Wisconsin and Minnesota have had a rivalry on the hardwood dating back as far as most can remember. The two bordering states share many of the country’s finest D-3 programs, and while they do not own a ton of D-1 universities, they own no shortage of D-1 college prospects. Breakdown USA and Mark Miller of the Wisconsin Basketball Yearbook agreed to end the debate in many cases, creating the Wisconsin/Minnesota Border Battle eighteen years ago.
Though the event didn’t have as many of the Wisconsin powerhouse programs for the ’25-’26 campaign, there was still a bevy of talent that you’ll be seeing at the D-1 ranks by the time that it is all said and done. Minnesota swept all but one game, with its No. 1-ranked 3A team, Totino-Grace, leading the way with a massive statement win.
Blending the history of the historic Hutton Arena at Hamline University (where legendary coach Don Meyer got his start), the Border Battle brought you back in time a bit for an outstanding day of hoops.
Having already taken a look the top overall performers that you may have heard of, here are a few of the players who are still flying under the radar at the moment from the 2026 Breakdown Border Battle:
Photo: @ellieblanchfieldphoto
DeAngelo Dungey, 6’3, PG/SG, Totino Grace HS (Minn.) 2026
With star point guard Malachi Hill out for the game, DeAngelo Dungey slid into the role as primary ball handler for Minnesota’s top ranked 3A team and made the most of the opportunity. The 27 points that Dungey dropped in Totino-Grace’s blowout win came completely within the flow of the offense, as he put on a clinic as to how to get buckets from your sweet spots on the floor. Don’t tell DeAngelo the mid-range is dead with the high level of productivity that the middy brought to him. Once you combine that with the outstanding on-ball defense that he brought to the table, it is easy to see why Dungey is one of the better senior guards left on the board in Minnesota.
Cooper Foeckler, 6’4, SG/SF, Franklin HS (Wisc.), 2029
A name that I wasn’t familiar with leading into the event, it just took a few minutes of watching Cooper Foeckler to realize that there can’t be too many freshman in the state of Wisconsin better. At every bit of 6-foot-4, he already owns great positional size, is incredibly confident, and showed the ability to score from all three levels. The level of assertion he showed early on for Franklin, scoring 12 of their first 14 points, showed the type of alpha that he could become, and is definitely a player I look forward to seeing on the Adidas 3SSB circuit with KL Power 5.
Jaeden Udean, 6’2, PG/SG, DeLaSalle HS (Minn.), 2027
Having been a double digit scorer on the varsity level since he was in middle school, it’s easy to forget that Jaden Udean is just a junior. The abundance of experience playing at a high level showed at the Breakdown Border Battle, evidenced by his 17-point outing. The lefty has limitless range on his jump shot, can create separation to get to his shot on just about anyone, and is constantly improving as a finisher at the rim. Udean’s ability to put points on the board with limited bounces make him one of the Land of 10,000 Lakes best pure scorers, regardless of class.
Deon Wallace-Johnson, 6’3, SG, DeLaSalle (Minn.), 2027
The definition of a two way wing, Deon Wallace-Johnson changed the trajectory of DeLaSalle’s win at the Border Battle with his ability to impact the game on the defensive end. The powerfully built junior put immense pressure on the rock, was an exceptional rebounder from the perimeter and played above the rim on both ends of the floor. One of the faster rising juniors in the Land of 10,000 Lakes, Wallace-Johnson will be a name to remember this spring on the AAU circuit and his 13 point,10 rebound, 6 assist showing at Border Battle reminded us why.
Keishaun Rolle, 6’0, PG, Totino Grace HS (Minn.), 2027
Playing on a Totino-Grace squad that should have at least 10 players reach the D-1 or D-2 college ranks, minutes aren’t the most plentiful and you need to make the most of them. Keishaun Rolle did exactly that at the Breakdown Border Battle with his performance in TG’s blowout victory. The two way point guard put immense pressure on the rock, hit open 3-pointers, and provided a boost of energy every second that he was on the hardwood. Rolle will be running on the Adidas circuit with D1 Minnesota Gold, where his ability to play on both ends should allow him to contribute.
Editor’s Pick
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