2025-26 Opening Night

 

Prologue
Welcome to the 2025-2026 season opener.  Its a unique experience this year as I'll take in a brand new conference and gym to start the year.  This year we open with Minnesota Christian Athletic Conference action.  Its a doubleheader as the Cambridge Christian Boys JV and Girls along with the Owatonna Christian Boys visit Fourth Baptist Christian in Plymouth.  Nice weather, no other games to do, so why not?

Minnesota Christian Athletic Conference you ask?  Isn't that the MCAA?  No folks its not.  The league is in its 2nd year and is comprised of non-MSHSL schools.  That's why they could play tonight.  MSHSL schools can't even scrimmage yet and have to wait another 5 days to play.  The league formed due to the union of the old Christian Athletic League along with Minnesota Association of Christian Schools (MACS) teams.  For those of you who remember Christian Life out of Farmington before they merged with Bethany to form United Christian, they were once a CAL member so not unheard of for the schools to move up.  Like any small school league, teams sometimes move to just a JV level for a couple of years to make things work.

The league is spread out all over the place.  This year for boys basketball its 16 teams split into North and South Divisions as follows.

North:
Cambridge Christian Warriors
Chisago Lakes Baptist Patriots (Chisago City)
Faith Christian Saints (Foreston)
Good Shepherd Lutheran Rams (Elk River)
Lake Region Christian Hornets (Baxter)
St. Cloud Christian Warriors
St. Francis Christian Patriots
Woodcrest Baptist Academy Warriors (Fridley)

South:
First Baptist School Crusaders (Rosemount)
Community Christian Eagles (Willmar)
Fourth Baptist Christian Warriors (Plymouth)
Immanuel Lutheran Trojans (Mankato)
Liberty Christian Golden Eagles (Chippewa Falls, WI)
Owatonna Christian Sabers
Prior Lake Christian Royals
Rochester Area Homeschool Defenders 

Fourth Baptist is a fitting place to be introduced to the league.  For many years it has been the host of the MACS state tourney at the beginning of March.  The cafeteria/atrium area right outside the gym is super handy.  I love the irony of having a Pepsi beverage cooler but selling nothing but being a Coke shop.  No thank you, Dr Pepper please.  I can let that slide for a nice variety at the concession stand, including pizza.  They even had Chick-Fil-A on the menu at the state tourney.

Also a fun fact that I didn't know.  I looked up at the 1000 point scorer banners and there was the name Gresyn Rennie.  Hmmm, that name sounds familiar. He played his sophomore year at Armstrong and then finished his high school career for 2 years at Maranatha Christian.  Very productive high school player. But before that, he was a 3 year varsity player and 1000 point scorer for Fourth Baptist.

Game Time
Now to the games, the boys JV game ended up being the best game of the night.  The home squad came from about 10 down and hit a 3 with 15 seconds to go to win a low scoring affair 35-34. Beyond that its was all blowouts.  In the girls came, Cambridge Christian rolled 53-20.

The boys game had blowout written all over it.  Owatonna Christian didn't have a varsity team in the league last year and dressed 7 underclassmen for this one.  Fourth Baptist coming off a 18-8 league record last year.  They return league player of the year candidate Grant Vikander and 2nd teamer Elijah Forman. It was ugly and quickly.  11-0 Fourth Baptist jumped out just 3 minutes into the game.  They'd stretch that to 29-0 before Owatonna Christian finally got on the board almost 10 minutes in.  46-6 Warriors at half.  They put on the brakes in the 2nd half to keep the score down.  Only 2 field goals in each half for the Sabers.  Fourth Baptist rolls in the MCAC opener 67-13.

Too much size and experience for Fourth Baptist.  Their 3 bigs all dominate.  Senior Grant Vikander 10 points and 7 rebounds in limited minutes.  Senior Carlos Flodstrom 10 points.  Soph Lukyn Williams off the bench behind them with 14 points and 8 boards.  He looks like he'll be a major factor inside for the Warriors the next 2 seasons.  Tyler Stevens and Christian Hoffman each add 9 points.  Nice zone offense from Fourth Baptist vs the 2-3 zone.  For Owatonna Christian, Aidan Seagrist 8 points and a pair of 3s to lead the Sabers.

2025-26 Season In A Nutshell

The Czar's 2025-2026 Season Preview series concludes with the traditional Season In A Nutshell preview.  Its a higher level season overview for the casual fans who don't eat, sleep and breathe hoops like I do.  Its who and what you need to see and when and where to see it.  If you missed any of the conferences or the 156 teams covered in this preview series, the full list can be found here.

