Johnson, Shahid, Hedstrom and Coffey contribute to Hopkins victory

- by Dr. Mitchell Palmer McDonald

 

Prep sceneXavier Johnson’s 21 points led Hopkins, the No. 2 seed in Class AAAA state boys’ basketball tournament, to a convincing 74-42 win over North St. Paul in a quarterfinal game at the Target Center Wednesday afternoon.

Vinnie Shahid had 11 and Joe Hedstrom and Simon Wright each chipped in 10 for the Royals.

Metro Player of the Year, Amir Coffey, injured his back during the first half and played only 15 minutes. He finished with eight points.

Goodnews Kpegeol led North St. Paul — making their first state tournament appearance since 1999 — with 18 points.

Hopkins’ Amir Coffey drives past North St. Paul’s Joe Johnson during the Royals’ Class AAAA quarterfinal victory.
Hopkins’ Amir Coffey drives past North St. Paul’s Joe Johnson during the Royals’ Class AAAA quarterfinal victory.

 

Mitchell Palmer McDonald welcomes reader responses to mmcdonald@spokesman-recorder.com.