Strib Varsity was the exclusive livestreamer of Friday night’s Section 6 showdown between Hopkins and Wayzata. Follow this link here to watch the replay: HOPKINS at WAYZATA.

Why should you watch the Class 4A boys basketball Section 6 final? Our Marcus Fuller explained in his preview:

One of Minnesota’s best rivalries

Wayzata vs. Hopkins is not just any rivalry game. There is a deep dislike between the two programs. When they meet, there are bragging rights and, often, championships on the line.

When the Trojans host the Royals in the Section 6, Class 4A boys basketball championship Friday, March 13, it will be the third time they’ll meet this season.

No. 1 Class 4A Wayzata (24-3), the defending state champions, not only swept the regular season series against Hopkins, but it also has three straight section finals wins against its conference rival.

If that dominance continues for Wayzata coach Bryan Schnettler, it will likely be behind seniors Christian Wiggins and Nolen Anderson. The two Minnesota Mr. Basketball finalists are heading to Iowa State and the Gophers, respectively.

Schnettler’s team last lost to the Royals in February 2025. Following the game, the gym got tense as Hopkins students followed Wayzata players off the floor when the Trojans skipped the handshake line. Hopkins released a statement about the postgame interaction with fans, saying “we must ensure a respectful and secure environment for everyone involved.” There was also a one-game suspension for Schnettler, who was worked up after heavily disputing a no-call at the end of the contest.

In last year’s section title game, Wiggins had 31 points in a 76-72 victory at Hopkins to send the Trojans to state for the fifth straight year.

The Royals (21-7) haven’t reached the state tournament since 2019. There are Hopkins legacies that could be lifted if that state drought ends and it leads to the promised land.

Royals coaching legend Ken Novak Jr. surpassed Bob McDonald to become the state’s all-time boys basketball leader with 1,013 career victories. He’s looking for his ninth state title, which would tie former DeLaSalle coach Dave Thorson for the most in boys history.

Also, Hopkins senior guard Jayden Moore became the state’s all-time assist leader this year, but he’s hoping to get to the state tourney for the first time in his five-year career.

— Marcus Fuller

Section 6 tournament

The section championship game, like every round of the Class 4A, Section 6 tournament, is streaming live exclusively on Strib Varsity and available for replay after.

In the semifinals, both Hopkins and Wayzata advanced with victories on Tuesday, March 10. In the quarterfinals Friday, March 6, Hopkins beat No. 7 seed 92-58, Buffalo edged No. 6 seed Minneapolis Washburn 67-66, and Edina took down No. 5 seed St. Louis Park 68-55.

Here’s more information about those games:

Semifinals

No. 1 seed Wayzata 91, No. 4 seed Edina 62

7 p.m. Tuesday, March 10

Top-seeded Wayzata was too much at home for the Hornets. Outstanding senior Christian Wiggins led the Trojans with 25 points.

No. 2 seed Hopkins 66, No. 3 seed Buffalo 48

7 p.m. Tuesday, March 10

Buffalo had a terrific season. Going into the Royals’ gym and leaving with a victory is a lot to ask. Hopkins earned a rematch with Wayzata.

Quarterfinals

No. 4 seed Edina 68, No. 5 seed St. Louis Park 55

7 p.m. Friday, March 6

Edina won 67-52 when the teams met Jan. 31 at St. Louis Park and did it again to face Wayzata in the semifinals.

No. 3 seed Buffalo 67, No. 6 seed Minneapolis Washburn 66

7 p.m. Friday, March 6

Minneapolis Washburn challenged Buffalo, commanding the second half before the Bison scored in the final seconds to advance to the semifinals. Buffalo, No. 10 in the Minnesota Top 25, started the season 15-1 and was at one point in the top three in Class 4A. The Bison won 75-63 when they visited the Millers on Feb. 2.

No. 2 seed Hopkins 92, No. 7 seed Armstrong 58

7 p.m. Friday, March 6

With the victory, Hopkins’ Ken Novak became the winningest coach in Minnesota boys basketball history.

Armstrong and Hopkins, No. 4 in the Minnesota Top 25, last faced each other Dec. 3, 2019, with the Royals winning 79-56.