No. 2 Hopkins at No. 5 Minnetonka
7 p.m., Friday, Feb. 14

After shrugging off some early-season injuries, the Hopkins juggernaut is rumbling now. The Royals have won 13 straight games, including two victories over Friday night’s host (Minnetonka). Hopkins won 69-47 on Dec. 28 behind strong post play — 21 points from senior Molly O’Toole (12.2 ppg) and 14 from freshman Jasmyn Martin (9.6 ppg), a transfer from Bloomington Kennedy. The Royals stretched the margin of victory out even further in the rematch on Jan. 28, winning 74-45 with sophomore Nia Hollie (12.4 ppg) leading the way with 26 points and T.T. Starks (7.9 ppg) adding 15. Did we mention that the Royals are deep and talented? And can Minnetonka close the gap entering the playoffs? The Skippers have plenty of talent, as well, and Martin may not play after injuring her knee last week against Eden Prairie. Minnetonka sophomore forward and leading scorer Courtney Fredrickson (18.8 ppg) could be the beneficiary of more room to maneuver in the paint.