Tip Off Classic 5 Takeaways: Hopkins defeats Lakeville North in Game of the Day
Hopkins versus Lakeville North was probably the most intriguing game going into Saturday for the obvious reasons. Two high-level programs, coaching titans and added edge familiarity. In the end, it was Hopkins having just a little more scoring juice, outlasting…
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Continue ReadingHopkins versus Lakeville North was probably the most intriguing game going into Saturday for the obvious reasons. Two high-level programs, coaching titans and added edge familiarity. In the end, it was Hopkins having just a little more scoring juice, outlasting Lakeville North to secure a 78-72 victory.
Here are five takeaways from the game:
Hopkins has a lot of scoring options
Hopkins never lacks talent and the raw scoring depth was on full display Saturday as the Royals saw three plays score in double figures. Zeke Nnaji led the way with 25 while also providing double-digit rebounds and excellent passing. Andy Stafford and Kerwin Walton both hit timely 3-pointers throughout the game as well. Jalen Dearing only scored eight and looked like he was still trying to find his way after being the focal point of the Minnetonka offense a year ago. When he gets up to speed, the Royals might have five guys that average double figures in scoring.
Tyler Wahl and Zeke Nnaji mostly canceled each other out
Tyler Wahl and Nnaji are Division I recruits and they both played like elite guys Saturday. Wahl scored 24 while engineering an efficient Panther attack, knocking down 3-pointers, getting to the paint and scoring from the free throw line. He was very good passing the ball as well, setting up his teammates on numerous occasions throughout the afternoon. Nnaji was just as good, scoring 25 in efficient fashion while handling the Lakeville North double teams in the post. He showed off a smooth mid-range jumper and he’s an impact defender because he can guard bigs and smalls effectively.
The Panthers offensive system allows them to score without top-tier scoring talent
Lakeville North has really good players. The Panthers don’t have really good scorers though. Wahl is capable of scoring certainly. So is Tommy Jensen who had 17 thanks to five made 3-pointers. But the scoring ability of the Panthers is a product of how well their system works. They play extremely connected offensively and have five guys on the court at most times who can make a smart basketball play. Their big men pass the ball well and even if they aren’t plus-athletes inside, they are big, strong and relentless. Jack Rusch provided a boost off the bench, knocking down outside shots. He’s a player to watch going forward. Tate Staloch and Eli Mostaert are loads in the paint and both have the skill to either knock down perimeter shots or set up their teammates as well.
The Minnetonka transfers will be huge for the Royals
The guy who probably played the best for Hopkins aside from Nnaji was senior guard Andy Stafford. The Minnetonka transfer looked assertive offensively and his jumper was going all afternoon. He buried multiple corner 3-pointers and when faced with the opportunity to attack closeouts, he did without hesitation. If he can continue to provide that kind of spacing and productivity, he’s going to be tough to account for. Dearing as mentioned before, looked like he is still trying to adjust to not having the ball as much. But he’s a proven scorer and when he gets going, he’s among the best guards in the state. Those two guys might not be Hopkins’ go-to guys offensively, but if they can combine to give the Royals 25 or so points per game, Hopkins is going to be tough to beat.
State Rematch?
This one felt like a state tournament game given the history and competitive culture instilled in both teams. Both teams are among the five or so best in Class AAAA and it wouldn’t be all that surprising if this was a matchup we saw again in March. It could be a state championship rematch given the lack of a true favorite around the state. Who would mind that?