It hit Nia Hollie the night before Hopkins the quarterfinals: The state tournament would be the last time she and Ashley Bates would be teammates.

“I’ve been playing with her for nine years,” said Hollie, a senior guard. “The fact that it’s going to be over in the next week is crazy to me.”

With the clock running out on their time as teammates, Bates and Hollie made a statement in Hopkins’ 81-69 victory over Park Center in the Class 4A quarterfinals Tuesday at Target Center.

Bates displayed an improved all-around game, scoring a season-high 30 points. Hollie added 21 and a handful of terrific assists as the Royals held off the Pirates, who had won the last two Class 3A state titles. Park Center moved up to Class 4A this year.

The game was far from artistic. Both teams attacked the lane and the officials seemed determined to blow the whistle at every opportunity. As a result, Hopkins (28-2) attempted 45 free throws, making 37, while Park Center (22-8) made 15 of 18 from the line. In total, 49 fouls were called and each team had two players foul out.

“In a game like that, it comes down to who’s strongest mentally,” said Hollie, who has signed with Michigan St. “There may be some unfair calls, but at the same time, you have to keep your composure.”

Bates and Hollie have two more games together, starting with Thursday’s semifinal against Eastview,  rematch of the 2015 Class 4A championship game. They expect a strong finish.

“Today, we played for each other,” said Bates, who has signed to play at Hampton next year. “This will be our last time playing together, forever. She motivates me and I’m right there with her.”

First report

In a rare state tournament quarterfinal between defending state champions, Hopkins’ inside game proved too tough for Park Center to handle as the Royals advanced to the Class 4A semifinals with a 81-69 victory on Tuesday at Target Center.

Ashley Bates scored 28 points and Nia Hollie added 20 for defending Class 4A champion Hopkins, which attempted 43 free throws, making 35 of them.

Ann Simonet led Park Center, which had won the last two Class 3A titles before moving up to 4A this season, with 29 points.

Check back later for more on the game.