Minnesota Top 25: The Star Tribune’s statewide ranking of boys basketball teams

Thirty-two teams begin their quest of raising a state championship trophy Saturday at Williams Arena on the University of Minnesota campus.

Only four will reach their final goal, becoming a state champion.

Here is the Star Tribune’s Minnesota Top 25 boys basketball ranking of the best teams playing in this week’s state tournament.

All schools are Class 4A unless noted.

1. Cretin-Derham Hall (27-1): Three high-rated Division I recruits — senior center Tommy Ahneman (Notre Dame), junior wing JoJo Mitchell and sophomore forward Ty Schlagel — lead the Raiders. Ahneman and Schlagel have both missed time this season with injuries.

2. Mankato East (Class 3A, 27-1): The Cougars are in search of their first state championship in a loaded field after finishing as runners-up a year ago.

3. Alexandria (Class 3A, 26-3): The Cardinals have a solid backcourt to go along with Clemson recruit Chase Thompson up front. Two of their losses came with Thompson sidelined because of a shoulder injury.

5. Wayzata (25-4): The Trojans are peaking at the right time as junior guard Christian Wiggins, one of the top players in the state in the Class of 2026, has elevated his game.

6. Albany (Class 2A, 29-0): The senior-dominated Huskies, led by Sam Hondl and Zeke Austin, seek their second crown in three years. Albany is 91-4 over that period.

7. Shakopee (23-5): Early-season woes are behind the Sabers, who are riding a 16-game winning streak. Shakopee won the Class 3A championship 20 years ago.

8. Totino-Grace (Class 3A, 22-5): Three-time defending state champion Eagles soar with an athletic starting five, led by 20-point per game scorer Chace Watley, a senior guard.

9. DeLaSalle (Class 3A, 23-5): It’s the time of year when you don’t want to catch Todd Anderson’s squad. The Islanders are winners of 12 state championships.

11. Caledonia (Class 2A, 28-2): The traditional Section 1 power has five players who can lead the team in scoring.

12. Apple Valley (23-6): The Eagles rely on senior Justin Cowan and juniors Trey Parker and Camare Young to produce points.

13. Maple Grove (21-8): Fans have a chance to fall in love with 6-5 sophomore forward Baboucarr Ann’s wingspan.

14. Breck (Class 2A, 19-10): The defending state champions might have 10 losses, but don’t be fooled by their misleading record.

15. Anoka (23-6): The Tornadoes are the third representative from the top-heavy Northwest Suburban Conference.

17. Byron (Class 3A, 26-3): A balanced attack is vital to the Bears’ success, not to mention a noticeable black-hole student section.

18. Rochester John Marshall (25-4): It’s the first state tournament appearance for the Rockets since 2003.

19. Cherry (Class 1A, 29-1): The Tigers are still formidable after Isaac Asuma’s graduation.

20. Dawson-Boyd (Class 1A, 27-3): The Blackjacks are tough to defend on the interior, led by 6-8 senior forward Brayson Boike.

21. Minnehaha Academy (Class 2A, 19-9): Not as strong as Redhawks teams of the past, yet still could pose problems.

23. Pequot Lakes (Class 2A, 23-7): One thing is a given with the Patriots: a low-scoring game. They allow 45 points per game.

24. Nevis (Class 1A, 26-4): Tigers coach Scott Kramer is averaging more than 20 wins per year (384 career total) in his 19 years at the helm of the program.