New Coaches

• Chisago Lakes - Tom Terhaar
• Cristo Rey Jesuit - Darrell Moffit
• Delano - Chance Veasey
• Eagle Ridge - Kalvin O'Neal
• Hill-Murray - Dustin Hayes
• Irondale - Travis Dedina
• Jordan - Matt Cordes
• Lakeville North - Mike Nolan
• Maranatha Christian - Al Harris
• Math & Science - Rich Berkley
• North Branch - Rob Johnson
• Park Center - Bo Powell
• Robbinsdale Cooper - Ron Howard
• Rosemount - Kevin Smith
• St. Agnes - Malique McCoy
• St. Paul Academy - Kevin Keto (returns from 1 year leave)
• St. Paul Central - Cam Jones
• St. Paul Como Park - Jake Sullivan
• St. Thomas Academy - Pat Sjoberg
• Spectrum - CJ Maternoski
• Trinity - Pat Buchanan
• United Christian - Roy Mould
• Waconia - Nick Perrin

Teams In New Conferences
Note on this section.  I only included City Conference and EMAC changes that I could verify so all updates to those leagues may not be reflected here.

• CHOF to MCAA (basketball only, was independent)
• Cristo Rey to EMAC from Skyline
• Legacy Christian to Skyline from MCAA
• Liberty Classical to MCAA from EMAC
• Maple Grove to Lake from NW Suburban
• Math & Science to MCAA from EMAC
  

Teams In New Sections

Class AAAA

• Alexandria to 8AAAA from 8AAA
• Buffalo to 6AAAA from 8AAAA
• Monticello to 8AAAA from 5AAA
• Two Rivers to 4AAAA from 3AAA
  

Class AAA

• Minneapolis Southwest to 6AAA from 6AAAA

Class AA

• Higher Ground Academy to 4AA from 4A
• Hmong Academy to 4AA from 4A
• New Life Academy to 4AA from 4A
• PACT to 6AA from 5A
• Parnassus Prep to 5AA from 4A
• St. Paul Harding to 4AA from 3AAA

Class A

• Aim Academy joins 4A (new school)
• Community School of Excellence joins 4A (new school)
• Metro Schools College Prep to 4A from 5AA

10 Notable Local Events

• Big Stage (Breakdown) - Dec 6th (Hopkins)
• Southside Showcase I - Dec 6th (Minnehaha)
• Tipoff Classic (Breakdown)- Dec 13th (Edina HS and Edina Community Center) 
  
• Southside Showcase II - Dec 13th (Benilde-St. Margaret's)
• Hutton Winter Classic - Dec 18-20 (Hamline)
• Concordia St. Paul Holiday Classic - Dec 26-27
• Capitol City Classic (Breakdown) - Dec 26-27 (Hamline, Bethel and UNW-SP)
• Southside Super Showcase - Jan 10th (Minnehaha)
• St. Paul Johnson MLK Event - Jan 19th (St. Paul Johnson)
• Border Battle- Feb 7th (Hamline)

10 Non-Conference Games to Watch (single game events only)

• Wayzata at Prior Lake - Dec 2nd
• Totino-Grace at Prior Lake - Dec 4th 
• Apple Valley at Hopkins - Dec 9th 
• Totino-Grace at Maple Grove - Dec 11th 
• Holy Family at Minnehaha - Dec 12th 
• Cretin-Derham Hall at Totino-Grace - Dec 19th 
• Totino-Grace at Wayzata - Dec 23rd
• Cretin-Derham Hall at DeLaSalle - Jan 31st 
• Wayzata at East Ridge - Feb 9th 
• Hopkins at DeLaSalle - Feb 24th 

10 Conference Games to Watch

• Hopkins at Maple Grove - Jan 30th
• Maranatha at Legacy - Feb 3rd 
• Richfield at DeLaSalle - Feb 4th 
• Maple Grove at Wayzata - Feb 6th
• Apple Valley at Prior Lake - Feb 10th 
• Totino-Grace at Spring Lake Park - Feb 10th 
• St. Paul Central at St. Paul Johnson - Feb 10th 
• Cretin-Derham Hall at East Ridge - Feb 13th 
• Wayzata at Hopkins - Feb 17th
• Prior Lake at Eagan - Feb 20th 

10 Impact Transfers

• Izayah Cook - Wayzata from Sauk Rapids-Rice
• Justus Dayee - Tartan from Simley
• DeAngelo Dungey - Totino-Grace from Breck
• Bryce Gaustad - Anoka from Spectrum
• Max Iversen - Maple Grove from Delano
• Marcus Marshall - Maranatha from Minneapolis North
• Jack Thelen - Maple Grove from St. Michael-Albertville
• Xavier Frelix - Hopkins from Park Center
• Kwa Silikpoh - Osseo from Champlin Park
• AJ Taban - Totino-Grace from Stillwater

