Apple Valley Boys Basketball Prepares for Familiar Foe In Section Final

boys basketball forward Tom Schalk remembers the thrill of the state tournament—the rewarding feeling that comes with reaching a tournament filled with the state’s elite.

That’s why as the Eagles boys basketball team prepares for Friday’s Section 3AAAA championship against Lakeville South, Schalk, the lone varsity starter remaining from the 2008-09 state team, is letting his squad know what’s at stake.

“It was one of the best athletic experiences,” said Schalk, now a senior captain. “It was just really rewarding knowing how much hard work you put into it. For our senior year it would be just awesome to get back there.”

The Eagles will have their shot to make it back to next week’s state tournament by beating the Cougars on Friday at St. Olaf College in Northfield. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m.

For better or worse, Apple Valley will be facing a team it knows all too well. Lakeville South, a South Suburban Conference foe, split with the Eagles during the regular season. Apple Valley lost 65-46 on Jan. 7 before winning 73-70 on Feb. 8.

The third and final meeting has far more on the line.

“It’s a 50-50 game, like a lot of these are,” Apple Valley coach Zach Goring said. “We know their shooters, we know who rebounds the basketball well. I think that’s the most important thing, is relaying that to the kids.”

This is Apple Valley’s fifth trip to the section championship in the past seven years. They’re 2-2 in the four previous trips, and Goring said he hopes his team gets a chance to experience a state berth.

“It’s so neat to be able to bring kids to a state tournament,” Goring said. “It’s such a fun experience. That’s why when you get so close you want to finish the job and get there and let them have that experience. That’s what we’re looking for.”

Schalk said rebounding, free throws and defense are key to beating the Cougars (20-8).

“We know them so well and they know us so well,” Schalk said. “It will come down to if we can execute ourselves.”

Goring said the Eagles are gelling at the right time. They’ve won seven in a row and 12 of their past 13 games, and he said all the time the team spent together at open gyms and in off-season is paying off.

One more win and that hard work will translate into a trip to state.

“We’ve come out a winner and we’ve come out a loser,” Goring said. “We know both ends—one end is a lot of fun and one isn’t so fun.”