Twin Cities Boys Hoops

A fun couple of playoff nights on the schedule. Thursday gives the small schools center stage. Friday is a quiet night with the 1st AAAA semis on the schedule.

Thursday: Humboldt 65 Hiawatha 52
This was the 8 vs 9 game in 4AA and I had the upset correctly picked in this one. No Jaheim Houts for Hiawatha in this one. Desmond Lugo a pair of 3s and Humboldt storms out to a 15-4 lead. But a mysterious lack of game plan from Humboldt coach Augie Garcia. He lets the 1 Hiawatha weapon, PG Jessye Lewis, pretty much do whatever he wants. Plus he lets his guys settle for 3s against the 2-3 zone rather than easier looks against a defense that was one of the worst I saw all year. Humboldt gets a couple of free throws at the halftime buzzer to go up by 5.

Romelle Bell lights up the 2nd half for Hiawatha. He starts with 2 buckets. Lewis with a 3 and a drive. Bell from Lewis and he'll cut for 2 more. Lewis for 3 and Bell for 3 to end an 11-2 run from a tie game. 44-35 Hiawatha with their biggest lead of the night with just under 12 minutes left. Lewis with another assist for a 3 to keep the Wolves lead at 47-40 with 10:10 left. But Hiawatha gets only 1 more field goal the rest of the way. Hawks go on a 25-5 run to finish the game. Lugo 2 more trips to the deep beyond. Keith Pabon 2 triples with the 2nd coming as Bell cramps up. A turnover for a layup and the Humboldt lead is 59-50 with 4:14 left. The rest is basically free throws. Jessye Lewis 22, Romelle Bell 20 for Hiawatha but no help beyond that. Desmond Lugo with 5 triples and 18 points to lead Humboldt to the quarters on Saturday vs St. Croix Prep.

Friday: Hopkins 66 Wayzata 56
Hopkins with 2 buckets in the 1st minute but then only 1 FG in the next 12:50. Wayzata with a 12-0 run after those buckets with a couple Camden Heide assists included. Heide with a floater and a Drew Berkland 3 to push the lead to 22-11 at 5:28. Walton backdoor for 2 free throws plus a jumper and Hopkins converts a turnover to cut the lead to 5 with just over 3 minutes left. Wayzata rallies with 2 Carter Bjerke 3s in an 8-0 for a 33-20 lead. Walton closes the half with 2 free throws to cut the margin to 33-22. Walton 12 in the half, 8-8 FTs. Half of that damage done with his primary defender Kody Williams sitting with 2 fouls.

Bjerke scores inside to open the half for another 13 point lead. Here come the Royals. 7-0 run with 2 Xavier White buckets to force a quick Wayzata timeout. Walton for 3 and a putback for a 3 point play to cut the lead to 1. Regan Merritt another productive night off the bench for Hopkins. His steal for a 3 point play and another 3 tie it up. Walton to a fadeaway and Hopkins is back on top 47-45 with 8:45 left. Back and forth we go with Merritt making 1-2 free throws for a 53-52 Hopkins lead with 4:21 left.

Then its time for Kerwin Walton to take over. He drives and hits a crazy off balance banker for a 3 point play with 3:33 left. Then a sweet backcut on a BLOB for another 3 point play. Teams trade a couple of buckets and its Walton to Andre Gray for a bucket with 1:32 left to keep the lead at 7. He adds 2 free throws to help the margin get to double figures. Kerwin Walton finishes with 30 points, half of them at the charity stripe. Much to the chagrin of Wayzata coach Brian Schnettler who had to be held back from the officials late. Carter Bjerke 3 triples and 15 points to lead Wayzata. Drew Berkland adds 3 triples and 13 points for the Trojans. Hopkins advances to face Cooper in the section final next Wednesday. Cooper and St. Louis Park played 3 games this year with margins of 2, 2 and 4 points.

We're down semifinals and finals across the state this week. My week begins with the 5AAAA semis at Coon Rapids. Good crowd on hand. Solid hot dog on the concessions. No band for any of the schools was disappointing. South Dakota on hand watching the games as well.

Game 1: Park Center 60 Mounds View 39
Dain Dainja with a pass out of the post that leads to an offensive board. Then an assist for a layup and he'll score his own post up with Mounds View not bringing a double team. Josh Brown 2 bombs and its 17-5 Park Center just over 5 minutes in. Soph wing Dylan Wheeler with a couple of 3s as Mounds View counters with a 10-0 run to jump right back in the game. Dainja 2 more inside hoops. Wheeler a hoop and a triple. Dainja ends the half with a mean dunk. 29-25 Park Cetner at the break.

Park Center much more disciplined on the defensive end in the 2nd half. John Montgomery with a free throw and a tip in to keep Mounds View within 36-31 with 10:35 left. Mustangs go the next 4 minutes without a field goal. Dainja with a steal and some circus dribbling to go coast to coast for a 3 point play. Josh Brown another triple. Park Center hits a bunch of free throws from there to coast to a win Dain Dainja with 17 points to lead all scorers. Park Center with 4 in double figures. Dylan Wheeler with 15 to lead Mounds View, 13 in the 1st half. Mounds View tried a quick box and 1 on Josh Brown. Interesting that they never really doubled inside much but Dainja's passing is a legit threat.

Game 2: Spring Lake Park 80 Champlin Park 59
2 simple storylines here. Too much Gabe Myren for Spring Lake Park and too little offense from Champlin Park. Spring Lake Park 4 early 3s to open a 19-6 lead. Champlin Park with the next 10 to cut the margin to 3. Francis Nwaokorie 1st 5 points in that run plus a skip pass for the next 3. Myren converts 2 turnovers into 3 point plays. Kaleb Skelly adds 3 triples. Spring Lake Park 40-30 at the break.

Its a 12 point game with 12:30 left when Spring Lake Park blows it open. Myren in the post, at the line, from deep and 2 more for 9 in a row. Jacob Say adds his 3rd 3 of the night. Blake Remme 2 hoops before a Myren putback. Remme with the exclamation point with a mean tip dunk with 5:43 left. 74-43 Spring Lake Park lead after the 24-5 run. Garbage time from the there. Gabe Myren terrific with 33 points on the night. 20 of those in the 1st half. Only 2 3s as he was attacking all night. 3 others in double figures for Spring Lake Park. Cooper Olson and Devon Moore with 11 each for Champlin Park. They strangely really didn't look at Francis Nwaokorie inside. All 5 of his points in that 1 early spurt and largely invisible beyond that. Some credit to Daydor Phillips for battling him in there all night. His reward? Another chance to battle with Dain Dainja inside in the section final at Rogers on Friday night.

Prologue
Section finals here we go. 31 teams playing for titles starting tonight. But its a really strange 24 hours that we've seen. Tonight's finals played with fans but that's the last fan night we'll see. Friday's finals will be played with limited family tickets available due to the Corona virus scare. Props to the MSHSL for lifting the restriction on live streaming playoff games for those games. So tonight we get a subdued crowd in Hastings for the 4AAAA final. Its a rubber match between Suburban East foes East Ridge and Cretin-Derham Hall. The teams split home wins during the regular season with a Woodbury upset costing CDH a share of the league crown.

Game Time
Offense hard to come by early, particularly for East Ridge. Tre Holloman 6 straight CDH points for a 12-2 CDH lead at the 10:15 mark. East Ridge unable to get anything to fall. But Ben North finally breaks the ice with a 3 just under the 10 minute mark. That triggers an 11-2 Raptors run. Brody Kriesel with a 3 to end it. 14-13 CDH at 5:50. CDH with the next 8 as a couple of East Ridge turnovers end the run. North with 2 hoops to stop the bleeding. 22-17 CDH at the break.

CDH seemed to have an answer for every East Ridge bit of momentum. Kriesel 2 FTs countered by a J'Vonne Hadley triple. Drew Adams 3 countered by Amari Carter with a drive for 2 and a triple of his own. Hadley in the post dishes to Will Burke for a layup. Carter puts back his own miss. CDH lead back to 10, 38-28, with under 12 minutes left.

Ben Carlson heating up despite being mugged all night inside. He scores in the post and knocks down a 3 as part of 6 straight East Ridge points. After a CDH FT, its Hadley's 4th foul and another Ben North triple. Kriesel to the line to make 1 of 2 with 4:49 left. That miss would have tied the game and it brings Hadley back in. 42-41 CDH. Holloman takes Carlson off the ball screen switch and finishes. Kriesel from the short corner vs a 1-2-2 zone. Holloman has the answer with the left hand. Then he strips Carlson inside (could have easily been a jump ball). Carter goes to the quick spin move in the post for a layup. 48-42 CDH with 1:40 left and it looks to be over.

Carlson with a free throw. Kriesel with a strip at halfcourt that he converts with 1:10 left. Back to a 1 possession game. CDH misses a front end. Kriesel converts that into a left wing triple. 48 all with 40 seconds left. CDH timeout with 27.2 left. They hold with Holloman. He drives and his lob is too high for Hadley. Carlson with a chance to grab it but can't hang on. Its out to Cretin under their basket with 3.7 left. The teams trade time outs. On the BLOB, nothing on the initial set. Curtis Jones drops back beyond the 3 point line for the catch. 1 dribble left and he'll pull it from 25 feet straight away. BANG! Raiders advance with a 51-48 win. Not to mention it keeps my picks at dead even going into the final night (though I need a Spring Lake Park win to not be underwater). All 10 starters score and no bench points in the game.

Post Game
Heartbreak hotel for East Ridge. Brody Kriesel with 13 of his 18 points in the 2nd half including the clutch plays in the last 1:15 to get the game back to even. Ben Carlson with 10 of his 15 in the 2nd half. Ben North with 2 3s and 10 points. Kendall Blue with only 2 FTs as he couldn't buy a shot all night. Bad luck for the talented sophomore and the Raptors. Ben Carlson goes over 2000 points for his career and finishes as the school's all-time leading scorer. Raptors finish their season 23-6 with their only losses in the new year being the 2 to CDH.

Curtis Jones with the game winner and 16 points to lead CDH. Tre Holloman adds 14 points including 3 big plays down the stretch. Amari Carter adds a productive 12 point night. J'Vonne Hadley held to 7 points. He's been used in the post more as the season has progressed. Didn't see much of it tonight though.

Now assuming the state tourney is played (which is a major assumption at this point), worst case for CDH is a 3 seed. But the debate of Eastview vs CDH in the seeding is a fun one. The Eastview win over Wayzata while CDH lost to Wayzata likely tips the scales to Eastview. But CDH has a Minnehaha win on their resume. At the end of the day its likely a 2 vs 3 scenario which only determines jersey color in a potential semifinal. Both would get a random draw team in round 1.

The 2019-2020 season is a wrap. That means its time to hand out hardware and review what happened and what we thought would happen. In that spirit, I'm going to go back and select a player or 2 from each conference that I previewed. But this is not an MVP vote. These are players that didn't necessarily make the biggest impact, but they are guys that exceeded any expectations that I had before the season started. All were highly valuable contributors to their teams.

EMAC: Joey Ritzema - Avail Academy
Ritzema was the classic dirty work guy for the Valor (FEAR THE RHINO!). But he also made big plays.

IMAC: Theo Liu - Blake
The 3 Amigos at the guard spots for the Bears are well known. But its Theo Liu as a stretch 4 and a 4th scoring option on the floor took the Bears to another level.

Lake: JT Gaffney - Minnetonka and Regan Merritt - Hopkins
Gaffney was a very productive wing for the Skippers. From knocking down shots to being a defensive stopper, he was a critical piece.

Merritt was a great role guy for Hopkins off the bench. He hit big shots and was solid defensively. He always seemed to make a big impact when on the floor.

Metro East: Dewayne Thompson - Henry Sibley
While the Warriors had a long year, it would have been much longer if not for Thompson. He emerged as a go to guy that was hard to contain off the bounce.

Metro West: Mahad Faisal - Chaska
Faisal was a productive wing scorer for the Hawks. He gave them critical length and another guy who could make a big shot.

Minneapolis: Quientrail Jamison-Travis - Minneapolis North
Jamison-Travis was an absolute load inside for opponents to deal with. His strength and size allowed him to bully his way to many buckets and rebounds. It also allowed Davon Townley to expand his game by playing more away from the basket.

MCAA: Alex Heimerl - Lester Prairie/Holy Trinity
Another forward gets recognized here. Heimerl was a key frontcourt piece for the Bulldogs to go with their solid guard play.

NW Suburban: Kaleb Skelly - Spring Lake Park
It was the seniors who rightfully got noticed for the Panthers. But it was the junior Skelly who was the extra piece for Spring Lake Park. His ability to play inside and outside and give them some sort of front line presence was critical to their success.

St. Paul: Nico Peterson - Highland Park
I could have gone with teammate Carter Owens here too. But it was Peterson's energetic forward play that really got my attention when I watched the Scots this year. He could run the floor for dunks but also block shots on the other end.

