The most hyped game of the season as the Hopkins goes for third State Title. McDonals All-American Nia Coffey and the Royal girls squad are on a mission for greatness. Facing Kenned having a beak season led by senior Jade Martin and cast of top talent including 8th grade phenom Jasmyn Martin.
Hopkins wins the tip-off and Nia Coffey gets the opening score of the game 2-0
Jade Martin gets the first score for Kennedy with a and 1 to take the lead 3-2 with 16:00 left in the first half
Kennedy calls T.O. tied up 5 up with 14:12 left in the first half
Hopkins up 15-9 on Kennedy with 10:00 left in the first half
Kennedy calls T.O. down 19-11 with 7:12 left in the first half
Kennedy on a 9-0 run, Jasmyn Martin hits a 3 to take the lead 20-19, blocks O'Toole's shot, with 5:44 left in the first half
Kennedy is moving the ball well up 23-20 with 4:00 left in the first half
Nia Coffey takes the lead back for Hopkins 28-26 with 1:09 in the first half
Hopkins takes the lead into halftime 28-26
Nia Coffey 17pts is on fire in the second half taking over the game, Hopkins up 38-28 with 14:00 left in the second half
Kennedy has been scoreless this half down 43-26 with 12:00 left in the second half
Hopkins holding the lead 49-30 with 9:00 left in the second half
Hopkins is playing will breaking defense up big 54-36 with 6:00 left in the second half
Hopkins is not giving this one up 59-41 with 4:00 left in the game
Hopkins gets the win 68-45
Game Review
This was not a mismatch in talent as it was experience and swag. Hopkins left it all on the floor and would not be denied. Hopkins team defense and intensity was and is the major factor for the title run for Hopkins. Kennedy showed that they have the talent to compete with any team in Minnesota. Kennedy's talent is undeniable as they will return 4 starters next year.
Hopkins Nia Coffey 25pts 16reb 4blk had no plans of ending her high school career with a lose, in the second half there was no question who would lead Hopkins to their third consecutive State Title. Taylor Anderson 11 was a monster in the second half controlling the game turning it up on both ends of the court. Nia Holie 6 and TT Starks 7 both made solid contributions to get the big team win.