Tag: Hoops

This winter I had the opportunity to attend nearly 50 high school boys’ basketball games, including many of the state’s premier teams and players. Here are my observations from a season in the bleachers.

First, an important caveat – obviously, I didn’t see every team play and I must confess to a Twin Cities metro bias (it’s where I live) so please know there is no intent to slight or diminish the accomplishments of all the other great teams and players throughout the state. It is particularly painful for me to admit to a metro bias given that I grew up in northwestern Minnesota and was part of some outstanding high school teams that never got the credit or recognition we thought we deserved.

Mr. Basketball Candidates

Last week, the Mr. Basketball of Minnesota Committee announced its top 10 candidates for the 2025 Mr. Basketball award – CJ Armstrong (Richfield), Micah Curtis (St. Louis Park), Isa El-Amin (Minnetonka), Nolan Groves (Orono), Brogan Madson (Mankato East), Anthony Smith III (Hopkins), Chase Thompson (Alexandria), Tyler Wagner (Champlin Park), Chace Whatley (Totino-Grace), and Jalen Wilson (Benilde-St. Margaret’s). The 5 finalists will be announced on March 17 and the winner named after the state tournament. I had the privilege of seeing all but 3 of the top 10 candidates play this season and here is a brief take on each:

Micah Curtis – the most physically gifted player in the 2025 class (his twin brother Marley might disagree with me) had a monster year, averaging almost 29 ppg and 10 rpg, highlighted by a 57 point 19 rebound effort in a 106-100 victory over Chanhassen.

Isa El-Amin – the son of former Minneapolis North legend Khalid El-Amin has carved out an outstanding basketball career of his own. A key member of last year’s Minnetonka state championship team, he elevated his game to another level in his senior season. He averaged almost 25 ppg to lead the Lake Conference in scoring, an impressive feat given the Lake is undeniably the toughest conference in the state, featuring many incredibly talented players.

Nolan Groves – the Yale commit is one of the state’s leading scorers, averaging more than 34 ppg, including eight games of 40 or more. Multi-dimensional scorer – can hit the 3, create off the dribble, post-up, move without the ball and uses his excellent strength and body control to get to the free throw line at a high rate.

Anthony Smith III – a dynamic 3-level scorer who averaged more than 24 ppg for one of the state’s elite teams. Might be a little undersized at the next level but everyone is looking for shooting and he certainly can do that with the best of them.

Tyler Wagner– this 6’6 sharpshooter certainly has a resume worthy of Mr. Basketball. Played on 3 straight state championship teams at Totino-Grace before transferring back home for his senior year. And what a senior year it has been – he has helped lead Champlin Park back to prominence with a 21-4 record heading into post season play. He averaged more than 28 ppg and his 60 point outburst against Blaine ranks as the highest single game scoring total for a 4A basketball player in state history.

Chace Whatley – the Wofford commit is probably one of the most talented yet overlooked players in the state. The lefty combo guard is a crafty scorer who averaged more than 21 ppg and is the driving force behind Totino’s quest for a 4-peat.

Jalen Wilson – similar to Whatley, this UNI commit probably doesn’t get the credit and recognition he deserves even though he has consistently been ranked at or near the top of Minnesota’s 2025 class. He is the steadying force that powers one of the elite 3A teams in the state. Benilde enters post season play with an overall record of 24-2, including a perfect 14-0 mark in the Metro West Conference. Wilson averages more than 21 ppg on a series of old school post moves and an ever-improving perimeter game.

Biggest Snub: Tommy Ahneman (Cretin-Derham Hall) – unquestionably one of the 10 best seniors in the state and I’m not sure why he was not included as a Mr. Basketball finalist. This 6’11 center transferred to Cretin for his senior year after leading West Fargo Sheyenne to last year’s state title in North Dakota. He was also the North Dakota Gatorade Player of the Year. The Notre Dame commit has been a dominant force in the low post for the 25-1 Raiders, averaging more than 17 ppg and 10 rpg while shooting a remarkable 70% from the floor. He did miss several weeks with a knee injury and it is no coincidence that Cretin lost its only game of the year during his absence.

