Final week was a terrific one for basketball within the Land of 10,000 Lakes. Getting deep into convention play, there have been numerous alternatives to observe packages that had a number of D-1 prospects play towards one another to the purpose that it was powerful to choose which sport to go to every evening. Defending 3-A State Champion Totino-Grace (Wayzata, Minn.) rolled and is the surefire favourite to repeat for a 3rd consecutive 12 months. Defending 4-A state champ Wayzata gained three in a row after struggling their lone lack of the 12 months, and high 50 2024 Jackson McAndrew is doing the whole lot in his energy to lock up Mr. Basketball. Orono confirmed why its a workforce you don’t wish to face within the playoffs with an underneath the radar junior dropping 50 in a win final week.
Listed below are just a few of the highest gamers who I evaluated previously week (Jan. 29-Feb. 3) in Minnesota:
Dothan Ijadimbola, 6’6, SF, Totino-Grace (MN), 2026
Thought of by many to be the highest sophomore within the state of Minnesota, Dothan Ijambola confirmed appreciable development to this point all through his sophomore marketing campaign, particularly along with his confidence as a shooter. He appeared much more snug taking pictures the three along with his ft set, was automated along with his mid-range pull-up, and is studying to make the most of his size on each ends. Ijadimbola is ranked within the top-50 nationally and already holds provides from the likes of Iowa, Iowa State, Minnesota, and Oklahoma.
Isaiah Johnson-Arigu, 6’7, SF/PF, Totino-Grace (MN), 2024
One of the vital bodily punishing gamers within the state, Isaiah Johnson-Arigu has developed into the whole lot you search for out of a brand new age ahead. He’s expert sufficient to straight line beat you off the bounce, is fluid sufficient to make a second transfer as soon as assist defenders step up, and instantly appears to be like to punish smaller defenders within the put up by showcasing his power. Heading to play within the ACC for Miami, Johnson-Arigu has the flexibility to earn minutes sooner somewhat than later, particularly as he continues to take his three level shot to new heights.
Nolan Groves, 6’4, PG/SG, Orono HS (MN), 2025
In one of many extra dynamic scoring outputs of the season, Nolan Groves dropped 50 factors in entrance of an Iowa assistant coach in a St. Louis Park squad that has two D-1 prospects themselves in Groves’ AAU teammates Micah and Marley Curtis. He drilled various deep 3-pointers, was automated along with his mid-range sport, and in addition made some very nice passes out of decide and roll play. Groves shall be working on the 3SSB Circuit with J-Sizzle and is continuous to construct a reputation for himself in recruiting circles.
Jackson McAndrew, 6’9, PF, Wayzata HS (MN), 2024
The state’s high participant from the defending state champions bounced again after their loss to Hopkins, averaging 28 factors per sport over the past three Wayzata wins. He scored 31 factors towards an excellent powerful Minnetonka workforce, confirmed a ton of promise as a facilitator/playmaker, and is consistently getting extra assured in ending via contact when attacking the basket regardless of his slender body. McAndrew is Creighton’s highest ranked recruit in latest reminiscence and may contribute from day one.
Nolen Anderson, 6’6, SG, Eden Prairie HS (MN), 2026
In an absolute electrical efficiency, Nolen Anderson firmly established himself as among the best in Minnesota’s 2026 class, dropping 33 factors towards defending state champ Totino-Grace. Having grown to a legit 6-foot-6, the taking pictures guard has additionally developed into way more than a standstill shooter. He’s nice enjoying out of dribble handoffs, is consistently relocating with out the ball, and scoring on straight line drives. Nolen shall be working with D1 Minnesota on the 3SDB Circuit this spring and is certain to explode.
Tyler Wagner, 6’5, SG, Totino-Grace (MN), 2025
A participant who simply retains getting higher, Tyler Wagner continues to evolve as a modern-day two guard. He’s an automated shooter along with his ft set, but additionally has a pleasant first step for straight line drives and has no downside going up and dunking on you. As Wagner’s capacity to repeatedly rating off the bounce continues to enhance, extra provides will comply with. Nevertheless, he already has various D1 provides with many others intently monitoring.