Breakdown Tip Off Classic: The Future is Bright, Part 1

The Breakdown Tip Off Classic has always felt like the real starting point of girls high school hoops in Minnesota, and this year kept that going. As the first installment of a two-part feature, my focus was on players in 9th grade and below who showed they're ready for the big stage. Across 18 games from Friday evening through late Saturday night, we saw strong programs from every class, young talent trying to earn trust, and early tests that told us a lot about what's coming this season. I was on site from the first tip to the last, joined by Ally McGinnis and Grant McGinnis, taking in every run and every young player who stepped up when it mattered. Opening weekend always brings something unexpected, and this one delivered exactly that.   [player_tooltip player_id='1418505' first='Marianna' last='Davis'] – forward 2030, Hopkins   The 6'1 eighth grader came into a game where everything mattered and made her presence felt right away. She brought instant energy, flying after loose balls and grabbing tough rebounds that helped shift momentum. Her biggest moment came late, finishing through contact for a three-point play that helped shut down a hard-charging Providence Academy run. Davis wrapped up the night with 11 points in what was likely the most important game of her young career. You can tell she's been putting in the work. When her number was called, she stepped in with confidence, stayed poised, and showed she's ready for whatever comes next.   [player_tooltip player_id='939000' first='Kiera' last='Willis'] – guard 2029, Benilde-St. Margaret's   When you put on the white and red of the Red Knights, there's an expectation that you'll rise to the moment. Willis (pictured above) has taken that challenge head-on and pushed past what anyone could've asked from a freshman. She did most of her work attacking the basket, using her strength and poise to draw contact and earn trips to the line. Once she got there, she was automatic, going a perfect 8-for-8 and finishing with a team-high 14 points. Her steady play helped guide the Red Knights to a hard-earned 68-61 win over 3A opponent DeLaSalle. She showed she's not just ready for the stage –she's built for it.   [player_tooltip player_id='1312499' first='Maliyah' last='Ellis'] – guard 2029, Eden Prairie   Ellis has already given us glimpses of what she can do, especially during the Fall Exclusive event, where she showed she can score it, share it, and guard it when the moment calls for it. On Saturday, her role shifted. With a couple of teammates catching fire from deep, she focused on defending and getting them the ball in the right spots. She stayed steady, made the simple plays, and did exactly what her team needed. As she gets more comfortable and earns more trust, Ellis' full skillset will come out. There's real upside there, and she's trending in the right direction.   [player_tooltip player_id='1124601' first='Rose' last='Kalscheur'] – guard 2029, Benilde-St. Margaret's   Kalscheur is stepping into the exact kind of role young guards need if they want to earn minutes at a place with as much scoring talent as the Red Knights. At 5'9, she has the length and toughness to guard multiple spots, and she showed it at the Breakdown Tip-Off Classic. She stayed locked in against the Islanders' guards, moved her feet, and never looked overwhelmed. Offensively, she moved the ball and didn't try to do too much. What matters most is how she's buying into what the staff needs from her right now. With older, skilled guards ahead of her, Rose is in a great spot to learn and grow. Patience will pay off, and there's plenty to like about where she's headed.   [player_tooltip player_id='923286' first='Ashlee' last='Wilson'] – guard 2030, Hill-Murray   Wilson put together one of the strongest stat lines you'll see: 24 points, 9 rebounds and 8 assists. That's special for anyone, but for an 8th grader it's almost unheard of. She showed everything at the Tip Off Classic, controlling the game in big moments and dropping 16 points in the second half to help her team separate from a tough Eden Prairie group that refused to go away. Her court vision is beyond her years, and she reads pressure like a seasoned varsity guard. When it's time to take charge, she doesn't hesitate. It's clear why people are talking about her as one of the top 8th graders in the country. She's carrying the hype well and backing it up every time she takes the floor.

The Breakdown Tip Off Classic has always felt like the real starting point of girls high school hoops in Minnesota, and this year kept that going. As the first installment of a two-part feature, my focus was on players in 9th grade and below who showed they're ready for the big stage. Across 18 games from Friday evening through late Saturday night, we saw strong programs from every class, young talent trying to earn trust, and early tests that told us a lot about what's coming this season. I was on site from the first tip to the last, joined by Ally McGinnis and Grant McGinnis, taking in every run and every young player who stepped up when it mattered. Opening weekend always brings something unexpected, and this one delivered exactly that.