Skyline: Teige Lethert - St. Croix Prep and AJ Greene - Concordia
In the Skyline I have to stretch a bit. Freshman AJ Greene is the clear newcomer of the year. The lefty wing was a big part of the rotation for a very good season for Concordia. A quality 3rd option that will be a much more important player next year.

Lethert forced his way into the St. Croix Prep rotation with toughness and physical play. That was much needed on the Lions front line. He'll also see a bigger role next year to go with the quality backcourt that St. Croix Prep returns.

South Suburban: Malcolm Jones - Prior Lake and Avery Mast - Lakeville South
Here its a pair of sophomores who raised their games to become key rotation pieces. Jones showed a 2 way game that will allow him to step in and try to pick up some of the slack of losing Dawson Garcia. Expect a big season for him next year at Prior Lake.

Mast proved to be very productive for the Cougars. While the guard play and interior play were known, it was the wing play of Mast that was a big key.

Suburban East: Evan Kim - Mounds View
For a team that had a very surprising year and did it in their typical fashion, Kim was the perfect guy. Big, tough and smart with the ability to knock down shots. That was Kim's story and he was the key to the Mustangs offense all year.

Tri-Metro: Bryce Boyd - Holy Angels and Lamar Grayson - Richfield
I first saw Boyd over the holidays and immediately liked the junior wing. Good athlete and capable of making plays. Definitely a name I'm keeping an eye on.

Grayson went from just another one of many guys for Richfield to being a major force. He was a dynamic scoring slasher for the Spartans. Very tough to stop and very dangerous in transition.

Independents: Michael Jude - Kaleidoscope
The freshman guard saw plenty of time last year. This year he took the point guard spot and ran with it. Not only did he run the show effectively but he was a knockdown shooter as well. That helped lead the young Comets to a very nice 15-13 season in their 2nd year. That included their 1st playoff home game.

Coaches: Omar McMillan - Richfield and Nate Bellefeuille - Legacy Christian
This section is to recognize the coaches of teams who went beyond expectations (#ShockTheCzar). I'm saddened not to see Richfield make a run at state as that could have given them a case for worst Czar prediction ever. But they still come in a clear 2nd as I got them totally wrong. The pieces from last year came back and put it together. Coach McMillan for that would be my metro coach of the year.

Even in the wide open abyss known as the section 4A race, seeing Legacy make the section final was a big surprise. This year was a 15 game improvement from 9 wins to 24-4. That results in the best season in school history. There were definitely pieces in place and getting Jake Wald from St. Francis was huge. But the Lions put it together at least a year earlier than expected. Great work by coach Bellefeuille to put it together.

While a couple teams have already gone on the road, the revamped AAU schedule (thank you COVID-19) really kicked into gear over the holiday with the Prep Hoops Hard Work Kickoff in Appleton, WI. Minnesota was represented with a handful of teams in each division. Here are the results and a few highlights from what I watched online.

15U
MN Chill 3-0
Crossfire Brown 0-3
MN Select James 0-3
MN Select Koch 1-2

It was a nice weekend for Chill as they hung on for a 4 point win in their opener on Friday night. They followed that up with a pair of double digit wins on Saturday. Productive weekends from forwards Molley Komara (Park Center) and Khalif Bettis (Burnsville).

Rough weekends for Crossfire Brown and Select James. Crossfire with 3 single digit losses. That included giving up a 6 point lead at the very end of their Friday night loss. Wing Henry Skinner (Rockford) with a big 2nd half in that loss to keep Crossfire in it. John Mueller (Watertown-Mayer) also productive for Crossfire.

Select James had a double digit lead in their opener before scoring only 1 FG in the last 20 minutes. They lost all 3 games by double digits. Center Jeffrey Iwuchuwku (Park Center) is raw but shows upside. The Eastview duo of Rohan Jordan and Hayden Hoffman look to be future pieces for the Lightning. Jordan reminds me of PC grad David Ijamibola while Hoffman's game showed a striking similarity to Eastview grad Tate Machacek.

16U
MN Select Davis 0-3
Crossfire Barker 3-0
Crossfire Terhaar 2-1
SE MN Thunder 2-1
MSP Elite 1-2

The Select Davis record is a bit harsh. They lost big to 2 loaded squads in SD Venom and WI Playground Club's Under Armour squad. No real shame there. They came back to take a 1 point lead later in the 2nd half of their Illinois Hoopstars game before giving up 10 of the last 13 points. Standouts for Select included Daniel Ijadimbola (BSM) and RJ Joiklow (Simley), Nathan Johnson (STA), RJ Spencer (TG) and Brayden Williams (Owatonna) all showing flashes as well.

Solid weekend for the Crossfire teams as they go 5-1. That included a local bragging rights win for the Terhaar squad over MSP Elite. That MSP Elite squad is largely a group of Spring Lake Park players.

17U
MN Select Ohnstad 2-1
MN Select Robinson 2-1
Crossfire Stone 3-0
Crossfire Jorgenson 0-3

Only loss for the Mitch Ohnstad's top Select squad was a hard fought battle against the WI Playground Club Under Armour 17s. Reid Patterson making important shots in their games. Jaelen Treml's defense sticking out as well. That included a respectable effort, particularly in the 1st half, against high major recruit James Graham in the WI PGC game. Graham leading WI PGC with 20 points in the game and was the difference.

Select Robinson started out with a loss in the game I watched. But I think this is a squad that could surprise folks with their solid guard play and lesser known guys on the front line. Shakopee's Mick Wherley is one of those guys. Grayson Stalboerger (Eastview) with 4 triples and 20 points to keep them close in the game they lost.

Crossfire Stone swept their weekend. Forward Connor Chappell (Orono) is a guy who I can see jumping onto the radar with his athleticism. PG Reagan Koch (Jordan) makes me think a bit of NSIC PGs like Ryan Bruggeman and Jameson Bryan. Not a wow guy, but makes open shots, is tough and doesn't turn it over. He has a D2 offer from Colorado School of Mines.

Its multiple teams with top players from around the region. It feels like 90+ degrees in a bright sun. I'm on the road in July. A couple MIAC coaches in the gym. Adult beverages at night evaluating life and the day of hoops. Ah yes, it feels like a great Las Vegas trip. Even if Cheadle and many Minnesota refs are working. So is this heaven? No its Iowa. Oh people will come Czar, people will most definitely come. And so I emerged from the cornfields to take in a road session of games in this abbreviated grassroots season. But unlike the movie, I return from left field. I even return with money as the Vegas players card works at Diamond Jo's along the way but no stop there which is always the best move. Remember folks, Grinders Win, Gamblers Lose.

The weekend in Ames at the All Iowa Attack Fieldhouse featured a surprisingly strong field for a regional event. Granted having this not be the July open events period definitely caused some helpful movement of teams. So we'll begin with results from the high school divisions and then comment on some of what I had the chance to watch.

17U Showcase
Crossfire Stone 4-1
D1 Minnesota 3-0
D1 Minnesota Prospects Culp 0-3
Heat Tauer 3-0
Howard Pulley 16s/17s 2-1
MN Rise 3-2
Select Ohnstad 3-1

Select Ohnstad had all 4 of their games decided by 3 points or less. Sunday was especially wild. They were sleepy vs MN Rise and lost by 2. They came back in their next game with Jaelen Treml's layup at the buzzer in OT to beat Team Factory Gold. Speaking of MN Rise, they won their 1st 3 games including that Select game. But then gave up a 15 point lead including a 4 point play with about 15 seconds left to lose by 1 to South Dakota Network. Solid weekend for the outstate club.

Crossfire Stone is now 7-1 on the season. They had a pair of 1 point games that they won. Brad Cimperman with a late FT to win the Lincoln Supreme game. The only loss was a hard fought 6 point loss to Heat Tauer, no shame in that. They also had a good win over South Dakota Attack. Attack played without Wisconsin commit Matthew Mors but did have top 5 Iowa soph Tanner Te Slaa (who we saw last week with SD Venom 16s but this is his normal team). Te Slaa had a late 3 and the game winning free throws to beat Howard Pulley on Saturday night.

Continuing with Howard Pulley they were one of the 3 local teams to pick up good wins over Team Factory UA Rise with Wisconsin commit Chucky Hepburn. Heat Tauer and D1 Minnesota also on that list. Very surprised they came away from the weekend 0-4. Very fun team to watch and talented.

17U Division
MN Lockdown 4-0 Tourney Champs
MN Nice 1-3
MN Select Robinson 3-2 Consolation Champs

A 1 point loss in pool pushed Select Robinson to 2nd in pool. Then the local MN Lockdown squad beat them by 2 in the semis. Lockdown went on win the championship game by 9. Select avenged the 1 point pool loss to All Iowa Attack Black with a 1 point win in the consolation title game.

16U/15U Showcase
D1 Minnesota 15s 3-0
D1 Minnesota 16s 2-1
D1 Prospects 16s-Chase 2-1
D1 Prospects 16s-Tiran 2-1
D1 Prospects 15s-Laymon 0-3
Howard Pulley 15s 3-0
Heat MacDonald 16s 0-3
MN Rise 16s 2-2
MN Suns 16s Richardson 2-2

15U
MN Nice 2-2
MN Grizzlies 1-3
MN Heat Yahn 0-4

D1 Minnesota 15s steamrolled their way to 3 easy wins for coach Al Harris. The 16U crew had a long rough stretch of solo offense against a very good Lincoln Supreme 16s team. That put them down by 19 in the 2nd half before a late rally fell short. Howard Pulley 15s look to be a very fun roster with some of the guys from last year's loaded DTA 14U squad that played 15s locally. Tommy Humphries and CJ O'Hara on the perimeter with the massive Lincoln Palbicki inside. Add in guys like Emmanuel Schmitter and you have a talented crew. They also blew out a talented South Dakota Attack squad. Heat MacDonald had a very good All Iowa Attack crew on the ropes before losing in overtime. Star guard Cole Glasgow from that AIA team is reported to be joining the D1 Minnesota 16s.

Player Thoughts
The Star - Eli King (Caledonia, D1 17s). It was his play in the game vs Team Factory on Saturday night that earned him an immediate offer from the Gophers. Explosive off the floor for dunks, distributing the ball and defending a guy like Chucky Hepburn, he played at a ridiculous level.

Andrew Morgan (Waseca, Heat Tauer) - In their big game vs Team Factory, Will Tschetter had offensive struggles and Morgan more than made up for it with a strong double double of 18 points, 11 rebounds (give or take) and a couple of blocks.

Ryan Dufault (Waseca, Heat Tauer) - His toughness shows thru in making big plays and he did that to be a major factor in why the Heat held off Team Factory.

Kyreese Willingham (Waseca, Heat Tauer) - Just as Team Factory was rallying late, he took 2 plays that Chucky Hepburn caused total chaos on and turned them into a 3 and a 3 point play. Those sealed the game He also was active on the glass approaching double digit boards in that game.

Josh Strong (Champlin Park, Heat Tauer). Now he had some turnover moments. But he did hit some big 3s and have some notable steals. Definitely keeping an eye on him as another PG in the 2021 class.

Caleb Siwek (Rosemount, Howard Pulley 16s) - He hit a late clutch 3 to tie the game vs SD Attack. Then against Team Factory knocked down 4 early 3s and then his 6th triple of that game was the dagger to clinch it. I know shooting runs in the family (brother Luke is at Hamline) but I didn't know he shot it like that. 20 PPG in the South Suburban. After his stats were pointed out to me I knew I missed on him as my breakout player there, but seeing it in person totally cemented that.

Tre Holloman (CDH, Howard Pulley 16s) - He got the better of the battle with Hepburn on Sunday. Had a pair of big triples and then a very smart postup for a hoop when he saw Hepburn's small backup was guarding him. Plus the usual distributing and control of pace that we've all come to expect from him.

Reid Patterson (Lakeville South, Select Ohnstad) - Hit the game winner in the early Saturday opener. Then had big buckets to bring them back in their last game and a good look at a game winner there to before Jaelen Treml won it in overtime.

Kegan Heiderscheidt (Sleepy Eye, MN Rise) - A lanky big with some skill and athleticism. Also loved his fire. He was a key piece in Rise success this weekend.

Other Comments
Minnesota showed well with 7 of the top 12 juniors and 5 of the top 9 sophs playing. 3 others in those groups were on roster for the teams there but unable to play. As previously mentioned, this wasn't just about Minnesota though. North Dakota had its #1 and #3 sophomores represented. South Dakota's top sophomore and #2 junior were there (#1 junior Matthew Mors did not attend). Nebraska had its 2nd and 3rd players from 2021 and 2022 there. Iowa had 3 of its top 5 sophomores there with the interesting factoid that they were playing on teams representing 3 different states. So all of this made for some very fun matchups. #1 soph in ND going head up against the #2 soph in Nebraska. #1 soph in Iowa going head up against the #2 junior in Nebraska. Seeing that level of competition is what makes grassroots ball so fun and why I enjoy my Vegas trip. It also is a great differentiator for college coaches. Trying to do it on dicey video feeds is an even bigger challenge to the always difficult art of recruiting.

