High school basketball is here in the Land of 10,000 Lakes. Running elite events within the state of Minnesota for over 25 years, Breakdown Sponsored by Tria Orthopedics GameFace Training, The Big Stage served as an official kick off to the high school season blending powerhouse programs and elite prospects all under one roof at Minnesota power Hopkins High School.
With 3 of the top 5 AAAA and 4 of the top 5 AAA squads in And One Films’ latest Minnesota state rankings, both the competition and atmosphere were vibrant with a sold-out crowd by the conclusion of the day. Unfortunately, a fight during the nightcap of Tartan vs Hopkins ended the event prematurely, with the remainder of the game to be completed at a later date.
However, that didn’t stop us from laying eyes on some intriguing players that are offered in the arctic north that is Minnesota. Here are the top performers that we saw from the Breakdown Big Stage Classic:
Dothan Ijadimbola, 6’6, SF, Totino-Grace (Minn.), 2026
A household name among the basketball community since entering high school, Dothan Ijadimbola has shown significant growth in his game in what will be his final campaign in the Prep ranks. The power wing was much more comfortable with his 3-point shots, defended virtually every position on the floor, and led by example in Totino Grace’s 78-52 win.
Heading to Northern Iowa next year, Dothan has the potential and tools to be the type of player who could ultimately find himself playing in a high-major conference by the time it’s all said and done.
KJ Wilson, 6’0, PG, Tartan HS (Minn.), 2028
One of the better players in Minnesota’s class of 2028, KJ Wilson reminded everyone why Tartan looks like they’re a program to stay in the Land of 10,000 Lakes. Despite being picked up full court by fellow elite sophomore Tre Moore, KJ was able to put points on the board with his super crafty game and ability to make tough shots with limited space.
Having led Howard Pulley in scoring in the EYBL E15, Wilson has already begun to show the nation that he is a serious scoring threat from the point guard position in the sophomore class.
Max Iversen, 6’3, PG/SG, Maple Grove HS (MN), 2026
A new addition to a loaded Maple Grove squad, Max Iversen’s ability to create shots for both himself and others immediately places “The Grove” as a team to watch for a state title. The combo guard has enough wiggle with his handle to get his own shot, has super deep range, and is superb at finding open teammates on the opposite side of the court.
The latest addition to a North Dakota squad that is filled with Minnesota prospects, Iversen has the type of game that should allow him to contribute in the Summit League.
Ichima Idoko, 6’8, SF/PF, DeLaSalle HS (MN), 2028
The top sophomore in Minnesota showed the tools that had Minnesota Gophers head coach Nico Medved sitting courtside to watch him. Having grown to every bit of 6-foot-8, Ichima Idoko brings everything that you look for out of a new age forward. He was tough to stop with his straight-line drives and showed off fluid 3-point shots.
Already owning offers from Arizona State, Kansas State, and UNLV, Ichima is just scratching the surface of the immense potential that he offers down the road.
Ahmed Nur, 6’9, SF/PF, Hopkins HS (MN), 2027
The highest upside player in the state of Minnesota, Ahmed Nur, is taking on a much bigger role for Hopkins as a junior as an inside/outside player. Utilizing his height more this year, the versatile forward posted up smaller defenders.
Ranked in the top 75 by every major scouting service, Nur has picked up high major offers and is continuing his play in the debate for the top player in Minnesota’s 2027 class.
Brayden Gorton, 6’9, Minneapolis Washburn (Minn.), 2026
Additionally, another player that could make the jump from the D2 level to the D1 ranks is 6-foot-9 Brayden Gorton. The lefty big man showed off his feathery touch facing the basket, is perfectly comfortable scoring or making plays on the block, and has shown nice agility on both ends.
Already signed with Bemidji State, Gorton has been one of the fastest risers in the Twin Cities in the past year and has shown continual growth in his game to lead you to believe that he’s going to be a great get for the loaded D2 NSIC.
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