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 culminates the season with a week long tournament that was 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.
In 1A (the smallest division), Dawson-Boyd took home its first state title, spearheaded by the play of 6-foot-8 combo forward Brayson Boike. For the 2A group, Albany knocked off previously undefeated Waseca to take home the crown. Loaded defending 3A Totino-Grace had its plans derailed from winning a fourth straight state title by Alexandria (featuring Clemson bound Chase Thompson). Then in Minnesota’s biggest division (4A), Wayzata upset then FAB 50 No. 36 Cretin-Derham Hall by totally controlling the tempo of the game.
In a super solid basketball state, naturally there were going to be a number of players who put on a show in their one shining moment. Here are a few of the top performers from the 2025 Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) State Tournament:
Chase Thompson, 6’9, PF, Alexandria HS, 2025A model of constant productivity, Chase Thompson continually got better each year of his high school career, culminating with a dominating showing in the final four and a state title. The stretch forward had 33 points, 13 rebounds, and 5 assists to knock off three-time defending state champ Totino-Grace in the final four before posting 28 points and seven rebounds to defeat top seated Mankato East in the championship. Chase’s ability to post, shoot the ball effortlessly from deep, and make plays as a big make him a matchup nightmare. Headed to the ACC at Clemson next season, Thompson’s all around game and ability to stretch the defense should find him a nice home at the high major level.
Nolen Anderson, 6’6, SG, Wayzata HS, 2026Last season at Eden Prairie, Nolen Anderson showed that he was an intriguing prospect. Throughout the AAU circuit and now this high school season, he showed that he is a serious prospect. An elite shooter with size, Anderson poured in 24 points in the state title game via a flurry of deep threes and straight line drives to the cup that he was able to convert due to his outstanding size for a guard. Still a sleeper on the national level, Anderson holds offers from Drake, Northern Iowa, Illinois State, and UIC with plenty to follow playing on the adidas 3SSB circuit with D1 Minnesota.
Nolan Groves, 6’4, PG/SG, Orono HS, 2025 The state’s leading scorer (34.2 PPG) capped off an outstanding career, leading Orono to a third place finish in 3A with games of 44 points, 31 points, and 29 points, respectively. Able to play either backcourt slot, Groves is a lights out shooter, utilizes his size to post smaller defenders, and totally plays within himself. The front runner for Minnesota’s Mr. Basketball is headed to the Ivy League next season to play for James Jones and an emerging Yale program.
Christian Wiggins, 6’5, SG, Wayzata HS, 2026Considered by some to be the top 2026 prospect in the state of Minnesota, Christian Wiggins played up to his reputation by pumping in 21 points to pace Wayzata to the 4A state title. A lethal shooter, Wiggins has made serious growth in his game off the bounce as well as in the athleticism department, making him an impact player as a finisher at the rack, as well as from beyond the arc. Owning offers from Iowa, Iowa State, Creighton, and a host of others, Christian has the potential to solidify that top spot with a strong performance on the AAU circuit.
Brayson Boike, 6’8, SF/PF, Dawson-Boyd HS, 2025Capping off a historic run in Minnesota’s smallest division (1A), Brayson Boike led Dawson-Boyd to its first ever Minnesota state title. Having ran with D1 Minnesota on the adidas 3SSB circuit the past two years, Boike has plenty of experience playing against elite talent and it showed when playing against his small school foes. The athletic combo forward posted 29 points (9-13 FG, 3-4 3PT), eight rebounds, two steals, while defending all five spots at times. Despite hearing from countless D1 programs, Boike opted to go to D2 Southwest Minnesota State, where he will have the opportunity to contribute from day one.
Brady Wooley, 6’9, PF, Orono HS, 2025Arguably the state’s top unsigned senior, Brady Wooley showed all of the tools that you look for out of a new age big man. The 6-foot-9 forward is super agile laterally, is a developing 3-point shooter (19 3PT made on season), and is athletic to finish over the top of you in the paint. Wooley has taken visits to Iowa, Minnesota, Iowa State, Clemson, and Yale, solidifying himself as one of the better late signing period bigs available in the Midwest.