If you're a long time reader, you won't be surprised I saw Chucky Hepburn 3 times. I am going to watch a Wisconsin commit after all. While he and his team struggled, I loved his game. 23 points vs Heat. Team collapsed when he was on the bench. He has such quickness with the ball and defensively with his hands. Uses his body well and has a swagger. Wisconsin also showing interest in Lincoln Supreme's Isaac Traudt (2022). He didn't have a big game, but as a big wing who can shoot it, I still liked what I saw. It was the toughness of the other star on that team, Cale Jacobsen, that really carried the day for that team. Also liked what I saw from SD Attack 16s star Caden Hinker. The forward holds offers from Augustana and Sioux Falls. I definitely expect that list to grow. Versatile inside/out game, has strength and a bit of bounce. Joe Hurlburt (D1 16s, Enderlin, ND) has a frame that college coaches love and after seeing him in person you can see why. I think he needs some time to adjust to the bigger stage but definitely want to see his development. You can see PG Tamin Lipsey (Iowa, D1 17s playing up) isn't all the way back from his knee injury, but his vision and feel for the game are there. He will be fun to watch.

Its a new school year and that means we flip the page to a new and currently unknown season for 2020-21. The usual list of all fall events is now posted on the Fall Hoops page. There are some extra ones this season. If I missed yours, please pass it along.

I will be once again doing my annual season previews (see page here). Conferences and independents will definitely be done. Not sure if I'll be doing section previews yet or not. But I may still find a way to sneak some of those teams in.

We have 9 players from class of 2021 that have already committed. That list can be found here.

If we have holiday tournaments, I'll have my usual page of those but for now I'm leaving that out.

I've also done all the usual clean up of links. That includes updating the current recruiting rankings from all the major services. See that on my Players page.

That cleanup also includes all the links on the left hand side of the main site or for those of you on mobile, check out the Resources page (always 1st in the main menu too). That includes links to anything and everything you may want to know about Minnesota hoops during the high school or grassroots seasons. It includes national sites, recruiting calendars, signing dates, records and award winners just to name a few useful things that can be found there.

This is the first preview in the 2020-2021 season preview series. This year is the 14th annual edition of this preview series. The previews will be done starting with small schools and working up to the big schools. When its all done, a final high-level preview will complete the series. That means the we'll start with the tiny independent charter schools. For a list of all the season previews and how they are done, click here. A special note on the 1st 2 previews. While some EMAC teams may not be playing or playing independent schedules, the information on that is sparse. Therefore, I've grouped the teams based on last year.

Chesterton Academy Knights (2019-20 season 6-15)
This is the co-op between Chesterton Academy and International School of Minnesota. International School hosts the games now that Chesterton has moved to downtown Hopkins. There is some experience up front returning. Overall I expect a long season.

CHOF Lions (2019-20 season 22-6)
CHOF has to replace forward Isaac Collins (20.5 PPG) and shooter Preston Alleman (13.5 PPG). Drake Eckman and his 15.2 PPG return to lead the offense. Clay Bluhm returns at a guard spot. Arren Strandlund returns to the post. Frosh Henry Bluhm also reteurns to the rotation.

High School for Recording Arts Falcons (2019-20 season 12-11)
Coach Quincy Caldwell returns most of his roster. That features seniors Jaelen Thomas and Jacquez Fondern. Thomas is one of the top posts in section 4A and St. Paul. Fondern is a scorer on the wing. Baraka Sanzone is the top guard. Cole Foss provides inside depth.

Hope Academy Lions (2019-20 season 12-16)
Do everything wing Caleb Hoilien and his 27.6 PPG need to be replaced. The rest of the roster returns from an injury ravaged season. The return of junior guard Elijah Wade from a torn ACL will be critical. Junior Caleb Irving is the top returning scorer along with soph Desmond Hardimon. It will be a very small lineup even with senior Kaleb Dube and soph Zak Ruhland returning. That will work well with their run and shoot lots of 3s style.

Kaleidoscope Comets (2019-20 season 15-13)
Forward Jacob Donnett's 25 PPG and 14 RPG will be hard to replace. They still have 2 significant offensive pieces coming back. Soph PG Michael Jude and junior wing AJ Kargel will lead the offense. They each averaged over 15 PPG last year. Soph Matt Aasen and senior Gabe Warner also return to the starting lineup. Sophs Isaac Freeman and Mason Lesyinski provide rotation depth.

Lakes International Language Academy Dragons (2019-20 season 13-9)
The Dragons have the entire roster coming back. That includes a nice senior core returning. Strom Norcross and his 24.2 PPG/12.3 RPG. Gabe Strand added 16.1 PPG from a guard spot. Ethan Maring chipped in with 9.9 PPG inside. Guard Angel Silva also returns.

Lincoln International Eagles (2019-20 season 1-7)
No information available

Metro Schools College Prep Lions (2019-20 season 6-10)
Most of the roster returns. That includes leading scorer Ayub Abdi. Its a group of many interchangeable parts. They can use that to try to press and play fast.

Minnesota Transitions Wolves (2019-20 season 6-10)
The Wolves lose most, if not all, of their rotation. They played their tourney game with only 5 seniors last season. That includes wing Lashone Patterson's 18.8 PPG. With the school being destroyed during the George Floyd protests and a new coach, its a season of questions.

Prairie Seeds Academy Lycans (2019-20 4-6)
Micah Arnold is the top returnee. The only real question though is a Lycan prone to mange.

Ubah Medical Academy (2019-20 season 1-14)
No information available

Venture Academy (2019-20 season 3-6)
Senior guard Omarion Walker (20.6 PPG) and forward Jordan Stokes (7.2 PPG) need to be replaced. Junior Ronnie Davis (14.8 PPG) is the top returnee.

Independents Overview
CHOF was on their way to another section final appearance. They just seem to reload so I'll pick them as the best of this group. Kaleidoscope and LILA interest me as both are in the 3rd year of their varsity programs. LILA returns everybody and Kaleidoscope still playing plenty of experienced youth. HSRA returns almost everybody and can be dangerous on any given night. Hope will have a bunch of young guys playing too.

Independents MVP: Strom Norcross - Lakes International

Underclassmen to watch:

Henry Bluhm - CHOF
Desmond Hardimon, Zak Ruhland, Noah Farmer - Hope Academy
Michael Jude, Matt Aasen, Isaac Freeman, Mason Lesyinski - Kaleidoscope
Reide Strand, Murray Monson, Wesley Morris - Lakes International

Games to Watch

CHOF vs Hiawatha - Dec 22nd
Hiawatha at Lakes International - Jan 14th
Kaleidoscope at Lakes International - Feb 16th
Lakes International at Hiawatha - Feb 18th

This is the second preview in the 2020-2021 season preview series. I continue the opening week of previews with small schools. In this preview, a look at the Eastern Minnesota Athletic Conference. For a list of all the season previews and how they are done, click here.

Academy for Sciences and Agriculture Eagles (2019-20 season 1-22, 0-17 Conference, 10th)
Forwards Jake Colestock and Nate Lundy were the main offensive pieces. They graduated so the Eagles will have to find offense elsewhere.

Avail Academy Valor (2019-20 season 14-13, 9-8 Conference, 5th)
The entire roster returns which is all the reason I need to say FEAR THE RHINO! Wings Joey Ritzema and Josiah Schapp lead the way for a balanced lineup. Ritzema does all the dirty work plays in addition to his team leading scoring average.

Community of Peace Academy Tigers(2019-20 season 9-18, 8-10 Conference, Tie 6th)
There's only 1 notable graduation loss for the Tigers. Osa Osasumwen (12 PPG) and Chris Williams take care of the paint. Angel Sanchez (12.8 PPG) provides scoring punch on the wing. Plenty of guard experience returns as well. Tyrel Green's return at the point guard (only listed in 7 games last year) would be a major difference. Lots of guard experience returns but much of it is young.

Groves Academy Griffins (2019-20 season 6-21, 3-15 Conference, 9th)
Center Alfie Galle (18.5 PPG) and PG Gabe Gordon (10.1 PPG) are major losses from the Griffins lineup. They were most of the offense. Sophs Emory Harden and Abraham Rossinow are youngsters looking at bigger roles. Senior Daniel Schoenfelder and juniors Nick Lang and Danny Berthoud return to the starting lineup.

Hiawatha Colliegiate Wolves (2019-20 season 18-8, 12-5 Conference, 4th)
The Wolves talented sophomore group looks to take another step this season. With only 1 senior graduating, that would not be a surprise. PG Jessye Lewis, W Romelle Bell and F Jaheim Houts make up a dangerous trio. Lewis makes the offense go with his 24.2 PPG. Lots of high pick and roll for him to create for himself and others.

Hmong Academy Warriors (2019-20 season 4-18, 3-14 Conference, 8th)
Leading scorer Elijah Vang graduates. Wing Calvin Yang should pick up much of that scoring slack after averaging 12.5 PPG last season. Weelai Vang averaged 8.3 PPG and is a quality distributor in the lineup.

Liberty Classical Academy Lions (2019-20 season 17-10, 13-5 Conference, 3rd)
Liberty has to replace most of their rotation. That includes F Thomas Conroy's 28 and 16 per night and SG Ben Horn. Horn was also a double figure scorer. Junior Cameron Lacy (11.3 PPG) and soph Trent Verbeek are the new main options. It will be a young and largely inexperienced lineup.

Math and Science Academy Dragons (2019-20 season 11-14, 8-10 Conference, Tie 6th)
Junior guards Dylan Goff and Brady Sahr return to lead the Dragons. Nate Stephen provides another guard option. The front line is a question with the losses of Charlie Eng and Jagar Hansen.

Twin Cities Academy/Great River Tigers (2019-20 season 25-3, 18-0 Conference, 1st)
AK Avwunuma will be a major loss inside after putting up 14.8 PPG last year. But the Tigers are still loaded on the perimeter. Juniors Carmello and Carrington McNeal return in the backcourt. Both averaged double figures last year. Seniors Tre-Vionne Allen and Ibrahima Diagne also return.

United Christian Academy Thunder (2019-20 season 17-11, 14-4 Conference, 2nd)
The Thunder have to replace 3 guards who combined for over 35 PPG last year. That consisted of most of their shooting. That will be sorely missed for forward Zach Corley. Corley is the top big man in the league. He averaged 14.7 PPG and 12.4 RPG last year. 20+ and 15+ this season would not be a shock. Lengthy lefty Jonah Anderson returns to the starting lineup. Micah Rich and Kaeden Kotula also return to the rotation.

Predicted Order of Finish

Hiawatha Academy
Avail Academy
Community of Peace
United Christian Academy
Math and Science
Liberty Christian Academy
Hmong Academy
Groves Academy
AFSA

Conference Overview
I'm told that Hmong Academy and AFSA won't be playing this year. But just in case, I've included them here for completeness. Twin Cities Academy/Great River is now an independent. So much for my prediction that last year's race would be close. Twin Cities Academy steamrolled their way through an undefeated league season with an average score of 87-42.

Hiawatha is the clear best of the rest, but they'll have to defend much better, particularly in transition. Avail and Community of Peace both return plenty and should battle for the next spot. United Christian falls off but with Zach Corley inside they can't drop too far. Math and Science and Liberty Classical will try to give them a run for that final spot in the top half. Then a drop off to the final 3 with Hmong Academy being the best of the rest. Groves and AFSA battle to stay out of the cellar.

Conference MVP: Jessye Lewis - Hiawatha

Underclassmen to watch:

Bernard Taylor, Noah Chang, Jah'cir Allen, Se'vione Wilson - Community of Peace
Emory Harden, Abraham Rossinow - Groves
Jessye Lewis, Jaheim Houts, Romelle Bell - Hiawatha
Trent Verbeek - Liberty

Conference Games to Watch

Hiawatha at Avail - Jan 21st
Avail at Hiawatha - Feb 22nd

Non-Conference Games to Watch

Twin Cities Academy/Great River at Hiawatha - Dec 4th
Hiawatha vs CHOF - Dec 22nd
St. Croix Prep at Twin Cities Academy/Great River - Jan 19th
Twin Cities Academy/Great River at Cristo Rey - Feb 2nd

This is the third preview in my 2020-21 season preview series. We continue the conference previews with a look at the Minnesota Classic Athletic Association (MCAA). For a list of all the season previews and how they are done, click here.

Eagle Ridge Academy Gryphons (2019-20 season 7-22, 1-13 Conference, Tie 7th)
The top 2 scorers have graduated. That includes wing Joshua Falk (12 PPG) and big man Justin Howard (9.1 PPG). This year's group will be heavy on juniors. Cade LaFavor, Hunter LaFavor, Tommy Chevalier and Soren Habel will be the feature players. Freshmen Kobe and Kristopher Keys also return to the rotation.