Best that I saw

Players by position:

1^st Team

Point Guard             Jayden Moore (Hopkins)

Wing                          Nolan Groves (Orono)

Wing                          Tyler Wagner (Champlin Park)

Wing                          Christian Wiggins (Wayzata)

Post                           Tommy Ahneman (Cretin-Derham Hall)

2^nd Team

Point Guard             Isa El-Amin (Minnetonka)

Wing                          Chace Whatley (Totino-Grace)

Wing                          Anthony Smith III (Hopkins)

Wing                          Micah Curtis (St. Louis Park)

Post                           Jalen Wilson (Benilde-St. Margaret’s)

3^rd Team

Point Guard             Isaac Olmstead (Wayzata)

Wing                          Sam Hondl (Albany)

Wing                          CJ Banks (Tartan)

Wing                          Cedric Tomes (East Ridge)

Post                           Brady Wooley (Orono)

Freshman: KJ Wilson (Tartan)

Shooter: Tyler Wagner (Champlin Park)

Passer:  Isaac Olmstead (Wayzata)

Shot Blocker: Jack Thelen (STMA)

Wing Defender: Christian Wiggins (Wayzata)

Dunker:  Abu Keita (Park Center)

Brother Duo: Micah and Marley Curtis (St. Louis Park)

Backcourt: Jayden Moore and Anthony Smith (Hopkins)

Frontcourt: Tommy Ahneman, Ty Schlagel, and Monteff Dixon (Cretin-Derham Hall)

Finish: Noah Slinde of Chaska hitting a buzzer-beating 3 pointer from just inside half court to beat St. Louis Park 82-80

Atmosphere: Park Center

Game: Benilde 76 Orono 72 – another classic in this great rivalry

Under the Radar Team: Tartan, finished regular season undefeated at 25-0 but who even knows

Under the Radar Player: Peyton Podany (Anoka), leading scorer at nearly 20 ppg for the top seeded team in Section 7 4A.

Lefties by position:

Point Guard                        Jaleel Donley (Benilde-St. Margaret’s)

Wing                                      Chace Whatley (Totino-Grace)

Wing                                      Wyatt McBeth (Wayzata)

Wing                                      Luke Wherley (Shakopee)

Post                                       Jack Thelen (STMA)

Who’s got next?

The class of 2027 that’s who. This is an incredibly deep and talented class that is ready to take the state by storm. The headliners, of course are Cretin- Derham Hall’s Ty Schlagel and Maple Grove’s Baboucarr Ann who are both high major talents with Minnesota Gopher offers. Schlagel is an athletic 6’7 wing who is Cretin’s leading scorer at more than 19 ppg and Ann at 6’5 is a versatile playmaker who averages 15 ppg for the Crimson. They are far from alone though, here are some of the other sophomore stalwarts – many who already are or have a chance to become D1 prospects as well.

Gavin Walter and Kwa Silikpoh (Champlin Park) – Walter is a 6’4 combo guard who is a stat sheet stuffer (points, assists, steals, rebounds and blocks) for one of the state’s best teams. Might be the most well-rounded player in the class. Silikpoh is a gifted one-on-one scorer who averaged more than 15 ppg.

Jack Thelen (STMA) – a 7’0 center who is already drawing considerable D1 interest. This skilled big man has been a difference maker for the Knights with his scoring (14 ppg), passing, rebounding, and shot blocking presence in the paint. Sky is the limit if he continues to improve and get stronger.

Malachi Hill and Jaylan Hynes (Totino-Grace) – outstanding guard tandem for the Eagles. Hill is the best point guard in the class and averages more than 13 ppg for one of the favorites in 3A. Hynes is a key reserve who has great positional size and a nice shooting stroke – look for him to have a breakout season next year.

Ahmed Nur (Hopkins) – a rarity at the high school level, a 6’9 stretch four. He averaged in double figures for the Royals, while shooting an amazing 52% from three-point range. Slightly built but look for exponential improvement as he gains weight and strength. With his size and skill, he might have the most upside potential of anyone in the class.

Matthew Johnson (St. Louis Park) – a rangy 6’4 wing player who averaged nearly 10 ppg for the Orioles. Look for a big jump next year with the departure of the Curtis twins to graduation.

Marcus Marshall Jr. (Minneapolis North) – 5’10 guard with unlimited shooting range who is the Polar’s leading scorer at nearly 23 ppg.

Peyton Gholson (Rosemount) – 6’1 combo guard who was one of the leading scorers for the Irish.

Blake Betton and Luke Schroeder (Shakopee) – key rotation players for an excellent Shakopee team who will become “go to” players on next year’s squad. Betton is a 6’3 wing and Schroeder is one of the best pure shooters in the state, regardless of class.

Tyler Forrest, Kalin Jochum, Eli Herzog. (Chaska) – these 3 have been mainstays in the Hawks’ rotation and have combined to average nearly 25 ppg. Look for that figure to be in the 40-50 range next year and the Hawks to be a much-improved team. Forrest is a 3-year starter at the point who is an excellent defensive player with an improving offensive game. Jochum is the consummate glue guy and Herzog is a long range marksman.

