Minnetonka underdogs become 4A state champs
After a 9-year losing streak to Wayzata, Minnetonka’s boys basketball team came out on top.
By Marcelo Ortega
The Minnetonka boy’s basketball team was coming for the 4A state champion title. Second place wasn’t going to be enough. After losing 19 consecutive games against The Wayzata Trojans, dating back to Jan. 16, 2015, the Skippers finally came out on top when it mattered.
But March 24, the Skippers turned the tables, winning against the Trojans 72–61 and securing the state champion title at Williams Arena in Minneapolis.
“I think our strengths for this game is how we have been competing on the defensive end and moving the ball on offense.” — Greyson Uelmen, Minnetonka point guard
“I think our strengths for this game are how we have been competing on the defensive end and moving the ball on offense,” Minnetonka point guard Greyson Uleman said.
The Skippers won the tip and gained control of the ball at the start of the game, setting the tone for the rest of the night Minnetonka senior forward Kayden Wells scored 19 points and grabbed 10 rebounds. In comparison, senior Andrew Stefonowicz scored 19 points, secured eight rebounds and five assists. Keeping their score ahead of the Trojans the whole game, Stefonowicz secured the win with three free throws in the final 28 seconds.
“I was pumped. I celebrated by speeding home blaring some music.” — Senior Walker Stone
At the sound of the final buzzer, the white-clothed Skippers student section jumped on top of each other.
“I was pumped,” senior Walker Stone said. “I celebrated by speeding home, blaring some music.”
While the blue-clothed Trojan fans and students cheered them on. Jackson McAndrew, the Trojans and Minnesota’s top-rated senior and a Creighton University recruit, scored 21 points throughout the game, while sophomore guard Christian Wiggins added 18 points.
“I’m super happy with the outcome. Minnetonka deserved it and it was cool to see the underdogs win.” — Minnetonka Junior and friend of Andrew Stefonowicz Grace Rolfe
The Skippers are not done yet. They’ve tasted what it’s like to win the state championship, and they are going to come back next year and fight to win again.
“I’m super happy with the outcome,” Minnetonka Junior and friend of Andrew Stefonowicz Grace Rolfe said. “Minnetonka deserved it and it was cool to see the underdogs win.”
