MN High School Basketball Scores: What Most People Get Wrong About the 2026 Season

MN High School Basketball Scores: What Most People Get Wrong About the 2026 Season

Honestly, if you're trying to keep up with mn high school basketball scores right now, it’s kinda like trying to track a blizzard in a wind tunnel. One minute Wayzata is the untouchable king of 4A, and the next, Maple Grove is pulling off a thriller that reshapes the entire Lake Conference.

We’ve officially hit that January grind.

It’s the part of the season where legs get heavy, but the shots—especially from kids like Christian Wiggins or Tori Oehrlein—somehow feel more electric. You’ve probably noticed the scores aren't just about who won; they’re about how the power is shifting as we slide toward the postseason.

The Reality of Recent MN High School Basketball Scores

People always ask me why certain teams are "ranked" lower even if they have fewer losses. Look at Wayzata. They’re sitting at 12-2, but they’re still the heavyweights because of who they play. Recently, they dropped a heartbreaker to West Allis Central over in Wisconsin, but then they came back home and put up 91 on Buffalo.

That’s the thing about Minnesota hoops. You can’t just look at the final number.

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Boys 4A and 3A: The Big School Shuffles

In the 4A world, Tartan is basically a buzzsaw. They’re 9-0 and haven't really been tested yet, while Blaine (11-0) is finally getting the respect they deserve after drubbing Rogers 88-57. Shiloh Ayitey is playing out of his mind.

Then you have Class 3A. Richfield is the story everyone’s talking about. They’re a perfect 12-0. They just picked up a gritty 70-69 win over Columbia Heights on January 16. It wasn't pretty, but it was a "championship" win. Meanwhile, Totino-Grace (10-2) is right on their heels, recently handling Minnehaha Academy with ease.

  • Wayzata (4A): 12-2 record, recently beat Buffalo 91-60.
  • Richfield (3A): 12-0, holding down the top spot in 3A polls.
  • Blaine (4A): 11-0, watch out for Shiloh Ayitey.
  • Cretin-Derham Hall: 10-2, Ty Schlagel just hit his 1,000th career point.

The Girls' Game: Historic Chases

On the girls' side, the scores are almost secondary to the history being made. Both Tori Oehrlein (Crosby-Ironton) and Maddyn Greenway (Providence Academy) are hunting down Rebekah Dahlman’s all-time state scoring record of 5,060 points. Every time a score pops up for Providence Academy—like their recent 9-3 stretch—everyone is checking the box score for Maddyn's individual total.

Hopkins is still Hopkins. They’re 12-1 and just dominated a state title rematch. They look like they’re playing a different game than everyone else.

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Why the Scoreboard Doesn't Tell the Whole Story

I was looking at the January 16 scores and noticed Mankato East beat Owatonna 82-64. On paper, it looks like a blowout. But if you were there, you saw Owatonna keep it within five for three quarters. The final score is a lie. Fatigue is a real factor in Minnesota winters.

Teams are playing three games a week sometimes.

Then there's the QRF Value. If you’re a real MN hoops nerd, you know the QRF (Quality Results Formula) is what actually determines section seeding. It's why a 10-2 team might be seeded higher than an 11-0 team if the 10-2 team played a "murderers' row" of opponents.

Small Town Giants: Class A and AA

Don't sleep on the small schools. Henning is sitting at 12-0 in Class A. Red Lake County is 10-0 and they play with a speed that would make most 4A teams dizzy. In 2AA, Belle Plaine is 9-1 and basically the gold standard for that section right now.

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Team Class Record Recent Key Result
Wayzata 4A 12-2 Defeated Buffalo 91-60
Richfield 3A 12-0 Edged Columbia Heights 70-69
Blaine 4A 11-0 Beat Rogers 88-57
Henning 1A 12-0 Undefeated and dominant
Providence Academy (G) 2A 9-3 Maddyn Greenway record watch

What to Watch for in the Coming Weeks

If you're hunting for the latest mn high school basketball scores, you need to keep an eye on the January 19-24 window. We have some massive matchups coming up that will likely flip the rankings again.

Mountain Iron-Buhl is taking on Winona Cotter/Hope Lutheran on the 19th. That’s a clash of cultures and styles that usually results in a high-scoring track meet. Also, Cretin-Derham Hall faces Eastview—that’s going to be a defensive battle.

The biggest thing most people get wrong? Thinking that a loss in January means a team is "done." In Minnesota, January is for learning. February is for fixing. March is for the Magic.

Actionable Insights for Fans and Recruits

  1. Check the QRF, not just the record: Use sites like Minnesota-Scores to see how a team’s "strength of schedule" actually stacks up.
  2. Follow the scoring leaders: Keep an eye on Jordan Borowicz (Roseau) and Brayden Guetter (Wabasso). These kids are putting up video game numbers.
  3. Watch the "Receiving Votes" teams: Schools like Lakeville South or Edina are currently unranked or low-ranked but have the talent to knock off a top-5 team on any given Tuesday night.
  4. Livestream the big ones: Most of these high-stakes games are on Strib Varsity or local cable. Don't just read the score; watch the ball movement.

The season is halfway over, but the real drama is just starting to heat up in the frozen North. Whether it’s a buzzer-beater in a small gym in Greater Minnesota or a 4A powerhouse battle in the Metro, these kids are playing for more than just a number on a scoreboard. They're playing for a trip to the Barn.

Keep your eyes on the box scores, but keep your heart in the bleachers.

Next Steps for Followers:

  • Track the Section 1AA Standings if you want to see the most competitive race in the state right now—Goodhue and Zumbrota-Mazeppa are neck-and-neck.
  • Monitor the Girls State Scoring Record updates weekly; we are witnessing history that likely won't be broken for another twenty years.
  • Focus on Class 3A Boys, where the gap between #1 Richfield and #2 Totino-Grace is paper-thin.