On Thursday, March 20, 2025, the 2025 Minnesota boys' basketball state tournament is in full swing across two major venues in Minneapolis: the Target Center and the Williams Arena. This day marks the second day of the tournament, which features high-stakes competitions in the Class 1A quarterfinals as well as the semifinals for Classes 3A and 4A. The anticipation is palpable as fans flock to witness who will advance towards the championship titles.
Starting off at the Target Center, the Class 1A quarterfinals are taking place all day. The excitement kicked off with No. 1 Cherry clashing against No. 8 B O L D. Cherry dominated the game, securing their spot in the next round with an overwhelming final score of 89-57. Following that game, No. 4 Nevis faced off against No. 5 Henning, narrowly achieving victory with a close score of 58-52. Alex Lester from Nevis stood out as a key player, contributing significantly with 21 points, 10 rebounds, and four assists, showcasing an impressive performance that helped his team clinch the win.
Other matches scheduled during the Class 1A quarterfinals include No. 2 Dawson-Boyd versus No. 7 Heritage Christian Academy at 3 p.m. and No. 3 Red Lake County Rebels against No. 6 Goodhue at 5 p.m. The stakes couldn’t be higher for these teams aiming to progress in the tournament.
Meanwhile, at the Williams Arena, the focus shifts to the high-energy semifinals of the 3A and 4A classes. The 3A semifinals highlighted a gripping contest between No. 1 Mankato East and No. 4 Orono. In a nail-biting encounter, Mankato East snatched a close victory, taking the game 64-62. They now eagerly await the outcome of the match between No. 2 Totino-Grace and No. 3 Alexandria Area, which is set for 2 p.m. today.
In the 4A semifinals, scheduled later in the evening, No. 1 Cretin-Derham Hall is slated to play against No. 4 Maple Grove at 6 p.m., followed by No. 2 Wayzata competing against No. 3 Shakopee at 8 p.m. The excitement around these matchups is heightened as the teams vie for a place in Saturday’s championship games.
Looking ahead, the title games are set for Saturday, March 22, 2025, with the 4A championship scheduled for 8 p.m. at Williams Arena. The 3A title will tip-off at 1 p.m., while the Class 2A championship is slated for a 5 p.m. start, also at Williams Arena. Fans are eagerly counting down the hours to see which teams will come out on top.
As the day unfolds, updates on scores and standings will be closely monitored, particularly for the anticipated Class 2A semifinals, featuring No. 1 Albany facing off against No. 4 Caledonia at 6 p.m. on Friday, and No. 2 Waseca going against No. 3 Breck at 8 p.m. The Class A semifinals are also on the horizon for Friday, with tips at noon and 2 p.m. at Williams Arena.
With an electric atmosphere permeating both venues and fans passionately rallying behind their teams, the 2025 Minnesota boys' basketball state tournament is living up to all expectations. Teams are not only playing for glory but also for the memories and the hearts of their communities. Every game tells a story, and every player has the chance to become a hero in their team's journey.
As each round brings new surprises and thrilling performances, the next few days promise to be filled with unforgettable moments, showcasing the very best of high school basketball in Minnesota.
