Bragging rights are on the line in this contest featuring intracity rivals.
Rochester Mayo twice defeated Rochester John Marshall by double digits in regular season games a year ago, helping the Spartans narrowly edge Winona for the Big 9 Conference crown while the Rockets finished a distant 10th in the standings.
The teams met in the Class 4A, Section 1 quarterfinals, where the Spartans cruised to a 56-32 victory that aided in propelling them to the championship game — where they lost to Lakeville North 46-41.
While Rochester Mayo tries to repeat as league champions and earn a state tournament bid, the Rockets aim to reverse course and derail the dreams of their longtime nemesis beginning with Friday's rematch.
The start of the season hasn't gone according to script for Rochester Mayo (0-1, 0-1), which lost its opener to Faribault 30-24 last Tuesday. Senior center Jenifer Giefer led the Spartans with eight points in the loss.
Rochester John Marshall is off to a strong start, knocking off Albert Lea 59-28 in its season opener on Nov. 28 and edging Rochester Century 44-43 three days later. Junior guard Jessica Ruden has had the hot hand for the Rockets (2-0, 2-0), averaging 14.5 points per game.
Will this rivalry see more of the same, or will Rochester John Marshall turn the page and upset Rochester Mayo? We'll have some answers on Friday.