News Summary

In a nerve-wracking semifinal at the Minnesota high school boys basketball state tournament, the Wayzata Trojans secured a narrow victory over the Shakopee Sabers with a score of 59-55. The game featured a strong start from Shakopee, but Wayzata rallied in the second half led by stellar defensive plays and key shots from their players. This victory marks Wayzata’s fifth consecutive trip to the Class 4A championship, where they will face Cretin-Derham Hall.

Wayzata Thrills as They Edge Out Shakopee in Nail-Biter Semifinal

Minneapolis was buzzing with excitement on Thursday night as the Wayzata Trojans took on the Shakopee Sabers in the Class 4A semifinals of the Minnesota high school boys basketball state tournament. With a nerve-wracking score of 59-55, the No. 2 ranked Trojans emerged victorious, advancing to the championship game. Fans filled Williams Arena, creating an electrifying atmosphere that fueled both teams.

A Hot Start for Shakopee

The game kicked off with the Sabers making their mark early on. They showcased their impressive shooting ability from beyond the arc, ending the first half with a remarkable 8-for-15 performance from three-point range. Leading the charge for Shakopee was senior Luke Wheatley, who put up a solid 15 points by halftime, helping his team secure a 31-24 lead as they headed into the locker room.

Wayzata Rallies with Defense

However, the second half saw a dramatic shift as Wayzata tightened its defense. Coach Bryan Schnettler emphasized team effort, and players like Christian Wiggins and Isaac Holmstead stepped up their game. The Trojans managed to limit Wheatley to a big fat zero points in the second half, turning the tide in their favor.

A Rollercoaster of Momentum

Despite a strong start, Wayzata found themselves in a bit of trouble when Shakopee put together an impressive 11-0 run late in the game, flipping the score and taking back the lead with under three minutes remaining. The intensity was palpable, and players like senior Wyatt McBeth were pivotal in bringing their teammates together, focusing on communication and strong rebounds.

Stepping Up in the Final Minutes

With time running out and the crowd on edge, Wayzata dialed up their offensive strategy. They took their time, waiting for the right opportunities, and it paid off handsomely. A pivotal moment came with back-to-back three-pointers from Holmstead, which shifted the momentum firmly back in favor of the Trojans. His performance was crucial, as he ended the game with 14 points, complementing Wiggins, who led all scorers with 18 points.

Solid Performances All Around

Shakopee’s Wheatley and his teammate Eli Schroeder13 points, fought valiantly until the end. Wheatley’s performance in the first half set the tone, but the Trojans’ strong defensive switch quashed his scoring opportunities in the second half. The Sabers’ Luke Wherley also made his mark, securing 15 points along with 10 rebounds, but it wasn’t enough to seal the victory for Shakopee.

On to the Championship!

This thrilling win marks another milestone for the Wayzata Trojans, making their fifth consecutive trip to the Class 4A championship game. They’re now set to clash with Cretin-Derham Hall on Saturday at 8 p.m., also at Williams Arena. Excitement builds as fans eagerly wait to see if the Trojans can take home the championship trophy! With heart, hustle, and determination, they’ve proven they’re ready for the challenge ahead.

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