10 Upperclassmen to Watch

• Baboucarr Ann - Maple Grove
• Nolen Anderson - Wayzata (Minnesota commit)
• Dothan Ijadimbola - Totino-Grace (Drake commit)
• Max Iversen - Maple Grove (North Dakota St commit)
• JoJo Mitchell - Cretin-Derham Hall (U of St. Thomas commit)
• Jayden Moore - Hopkins
• Ahmed Nur - Hopkins
• Ty Schlagel - Cretin-Derham Hall (Nebraska commit)
• Cedric Tomes - East Ridge (Minnesota commit)
• Christian Wiggins - Wayzata (Iowa St commit)

10 Underclassmen to Watch

• Justus Dayee - Tartan
• Jaylen Greer - Two Rivers
• Ichima Idoko - DeLaSalle
• Kolden Johnson - Anoka
• Malik Martin - Minneapolis Camden
• Lamar McBride - Minneapolis Camden
• Tre Moore - Hopkins
• Emmanuel Oyesanmi - Tartan
• Kevin Wilson - Tartan
• Daniel Zoa - Totino-Grace

10 Local Teams to Watch

• Cretin-Derham Hall
  
• DeLaSalle
• East Ridge
• Hopkins
• Maple Grove
• Richfield
• St. Paul Johnson
• Tartan
• Totino-Grace
• Wayzata

Active Streaks of 20 Games Or More In Conference Play
Nova Classical and Mounds Park Academy broke big losing streaks last season.  Most of this year's streaks are new.

• St. Paul Washington - 36 losses
• Last win was 3/4/22 at St. Paul Humboldt
• Mounds Park Academy - 27 home losses
• Last home win was 2/9/18 vs St. Paul Academy
• Benilde-St. Margaret's - 24 home wins
• Last home loss was 2/8/22 vs Orono
• Burnsville - 23 road losses
• Last road win was 1/24/23 at Rosemount 
• St. Croix Lutheran - 22 wins
• Last loss was 2/2/24 at Maranatha
• Tartan - 22 wins
• Last loss was 2/8/24 at St. Thomas Academy
• Simley - 21 home losses
• Last home win was 1/13/23 vs Hill-Murray

Section Winners

I gave thoughts on 16 conferences plus independents.  I'll match that here with predictions for the winners of 15 metro area sections.  That includes the 6 local A, AA and AAA sections and all 8 AAAA sections.

4A: Liberty Classical.  With Legacy moving up and Heritage graduating everybody, the Lions get the default nod here.

4AA: Minnehaha has won this section 9 straight years.  Hard to see it not being 10.

5AA: Holy Family is thefavorite here with a high powered roster.  Maranatha should be right there with them.  Then a strong list of dangerous teams behind that.  Minneapolis North, SW Christian, Blake and Hiawatha all have talented pieces to move deep in the section.

3AAA: This section has been the city Cinderella story the last 2 seasons.  Its a very weak and wide open section.  I'll take craziness and another city story here.  Give me Minneapolis Roosevelt.
4AAA: De La Salle moves on again from this section.  Johnson is the main threat here.

5AAA: Totino-Grace continues their run without a ton of resistance.

6AAA: Richfield loads up and should make a run thru this section.
1AAAA: I'll take Rochester Mayo here with everybody coming back and a down year for the South Suburban reps of the section.

2AAAA: Not quite the usual section of death but the top half all capable of winning it.  Rivalries galore here only add to the flavor.  Prior Lake is the pick.

3AAAA: The top of this section remains the same.  I like Apple Valley here with Camare Young.  Eagan more than capable of making here too.

4AAAA: The section is top heavy again with a loaded Tartan squad, U of M recruit Cedric Tomes at East Ridge and a very talented Cretin-Derham Hall squad.  Let's go with Tartan in a grudge match of last year's section final.

5AAAA:  Maple Grove.  Easy favorite here with a loaded roster.

6AAAA: Wayzata.  Can't bet against the loaded state champs here.  But Hopkins will not be an easy out.

7AAAA: Another down year in this section.  I see a battle between Anoka and Blaine here.  Anoka moves on.

8AAAA: This section doesn't disappoint and it won't this year either.  Moorhead will have their hands full returning to state with defending AAA champ Alexandria, Bemidji and Brainerd all looking to claim the crown.  I'll take Alexandria here.

