The atmosphere at Hopkins High School was electrifying Tuesday night, with a sizable crowd witnessing a thrilling clash between the #8 ranked Royals (11-3) and the previously unbeaten Wayzata Trojans Boys Basketball team. (14-1).
The Royals proved difficult in the first half as they built a 46-36 lead over the Wayzata at the half.
As the second half unfolded, the Hopkins continued their dominance, extending their lead to 60-40 with 13:24 remaining on the clock.
However, Wayzata mounted a spirited comeback, fueled by a pair of three-pointers from Christian Wiggins.
The Hopkins lead dwindled to 68-64 with just 6 minutes left in the game.
Ultimately Hopkins was too much for the Trojans as they scored a noteworthy 80-69 upset.
This victory marked the first loss for the defending 4A state champions and top-ranked Trojans, who were nationally ranked at #22.
Jackson McAndrew led Wayzata with 14 points. Christian Wiggins and Ben Shaffer each added 13. Drew Nested and Isaac Olmstead had 8 points each, Wyatt McBeth had 4, Brayden Sandmann and Daniel Grubesic each scored 3 points, Adam Dehm had 2, and Evan Johnson had 1.
Davie Hart had 22 and Anthony Smith scored 20 points to lead the Royals.
The Trojans host Minneapolis Washburn Friday night at 7pm at Wayzata High School.
