Even among 11 special, hand-picked matchups, this one stands out: It’s our #1 feature game of the 2014 Breakdown Tip Off Classic. It matches Northstar Girls Hoops and Breakdown Sports #1 vs. our #2 teams in Class AAAA. (The only difference being that Northstar has Hopkins #1 and Eastview #2, while the Breakdown has Eastview #1 and Hopkins #2.) It features the winners of the past four Class AAAA state championships. It matches the top two players in the Class of 2015—guards Madi Guebert of Eastview and South Dakota State, and T.T. Starks of Hopkins and Iowa State.

Eastview defeated Hopkins 56-54 during the regular season a year ago, and the Lightning went on to become state champions for the first time. Then, last August, Hopkins turned the tables on the Lightning in the Sweet Sixteen with a 64-40 thrashing. But, no one expects another mismatch between these two arch-rivals.

In addition to Guebert, the spotlight will be on Eastview’s Sam Trammel and Hana Metoxen. Trammel, a 6-2 post and Michigan signee, is now in her senior season after sitting out her junior year as a transfer from Eden Prairie. Previously, Trammel had been a member of these Hopkins Royals. Metoxen has just returned to the court after rehabbing an ACL injury through the summer and fall, getting just enough minutes for no points and 3 rebounds last Friday night.

Along with Starks, Hopkins has the #3 2016 in small forward Nia Hollie. But all eyes are likely to be on Angelica Wiggins, sister of the Timberwolves Andrew Wiggins, and the newest member of the Royals family. She is lean 6-1 center-power forward who scored 18 points in two games last weekend. 

Sam Trammel, Eastview vs. Liz Bulver, Hopkins

Both teams have lots of guards and wings, and Guebert and Hollie will get their points. So it could come down to the inside battle of 6-2 senior Trammel and 6-1 junior Bulver. Both are skilled offensive players while Trammel is probably a little bit stronger and a little better on defense and rebounding. But Bulver will have to keep this battle close for the Royals to win this game.

Why Eastview Will Win

• Guebert will get her points, no matter the Hopkins defensive scheme.

• Eastview’s scrappy half-court defense will frustrate Starks, Nia Hollie and the other Hopkins shooters.

Why Hopkins Will Win

• Hopkins will be able to turn Eastview over just enough, and create the transition hoops that are their signature.

• Liz Bulver will keep Trammel from setting up down low for easy baskets.

Our Prediction

Hopkins by 5 as both teams show post-season intensity.