The defending state Class AAAA girls basketball champion Hopkins Royals were off in running in the state tournament opener Wednesday morning, winning their quarterfinal round game 65-28 over Blaine.
Mari Davis scored 20 points, Erma Walker 18 and Ava Smith 11 to lead the Royals, who led 46-10 at halftime.
Hopkins (26-2) plays Maple Grove (25-5) in the semifinals Thursday at 6:00 pm at Williams Arena.
The Royals beat the Crimson twice during the regular season and in last year's state championship game.
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