Maple Grove vs. Elk River
7 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 8

This matchup might lack the star power from a year ago, but the rivalry between Northwest Suburban Conference foes Maple Grove and Elk River remains strong.

The Elks enter the game having swept the Crimson last season, including a 53-49 victory in the Class 4A, Section 8 semifinals.

Elk River (1-0) graduated Abi Scheid, who is playing at Northwestern University, but brings back Gabi Haack. The Bradley recruit led the Elks with 21 points in last year’s 58-55 thrilling regular-season victory over Maple Grove and was been equally impressive in her first game this year. She hit five three-points in the first half and finished with 28 points to lead No. 7-4A Elk River over No. 5-4A Lakeville North 61-47 on Dec. 3. Ava Kramer added another 17 in the win over the Panthers.

The Crimson (1-1) graduated Mackenzie Barta, who is now at Harvard, but have Rebekah Tyler and Katrina Theis to fill the void. Tyler finished with 15 points and Theis added 13 in a 57-43 season-opening loss to No. 9-4A Wayzata.