Park Center visits St. Michael-Albertville on Thursday -- a big-school clash featuring teams hoping to complete some unfinished business remaining from last season.
The No. 9-4A Pirates (2-0), who lost to Eastview in the state tournament last season, need to find a new outlet for offense after graduating three of four players who averaged more than 10 points per game last season. The group's lone returner is Sommer Blakemore (10.7 ppg, 4.1 rebounds), who shouldered the scoring load against with 20 points in a 78-56 victory over Prior Lake on Saturday. Park Center also defeated Eden Prairie 63-59 last Thursday.
St. Michael-Albertville can build some momentum after losing its season opener to No. 2-4A Eastview 60-43. Guards Jadyn Hanson and Mackenzie Kramer paced the Knights in the loss, scoring 13 and 12 points, respectively.
The duo should be key as St. Michael-Albertville (0-1) attempts to retain its status as one of the top programs in Class 4A. The Knights failed to make the state tournament last season, ending a streak of five straight appearances. An early season victory over a fellow top Class 4A team could go a long way to building their confidence.