For as long as I can remember, June has unofficially been known as "high school team" month.
By that I mean most AAU directors, event promoters, and programs will take the month of June off to give players a chance to develop with their high school programs, rest, or both. With the two NCAA live scholastic periods having just passed, there was limited time left for players to get in a run with their high schools.
Enter the Breakdown Summer State Tournament.
Held at Concordia (MN) St. Paul's gorgeous Gangelhoff Center, you forget that you're at a D-II school when you're taking in games. Given that Minnesota's live period MBCA Showcase was an individual event, many participants didn't have a chance to put in that work with their school squads and this provided them the opportunity against elite competition.
Defending state champions Totino-Grace and Chaska highlighted an event that brought the vast majority of the Land of 10,000 Lakes' top programs under one roof for the two-day event. There was an extremely competitive matchup between the Wisconsin-bound duo of 6-foot-5 Baboucarr Ann and 7-foot Jack Thelen against Nebraska recruit Ty Schlagel along with a number of other seniors who had outstanding performances. Additionally, big-time underclassmen such as KJ Wilson, Daniel Zoa, and Kanon Axdahl showcased the next wave of Minnesota talent. However, there were a number of seniors left who are still under the radar as college prospects.
Here are six senior sleepers that we saw from the 2026 Breakdown Summer State Tournament:
Jiech Jiech made a statement this past weekend at #PHBATL! @jiech_jiech
— Fresh Coast Hoops (@FreshCoastHoops) May 13, 2026
Highlights of the 6'4 2027 guard out of St. Cloud Tech running with Gain Elite 17u @PHCircuit pic.twitter.com/ghg6Kg7WpL
Griffin Epema, 6'1", PG/SG, Montevideo HS, 2027
Hailing from a town of 5,000 people in rural Minnesota, you don't see a ton of prospects coming out of Montevideo, but Griffin Epema is that guy. Bouncing back off of a monster junior campaign, Epema showed that he could hold his own against some of the Twin Cities' finest with his explosive athleticism, ability to defend all three perimeter spots, and natural scoring ability.
Additionally, a D-I baseball recruit for St. Thomas, the talent is certainly there for Griffin as a member of the basketball team as well if he so chooses.
Jiech Jiech, 6'4", SG, St. Cloud Tech, 2027
One of the more consistent players in the state, Jiech Jiech is a constant scoring threat every time that he steps on the floor. The long-armed wing is great at creating separation for his jump shot, utilizes his angular frame to finish in the paint, and can score from the post on smaller defenders.
Already holding an offer from Chattanooga, Jiech will have more D-I's evaluating him with Gain Elite in the New Balance P32.
Jordan McAndrew, 6'7", SF/PF, Wayzata HS, 2027
The younger brother of Creighton forward Jackson McAndrew, Jordan may not be as polished as his older brother, but has an intriguing skill set that has attracted college coaches' attention. The long-armed forward is incredibly agile, was able to defend all three frontcourt spots, and showed that he could be deadly as a shooter.
While he's far from a finished product, McAndrew has made huge strides in his game and is definitely one you'll be hearing more about at the collegiate level.
Dre Collins, 6'5", SF/PF, Richfield HS, 2027
One of Minnesota’s better power wings, Dre Collins shined in the open flowing system that was offered at Breakdown. He was near impossible to stop going downhill, was a constant lob threat, and brought toughness on the defensive end.
Ultimately, the combination of athleticism, toughness, and defensive potential that Collins brings to the table is what makes him intriguing to college coaches.
Waleed Muhammad, 6'1", PG/SG, Hopkins HS, 2027
One of the better pure scorers in the state, Waleed Muhammad made the move to Hopkins for his final campaign to form the state's best three-guard lineup alongside Tre Moore and Kwa Silkpoh. Additionally, Waleed showed that he was able to adapt to a number of roles, got to his shot with limited dribbles, and is electric once he gets hot.
Jaylan Hynes, 6'3", SG, Totino-Grace HS, 2027
A player who just lets the game find him, Jaylan Hynes showed why he's an outstanding glue guy for a winning team. The combo guard is great coming off of screens, is outstanding from mid-range, and can make plays for others. Meanwhile, running with Gain Elite in the New Balance P32 League, Hynes will have his opportunity to shine in the multi-guard front that they run.
