1) In a match-up of the two top-ranked teams in Minnesota, it was Hopkins, led by their early start fueled by great perimeter defense, and relentless pursuit of the offensive glass, erupted to a 20 point half-time lead and led wire to wire in the first game of what could be a best of 3 series between two of the top teams, and programs, in the Midwest.

2) Liv McGill (5'8" 2024 Point Guard) of Hopkins has always been a tremendous player off the bounce with an almost unequaled motor, but her constant growth in her game and leadership has led to a well-deserved McDonald's All-America game invite. Had 22 points in this one and set the tone early. The Florida commit has constantly grown her shooting range and consistency, and is now tremendously difficult to guard without help. A great two-way player with a seemingly never ending energy level, her passion on the court is matched by very few.

3) Aaliyah Crump (6'1" 2025 Guard) of Minnetonka is one of the best 2025 players nationally, and another potential McDonald's All-American from Minnesota. She has a game-high 30 points, even though she was forced off the three point line the entire night and had to work hard for every score. Took on contact throughout, and got to, and delivered, from the charity stripe. Great balance on the move, gets lift into her shot and finishes and great extension, difficult to keep her from getting clean looks at will. Her long drives and strength against one of the best perimeter defenses in the country shows her remarkable skill set.

4) Over the course of the last couple of years Tatum Woodson (5'9" 2025 Guard) has shown great growth and confidence in her skill set to the point where she now can form a tremendous 1-2 punch running alongside McGill. A Division I talent who is in the midst of a big jump in her game, High Major offers are likely here, or on the way. Her 23 points (team-high) and four threes off the left side, including flashing deep range, extended the Tonka defense and was a key component to Hopkins controlling the offensive glass.

5) Best defender in the Midwest? Could be Tori McKinney (6'1" 2024 Guard) of Minnetonka, a Minnesota commit in the 2024 glass. She has the length and athleticism to play great defensively, but it's the high level of effort and looking forward to the challenge of guarding the opponents best player every night that really sets her apart. I view McKinney as a 25 PPG scorer. You may look at her stat line and say she's a 15 PPG scorer, but when you add the 10 PPG that she consistently takes away from her opponents top scorer, that equates to 25 PPG in my view. Lock-down defenders are the first to find minutes on the college court, and that is where McKinney could make her mark early at the next level.