Class AAA State Semi-Finals: Underclassmen Report
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There was a lot of young talent on the floor in the Class AAA semi-finals. Here are the players that made an impression, and others that played. Nolan Groves Nolan Groves 6'4" | CG Orono | 2025 State #259 Nation…
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Continue ReadingThere was a lot of young talent on the floor in the Class AAA semi-finals. Here are the players that made an impression, and others that played.
Nolan Groves Nolan Groves 6'4" | CG Orono | 2025 State #259 Nation MN of Orono (6’3 soph). Groves is a tough cover because of his good guard size, handles, and a great shooting stroke. Today it was his shooting stroke that led him to 13 points as Nolan made three threes extending the De defense.
De’Von Irvin of DeLaSalle (5’10 soph). The Islanders have a lot of experience but Irvin was on the floor late because of his defense, because of his touch, and he’s another handler out there. He took two shots, made them both, and both were at the arc. But it was his defense that was more important.
Chase Thompson Chase Thompson 6'8" | PF Alexandria | 2025 State #216 Nation MN of Alexandria (6’7 soph). The And1 he touched on Humphries in the post, the two quick hitting threes he made against a scrambling contesting defender with length coming, these are the type of confident touch makes that I think could make him a division one big forward shooter. Scored 16 points making all of his threes, a couple shots around the cup and 3 of his 10 threes.
Chace Watley of Totino-Grace (6’0 soph). Watley made a really nice impact on the game early with a couple attack scores, some foul shots and two leads to the rim for teammates to finish. Surely impressed with his first step and transition push, plus you can see the makings of a guy that could be a strong ball pressure defender. I like how his game has grown and look forward to watching him as the main handler in the spring/summer and into next season.
Mason Witt Mason Witt 5'11" | PG Alexandria | 2026 State MN of Alexandria (5’11 fr). Mason hit a three, had an eye opening athletic finish over length on the attack at the rim, and scored six points against D1 players in a state semi-final. That’s pretty impressive for a guard under six feet tall who is a year from driving.
Brady Wooley Brady Wooley 6'9" | C Orono | 2025 State #187 Nation MN of Orono (6’9 soph). We saw a hint of what Wooley can do today with one finish on the move, six defensive boards quickly getting to the carom, and a quick off his feet block. Brady has big potential and now that he has the experience I expect him to have a big next two seasons.
Others that played
Wyatt McBeth Wyatt McBeth 6'6" | PF Wayzata | 2025 State MN of Wayzata (6’6 soph).
Tyler Wagner Tyler Wagner 6'6" | SF Totino Grace | 2025 State #366 Nation MN of Totino-Grace (6’4 soph)
Talan Witt Talan Witt 5'10" | PG Alexandria | 2026 State MN of Alexandria (6’0 frosh)