Tag: Wayzata Basketball

Wayzata didn’t leave much doubt.

The Trojans closed out their season Friday night with a decisive 79–44 win over Lakeville South to claim the Class AAAA consolation championship at Gangelhoff Center.

From the opening minutes, Wayzata looked like the more settled team. After a brief early exchange, the Trojans took control midway through the first half and built a 37–22 lead by the break.

They never gave it back.

Wayzata stretched the margin throughout the second half, outscoring Lakeville South 42–22 after halftime and leading by as many as 36 points.

Nolen Anderson led the way with 32 points, hitting five three-pointers and finding rhythm early. Christian Wiggins added 19, and the Trojans shot better than 50 percent from the field as a team.

The difference showed up inside. Wayzata outscored Lakeville South 38–18 in the paint and finished with a clear edge on the glass.

Defensively, the Trojans were just as steady—holding Lakeville South to 44 points and limiting clean looks for most of the night.

Wayzata finishes the season 25–7.

It’s not the bracket the Trojans hoped to be in, but Friday night showed what the group could be when it was clicking—balanced, efficient, and difficult to handle for a full 36 minutes.

“Defending state Class AAAA boys basketball champion Wayzata won’t get a chance to repeat as the Trojans were upset 75-73 in the tournament quarterfinals Tuesday. The Trojans, seeded second, jumped out to a 16-3 lead in the game’s opening minutes only to see the seventh-seeded Eagles rally to briefly take the lead 23-22. Wayzata went back ahead by halftime and led by nine early in the second half before Apple Valley came back again. The Eagles led 71-64 with 2:32 to play before the Trojans went on a 9-2 scoring run to tie the game at 73 with 27.5 seconds to play. Ryan Christensen’s rebound basket with 4.9 seconds to play gave Apple Valley a 75-73 lead. Christian Wiggins drove the length of the court for Wayzata for the tie but had his shot blocked by Trey Parker at the buzzer. Wiggins led all scorers with 27 points.Wiggins led all scorers with 27 points. Xavy Ivey added 16 for the Trojans. Parker was one five Eagles players to score in double figures, leading Apple Valley in scoring with 17 points. Apple Valley (20-10) plays Maple Grove (24-6) in the semifinals Thursday at 8:00 pm at Williams Arena. Wayzata (25-4) meets Alexandria (21-8) in the consolation semifinals Thursday at 12 noon at the Gangelhoff Center at Concordia University. It will be the first time in six seasons that the Trojans won’t play for a state championship.” via CCX Media.

Class AAAA State Quarterfinal Preview
Tuesday, 2:00 PM — Target Center

Wayzata opens the Class AAAA state tournament Tuesday afternoon at Target Center against Apple Valley, with both teams arriving in good form after strong section runs.

The Trojans come in at 25–3 out of the Lake Conference, while Apple Valley enters at 19–10 from the South Suburban. Both teams have been tested throughout the season and have shown they can play at a high level on both ends. 

---

Wayzata

Wayzata has been steady all season and is playing well heading into the tournament. They’ve consistently scored in the 80s and 90s down the stretch, including a 105–70 win over Hopkins in the section final. 

They average just over 84 points per game, but it’s not just about scoring—it’s how they play. They’re balanced, they share the ball, and they’re comfortable in different types of games.

Christian Wiggins and Nolen Anderson lead the group, with Wiggins providing scoring and Anderson contributing across the board. Around them, Wayzata has multiple players who can step in and make plays, which allows them to stay consistent over the course of a game.

At their best, they take care of the ball, defend, and make teams work on both ends.

---

Apple Valley

Apple Valley brings a group that can score and plays with confidence. They’re averaging just over 74 points per game and have shown the ability to put up points in a hurry. 

Recent wins over Eastview (94–64), Como Park (94–49), and Hastings (89–63) reflect how effective they can be when they get into a rhythm. 

Trey Parker and Camare Young are key pieces offensively, with Tyrese Hutton providing size inside. They have several players capable of contributing, and they’re comfortable playing at a quicker pace.