Briggs Sheridan and Tommy Schabert (Farmington) – while this has been somewhat of a disappointing season for the Tigers, the future looks bright with this tandem of bigs. Sheridan is an excellent perimeter shooter at 6’8 and averaged nearly 10 ppg this season. The 6’7 Schabert is a strong, athletic post player who relies on his physicality to get the job done.

Alex Olson (Robbinsdale Armstrong) – this 6’3 sneaky athletic wing has been one of the bright spots for the Falcons this season. He is a knock down shooter who averaged nearly 11 ppg while hitting 66 three pointers.

Kolby Thompson, Kobby Sam-Brew and Trey Theis (Prior Lake) – this trio have been key contributors for the 20-6 Lakers. Sam-Brew is a physical 6’6 post player who starts and averages 8 ppg and Thompson, a 5’11 point guard, and Theis, a 6’6 forward, are key reserves.

Bennett Cizadlo (Maple Grove) – will pair with Ann to form one of the top junior duos in the state next season. Cizadlo is a 6’6 forward who dominated at the JV level this year because he wasn’t eligible for varsity competition after transferring from Totino-Grace.

Milton Nuahn and Connor Watts (Benilde-St. Margaret’s) – this guard duo are key rotation players for the 24-2 Red Knights. Both are excellent on-ball defenders who will need to elevate their offensive games in the coming years.

Vinnie Cronin (Edina) – 6’7 wing player who might be the most athletic player in the class and is a highlight reel waiting to happen. Must continue to refine his offensive game – ball handling and shooting – to complement his size and athleticism to become a high major prospect.

Izayah Cook (Sauk Rapids-Rice) – strong, athletic 6’5 player who averaged more than 16 ppg for an excellent Storm team. Played primarily at the four this season and needs to hone his perimeter skills to take his game to the next level.

David Mack (Moorhead) – crafty 6’0 point guard who is one of the leading scorers for one of the most underrated teams in the state.

Xaviahn Ivey (Wayzata) – 6’1 point guard who provides instant offense off the bench for the highly ranked Trojans.

Kellen Troup (Minnehaha Academy) – rapidly improving 6’5 wing who averages 11 ppg while shooting 40% from three. Good bloodlines too – his father is Elliot Van Troup, a former all state basketball player and high jump champion from Mounds View.

Julian Smith and Dre Frierson-Hollie (Cretin-Derham Hall) – key reserves for the 25-1 Raiders. Smith is a 5’9 guard who is a gifted passer and an excellent perimeter shooter. Frierson-Hollie is a physical 6’6 post presence.

These are my observations from a season in the bleachers. After attending dozens of high school basketball games this season and witnessing incredible talent across the state, I’m excited about the passion and skill present in Minnesota’s high school basketball landscape. Who’s on your best-of boys’ basketball list? 

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.

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 2^nd 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.

In honor of Black History Month, Hoop Habits would like to pay tribute to some of the African-American pioneers who have had an enormous impact on the sport of basketball in Minnesota. These individuals often faced discrimination and other significant hardships as they broke through barriers once thought impossible. Their perseverance and courage helped pave the way for current and future generations of Minnesota basketball players, coaches and officials.

Lou Hudson, Archie Clark, Don Yates 

In the early 1960’s, this trio became the first black men to be offered scholarships to play basketball at the University of Minnesota. All three had outstanding college careers and were drafted into the NBA. “Sweet Lou” Hudson earned All-Big Ten and All-American honors, was inducted into the MClub Hall of Fame in 1991 and had his #14 jersey retired by the University in 1994. Hudson enjoyed a 13-year career in the NBA, was a 6-time All-Star, and was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2022. Clark earned multiple All-Big Ten honors on the hardwood and during the off-season he played for the Gopher baseball team and was the center fielder on their 1964 national championship team. Clark had a 10-year career in the NBA, highlighted by 2 All-Star game appearances. Yates was part of the Gophers’ Uniontown, PA pipeline that also included football standouts Sandy Stephens and Bill Munsey.

Tamara Moore

This Minneapolis hoops legend has always been a trailblazer. In 1998, she became just the second African-American to be named Ms. Basketball in Minnesota after leading the Minneapolis North Lady Polars to a state title. She also participated in the Inner-City All-Star Classic for boys because there wasn’t a game for girls at that time. Moore went on to play collegiately at the University of Wisconsin and had an outstanding career – earning All-American and All-Big Ten honors while becoming the program’s all-time leader in assists and steals. In 2017, she was inducted into the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame. After a 12 year playing career in the WNBA and overseas, Moore went into coaching and in 2020, she made national headlines by becoming the first black woman to coach a men’s college team – the Mesabi Range Norsemen in Virginia, MN. She is now a scout for the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks, becoming the first female scout in the organization’s history.