Heritage Christian Academy Eagles (2019-20 season 10-17, 7-7 Conference, 5th)
TJ Guggenberger and his 13.8 PPG will be difficult to replace as the go to guy. PG Evan Jacobson (9.2 PPG) also needs to be replaced. Seniors Ethan Virshek (14.7 PPG) and Steph Sawtelle (11.1 PPG) will carry the offense. No other returnee averaged more than 5 PPG. Jack Wicht gives them a body inside.

Legacy Christian Academy Lions (2019-20 season 24-4, 11-3 Conference, 2nd)
Legacy made a huge jump from 9 wins to 24 last season. 4 starters and the top 4 scorers return from that group. PG Jake Wald leads the way with 18.5 PPG but he suffered a nasty ankle injury during the offseason. He is expected back for the season. Harley Kendall (11.8 PPG) is another shooting option. Trenton Harrison and Brian Halcomb make up the forward duo.

Lester Prairie/Holy Trinity Bulldogs (2019-20 season 16-11, 11-3 Conference, Tie 2nd)
LP/HT returns 6 members of their rotation but also has to replace 2 of their 3 double figure scorers. Evan Lee was a solid point guard and Alex Heimerl was a steady presence on the front line. Guard Zach Jackson (12.3 PPG) leads the returning lineup. Soph Tanner Scheevel also returns to the backcourt. Jack Behning and Dexter Harrison will man the front line.

North Lakes Academy Huskies (2019-20 season 7-20, 1-13 Conference, Tie 7th)
North Lakes needs to replace their top 2 scorers. That includes Ethan Crandell (13.4 PPG) and over 1000 career points. There wasn't much scoring beyond the top 2. 3 freshmen saw time last year as part of building for the future.

PACT Charter Panthers (2019-20 season 12-16, 4-10 Conference, 6th)
The Panthers return 4 of their top 5 scorers. Senior wing Jordan Stone and his 18.2 PPG top that list. We went off for a school record 44 points (33 in 1st half) in their game at Eagle Ridge last season. Tyler Cowden (15 PPG) provides another shooting option. Braxton Akkerman looks to replace the size of Calvin Churchill inside.

Spectrum Sting (2019-20 season 14-13, 13-1 Conference, 1st)
Spectrum needs to replace one of the top guards in the league, Max Lawrence (22.5 PPG). Junior combo guard Titus Skistad averaged over 15 PPG last year and looks to be the goto guy this season. Aaron Walk and Landon Seigel return to the interior slots.

West Lutheran Warriors (2019-20 season 14-13, 8-6 Conference, 4th)
The Warriors have to replace their star forward Troy Kokkinen (16.6 PPG, 8.8 RPG). 2 other double figure scorers do return in the backcourt. Point guard Sam Bjorlin averaged 10.9 PPG and junior Christian Schmidt averaged 11.7 PPG. Garrett Tesmer also returns on the front line.

Predicted Order of Finish

Legacy
Lester Prairie/Holy Trinity
Spectrum
PACT
Heritage
West Lutheran
Eagle Ridge
North Lakes

Conference Overview
Legacy is my clear favorite with most of their lineup returning. Jake Wald should be back to 100% for the big matchups late in the season. I see Eagle Ridge just ahead of North Lakes for the final spot. Beyond that its hard to pick. You have a group looking to move up with PACT returning most of their group while Heritage and West Lutheran return solid backcourts. Contrast that with significant losses for LP/HT and Spectrum in front of them. LP/HT moves to the Minnesota River Conference next season after a difficult fit for the last 17 years in the MCAA. They'll look to go out with a bang. I think their 6 returnees make them the next best pick. Spectrum not quite as deep but I'll pick them over their rival PACT. The league schedule has each team playing an opponent home and home in back to back games. That means my top 2 picks won't see each other until the final week of league play in mid-February.

Conference MVP: Jake Wald - Legacy

Underclassmen to watch:

Kobi Keys, Kristopher Keys, Darrell Weston - Eagle Ridge
Micah Strand - Legacy
Tanner Scheevel - LP/HT
Caleb Jensen, Keenan Zenkic - North Lakes
Matthew Koosman - West Lutheran

Conference Games to Watch

LP/HT at Legacy - Feb 8th
Legacy at LP/HT - Feb 11th

Non-Conference Games to Watch

LP/HT at Watertown-Mayer - Dec 11th
Mayer Lutheran at LP/HT - Feb 15th
Mayer Lutheran at Legacy - Feb 26th

This is the fourth preview in my 2020-21 season preview series. Moving up to largely class AA schools now. Let's start with a look at the Skyline Conference. For a list of all the season previews and how they are done, click here.

Concordia Academy Beacons (2019-20 season 20-8, 9-5 Conference, 4th)
The Beacons have to replace 4 starters. That includes the quality backcourt of Essay Hagos (21.3 PPG) and sharpshooter Aaron TerHaar (14.1 PPG). Forward Gary Legvold also graduated after being their main inside presence. Jace Shields looks to fill his spot. Soph wing AJ Greene averaged 12.5 PPG last year and will be the focus of the offense this season. Wyatt Langevin and Jaden Quast are returning rotation options.

Cristo Rey Jesuit Pumas (2019-20 season 15-13, 10-4 Conference, 3rd)
Cristo Rey has a major void at point guard with the graduation of James Sommer (21 PPG). Wing Jaylen Cargill (7.1 PPG) also graduated. Senior twins Erick and Derek Burgess lead the returnees. Erick averaged 16.2 PPG and Derek averaged 12.9 PPG with both making the all-conference list. BJ Hollowell and Savion Williams-Hondras also return to a lineup that is not deep.

Maranatha Christian Academy Mustangs (2019-20 season 18-11, 11-3 Conference, 2nd)
Former Edina assistant Mike Landers takes over the program. He'll have to replace 4 starters including PF Hakim Daniels (17.3 PPG) and PG Maciah Harut (15.2 PPG). Junior SG Jeremiah LaVelle is the top returning scorer at 7.2 PPG. Senior Will Kietzmann gives them a big option to put in the post. The sophomore trio of Isaiah Bluford, Matthew Bluford and Bailey McDonald will step into the vacated perimeter roles after seeing significant minutes last year.

New Life Academy Eagles (2019-20 season 8-19, 4-10 Conference, 6th)
After a disappointing season, 4 starters have to be replaced. St. Olaf assistant Tony Taylor takes over the program as the Eagles go from 1 former MIAC assistant to another. Forward Michael Reader (13.2 PPG) and Konner Ware (11.6 PPG) are the main losses in the scoring column. Junior sharp-shooting wing Kollin Kaemingk is the top returning scorer at 13.2 PPG. Soph Erick Reader should step right into his brother's inside role after being his backup last year. Soph Max Briggs should step into the point guard spot.

Nova Classical Academy Knights (2019-20 season 4-22, 0-14 Conference, 8th)
Former Henry Sibley head coach John Carrier takes over the program. Its a major rebuilding effort. Leading scorer Rayan Taha has transferred. That leaves the Knights without a double figure scorer or a notable scoring threat. The rest of last year's very young roster does return.

St. Agnes Aggies (2019-20 season 12-15, 6-8 Conference, 5th)
Coach Chris Hopkins has to replace 5 starters. That includes his main 2 guard threats Jake Brezny (14.8 PPG) and Sam Masek. Juniors Caleb Flood and Samuel Lopez look to take on bigger roles. Senior Jevon Jones also returns. Expect to see plenty of youth to go with them as the Aggies look toward the future.

St. Croix Prep Lions (2019-20 season 26-1, 14-0 Conference, 1st)
St. Croix Prep ran the table in the regular season. Now they have to replace 3 starters. That includes league MVP Daniel McCarrell (17.2 PPG) and forwards Barrett Benson and Zach Doely (13 PPG). But don't feel too sorry for coach Keven Seim. He still has a loaded backcourt of seniors Addison Metcalf (18.3) and Andrew Howard (11.4 PPG). Both were all-conference players last year. Senior Teige Lethert also returns on the front line. Sam Johnson provides guard depth.

Trinity Tri-Hawks (2019-20 season 8-22, 2-12 Conference, 7th)
Trinity dropped from 20 wins to 8 wins as they went into rebuild mode by playing 4 sophomores. The top 2 big men need to be replaced including leading scorer Isaac Showalter (11.2 PPG). Junior Zach Martin is the top returning scorer at 7.7 PPG. Forward Ben Erickson and junior PG Kip Knippel also return to the starting lineup. Juniors Joe Rudquist and Sam Bormann also return to the rotation

Predicted Order of Finish

St. Croix Prep
Cristo Rey
Maranatha
New Life
Concordia
St. Agnes
Trinity
Nova Classical

Conference Overview
After a great year last year in the league, its time to pay the piper. Major losses for every team in the league. St. Croix Prep with 3 top pieces coming back is my pick. Cristo Rey and Maranatha both have enough perimeter talent coming back to stay in the top half. I see green in the middle with Concordia and New Life battling for the final spot in the top half. The bottom of the league is going to be ugly with St. Agnes, Trinity and Nova all struggling. The schedule for these teams is a convoluted mess, its sorta double round-robin for conference play but some games are skipped. They have a partnership to play everybody in the IMAC but Nova and Minnehaha really aren't in it. I give up.

Conference MVP: Addison Metcalf - St Croix Prep

Underclassmen to watch:

AJ Greene- Concordia
Bailey McDonald, Isaiah Bluford, Matthew Bluford - Maranatha
Erick Reader, Max Briggs - New Life
Paul Plasch, Elonzo Simmons, Andrew Weber, Daniel Koontz - St. Agnes
Bjorn Benson, Cade Hanson - St. Croix Prep

Conference Games to Watch

Cristo Rey at St. Croix Prep - Jan 28th
St. Croix Prep at Cristo Rey - Feb 19th

Non-Conference Games to Watch

Blake at St. Croix Prep - Jan 14th
St. Croix Prep at Twin Cities Academy/Great River - Jan 19th
Twin Cities Academy/Great River at Cristo Rey - Feb 2nd

This is the 5th preview in my 2020-2021 season preview series. Week 1 of the 2020-21 Season Preview Series ends with a look at the Independent Metro Athletic Conference (IMAC). For a list of all the season previews and how they are done, click here.

Blake Bears (2019-20 season 22-6, 8-1 Conference, 2nd)
The 3 amigos for Blake have become the 4 amigos. Jasper Liu, Gabe Ganz, Rob Grace and Theo Liu all averaged double figures last year. Frosh Grayson Okoronkwo is the only other returnee of note for a thin rotation. There's no size but they run good sets and can really shoot it which is why they're so dangerous.

Breck Mustangs (2019-20 season 7-20, 3-6 Conference, 5th)
The Mustangs return their top 2 scorers from a year ago. PG Jaren Morton and wing Jimmy Koch both averaged 14.2 PPG. Sophs Waziri Lawal and Will Walker to return to the rotation. They'll see increased roles with 4 members of the rotation graduating.

Minnehaha Academy Redhawks (2019-20 season 25-3, 3-0 Conference, 1st)
Its not often you can lose 4 division 1 athletes and still be a nationally ranked state favorite, but that's the story for the Redhawks. PG Jalen Suggs is off to Gonzaga. Kaden Johnson and Terry Lockett are off to high major football. Wing Demarion Watson-Saulsberry transferred to Totino-Grace. But when you still have the top senior in the nation in Chet Holmgren (14 PPG), a high major wing in Prince Aligbe (10.6 PPG) and a high major point guard in Hercy Miller (8.4 PPG), its not hard to understand. The impact that Holmgren's shot blocking has on the game is something to behold. That's above and beyond the ridiculous offensive skill set he has. Sharpshooter Donovan Smith, wing Isaiah Davis and forward Chase Carter will be the very talented supporting cast.

Mounds Park Academy Panthers (2019-20 season 5-19, 0-8 Conference, 6th)
Head coach Jake Schwartz moved on to Minnesota Prep Academy. Rich Harris has just been announced as his late replacement. Leading scorer Shane Fruchterman (9.2 PPG) and center Alec Nicoski need to be replaced. Frosh PG Jay Green returns to the starting lineup and gives the Panthers a piece to build around. Seniors Dhruv Muppidi and Hunter Erickson also return.

Providence Academy Lions (2019-20 season 12-15, 5-4 Conference, 3rd)
3 of the top 5 scorers including guard Jacob Halek and forward Sean Rocheford have graduated. Juniors Jimmy Fafinski (7.7 PPG) and Liam Carney (7.4 PPG) lead the returnees. Baeddan Ongori returns to man the middle. Paul Pellgrene returns at the point. There's experience but not much firepower on offense.

