The 2025 Minnesota state boys basketball tournament is reaching its thrilling climax as teams battle it out for glory. All four classes will see championship games played on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at Williams Arena in Minneapolis, a venue that has witnessed numerous memorable moments in Minnesota high school basketball history.
The excitement begins with the Class A championship where the top-seeded Cherry Tigers will vie for a repeat victory against the second-seeded Dawson-Boyd Blackjacks. The game is set to tip-off at 11 a.m., with Cherry looking to defend their title after clinching their first-ever state championship last year. The Tigers are poised for another strong performance, having shown a balanced attack during their run. But Dawson-Boyd, who has demonstrated dominance throughout the tournament, promises to be a formidable opponent.
As the day unfolds, the Class 2A championship will showcase an undefeated clash at 5 p.m. between Albany and Waseca. Both teams earned their spots after navigating through challenging semifinal matches. Albany narrowly defeated Caledonia 59-54 thanks to a powerful showing by Zeke Austin, who scored a game-high 22 points, alongside a resilient defensive effort that kept Caledonia at bay, especially during a late-game rally when they tied the score at 50-50. Meanwhile, Waseca achieved a hard-fought 68-60 victory over Breck, led by the remarkable Deron Russell who scored 38 points and helped to counter Breck's relentless push.
The Class 3A showdown will feature top-seeded Mankato East taking on the third-seeded Alexandria Area at 1 p.m. Mankato East, looking to avenge last year's title game loss, comes into the match with a robust record and the determination to emerge victorious this time. Alexandria, who stunned defending champions Totino-Grace in the semifinals, will aim to continue their impressive journey.
Finally, the evening culminates with the Class 4A championship featuring the top-seeded Cretin-Derham Hall against second-seeded Wayzata at 8 p.m. Cretin-Derham Hall has maintained a single loss season so far, demonstrating prowess throughout this tournament. Wayzata, with only four losses, has also proven resilient with a narrow 59-55 semifinal win over Shakopee.
The 2025 tournament is not only a display of skill and teamwork but a testament to the determination of these young athletes. Each team has worked tirelessly throughout the season to reach this stage, where dreams are realized and history is often made. With each game presenting its narrative, the day promises to deliver unforgettable moments that will resonate within the community for years to come.
As March 22 unfolds, fans can expect a day filled with high-stakes matchups and a showcase of talent at Williams Arena, affirming the heart and spirit of Minnesota high school basketball. The anticipation is palpable, with each team vying for their place in the annals of state tournament lore. The question remains: who will rise above the rest and claim the coveted state championship titles?
