Class AAAA Title Contender Series: Wayzata

Wayzata has played in the Class AAAA state title game the last three years winning two of those titles. Despite having some key spots to replace, the [program_tooltip program_id='2075965' first='Trojans' last=''] have the talent to be a team that needs to be knocked off the top spot. As they break in a new lead guard there could be a rough spot here and there though as the [program_tooltip program_id='2075965' first='Trojans' last=''] always play a very tough schedule. But remember, they were state champs last season and they lost their first three games! But then won 27 of 28.   Key Wins in 22-23 (27-4): Park Center, Lakeville North, Hopkins (x3), Buffalo (x2), DeLaSalle, Minneapolis North, Minnetonka (x2), East Ridge, Eden Prairie, BSM, Shakopee   Oops: Lakeville South, Eden Prairie, Eastview, Lakeville North   Moving On: The [program_tooltip program_id='2075965' first='Trojans' last=''] had a strong senior group led by Hayden Tibbits who worked his way to a state title, First Team All State spot, and a spot playing for UST. Jake Berkland was a key reserve, he's now playing baseball at Minnesota State Mankato. Jake Schmitt was a quality role player, he's now playing basketball at Gustavus. Spencer Hall was the do everything guy, he is now playing basketball for Emory. Isaiah Habte and Nic Beeninga were also key players for the [program_tooltip program_id='2075965' first='Trojans' last=''] although I am not quite sure where they are at this point.   Returning Starters (1). Just one returning starter but he's a big one, it's top 25 in the nation level prospect [player_tooltip player_id='1287438' first='Jackson' last='McAndrew']. Jackson had an outstanding summer with the Howard Pulley Panthers which was on the heels of his All State junior year leading his team to a state title. The future Creighton stretch four man scored 17 a game last year and the best years are ahead of him.   Reserves Playing a Bigger Role: The two reserves returning are senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='1227246' first='Ben' last='Shaffer'] and senior forward [player_tooltip player_id='1286705' first='Drew' last='Nepstad']. Shaffer is a guard that we have seen play both guard spots, although he was at his best this summer as a scoring guard. Ben had an excellent summer with Real Phenom. Nepstad is the perfect muscle to have playing next to McAndrew as Nepstad can bang inside, rebound, set screens and do a lot of the hard working things as a 6'4 forward.   Potentials from the JV. Wayzata had ten juniors last season: three of them were McAndrew, Nepstad, and Shaffer, another was [player_tooltip player_id='1288846' first='Blake' last='Bjerke'] who we have seen shoot well in spring/summer play in the past. The size of Adam Dehm at 6'6 was used a bit in some varsity situations last year so keep an eye there (he is a senior). As for the sophomores that were on the JV last season there were two: 6'5 [player_tooltip player_id='1454976' first='Wyatt' last='McBeth'] who you may remember playing in the state title game on one of the late plays guarding the in-bounds pass, and 6'3 guard [player_tooltip player_id='1454973' first='Collin' last='Berg']. Then you have Isaac Olmsted, a 2026 lead guard who was listed at 5'8 last year but I believe has grown based on what I saw in 15u play with the Fury. I have not seen Isaac enough to tell you that he will slide right into Hayden's spot but from what I have seen I can tell you Isaac is an ultra skilled ball handler with very good separation. The talent is there for him to be the Wayzata PG of the future, it's just a matter of when.   New to the Varsity program: One of the best freshman players and prospects in the state last season was [player_tooltip player_id='1560867' first='Christian' last='Wiggins']. Wiggins is a top five prospect in the state's 2026 class and he averaged eight points a game last season on a very good Benilde-St. Margaret's team. In fact Wiggins scored a couple times last January when the two teams played.   Final Thoughts: Wayzata is far from a clear cut favorite. They have four starters to replace including several great team workers and an all state lead guard. There will be lumps as guys move into spots and they may not be number one for long. That said, they lost their first three games last year and that didn't stop Coach Schnettler from getting his team back to the top spot on the podium. Shaffer and Nepsted are the perfect guys to step right into starting spots and you can expect their high level sophomore backcourt to have quality roles as well. I don't want to be too quick to proclaim what those roles will immediately be but they will have solid roles. My curious question is, which of those seven Wayzata JV players will step in from not known and play a big role as a senior? We see it every year at Wayzata.

Wayzata has played in the Class AAAA state title game the last three years winning two of those titles. Despite having some key spots to replace, the Trojans have the talent to be a team that needs to be knocked off the top spot. As they break in a new lead guard there could be a rough spot here and there though as the Trojans always play a very tough schedule. But remember, they were state champs last season and they lost their first three games! But then won 27 of 28.