St. Paul Academy Spartans (2019-20 season 16-10, 4-4 Conference, 4th)
Guard Adam Holod (22.3 PPG) returns to lead the offense. The rest of the starters need to be replaced. Gregory Forsberg, Brandt Baskerville (4.7 PPG) and Clarke Baskerville are all juniors that should see plenty of time.

Predicted Order of Finish

Minnehaha
Blake
Providence
Breck
St. Paul Academy
Mounds Park Academy

Conference Overview
Minnehaha and Blake are clear favorites to be 1 and 2. Mounds Park finishes at the back of the pack. The middle is jumbled with 3 mediocre teams that could go in any order. SPA goes in the 5th spot for me because of having to replace everything around Adam Holod. Providence and Breck is a coin flip that I give to Providence due to 2 head to head wins last season. A couple of fun scheduling quirks. Blake is the only team with home games against every other team in the league. Breck is the only team with road games against every other team in the league. The league has a partnership with the Skyline and Twin Cities Academy for non-conference games.

Conference MVP: Chet Holmgren - Minnehaha

Underclassmen to watch:

Grayson Okoronkwo - Blake
Waziri Lawal, Will Walker - Breck
Mercy Miller - Minnehaha
Jay Green - Mounds Park Academy

Conference Games to Watch

Minnehaha at Blake - Feb 25th

Non-Conference Games to Watch

Mound-Westonka at Blake - Dec 11th
Chaska at Minnehaha - Dec 15th
Hopkins at Minnehaha - Dec 17th
Cristo Rey at Blake - Dec 18th
Minneapolis North at Minnehaha- Dec 30th
Waseca at Minnehaha - Jan 2nd
Blake at St. Croix Prep - Jan 14th
Wayzata at Minnehaha - Feb 4th

This is the 6th preview in my 2020-2021 season preview series. Week 2 of this season's abbreviated preview series begins with a look at the Tri-Metro Conference. For a list of all the season previews and how they are generated, click here.

Academy of Holy Angels Stars (2019-20 season 19-10, 8-6 Conference, 3rd)
Forward Matt Banovetz and his 20.2 PPG from his forward spot made him one of the top players in the league. He'll need to be replaced. The rotation is still strong though. Junior guard Emmett Johnson averaged 14.5 PPG. Senior wing Bryce Boyd had a breakout season with 11.6 PPG. Junior wing Cam Holter has transferred in from Minneapolis Southwest. 4 underclassmen from last year saw time last season. That experience will pay off this season.

Brooklyn Center Centaurs (2019-20 season 5-20, 1-13 Conference, 8th)
The young core of 2024 kids that the Centaurs were looking to build around has scattered. Many of them including point guard Demari Larkins and center Chiang Ring are off to Minneapolis South. So between the loss of those 5 players and 3 seniors, there's nothing coming back from the team I saw at the end of the season.

Columbia Heights Hylanders (2019-20 season 13-12, 7-7 Conference, Tie 4th)
League MVP Jordan Jones and his 22.3 PPG need to be replaced at the point guard spot. Guards Elijah Williams, Jamaz Garner and Terrence Brown all return. Forward Spencer Alvarez and wing Muja Burton (17.3 PPG) also return. They also add wing transfers Donnavin Hinsz (7.1 PPG at Moorhead) and Hassan Kamara (6.3 PPG at Osseo). All of those players except Williams are juniors. The Hylanders return home this season after playing last season on the road due to construction.

De La Salle Islanders (2019-20 season 24-5, 14-0 Conference, 1st)
Dartmouth commit Cade Haskins (16.4 PPG) returns as the most dangerous offensive threat in the league. He uses screens well and is big enough to shoot over smaller defenders. Wing Keijuan White (8.7 PPG) and guard Evan Boyd (6.9 PPG) join him in returning to the lineup. They'll seriously miss the physical presence of Jalen Travis (15.5 PPG) in the post.

Fridley Tigers (2019-20 season 14-14, 7-7 Conference, Tie 4th)
Hall of Fame coach Jim MacDonald has retired. The top 2 scorers in guard Isaac Burns (14.7 PPG) and forward Yoal Ruei (16.4 PPG) have graduated. Guards Micah Niewald (12.1 PPG), Christian Crockett and junior Eli Nelsen (7.5 PPG) will lead the returning offense.

Richfield Spartans (2019-20 season 23-6, 11-3 Conference, 2nd)
After a breakout year, the Spartans are poised to repeat that with almost the entire rotation returning. Wing Lamar Grayson (19.3 PPG) is a dynamic slasher. Guards Ryan Myles (15.2 PPG) and Mitchell January (13.9 PPG) are a very experienced and productive backcourt. Isaiah Casey-Hammond and Jaden Wollmuth are a nice combination of strength and length on the front line. They both averaged 9.4 PPG last season.

St. Anthony Huskies (2019-20 season 12-16, 3-11 Conference, 7th)
A huge loss for the Huskies as their all-time leading scorer Tait Nelson (22.2 PPG) has graduated. The senior inside out duo of guard Max Kachman (9.6 PPG) and forward Luke Omodt (9 PPG) will try to pick up the slack. Sophomores Nathan Lucas (5.9 PPG) and Joe Randle will see increased roles.

St. Croix Lutheran Crusaders (2019-20 season 13-13, 5-9 Conference, 6th)
The Crusaders are coming off a disappointing season. Assistant Drew Kock takes over the program. The entire lineup was set to return. But a big loss in the offseason with wing Xavier Garcia transferring to Humboldt. His 14.3 PPG and ability to attack the rim will be missed. A pair of lefty shooting guards will lead the offense. Zach Longueville (18.6 PPG) and Owen Bushaw (16 PPG) can both handle and shoot it. Its a small lineup that relies as much as any on the 3 point shot.

Predicted Order of Finish

De La Salle
Richfield
Columbia Heights
Holy Angels
St. Croix Lutheran
St. Anthony
Fridley
Brooklyn Center

Conference MVP: Cade Haskins - De La Salle

Conference Overview:
I can't pick against De La Salle until somebody actually beats them in a conference game. 11 straight league titles with only 3 league losses in that stretch. Richfield could give them a run with everybody coming back. Columbia Heights could also join that group and coach Willie Braziel has good history knocking off the Islanders. Holy Angels and St. Croix Lutheran look to fight it out for the last spot in the top half. Adding Cam Holter puts AHA in that spot. St. Anthony and Fridley lose major scoring pieces so I can't see them any higher. Brooklyn Center has too many questions to jump out of the cellar.

Underclassmen to watch:

Jency Davis - Columbia Heights
Casmir Chavis, Nasir Whitlock, Ian Boyd - De La Salle
Joe Miller, Gavin Pierce - Holy Angels
Nathan Lucas, Joe Randle - St. Anthony
Jaden Neish - St. Croix Lutheran

Conference Games to Watch

Richfield at De La Salle - Jan 15th
De La Salle at Columbia Heights - Jan 29th
Richfield at Columbia Heights - Feb 5th
De La Salle at Richfield - Feb 9th
Columbia Heights at De La Salle - Feb 23rd

Non-Conference Games to Watch

Hopkins at De La Salle - Dec 8th
St. Paul Central at Columbia Heights - Dec 8th
Richfield at Minneapolis North - Dec 10th
Minneapolis North at De La Salle - Dec 12th
De La Salle at Robbinsdale Cooper - Jan 5th

This is the 7th preview in my 2020-2021 season preview series. Now that the private schools are mostly covered, its on to public schools. We start with the city leagues and St. Paul goes first. For a list of all the season previews and how they are generated, click here.

Central Minutemen (2019-20 season 14-11, 11-1 Conference, Tie 1st)
The Minutemen look to stay on top of the conference with almost their full rotation returning. Senior wing Kaden Doram had a breakout season on the wing with 12.2 PPG. Guards Gavin Gothard (10.6 PPG) and junior Gideon Musabyimana (10.2 PPG) are also back in the starting lineup. Donnie Preston and Jaylen Cardenas also return to the rotation. PG Caron Crowe (19.2 PPG) is the major loss to replace. Depth and size are their concerns.

Como Park Cougars (2019-20 season 0-24, 0-12 Conference, 7th)
It was a rough 1st year for coach Donnell Gibson as the Cougars were the only winless team in the state. The lineup was very young so they'll return almost everybody. Junior guards Jountay Kibble (11.3 PPG) and Donnell Gibson (9 PPG) will be focus of the offense. Amir Plair is the top returning front line scorer at 8.4 PPG.

Harding Knights (2019-20 season 7-19, 4-8 Conference, 5th)
Forward Alex Addai (13.9 PPG) returns as the leading scorer and their anchor in the middle. Wing Simeon Sharp and his 23 PPG is a major loss on the wing. Sam Gray also returns to the starting front line. Salman Ahmed is the top returning guard and 3 point shooter.

Highland Park Scots (2019-20 season 11-16, 8-4 Conference, 3rd)
Highland Park is another team in the league that has plenty returning. The top 6 scorers and 2 other rotation members are coming back. Wing Carter Owens (20.2 PPG) and forward Nico Peterson (14.8 PPG) were breakout players last year as the top 2 scorers. Fellow wing Joey Kottke also averaged double figures at 13.8 PPG. Joe Conzet gives them a physical presence up front.

Humboldt Hawks (2019-20 season 11-16, 2-10 Conference, 6th)
Leading scorer Brian Williams (17.1 PPG) is one of the few returnees from a senior laden roster. Keith Pabon (6.8 PPG) also returns. The lineup gets a major boost with transfer Xavier Garcia from St. Croix Lutheran. That makes the wing position a strength. The rest of the lineup is a major question.

Johnson Governors (2019-20 season 16-9, 11-1 Conference, Tie 1st)
Assistant Colin Moore takes over for the retired legend Vern Simmons. Don't expect the havoc style to change. Forwards Jesse Foster (10.2 PPG) and Jeremiah Knox need to be replaced inside. The guard core is strong with leading scorer Julian Hodges (13.4 PPG) returning. Treyvon Mollette, Christian Jones and Ismael David also are back in the perimeter mix.

Washington Eagles (2019-20 season 11-12, 6-6 Conference, 4th)
No team in the league is hit harder by graduation than Washington. 6 of the top 7 scorers are gone including the dynamic duo of PG Zaveon Smith (22.2 PPG) and F Drew White (23.8 PPG). White finished his career as the school's all-time leading scorer. They'll also miss the shooting of Andreas Green (8.4 PPG). Soph Ka'Jon Jordan was set to join to rotation but he's now at Central. Center La'Kendrick Reed leads the returning group with 10.9 PPG. The rest of the lineup will be replenished with last year's league winning JV guys. Damonte Cogshell is one of those major pieces.

Predicted Order of Finish

Central
Johnson
Highland Park
Humboldt
Harding
Washington
Como Park

Conference Overview:
Central has won 33 straight league games against everybody except Johnson. Their last league home loss to somebody other than Johnson was to Highland Park in Feburary 2013. Give me the Minutemen with an experienced lineup coming back. Johnson and Highland Park will be a great battle for 2nd. Then a drop off to the bottom 4. Humboldt has a ton to replace but adding Xavier Garcia to go with Brian Williams is the difference here. Harding and Washington are my next 2 as they also have heavy losses. Alex Addai gives the Knights the edge there. Como Park hopes their experience coming back can keep them out of the cellar.

Conference MVP: Julian Hodges - Johnson

Underclassmen to watch:

Dillon Foster - Highland Park
Mason Aarness - Como Park
Ka'Jon Jordan - Central

Conference Games to Watch

Highland Park at Central - Jan 5th
Johnson at Central - Jan 28th
Central at Highland Park - Feb 2nd
Central at Johnson - Feb 23rd

Non-Conference Games to Watch

Minneapolis South at Central - Dec 4th
Central at Columbia Heights - Dec 8th

This is the 8th preview in my 2020-2021 season preview series. We stay in city boundaries with the Minneapolis City Conference. For a list of all the season previews, click here.

Edison Tommies (2019-20 season 12-12, 6-6 Conference, 4th)
Edison will be strong on the wings. Seniors Johnny Spencer, Jabari Langely and Jeremiah Thompson all return to the lineup there. Soph Micah Young is another forward who saw time last year. Guard play will be a question mark. Frosh Hanif Muhammad has transferred after seeing time the last 2 seasons.

North Polars (2019-20 season 21-8, 12-0 Conference, 1st)
North should continue to dominate the league. Center Quientrail Jamison-Travis (10.8 PPG) is a significant loss. The Polars return everybody else including league MVP Davon Townley (17.1 PPG) at his power forward spot. Guard Willie Wilson (15.8 PPG) will handle the ball a ton. They also add top wing prospect Andre Gray as a transfer from Hopkins. Plenty of perimeter depth behind them for a team that should make plenty of noise in class AA.

