In a much-anticipated showdown on Tuesday, two of Minnesota’s premier high school basketball programs, the Hopkins Royals and the Wayzata Trojans, faced off in an electrifying battle. The result? Wayzata delivered a statement victory, defeating Hopkins 93-80 and snapping the Royals’ impressive 13-game winning streak.
The loss marked the first blemish on Hopkins’ previously perfect season, dropping them to 13-1. Meanwhile, Wayzata extended its own winning streak to 13 games, improving their record to 14-2.
A Back-and-Forth Battle
From the opening tip-off, it was clear this would be a tightly contested game. Both teams traded leads throughout the first half, with Wayzata holding a slim 39-36 advantage at halftime. Hopkins briefly surged ahead in the second half, taking a 55-53 lead with just over 11 minutes remaining.
However, Wayzata’s resilience shone through. Fueled by a dominant duo of junior guard Christian Wiggins and small forward Nolen Anderson, the Trojans regained control late in the game. Their relentless offensive attack proved too much for Hopkins, as Wayzata stretched its lead to 80-74 with two minutes remaining. From there, they closed out the game decisively, handing Hopkins a rare defeat.
Key Performers
Wiggins and Anderson were unstoppable for Wayzata, each pouring in 28 points. Their combination of shooting, athleticism, and size overwhelmed the Hopkins defense and set the tone for the Trojans’ success.
On the Hopkins side, senior Anthony Smith led with 22 points, showcasing his scoring prowess. JJ Semanko added 18 points in a valiant effort, but the Royals were unable to match Wayzata’s offensive firepower down the stretch.
Looking Ahead
The game not only highlighted the talent on both teams but also set the stage for what could be an exciting playoff run for each program. Hopkins will look to bounce back and use this loss as motivation, while Wayzata continues to build momentum as one of the state’s top contenders.
This matchup was a testament to the strength and competitiveness of Minnesota high school basketball. As these two powerhouses move forward, fans can only hope for a rematch that lives up to the intensity of this unforgettable showdown.