Season Thoughts

Plenty to watch and we'll begin with the Lake Conference.  The Breakdown has the top 3 teams as the top 3 in AAAA.  Will be very surprised if Mr Basketball comes from outside these teams.  Can Wayzata repeat?  Will Ken Novak get 20 wins at Hopkins to break the all-time coaching wins record?  Does he stay if he gets the record?  James Ware leaves Park Center to become the coach in waiting at Hopkins.  Just as interesting is Bo Powell leaving Robbinsdale Cooper, going to St. Agnes very briefly and ending up returning to Park Center where he took a struggling program to a state runner up finish in 2014.  Can Tartan or East Ridge break Cretin-Derham Hall's hold on section 4AAAA?  How far does Alexandria go without Chase Thompson and moving up to AAAA?  

The top of AAA locally will be loaded with Totino-Grace and don't miss those Tri-Metro games between Richfield and DeLaSalle.  AA will be well represented  locally with Minnehaha, Holy Family and Maranatha all capable of making a run.  I'll be interested to see how Jordan does with Matt Cordes getting back into the coaching ranks.  He had a great run at New London-Spicer.  The state tournament moves back a week.  It will feel like football with that awkward extra week between making state and the state tourney games.  Time to #ShockTheCzar, let's go!

2025-26 Lake Conference Preview

This is the 18th preview in my 2025-2026 season preview series.  In this preview, I finish my look at my look at each of the metro area conferences with a look at the Lake Conference.  There's 1 more preview left.  That will include section predictions and what to watch.  For a list of all the season previews and how they are done, click here.

Buffalo Bison (2024-25 season 14-14, 2-10 Conference, Tie 6th)
Buffalo has to replace all 5 starters and 6 members of their rotation.  Their 16U grassroots team had a very strong summer season.  Soph Thomas Jordan (8.3 PPG) played up with that group and is the top returning scorer.  He fits the 5 out style well as he can play outside and be their best guy inside for a small lineup.  Fellow soph Eli Hegle is a shooter who also played with that team.  I can see him having a breakout season.  Juniors Matthew Jordan (4.4 PPG) and Tony Jordan will see minutes too.  Plenty of shooting available for this squad.

Eden Prairie Eagles (2024-25 season 13-14, 4-8 Conference, 5th)
The Eagles have to replace their leading scorer Max Lorenson (22.8 PPG).  Guard play will still be their strength starting with PG Hamze Yusuf (17.2 PPG).  He's surrounded by shooters Grant Sprute (6 PPG) and junior Carter Pulrang (6.1 PPG).  Senior Cooper Fahning (6.3 PPG) is the tallest player but he can shoot it too as a stretch 4.

Edina Hornets (2024-25 season 9-19, 2-10 Conference, Tie 6th)
Coach Jon Bryant loses top scorer Billy DeMars (17.3 PPG) to UMD but returns his other 4 starters.  They play a versatile roster.  Forward Vincent Cronin (13.3 PPG) is the top guy.  Gus Carpenter (9.8 PPG) and Mason Mohs (9.5 PPG) are top scoring options.  Ben Rebischke is a starting guard.  Will Newburg joins him in the backcourt.  Junior Adryan Miller gives them a front line option.

Hopkins Royals (2024-25 season 26-2, 11-1 Conference, 1st)
Coach Ken Novak is now 19 wins away from matching the Minnesota all time record held by Bob McDonald.  He brought in James Ware from Park Center to be the next head coach in waiting.  The Royals have to replace 3 of their 5 double figure scorers.  That includes 24.8 PPG from North Dakota recruit Anthony Smith.  But you can always expect a high powered offense.  Star PG Jayden Moore (15 PPG) returns to lead the roster.  He'll likely be a Mr Basketball finalist.  Junior forward Ahmed Nur (10.2 PPG) has seen his stock rise into a high major guy over the last year or so.  Guard Tre Moore (5.9 PPG) also returns to the rotation.

Maple Grove Crimson (2024-25 season 23-9, 12-1 NW Suburban Conference, Tie 1st)
The Crimson have loaded up for their inaugural season in the Lake.  High scoring guard Max Iverson (23.2 PPG) comes in from Delano along with Jack Thelen in the middle.  I love the Thelen fit for them.  Maple Grove is one of the rare teams that use big men in traditional ways and Thelen fits that mold.  Add in a high major recruit in junior Baboucarr Ann (14.9 PPG) on the wing and you have a loaded roster.  Bennett Cizadlo is another top 2027 wing who is now eligible.  He played JV last year after transferring in from Totino-Grace.  Henry Knutson (10.1 PPG) is a sneaky good athlete returning at a wing spot as well.  Gavin Elmquist also provides experienced depth.

