It was a battle of state-ranked teams in Class AAA at the Hoops Challenge at the Rochester Civic Center Saturday as the No. 4 ranked Austin Packers took the No. 6 ranked Simley Spartans.  The Packers were looking for their sixth consecutive win, but Simley led the Packers 34-24 at the half and held off a second half rally by Austin to win 46-42.

Kyra Walters and Elyise Hebrink were in double figures for the Packers with 13 and 11 points, respectivley, while Hope Dudycha added seven points, Emma Dudycha six and Colie Justice five for the Packers, who will take on another state-ranked opponent in Class AAA Tuesday night as they travel to Red Wing to meet the No. 3 ranked Wingers.  Varsity tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m., and you’ll hear all of the action right here on AM 1480 KAUS, also live online at myaustiniminnesota.com, and on the I Heart Radio app.