A pandemic-shortened season has created plenty of familiarity in the Big 9 Conference, as the schools will play only a league schedule during the regular season. And adding to the difficulty, the conference is among the toughest in the state to navigate. Of course, that also means great matchups most nights.
Rochester John Marshall (3-2) may be in desperation mode early, as the Rockets have lost to both Mankato East (62-56 on Jan. 16) and No. 7-3A Mankato West (52-32 on Jan. 30) already, and risk dropping off the pace of the conference leaders. John Marshall's hopes rest on two of the top juniors in the state in Lilly Meister and Katie Hurt, the younger sister of former Mr. Basketball and current Duke star Michael Hurt.
Rochester Mayo (5-0, 5-0) however, remains unbeaten and atop the standings, having already beaten Mankato East by 34 points on Jan. 21. Senior forward Anna Miller, a Drake commit, leads the Spartans and may be the best player in southeastern Minnesota. But she has plenty of help from a stable of crafty guards such as Mullk Hammadelniel, Lynnsey Hady and Elli Collins.