Dlayla Chakolis is fouled by Geneva Mattis on her way to the basket in the first half. Chakolis scored 22 points in Hopkins' 83-41 victory at Lakeville North. Photo by Mark Hvidsten, SportsEngine
If a loaded week's schedule with matchups against two of last year's state tournament teams gives Hopkins any jitters, they did not show it Tuesday at Lakeville North.
The Royals started the week with an 83-41 victory against the Panthers, who finished third in last year's state tournament. Their upcoming schedule includes a Saturday tilt against reigning Class 4A state champion Eastview at the Hopkins-hosted Minnesota Girls' Basketball Tip-Off Classic.
And while the Royals want to win now, especially in potential state tournament previews, they know the most important games will be played at the end of the year.
"I think it's excellent," Hopkins coach Brian Cosgriff said about the challenging schedule. "It lets people know where we're at, and it's only going to make us better. Because it's all about March."
Paige Bueckers (1) drove past Lakeville North's Lauren Jensen for two of her game-high 26 points. Photo by Mark Hvidsten, SportsEngine
Paige Bueckers and the Hopkins girls' basketball team have a loaded schedule this week with multiple opponents from last year's Class 4A state tournament.
But it didn't seem to phase them on Tuesday in an 83-41 win at Lakeville North (0-1). Bueckers finished with 26 points and added seven rebounds while her teammate Dlayla Chakolis scored 22 points as the Royals led by 32 points at halftime. Maya Nnaji added 10 points.
Lakeville North's Analiese Tschida led the Panthers with 19 points, and Sarah Kuma finished with 10.
Hopkins (3-0) will next play Eastview at home on Saturday in a rematch of last year's Class 4A state championship game.
Lakeville North's Analiese Tschida (20) pushed the ball up the court in the first half. Tschida led the Panthers with 19 points. Photo by Mark Hvidsten, SportsEngine
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