The countdown is on for Trojan Madness, the highly anticipated kickoff event for the 2024-2025 WayzataBoys Basketball season! Mark your calendars for Friday, November 22nd, from 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM, as the community gathers at the Wayzata High School Main Gym to celebrate all things basketball.
This family-friendly event is open to high school students, youth players, and the entire public, offering an action-packed evening filled with excitement and activities for all ages. Fans can look forward to:
Dunk Contest
3-Point Contest
A chance to watch a short varsity scrimmage
Fun drills for youth players (don’t forget your shoes!)
Prizes for participants
Trojan Madness is more than just an event—it’s a chance to unite as a community, support our talented athletes, and get hyped for what promises to be an incredible basketball season. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to Wayzata Basketball, there’s something for everyone.
So, grab your friends and family, head to the gym, and get ready to cheer on the Trojans as they gear up for another exciting season. Go Trojans!
P.A. Announcer will be remembered for his artificial attendance reports, imitations of officials’ penalty calls, and his faith
After more than three decades as the unmistakable voice of Wayzata High School athletics, Joe Komarek stepped away from the microphone earlier this year, bringing an end to his 33-year tenure as the public address announcer for the Trojans. Known for his rich voice, keen sense of timing, and the occasional lighthearted quip, Komarek became a beloved figure in Wayzatasports.
Komarek, a graduate of Armstrong High School in Plymouth, is an avid golfer and a proud member of the Golden Valley Country Club. His love for golf has been a lifelong passion, offering him a way to relax and stay active when he’s not behind the microphone or involved in community service.
A 33 Year Legacy as the Voice of the Trojans
Throughout his time, Komarek handled public address duties for a wide array of varsity sports, including football, soccer, wrestling, volleyball, and basketball. Komarek began announcing girls’ basketball in 1991-92 with then new head coach Larry Larson. His first football game followed in the fall of 1994.
His contributions extended beyond announcing; Komarek also DJed pre-game and in-game music, introduced starting lineups, and handled timeouts with flair. When needed, he took on scoreboard operations and official scoring duties, embodying his belief that being involved in local sports is a way to serve the community while enjoying the thrill of high school competition.
Simply the Best
In 2008, the Star Tribune recognized Komarek’s unique style, awarding him “Best Football Announcer” for his ability to blend humor into the job. The award noted his playful artificial attendance reports and spot-on imitations of officials’ penalty calls—small touches that made every game an experience. The largest “unofficial” crowd sizes announced were 52,871 for a football game, and 14,871 for a basketball game. Komarek also humorously announced “Train” in a deadpan style when a locomotive and cars would roll past the football field.
Joe Komarek holds an award from the Wayzata Athletic department as the “Best Football Announcer”, as recognized by the Star Tribune. Image copyright Wayzata.com. Reuse prohibited without written consent.
Beth Ulrich and Joe Komarek have emceed the James J. Hill Days Parade for many years.
“It was 33 years of announcing overall, 30 years of announcing football when I officially dropped the mic. My last day was March 12th, when Wayzata beat Hopkins in Section 6AAAA basketball and the Trojans went on to the state tournament, the lord put it right on my heart that I was going to be done,” Komarek stated in a recent interview.
“It’s been a privilege to be a part of the Wayzata athletic family for so long,” Komarek said, reflecting on his time behind the mic. “The positive impact sports have on student-athletes is something I’ve been lucky to witness firsthand.”
Joe Komarek and Dan Gustafson attend the Wayzata Baseball State Championship Game in 2016. Komarek coached the varsity Baseball team in the 1990’s.
Teacher and Coach
Komarek’s service to Wayzata didn’t stop at the announcer’s booth. Between 1991 and 1998, he was a full-time mathematics teacher in Wayzata Public Schools, where he developed a character-based math curriculum to help remedial students succeed on the Minnesota Standardized Math Test. In addition to teaching, he coached girls’ soccer, junior high girls’ basketball, and varsity baseball, leaving a lasting impact on countless students.
