Mark Tuchscherer and the Rebels look to remain unbeaten and retain their top rank versus Northwest Suburban Conference rival No. 2-4A Maple Grove. Photo by Cheryl Myers, SportsEngine
There will be many vital games this week between conference frontrunners around the state, but Monday’s interdivision matchup between undefeated Champlin Park, ranked first in Class 4A by Minnesota Basketball News, and No. 2-4A Maple Grove will simply be for bragging rights in a classic No. 1 versus No. 2 matchup in the Northwest Suburban Conference.
As the preseason top-ranked team, the Rebels (17-0, 11-0) have proven their rank game-by-game as the highest scoring team in the state (87 points per game). Only two of Champlin Park’s wins have been by decided by 17 points or less as the Rebels bolster a diverse and deep lineup that’s run over everything in its path.
The Crimson stumbled four games into the season with a 61-54 loss to No. 13-4A Park Center on Dec. 16, but have bounced back with 12 consecutive wins. Maple Grove (15-1, 10-1) has beaten No. 5-4A Apple Valley (103-87) No. 6-4A Hopkins (81-70), No. 6-3A Totino-Grace (87-84) and avenged its loss to the Pirates (70-57) in that span.
Separated by eight miles, both teams are familiar with each other, playing pickup games and AAU basketball in the offseason. Both communities, and even some third-party basketball fans, will pack Maple Grove’s gym to the ceiling in this battle of Class 4A’s top two teams that earns our pick as Top Game of the Week.
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