MN Basketball Tournament Finals

What do you look for in a good basketball tournament? A buzzer-beater? A handful of highlight plays? Maybe an upset or two? Well, this year had it all. The entire week was special, but championship Saturday was exceptional. 

1A kicked off with an unbelievable game from Hayfield and BBE. I don't think either of these crews got enough praise from the state this week. The fact is that these guys could compete with schools of different classes and it really is something everyone should acknowledge. Totally loved the effort on both sides but as we saw Hayfield would bring home the 1A championship trophy. Congratulations!

If you would've told me Annandale would end on top of 2A prior to this week I would've called you crazy. I had zero doubt in my mind North or Caledonia would bring it home. Luckily, I am man enough to admit when I'm wrong. I thought the Cardinals put together one of the most impressive tournament runs I have witnessed. This was only possible from the experience of coach Dolan. He did a great job getting his team in the driver's seat in all their games and from there they would cruise their way to a championship. Congrats to them!

Totino-Grace in my opinion was the most talented team in MN this year. In this tournament, they showed it. A young squad of coaches modified this team all year which led them to peak at the right time. After multiple 30 point wins early in the tournament they would find themselves competing for a championship against a gritty DeLaSalle team. The entire game it looked as if DLS was in control. Junior Taison Chatman snatched that away, however. He would score his 1000th career point this game as well as acquire a 3A title for his team. Congrats are in order for this squad.

To cap off the night we had a handsome matchup between Park Center and Wayzata from 4A. From the get-go the guard play was captivating. As far as the interior battle goes UST commit Carter Bjerke battled PC big man James Spencer all night. While Bjerke won the scoring battle James would get the rebound victory, and ultimately the last laugh. Wayzata was down double digits with just minutes remaining. A few turnovers from PC would leave the door open. The game was within 2 w/ under a min to play. Unfortunately, a forced shot didn't fall for the Trojans and PC would hold on to win the state's top-class title.  Congratulations to the Pirates! I'll note that if Wayzata pulled off that comeback I would put this game as one of the best Minnesota has seen. At least since the CDH buzzer-beater in 2018.

Great job to everyone involved. From players, to fans, and coaches. 

Thanks for giving this a read! My selections for all-tournament teams should be coming out in the next few days so stay tuned!!

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