Patrick Henry Patriots (2019-20 season 17-11, 8-4 Conference, 2nd)
The Patriots are hit hard by graduation with their top 3 scorers graduating. The double figure scoring guards Mark Campbell (12.4 PPG) and Glentrell Carter (11.8 PPG) are the biggest losses. A couple of the juniors who were expected to step up have transferred. So I expect to see a totally overhauled lineup. Juniors Karon Abdullah and Ajani Mcrae are the top returnees. Robbinsdale Cooper transfer Denzil Walker could also be an impact player.

Roosevelt Teddies (2019-20 season 1-26, 0-12 Conference, 7th)
The top 2 scorers graduate from a thin roster that struggled to score. Forward Dennis Holte (9.7 PPG) leads the front line. Lefty guard Lakarion Moore (8.6 PPG) leads the guards. Expect another long season.

South Tigers (2019-20 season 8-18, 4-8 Conference, 6th)
PG Jaylen Blakley (12.5 PPG) is the most significant graduation loss. The Tigers return high scoring guard Anthony Martin who can go for 30 on any given night in the league. The add reinforcements with an incoming freshman class of transfers. Athletic forward Chiang Ring and PG Demari Larkins were impact starters at Brooklyn Center last season. PG Jerome Williams comes over from Minnehaha.

Southwest Lakers (2019-20 season 12-15, 5-7 Conference, 5th)
The Lakers have a couple of wings to replace in Christo Polydorou (17 PPG) and junior Cam Holter (13.5 PPG). Holter is now at Holy Angels. But the junior class will still lead the way. Forwards Hakeem Ford (8 PPG) and Gabe Senseman-Cassidy (9.3 PPG) form the current core. Senior Marcus Mattox returns to a guard spot. Seniors Jaden Reed and Franklin Wolfe also return to the rotation.

Washburn Millers (2019-20 season 10-15, 7-5 Conference, 3rd)
Star wing Josh Rogers (16.8 PPG) and banger David Worman (8.2 PPG) are the main losses from the rotation. Plenty returns for the Millers. Seniors Jamar Nelson (9.6 PPG) and Sir'vell Miller are experienced ball handlers. Nyle Dickel (7 PPG) and Will Kuelbs also return to the lineup. Junior Cass Ramberg returns up front.

Predicted Order of Finish

North
South
Southwest
Edison
Washburn
Henry
Roosevelt

Conference Overview
North is no doubt the class of the league. With the league being down this year, let's bank on the youth at South for the next spot. The rest is up in the air. I like the discipline and improvement of Southwest. Edison and Washburn should be similar. Henry always has talent so picking them 6th is criminal but with nobody of note returning, I couldn't go higher. Roosevelt clearly brings up the last spot.

Conference MVP: Davon Townley - North

Underclassmen to watch:

Micah Young - Edison
Datrell McCrimmon, Zashon Rich - North
Chiang Ring, Demari Larkins, Jerome Williams - South

Conference Games to Watch

North at South - Jan 27th
South at North - Feb 16th

Non-Conference Games to Watch

Minneapolis South at St. Paul Central - Dec 4th
Richfield at Minneapolis North - Dec 10th
Minneapolis North at De La Salle - Dec 12th
Minneapolis South at Wayzata - Dec 15th
Minneapolis North at Minnehaha - Dec 30th
Minneapolis North at Hopkins - Feb 22nd

This is the 9th preview in my 2020-2021 season preview series. With no MEA break during this season's previews, we roll on with the Metro East Conference. For a list of all the season previews and an explanation of how the previews are generated, click here.

Hastings Raiders (2019-20 season 17-10, 12-4 Conference, 3rd)
Hastings once again has to replace a ton in their lineup. The top 4 scorers need to be replaced. That includes guard Devon Haraldson (15.1 PPG) and 2 other double figure scorers. Guards Evan McGinnis and Japhe Gudissa return to the rotation. Seniors Jack Dunn and Bailey Johnston will likely step into major roles as well.

Henry Sibley Warriors (2019-20 season 5-23, 3-13 Conference, 7th)
Assistant Doug Linton takes over for John Carrier who is now at Nova Classical Academy. Linton won almost 300 games in 18 years as the head coach at New Life but long before that he spent 4 years as Sibley girls head coach. He has a big task ahead with the graduation of center MJ Davis (10 PPG) and the transfer of PG Dewayne Thompson (18.1 PPG) to Tartan. Senior wing Cam Latvis (9.2 PPG) is the top returnee.

Hill-Murray Pioneers (2019-20 season 6-21, 1-15 Conference, 9th)
Leading scorer Mitch Gutknecht and his 14.2 PPG need to be replaced at a guard spot. Junior Max Yanz is the top returnee with 11.7 PPG. Guard Rashad McKinley (10.3 PPG) leads a group of 4 juniors that return to the rotation. Senior Andrew Chambers is another rotation option.

Mahtomedi Zephyrs (2019-20 season 13-13, 8-8 Conference, Tie 5th)
Mahtomedi once again decimated by graduation and a top scorer transferring. 7 of the top 9 scorers are gone. That includes guard Brody Fox (18.6 PPG) and center Cole Chapman (10.8 PPG). Forward Cal Greene (12.9 PPG) has moved on to Mike Miller's school in Tennessee. Soph PG Will Underwood (7.1 PPG) is the top returnee. Ryan Maule (3.6 PPG) is the only other notable returnee.

North Polars (2019-20 season 18-9, 15-1 Conference, 1st)
Coach Damien Johnson took the Benilde-St. Margaret's job. So the Polars decided once again to dip into the Eden Prairie assistants pool by picking Cornelius Gilleylen to take over. He has to replace 3 of the top 4 scorers. Shaheed Muhammad (18.7 PPG) and Brandon Hickman (12.3 PPG) graduated. Shawn West-Zimpel (10.2 PPG) has changed directions to South St. Paul. Forward Laron Thomas (10.2 PPG) is the main piece to build around. Junior Kenny Daily is another offensive option. Ben Teigland and Robert Wessel provide size. The guard rotation will be inexperienced.

St. Thomas Academy Cadets (2019-20 season 2-25, 2-14 Conference, 8th)
Coach Jason Birr went with a huge youth movement that included 4 freshmen and a sophmore. That caused the Cadets to drop 17 wins from the previous season. They also lost all 3 games to archrival Sibley. The entire roster returns except for forward Stephen Betts (8.6 PPG). Senior Ryan Chamberlain mans the inside with his team high 9.8 PPG. Junior Nathan Johnson (7.8 PPG) is another quality front line option. Yenika Fondugallah and soph Anthony Bickford lead the wing group. Jack Chamberlain leads the group of small sophomore guards who can shoot it.

Simley Spartans (2019-20 season 14-14, 8-8 Conference, Tie 5th)
Former North St. Paul and St. Paul Academy coach Isaiah Wallfred took over the program last year and led the Spartans to a solid season. He returns most of his rotation including his top scorers in wings Breyton Buysman (13.6 PPG) and junior RJ Jioklow (13.3 PPG). Luke Vandemeer returns inside with 7.1 PPG. Juniors Devin Robinson and Kevin Wormer also return to the rotation along with senior Nathan Fischer.

South St. Paul Packers (2019-20 season 18-10, 10-6 Conference, 4th)
After winning their most games in a season in 50 years, the Packers program is back. Guard Max Wilson (12 PPG) is off to Hopkins and forward Marcus Brown (9.9 PPG) are the significant losses from the rotation. Coach Matt McCollister still has a ton of offensive firepower. Junior PG Alonzo Dodd (24.9 PPG) makes their dribble drive offense go. Marquise Gleb and and transfer Shawn West-Zimpel from North St. Paul make up a productive wing duo and they'll score plenty.

Tartan Titans (2019-20 season 24-4, 13-3 Conference, 2nd)
All 3 double figure scorers from last season have departed. Langston Binns and Joseph Kearney combined for almost 28 PPG on the wing. PG Dorian Singer (10.7 PPG) was set to be the go to guy but he transferred to Arizona for football. The pickup of DeWayne Thompson from Sibley fills that hole. Defender Laye Keita and F Curtis Favors (8.3 PPG) return to the starting lineup. Juniors AJ Burns, D'Marco Chelley and Marko Vukomanovich also saw significant rotation minutes.

Predicted Order of Finish

Tartan
South St. Paul
Simley
North
Hastings
Mahtomedi
St. Thomas Academy
Henry Sibley
Hill-Murray

Conference Overview
Tartan and South St. Paul are clearly the top tier of the league. You have 1 team that is a grind it out, defensive minded and maybe offensively challenged squad. The other is a run up and down, create and outscore you to 100 type of team. Tartan's defense gives them the nod here in a fun contrast of styles. Simley takes advantage of major losses from the rest to move up. North has enough coming back to stay top half. Hastings and Mahtomedi will rely on their execution to drive teams mad. The bottom 3 continue to build for future years. St. Thomas Academy gets a nod there with their returning sophomore class.

Conference MVP: Alonzo Dodd - South St. Paul

Underclassmen to watch:

Jayden Morgan, Maxwell Mogelson - Henry Sibley
Will Underwood - Mahtomedi
Ishmael Powell - North St. Paul
Max Wilson - South St. Paul
Jack Chamberlain, Michael Kirchner, Michael Thompson, Anthony Bickford - St. Thomas Academy

Conference Games to Watch

South St. Paul at Tartan - Jan 21
Tartan at South St. Paul - Feb 18th

Non-Conference Games to Watch

None

This is the 10th preview in my 2020-2021 season preview series. Its now time for the big schools with the mostly class AAAA leagues are now on the list of previews. In this preview, a look at the Metro West Conference. For a list of all the season previews and how they are done, click here.

Benilde St. Margaret's Red Knights (2019-20 season 5-22, 2-10 Conference, 7th)
After the Red Knights nightmare season they now have Damien Johnson at the helm. He makes the move after a nice run at North St. Paul. The lone double figure scorer Nick Peterson (16.6 PPG) has graduated. Junior guard Derric Standifer (9.9 PPG) is now down the street at rival St. Louis Park. There are pieces to build around. Junior Dan Ijadimbola (9.6 PPG) will be an impact player on the wing. Theo Pohlen and Jack Kinsey are options in the post. Lakeville South transfer Maddox Alipate should see a significant role in the backcourt.

Bloomington Jefferson Jaguars (2019-20 season 9-17, 4-8 Conference, Tie 4th)
Major losses for Jefferson with 3 critical pieces gone. Forward Manny Montgomery (18.6 PPG) and center Evan Lind (9.4 PPG) have both graduated. Soph Alex Jones (7.3 PPG) has moved on to Minnetonka. Juniors Aiden Atkins and Hayden Holland are options at the guard spots. Senior wing Sam Wanzek leads the returning scorers with 9.1 PPG. Isaac Freitag should be another forward option.

Bloomington Kennedy Eagles (2019-20 season 13-13, 3-9 Conference, 6th)
Kennedy got off to a hot start last season then cooled off. Leading scorer Amarion Hanspard (13.1 PPG) returns at a guard spot. Most of the rest of the rotation needs to be replaced. Wing Eric Dums (12.3 PPG) is the biggest loss from the group. Juniors Rob Issa and Leanthony Wright-Ponder return to the rotation.

Chanhassen Storm (2019-20 season 6-21, 4-8 Conference, Tie 4th)
Chanhassen reboots the program with former Eden Prairie and Austin assistant Corey Christopherson taking over. 2 of the top 3 scorers have graduated including guard Luke Gitzen (15.1 PPG) . Guard Ben Giles (11.6 PPG) leads the group of returning players. Austin Boll (7.3 PPG) and Mike Shea are options up front. Adam Strobel also returns to the lineup.

Chaska Hawks (2019-20 season 24-4, 11-1 Conference, 1st)
The Hawks have to replace a couple of double figure scorers including UMD recruit Zach Lea and his 12.7 PPG at the shooting guard spot. Wing Luke Strazzanti returns after leading the team with 13.5 PPG last season. Ben Kallman and Jack Frick also return on the perimeter. Spencer Goetz (7.9 PPG) and junior center Brady Nicholson (8.3 PPG) return on the front line.

Robbinsdale Cooper Hawks (2019-20 season 19-6, 10-2 Conference, 2nd)
Speaking of Hawks who are going to contend for a league title, count Cooper in that mix. Big man Damarri Bankhead was a mountain to move inside and that will be missed. The perimeter group is a large group of interchangeable athletic parts that is very well suited for coach Bo Powell's pressure style. Bo Powell Jr is a crafty lefty point guard who makes it all go. Davion Evans and Tyson Dallas are 2 other double figure scoring threats around him. Athletic forward David Osayameh transfers in from Coon Rapids to provide an interior presence.

