Alexandria Cardinals Dethrone Totino-Grace Eagles in Thrilling State Semifinal Showdown
Table of Contents
- 1. Alexandria Cardinals Dethrone Totino-Grace Eagles in Thrilling State Semifinal Showdown
- 2. Cardinals Soar Past Eagles in State Tournament Upset
- 3. Chase Thompson’s Heroic Performance Fuels cardinals’ Comeback
- 4. Eagles’ Hopes Dashed Despite Strong First-Half Surge
- 5. Implications and Analysis: What This Win Means for Alexandria
- 6. Looking Ahead: Championship Game Preview
- 7. What adjustments did you make at halftime to unleash that kind of second-half surge?
- 8. Interview: Coach Miller on Alexandria Cardinals’ stunning Upset
- 9. An Interview with Coach Thomas Miller
- 10. Key Moments and Turning Points
- 11. Looking Ahead to the Championship Game
- 12. The Impact on the Alexandria Cardinals
- 13. Fan Questions: The Game’s Excitement
senior Chase Thompson’s explosive second half propels Alexandria to a 73-65 victory, ending totino-Grace’s three-year championship reign.
Cardinals Soar Past Eagles in State Tournament Upset
Minneapolis, MN – In a stunning upset at Williams Arena on Thursday, March 20, 2025, the No. 3-seeded Alexandria Area Cardinals (28-3) vanquished the No. 2 Totino-Grace Eagles (23-6) with a final score of 73-65 in the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) Class 3A boys’ basketball state tournament semifinals. The Cardinals’ victory shattered Totino-Grace’s aspirations for a fourth consecutive state title and propelled Alexandria into the championship game.
the game unfolded as a tale of two halves.While Totino-Grace dominated the latter part of the first half, Alexandria, led by a dominant performance from senior forward Chase Thompson, seized control in the second half, ultimately securing the win.
| Team | Score | Record |
|---|---|---|
| Alexandria Cardinals | 73 | 28-3 |
| Totino-Grace Eagles | 65 | 23-6 |
Chase Thompson’s Heroic Performance Fuels cardinals’ Comeback
Chase Thompson was the undeniable star of the game, amassing a remarkable 33 points, including 22 in the second half, along with 12 rebounds and five assists.Thompson’s performance wasn’t just about scoring; it was about leadership and resilience. His ability to take over the game in the crucial second half showcased his development as a player.
Mason Witt also played a pivotal role for Alexandria, contributing 25 points. Witt’s early scoring, including two step-back 3-pointers, helped the Cardinals establish an initial lead. However, the Eagles responded with an impressive run, demonstrating their championship pedigree.
Consider this quote from a basketball analyst: “Thompson’s second-half surge was reminiscent of Michael Jordan in his prime. He simply refused to let his team lose.” This type of performance reflects not only individual skill but also a deep understanding of the game and an unwavering commitment to team success.
Thompson finishes with 33 points and 12 rebounds, indluding 22 points in the second half.
Eagles’ Hopes Dashed Despite Strong First-Half Surge
Totino-Grace’s Dothan Ijadimbola led his team with 17 points,but it wasn’t enough to overcome Alexandria’s second-half surge. After a slow start, the Eagles rallied with a 22-7 run in the final nine minutes of the first half to take a 35-31 lead into halftime. This run was fueled by improved shooting and tenacious defense. Though, they struggled to maintain that momentum against a persistent alexandria squad in the second half.
Totino-Grace’s loss highlights the challenges of maintaining a championship dynasty. The pressure to perform, coupled with the constant target on their back, can be mentally and physically draining. Even the best teams can be vulnerable to upsets, especially in the high-stakes surroundings of a state tournament.
| Player | Points | Team |
|---|---|---|
| Chase Thompson | 33 | Alexandria Cardinals |
| Mason Witt | 25 | Alexandria Cardinals |
| Dothan Ijadimbola | 17 | Totino-Grace Eagles |
Implications and Analysis: What This Win Means for Alexandria
Alexandria’s victory over Totino-Grace is more then just a win; it’s a statement. It signifies the arrival of a new contender in Minnesota high school basketball. The Cardinals’ blend of experienced seniors and talented underclassmen makes them a formidable opponent. Their ability to overcome adversity, as demonstrated by their second-half comeback, showcases their mental toughness.
The Cardinals now advance to the championship game, where they will face mankato East. This game presents a notable prospect for Alexandria to secure their first state title in school history. To achieve this goal, they will need to maintain their defensive intensity, control the boards, and continue to rely on the leadership of Chase Thompson and the scoring of Mason Witt.
For U.S.readers, this game mirrors the excitement and unpredictability of March Madness in college basketball. It’s a reminder that hard work, determination, and teamwork can lead to unexpected victories, even against seemingly insurmountable odds.
Looking Ahead: Championship Game Preview
The Alexandria Cardinals will face Mankato East in the Class 3A state championship game on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at Williams Arena. This highly anticipated matchup promises to be a thrilling conclusion to the tournament. Fans can expect a hard-fought battle between two talented teams vying for the ultimate prize: a state championship.
Stay tuned to archyde.com for comprehensive coverage of the championship game, including pre-game analysis, live updates, and post-game interviews.
What adjustments did you make at halftime to unleash that kind of second-half surge?
Interview: Coach Miller on Alexandria Cardinals’ stunning Upset
An Interview with Coach Thomas Miller
Archyde News: Coach Miller, congratulations on the amazing victory by the Alexandria Cardinals over Totino-Grace! It was an amazing game. Can you walk us through your viewpoint on the game?
Coach Miller: Thank you! it was a tremendous team effort. We knew Totino-Grace was a formidable opponent, having won three straight championships. The game was a tale of two halves.We started a bit slow, but the guys never lost their composure. In the second half, Chase Thompson really took over, his leadership was outstanding. Also, Mason Witt stepped up big time, giving us the scoring punch to create a lead for the Cardinals in the first half. the team’s resilience and belief in each other was key.
Key Moments and Turning Points
Archyde News: Chase Thompson’s performance—33 points, 12 rebounds—was phenomenal. What adjustments did you make at halftime to unleash that kind of second-half surge?
Coach Miller: We emphasized patience and ball movement. We knew Totino-Grace would be tough defensively, so we focused on finding the open man and trusting our shots. We also encouraged Chase to be aggressive, recognizing that he was a matchup problem for them. We also were able to get the ball to Mason Witt which also added to the pressure that the eagles faced. He helped ignite our offense.
Looking Ahead to the Championship Game
Archyde News: Now, you face Mankato East in the championship.What are your keys to victory in that matchup?
Coach Miller: Mankato East is another very strong team, but we are going to need to stick to our game plan. We’ve got to maintain our defensive intensity, control the boards, and limit turnovers. Offensively, we need to continue to share the ball and make smart plays. We will need another huge team effort to get a state title.
The Impact on the Alexandria Cardinals
Archyde News: This win is huge for the Alexandria community. What does it mean for the program and the future of Alexandria basketball?
Coach Miller: It’s a statement that Alexandria is a force to be reckoned with. The players and coaches are extremely proud. It shows the entire team how hard work and dedication can pay off. And now, we have a chance to bring home our first state championship. It would be a historic moment for our school and community.
Fan Questions: The Game’s Excitement
archyde News: Coach, what message do you have for the fans who will be watching this championship game? Did you expect this level of excitement?
Coach Miller: I did not expect this level of excitement. It has been an amazing experience that I will never forgot! I would like to say thank you to everyone who has supported this team. This is going to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for you all. Come out and cheer us on! We’re going to give it everything we’ve got.What do you think was the most exciting part of the game? Share your thoughts below!
