As far as traditional high school basketball is concerned, the 2025-26 season is officially a thing of the past. With Minnesota and Indiana being the lone two states to wrap things up, all 50 states in the USA officially ended their respective seasons by the conclusion of this past weekend. Now we’re waiting on the results of events such as The Throne and Chipotle Nationals to shape things up to crown a victor on the national level.
Minnesota’s MSHSL did not end its season without intrigue. Fifth seeded Chaska shocked everyone by topping undefeated #1 seed Tartan and then a gritty Apple Valley team (who knocked off former Ballislife FAB 50 ranked Wayzata and a stacked Maple Grove squad) to take home Minnesota’s biggest division (AAAA).
Totino-Grace continued its dynasty, winning its third title in four years in a thrilling matchup in the AAA division. Minnehaha Academy showed that it is more than Jalen Suggs and Chet Holmgren, taking home their first title since Chet graduated (2021) in the AA class. In Minnesota’s smallest division, Hills-Beaver Creek won the crown paced by 6-foot-5 senior Jamin Metzger (who will be a quarterback at the college ranks at the University of Sioux Falls).
Ultimately, Minnesota’s state title games ended as follows, starting from largest division to smallest divison.
AAAA – Chaska over Apple Valley, 63-55
AAA – Totino-Grace defeated DeLaSalle, 72-70
AA – Minnehaha Academy topped Goodhue. 81-69
A – Hills-Beaver Creek over Jamesville-Waldorf- Pemberton,, 64-33
While there were a number of intriguing underclassmen that we laid eyes on throughout the state tournament who will undoubtedly be big time players at the college ranks, it was the class of 2026 who really stood out with their play. Here’s a look at a number of the top seniors that we saw throughout the week long MSHSL State Tournament:
@Dothan0
Dothan Ijadimbola, 6’6, SF, Totino-Grace HS (Minn.), 2026
Stepping foot into the high school ranks with a big reputation, Dothan Ijadimbola lived up to every bit of the hype and more throughout his four year career at Totino-Grace. He brought insane defensive versatility to the floor, is a near impossible straight line driver to stop, and constantly improved as a shooter during his time at Totino-Grace. Wrapping up his career with his third state title, Dothan’s constant track record of improvement leads you to believe the trent will continue in the Missouri Valley Conference at Drake.
Max Iversen, 6’3, PG/SG, Maple Grove HS (Minn.), 2026
Making the move from Delano to Maple Grove for his senior year proved invaluable for Max Iversen, as seen with his run in the MSHSL State Tourney. The 41-point outing that he had in the quarters showed the electric shot making ability that he possesses, but he also showed the ability to distribute and play with other talented players at this stage (as he did with D1 Minnesota on the Adidas 3SSB Circuit). Heading to North Dakota State, there will be plenty of opportunity to receive minutes for the conference champs, as NDS lost many talented players to bigger schools in the transfer portal.
Deron Russell, 6’1, PG/SG, Waseca HS (Minn.), 2026
Had it not been for matching up with eventual AA champion Minnehaha Academy in the quarterfinals, Deron Russell would have put up a state tourney for the ages and did it with his 51-point showing against the state champs. The athletic combo guard is outstanding shooting on the move, converts plenty of off balance shots in the lane, and uses his athleticism to get into the paint at will. Heading to North Dakota State as a cornerback, it wouldn’t surprise me to see him suit up for the Bison on the hardwood as well by the time that it’s all said and done.
Trey Parker, 6’2, SG, Apple Valley HS (Minn.), 2026
In one of the more magical runs that I have seen since moving to Minnesota for the state tourney, Apple Valley knocked off both Wayzata and Maple Grove and it was largely due to the play of Trey Parker. The scoring guard has deep range, plays the game at his own speed, and is absolutely automatic once he gets to his mid-range pull-up. While Apple Valley fell in the state title game, Parker poured in 33 points and immediately placed himself with the best unsigned seniors left on the board in Minnesota.
DeAngelo Dungey, 6’3, PG/SG, Totino Grace HS (Minn.), 2026
There is not a better two way guard left on the board in the Land of 10,000 Lakes than DeAngelo Dungey and he showed that in TG’s state title run. The combo guard is a leader by example with his play on the defensive end, has super quick hands, and knows how to get to his sweet spots as a scorer with limited dribbles. Having won state titles at both Breck and at Totino-Grace, Dungey is going to be bringing winning culture to wherever he lands on the college level.
Tian Chatman, 6’4, PG/SG, Totino Grace HS (Minn.), 2026
One of the highest upside seniors left on the board, Tian Chatman showed the raw talent that intrigues college coaches with his play for TG. The combo guard possesses great size, has unbelievable passing ability with either hand, and has made consistent improvement as a shooter. The younger brother of Ohio State guard Taison Chatman is certainly one whose best days of basketball lay ahead of him.
Editor’s Pick
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