“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.
Tag: Wayzata Basketball
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“Four players scored in double figures as the Wayzata girls basketball team scored its first victory of the calendar year with a 65-38 win over Prior Lake. Kate Amelotte scored 16 points to lead the Trojans with Annika Kieser adding 14, Mallory McBeth 11 and Maren Day 10. Toni Fisher scored 20 points to lead Prior Lake. Wayzata is now 8-3 this season and hosts Como Park Wednesday before playing their first Lake Conference game of the season Friday against Edina.” via CCX Media.
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“The Wayzata boys basketball team won the program’s third state championship in five years when they defeated Cretin-Derham Hall in the class AAAA final last March. Now the Trojans look to repeat their title with a good majority of their roster returning. Leading the way for Wayzata will be Division 1 commits Nolen Anderson and Christian Wiggins, but the Trojans also have key returners back in Isaac Olmstead, Tommy Shunmugavelu, Brady Lam, Sam Mohs, and Xaviahn Ivey. Wayzata will tip off the season December 2nd at Prior Lake.” via CCX Media.
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“Four players scored in double figures as the Wayzata girls basketball team won big in their season opener, beating Eagan 71-32. Annika Kieser scored 15 points, Kate Amelotte and Maren Day 12 and Mallory McBeth 11 to lead Wayzata. The Trojans, who finished 23-5 a year ago, play Rosemount at the Tip-Off Classic in Chaska Saturday at 7:00 pm.” via CCX Media.
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“On the first day of the NCAA fall signing period, Wayzata High School student-athletes put pen to paper and committed to play their sport at the next level. In a ceremony Wednesday morning, a school-record 25 seniors- in 12 different sports- signed their National Letters of Intent at various Division 1 or Division 2 schools from across the country. Three Trojans basketball players will be playing Division 1 basketball with Kate Amelotte signing to Creighton University, along with Wayzata boys basketball players Christian Wiggins committing to Iowa State, and Nolen Anderson staying home and playing for the University of Minnesota. Nathan Carr will head east and compete on the University of Virginia men’s swimming and diving team. Lila Golomb will run cross country and track, along with compete in Nordic ski and the University of New Hampshire.” via CCX Media.
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“Wayzata small forward Nolen Anderson chatted with CCX about his recent commitment to the University of Minnesota. Anderson averaged 17.6 points per game this past winter, helping the Trojans win the state class AAAA championship. Anderson is known for his ability to shoot the ball. In his junior year Anderson shot 43% on three-point attempts and made 87 total threes. However, he has expanded his game in the last year both at Wayzata and while playing in AAU with D1 Minnesota. Nolen also had offers from Virginia Tech, Drake, Montana, and Illinois State, among others.” via CCX Media.
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MINNEAPOLIS — It was tense. It was physical. And it was exactly what you’d expect in a state semifinal.
But when the dust settled Thursday night at Williams Arena, one truth remained: the Wayzata Trojans are championship-bound — again.
Behind a gritty second-half comeback and big-time performances from its core, No. 2-seeded Wayzata defeated No. 3 Shakopee 59-55 to earn a spot in the Class AAAA state championship game for the fifth consecutive season. With the win, Wayzata (27-4) continues its historic run of excellence and will battle No. 1 Cretin-Derham Hall on Saturday for the program’s fourth state title.
And they earned every bit of it.
A Game of Runs — and Grit
Wayzata trailed 31-24 at halftime, having struggled to string together stops while Shakopee found a rhythm behind 38.5% shooting from deep. The Sabers, led by senior forward Luke Wherley’s 15 points and 10 rebounds, held the largest lead of the game at 30-19 late in the first half.
But the second half told a different story.
Wayzata outscored Shakopee 35-24 after the break, fueled by timely three-point shooting and a defense that locked in during crunch time. The Trojans allowed just two turnovers all game and held Shakopee to 5-of-15 at the free throw line — a number that loomed large late.
Olmstead Ignites the Rally
With just under three minutes remaining, Wayzata trailed 53-49 after an 11-0 Sabers run. That’s when junior guard Isaac Olmstead stepped up with the poise of a veteran.
Olmstead drilled back-to-back three-pointers — both from the right wing — to flip the scoreboard and give the Trojans a 55-53 lead with under two minutes to play. He finished with 14 points, shooting 4-of-7 from long range, and dished out three assists to go with a steal.
Wiggins Steady, McBeth Relentless
While Olmstead hit the big shots, Christian Wiggins led the offensive charge all night. The junior guard poured in 18 points on 6-of-12 shooting, including 3-of-5 from beyond the arc. He also hit the final free throw of the game with 25 seconds remaining — the last of his points — giving Wayzata a 59-53 cushion before a late Shakopee layup.
Wiggins added 4 rebounds, an assist, a block, and a steal, delivering a complete two-way performance.
Senior guard Wyatt McBeth, playing in his third straight semifinal, brought the toughness that’s become his trademark. He racked up 10 points, a team-high 9 rebounds, 2 assists, a block, and a steal — doing a bit of everything in his signature physical style.
