Fresh off a Class 4A state title and hoping to make another run, Eastview appears to be in top form. Lakeville North, however, could play spoiler to its South Suburban Conference foe.
Outside of a 75-48 loss to No. 1-4A Hopkins on Dec. 1, the No. 3-4A Lightning (5-1, 2-0) have not allowed more than 48 points in a game this season. Their most recent win, a 54-25 defensive showcase against Eagan last Friday, also included a 15-point performance from the team's leading scorer, Macy Guebert (15.7 ppg).
Eastivew's defense will be tasked with containing Lakeville North's Lauren Jensen. The junior guard leads the Panthers, averaging 23.2 ppg.
Lakeville North (3-3, 1-1) has been tested early this season with three losses against top-10 Class 4A programs — Hopkins, 83-41 (on Nov. 27), No. 5-ranked St. Michael-Albertville (74-53 on Dec. 1) and No. 7 Farmington (61-47 on Dec. 11). A win against Eastview would be a huge boost in confidence for the No. 10-4A Panthers, and it would help in conference standings, too.