This could be one of the more underrated matchups of the Tip Off Classic. It doesn’t have the appeal of featuring a No. 1 team, it doesn’t feature teams from different classes or geographical regions, and it’s two teams that everyone is used to watching and hearing about.  However, this could very well be the best game of the day!

Both teams feature a lead guard headed to a D1 school. Both teams have a 6-foot-1 underclass wing player who is highly touted. Both teams have a 6-foot-2-plus big body in the middle. Both teams are also ranked our pre-season top 10s! Roseville is led by five-year varsity player Jacqlyn Poss, who will be headed to Denver next year. The Raiders are hoping that this is the year they will navigate a very tough section and earn a spot in the state tournament field. Minnetonka is led by another long-time varsity player in Joanna Hedstrom, who will follow in her mother’s footsteps, and attend the University of Minnesota. The Skippers have the unfavorable section assignment of always being with Hopkins. Could this be the year they get over that hump?

Jacqlyn Poss vs. Joanna Hedstrom – Big time battle between two future Division 1 point guards who really have similar games. Both have great size for the position, and both can beat you in a variety of different ways on offense.  Both have great supporting casts, but the winner of this game could very well be decided in this matchup.

Why Roseville will win:

• The Raiders have superior quickness on the perimeter and will use it to pressure Minnetonka into turnovers.
• Preparation: They have had three days to prepare for this game, vs only one day for Minnetonka.

Why Minnetonka will win:

• The Skippers had a great tune-up last night against highly ranked Eastview, and Roseville only played Tuesday in a blowout win against Hudson.
• They have five different kids who can get hot behind the arc, which means they could be anyone at anytime if a few of those kids come alive.

Our Prediction: Roseville