This week’s column features five pictures: a former guard from Apple Valley starting for the San Antonio Spurs, a former Hopkins standout leading the University of Minnesota women’s basketball team to an exhibition victory, a superstar in the making leading the Minnesota Timberwolves past the Los Angeles Lakers, one of the NBA’s best players leading the Lakers, and a newly inducted Hall of Fame high school basketball coach.
San Antonio guard Tre Jones (33), a former Apple Valley High School boys basketball star, is guarded by Minnesota Timberwolves guard Jaylen Nowell (4) during a 115-106 NBA victory Monday, October 24 at the Target Center in Minneapolis. 
Los Angeles Lakers guard LeBron James drives for two of his team-high 28 points as he is guarded by Minnesota Timberwolves guard Jaden McDaniels during a 111-102 NBA loss Friday October 28 at Target Center in Minneapolis. 
Retired St. Paul Johnson boys basketball coach Vern Simmons was recently inducted into the Minnesota Basketball Coaches Association (MBCA) Hall of Fame at the Hyatt Regency (Minneapolis) on Saturday, October 29. Simmons coached the Governors from 2000-2020, winning the Class 3A state tournament with a 32-0 record. 
Former Hopkins High School standout Amaya Battle drives the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers’ NCAA exhibition victory over the University of Wisconsin-River Falls Sunday, October 30 at Williams Arena in Minneapolis. 
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (1) scores two of his game-high 29 points over Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (15) during a 111-102 NBA victory over the Lakers Friday, October 28 at Target Center in Minneapolis.