St. Louis Park Orioles (2019-20 season 12-16, 8-4 Conference, 2nd)
Coach David Breitenbucher has to replace 3 starters. They were his 2 thru 4 scorers led by combo guard Cole Ewald (10.3 PPG). Leading scorer Paris Johnson (19.1 PPG) returns on 1 wing. Shooter Jacob Holm and junior Deontez Ross provide a couple of other perimeter options. Junior Derric Standifer (9.9 PPG) comes over from Benilde-St. Margaret's. Him and TyShawn Lyons should take the point guard spot. Not much noteworthy size on the roster.

Predicted Order of Finish

Chaska
Robbinsdale Cooper
St. Louis Park
Benilde-St. Margaret's
Chanhassen
Bloomington Jefferson
Bloomington Kennedy

Conference Overview
I've said for a while that I didn't think the configuration of this conference made sense. That gets addressed next year with New Prague, Orono and Waconia all joining the league. Hawks have won every title since the league was formed for the 2014-15 season. Chaska has gone 72-10 in 6 years of league play and won 5 titles (1 shared). Robbinsdale Cooper won the other title in 2017-18. I like Hawks here again. Chaska and Cooper split last year and I think their games will be very competitive again this season. Chaska has done it before and with a size advantage, I won't bet against them here. The city of St. Louis Park should hold down the next 2 spots. I like what St. Louis Park has coming back. BSM wasn't nearly as bad as their record last year. Plenty of opportunity to move up here too with the rest of the league down. But I'll give Damien Johnson a 1st year break to get his system installed. A dropoff to the final 3 who have major holes to fill. Ben Giles puts Chanhassen above the rest. Jefferson and Kennedy battle to stay out of the cellar.

Conference MVP: Luke Strazzanti - Chaska

Underclassmen to watch:

Daniel Freitag - Bloomington Jefferson

Conference Games to Watch

Robbinsdale Cooper at Chaska - January 15th
Chaska at Robbinsdale Cooper - February 9th

Non-Conference Games to Watch

Chaska at Minnehaha - December 15th
Wayzata at Chaska - December 17th
De La Salle at Robbinsdale Cooper - Jan 5th
Hopkins at Chaska - February 2nd

This is the 11th preview in my 2020-2021 season preview series. In this preview, a look at the Northwest Suburban Conference. For a list of all the season previews and how they are done, click here.

Andover Huskies (2019-20 season 13-15, 9-10 Conference, Tie 3rd North)
Guard Calvin Foy and his 12.9 PPG return after leading the team in scoring the last 2 seasons. Sophomores Sammy Musungu (7.6 PPG) and Ben Kopetzki (5.2 PPG) are the next leading scorers that are coming back. Expect them to play fast and let it fly as there's not much size.

Anoka Tornadoes (2019-20 season 4-23, 1-18 Conference, 7th North)
The youth movement continues for Anoka. 3 of the top 4 scorers including guards DeAndre Miller and Brody Lake need to be replaced. Junior guards Japheth Nyamari (7.6 PPG), Keenan Rodriguez and Alpha Kamanda. Soph guard Donald Prah also saw significant minutes last season.

Blaine Bengals (2019-20 season 10-16, 9-10 Conference, Tie 3rd North)
The Bengals need to replace 4 starters including leading scorer Isaiah Giles in the middle (12.7 PPG). Junior forward Aaron Kaul (11.7 PPG) is the top returnee. Samuel Olson (8 PPG) will see time in the middle. Max Stepanek (5 PPG) will be an option on the wing. Guard play is a question to be addressed.

Centennial Cougars (2019-20 season 4-23, 4-15 Conference, Tie 5th North)
Guard Jaxon Waldvogel (10.3 PPG) needs to be replaced. The strength of this group should be in forwards Mason Lindsay (12.4 PPG) and Thomas Palmsteen (8.6 PPG). Guards Evan Walsh, Reese Neudahl, Taiden Johnson and Justin Doce also return to the rotation.

Champlin Park Rebels (2019-20 season 18-10, 13-6 Conference, 2nd North)
The Rebels lose a large and productive senior class. But they return their 1-2 punch of bruising power forward Francis Nwaokorie (16.6 PPG) and PG Josh Strong (9.4 PPG). Dylan Gichaba (5.8 PPG) gives them an athletic option on the wing. Beyond that, very limited experience and not much known shooting.

Coon Rapids Cardinals (2019-20 season 8-19, 4-15 Conference, Tie 5th North)
Coach Mike Ogorek has to replace both of his double figure scorers from last year. PG Jordan Doe (9.4 PPG) leads the returning roster. Junior guard MJ Galimah (9.1 PPG) joins Doe in the back court along with Armanti Henry (7.7 PPG). Elijah Smith will be a primary front court option. Expect to see lots of him on top of the Cardinals 1-3-1 zone.

Elk River Elks (2019-20 season 6-21, 3-16 Conference, 7th West)
Elk River returns a nice 1-2 punch in guard Parker Behne (8.6 PPG) and 6-8 power forward Brandon Melchior (9 PPG). Both are juniors. They will miss guards Payton Mielke (10.3 PPG) and Braydon O'Connor (9.5 PPG) who were the top 2 scorers a year ago. Junior Caleb Gillquist and senior Nolan Blake should see expanded roles. Junior Mason Mattingley is another offensive option. Size is abundant as they can bring in 7 footer Daniel Cockroft or 6-8 Chase Lusignan.

Maple Grove Crimson (2019-20 season 23-5, 16-3 Conference, 1st North)
Maple Grove has to replace their strong guard duo of Lovell Williams (16.3 PPG) and RaShaun Parker (14.6 PPG) along with big man Sean Bergstrom. Soph Lincoln Palbicki and Junior Payton Mogire should stop nicely into that inside slot. Forward Caden Boettcher is the top scoring returnee at 8.2 PPG along with guard Jon Haakenson (7.9 PPG). Jatai Dillard should see ball handling minutes. Terence Anthony-Larmouth is an athletic presence on the wing.

Osseo Orioles (2019-20 season 10-17, 6-13 Conference, 6th West)
Osseo had their worst season in 15 years with just about anything that could go haywire happening last year. I think they rebound from that in a big way. Guard Tariq Henry (9 PPG) graduated and wing Hassan Kamara (6.3 PPG) is now at Columbia Heights. The loaded junior class will lead the way. Josh Ola-Joseph (13.5 PPG) is a jumping jack on 1 wing. Benard Omooria (11.2 PPG) and Donald Ferguson are solid ball-handlers. Tyriece Waits is another solid guard. Blessed Barhayiga is a big body in the middle. Senior Michael McIntyre and junior James Spencer are classic dirty-work power forwards who set the tone.

Park Center Pirates (2019-20 season 23-5, 17-2 Conference, 1st West)
The Pirates have to replace a loaded senior class that featured their top 5 scorers and 6 big contributors. Dain Dainja (21.1 PPG) in the middle, guard Josh Brown (14.7 PPG) and swiss-army knife Detavius Frierson (11.8 PPG) were the leaders of that group. The Pirates still have plenty of firepower coming back. Guards Braeden Carrington (6.4 PPG) and Jalen Cook (4.2 PPG) can both score in bunches. James Parker (4.1 PPG) returns a big body in the middle. Dawson Rudolph is another player who will see perimeter time.

Robbinsdale Armstrong Falcons (2019-20 season 19-8, 14-5 Conference, 4th West)
Versatile forward Jake Breitbach (14 PPG), shooter Adam Biewen (12.3 PPG) and C Hezekiah Iyawe (13.8 PPG) were the top 3 offensive options and need to be replaced. The guard positions will be strong with D'Sean Larkins and Peyton Newburn returning to run the show. Wing Dylan Inniger (6.0 PPG) is a knockdown shooter who I see having a breakout season. Limited experience returns at the size spots.

Rogers Royals (2019-20 season 10-17, 7-12 Conference, 5th West)
All 5 starters need to be replaced for the Royals. Forward Thomas Glad (12.7 PPG) and guard Sam Simpson (11.9 PPG) are the 2 double figure scorers in that group. Junior Peyton Belka (5.3 PPG) looks to take over the point guard spot. Carter Daun provides length inside. Football star Michael Olowo is an athlete on the wing.

Spring Lake Park Panthers (2019-20 season 23-5, 15-4 Conference, Tie 2nd West)
A very strong senior class has to be replaced. Blake Remme (18.9 PPG) and Gabe Myren (17.8 PPG) graduated as the top 2 scorers in school history. Forward Daydor Phillips (10.4 PPG) and PG Jacob Say (9.6 PPG) were also part of that group. Forward Kaleb Skelly (9.8 PPG) had a breakout year last year and expect another jump from him this year as the top returnee. Junior Nick Ojile joins him on the front line. Senior Trey Johnson (7.2 PPG) is the top returning guard. The posts are raw but do provide size. Evan Fedoravicius and Fitzgerald Wreh are wings that look to step up into the rotation.

Totino-Grace Eagles (2019-20 season 20-9, 15-4 Conference, Tie 2nd West)
Its an embarassment of riches for the Eagles as they go 2 deep at all positions. Everybody returns plus they add Demarion Watson-Saulsberry from Minnehaha and center Patrick Bath from North Dakota. Taison Chatman runs the show and leads the scoring at 13.3 PPG. CJ O'Hara (12.9 PPG) and Tommy Humphries (6.3 PPG) are wings. Along with Bath, those 3 are all sophomores. Then you have the senior group of PG DJ Akpati, C Joe Alt (7.9 PPG) and wings Devin Burger (10.2 PPG) and Carter Weierke (7.4 PPG). Whatever the bench ends up being it alone would be a top 5 team in the league.

Predicted Order of Finish

Totino-Grace
Maple Grove
Champlin Park
Osseo
Park Center
Robbinsdale Armstrong
Spring Lake Park
Andover
Blaine
Centennial
Rogers
Coon Rapids
Elk River
Anoka

Conference Overview:
The schedule is simplified this year. Teams will play within the league only. The 5 games in December are non-conference games. Then its a 13 game single round-robin after that to determine one overall champion. Despite no divisions the western teams still are the stronger group. They went 35-14 against the north last year. Totino-Grace with everybody coming back plus a couple of huge transfers is the runaway favorite. Maple Grove swept the north last year so I'll take them to hold off Champlin Park. But the Rebels do get both Maple Grove and Totino-Grace at home so that's a big edge. Osseo is talented enough to be in this group but after last year they get put at the back of that pack. Park Center loses a ton but they still have scorers so they will look to jump into that top group.

Armstrong once again with big losses but I see them as the best of the rest. Spring Lake Park also has to replace a ton but Kaleb Skelly keeps them afloat. Andover is a team I think could surprise. Blaine loses too much to be any higher. At the bottom, its a bunch of rebuilding.

Conference MVP: Francis Nwaokorie - Champlin Park

Underclassmen to watch:

Ben Kopetzki, Sammy Msungu - Andover
Donald Prah - Anoka
Lincoln Palbicki - Maple Grove
Tameron Ferguson - Osseo
JJ Ware - Park Center
Seth Newbern - Robbinsdale Armstrong
CJ O'Hara, Taison Chatman, Tommy Humphries, Patrick Bath - Totino-Grace

Conference Games to Watch

Maple Grove at Champlin Park - Jan 5th
Champlin Park at Osseo - Jan 8th
Maple Grove at Totino-Grace - Jan 14th
Osseo at Maple Grove - Jan 20th
Osseo at Totino-Grace - Jan 25th
Totino-Grace at Champlin Park - Feb 11th

Non-Conference Games to Watch

Totino-Grace at Park Center - Dec 8th
Osseo at Champlin Park - Dec 8th
Park Center at Maple Grove - Dec 15th
Osseo at Park Center - Dec 18th
Maple Grove at Champlin Park - Dec 18th
Totino-Grace at Osseo - Dec 22nd
Maple Grove at Osseo - Dec 29th

This is the 12th preview in my 2020-2021 season preview series. In this preview, I continue my look at the local big schools with a look at the Suburban East Conference. For a list of all the season previews and how they were generated, click here.

Cretin-Derham Hall Raiders (2019-20 season 25-4, 16-2 Conference, 2nd)
The high-powered trio of J'Vonne Hadley (19.6 PPG), Curtis Jones (15.7 PPG) and Amari Carter (11.8 PPG) needs to be replaced. Junior PG Tre Holloman (10.8 PPG) should now be the full focus both creating and scoring. Jack Tauer will be another critical guard piece for the Raiders (dang it Chloe!). Beyond them there's almost no experience. Peter Howard provides an option in the middle. Al Fleming is another front line option.

East Ridge Raptors (2019-20 season 23.6, 17-1 Conference, 1st)
Ben Carlson's graduation as the school's all-time scoring leader leaves a major hole of 24.7 PPG and 11.7 RPG in the lineup. Brody Kriesel (10.5 PPG) and his size will also be missed. Winona St recruit Drew Adams (7.3 PPG) takes over the front line. Senior Zac Thomas will also see time up front. Junior guard Kendall Blue (14.3 PPG) anchors the perimeter play. Ben North (5 PPG) is another tough guard in the starting lineup.