A Man of Faith, Leading Others
Beyond the classroom and the field, Komarek is a man of deep faith, which has guided much of his life. In 1998 he started what would be called a faith group called “Wayzata Bay Fellowship,” providing a space for spiritual growth to people in the community. The group migrated back and forth between the Wayzata Bay Center, Sunsets, and other spaces in downtown Wayzata.
In his professional life outside of education, Komarek has worked with organizations such as the Navigators, FaithSearch International, and E210 Ventures. These roles allowed him to serve as a nonprofit representative, providing life and marriage coaching services, supporting church ministries, and offering Biblical history and inspirational teaching tours.
E210 Ventures, a nonprofit, aims to create lasting positive impacts on communities, an initiative that aligns with Komarek’s passion for helping others live meaningful lives of purpose and faith.
Komarek also served as the on-call chaplain for the Wayzata Fire Department, providing spiritual support during life-threatening emergencies—a role that underscored his commitment to serving the community in times of greatest need.
Jeo Komarek meets with members of the Wayzata Bay Fellowship on September 12, 2024. Image copyright Wayzata.com. Reuse prohibited without written consent.
Fond Farewell & New Beginnings
On Thursday, September 12, friends, family, and community members gathered for a farewell reunion at Nine Twenty Five, a restaurant inside the Hotel Landing, to bid him and his wife, Jennifer, a fond goodbye.
Relocation to Florida
Now, Komarek and his wife have relocated to northeast Florida, south of Jacksonville where he will continue his passion for sports as the public address announcer at Tocoi Creek High School. As the new voice of the “Toros,” Komarek will call football, basketball, and wrestling. True to form, he will also continue his ministry work, serving his new community with the same dedication and faith that defined his years in Wayzata.
For over three decades, Joe Komarek was not just the voice of the Trojans, but a pillar of the Wayzata community. While his presence in the press box will be missed, his legacy of service, humor, and faith will be felt for years to come.
“The Wayzata boys basketball team came up one game short of a repeat as class AAAA state champions. Minnetonka took down the Trojans 72-61 in a game where the Skippers led from start-to-finish. Minnetonka got up by as many as 14 points in the first half and led 35-28 at halftime. The Trojans cut the lead down to as much as five in the second half, but couldn’t get within one possession. Wayzata was led in scoring by Jackson McAndrew, who put up 21 points, Christian Wiggins added 18. The Skippers only played six players all game. Andrew Stefonowicz (19 points), Kayden Wells (19), and Jordan Cain (17) all scored in double figures. Wayzata finishes its season with a 29-2 record.” Via CCX Media.
.@WayzataBHoops came up one game short of becoming back-to-back Class 4A state champs, falling to Minnetonka tonight, 72-61.
Disappointing night, but afterwards @WayzataTrojans Head Coach Bryan Schnettler shared perspective on the mark this group made on the program. pic.twitter.com/QMPXq5IvzB
Trojans roll past Cretin-Durham Hall 74-48 in Semi-final
Your Wayzata TrojansBoys Basketball team (29-1) is back in the MSHSL State Championship game again this year–for the fourth consecutive year.
Wayzata won the Class AAAA tournament in 2021 & 2023, & placed 2nd in 2022.
Courtesy Wayzata Athletics
The Trojans will take on Lake Conference rivals the Minnetonka Skippers (24-6) at 8:00 pm on Saturday, March 23rd at Williams Arena.
In the semifinals of the Minnesota State High School League’s Boys Basketball State Tournament, the top-seeded Trojans showcased their prowess yet again, clinching a commanding 74-48 victory over No. 5 Cretin-Derham Hall at Williams Arena, University of Minnesota.
Star player Jackson McAndrew demonstrated his all-around excellence, amassing 25 points and 13 rebounds, including a notable defensive contribution with 12 rebounds on that end of the court.
McAndrew’s impressive performance included shooting 11 of 16 from the field, including 3 of 5 from beyond the arc, setting the stage for Wayzata’s commanding lead throughout the game.
Additionally, sophomore guard Isaac Olmstead chipped in with 12 points and 7 assists.
