Orono coach Ellen Wiese has the Spartans playing well heading into the thick of Wright County Conference play, and their trip to Hutchinson is the team's best test so far this season. Photo by Brian W. Nelson
Not only is Friday night's game between Orono and Hutchinson big in the Wright County Conference East Division standings, but it also could help set up a possible rematch in the Class 3A, Section 6 tournament.
The Spartans (14-2, 3-0), ranked No. 1 in Class 3A by Minnesota Basketball News, feature a talented group hungry for a state title after falling just short a season ago. Orono lost to Marshall in the state semifinals but won the third-place game.
Winners of their last nine games, the No. 3-3A Tigers (14-1, 3-0) are also hunting for a state tournament bid after losing in the Class 3A, Section 2 finals to the same Marshall team that defeated Orono at Williams Arena.
Each team features a talented junior, with the Spartans' Tori Andrew scoring 16.6 points per game and Tori Wortz posting 17.2 ppg for the Tigers.
Both teams are stout on the defensive end, too, as Hutchinson gives up 49.8 ppg while Orono allows just 46.4 ppg.
The first of two matchups between these Wright County Conference foes has the perfect mix of talent, league rivalry and postseason consequences, which makes it our Top Game of the Week.
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