The state of Minnesota runs a bit later than most in terms of its state playoffs. The Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) was still playing regular season games in March while states such as Texas were nearly done with their playoffs. While many states break down to the final four for the final week of the season, the Land of 10,000 Lakes starts their championship week on Tuesday with the Elite 8 and runs through the next Saturday. Furthermore, the is also a consolation bracket, allowing fans, scouts, and college coaches to get a further view of the teams.
With the state tournament jumping off on Tuesday March 18, here’s a look at some of the players who stood out in the Minnesota High School League Sectional tournament games that we took in:
Tommy Anhemen, 6’11, C, Cretin-Derham Hall (Minn.), 2025Headlining the No. 36 team in the latest Ballislife FAB 50, 6-foot-11 Tommy Anhemen has also cemented himself as Minnesota’s top senior amidst his team’s success. Last year’s North Dakota Gatorade State Player of The Year, Anheman made the move to the Twin Cities for his final campaign and has not looked back. The Notre Dame recruit is comfortable scoring on the block over either shoulder, can make plays for others out of the post, and uses his 7-foot-2 wingspan as a rim protector. Against undefeated Tartan High School, the big man had a smooth 21 points, 12 rebounds, and 3 blocks while posing as a constant threat down low with or without the rock..
Miles Newton, 6’5, SG, Breck School (Minn.), 2025One of the very best unsigned seniors in the state of Minnesota, Miles Newton showed why he shouldn’t be on the board much longer with his play in the MSHSL playoffs. The strong guard rebounds the ball exceptionally well, is unstoppable attacking the rim once he get’s going downhill, and is showing more consistency on his 3-point shots (hit 3 three pointers in a flurry in the second half). While he has been hearing from no shortage of D1 programs, more performances like Newton’s 29 points and 10 rebounds in the section finals will force coaches to reconsider the transfer portal and go with a late signing steal like himself.
King James, 6’7, PF, Hiawatha Collegiate (Minn.), 2027As far as straight physical specimens are concerned, there isn’t a better underclassman than 6-foot-7 sophomore King James of Hiawatha Collegiate. The powerfully built forward is an exceptional rebounder on both ends of the floor, looks to rip the rim off at every available opportunity, and has shown developing 3-point range when he was his feet set. Finishing the night with 13 points, 20 rebounds, and seven blocks, James captivated the crowd with his emphatic dunks and two handed blocked shots, solidifying himself as one of the more intriguing young bigs the state has to offer.
JoJo Mitchell, 6’2, PG, Cretin-Derham Hall (Minn.), 2026One of the state’s better pure scorers, JoJo Mitchell showed his elite ability to create for himself and others with his 23-point, 6-assist outing in a huge comeback victory against undefeated Tartan. The deadly iso scorer has nice patience when it comes to changing speeds, is deadly out of pick and roll play, and puts pressure on you any time that he has the rock in his hands. Possessing a high major offer from Iowa and a slew from low to mid-major programs, Mitchell is a name that you will be hearing about this spring.
Marcus Marshall Jr., 6’2, PG, Minneapolis North (Minn.), 2027The best young player in the Minneapolis City League lived up to the hype in North’s Sweet 16 run. The explosive combo guard has great burst getting to the cup, has a knack for drawing fouls, and is developing as a playmaker for others. Despite averaging 22 points per game as a sophomore, Marshall is still a sleeper on the national scene, but that shouldn’t last for much longer playing at his current level.
