As the girls’ basketball section tournaments get underway this week, we are in store for some incredible fun and entertainment. Minnesota is rapidly developing a reputation as one of the premier states for girls’ basketball, one that produces high level college talent. In my travels this winter, I certainly witnessed this first hand, seeing amazing teams and individual performances including Providence Academy and electric junior guard, Maddyn Greenway scoring 39 points to outduel Maple Grove and Ms. Basketball favorite and Michigan State commit Jordan Ode; Orono led by standout guard Mya Moore winning a close battle against Minnehaha Academy and high-scoring Maryland commit, Addi Mack; STMA with 51 points from D1 prospects Cail Jahnke and Abby Hoselton rallying to beat Rosemount and the 3 sharp- shooting Ramlall sisters, including Gopher commit, sophomore Amisha; super frosh, Chloe Johnson of Duluth Marshall dropping 40 points in a loss to 3A power Benilde-St. Margaret’s and their D1 duo of Kendall McGee and Pressley Watkins.
There is little doubt that the headline story going into this year’s tournament is Providence Academy – do they have a date with destiny? This 2A power can become the first team in state history to win 4 consecutive championships and in doing so would complete one of the greatest single seasons ever. Their 26-0 record heading into postseason play includes victories over 13 ranked opponents, including the top 2 ranked teams in 4A – Maple Grove and Eastview, 3 top 10 ranked teams in 3A, as well as the 2nd ranked team in Iowa, Dowling Catholic, who has a famous alum you may have heard of – Caitlin Clark.
The driving force for the Lions, figuratively and literally, is Kentucky commit, Maddyn Greenway, unquestionably the best player in the state and arguably one of the best all-time. She averages nearly 33 ppg and surpassed the 4,000 career point total earlier this year. No one in recent memory plays the game at the pace and with the intensity that she does. While she is clearly a dominant scorer she is also a willing passer and that is a big reason why all of her fellow starters average in double figures – Emma Millerbernd, Hope Counts, McKenna Schaeffer and younger sister, Beckett Greenway.
The road to the 4-peat and immortality for Providence Academy won’t be easy – in their way could be a rematch with conference rival Minnehaha Academy and, ultimately, a championship game matchup against a fellow undefeated team, Crosby-Ironton and Gopher commit Tori Oehrlein, another member of the 4,000 point club. If the stars align, that dream matchup would take place on Saturday, March 15 at 6:00 p.m. Consider it basketball fan malpractice if Williams Arena is not sold out.
About the Author
As Hoop Habits’ media contributor, Roger Johnson brings decades of basketball expertise to his articles. Having served as a marketing executive at Wells Fargo & Company and a content writer for Ultimate Hoops, Roger’s true passion has always been basketball. With experience as a collegiate player at Moorhead State University, coach, and parent of successful players, Roger offers unique insights into the game. His dedication shows through his Minnesota Timberwolves season tickets, University of Minnesota basketball support, and attendance at over 3,000 basketball games throughout his lifetime.