The Orono Spartans stormed back to beat No. 2 Wayzata after trailing by 19 at halftime led by Yale commit Nolan Groves with 46 points in a 107-103 win.

KSTP Sports was in attendance.

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The Spartans were playing for more than just a win as they honored Luke Knudson who passed away less than a month ago. Knudson would have been Orono’s point guard this season and the team remembered him as an honorary starter pregame.

At tipoff, Orono placed the ball at the top of the key and took a shot clock violation in remembrance of their late teammate. 

Christian Wiggins, the No. 1 player in Minnesota in the Class of 2026, and Nolen Anderson combined for 26 of the Trojans 52 points first-half points.

But, the Spartans shot out of a cannon in the second half clawing their way back into the game inch by inch. A few Grant Hansen threes and Brady Wooley’s tough finishes at the rim helped the cause for Orono.

Add in Groves’ one-on-one scoring ability and the Spartans nabbed the lead with barely over two minutes to play, 85-84, their first lead since leading 11-10 with 12:27 left in the first half.

The two teams battled to the final buzzer and a defensive stand from Orono kept it at 87-87 as overtime was necessary to decide the game.

During the extra four minutes, Orono jumped out to an early lead and never let up. Riding the momentum gained in the second half surge the Spartans they rode their star shooting guard.

Groves scored 16 of Orono’s final 20 points in overtime to lead the Spartans past Wayzata.

Oron wins their season opener at home on a special night knocking off one of the top teams in the state coming off four straight state championship appearances and two titles.