Wayzata knocks off Hopkins to earn 5th straight trip to state

Wayzata's boys basketball team clinched their fifth consecutive trip to the Boys State Basketball Tournament by overcoming Hopkins 76-72 in a highly competitive Section 6AAAA title game. Led by Christian Wiggins, who scored an impressive 31 points, the Trojans managed to fend off a late rally by the Royals. The game was held at Hopkins High School, where a packed crowd witnessed the heated rivalry between the two teams, fueled by past tensions and a controversial previous match. Following that earlier encounter, Wayzata coach Bryan Schnettler received a one-game suspension, which added to the stakes of this rematch. Wiggins' timely go-ahead 3-pointer late in the game not only secured the win but also showcased his clutch performance under pressure.

This victory reinforces Wayzata's position as a formidable contender in Minnesota high school basketball. As March Madness unfolds, 31 additional bids for state tournament participation are set to be awarded across four classes, setting the stage for a thrilling championship week. Fans can look forward to intense competition and the crowning of new champions in the coming days.