Forest Lake Rangers (2019-20 season 11-17, 7-11 Conference, 7th)
Leading scorer Eric Peterson (12.7 PPG) has graduated. Carter Thiesfeld (11.5 PPG) leads the options at guard. Forward Jordan Boysen (11.8 PPG) returns to man the middle as the leading returning scorer. Nick Bartlett, Austin Traylor and Owen Berg are experienced players in the rotation as well.

Irondale Knights (2019-20 season 17-10, 9-9 Conference, 6th)
The move to the Suburban East paid dividends. Irondale had their highest win total since the 2010-11 season. Now the Knights lose all 5 starters and most of their rotation. That includes double figure scorers Kwame Herzog (15.9 PPG) and athletic forward Iggy Ejiofor (14.2 PPG). Forward Jake Vana (3.4 PPG) leads the returnees. Henry Eliefson is another returning forward. Cooper Jorgensen, Noah Kiani and junior Drake Gomez are options to fill the guard spots.

Mounds View Mustangs (2019-20 season 20-8, 11-7 Conference, 4th)
Mounds View was another surprising team moving up 5 spots and bumping their win total from 8 to 20. Starters Thomas Gebhardt (10.5 PPG) and center John Montgomery (9.6 PPG) need to be replaced. Wing Evan Kim (15.9 PPG) was a breakout player last year and is the top returning scorer. SG Dylan Wheeler (11.4 PPG) and Cole Sorenson (7.2 PPG) also return to the starting lineup. Lucas Sopcinski, Ethan Farm and Joey Bruggers should step into the rotation.

Park Wolfpack (2019-20 season 4-23, 1-17 Conference, 10th)
The Wolfpack is fully on the prowl this season with all 5 starters returning. PG Jayden Lane (14 PPG) is the top returning scorer and has deep range. Juniors Evan Bearth (11.6 PPG) and Jack Blumberg (10.3) can shoot it on the wings. Junior Pharell Payne (6.2 PPG) is a developing big man in the middle. The depth options have graduated so they'll need to figure out the bench options.

Roseville Raiders (2019-20 season 5-22, 3-15 Conference, 9th)
Leading scorer Keyshawn Payne (12.9 PPG) along with centers Spencer Nath (6.1 PPG) and Robert Riley (5.3 PPG) need to be replaced. Forward Elijah Burns (8.2 PPG) is the top returning scorer. Guards Treygan Adams (6 PPG) and Teris Watson (4.2 PPG) also return. Tomas Nelson is another ball handling option. Jesse Howard is another option in the middle.

Stillwater Ponies (2019-20 season 9-18, 4-14 Conference, 8th)
Soph Max Shikenjanski (17.1 PPG) returns to run the show after leading the team in scoring last season. Big brother Sam averaged 5.6 PPG last year. He'll return to the middle. Tyler Tompkins (7.7 PPG) is another top returnee. Ben Smalley (10.5 PPG) and Max Richardson (10.2 PPG) are double figure scoring options that need to be replaced.

White Bear Lake Bears (2019-20 season 13-13, 10-8 Conference, 5th)
Soph PG Jack Janicki (14.5 PPG) and wing Kanye Raheem (13.7 PPG) are a pair of lefties that return after leading the team in scoring last year. Will Forsythe (4.2 PPG) and Max Steiner (4 PPG) also return in the middle. Guard Brice Peters (12 PPG) and wing Moses Hancock (7.5 PPG) are scoring options that need to be replaced.

Woodbury Royals (2019-20 season 19-9, 12-6 Conference, 3rd)
The Royals were another Cinderella story in the league last year jumping from 6 wins to 19. That was highlighted by a thrilling 2 OT win at Cretin-Derham Hall in February. 5 of the top 6 scorers are back including wing Bradley Cimperman and his 15 PPG. Devin Padelford (7.8 PPG), junior Blake Rohrer (7.4 PPG), Donald West (7.1 PPG) and Mac Lockner (6 PPG) are other returning options for a balanced offense.

Predicted Order of Finish

East Ridge
Woodbury
Mounds View
Cretin-Derham Hall
Forest Lake
White Bear Lake
Stillwater
Park
Roseville
Irondale

Conference Overview:
I view this season as a compressed year in the league. Last year's best CDH and East Ridge aren't as good and the bottom is better with Park having everybody back and Roseville can only go up. I think East Ridge continues their run at the top with their solid duo of Adams and Blue and good depth. Woodbury and Mounds View are 2 experienced teams that you won't want to see in a big game. Tre Holloman is going to be a monster at CDH putting that team on his back. The battle between those 3 for the 2nd spot will be fun to watch. Forest Lake has enough returning to be the best of the rest and a spoiler. White Bear Lake and Stillwater will battle behind them. Park is a sleeper looking to jump into that group. Roseville and Irondale lose top scorers and have plenty to replace. The league will play a full double round-robin schedule with no non-conference games.

Conference MVP: Tre Holloman - Cretin-Derham Hall

Underclassmen to watch:

Alex Mattes - East Ridge
Ataa-Adjetey Mensah, Anthony Knight - Roseville
Max Shikenjanski - Stillwater
Jack Janicki - White Bear Lake

Conference Games to Watch

Woodbury at Mounds View - Dec 8th
Woodbury at Cretin-Derham Hall - Dec 15th
East Ridge at Woodbury - Jan 12th
East Ridge at Mounds View - Feb 16th
Woodbury at East Ridge - Feb 19th
East Ridge at Cretin-Derham Hall - Feb 26th

Non-Conference Games to Watch

None
None

This is the 13th preview in my 2020-21 Season Preview Series. In this preview, we head south for a look at the South Suburban Conference. For a list of all the season previews and how they are generated, click here.

Apple Valley Eagles (2019-20 season 8-20, 4-14 Conference, Tie 9th)
Former Mayer Lutheran head coach Pat Buchanan takes over for Zach Goring. The top 3 scorers have graduated including guard Davy Hosea (13.9 PPG) and forward Mason Klett (10.5 PPG). Wing Kortland Johnsen (7.5 PPG) and forward Noah Friedt (7 PPG) are the top returnees. R'Moni Warner, Nick Deluca and Bobbie Jackson are guard options.

Burnsville Blaze (2019-20 season 8-19, 4-14 Conference, Tie 9th)
Former Concordia-St. Paul assistant and Winona State star Jonte Flowers is a late replacement for Rob Mestas as the head coach of the program. PG Ibo El-Amin (18 PPG) is now at Minnetonka. Forward Daniel Rosenbur (17.7 PPG) has graduated. That costs the Blaze their top 2 scorers which cause them to rely on youth. Junior forward Yarin Alexander (13.3 PPG) and soph forward Khalif Bettis (6.7 PPG) are the top returnees. The rest of the lineup is a big question mark.

Eagan Wildcats (2019-20 season 9-15, 5-13 Conference, Tie 6th)
Kurt Ohlhues (15 PPG) is the lone double figure scorer graduating. Soph Emmanuel Schmitter is the top returning scorer with his 10.1 PPG on the wing. Cole Nelsen's defense returns in the lineup. Junior Logan Schmidt and Ryan Madigan return to man the middle. They'll miss the shooting of players like Cam House, Sammuel Davis and Finn O'Malley

Eastview Lightning (2019-20 season 24-4, 15-3 Conference, Tie 1st)
The Lightning have to replace all 5 starters including Wisconsin recruit Steven Crowl's 26.5 PPG and 14.8 PPG from sharpshooting wing Ryan Thissen. Eastview will plug in plenty of talent though. Jackson Purcell and Grayson Stalboerger are the wings. Purcell's 7.3 PPG leads the returnees. Kenji Scales (5.1 PPG) takes over the point. Jumping jack Zach Spann (5.5 PPG), Henry Shannon and developing center Jamal Ambrose are a solid front line.

Farmington Tigers (2019-20 season 11-16, 5-13 Conference, Tie 6th)
Forward Carter Huschka's 10.9 PPG is the lone starting value that needs to be replaced. 4 other starters plus 2 rotation members are back. That doesn't include talented guard Eli Green who should be fully back from injury after missing almost all of last season. Point guard Isaac Ask led the team with 14 PPG. Juniors Kyle Hrncir (11.1 PPG) and Zach Cochnauer handle the interior duties with senior Max Darrington. Jake Cochnauer and shooter Gabe Bassett handle the wings spots.

Lakeville North Panthers (2019-20 season 17-11, 11-7 Conference, Tie 4th)
Guard Josh Kamara (12.3 PPG) and wing Noah Frechette (8.9 PPG) are major losses from the lineup. Wing Will Blascziek returns after leading the the roster with 14.1 PPG last season. Cooper Laufenburger (8 PPG) gives them a lanky inside presence. Matt Miller, Noah Nephew and Landon Mohs are tough minded guards coming back. I would not be shocked to see wing Nolan Winter break out during his sophomore season like Nate Reuvers did.

Lakeville South Cougars (2019-20 season 21-7, 11-7 Conference, Tie 4th)
Its a banner year in store for the Cougars. The top 3 scorers are back in the lineup. Clutch guard Reid Patterson (17.6 PPG) leads the way. Junior Avery Mast averaged 11.5 PPG on the wing. Wisconsin football recruit Riley Mahlman (9.6 PPG) is a huge target inside. Sam Fliehe, Trystan Ressler and soph Jackson Ressler also return. The experience of guard Joe Bachinski (8.6 PPG) and the size of Jack Leland are the biggest losses.

Prior Lake Lakers (2019-20 season 19-8, 15-3 Conference, Tie 1st)
Prior Lake has to replace their 2 double figure scorers who were D1 recruits. Marquette recruit Dawson Garcia's 31.9 PPG and 9.7 RPG leaves a huge hole in the lineup. Guard Tyree Ihenacho averaged 12.3 PPG and is now at North Dakota. Junior Malcolm Jones looks to take over the load on the front line after putting up 9.4 PPG to lead the returning scorers. Not much size with him though. Tommy Mestnik (6.4 PPG) and Kyle McCullough return on the wings.

Rosemount Irish (2019-20 season 11-16, 5-13 Conference, Tie 6th)
Luck is with the Irish this season as they return their top 4 scorers. Junior Caleb Siwek (19.6 PPG) is one of the top shooters around. Noah Loehr averaged 11.4 PPG on the other wing. Sean Sullivan (8.6 PPG) returns to run the show. Zach Wenthe (8.9 PPG) sees another season in the post. Forward Jared Gerke (7.7 PPG) and his size is the main loss from the rotation.

Shakopee Sabers (2019-20 season 23-5, 15-3 Conference, Tie 1st)
Shakopee has to replace 5 of their top 6 scorers. Forward Charlie Katona, now at UMD, along with guards Caleb Druvenga and Will Cordes all averaged double figures and combined for 45 PPG. Junior forward Nick Katona (6.7 PPG) is the top returnee. Mick Wherley (4.1 PPG) returns on the front line. Quinton Snell, Cade McGraw and Sam West are options to fill the guard positions.

Predicted Order of Finish

Lakeville South
Lakeville North
Eastview
Prior Lake
Shakopee
Farmington
Rosemount
Eagan
Burnsville
Apple Valley

Conference Overview:
The league suffers heavy losses to its heavyweight tri-champions. I think the Lakeville schools jump those 3. Lakeville South has pieces at all 3 levels, I think they have a great year. John Oxton has plenty coming back to see the Panthers get back to 20 wins. Eastview is going to be right there too despite losing their entire starting group. Their group has been very solid in AAU ball. Then it gets interesting as you have to figure out how far to drop rivals Shakopee and Prior Lake. Malcolm Jones and Nick Katona are fun juniors to watch in the league. I think Jones has more help. Behind those 2 you have Farmington and Rosemount who both return most of their lineups. Farmington won at both Lakeville schools late last year and Rosemount beat Farmington twice. But Farmington gets the nod here with the return of Eli Green. Of course, teams like this are teams I often mess up in predictions (i.e. teams that struggled but return a truckoad of the lineup). Therefore, that must mean that you can bet the family farm that one of them will have a breakout season and make me look foolish. Then the bottom 3 remain the same as they all lose plenty. Teams will play a full double round-robin schedule with no non-conference games.

Conference MVP: Reid Patterson - Lakeville South

Underclassmen to watch:

Khalif Bettis, Noah Murigi, Henry Saykeo - Burnsville
Emmanuel Schmitter, Oscar Khazon - Eagan
Nolan Winter - Lakeville North
Jackson Ressler - Lakeville South
Isaac Snell - Shakopee

Conference Games to Watch

Lakeville South at Lakeville North - Jan 22nd
Eastview at Lakeville North - Jan 26th
Lakeville South at Eastview - Feb 5th
Lakeville North at Lakeville South - Feb 18th
Lakeville North at Eastview - Feb 26th

Non-Conference Games to Watch

None

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