Wyatt McBeth had 8 points, Drew Nepstad had 7 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals.
Evan Johnson had 6 points on 2 of 3 shooting from behind the three point line, Christian Wiggins had 5 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists.
Brayden Sandmann had 3 points, 2 rebounds, and an assist, while Michael Saphir also had 3 points, 2 rebounds and an 1 assist.
Ben Shaffer had 2 points, 7 assists, 2 rebounds, and 3 steals, and Daniel Grubesic had 1 point.
In their 74-48 Class 4A state semifinal win over CDH, @WayzataBHoops:
— Recorded 27 assists and only 6 turnovers
— Held Cretin scoreless in the 2nd half for 7+ minute stretch (10:21 to 3:13)
This victory propels the Trojans (29-1) into the championship game on Championship Saturday, marking their continued dominance in the tournament. Wayzata’s sole defeat in recent years came in 2022, when they were the runners-up to Park Center.
Awaiting Wayzata in the championship game is a familiar adversary, No. 3 Minnetonka, who secured their spot with a convincing 68-45 victory over unseeded Eagan.
This sets the stage for a compelling showdown between two powerhouses from the Lake Conference.
Minnetonka’s journey to the final was propelled by senior guard Greyson Uelmen’s stellar performance, tallying 21 points and six rebounds. With a balanced offensive effort, including contributions from senior guard Jordan Cain, Minnetonka (24-6) looks to challenge Wayzata’s bid for another state title.
Minnetonka senior Greyson Uelmen on what they have to do to beat Wayzata in the state title game pic.twitter.com/3nqlRt7Kn0
Trojans win Class AAAA Section 6 Title in Front of a Capacity Crowd
Tickets for the Wayzata boys basketball Class AAAA Section 6 were in such demand they sold out a day in advance, and many attendees were turned away at the doors to the athletic entrance by signs that indicated “Sold Out.”
At least a dozen photographers and videographers lined the baseline of the court, and two full pep bands–one from Wayzata and one from Hopkins were in attendance.
The crowd helped to create an electric atmosphere that helped your Wayzata Trojans (27-1) jump out to an early lead against Hopkins (23-6) as Wayzata played stellar defense, grabbed rebounds and got the ball to the open man on offensive possessions.
Hopkins Caught Off Guard
The Trojans figuratively punched the Royals in the mouth right from the start in seemingly all facets of the game, and Hopkins wasn’t ever able to recover.
Securing this victory allowed Wayzata to avenge their sole loss of the season, which occurred on January 23rd at the Royals Athletic Center by a score of 80-69.
Team First Basketball on Display
Unselfish basketball, epitomized by consistently passing to the open man for the perfect shot, stood as a cornerstone of Wayzata’s strategy and one of the primary reasons they were able to outplay Hopkins easily.
“Our guys moved the ball really well tonight and it was what created so many great shots. We have so many guys that can put the ball in the hoop and when we share it like that it is scary. Every single one of our guys gave it their all tonight and that is what it takes in March,” stated Head Coach Bryan Schnettler after the game.
As one example, Brayden Sandman hit a 3-pointer in the corner after what seemed to be a dozen passes from one side of the perimeter to the other to make it 27-12 with 10:23 remaining in the first half.
Another example includes this Wyatt McBeth 3-pointer off the assist from Isaac Olmstead to make it 41-18 with 6:41 remaining in the first.
Excellent ball movement by Wayzata as the Trojans Wyatt McBeth hits a 3-pointer off an assist from Isaac Olmstead to make it 41-18 with 6:41 remaining the first half.
McAndrew scores 40 points to lead Wayzata
Jackson McAndrew went off against the Royals, scoring an eye-opening 40 points in the contest.
One illustration of McAndrew’s scoring talent was highlighted when teammate Nicklaus Hein passed the ball to Jackson, who was left completely unguarded in the lane, leading to an effortless dunk.
McAndrew scored from seemingly everywhere on the court, including 5 makes from behind the 3-point line, a number of layups and mid-range jump shots as well as a number of free throws.
