Esko vs. Cromwell-Wright
7:15 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 12

Polar League rivals Esko and Cromwell-Wright begin the week undefeated in conference play, so the race for the league title might come down to the reigning champion Eskomos and the Cardinals, last year's runners-up. 

Cromwell-Wright (9-2, 5-0) is coming off back-to-back losses to two of Class 1A's top-ranked teams. The No. 5-1A Cardinals pushed No. 1-1A Mountain Iron-Buhl but fell 66-61 Dec. 29 and tested No. 1-2A Roseau in a 74-64 defeat a week later.

Chelsea Swatek finished with a team-high 20 points and was one of four Cromwell-Wright players to score in double figures against the Rams as Taya Hakamaki had 14,  Shaily Hakamaki added 13 and Bailey Gronner chipped in 11.

Ava Gonsorowski leads Esko (10-2, 2-0) in scoring, averaging 17.2 points per game, and has helped the Eskomos win three straight after scored 20 in a 77-32 win over Virginia on Jan. 3 and 16 in a 76-25 victory against Barnum two days later. Selena Shady (12 ppg) notched a season-high 17 against Barnum.