Minnetonka Skippers (2024-25 season 19-9, 8-4 Conference, 3rd)
Minnetonka was probably my worst analysis of last year as they were far better than I expected.  They have to replace their top scorer Isa El-Amin (24.5 PPG).  They'll still have Willie Wright and Anthony Ortiz (7.3 PPG) on the perimeter.  They'll hope that football star Caleb Francois (9.6 PPG) sticks around for the hoops season rather than leave early for Iowa State. They played a short rotation last year.  I expect the same this year.

St. Michael-Albertville Knights (2024-25 season 18-10, 5-7 Conference, 4th)
STMA has to rebuild the lineup with most of the rotation gone.  That includes 3 double figure graduated scorers and 13.8 PPG from 7 foot center Jack Thelen who's now at Maple Grove.  Size won't be a problem though as Maverick Maros and Drew Demarais return to the front line.  Junior PG Braylon Bohm and Lane Jeffery are top options to be backcourt replacements. Junior Sekou Fofana is another wnig option.  Ethan Jordheim is another front court option.

Wayzata Trojans (2024-25 season 28-4, 10-2 Conference, 2nd, AAAA State Champion)
The defending champs return their top 3 guys and they all averaged over 15 PPG.  Iowa St recruit Christian Wiggins (19.1 PPG) and Minnesota signee Nolen Anderson (17.5 PPG) are the top 2 recruits in the state.  They team up on the wing with Isaac Olmstead (15.6 PPG, UMD commit) running the show.  Tommy Shunmugavelu (4.9 PPG) returns to do the dirty work up front. They also add a top junior in forward Izayah Cook from Sauk Rapids.  He should be used to playing with 3 star seniors as he did that last season.  Guards Xaviahn Ivey and Sam Mohs join forward Brady Lam is just some of the top depth that they also have.

Predicted Order of Finish

1. Wayzata
   
2. Maple Grove   
3. Hopkins 
4. Edina  
5. Minnetonka     
6. Eden Prairie
7. Buffalo  
   
8. St. Michael-Albertville

Conference Overview
The top of the league is absolutely stacked.  The top 3 are all top 5 teams in the state.  Wayzata as the defending state champs with everything back has to be the pick.  Coin toss on Maple Grove and Hopkins.  How quickly the new pieces integrate at Maple Grove is something to watch.  I'm going to take Edina as the best of the rest with 4 starters coming back.  Minnetonka figured it out last year, I'll give them the benefit of the doubt here in a group of 3.  Eden Prairie and Buffalo will be dangerous teams from the 3 point line but they'll live and die by it.  St. Michael has too much to replace especially in a league this tough.

Conference MVP: Jayden Moore - Hopkins

Underclassmen to watch:  

• Thomas Jordan, Eli Hegle - Buffalo
• Jamir Davis - Eden Prairie
• Tre Moore, King Smith - Hopkins 
• Brody Cook, Ben Banwart - Maple Grove 
• Willie Wright, Beckham Nelson, Elliot Thompson - Minnetonka 
• Finn Dorfsman, Tanner Heinen - St. Michael-Albertville

Conference Games to Watch

• Maple Grove at Hopkins - Jan 6th
• Wayzata at Maple Grove - Jan 13th
• Hopkins at Wayzata - Jan 23rd
• Hopkins at Maple Grove - Jan 30th
• Maple Grove at Wayzata - Feb 6th
• Wayzata at Hopkins - Feb 17th

 Non-Conference Games to Watch

• Wayzata at Prior Lake - Dec 2nd 
• Maple Grove vs DeLaSalle - Dec 6th (Big Stage at Hopkins)
• Tartan at Hopkins - Dec 6th (Big Stage) 
• Apple Valley at Hopkins -  Dec 9th 
• Totino-Grace at Maple Grove - Dec 11th
• Wayzata vs Cretin-Derham Hall - Dec 13th (Tipoff Classic at Edina)
• Hopkins vs Totino-Grace - Dec 13th (Tipoff Classic at Edina) 
• Maple Grove vs East Ridge - Dec 13th (Tipoff Classic at Edina) 
• Chaska at Wayzata - Dec 16th  
• Totino-Grace at Wayzata - Dec 23rd
• Maple Grove vs Rochester Mayo - Dec 26th (Capitol City Classic at Bethel) 
• Maple Grove vs Tartan- Dec 27th (Capitol City Classic at Bethel) 
• Hopkins vs Eagan - Jan 10th (Southside Super Showcase at Minnehaha)
• Maple Grove vs Nicolet (WI) - Feb 7th (Border Battle at Hamline)
• Hopkins at DeLaSalle - Feb 24th 
• Maple Grove at Spring Lake Park - Feb 25th

2025-26 South Suburban Conference Preview

This is the 17th preview in my 2025-26 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 (2024-25 season 23-8, 12-6 Conference, 3rd)
The Eagles look to take the another step as they've gone from 4 to 14 to 23 wins and a trip to state in a 3 year span.  Leading scorer Camare Young (18.6 PPG) returns for the Eagles.  He's a nightmare matchup with size and power to go with speed.  He'll play a lot of point forward for them.  Trey Parker (17 PPG) also returns as a guard who can score in a hurry.  Ryan Christansen (5.6 PPG) returns as the stretch 4.  Jaedin Williams will have a bigger role on the wing.  Tylan Ward returns as as rotation guard.

