Hopkins 77 Wayzata 76: Five Things to Know

We break down all of the controversy right now after watching not only the game, but the numerous videos that have circulated around the local social media showcasing some of the things that did happen.

One (A). Jayden. Jayden Moore Jayden Moore 6'0" | PG Hopkins | 2026 State MN totaled 17 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists. I think his ball pressure continues to be a big issue for Wayzata and his playmaking/running of the team gave Hopkins that double figure lead for a decent portion of the second half. Also, when things went wild at the end, the most mature leader that had anything to do with Hopkins was Jayden. He was the one pulling the coaches back when they were out of control late, he was the guy trying to keep the crowd under control. Surely a young man that sees the bigger picture in the moment.

One (B). Wiggins. It certainly seemed like Wayzata needed a big game from Wiggins to beat Hopkins and he almost pulled it off. Lost in a lot of the madness was Wiggins bringing his team back from down double figures in half two with some clutch shot making, defense, and rebounding. Wiggins took a lot of shots but he scored 33 and he had a pair of scoring binges that were crucial to this game being close.

Two. Officiating. I was able to see 30 of the 36 game minutes. Did the officials have a couple missed calls? Yes. Were the assistant coaches in their ears early, often and far too much? I think so. But as for the calls on the floor for 36 minutes, I thought they did a good job. That game was not overly touchy with the whistles or overly physical when you scan the full game, I think there were some bang bang plays that happen in a physical game that may have been missed but that happens. It’s not realistic to think every call is going to be exactly right. I think the officials are getting way too much heat when it comes to the whistles on the court, overall a much better job than what people are saying when it comes to the whistles play by play.

Three. The Final Call. That was a foul. Wyatt McBeth Wyatt McBeth 6'6" | PF Wayzata | 2025 State MN was fouled. There are like six different angles to look at now and you can see that he was hit on the arm at one point trying to shoot while also being shoved in the waist. The defender fouled him in two spots! That was a foul. And it was missed. But….. that should not lead to the reaction that followed.

Four. The Coaches. These are good coaches with good coaching staffs. People that care about the kids, people that care about their jobs, and people that have helped countless young men. I really want that to be clear and they are going to continue to help kids in great ways.

And they are very competitive. And sometimes, I’ve done it myself as well, when you are a coach coaching in a big game that competitive fire really gets the best of you and you will likely be able to find samples of just about any coach out there doing it. Some will think I am making an excuse, you can think that. What I am trying to do is offer a perspective. So with that said…

It was too much. Way too many assistant coaches in the officials ears, way too much anger at times from both head coaches and while I know it’s a competitive area, unfortunately when the assistants and players see it, and parents and fans see it, they can follow that lead. And they did. And it became a mess.

Athletic directors need to have some conversations. You can’t have multiple coaches from both teams having to be held back. You can’t have a head coach in the middle of the game making a mockery of the officials with over berating in the middle of the court. There was far too much going on by adults last night which is why the players – yes the players! – were trying to calm them down.

Five. The Hopkins Students. They should not be allowed at a game the rest of the year. What happened after that game was unacceptable. Was it the fault of Hopkins High School for not having enough security down there? Maybe but there likely needed to be 20 or more adult security members down there and that would not have been enough. You can’t just say “they were kids” and not have consequences. That was a very dangerous situation.

Fans or a fan threw a garbage can at the players. The Hopkins students followed Wayzata to the locker room taunting them. There were two Hopkins players who joined in taunting and followed them back to the locker room and both of those players – regulars in the Hopkins line-up – should be suspended for a game for what they did.

Do I think there will be consequences? For any of this? Doubtful. There should be coaches that likely should have to sit out a game or two – head coaches and assistants – and they likely won’t. There should be a Hopkins player or two suspended for what they did after the game, and they likely won’t. And that Hopkins student group should not be allowed at a game the rest of this year for their actions.