Anthony Petkov won a state championship for Irondale, landed a college opportunity for himself and set a goal of competing for his parents' place of origin.
Mounds View 215-pounder Quin Morgan, son of Gophers national champion Marty Morgan, won a Class 3A individual title amid the Mustangs' best season in history.
Name, image and likeness deals are already expanding beyond college sports. Some top metro boys basketball players are aligned with a barbershop. The top girls hockey player touts a fitness center. Another high school standout represents a chain of chicken restaurants.
Cherry's Isaac Asuma remembers being wide-eyed as a sophomore at Williams Arena, but by Saturday's 1A title game, the Iron Range star felt in his element. Fellow Gophers recruit Grayson Grove of Alexandria joined him on the all-tournament team.
Coverage of high school sports in the Twin Cities and around Minnesota, from the regular season through the tournaments, with discussion forums and stats.