7 Shocking Facts About Tartan High School Basketball's Dominant 2024-2025 Season
The Tartan High School basketball program in Oakdale, MN, is currently navigating one of its most dynamic and newsworthy seasons in recent memory, with both the Boys’ and Girls’ Varsity teams making headlines as of today, December 24, 2025. The 2024-2025 campaign has been defined by historic coaching milestones, a dramatic shift in the Girls’ program leadership, and several high-profile games that have solidified the Titans’ standing in the competitive Metro East Conference and Section 4AAAA. From a legendary coach’s 700th win to the arrival of a former Division I star, the Tartan Titans are proving they are a must-watch team in Minnesota high school hoops.
The buzz around the Tartan Titans is palpable, fueled by a blend of storied tradition and an injection of fresh, high-level coaching talent. This article dives deep into the seven most compelling and recent facts shaping the narrative for both the Boys' and Girls' programs, highlighting the key players and strategic shifts that fans need to know right now.
The Titans' Coaching Legacy and New Era Leadership
The Tartan basketball program is anchored by two distinct but equally powerful coaching stories: the enduring legacy of the Boys' Varsity coach and the exciting, high-profile arrival of the Girls' Varsity coach.
Mark Klingsporn: The 700-Win Milestone and Boys' Program Stability
The Boys' Varsity team, the Tartan Titans, continues to be led by veteran Head Coach Mark Klingsporn, who cemented his place as a Minnesota high school basketball icon during the 2024-2025 season. In February 2025, Coach Klingsporn achieved the monumental feat of securing his 700th career victory, becoming only the seventh boys' basketball coach in Minnesota history to reach that milestone.
Klingsporn's longevity and success are a cornerstone of the Titans' identity, providing the program with unmatched stability and a winning culture. His achievement reflects decades of dedication to the students and the sport in Oakdale, MN. The team was reported to be unbeaten at the time of the 700th win, demonstrating the high level of play he consistently maintains.
The 2024-2025 Boys' team is built on this foundation of excellence, featuring a deep roster with significant talent. Key players driving the offense and defensive intensity include guards like Curtis Favors Jr. and Nikael Ugass, alongside playmakers such as Langston Binns, Anthony Brant, and forward Eric Coleman.
Angel Robinson: A D-I Star Takes Over the Girls' Program
On the Girls' Varsity side, the 2024-2025 season marks the start of a new, high-energy era under Head Coach Angel Robinson. Robinson is a celebrated former local prep star from St. Paul Central and an accomplished collegiate athlete who played at Marquette University.
Her hiring brought immediate attention to the program, promising to implement a high-level, disciplined style of play. Robinson's journey from a standout player to an educator and mentor is a key narrative for the Titans. She is also part of an exciting coaching collaboration with fellow former local prep star Trevor Mbakwe, creating a dynamic duo on the sidelines.
This new leadership is focused on building a program that not only wins but also prepares its athletes for the next level. The Girls' team, with a recent record of 4-3-0, is already showing signs of this new direction, emphasizing defensive pressure and fast-break opportunities.
The 2024-2025 Season: December Domination and Key Matchups
As the calendar turns to late December 2025, both Tartan Titans teams are deep into their competitive schedules, delivering recent results that showcase their potential for the Section 4AAAA playoffs.
1. The Boys' Titans’ Triple-Digit Offensive Firepower
One of the most eye-opening results of the current season was the Boys' Varsity team's dominant performance on December 3, 2025, where they defeated Harding High School by a staggering score of 101-24. This triple-digit victory is a clear indicator of the team's offensive firepower and depth, proving they can overwhelm opponents when their shots are falling. This type of high-scoring output is a hallmark of Coach Klingsporn’s teams, utilizing the talents of players like Jason Fagin and the frontcourt presence.
2. Angel Robinson’s Girls' Team Secures a Crucial Conference Win
Under Coach Robinson, the Girls' Varsity team is quickly adapting to a more challenging Metro East Conference schedule. A key victory came on December 12, 2025, when the Titans trounced North St. Paul. This win is vital for building momentum and confidence, especially following a tight, hard-fought loss earlier in the month to a strong Park Center High School team (43-51 on December 2, 2025). The team's defensive intensity and ability to execute in critical moments are starting to shine through.
3. The New Roster Depth and Future Prospects
Both programs boast impressive rosters that point to sustained success. While the Boys' team relies on established veterans, the Girls' team is seeing emerging talent. A notable player to watch in the Girls' program is Kaleena Smith, a 5'6" Point Guard whose highlight reels have generated significant buzz, suggesting a high-level ceiling for the young playmaker. The focus on developing core talent is a priority for the new coaching staff, ensuring the program's relevance for years to come.
The Tartan Titans' Place in Minnesota High School Hoops
Tartan High School, located in Oakdale, MN, is a perennial contender in the Metro East Conference, consistently battling rivals like Mahtomedi High School. The Titans compete in Section 4AAAA, one of the most competitive sections in Minnesota, which means every game is a test of their mettle.
4. Section 4AAAA: A Gauntlet of Elite Competition
Competing in Section 4AAAA places the Titans among the largest and most talented schools in the state. This classification ensures that their path to the State Tournament is a rigorous one, featuring regular matchups against powerhouse programs. The competition forces the team to maintain a high level of performance and strategic depth throughout the entire season, preparing them for the intensity of the postseason.
5. Rivalry Games and Key Conference Matchups
The Metro East Conference schedule is packed with must-watch games. A critical rivalry matchup against Mahtomedi High School is always a highlight, with both the Boys' and Girls' Varsity teams facing off in highly anticipated contests. These conference games are essential for securing a favorable seed in the Section tournament and are often the most physical and emotionally charged games of the year.
6. The Influence of High-Level Coaching on Player Development
The presence of coaches like Mark Klingsporn, Angel Robinson, and Trevor Mbakwe—all with experience at the college or high-major high school level—is a massive advantage for Tartan’s student-athletes. This environment provides players with professional-level instruction, focusing on advanced concepts in both offensive and defensive schemes. For players like Curtis Favors Jr. and others hoping to play at the collegiate level, this coaching pedigree is invaluable for their recruiting and skill development.
7. Tartan's Historic Performance Against Elite Programs
The Titans are not afraid to schedule elite non-conference opponents to challenge their teams. The Boys' team played a tough game against Cretin-Derham Hall High School, a perennial state power, earlier in the season, losing a close contest 68-73. Similarly, the Girls' team's early-season loss to Park Center (51-43) demonstrates the coaching staff's commitment to testing the team against the very best, preparing them for the pressure of a deep playoff run. These matchups, win or lose, are key indicators of the Titans' ability to compete at the highest level of Minnesota high school basketball.
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