The 2024-25 Minnesota high school basketball season has ran its course. As one of the last states to complete its season, the Land of 10,000 Lakes with a week-long tournament that culminated with a five day long state tournament spread between the home of the Timberwolves (Target Center) and home of the Minnesota Gophers (Williams Arena). The “Elite 8” in all four divisions went down with some surprising results.
We focused on a number of the MSHSL state tournament winners in our top performers article, but there were a number of other players who may not be household names yet, but are serious prospects in their own right. Weather they be underclassmen, sleepers, or simply players who have continually improved over the course of their high school careers, there were a handful of players who really saw their stock boost at the state tourney. There were no shortage of D1 assistants in the gym evaluating talent.
Malachi Hill (@MalachiHill000) Basketball Highlights vs Monticello March 2025
2027GuardTotino-Grace @TGEaglesNest @PrepHoopsNickHoward Pulley @PulleyHoopsE16 @PulleyHoops#basketball #basketballseason #basketballhighlights #shv pic.twitter.com/yEZGJzmvWr
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Below are a number of players who helped themselves in the 2025 MSHSL State Tournament:
Malachi Hill, 5’11, PG, Totino-Grace, 2027Playing with the three time defending state champions that were loaded with D1 talent, shots and numbers are pretty evenly dispersed. Hill showed great pace coming off ball screens, is an improved 3-point shooter, and makes outstanding decisions with the rock (had 3 turnovers total in three games). The younger brother of former Ohio State point guard P.J. Hill has been playing varsity since his middle school days and will be the catalyst for Howard Pulley on the EYBL circuit.
Jaeden Udean, 6’2, SG, DeLaSalle HS, 2027 Udean may be the most electric scorer in the state of Minnesota despite just being a sophomore, and it showed. He is an incredible isolation scorer who can create separation on anyone for his step back jumper, has insanely deep range, and has no problem shooting on the move when he doesn’t have the rock. Having played varsity since he was in middle school, Udean has a super developed game that has made him a target of high major programs.
Deng Lueth, 6’10, C, Rochester John Marshall, 2025Matched up against the state’s top senior (6-foot-10 Notre Dame bound Tommy Ahneman) in the “Elite 8” round, Lueth showed he could hold his own as a serious big man prospect. The Sudanese-American big made some outstanding passes from the high post, used his body to finish through contact, and utilized his 7-foot-2 wingspan to provide rim protection. Showing constant improvement over the years, Lueth is really turning the corner and is undoubtedly a name that you’ll be reading about after a prep or JUCO year.
Daniel Zoa, 6’5, SF, Totino-Grace, 2028One of the elite freshmen the state of Minnesota has to offer, Zoa made his impact felt throughout the state tournament with his combination of activity and athleticism on both ends of the floor. He is a monster offensive rebounder, an elite finisher above the rim, and is an explosive straight line driver. Considered by many to be the top freshman in the state, Zoa has already been hearing from high major programs and will be hearing from many more playing on the 3SSB Circuit.
Mason Witt, 6’0, PG, Alexandria HS, 2026While Chase Thompson took the bulk of the load offensively, Alexandria doesn’t take home the 3A state title without the play of Mason Witt. The sharpshooter lefty is able to play either backcourt spot, plays with extreme confidence, and has tons of experience playing against high level competition after running with D1 Minnesota on the 3SSB circuit. The heady junior capped off an outstanding season averaging 21 points per game and will be running the show as a senior next year at Alexandria.
Isaac Olmstead, 5’11, PG, Wayzata HS, 2026Olmstead is one of those players who may not put up video game numbers, but whose impact goes far beyond the box score. Averaging 15.6 points per game this past season, Olmstead is a 3-point threat who knows when and where to get three talented wings (6-foot 5 Christian Wiggins, 6-foot-6 Nolen Anderson, and 6-foot-7 Wyatt McBeth) the ball in scoring situations. The 14 points, seven assists with only one turnover, and leadership he provided, were imperative in Wayzata’s upset over CDH in 4A title game.