They shoot around 45% from the field and do a good job creating scoring opportunities, especially when they’re able to get out and play in space. 

---

What to Watch

This game will likely come down to execution.

Both teams have shown they can score, so things like taking care of the ball, rebounding, and defensive consistency will matter. Each team will be looking to play to its strengths while limiting easy opportunities for the other.

It’s a matchup between two teams that are playing well and capable of advancing, which should make for a competitive quarterfinal at Target Center.

WAYZATA — The Wayzata Trojans are headed back to the state tournament after a commanding 105–70 victory over Hopkins to win the Class 4A, Section 6 championship.

The Trojans showcased the offensive firepower that has made them one of Minnesota’s top teams, breaking open the game early and never looking back. Wayzata’s balanced attack and fast pace overwhelmed Hopkins as the Trojans surpassed the 100-point mark on their home floor.

Senior standout Christian Wiggins led the charge with a remarkable all-around performance, finishing with 30 points, 12 rebounds, and 6 assists. Wiggins shot 9-for-14 from the field, hit five three-pointers, and went 7-for-8 at the free-throw line. The performance was historic for the program, as Wiggins also became Wayzata’s all-time leading scorer.

Nolen Anderson added 23 points and 7 rebounds, shooting 9-for-13 from the field and knocking down four three-pointers. Wayzata’s perimeter shooting helped stretch the Hopkins defense throughout the night.

Additional scoring came from Max Beeninga, who contributed 14 points while going 5-for-6 from the field, including four three-pointers, and Xavy Ivey, who added 11 points.

Hopkins was led by Tre Moore with 18 points, while Ahmed Nur recorded 14 points and 9 rebounds. Kyree Nelsonadded 12 points, and Jayden Moore finished with 9 points and 5 assists.

The decisive victory sends Wayzata back to the Class AAAA State Tournament, which begins March 24. The Trojans enter the tournament as one of the favorites to defend their state title after another dominant postseason performance.

Wayzata High School’s boys basketball program has captured four Minnesota State High School League state championships, winning titles in 1959, 2021, 2023, and 2025. The most recent victory marked the Trojans’ third Class AAAA state championship in a five-season span, underscoring one of the most successful eras in program history.

For now, the Trojans’ focus turns to the state tournament—where they will look to carry their momentum and once again compete for the biggest prize in Minnesota high school basketball.

For more information on the upcoming state tournament, view the brackets at the MSHSL website here:

“Christian Wiggins’ 33 points and late side-step three helped carry Wayzata boys basketball to an 80-76 win over Hopkins. The Royals led for most of the first half and got up by as many as seven points. Jayden Moore (17 points) and Tre Moore (15) led the Royals in scoring. Along with Wiggins’ game-high 33, Nolen Anderson added 20 points, and Isaac Olmstead netted 13. The Trojans are now 15-2 on the season and Hopkins drops to 10-6.” via CCX Media.

“The fourth-ranked Maple Grove boys basketball team overcame a slow start to beat top-ranked Wayzata 77-75 Tuesday night at Maple Grove. Max Iversen had 25 points and Baboucarr Ann 21 to lead the Crimson, with each hitting some key baskets down the stretch. Maple Grove improved to 9-3 overall and 2-1 in Lake Conference games. It’s Wayzata’s first loss against a Minnesota team this season and second overall. The Trojans dropped to 12-2 and 2-1 in Lake Conference play. They were led by Isaac Olmstead with 21 points.” via CCX Media.

“The Wayzata boys basketball team won big in its Lake Conference opener Tuesday, routing previously unbeaten Buffalo 91-60. Christian Wiggins scored 28 points to pace the Trojans with Nolen Anderson adding 18 for the top-ranked team in Class AAAA. Tommy Shunmugavelu added 13 points and Max Beeninga 12 for Wayzata (11-1). Eli Hegle scored 18 for the seventh-ranked Bison (9-1) who suffered their first loss of the season.” via CCX Media.