Historic Showdown: Alexandria Area Cardinals Battle Against Totino-Grace Eagles in a Thrilling Semifinal
The 2025 Minnesota (MSHSL) high school boys basketball state tournament Class 3A semifinals bore witness to an electrifying matchup. The No. 3 Alexandria Area Cardinals (28-3) clashed with the No. 2 Totino-Grace Eagles (23-6) in a nail-biter that ended 73-65 in favor of the Cardinals. This hard-fought victory secured the Cardinals’ place in history, setting them to contend for their first state title on Saturday.
A Tale of Two Halves
First Half Fireworks
The opening tip-off saw the Cardinals leading with a slick performance from senior Chase Thompson, 17 points, and Mason Witt, 17 points in the first twenty minutes. Wagging through the intensity of the game, Totino-Grace Eagles outpaced the Alexandria Cardinals by 22-7 points in the final nine minutes of the first half. Despite this, Thompson’s resilience and Witt’s stellar shooting kept the game within reach, leading with minimum point difference.
Cardinals Roar in the Second Half
The second half was a different story. Chase Thompson, who finished the first half with 17 points, stepped up his game, netting a staggering 22 points and locking down 12 rebounds. His relentless scoring spree, coupled with Mason Witt’s 25-point performance, was pivotal in systematically dismantling the Eagles’ lead. Dothan Ijadimbola, though, optimally performed with 17 points for Totino-Grace, streamlining the Eagles’ resilience.
Turning Points and Key Players
Thompson’s Heroic Performance
Chase Thompson’s 33-point performance, including a spectacular 22 points in the second half, was instrumental in turning the game around. His 12 rebounds and 5 assists showcased his all-around abilities and leadership on the court.
— :
Total Points Breakdown
| Player | Points in the 1st half | Points in the 2nd half | Total Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chase Thompson | 11 | 22 | 33 |
| Mason Witt | 16 | 9 | 25 |
| Dothan Ijadimbola | 11 | 6 | 17 |
Witt’s Shooting Mastery
Mason Witt’s shooting prowess with 25 points was another key factor. His accuracy from the field, coupled with his ability to knock down crucial shots, kept the Eagles on their heels.
Ijadimbola’s Resilience
Dothan Ijadimbola led Totino-Grace with 17 points, demonstrating the Eagles’ unyielding competitiveness and refusal to concede without a fight.
Did you know?
Chase Thompson’s 33-point outing in the semifinals is the highest single-game performance by an Alexandria player in a state tournament game since 2017. Thompson’s leadership and scoring prowess are emblematic of the Cardinals’ newfound dominance in the state championship.
Looking Ahead: The Path to the Title
With their 73-65 victory over the Eagles, the Alexandria Area Cardinals now gear up for a historic showdown against Mankato East, in an effort to claim their first state title in the school’s history—making this semifinal win indifference to the upcoming final even more thrilling.
They turned into a thrilling tournament having lost every past match of recent times ,But on this glorious day ,history was written.
Total Points Breakdown
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the match outcomes?
As per the reporting of the game scenario, the recent results at halftime demonstrated a 35-31 lead. The total points compiled thus were 73-65.
Who were the top performers of the game?
Chase Thompson: 33 points, 12 rebounds
Dead-man stand-up: 17 points
Dothan Ijadimbola: 17 points
What is the next step for the Alexandria Area Cardinals?
They will face Mankato East in the state championship game on Saturday at Williams Arena
Comment your thoughts below after having read the entire narration
Post Navigation
Read next: See who consistently ranks as the highest scorers in semi-finals
