Rochester John Marshall at Rochester Mayo
5:45 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 9

Rochester Mayo has shifted into high gear since a 42-34 road loss to Owatonna on Jan. 19. The Spartans have won five straight games to stay atop the Big 9 Conference standings, setting up a huge rematch with fellow league leader and crosstown rival Rochester John Marshall on Tuesday.

The No. 8-4A Spartans' other loss this season came to the Rockets on Dec. 18, when John Marshall squeaked out a 47-45 home win.

Arizona State commit Jamie Ruden, who scored 23 points for John Marshall in the win over Mayo, averages over 20 ppg on the year and has the Rockets (16-4, 14-2) on a nine-game winning streak entering the week.

Olivia Korngable and Anna Winter head up the scoring attack for a Spartans team (18-2, 14-2) averaging 64.4 ppg while allowing just 30.2 ppg, a good sign heading into this grudge match that could determine Big 9 champion.

Mayo and John Marshall have identical 14-2 league records and lead Winona by 3.5 game in the standings.

And, of course, the rivalry could be renewed with a meeting in the Class 4A, Section 1 playoffs come March.