Minnehaha Dominates

NSO – Stan Shreve

Top-ranked Minnehaha Academy won its fourth state tournament championship in as many tries, besting Alexandria 80-29 on Saturday at the Target Center.

The Redhawks (20-1) ending the past three full seasons with Class 2A titles. They moved up to Class 3A last season and won the Section 4 title. But coronavirus canceled the state tournament. Winning Saturday makes Minnehaha the fourth program to win at least four consecutive titles.

Redhawks senior Chet Holmgren, a 7-1 matchup nightmare considered the top college recruit in the nation, made his share of plays. So did freshman Mercy Miller, who scored 15 points. Older brother Hercy poured in 24. Holmgren added 18.

Alexandria (22-2), playing in its first championship game since 1943, never backed down. Junior Kristen Hoskins, who made a verbal commitment to play football for the Gophers, attacked the rim from the start. Teammates used their bodies against Holmgren, hoping to deter the slender big man. But none of the Cardinals’ efforts produced enough points to keep pace.

Minnehaha led 36-20 at halftime and never looked back.