On Tuesday night, March 25, 2025, the annual DAYBA basketball border battle unfolded at UMD’s Romano Gymnasium, showcasing the best of youth basketball talent from Minnesota and Wisconsin. The Duluth Amateur Youth Basketball Association (DAYBA) hosted its 17th annual Border Battle, a highly anticipated event that saw Minnesota’s girls and boys teams triumph over their Wisconsin counterparts in grand fashion.
The girls' game set the tone for the evening, with Minnesota decisively defeating Wisconsin 96-64. This victory marked the fifth consecutive year that the Minnesota girls have claimed victory in this rivalry. Leading the charge for Minnesota was Regan Juenemann of Crosby-Ironton, who not only scored a game-high 22 points but also earned the MVP honors for her outstanding performance.
Juenemann's contributions were pivotal to the team's success, and she reflected on the experience, saying, "It was awesome. It’s fun to be out here because these girls are so talented. It was really fun to play with them, and it means a lot to us to beat Wisconsin again.” Her performance was complemented by notable contributions from teammates such as Rock Ridge’s Anna Westby, who scored 11 points, and Proctor’s Lily Smith, who added 12 points to the scoreboard. Cromwell-Wright’s Isabella Anderson also made her mark, scoring nine points in her Border Battle debut.
While the girls' game showcased Minnesota's dominance, the boys' match was equally thrilling. The Minnesota boys team secured a 112-98 victory over Wisconsin. Duluth Denfeld’s Marnaries Ferguson was a standout player, finishing with 17 points, including a memorable dunk just before the final buzzer. Ferguson expressed his excitement about the game, stating, "It was great to play with other really great players. (Wisconsin) had some really good players, too, so to play like we did, it was just amazing.”
Another key player for Minnesota was Brooks Johnson from Duluth Marshall, who led the scoring for his team with 23 points. Nevis’ Alex Lester also shone, contributing 21 points and earning MVP honors for the boys’ game. Lester’s performance was instrumental in securing the win, demonstrating both offensive skill and defensive prowess.
On the Wisconsin side, players like Northwestern’s Boden Teal and Eau Claire North’s Elliott Bessen made significant contributions, with Teal scoring 11 points and Bessen leading his team with 18 points. Despite the loss, Teal expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to play in the Border Battle, saying, "It’s always been a goal of mine. I’ve been watching the Border Battle for a while, so I’ve always wanted to do this, and it feels great because it was one of my goals. The hard work has paid off.”
The Border Battle is not just about competition; it also serves a greater purpose. This year, the Duluth Amateur Youth Basketball Association partnered with “Smiles for Jake,” an organization dedicated to suicide prevention and promoting mental health awareness. Players wore custom t-shirts featuring the organization’s message, emphasizing the importance of mental health for student-athletes. Anderson spoke highly of this partnership, stating, "Playing for that was awesome. It means a lot to play for these guys and for a cause like that.”
As the games concluded, the atmosphere was filled with camaraderie and a sense of accomplishment. Players from both teams celebrated their achievements and the opportunity to compete at such a high level. The event not only highlighted the talent within the Twin Ports and surrounding communities but also fostered a spirit of unity and support among young athletes.
The Border Battle has become a cherished tradition, providing young athletes with a platform to showcase their skills while building lasting memories. As the players look forward to future competitions, the success of this year’s event serves as a reminder of the hard work and dedication that goes into representing their teams.
As the night came to a close, the athletes left the court with not only trophies but also a renewed sense of purpose, knowing they played for something bigger than themselves. With the Minnesota teams emerging victorious once again, the stage is set for next year’s Border Battle, where the rivalry will continue and new stories will unfold.
