Class 4A championship Hopkins (29-2) vs. Minnetonka (24-4), 8 p.m.

Why Hopkins will win: The Royals are perfectly set up to win another state title. They have experience, having won four of the previous five Class 4A state titles; depth, often playing as many as 10 players with little drop-off in production; and star power in Nia Hollie and Ashley Bates, the best 1-2 punch in the state.

Why Minnetonka will win: The Skippers have exceptional players at every position. They have a strong inside presence in center Lizzie Odegard, excellent outside shooting from guards Grace Allen and Chrissy Carr, a do-everything presence in Wisconsin-bound forward Courtney Fredrickson and another coach on the floor in guard Hannah Hedstrom.

Keys to watch: The Skippers have shown an ability to shut down opposing offenses, but Hopkins will be their biggest test yet. They will need to control the lane, keep Hollie and Bates from easy transition baskets and keep turnovers to a minimum. The Hopkins defense will need to keep Odegard, one of the state’s best offensive rebounders, off the boards.

One thing to know: The Lake Conference rivals split two regular-season games and know each other well. “It’s crazy that this is [this team’s] first time going to the state tournament, and we’re playing Hopkins for the state championship,” Fredrickson said.

JIM PAULSEN