Nicklaus Hein finds a wide open Jackson McAndrew in the lane for an uncontested dunk mid-way throught the first half.
Christian Wiggins had 20 points including this 3-pointer from the right wing to make it 79-61 with 9:10 remaining in the 2nd half.
Christian Wiggins hits a three pointer in the 2nd half.
Wiggins would finish with 20 points for the Trojans including 9 points from the charity stripe and two 3-pointers.
A bit of foul trouble in the 2nd half
As indicated, the Trojans exhibited a strong performance across the board save for a hiccup early in the second half where they struggled with foul discipline, accruing 9 team fouls in relatively quick succession.
This lapse in control not only tested their defensive strategies but also inadvertently altered the game’s rhythm by slowing the tempo of the game down, allowing the Royals to get within 12 points.
Regardless, Wayzata was able to avoid allowing the double-bonus penalty to impact the game towards the end as the Trojans continued to build on their lead towards the end of the second half.
Jackson McAndrew scores a 3-pointer from the top of the key with just under 5 minutes left in the game.
Sharp shooting
Wayzata scored a mind boggling eighteen 3-pointers in the contest for 54 points from behind the arc, or said another way more than half the team’s points!
As stated previously, McAndrew led Wayzata with 40 points, and Wiggins added 20 points.
Isaac Olmstead had 18 points, Wyatt McBeth finished with 9 points, Ben Shaffer had 6 points, Brayden Sandmann had 5, Evan Johnson scored 3, Drew Nepsatd had 2, as did Daniel Grubesic.
Hopkins was led by Anthony Smith with 31 points and Jayden Moore who finished with 22 points.
State Tournament schedule will be released soon
The State Tournament brackets will be release shortly, and you can stay tuned to Wayzata.com for more information.
“That was a great win for us, but we aren’t done yet. We have a week to keep getting better before the state tournament,” stated Coach Schnettler.
In the meantime, feel free to visit the MSHSL website here:
Hopkins Girls Basketball Claims Tenth Straight Section Title with Win Over Wayzata
“The Hopkins girls basketball won their tenth consecutive Section 6AAAA championship with a 78-62 win over Wayzata. The Trojans came out of the gates in a hurry, getting up on the Royals 24-14. Hopkins was able to cut the lead down to two at the half and then ran away from the Trojans in the second half, outscoring Wayzata by 18 points. Tatum Woodson hit several three-pointers on her way to a team-high 22 points. London Harris added 16 points and Liv McGill put up 13. Sophie Hawkinson paced the Trojans with 23 points. Wayzata girls basketball ends its season with a 20-8 record. The Royals will play in the Class AAAA state tournament next week at Williams Arena.” Via CCX Media.
“On senior night, the Wayzata boys basketball team used a flurry of threes midway through the second half and a balanced scoring effort to defeat Minnetonka 103-88. The Trojans had five players score in double figures. Creighton commit Jackson McAndrew led the way with 21 points, while fellow senior Ben Shaffer also put up 20 points. Wyatt McBeth (16), Brayden Sandmann (15), and Isaac Olmstead (13) all cracked double digits in scoring as well. Andy Stefonowicz led the Skippers on the night with 24 points. Wayzata capped the regular season with a 25-1 record and a Lake Conference title. The Trojans will open the Section 6AAAA tournament against the winner of Edina and Armstrong on Friday.” Via CCX Media
“For the seventh time in eight years, the Wayzata girls basketball team is facing Hopkins in the Section 6AAAA Final. The Trojans lost both of their match-ups to the Royals in the regular season, but learned a lot in both of those games. The Trojans are hoping to limit turnovers against Hopkins’ full-court press and Wayzata is also focusing on executing their game plan. Tip-off for the 6AAAA championship is set for 7:00 on Thursday night at the Royals Athletic Center at Hopkins High School.” Via CCX Media.
Our sports update this week includes news, video, stats and more on the boys and girls Basketball teams, the boys and girls hockey teams, Wayzata Dance, Wayzata Gymnastics, the boys Nordic Ski Team, and more.
