And then there were two. With 48 of the 50 states here in America having already wrapped up their respective 2025-2026 basketball seasons, Indiana and Minnesota were the final two remaining. Now living in Minneapolis, I took in the Minnesota MSHSL AAA or 3A (second biggest division) quarterfinals on Wednesday, and there was no shortage of talent on hand.
Held at the University of Minnesota’s historic Williams Arena, games were a tad more lively than they were at the massive Target Center. Affectionately known as “The Barn”, Williams Arena provides an interesting environment where the floor is raised, placing the benches below the court. When you’re playing there, it’s almost as if you’re playing on an elevated stage.
Minnesota power DeLaSalle cruises to #MSHSL Final 4 w/defensive clinic in 87-37 W.6’2 ’27 Jaeden Udean was walking bucket w/26pts in 17 mins,6’8 Ichima Idoko showed he’s best ’28 in state w/constantly improving w/2 way play,6’4 ’27 Kamar Thomas does much more than shows up in box pic.twitter.com/pZeEmXQKFH
— Rodger Bohn (@rodgerbohn) March 25, 2026
Top-seeded Totino-Grace has won three of the last four AAA State titles and is in its fifth consecutive MSHSL State Tournament. TG coach Nick Carroll (also the founder of Prep Hoops) has a loaded squad from top to bottom that blends defense, size, and positional versatility, as seen in Wednesday’s victory.
Minnesota MSHSL AAA Quarterfinals Results
(1) Totino-Grace over (8) Minneapolis South 90-56
(4) Northfield over (5) Mankato East 56-49
(2) DeLaSalle topped (7) Grand Rapids 87-37
(3) Richfield defeated (6) Sartell 72-62
Here are a few of the top performers who caught our eye from Wednesday’s action at the University of Minnesota:
Jaeden Udean, 6’2, PG/SG, DeLaSalle HS (Minn.), 2027
The most electric scorer in Minnesota’s junior class lived up to his reputation in DeLaSalle’s Elite Eight victory, pouring in 26 points in 17 minutes. The lefty showed the ability to hang points on the board with limited dribbles, was great coming off of screens in either direction, and was confident shooting the ball beyond the NBA 3-point line.
@Vlonekrazi | Instagram
Having played varsity since his middle school days, Jaeden Udean is one of the more polished players, regardless of class, that the Land of 10,000 Lakes has to offer.
Dothan Ijadimbola, 6’6, SF, Totino-Grace HS (Minn.), 2026
The best two-way wing in Minnesota’s senior class lived up to his reputation on Wednesday, dropping 22 points in TG’s lopsided victory to move on to the MSHSL semfinals. Playing through contact, Dothan Ijadimbola drew a ton of fouls (shot 13 free throws), was a bull with his straight-line drives to the rim, and put immense pressure on the rock defensively.
The Mr. Basketball Finalist is headed to Drake, where his ability to play on both ends of the floor should enable him to see immediate playing time in the Missouri Valley Conference.
Ichima Idoko, 6’8, SF, DeLaSalle HS (Minn.), 2028
While Udean stole the show with his scoring, Ichima Idoko showed the raw talent that has made him the top sophomore in the Land of 10,000 Lakes. The lefty swingman hit a pair of smooth 3-pointers, showed off crazy touch in the paint with his floater, and guarded every single position on the floor at times.
Already owning high major offers, Idoko will undoubtedly be gaining more on the circuit with Grassroots Sizzle, but he has his eyes on a state title first.
Tyrece Hagler, 6’2, PG/SG, Richfield HS (Minn.), 2027
Richfield has had a remarkable resurgence over the past few years, and while there’s no natural “star” on this year’s team, someone steps up each game. In the quarterfinals, it was Tyrece Hagler. The guard poured in 20 points via a flurry of deep threes, was a constant threat as a shooter, and totally changed the complexion of the game.
Richfield is led by head coach Omar McMillan (who also runs the Minnesota Black Basketball Coaches Association) and will have arguably the game of the day against DeLaSalle in the semis.
Daniel Zoa, 6’6, PF, Totino-Grace HS (Minn.), 2028
While he didn’t put up huge numbers, the impact that Daniel Zoa brought to The Barn went far beyond the box score. He rebounded the ball outside of his area, was a shot-blocking presence at the rim, and was great as a cutter or playing out of the dunker spot.
The athletic forward has continued to improve throughout the season and will be running with Division I Minnesota on the 3SSB circuit this spring.
Isaac Bergstrom, 6’7, SF/PF, Sartell HS (Minn.), 2026
It was my first time seeing Isaac Bergstrom at the MSHSL Tourney, and though it was the last game of his high school career, it won’t be the last time that I see him.
Perhaps the best passing big in the state, Bergstrom hit cutters with every pass imaginable, got the rock to shooters in their sweet spots, and threw soft passes over the top to the post. The 10 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists don’t do justice to the versatility that this forward from rural Minnesota brings to the table.
Editor’s Pick
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