Cade Wozney lines up for a free throw against Minnetonka on March 8, 2025. Randy Geister / PL News Compass
The Prior Lake boys basketball team is looking to dial it back to the ’70s, and are now just one win away from making it happen.
Following a first round win over Chanhassen, the Lakers met up with the Minnetonka Skippers in a section 2AAAA semifinal game at Prior Lake this past Saturday, earning a 71-62 win.
The Skippers, who play a shorter lineup with athleticism and quickness, jumped to an early 14-6 lead. Things looked a little unhinged for Prior Lake as short shots and free throws were falling off the rim. The Lakers recovered as the half wound down and made some key defensive stops to help bring it to a 25-25 halftime tie.
Coming out of half, Prior Lake’s top scorer, Norbu Jenpa, hit a three to get the Lakers started. Scoring quickly was key, and coupled with a few Minnetonka turnovers, the Lakers found a way to increase the lead up to eight. Minnetonka kept it close, but from about the eight-minute mark on, the Lakers gained control by slowing the pace with an inside game featuring Colin Gunderson and Kobby Sam-Brew. Cade Wozney also played a solid game on offense in ball handling and scoring with 16 points.
Jenpa led scorers with 18, and Cade Wozney also played a solid offensive game with strong ballhandling and 16 points. Sam-Brew and Gunderson each added 11 points.
The win sets up a showdown at No. 1-seeded Shakopee (22-5) at 7 p.m., Wednesday. On the line is a trip to the state tournament, of which the Lakers have not been part of the field since winning back-to-back state championships in 1977-78. PL also won the consolation championship of the state tournament in 1976, the first of the program’s three appearances.
Prior Lake (22-6) and Shakopee split their regular season matchups, with both teams winning at home.