The big news in Class AAAA is the re-emergence of Cretin-Derham Hall as a favorite for the state title. They went an uncharacteristic 14-14 in 2022 though its true that they rebounded to 25-6 last year. This year 25-6 will not be acceptable nor a 4th place in the state tournament. The reason only partly being that they were already returning some pretty good talent in junior guard Joe Mitchell and senior forward Montieff Dixon. But they’ve now been joined by 6-10 Tommy Ahneman, a transfer from West Fargo who immediately moves up to #1 on the list of Minnesota 2025s. And, oh, yes, makes Cretin a co-favorite for the state title.
A co-favorite, you say? And, who is their challanger? Surely it must be Wayzata or Park Center. But, no. Remember Hopkins? I’m sure you do though some of you might have been happy not to. But, it sure looks like the Royals are back, led by elite guards Jayden Moore and Anthony Smith, who scored 42 points with 14 assists per game a year ago. And, they’ve got some size. Not 6-10 size, granted. But 6-6, 6-5, 6-4 size in the persons of Julius Ellis, J.J.Semanko and Davie Hart who combined for 33 points and 11 boards last year.
Eden Prairie also has a ton of talent coming back, led by 6-6 junior forward Nolan Anderson (18 ppg) and senior guards J.J. Sullkvan and Max Lorenson. Of course it’s true that EP went just 9-18 a year ago…. Joining EP in the “ton of returning talent” category are Anoka, Farmington, Tartan and Prior Lake. Returning maybe a half-ton are Wayzata, East Ridge, Champlin, Park Center and a few more.
Along with Ahneman and Jayden Moore, the top-ranked individual talent is Christian Wiggins, Wayzata junior guard.
So roll it up and, well, buyer beware. I am not 100 percent sure that I’ve identified all the transfers out there. So that’s why I call this the “too early” look at Class AAAA.
1. Hopkins–Section 6 champion
2. Cretin–Section 4
3. Wayzata
4. Eden Prairie–Section 2
5. Farmington–Section 1
6. Prior Lake
7. Anoka–Section 7
8. St. Paul Central
9. Shakopee
10. Park Center–Section 5
11. East Ridge
12. Champlin Park
13. Minnetonka
14. Tartan
15. Maple Grove
16. Chanhassan or Chaska
17. Chaska or Chanhassan
18. Edina
19. Mounds View
20. Lakeville South
All-State AAAA only
Tommy Ahneman, Cretin, 6-10 senior center in-transfer
Jayden Moore, Hopkins 6-0 junior guard 18 ppg last year
Christian Wiggins, Wayzata 6-4 junior guard 13 ppg
Anthony Smith, Hopkins 6-0 senior guard 23 ppg
Joe Mitchell, Cretin 6-1 junior guard 19 ppg