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Top Games: St. Michael-Albertville faces Hopkins in a battle of backcourts

By Peter Odney, Sport Ngin , 12/08/14, 3:30PM CST

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The Knights and the Royals each sport a trio of great guards who can set the pace of play.


Hopkins' Bianca Williams (20) and Ashley Bates (14) perform their pregame routine at the Breakdown Sports Tip Off Classic on Dec 6. Hopkins lost to Eastview 75-70 in overtime at the event. Photo by Mark Hvidsten

Hopkins and St. Michael-Albertville have combined to win four state championships since 2009. The Royals have three (2011-13) in Class 4A, while the Knights have one (2009) in Class 3A.

The two programs seem to be in good position to make return trips to the state tournament this season.

Hopkins (4-1) is ranked No. 2 in Class 4A by Minnesota Basketball News and just suffered its first loss, falling to defending Class 4A champion and No. 1-ranked Eastview 75-70 in overtime in one of the featured matchups Dec. 6 during the first weekend of the Breakdown Sports Tip Off Classic.

The Royals feature a trio of guards who can carry the scoring load. Senior T.T. Starks (14.4 points per game), junior Ashley Bates (14 ppg) and junior Nia Hollie (13.4 ppg) give the Royals a balanced and effective offensive attack.

St. Michael-Albertville (2-0), ranked No. 6, has its own set of guards who can control the tempo. Senior Bobbi Brendefur (13.5 ppg), junior Sydney Tracy (13 ppg) and sophomore Rae Johnson (12.5 ppg) lead the Knights.

These two powerhouse programs - and their outstanding guards - face off Saturday at Minnetonka High School in the second round of the Breakdown Sports Tip Off Classic, making the game our pick for the Top Game of the Week.

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