Burnsville Blaze (2024-25 season 4-23, 2-16 Conference, Tie 9th)
Burnsville has to replace a large chunk of their lineup.  Junior forwards Connor McDevitt and Jayden Anunda will be top options this season.  Yannick Amoyi will see inside minutes.  Guard play is a huge question mark.

Eagan Wildcats (2024-25 season 17-12, 10-8 Conference, Tie 4th)
The Wildcats return 4 starters as they look to compete for a league title.  St. Cloud St commit Kevin Kemp (9.7 PPG) controls the middle.  SG Mikey McKenzie (11.5 PPG) is one of the best shooters in the league with deep range.  Leading scorer Alex Schroepfer (16.5 PPG) is the Swiss army knife that does it all and holds it together.  Will Berran returns as their defensive minded guard.  Junior Donjae Knox also returns to the front line.  Senior wing Kyle Peterson also returns to the rotation.

Eastview Lightning (2024-25 season 5-22, 2-16 Conference, Tie 9th)
Wing JC Green (18 PPG) led the Lightning in scoring last season.  He's the only returning starter.  Justice Demarco and Erik Olson will man guard spots.  Daniel Mekonnen will see time on the wing.  Isaac Bone is the top returning option to man the interior.

Farmington Tigers (2024-25 season 15-13, 9-9 Conference, Tie 6th)
Farmington sees 5 of their top 7 scorers from last season graduate.  That includes guard Ryan Beckwith and do everything forward Cole Wilcek.  They were 2 of the 4 double figure scorers.  They also lose junior forward Tommy Schabert (5 PPG) for the season due to injury.  He was poised to be a major contributor.  Forward Briggs Sheridan (9.6 PPG) is the top returning scorer and should be poised for a major increase in his production with the Schabert injury.  He's a big body who will also shoot it from 3.  On the perimeter, Blake Johnson (3.9 PPG), Kale Flees and Max Blandin all return to the rotation.

Lakeville North Panthers (2024-25 season 18-11, 10-8 Conference, Tie 4th)
Longtime assistant Mike Nolan takes over for retired hall of famer John Oxton.  He had a 21-33 record in 2 years as the interim coach from 2006-2008.  Northern State commit Dane Danielson (7.9 PPG) is the top returnee for a team that needs to replace 4 starters.  He had a terrific summer as he's developed into that classic inside out forward.  Tony Johnson (5.1 PPG) is the starter coming back.  Lots of questions beyond those 2.  Juniors Owen Brezinski and Reid Bishop look to complete with a group of seniors for minutes.  Pete Krolak and Dylan Lepinski are a couple of guard in that senior group.

Lakeville South Cougars (2024-25 season 15-12, 9-9 Conference, Tie 6th)
Casey Fliehe (7.2 PPG) is the top returning scorer and the lone returning starter.  Soph Nolan Greene (7 PPG) and Ryker Sanders return to the front line.  Senior guard Collin Johnson (5.3 PPG) was very productive this summer. Expect a big increase in production from him.  Nic Swanson also returns at a guard spot.

Prior Lake Lakers (2024-25 season 22-7, 13.5 Conference, 2nd)
Forward Norbu Jenpa (20.8 PPG) and PG Cade Wozney (11 PPG) have graduated.  That means no double figure scorers return.  The Lakers will still be very dangerous though.  Forward Colten Gunderson (9.4 PPG) is a go to guy inside.  Juniors Kobby Sanbrew and Trey Theis return as forwards with shooter Kolby Thompson.  Zach Christofferson also returns to the front line.  Cole Brinkman is another returning guard.

Rosemount Irish (2024-25 season 11-16, 7-11 Conference, 8th)
Assistant Kevin Smith takes over the program.  He'll have 4 returning starters to work with.  However that won't include leading scorer Jordan VanWinkle (13 PPG).  Guard Peyton Gholson (12.5 PPG) leads the offense.  Senior forwards Jack Burke (9.8 PPG) and Drew Molenaar will now be the top inside guys.  Kavari Flowers and Ja'khi Hollie join Gholson as guards who can handle it.  Mayon Dixon (9.3 PPG) returns as a wing starter.

