Wayzata boys basketball wins Minnesota state championship
PLYMOUTH, Minn. (BVM) — As the final minutes ticked down in the MSHSL Class AAAA state championship, Wayzata high school boys basketball coach Bryan Schnettler took a lot of pride in the joy he could see on the faces of his players.
“It was just really cool to see them so happy and happy for each other in that moment,” Schnettler said.
They were realizing what Schnettler himself was coming to terms with — they were going to win a state championship. The final score was 75-61 in favor of the Trojans over Cretin-Derham Hall.
“I’m not sure it’s actually even really sunk in yet,” Schnettler said.
Wayzata played brilliantly during the playoffs to win its first title since 1959. As a team, it shot 50% from 3-point range during the five–game postseason run and had five players average double digits.
This title was more than just a five-game run. It was the culmination of work that began at the end of last year. In the 2019-20 season, Wayzata went 10-16, losing to Hopkins in the sectional semifinals. That left a bad taste in the mouths of all the Trojans players and motivated them throughout the offseason. Even when there was a lot of uncertainty whether there would be a season at all, Wayzata kept working and preparing.
“When you love something you just do it no matter what even if there is uncertainty,” Schnettler said. “If you have a goal you want to accomplish, you put in the time.”
A veteran corps of players led that charge within the Wayzata programs. Seniors like Eddie Beeninga and Kody Williams as well as juniors Drew Berkland and Carter Bjerke had been on varsity since they were freshman.
“It was very helpful to have those veteran guys this year,” Schnettler said.
Their experience and understanding of what was needed for the team to succeed was pivotal in a year where training time was limited.
“They were motivated to just stay focused on each other and this group and treat every day like it’s the last day,” Schnettler said.
The Trojans started the season strong, winning their first few games before losing a close game to Hopkins, but it was a game against Minnehaha Academy that was a turning point for the team.
In a game against a nationally-ranked team that featured No.1 recruit from the Class of 2021, Chet Holmgren, Wayzata lost 70-63.
“I think at that moment our guys were like, ‘Well, we’re not losing again this year,’” Schnettler said.
The Trojans kept their word, going 16-0 for the rest of the season including their five postseason games, accomplishing a goal they set for themselves more than a year ago.