Wayzata Boys Basketball avenges only loss on season
The Trojans move to 9-1 in the Lake Conference and 22-1-0 on the season.
They remain ranked the #1 team in Class 4A, and #2 behind Totino-Grace in the Metro Top 10.
Jackson McAndrew led Wayzata with 27 points. Wyatt McBeth had 14, Isaac Olmstead scored 11 points, and Christian Wiggins had 9 points.
Also contributing were Ben Shaffer with 6 points and Drew Nepstad with 4.
The Trojans Travel to Armstrong (8-5) on Tuesday February 20th; leaders for the Falcons include Seth Newbern averaging 19 points per game, Desmond Ware average 13.6, and Charles Duncan averaging 10.0 points per game.
#6 Girls Basketball falls to #1 Hopkins 89-62
The #1 ranked Hopkins Royals defeated the #6 Wayzata Girls Basketball team at the Royals Athletic Center on Thursday, February 15th.
Florida recruit Liv McGill scored 29 points to lead Hopkins, with Tatum Woodson adding 21, and Lauren Hillsecheim scoring 13.
Maren Day led Wayzata against Hopkins.
Leaders for Wayzata included Maren Day with 17 points, Kate Amelotte with 13, and Sophie Hawkinson with 11 points.
Other contributors included Annika Kieser with 8, Katie Kelzenberg with 5, Allie Berns with 4, and Jess Haux with 4.
The Trojans (17-7 overall, 6-5 Lake Conference) will host St. Michael-Albertville (19-5 overall, 6-4 Lake Conference) on Friday, Feb 23rd at the Wayzata High School.
#3 Wayzata Boys Hockey defeats #2 Edina 4-3 in overtime
Your #3 ranked Wayzata Boys Hockey Team (21-2) traveled to Braemar Ice Arena in Edina on Saturday and beat the Hornets (20-4-1) with an overtime goal by Max Luedtke (assist to Jake Mattson) at 1:47 in the OT period.
Max Luedkte had two goals against Edina.
Other standout performances included Luke Miller who scored two goals in the first period, one unassisted and one with an assist from Cade De St. Hubert.
Luke Miller scored two goals against Edina for the Trojans.
Jake Mattson also added a goal at 13:26 in the first period, assisted by Hawke Huff and Miller.
Wayzata Goaltender Evan Turek had 21 saves on 24 shots, versus Hornet Goaltender Joe Bertram who had 20 saves on 24 shots.
Leaders for the Hornets included Gopher recruit Jackson Nevers who scored two goals and Caleb Pittsley who added the third Edina goal.
Wayzata begins Section Play hosting Blake (2-23) Thursday Feb 22nd at the PIC at 7pm.
Edina Girls Hockey Eliminates Trojans from Section 6 Semifinals
Senior night for the Wayzata Girls Hockey team. Image courtesy Delaney Gnos.
The Hornets beat the Wayzata Girls Hockey team 8-0 on Wednesday, February 14th at Braemar Arena in Edina.
The loss for the Trojans ends the season for Wayzata, who finished 7-18 on the season and 2-8 in Lake Conference play.
Trojan Shyla Sanders led Wayzata in scoring for the season with 13 goals and 5 assists for 18 points.
Davy Mokelke had 10 goals and 7 assists for 17 points.
Jenna Britz had 9 goals and 10 assists, and sister Nicole Britz had 7 goals and 10 assists.
Morgan Kennedy finished the season with 5 goals and 10 assists, and Julia Ostapeic had 2 goals and 15 assists on the season.
Wayzata Goaltender Ella Podiak played 20 games, with a record of 6-11, saving 422 of the 491 shots on goal; and Malin Erickson finished with a record of 1-7 saving 246 of the 283 shots on goal.
Wayzata Gymnasts headed to State
Kate Mignone, Mikaela Lundvall, Kylie Ufheil, and Ashley Mouyenga will head to the State Tournament Meet for Gymnastics after a successful Section meet at Hopkins on February 17th.
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