Apple Valley girls basketball defeated Prior Lake Tuesday night, 86-72.

Apple Valley started the game slow, with fast breaks and shaky defense leading to an early timeout.  After that, the Eagles matched the Lakers’ quick tempo, with both teams scoring on fast breaks throughout the first half.  Apple Valley took the lead and led Prior Lake at halftime, 46-37.

After the break, the second half started the same way the first half ended: high tempo offense.  The Eagles played more like a team than Prior Lake in the second half, who only had one route of attack: freshman guard McKenna Hofschild.  Apple Valley tightened up on defense and ended the game the victors.

Despite the win, Apple Valley could not contain Hofschild, who had 27 points.  “We tried to get up higher on her so she couldn’t get her shot off, and then try to trap coming off the screens.  She was just good, she beat us,” said head coach Jeremy Gordon.  Hofschild’s performance did not matter, however, as junior captain Lyndsey Robson, sophomore Marie Olson, senior captain Aleya Parker, and junior Erin Baxter all had double-digit point totals.

Looking forward, section playoffs start March 2nd.  Apple Valley currently sits in fifth in section 3AAAA, and will most likely play Park High School.  “I think defense and rebounding are the two main keys.  If we can do that, we can be in good shape,” said Gordon.

“We just need to stick together, play together, stay positive,” added Parker.

Apple Valley’s final regular season game is Friday, February 26th, at 7pm at home against Lakeville South.

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