Last week was a great one for basketball in the Land of 10,000 Lakes. Getting deep into conference play, there were countless opportunities to watch programs that had multiple D-1 prospects play against each other to the point that it was tough to pick which game to go to each night. Defending 3-A State Champion Totino-Grace (Wayzata, Minn.) rolled and is the surefire favorite to repeat for a third consecutive year. Defending 4-A state champ Wayzata won three in a row after suffering their lone loss of the year, and top 50 2024 Jackson McAndrew is doing everything in his power to lock up Mr. Basketball. Orono showed why its a team you don’t want to face in the playoffs with an under the radar junior dropping 50 in a win last week.

Here are a few of the top players who I evaluated in the past week (Jan. 29-Feb. 3) in Minnesota:

Dothan Ijadimbola, 6’6, SF, Totino-Grace (MN), 2026
Considered by many to be the top sophomore in the state of Minnesota, Dothan Ijambola showed considerable growth thus far throughout his sophomore campaign, especially with his confidence as a shooter. He looked far more comfortable shooting the three with his feet set, was automatic with his mid-range pull-up, and is learning to utilize his length on both ends. Ijadimbola is ranked in the top-50 nationally and already holds offers from the likes of Iowa, Iowa State, Minnesota, and Oklahoma.

Isaiah Johnson-Arigu, 6’7, SF/PF, Totino-Grace (MN), 2024
One of the most physically punishing players in the state, Isaiah Johnson-Arigu has developed into everything you look for out of a new age forward. He is skilled enough to straight line beat you off the bounce, is fluid enough to make a second move once help defenders step up, and immediately looks to punish smaller defenders in the post by showcasing his strength. Heading to play in the ACC for Miami, Johnson-Arigu has the versatility to earn minutes sooner rather than later, especially as he continues to take his three point shot to new heights.

Nolan Groves, 6’4, PG/SG, Orono HS (MN), 2025
In one of the more dynamic scoring outputs of the season, Nolan Groves dropped 50 points in front of an Iowa assistant coach in a St. Louis Park squad that has two D-1 prospects themselves in Groves’ AAU teammates Micah and Marley Curtis. He drilled a number of deep 3-pointers, was automatic with his mid-range game, and also made some really nice passes out of pick and roll play. Groves will be running on the 3SSB Circuit with J-Sizzle and is continuing to build a name for himself in recruiting circles.

Jackson McAndrew, 6’9, PF, Wayzata HS (MN), 2024
The state’s top player from the defending state champions bounced back after their loss to Hopkins, averaging 28 points per game over the last three Wayzata wins. He scored 31 points against a super tough Minnetonka team, showed a ton of promise as a facilitator/playmaker, and is constantly getting more confident in finishing through contact when attacking the basket despite his slender frame. McAndrew is Creighton’s highest ranked recruit in recent memory and should contribute from day one.

Nolen Anderson, 6’6, SG, Eden Prairie HS (MN), 2026
In an absolute electric performance, Nolen Anderson firmly established himself as one of the best in Minnesota’s 2026 class, dropping 33 points against defending state champ Totino-Grace. Having grown to a legit 6-foot-6, the shooting guard has also developed into much more than a standstill shooter. He is great playing out of dribble handoffs, is constantly relocating without the ball, and scoring on straight line drives. Nolen will be running with D1 Minnesota on the 3SDB Circuit this spring and is bound to blow up.

Tyler Wagner, 6’5, SG, Totino-Grace (MN), 2025
A player who just keeps getting better, Tyler Wagner continues to evolve as a modern day two guard. He is an automatic shooter with his feet set, but also has a nice first step for straight line drives and has no problem going up and dunking on you. As Wagner’s ability to continually score off the bounce continues to improve, more offers will follow. However, he already has a number of D1 offers with many others closely monitoring.