Anderson on the Glass, Defense Turns the Tide
Nolen Anderson added 11 points and 8 rebounds, while Samuel Mohs cleaned up 5 defensive boards off the bench.
Wayzata’s defense came up big in key moments, recording 4 steals, and more importantly, forcing tough looks down the stretch. Shakopee turned it over six times, and Wayzata converted those into six points off turnovers.
Fastbreak production also favored the Trojans, who led that category 12-4 — a credit to their ability to capitalize off defensive rebounds and long misses.
Fifth Straight, Sixth Overall
Wayzata now advances to the program’s sixth-ever state championship appearance, having claimed titles in 1959, 2021, and 2023. They finished runner-up in 2022 (to Park Center) and 2024 (to Minnetonka).
This era of Trojans basketball has firmly established itself as a dynasty — not just by making it to the big game, but by the way they do it: with composure, balance, and trust in each other.
Saturday night at Williams Arena, they’ll get a shot at their third title in five years, and another chance to etch their names into the record books.
Tipoff against Cretin-Derham Hall is scheduled for 8 p.m.
Stay tuned — history might just be calling again.
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“The second-seeded Wayzata boys basketball team was tested by Moorhead but closed the game on a 9-2 scoring run to win 61-52 in the state Class AAAA quarterfinals Tuesday. The Spuds led 19-11 in the first half before the Trojans surged ahead by a single point at halftime, 33-32. The game remained remained close throughout the second half with Isaac Olmstead hitting two big three-pointers late to put the game away for the Trojans. Olmstead scored 18 points and Wyatt McBeth 16 to led the Trojans. Reign Battle scored 23 points to lead Moorhead in scoring. Wayzata (26-4) plays in the state semifinals Thursday at 8:00 pm against Shakopee.” via CCX Media.
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“The Wayzata boys basketball team has become familiar with preparing for the Class AAAA state tournament. The Trojans earned a fifth consecutive trip to the state tournament when they defeated Hopkins in the section 6AAAA final. Wayzata enters the state tournament with a 25-4 record and has won seven games in a row. Four Trojans have averaged in double digits for Wayzata this season, led by Christian Wiggins’ 19.7 points per game. Last year the Trojans fell to Minnetonka in the class AAAA title game. Wayzata is hoping for redemption this go around. The Trojans will play Moorhead in the quarterfinals on Tuesday.” via CCX Media.
The Trojans face Moorehead today at 2pm at the Target Center. More info here:
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Wayzata Boys Basketball team poses after the Section Championship win. Image courtesy Wayzata Athletics. Class AAAA Quarterfinals – March 18, 2025 | 2:00 PM | Target Center
Wayzata boys’ basketball is headed back to the big stage for the 5th time in as many years. The Trojans, the No. 2 seed in the Class AAAA state tournament, will face No. 7 seed Moorhead in the quarterfinal round on Tuesday, March 18, at 2 p.m. at Target Center. The Trojans have won the State Championship in 2021 & 2023.
Wayzata (25-4) secured its place in the tournament with a hard-fought 76-72 Section 6AAAA championship victory over longtime rival Hopkins (26-2), continuing its dominance in one of the toughest sections in the state. Meanwhile, Moorhead (22-7) punched its ticket to state with a 59-58 win over St. Michael-Albertville (18-10) in the Section 8AAAA final. Both teams bring strong records and postseason momentum into Tuesday’s matchup.
Trojans’ Strength in Depth and Experience
The Trojans boast one of the deepest rosters in Class AAAA, led by senior Christian Wiggins (19.7 PPG), a versatile scorer capable of taking over games. Isaac Olmstead (15.6 PPG) and Wyatt McBeth (12.9 PPG) provide additional firepower, ensuring that defenses cannot key in on just one player. Wayzata’s ability to spread the floor and knock down outside shots has been a key factor in their success this season.
Defensively, the Trojans have the ability to match up with any style of play. Their experience in the Lake Conference, widely regarded as the state’s best, has prepared them for the level of competition they will face at state.
Moorhead’s Dynamic Trio
The Spuds arrive in Minneapolis with plenty of confidence, having knocked off St. Michael-Albertville to claim their section title. They are led by Reign Battle (20.7 PPG), Brian Zarazua (17.1 PPG), and David Mack (16.1 PPG)—a trio that has carried Moorhead throughout the season. The Spuds thrive in transition and will look to push the pace against the disciplined Trojans.
For Wayzata, containing Battle and limiting second-chance opportunities will be critical. The Trojans’ defense will need to step up against an aggressive Moorhead attack.
How to Attend
Tickets for the game can be purchased through the MSHSL website and at the Target Center box office. Fans are encouraged to secure their tickets early, as a strong showing from the Wayzata community is expected.
The Wayzata Athletic Department is organizing fan buses to transport students to the game. Buses will depart from Wayzata High School, and details on sign-ups have been sent out via ParentSquare.
With a trip to the state semifinals on the line, this matchup promises to be an exciting battle between two talented teams. Expect a strong contingent of blue and gold in the stands as the Trojans look to continue their postseason run.
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