In a thrilling encounter at the 2025 Minnesota high school boys basketball state tournament Class 3A semifinals, the Alexandria Area Cardinals edged past the Totino-Grace Eagles with a score of 73-65. Despite a strong first-half showing by the Eagles, Alexandria's Chase Thompson took control in the second half, scoring an impressive 22 points and leading his team to victory. This win sets the stage for Alexandria’s bid for their inaugural state championship.

Though Totino-Grace dominated the final stretch of the first half, taking a four-point lead into halftime, the Cardinals surged ahead in the second half thanks to key performances from both Thompson and teammate Mason Witt, who contributed significantly to the scoring efforts. The Eagles' hopes for a fourth consecutive title were dashed as Alexandria capitalized on crucial moments down the stretch.

Cardinals’ Comeback in the Second Half

The second half witnessed a dramatic turnaround led by Alexandria’s standout senior Chase Thompson, whose relentless drive and scoring prowess helped shift the momentum back in favor of the Cardinals. With contributions from teammate Mason Witt, the Cardinals managed to reclaim the lead and maintain it until the final whistle.

After trailing by four points at halftime, the Cardinals began the second half with renewed vigor. Within the first few minutes, Chase Thompson single-handedly added seven points, sparking a surge that quickly reversed the earlier deficit. By leveraging strategic plays and capitalizing on defensive lapses, Alexandria regained the upper hand. Thompson’s dominance continued throughout the second half, amassing 22 points and contributing significantly to the team’s overall offensive output. Meanwhile, Mason Witt complemented this effort by maintaining consistent scoring, finishing the game with 25 points. Together, these two players ensured that the Cardinals maintained a steady edge over their formidable opponents, ultimately securing a hard-fought victory.

Totino-Grace’s Strong First-Half Performance

Despite losing, the Totino-Grace Eagles showcased exceptional skill during the initial stages of the match, particularly excelling in the closing minutes of the first half. Their ability to execute well-planned strategies allowed them to seize control temporarily before succumbing to Alexandria's resurgence.

During the first half, the Eagles demonstrated remarkable precision, outscoring the Cardinals 22-7 in the final nine minutes. This impressive streak was fueled by a combination of effective teamwork and individual brilliance, highlighted by Dothan Ijadimbola’s stellar performance. His contribution of 11 points was instrumental in propelling the team to a commanding lead going into halftime. However, despite their early dominance, the Eagles struggled to sustain their momentum in the face of Alexandria’s determined comeback. Although they briefly retook the lead midway through the second half, critical errors and missed opportunities ultimately hindered their progress. Nevertheless, the Eagles remain a formidable force, and their resilience under pressure underscores their status as one of the top teams in the league.