In arguably the most physical game of the day, Minnesota's defending Class AAAA champion Hopkins fought past visiting Olathe Northwest (KS), 65-51 in the Breakdown Tip Off Classic at Hopkins' Lindbergh Center.
The Royals broke open a close game at the half by outscoring the Ravens, one of the top teams in Kansas, 28-19 in the second half. Scoring was at a premium in the hard-fought game, as open space was rare and precious.
Nia Coffey led all scorers with 19 points for Hopkins, while teammate Nia Hollie added 12 points. Taylor Anderson and Aislinn Cornell each scored nine points.
Jaylah Jackson paced Olathe NW with 14 points and Vashti Neal had 11.
Score by quarter: Hopkins 37-28--65, Olathe NW 32-19--51
Hopkins: Coffey 19, Hollie 12, Anderson 9, Cornell 9, Starks 8, Bates 4, E. O'Toole 2, Shackelford 2.
Olathe NW: Jackson 14, Neal 11, Brooks 9, Crall 9, Jamison 8.