Apple Valley head coach Jeremy Gordon draws up a play on the sidelines. Gordon has guided the Eagles to the top of the South Suburban Conference and they'll meet Lakeville North, which also resides atop the league. Photo by Korey McDermott, SportsEngine
Lakeville North seems to be part of the conversation for South Suburban Conference title contenders on an annual basis. Apple Valley hasn’t been near the top half of the conference since its inception. But this season both teams have exceeded expectations and find themselves in a battle for the top spot in the league.
The path to that title isn’t easy for either team in a loaded conference. Neither team can afford an off night in the final six games.
The Eagles, ranked No. 3 in Class 4A by Minnesota Basketball News, are the new kids on the block this season and formally announced their arrival with their first win over No. 5-4A Eastview in a decade on Jan. 27. Apple Valley (18-2, 11-1) faces Eastview in a rematch to end the regular season.
The No. 4-4A Panthers (18-2, 11-1) have extended their winning streak to 12 games but still have Prior Lake and Eastview on the schedule, two teams capable of beating anyone in the league.
Though much remains to be sorted in the final weeks of the regular season, this meeting will likely have ramifications on the South Suburban race and is our pick for the Top Game of the Week.
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