St. Paul Central's overwhelming defeat in its first girls' basketball game in the Dick's Sporting Goods Holiday Classic left Minnetonka -- Central's second-day opponent -- unsure of what to expect.
The Minutemen's 41-point loss to host Hopkins didn't look like a performance from a team that was 8-0 entering this tournament. Minnetonka had expected to see a team with quick guards and big centers with an edge down low, which is what it saw Friday night at Hopkins High School.
That impressive style of play nearly ended the Skippers' extended winning streak. But not quite. Minnetonka found a way to slow the game in the final minutes to hold off the Minutemen 53-46 for its eighth consecutive victory.
"That was one of our more challenging games," said Minnetonka guard Anne Hamilton, who finished with 14 points, six rebounds and four assists. "They had good athletes and were strong. That's what the Lake Conference is going to be like."
With the score tied at 41 with under five minutes to play, the Skippers relied on their standout guards to close out the game. Joanna Hedstrom hit a wide-open three-pointer that made it 44-41, and the Skippers led the rest of the way.
Central wouldn't relent, though. The Minutemen had a chance to tie the score in the final minute but missed a forced three-point attempt, and Minnetonka finished the night on the free-throw line with Hedstrom and Hamilton each making a pair.
"We're not used to being in close games where we have to hit free throws late," Minnetonka coach Leah Dasovich said. "It was good for us."
The Minutemen also considered Friday's result "good." Seeking tough competition was coach Willie Taylor's desire, and center Sade Chatman said she and her teammates entered the tournament with a clean slate.
