HOPKINS WENT UP AGAINST EDEN PRAIRIE IN A BOYS SECTION 6 CLASS 4A BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP GAME

On March 4, Hopkins and Eden Prairie squared off in a Section 6 Class 4A boys’ basketball game.

The game was played in front of a very large crowd at Robinsdale Cooper High School. 

Both teams started in man-to-man defense. Hopkins guard John Warren came up with mid-range jump shots and layups in the first half. 

Eden Prairie called a timeout with 9:42 left in the first half. The score was Hopkins 17, Eden Prairie 12.

Hopkins Ishmael El-Amin was able to drive past the defense and came up with layups. He was also able to make pull up jump shots.

Hopkins looked to take a lot of time off the clock late in the first half. 

Hopkins guard Xavier Johnson drained 3-point shots. His teammates got him the ball where he could shoot it. Johnson also wasn’t afraid to drive to the basket and look for layups.

Eden Prairie did a good job of moving the ball around the 3-point line. They were able to get everyone involved in the offense.

At halftime the score was Hopkins 32, Eden Prairie 31.

As the second half got underway the score continued to go back and forth early in the second half. 

Eden Prairie looked to make fast break layups in transition. 

Hopkins guard Vinnie Shahid came up with layups and mid-range jump shots. 

Both teams dove on the floor after loose balls and rebounds. The game was very physical. 

Hopkins called a timeout with 9:46 left in regulation. The score was Eden Prairie 45, Hopkins 40.

Shahid drove the length of the floor and came up with layups. On the defensive end of the floor Shahid came up with stops. 

Neither team went on a huge run in the second half.

Shahid did a good job of getting to the basket in traffic.

Eden Prairie looked to get the ball into the hands of Josh Lanasa and Cashman. Both of whom came
up with mid-range jump shots and layups.

The game came down the wire. Neither team gave up uncontested shots late in the game.

Shahid was fouled with 1.3 seconds left in regulation and went to the free throw line and tied the game and won game on a free throw.

Hopkins came away with the 59-58 victory over Eden Prairie.

After the game I was able to talk to Hopkins El-Amin, and Shahid about the game. I was also able to talk to Hopkins head coach Ken Novak Jr about the game.

The leading scorer for Eden Prairie was Lanasa with 15 points and Hopkins was lead in scoring by El-Amin with 17 points.