Class AAA: Totino-Grace wins fourth title in five years

Ryan James March 28, 2026 @ 04:00 PM

The match-ups were something we looked at closely especially with TG going eight or nine deep versus De playing six-seven guys. Tian Chatman Tian Chatman 6'5" | CG Totino-Grace | 2026 State MN and red hot shooting Jaylan Hynes Jaylan Hynes 6'3" | SG Totino-Grace | 2027 State MN were tasked with slowing down sharp shooter Jadean Udean and for a long time this seemed to be the difference of the game. Chatman and Hynes took turns defending Udean and they were able to keep him from hitting a three on seven chances. Even more, Chatman hit three threes and scored 13 points while Hynes stayed state tournament hot making five threes and scoring 19 points.

Where DeLaSalle was able to make up ground (they were down 32-20 in the first half) was with Deon Wallace-Johnson Deon Wallace-Johnson 6'3" | PG De La Salle | 2027 State MN and Ichima Idoko Ichima Idoko 6'7" | PF De La Salle | 2028 State MN . Wallace-Johnson is a relentless player who totaled a 19 point, 11 rebound double-double. At 6'8 as a sophomore, Idoko scored a game high 23 points as his length was a regular issue for the Eagles (he made 9 of 11 foul shots).

After a series of back and forths, DeLaSalle had the ball with five seconds to go after Malachi Hill Malachi Hill 6'0" | PG Totino-Grace | 2027 State MN made a free throw to go up 72-70. Hill pressured Wallace-Johnson to the sideline and forced Deon to lose the ball. With the clock running out, Chatman picked the ball up to secure the win as the buzzer sounded.

MVP. Jaylan Hynes Jaylan Hynes 6'3" | SG Totino-Grace | 2027 State MN / Tian Chatman Tian Chatman 6'5" | CG Totino-Grace | 2026 State MN . This has to be a tandem decision. Both Hynes and Chatman handled a big defensive responsibility AND hit big shots for their team over and over. Hynes and Chatman didn't split time but it was close (only on the floor six minutes together), what they did split was the job of limiting Udean who was 0 for 7 at the arc and scored one field goal for the game (and all seven foul shots). They limited him and Hynes/Chatman combined to shoot 8 of 16 at the arc with Hynes making five (and Tian three of course). Hynes had a team high 19 points and Chatman scored 13 points with six rebounds.

Three More Standouts.

Ichima Idoko Ichima Idoko 6'7" | PF De La Salle | 2028 State MN of DeLaSalle. This 6'8 skilled and agile forward has the potential to be a special basketball player now and into the future. He's improving as a three point shooter with the ability to hit them (made two of four today) and Ichima can put the ball down and beat just about any forward with size out there. He has the potential to move his feet with most players and getting up and down, Ichima runs ahead of the pack. Scored 23 points on 6 of 9 shooting from the field and 9 of 11 at the foul line. Also grabbed nine rebounds. High major potential is there, just needs to mature as an upperclassman and he can meet a lot of goals.

Dothan Ijadimbola Dothan Ijadimbola 6'6" | SF Totino-Grace | 2026 State MN of Totino-Grace. Dothan's final college game was a double-double: he scored 13 points on 5 of 13 shooting and grabbed ten boards. Dothan made some key shots in half two including the transition dunk and he moved the ball in the Eagle system of outstanding balance (four assists).

Deon Wallace-Johnson Deon Wallace-Johnson 6'3" | PG De La Salle | 2027 State MN of DeLaSalle. This is going to be a loss that Deon struggles with a bit because of the late turnover and a tougher shooting day (8 of 19) but this is a player that improved greatly this season and has a huge future. Without Deon his team wouldn't even have had a chance down the stretch. He scored 19 points with a game high 11 rebounds, three assists, two blocks and two steals. He is a player with a really bright future and he will have his team making another run next season.