Behind a cyclone of busy hands and blurred feet, Hopkins’ whirlwind of activity made life awfully difficult for Wayzata on Thursday, forcing the Trojans to play the type of frenetic pace only the Royals have mastered.

The result was not unexpected as No. 1-ranked and undefeated Hopkins defeated No. 2-ranked Wayzata for the third time this season, 77-60, this time clinching the Class 4A, Section 6 championship. It sends the Royals to the state tournament for the fifth consecutive season and eighth time in the past nine years.

“We beat a really, really good team [Thursday] and we’re going to the state tournament, which is a good thing,” said Hopkins coach Brian Cosgriff, typically understated. “But it’s not over. We’ve got to win six [games to win a state championship].”

As they have all season, the Royals (29-0) set the tone with their swarming defense. Despite having played Hopkins twice, Wayzata (26-3) was overwhelmed by the Royals’ energy and unable to generate consistency and rhythm on offense. Hopkins built a 37-25 halftime lead, largely on Wayzata mistakes.

“Some people say it feels like we have seven people on the court because we move so fast,” senior forward Dlayla Chakolis said.

Hopkins defeated Wayzata for the third time this season, 77-60, to win the Class 4A, Section 6 championship and advance to the girls’ basketball tournament for the fifth consecutive year and eighth time in the last nine seasons.

Dlayla Chakolis had 25 points and Paige Bueckers added 23 for Hopkins, which improved to 29-0.

It was Wayzata’s third loss of the season to Hopkins, the only losses the Trojans (26-3) suffered all season.

Check back later for more on the game.