Shakopee Sabers (2024-25 season 24-7, 16-2 Conference, 1st)
The Sabers have to replace 5 starters with their top 6 scorers.  That's almost 65 PPG gone.  But there's a group of talented juniors waiting in the wings.  Shooter Luke Schroeder (5.8 PPG) could triple or even quadruple his production.  Football standout Blake Betton (4.1 PPG) also returns to the rotation.  Jake Courts is another wing who joined the rotation later in the season.    I think he'll be a name that breaks out.

Predicted Order of Finish

1. Prior Lake
2. Apple Valley
   
3. Eagan   
   
4. Shakopee
   
5. Lakeville South 
6. Lakeville North
7. Farmington 
8. Rosemount 
9. Eastview
   
10. Burnsville
    

Conference Overview:
I see a trio at the top of the league.  Prior Lake I see as the deepest lineup.  Apple Valley has the most dangerous player.  Eagan has way too much coming back to be picked any lower.  Tons of losses in the middle.  Shakopee just seems to reload and I'll take them to do that here.  Farmington both with 1 versatile big guy but what they put around that guy is key.  The bottom 3 all continue to rebuild.

Conference MVP: Camare Young - Apple Valley

Underclassmen to watch:

• Nolan Greene - Lakeville South 
• Brady Molenaar - Rosemount

Conference Games to Watch

• Prior Lake at Apple Valley - Jan 12th
• Eagan at Prior Lake - Jan 15th
• Apple Valley at Eagan - Jan 20th 
• Apple Valley at Prior Lake - Feb 10th
• Eagan at Apple Valley - Feb 17th 
• Prior Lake at Eagan - Feb 20th 

Non-Conference Games to Watch

• Wayzata at Prior Lake - Dec 2nd
• Totino-Grace at Prior Lake - Dec 4th 
• Apple Valley vs Totino-Grace - Dec 6th (Big Stage at Hopkins)
• Apple Valley at Hopkins - Dec 9th 
• Apple Valley vs Rochester Mayo - Dec 13th (Tipoff Classic at Edina) 
• Prior Lake vs Chaska - Dec 29th (Shakopee tournament) 
• Eagan vs Hopkins - Jan 10th (Southside Super Showcase at Minnehaha) 
• Prior Lake at Cretin-Derham Hall - Jan 24th (The Collision) 
• Apple Valley vs Onalaska (WI) - Feb 7th (Border Battle at Hamline) 

2025-26 Suburban East Conference Preview

This is the 16th preview in my 2025-2026 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 (2024-25 season 29-2, 17-1 Conference, 1st)
The state AAAA runner up needs a new front line with Tommy Ahneman (18.1 PPG) and Monteff Dixon (12 PPG) graduating.  Wing Ty Schlagel (18.4 PPG) and guard JoJo Mitchell (16.7 PPG, St. Thomas commit) lead a deep group.  4 other reserves return and they add guard Isaac Feller from Bloomington Jefferson.  Junior Dre Frierson-Hollie is the main candidate to be the new interior guy.  Feller, Isaiah Thom, Cartier Russell and Julian Smith join returning PG and defender Jason Johnson on the outside.

East Ridge Raptors (2024-25 season 21-7, 16-2 Conference, 2nd)
Star combo guard Cedric Tomes (27.3 PPG) returns.  He'll play at Minnesota next year.  He'll be recovering from a broken finger suffered during the football season.  Shooting guard Bennett Skinner (11.6 PPG) joins him in the backcourt.  Forward Graham Sanneh (5.4 PPG) also returns to the lineup.  He's shown rapid improvement over the last year.  Andrew Tharaldson joins him on the front line.  Aidan Galvin and soph Ben Koch will be part of the backcourt rotation.

Forest Lake Rangers (2024-25 season 6-21, 3-15 Conference, 9th)
The Rangers return all but 1 member of their rotation. Guard DJ Westman (16.1 PPG) leads the way.  Nobody else averaged more than 7.6 PPG.  Kevin Ndirangu, Adam Sorenson and Connor Johnson join him in the starting lineup.  Landon Schwartz and Alex Sanchez are other front line options.  Jayden Dillard (7.6 PPG) is another scoring option in the backcourt.

Irondale Knights (2024-25 season 5-22, 1-17 Conference, 10th)
Travis Dedina is the new Knights head coach.  He has to replace top guard Jake Dedominces (21.3 PPG) and 6 other seniors.  Forwards Cameron Cramble (12 PPG) and Mason Broussard (6.2 PPG) provide good size up front.  Fisher Killins (5.3 PPG) and Vaughn Macdonald are the top returning guard options.

