Apple Valley vs. Eastview
7 p.m., Friday, Jan. 27

It’s a three-team race in the South Suburban Conference between Apple Valley, Eastview and Lakeville North. Who comes away with the conference title will begin to get sorted when the No. 4-4A Eagles take on the No. 3-4A Lightning, provided each wins its game heading into their meeting, which hasn’t exactly been a given lately.

Apple Valley (14-2, 7-1) dropped its first conference game on Jan. 13 when Prior Lake’s McKenna Hofschild and Riley Wheatcraft combined for 58 points in an 89-82 victory. The Eagles got 31 points from Brynne Rolland and 26 from Lyndsey Robson in the loss. Apple Valley has since bounced back to win its last three conference games.

Eastview (13-3, 7-1) dropped a 48-45 thriller to No. 5-4A Lakeville North on Jan. 19 and will try to put that one behind it. The Panthers limited Rachel Ranke and Allie Pickrain to 11 and 13 points, respectively.

The Lightning face Apple Valley during a tough stretch of games that includes facing No. 18-4A Rosemount Tuesday and No. 19-4A Prior Lake Jan. 31.