Prior to tip-off, Hopkins coach Brian Cosgriff presented a game ball to senior Nia Hollie in honor of her scoring her 1,000th career point. Hollie was also recognized for being a 2016 McDonald's All-American nominee. Photo by Cheryl Myers.

Hopkins coach Brian Cosgriff may be the only person who isn’t surprised his Royals trailed at halftime Friday night in their Lake Conference matchup with Eden Prairie, unranked and winners of just two games this season. 

“We knew going into this thing it was going to be war,” Cosgriff said after his team outscored the Eagles by 32 points in the second half en route to a 78-47 home victory. “They’re a very, very good team."

Good enough to hold a 30-29 lead after the first 18 minutes of the game.

“They’re well-coached, of course,” Cosgriff added, a nod to new Eagles coach Faith Johnson Patterson, the former longtime leader of the DeLaSalle girls’ program. 

Hopkins' overall depth eventually wore down Eden Prairie (2-13), which was without leading scorer Esabelle Levine, and the Royals exploded for 49 points while holding the Eagles to 17 in the second half to cement the victory. 

Royals senior guard and Michigan State signee Nia Hollie scored a game-high 33 points, including 16 in the second half.

“It was intense,” Hollie said of the locker room atmosphere following the first half. 

“We knew exactly what we needed to improve on in the second half,” Hollie added, citing the team’s inability to stop dribble penetration and limit Eden Prairie’s offensive rebounds. 

Hopkins senior guard K’Aezha Wubben, who scored 12 points in the win, said team defense was the key in the second half. 

“We had to communicate more,” Wubben said. “We (had) to know who we have (on defense).”

The Royals (14-1) are ranked No. 1 in Class 4A by the Minnesota Basketball News and have won 10 straight games since their Dec. 8 loss to No. 3-4A St. Michael-Albertville. 

Hollie is rarely seen without a smile during a game, an infectious enthusiasm she attributes to the close relationships she’s developed with her teammates.

“It’s about the girls,” Hollie said with a grin. “These are my best friends, and I’m with them forever. 

“They keep me calm, keep me grounded.”

Hollie also said the confidence displayed by the veteran players trickles down to the team’s underclassmen, who have not played with the target of a No. 1 ranking for very long. 

“It always brings a positive spirit to keep a smile on your face for the younger players who don’t understand the pressure that’s being put on them.”

Cosgriff said the pressure is alleviated by the program’s emphasis on the pure enjoyment of the game. 

“The game is supposed to be fun,” Cosgriff explained. “Playing the game of basketball is fun.”

--Prior to the game, Cosgriff recognized Hollie for scoring 1,000 career points mark and being a 2016 McDonald's All-American nominee.


K'Aezha Wubben (13) contributes 12 points in Hopkins Lake Conference win over Eden Prairie. Photo by Cheryl Myers

First Report

Senior guard Nia Hollie finished with a game-high 33 points and fellow senior guard K’Aezha Wubben chipped in 12 as Hopkins cruised to a 78-47 victory over Lake Conference rival Eden Prairie on Friday night at Hopkins High School’s Lindbergh Center. 

The Royals (14-1, 2-0), ranked No. 1 in Class 4A by Minnesota Basketball News, trailed the Eagles 30-29 at halftime. 

But Hopkins pulled away behind a 49-point second half fueled by 16 points from Hollie scored and 10 from Wubben.

Junior forward Sophia Hughes had 17 points and junior forward Lindsay Eliasen added 16 to lead Eden Prairie (2-13, 0-3)

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