Zach Mekler, senior
The varsity boy’s basketball team continued their march towards a four-peat state championship Wednesday afternoon with an overtime win over Woodbury, 82-75.

Hopkins found themselves in a dogfight from the get go, especially down low where they were out rebounded 47-33. Thanks to step up performances from Demetrius Martin, senior, and Phillip Stribling, junior, Hopkins battled through the first half and went into the locker room up 42-34.

In the second half, Hopkins struggled to make shots, and Woodbury refused to give up the fight. With just more than a minute to play in the second half, Woodbury held a 65-61 lead.

Then Siyani Chambers, senior, began to take over in all forms of the game, willing his team to claw their way back.

Chambers, a first team all state player and Mr. Basketball nominee this season, hit multiple clutch free throws as well as finding Jake Wright, sophomore, open for a three-pointer to put the team down one in the final minute. After tying the game up at 65 on a free throw, Chambers took the last shot of regulation, missing a 15-footer and sending the game into overtime.

With the clock set to four minutes for over time, Hopkins took the court with determination to live another day. Chambers picked up right where he left off, scoring the first 10 points of overtime, all on free throws.

They brought the intensity when it mattered most and walked away with a hard fought 82-75 victory, placing them in Thursday’s semi-finals against Osseo, who beat Duluth East 62-51.

Photos by: Mike Newcomer, senior
Boys Quarterfinals 2012