X-Factors at the Class 2A and 3A State Tournaments

This year's State Tournament gave us so much to talk about. From record breaking wins to photo finishes, it was some of the most exciting high school basketball in recent years. Since the Tournament's conclusion on Saturday night ,we've highlighted everything from our All-Tournament teams and breakout performers to standout seniors who played their last games. Last item on the agenda is the X-Factors.    These are kids who played a major role for their teams this season, even if they didn't necessarily draw the most attention or score the most points. All the work they've put in since November culminated in some crucial performances on the season's biggest stage. Here are four prospects who proved to be instrumental to the success of their teams at State.    [player_tooltip player_id='764185' first='Candice' last='Ndomb'] – 2027 Guard, Duluth Marshall   Averaging over 12 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals a game this winter, Ndomb was an impactful player for Duluth Marshall throughout the season. The 5'8 guard plays hard on both ends of the floor and isn't afraid to get her hands dirty. Nowhere was that more evident than at the State Tournament. Throughout all three rounds, Candice was unrelenting on the defensive end, forcing turnovers and always capitalizing on her opponents mistakes.   On the other end of the floor the Hilltoppers junior got to the rim with an explosive first step and a crafty handle on the ball. When she caught the ball on the perimeter, Ndomb didn't hesitate to find an opening and let it fly. No doubt that she'll be instrumental for Duluth Marshall next winter in her final varsity season. Before that, though, she'll suit up for the [program_tooltip program_id='714566' first='Minnesota' last='Stars'].   [player_tooltip player_id='939000' first='Kiera' last='Willis'] – 2029 Guard, Benilde-St. Margaret's   After a breakout performance at last year's Class 3A State Tournament, it wasn't a surprise to see Willis come up big for the Red Knights a second time. In Wednesday's quarterfinal matchup against Rock Ridge, the 5'8 guard seized every opportunity she had to put the ball in the net. Whether scoring in transition, finishing, through contact at the rim, or knocking down shots from the perimeter, Kiera got it done. Against the Wolverines, she finished with 19 points on 8-for-12 shooting, including a perfect 3-for-3 from long range, in just 19 minutes of court time.   Throughout the remainder of the tournament, Kiera came up with big defensive plays that included blocks from behind and key stops against the Tigers of both Marshall and Stewartville. As last year's PGH 2029 AAU Breakout Player of the Year, we look forward to seeing what Willis accomplishes this spring with the [program_tooltip program_id='712687' first='Minnesota' last='Fury'].   [player_tooltip player_id='1279505' first='Teagan' last='Jacobs'] – 2029 Guard, Cretin-Derham Hall   Led by a freshman class that includes top 10 ranked prospects [player_tooltip player_id='897060' first='Madeleine' last='Hamiel'] and [player_tooltip player_id='939003' first='Isabella' last='Deleeuw'], the other players on the Cretin-Derham Hall roster are often overlooked, including Jacobs. That said, the Raiders other 9th grader should not be counted out! Pictured above, the 5'10 guard showed no fear at the State Tournament, even when tasked with tough defensive assignments such as [player_tooltip player_id='339214' first='Jayci' last='Rath'] of Stewartville, and [player_tooltip player_id='377583' first='Mya' last='Wilson'] of Hill-Murray.   Throughout the week Teagan's quickness and athleticism, plus her high basketball IQ proved crucial for coach Tara Gunderson's squad. Each time the Raiders freshman took to the court, she stepped up to do whatever the team needed from her in that moment. Whether crashing hard for offensive rebounds, feeding the ball to her teammates in transition, or hustling to save a loose ball, Jacobs showed why she'll be a key piece for Cretin in the years to come.    [player_tooltip player_id='1234522' first='Addison' last='Ruffridge'] – 2026 Post, Stewartville (St. Olaf)   The Stewartville post saw her game soar to new heights this season, earning her a 79-place jump in the Prep Girls Hoops Class of 2026 Rankings. On a team loaded with high-scoring Division 1 commits such as [player_tooltip player_id='458305' first='Audrey' last='Shindelar'] and [player_tooltip player_id='339214' first='Jayci' last='Rath'], Ruffridge's role at the Tournament was clear; lock down the paint and control the boards.   Using her 6'1 stature and strong, muscular frame she did just that. All week Addy battled in the post, using her size and physicality to make things difficult for her opponents. On the glass, the Tigers senior boxed out and fought for positioning on every rebound. Still just scratching the surface of her potential, Ruffridge will be a player to watch at the collegiate level. She will play for Division 3 St. Olaf in the fall.

This year's State Tournament gave us so much to talk about. From record breaking wins to photo finishes, it was some of the most exciting high school basketball in recent years. Since the Tournament's conclusion on Saturday night ,we've highlighted everything from our All-Tournament teams and breakout performers to standout seniors who played their last games. Last item on the agenda is the X-Factors.