News Summary

The 2025 MSHSL Boys Basketball State Tournament began on March 18 with thrilling quarterfinals at Williams Arena and Target Center in Minneapolis. Fans witnessed top teams showcasing their skills, including standout performances from Mankato East and Orono. With excitement high, the semifinal matches are set to take place soon, promising more intense basketball action as teams vie for the championship.

Excitement in Minneapolis: 2025 MSHSL Boys Basketball State Tournament Quarterfinals Begin!

Minneapolis was buzzing with energy as the 2025 Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) boys basketball tournament kicked off on Tuesday, March 18. Four quarterfinals from three different classifications lit up the courts at the historical Williams Arena and the vibrant Target Center. Fans came out in droves to support their teams, creating an electrifying atmosphere for the players.

Class 4A Showcase

The tournament started strong with the Class 4A games capturing the crowd’s attention. The top seed, Mankato East, demonstrated their prowess from the tip-off, taking on St. Paul Harding. Mankato East showcased a stellar performance, cranking up their game and leaving no doubt about their capabilities. Brogan Madson was a force to be reckoned with, scoring an impressive 24 points, while Ganden Gosch dominated the boards, securing 10 rebounds. The defensive line was equally impressive, holding St. Paul Harding to a mere 13-of-53 shooting from the field. Although Tobis Williams led St. Paul Harding with 10 points, it wasn’t enough to match Mankato East’s firepower.

Orono’s High-Flying Performance

Over at Williams Arena, Orono’s Nolan Groves put on a show that fans would not forget anytime soon. With a staggering 44 points and 11 rebounds against DeLaSalle, Groves was a one-man wrecking crew. DeLaSalle’s Alex Ia did his best to keep pace, scoring 27 points, but the night belonged to Groves and his team.

A Thrilling Matchup in Class 3A

Meanwhile, the match between Duluth Denfeld and Totino-Grace had fans on the edge of their seats. MarNaries Ferguson of Duluth Denfeld was not to be outdone, scoring a remarkable 41 points in a compelling but losing effort. Totino-Grace’s Malachi Hill and Chase Watley rose to the occasion, each contributing 23 points to help propel their team into the Class 3A semifinals.

Cretin-Derham Hall’s Dominance

At the Target Center, the game featuring Cretin-Derham Hall was another highlight of the day. Joe Mitchell and Ty Schlagel each showcased their skills, netting 16 points apiece. Tommy Ahneman’s stat line was quite impressive too, as he racked up 14 points, 11 rebounds, 5 assists, and 6 blocks. On the other side, Elijah Ladu from Rochester John Marshall put in a solid effort with 15 points.

Maple Grove’s Comeback

In a thrilling contest, Maple Grove found themselves trailing Apple Valley at halftime but came alive in the second half to turn the tables. Camare Young led Apple Valley with a solid 12 points, but Maple Grove’s tenacity saw them clinch the win.

Wayzata vs. Moorhead

Also worth noting was the fierce matchup between Wayzata and Moorhead. Wayzata’s Isaac Olmstead scored 18 points, while Moorhead’s Reign Battle had a notable game with 23 points. Despite Moorhead’s stronger field goal accuracy, Wayzata dominated the offensive boards with 16 offensive rebounds compared to Moorhead’s 4.

Shakopee’s Mighty Second Half

Shakopee flexed their muscles against Anoka by outscoring them 46-21 in the second half, with standout player Luke Wheatley leading the charge with 25 points. His performance provided a significant boost to the team’s momentum.

What’s Next?

As the quarterfinals conclude, all eyes are on the semifinals, set to take place on Thursday at Williams Arena. The anticipation is building for the Class 4A title game, scheduled for 8 p.m. on Saturday. With talent like that on display, it’s sure to be a nail-biter!

This year’s MSHSL boys basketball tournament is proving to be a hotbed of excitement and talent, and we can’t wait to see how the rest of the tournament unfolds!

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