The Blaine Bengals (9-6, 4-2) will face the Anoka Tornadoes (10-3, 4-0) in a highly anticipated conference game on Friday, January 24, at 7 p.m. at Anoka High School. Both teams have shown impressive performances throughout the 2024-2025 season, and this matchup promises to deliver an exciting contest.

Season Recap

Blaine has had a solid campaign so far, posting a .600 overall win percentage with a 9-6 record. Their conference play has been strong, with a 4-2 record. At home, the Bengals are 5-3, while they’ve been more successful on the road with a 4-2 record. Blaine has been averaging 73.7 points per game and has scored a total of 1,105 points this season, with a slightly higher scoring defense (1,074 points allowed).

Anoka, on the other hand, has been a dominant force in conference play, remaining unbeaten with a perfect 4-0 record in the Northwest Suburban Conference. Overall, their 10-3 record gives them a win percentage of .769. Anoka has a strong offense, averaging 76.8 points per game, and has scored 998 points so far this season. Their defense has been impressive as well, giving up only 820 points. Anoka’s balance between offense and defense has been key to their success, as they head into this game on a high note after winning the previous matchup against Blaine 92-74 on December 10, 2024.

Head-to-Head History

In the previous meeting on December 10, Anoka came out on top with a 92-74 victory. The Tornadoes were led by a strong offensive effort, maintaining a commanding lead throughout the game. Blaine, though, has shown resilience in their recent wins, including a strong 85-78 victory over Andover on January 21, which could give them the momentum needed to challenge Anoka in this upcoming contest.

Common Opponents

Both teams have faced off against a number of common opponents this season, providing a good benchmark for comparison. Blaine holds a 7-4 record against common opponents, while Anoka stands at 5-2. Notable results include both teams defeating Coon Rapids and Rogers, and Anoka edging out Champlin Park by a narrow 86-85 loss, while Blaine suffered a high-scoring 110-104 defeat against them.

Key Matchups

This game will see a battle of two high-scoring offenses. Blaine will rely on their sharpshooting and depth, while Anoka’s balanced approach and tough defense will be a test for the Bengals. Look for Blaine’s key players to try to break through Anoka’s defense, while the Tornadoes will look to exploit any weaknesses in Blaine’s backcourt.

Conclusion

As both teams prepare for this critical conference matchup, the stakes are high. A win for Blaine would not only avenge their earlier loss to Anoka but also strengthen their position in the conference standings. For Anoka, maintaining their undefeated conference record is key to staying at the top of the league. This game promises to be an exciting and closely contested battle, with both teams bringing their best to the court.

Will Blaine bounce back, or will Anoka continue their dominance in the conference? Fans won’t want to miss this thrilling encounter!