Wednesday marked the first day of the early signing period. Here’s where Division I- and II-bound athletes from the state are headed next.

Shakopee’s Blake Betton, Waseca’s Deron Russell and Hopkins brothers Tre and Jayden Moore, all prominent recruits in each sport, figure out ways to doubly prepare.

Sportswriter Ron Haggstrom’s final 2024-25 Minnesota Top 25 ranking after the state tournament.

Wayzata will take on Cretin-Derham Hall in 4A, and Alexandria will play Mankato East in 3A.

The Raiders topped Maple Grove after producing just 15 points in the first half, and the Trojans sunk Shakopee with a second-half rally.

Class 4A’s higher seeds all won, though Wayzata was tested by Moorhead, and Classes 3A and 2A also went according to form.

Also, Hopkins sophomore Erma Walker plays a part in girls basketball state history.

Longtime Star Tribune sportswriter Ron Haggstrom forecasts which teams will advance to the semifinals and championship games, including the eventual tournament winners in all four classes.

This edition of the Star Tribune’s Minnesota Top 25 ranks the best boys basketball teams in the state tournament.

Cretin-Derham Hall (Class 4A), Mankato East (3A) and Albany (2A) received the No. 1 seeds. The Class 1A seeds will be released Saturday night.