Hopkins entered the season as the top-ranked team in Class 4A, and given the amount of talent and offensive options in the lineup, it's difficult to believe the Royals will release their grip on the No. 1 spot any time soon.
While Paige Bueckers (26.2 ppg) garners plenty of attention for Hopkins (13-0, 1-0), focusing solely on her could leave opponents vulnerable to the Royals' other options. Kayhla Adams, Taylor Woodson and Dlayla Chakolis, who have all scored 21 or more points in a game this season, could make defenses pay for overlooking their talent.
Eden Prairie is the next team to attempt to contain Hopkins, and it won't be easy. The No. 8-4A Eagles (11-2, 0-1), who are coming off a 63-45 league loss to No. 2-4A Wayzata, are 1-17 in regular-season games against Hopkins since Feb. 1, 2011.
But not all hope is lost. Eden Prairie upset Hopkins in the 2014 section tournament, where the No. 4-seeded Eagles beat the No. 1-seeded Royals 51-46 to advance to the section final, and eventually the state tournament.
To pull off another upset, Eden Prairie needs production from up and down its roster, starting with Nneka Obiazor, who is posting 18.6 ppg this season.