The Week That Was No. 8: We're halfway to State

Flat on my back with a nasty cold over the weekend, I finally had time to reflect on what has been the busiest three months of my life. Back in October, I retired from my day job and we kicked off this new phase of life with 5,000-mile road trip to Savannah and back. We made it home to Minnesota just in time for the start of the high school basketball season on Nov. 20, opening with Monticello at Benilde-St. Margaret's. Since then, it's been an absolute whirlwind – from the Beakdown Tip Off Classic, two Thanksgiving tournaments, a flurry of college games, the Granite City Classic over the Christmas holidays, the Southern Minnesota Hoops Fest and more.   During that stretch, I also moved, traveled to Canada to be with my ailing 90-year-old mother, and tried to stay on top of all the games I could. And now, somehow, we've already reached the midway point of the high school season with The Week That Was #8 officially in the books.   Last week opened with a bang: Byron vs. Northfield on Monday was a thriller. Tuesday saw Orono's [player_tooltip player_id='471360' first='Mya' last='Moore'] break a school record with a 51-point performance in a win over Benilde-St. Margaret's. On the same night, [player_tooltip player_id='205310' first='Tori' last='Oehrlein'] of Crosby-Ironton also dropped 51 and followed up with 50 more two nights later. Thursday included an exciting overtime win for St. Thomas over Denver University. By the weekend, I was under the weather but still doing my best to watch games online in between much-needed naps. Life is good!   MILESTONES   Each week, we celebrate Minnesota players who hit meaningful career marks – 1,000 points, 2,000 points, all-time school records, and more. Here are this week's milestones with a little detail on the athletes having memorable careers.   [player_tooltip player_id='498657' first='Aubrey' last='Steffl'] – 2027 guard, Cedar Mountain   A top-50 junior and crafty floor general, Steffl reached 2,000 career points last week. She's been a dominant force in Class A since middle school but mostly competes plays outside the spotlight. Thanks to strong AAU seasons with [program_tooltip program_id='712699' first='Minnesota' last='Rise'], she's cemented her status as a scholarship-level prospect. With a polished skill set and relentless energy, Steffl reaching 2,000 with a year and a half left is no surprise.   [player_tooltip player_id='766677' first='Sienna' last='Duininck'] – 2027 guard, Central Minnesota Christian   Hailing from tiny Prinsburg (pop. 550), Duininck's high school setting may be off the main highway but her game is not. Ranked #29 in the Class of 2027, Sienna also hit 2,000 career points last week. Her play with the [program_tooltip program_id='714566' first='Minnesota' last='Stars'] has been exceptional. She combines top-tier vision, a high IQ, and next-level scoring instincts.   [player_tooltip player_id='1048125' first='Clara' last='Keaveny'] – 2026 guard, Mayer Lutheran   With 1,588 career points, Keaveny (pictured above) is now Mayer Lutheran's all-time leading scorer. What makes her story unique? Clara only plays basketball during the high school season, a rarity among elite players. She and twin sister Izabelle are committed to play volleyball at the next level. Despite that, Clara's on-court talent could easily place her in the Class of 2026 top 60. If she decides to play college hoops, she'll jump up the rankings immediately.   [player_tooltip player_id='764292' first='Aaliyah' last='Williams'] – 2027 guard, Rochester Lourdes   One of the most explosive scorers in Minnesota's junior class, Williams reached 1,000 career points last week. She can score at all three levels and is especially dangerous from beyond the arc as her 10 three-pointers vs. Lake City last year will attest. She's ranked in the top 50 in 2027.   [player_tooltip player_id='717676' first='Addison' last='Bryfczynski'] – 2026 forward, Waconia   With Waconia off to a stellar 13-2 start, Bryfczynski has been a major catalyst. The 5'10 forward reached 1,000 career points last week and is known for her blend of toughness, motor, and skill. She thrives on contact, owns the boards, and constantly wins hustle plays. Addy is the kind of competitor every high school coach craves.   [player_tooltip player_id='675954' first='Brooke' last='Mickolichek'] – 2027 guard, Glencoe-Silver Lake   A physical, no-nonsense guard, Mickolichek also hit the 1,000-point mark in Week #8. A top-40 prospect, she's just as comfortable lowering her shoulder to finish as she is using finesse. to slip past defenders with a slick move or two. Her versatility and competitiveness continue to stand out.   [player_tooltip player_id='595199' first='Maya' last='Kilian'] – 2027 guard, New Prague (North Dakota State)   Among the most promising mid-major prospects in the state, Kilian is now a 1,000-point scorer and closing in on 800 rebounds, too. The 6-foot guard has length, athleticism, and a complete offensive skillset. She continues to blossom, and her early commitment to NDSU looks like a great fit.   Other 1,000-Point Scorers Last Week   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Shandra Cuperus (2026 guard, Adrian-Ellsworth) – Dropped 32 points in a win over Murray County Central to reach the 1,000 mark. She an all-conference pick in the Red Rock.</li>   <li>Holly Hinderks (2024 guard, Renville County West) – Reached 1,000 on the same night and court as Duininck's 2,000-point milestone. The 5'9 guard was an all-conference performer in the Camden.</li> </ul>   Other milestones in week 8:   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='502574' first='Haylie' last='Wolbeck'] (2026 forward, Royalton) – 1,000 career rebounds.</li>   <li>[player_tooltip player_id='773415' first='Emma' last='Hanson'] (2026 guard,  Waconia) – The UW-Stout commit set a new school record for career assists with 294.</li> </ul>   COMING UP   This week is loaded with great games and we'll be on the move trying to see as much of it as possible:   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Monday – Rosemount at Farmington (Irish are 11-0 and led by Gopher commit [player_tooltip player_id='578467' first='Amisha' last='Ramlall'])</li>   <li>Tuesday – Monticello at St. Francis (5:45 p.m.), Rogers at Totino-Grace (7 p.m.)</li>   <li>Wednesday – In Vermilion for South Dakota vs. North Dakota (D1 Summit League)</li>   <li>Thursday – Maple Grove at Duluth Marshall</li>   <li>Friday – Minnesota-Duluth at Minnesota State-Mankato (D2 Northern Sun Conference)</li>   <li>Saturday – Breakdown West Metro Classic at Southwest Christian and Waconia</li>   <li>Monday – MLK Day Tournament at College of St. Catherine, St. Paul</li> </ul>

Flat on my back with a nasty cold over the weekend, I finally had time to reflect on what has been the busiest three months of my life. Back in October, I retired from my day job and we kicked off this new phase of life with 5,000-mile road trip to Savannah and back. We made it home to Minnesota just in time for the start of the high school basketball season on Nov. 20, opening with Monticello at Benilde-St. Margaret's. Since then, it's been an absolute whirlwind – from the Beakdown Tip Off Classic, two Thanksgiving tournaments, a flurry of college games, the Granite City Classic over the Christmas holidays, the Southern Minnesota Hoops Fest and more.