Our final game is always the marquee matchup of the event, and this year is most definitely no different! Olathe (o-LAY-tha) Northwest is making the trek north from the Kansas City area for a big-time national showdown with Hopkins. The Ravens bring up a team they are very excited about. They finished last year with a 23-2 record and a 2nd place finish at the Kansas big-school state tournament. They are led by a trio of D1 signees in Kelsey Brooks (Arkansas), Michaela Crall (Wisconsin) and Jaylah Jackson (South Dakota).
Hopkins is fresh of a Minnesota AAAA State Championship and have plans for another one this season. They have already downed the #2 team in the state this season and should be tested again on Saturday. The Royals are led by their own trio of D1 senior signees in Nia Coffey (Northwestern), Mikaala Shackelford (Illinois), and Erin O’Toole (North Dakota). Hopkins will be without Viria Livingston, a starting guard who suffered an injury on Tuesday night.
Nia Coffey vs Shea Shipman: Coffey is the multitalented star and is the engine that makes Hopkins go on both ends of the court. Typically it is hard for teams to find a player who can match up with her 6’2 perimeter frame and athleticism. Shipman has the athletic tools and size (6’0) to potential stay with Coffey. Not just from the aspect keeping her in front of her on defense, but also to win the rebounding battle and keeping her out of the paint when Olathe is on offense.
Why Hopkins will win:
Why Olathe Northwest will win:
Our Prediction: Hopkins