Minnetonka Defeats Rival Hopkins In Class 4A Girls Final

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnetonka claimed its first state championship, defeating conference-rival Hopkins 61-52 in the Class 4A girls' final on Saturday at Williams Arena.

Lizzie Odegard led the Skippers (25-4) with 17 points and 23 rebounds, while Courtney Fredrickson added 13.

A back-and-forth struggle needed all 40 minutes to decide, as Minnetonka withstood many rallies from their Lake Conference foe. At its closest, Nia Hollie brought the Hopkins Royals (29-3) within 54-52 with less than three minutes to play. The Royals' top scorer, Ashley Bates, ran into foul trouble late.

Then five Skippers free throws would put the game out of reach.

The Skippers and Royals split the season series, with a win on each home court. And on the neutral court, Minnetonka's rebounding (64-33 edge) and ability to get to the free-throw line proved to be the difference.

Hopkins was trying to win its fifth state championship since 2011.

Bates led the Royals with 28 points.