No one on the Wayzata boys' basketball team was alive the last time the Trojans went to the state tournament. Not even the coach.
The Trojans ended a 58-year drought Wednesday with a 66-51 victory over Hopkins in the Class 4A, Section 6 final at Osseo High School, getting their first tournament berth since 1959.
"It was always something we wanted to change," said Wayzata guard Ryan Lindberg, who led his team with 16 points. "With the offense and shooting we have, it's unbelievable."
The first-seeded Trojans (26-3) took command quickly and held control for nearly every minute of the game against the second-seeded Royals (23-6).
Wayzata led 25-11 midway through the first half and 31-19 at halftime. The Royals started the second half on a 5-0 run, but the Trojans responded with a 9-0 run and led by as much as 16.
Luke Paulson had three three-pointers as the Trojans made seven in the game. Gavin Baumgartner added 10 points.
"We shoot the ball really well when we get great shots," coach Bryan Schnettler said. "That was a big key tonight."
The Royals' Ishmael El-Amin led both teams with 17 points. Teammate Zeke Nnaji had 16 points.
Wayzata and Hopkins split two regular-season games. The state tournament begins next Wednesday.
Michael Hendrickson is a University of Minnesota student on assignment for the Star Tribune.
