this episode of Blacklight on Sports, host Dr. Mitchell Palmer McDonald sits down with Johnny Allen Jr., founder of the JK Movement, a St. Paul youth development organization rooted in the Rondo community that has served young people for 15 years.
Dr. Mitchell Palmer McDonald
Dr. Mitchell Palmer McDonald is a contributing columnist at the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder.
Minnehaha Academy, Apple Valley back among the elite
Dr. Mitchell Palmer McDonald looks back at the legacy of Apple Valley and Minnehaha Academy boys basketball, from NBA-bound alumni to their impressive 2026 state tournament runs.
From the metro to the NBA: Twin Cities products making their mark in 2025-26
Twin Cities NBA players 2025-26 season includes 11 former metro boys basketball standouts on NBA rosters from Hopkins, Minnehaha Academy, Apple Valley and more.
One last shout out to Hopkins
Fab Five Hopkins girls basketball photo feature celebrates the Royals’ 27-3 season and runner-up finish at the 2026 Class 4A state tournament under head coach Tara Starks.
Fab Five Moments
Fab Five Moments covers Ashley Ellis-Milan’s resignation at East Ridge, Hopkins finishing runner-up at state, the Hallman father-son connection, St. Paul Central’s 50th anniversary and Omar McMillan’s John R. Wooden Award.
Reminder, South made it to state
Minneapolis South boys basketball state tournament 2026 Significant Six photos highlight the Tigers second appearance in three years and a standout season nobody saw coming.
Chaska Totino-Grace capture state titles
2026 state boys basketball tournament Sensational Seven photos highlight champions and top players from Classes 4A and 3A.
Talented players representing in state tournament
Meet five standout 2026 Minnesota state boys basketball tournament players representing Minneapolis South, Tartan, Richfield and Totino-Grace.
Rosemount, Benilde-St. Margaret’s capture state titles
Rosemount and Benilde-St. Margaret’s won championships at the Minnesota girls basketball state tournament at Williams Arena.
Millsaps College represents in NCAA tournament
Bethel University defeated Millsaps College 81–73 in the first round of the NCAA Division III women’s basketball tournament.
South wins Twin City Title
Minneapolis South defeated St. Paul Central 80–77 to win the TC Championship, securing its first Twin City title since 1962.
I didn’t want to go, but I’m glad I did
The Ronnie Henderson legacy includes unforgettable on-court brilliance, Hall of Fame honors, and decades of mentorship that shaped Minnesota basketball.
Making Super Bowl and Black history
Black Super Bowl firsts highlight groundbreaking moments by quarterbacks, coaches, and executives in NFL history.
North defeats Como Park in girls basketball
Minneapolis North defeated St. Paul Como Park 65 to 62 in a thrilling rematch of last year’s Twin Cities girls basketball championship.
First-ever MLK Classic at St. Paul Johnson
St. Paul Johnson hosted the first-ever MLK Classic, featuring boys basketball games honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Washburn, St. Agnes, Central win
This week’s Fab Five photos feature prep basketball victories by Minneapolis Washburn, St. Agnes, and St. Paul Central in matchups across the Twin Cities.
Three reach 1,000 point career mark
Twin Cities high school basketball players Lamont Michaels, Trey Parker, and Ma’Lon McCoy reached the 1,000-point career mark this season.
Former and current metro area players representing
Minnesota basketball came full circle this week as former Twin Cities prep stars faced the Timberwolves at Target Center, while four high school players continued to make their mark across the metro. From NBA matchups to prep gyms, the state’s basketball pipeline remains strong.
It’s happening for White
Minnesota basketball highlights feature college athletes, rising high school players, and a veteran coach honored for decades of leadership.
Governors defeat Cougars in Class 3A matchup
This week’s Fab Five photos feature St. Paul Johnson boys basketball as the Governors defeat defending Class 3A state champion Mankato East 73–67 in a nonconference matchup.
