Final week was an ideal one for basketball within the Land of 10,000 Lakes. Getting deep into convention play, there have been numerous alternatives to look at applications that had a number of D-1 prospects play in opposition to one another to the purpose that it was powerful to choose which recreation to go to every night time. 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 every thing in his energy to lock up Mr. Basketball. Orono confirmed why its a crew you don’t wish to face within the playoffs with an beneath the radar junior dropping 50 in a win final week.
Listed below are a number of of the highest gamers who I evaluated prior to now week (Jan. 29-Feb. 3) in Minnesota:
Dothan Ijadimbola, 6’6, SF, Totino-Grace (MN), 2026Considered by many to be the highest sophomore within the state of Minnesota, Dothan Ijambola confirmed appreciable progress to this point all through his sophomore marketing campaign, particularly together with his confidence as a shooter. He appeared much more comfy capturing the three together with his ft set, was automated together 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 presents from the likes of Iowa, Iowa State, Minnesota, and Oklahoma.
Isaiah Johnson-Arigu, 6’7, SF/PF, Totino-Grace (MN), 2024One of the vital bodily punishing gamers within the state, Isaiah Johnson-Arigu has developed into every thing 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 seems to punish smaller defenders within the submit by showcasing his power. Heading to play within the ACC for Miami, Johnson-Arigu has the flexibility to earn minutes sooner fairly than later, particularly as he continues to take his three level shot to new heights.
Nolan Groves, 6’4, PG/SG, Orono HS (MN), 2025In 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 a variety of deep 3-pointers, was automated together with his mid-range recreation, and in addition made some very nice passes out of choose and roll play. Groves will probably be operating on the 3SSB Circuit with J-Sizzle and is constant to construct a reputation for himself in recruiting circles.
Jackson McAndrew, 6’9, PF, Wayzata HS (MN), 2024The state’s high participant from the defending state champions bounced again after their loss to Hopkins, averaging 28 factors per recreation over the past three Wayzata wins. He scored 31 factors in opposition to a brilliant powerful Minnetonka crew, confirmed a ton of promise as a facilitator/playmaker, and is continually getting extra assured in ending by means of contact when attacking the basket regardless of his slender body. McAndrew is Creighton’s highest ranked recruit in current reminiscence and may contribute from day one.
Nolen Anderson, 6’6, SG, Eden Prairie HS (MN), 2026In an absolute electrical efficiency, Nolen Anderson firmly established himself as among the finest in Minnesota’s 2026 class, dropping 33 factors in opposition to defending state champ Totino-Grace. Having grown to a legit 6-foot-6, the capturing guard has additionally developed into far more than a standstill shooter. He’s nice taking part in out of dribble handoffs, is continually relocating with out the ball, and scoring on straight line drives. Nolen will probably be operating with D1 Minnesota on the 3SDB Circuit this spring and is certain to explode.
Tyler Wagner, 6’5, SG, Totino-Grace (MN), 2025A participant who simply retains getting higher, Tyler Wagner continues to evolve as a modern-day two guard. He’s an automated shooter together with his ft set, but additionally has a pleasant first step for straight line drives and has no drawback going up and dunking on you. As Wagner’s capacity to repeatedly rating off the bounce continues to enhance, extra presents will observe. Nevertheless, he already has a variety of D1 presents with many others intently monitoring.
