When it comes to depth of talent in all classes, these are the teams that you want to mention.  These are programs that could go five in, five out and on most cases the results would be top notch. 

Hopkins did lose a game this past weekend to Champlin Park (a top five Class AAAA level team) but they have a lot of new bodies playing in the rotation.  Talented bodies. 

Iowa City West plays their first game against Mount Vernon on Thursday and then is in the Twin Cities for the game with Hopkins.  Iowa City West is coming off a 23-3 win season that ended in a state title last year whereas Hopkins was a buzzer beater away from winning yet another state title under Ken Novak Jr.  

There are so many big names in this game including Connor McCaffrey (son of Iowa coach Fran McCaffrey), Ish El-Amin (son of Khalid El-Amin), Amir Coffey (four star top 50 recruit), Simon Wright (Providence offer), Tanner Louhas (son of Brad Louhas).

Tanner Lohaus, Iowa City West vs John Warren, Hopkins

Tanner was Iowa City West’s leading scorer at 20 a game last year and will be the top scorer this year again.  John Warren is the top Hopkins defender and he will see a lot of Lohaus.

Why Hopkins will win: Amir Coffey is coming off a 36 point game as he’s playing very well and his team is in their home gym.  They are also quite angry coming off of a loss to Champlin Park.  They play Shakopee on Thursday before the showdown with Iowa City West.

Why Iowa City West will win:  This is a state title team with all of their top guns returning against a Hopkins team using new pieces in several spots and the Royals have shown they are vulnerable already.   Iowa City West is the squad with most back from a title team.