McRae All-Stars

This group of mostly black middle schoolers from the inner cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul became the first Minnesota basketball team to play on the national AAU circuit. The team had incredible success, winning several tournaments, including the 1^st annual Las Vegas Invitational in 1984, one of the premier youth tournaments in the country at that time. The team was founded and coached by Ralph Crowder Jr. and was named after McRae Park in South Minneapolis. While the on-court success was impressive, the story of the McRae All-Stars was so much more than that – it was about community, race, culture, and youth development.  One of the stars of the team, Derek Reuben, went on to become Mr. Basketball in 1988 following an outstanding career at Minneapolis North. In February of last year, the Minnesota History Center hosted a special conversation to tell the inspirational story of the McRae All-Stars.

On a personal note, we at Hoop Habits would like to express our thanks to this group of basketball pioneers who laid the foundation for future generations of Minnesota hoopers to flourish on the national scene, including our very own Hoop Habits Elite teams that will be debuting this season on the New Balance Circuit.

Linda Roberts

After a standout career at St. Paul Central, where she led her team to the 1976 state title, Linda Roberts became the first African-American to play for the University of Minnesota women’s basketball team. Widely considered the first superstar in program history, she was a 2-time Wade Trophy finalist, an All-American, 3-time team MVP, and graduated as the leading scorer and rebounder in school history – her 1,413 rebounds still ranks #1 all-time. Roberts also became the first black woman to have her jersey (#21) retired at the University. She played professionally briefly with the Minnesota Fillies and later became an administrator at her alma mater.

Bob Williams

Bob Williams was a 6’6 forward from Florida A&M who, in 1955, became the first black player for the Minneapolis Lakers. He was one of just 7 black players in the NBA at that time. In addition to playing for the Lakers, Williams traveled with the Harlem Globetrotters during the off season. Following his playing career, he remained in the Twin Cities and had a successful career at Pillsbury while also co-founding the Minnesota Chapter of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. In 2015, Laker legend Kobe Bryant was in the Twin Cities to play the Timberwolves and arranged to meet Williams so that he could personally thank him for paving the way for black players in the NBA.

Larry McKenzie

In 2014, Larry McKenzie became the first African-American coach to be inducted into the Minnesota Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame. During his legendary career he won 6 state titles and posted an overall record of 481-166. He is the first coach to win 4 consecutive state titles and the only coach to lead two separate schools (Minneapolis Patrick Henry and Minneapolis North) to multiple state titles. After retiring from coaching, McKenzie has continued to be active in the Minneapolis community as a motivational speaker and through his civic engagement and volunteer efforts. He has also published a book, “Basketball: Much More Than Just a Game.” This should be recommended reading for players and parents alike.

Arianna Jones, Tamira McLemore, Camryn Speese, Kaezha Wubben, and Camille McCoy

On November 19, 2018, these women became the first all black starting five in Minnesota women’s college basketball history when they took the floor for Augsburg against the University of Wisconson-Superior. The Auggies won the game 79-63, led by 22 points from McLemore and 14 from Wubben. Not only did this group break long-standing racial barriers, they were also instrumental in the resurgence of the Augsburg women’s basketball program under head coach Ted Riverso. The 2018-19 team went 22-5 overall with a 16-2 record in the MIAC, second only to national power, the University of St. Thomas.

Jim Robinson

Robinson was an officiating pioneer who has had an incredible impact on the Minnesota basketball community. In 1971, he became the first African-American official to work the Minnesota boys state tournament and was also one of the first to officiate men’s basketball games in the Big Ten. A long- time advocate for black officials, Robinson held officiating camps and helped establish an officiating association for minorities in Minnesota. In 1991, Robinson became the Minnesota State High School League’s supervisor of basketball officials and also served on the League’s board of directors. He was inducted into the MSHL’s Hall of Fame in 1993, is a member of the Minnesota Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Honor and was named an NCAA Living Legend at the 2019 Final Four held in Minneapolis. In 2017, Robinson took over as the President of the Minnesota Mr. Basketball Committee and was a fixture at gyms across the state of Minnesota until his passing in late 2020.

What does the Future Hold?

Shining a light on the accomplishments of these courageous pioneers serves as a reminder of the progress that has been made but also the very real struggles and challenges that still exist today. It is incumbent on all of us to be actively engaged in building a more just and equitable society. While this can be a daunting task, perhaps the late civil rights icon and long-time Georgia congressman, John Lewis, said it best: “Do not get lost in a sea of despair. Be hopeful, be optimistic. Our struggle is not the struggle of a day, a week, a month, or a year, it is the struggle of a lifetime. Never ever be afraid to make some noise and get in good trouble, necessary trouble.”

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.