Sydney Coffey had a big smile as she left her home court at the conclusion of the Breakdown Sports Tip Off Classic Saturday night.  The Hopkins' junior guard certainly deserved to enjoy herself after pouring in 21 points to pace Hopkins to a shocking 83-64 defeat of No. 1 ranked and defending Class AAAA state champion Lakeville North, ending the Panthers' 35-game winning streak.

"We were hyped up.  We worked hard to get to this point," said Coffey.  "It was a great team win."

Coffey and the Royals led by as many as 30 points in the second half, as they cruised to a victory that perhaps signaled a changing of the guard in Class AAAA.  Both teams feature a load of players on the college recruiting radar, but on Saturday night, all eyes turned toward the Royals.

"I was pretty nervous, but I'm pretty nervous before every game," admitted Coffey.  "But once I get out there, it goes away and I play my best."

Chelsey Jacox (14 points), Brianna Williams (10), Ebony Livingston (8) and Shannon O'Toole (8) also chipped in for a very balanced -- and very effective -- Hopkins offense.  But it was their defensive effort that pleased coach Brian Cosgriff the most.

University of Minnesota recruit Rachael Banham did her best to keep the Panthers in the game, but her game-high 22 points were not enough.  Apiew Ojulu (15 points), Taylor Stewart (10) and Hannah Hughes (9) added to North's attack.

The first big duel of the season went to Hopkins, although Cosgriff compared the season to a marathon and this game was the third mile marker.

"There was so much hype about it," said Cosgriff.  "I told them regardless of win or lose, you have to go out and do the same thing on Friday against Minneapolis Edison."

"It's just another win," said Coffey, echoing her coach's sentiment.  "We have to do the same thing every game."

Sydney Coffey, Hopkins
The Marist-bound Coffey was a first-half offensive force as Hopkins surged to a big lead on the defending Class AAAA -- and No. 1 ranked -- Lakeville North Panthers and stopped their 35-game winning streak.  Coffey, a 6-foot junior guard, poured in 15 points before intermission as the Royals' built up a 46-27 halftime lead.  She finished with 21 points.

Score by half: Hopkins 46-37--83, Lakeville North 27-37--64

Hopkins: S. Coffey 21, Jacox 14, Williams 10, Livingston 8, S. O'Toole 8, Hutson 7, Shackelford 6, Wiemer 4, Anderson 4, Starks 1

Lakeville North: Banham 22, Ojulu 15, Stewart 10, Hughes 9, Kolander 4, Hoelmenn 2, Goodman 2