and plays bigger than his size. Racked up 14.6 points and 6.2 rebounds per game as an All-Missota junior.