Mounds View Mustangs (2024-25 season 20-8, 12-6 Conference, 3rd)
Mounds View has to replace their entire lineup of 10 seniors.  Seniors Basil Casper and Qani Mohamed along with junior Connor Crosby will lead the front line.  Juniors Rylan Happel, Ried Defeyter and Andrew Aitkin should be a perimeter rotation with soph Dominic Barrett.

Park Wolfpack (2024-25 season 12-16, 6-12 Conference, 8th)
The guard duo of Anthony Giadyu (18.9 PPG) and Miskir Esayas (14.9 PPG) graduated so no double figure scorers return.  The wing play will be a strength with Aaron Sandin (9.6 PPG) and Brandon Bihm (8.7 PPG) as the top returning scorers.  Junior Justin Ebbers can stretch the floor as their main size guy.  Seniors Caleb Sweet and Keon Moody return at guard spots.  Expect them to once again go with a short bench of only 1 or 2 guys.

Roseville Raiders (2024-25 season 10-17, 8-10 Conference, 6th)
A familiar name returns to Roseville as Tom Critchley Jr takes over.  His dad Tom and brother Ted ran the program a few years ago.  He'll have hall of fame coach Dave Galovich (Crosby-Ironton) on his staff.  Four starters and 8 other seniors have to be replaced.  Forwards Carter Bloomquist and Wayne McGriff return.  Junior wing Micah Wiscus (11.6 PPG) is the leading returning scorer.  No experience outside of those 3.

Stillwater Ponies (2024-25 season 17-11, 11-7 Conference, 4th)
The Ponies lose 3 of their top 4 scorers.  Junior forward AJ Taban (12.9 PPG) was the leading scorer but he's off to Totino-Grace.  But they are deep in that spot.  Juniors Carter Zollar (12.6 PPG) and Owen Stangl (5.9 PPG) should fill in nicely there as top options.  Zach Krusemark and Gabe Smith also saw front court time last season.  Replacing the guard play of Henry Zollar and Manny Smith is also needed.  Senior lefty Henry Percic (4.7 PPG) is the lone experience guard coming back.  Bjorn Naatjes will be a candidate at the point guard spot.

White Bear Lake Bears (2024-25 season 14-12, 9-9 Conference, 5th)
Forward Colin Piper (15.2 PPG, Florida Tech commit) returns but they lose 9 seniors from the rotation.  Junior forward Preston Crider will be another front court presence.  Nick Cardenas is the only other player with any rotation experience.

Woodbury Royals (2024-25 season 10-17, 7-11 Conference, 7th)
Coach Kent Getzlaff returns a pair of starters.  Wings Muad Abdulrahim (12.7 PPG) and Brandan Fahey (6.9 PPG) lead the program.  Junior forward Tyler Erickson (4.5 PPG) and soph guard Ethan Studer (4.2 PPG) are nice young pieces to work with.  Senior Cohen Rogers will also see wing time.  Juniors Ethan Hauser and Nolan Freymiller and soph Carter Wilkerson were JV starters last year.  They'll compete for minutes this season.

Predicted Order of Finish

1. Cretin-Derham Hall
   
2. East Ridge     
   
3. Woodbury 
4. Stillwater  
5. Park 
   
6. Forest Lake
7. Mounds View  
8. Roseville 
9. White Bear Lake
10. Irondale

Conference Overview:
CDH remains the class of the league.  East Ridge has nice balance and a star in Tomes.  After that, drop to Woodbury who I think makes a jump with a nice returning group.  Stillwater will be big, but they'll have to figure out guard play.  Park has a nice wing group to work with.  Forest Lake also looking to make a jump with most everybody back.  Mounds View has to drop with zero experience coming back but they always plug the next group into their system.  Roseville and White Bear Lake also have to replace just about everybody.  Irondale loses their top guy and has struggled for 2 seasons so they stay in the cellar for now.

Conference MVP: JoJo Mitchell - Cretin-Derham Hall

Underclassmen to watch: 

• Anthony Armstrong, Zeke Gilbert- Cretin-Derham Hall
  
• Ben Koch - East Ridge
• Soren Lukkason - Forest Lake
• Dominic Barrett - Mounds View 
• Ethan Studer, Carter Wilkerson - Woodbury

Conference Games to Watch

• East Ridge at Cretin-Derham Hall - Jan 8th 
• Cretin-Derham Hall at East Ridge - Feb 13th

Non-Conference Games to Watch

• Cretin-Derham Hall vs Wayzata - Dec 13th (Tipoff Classic at Edina) 
• East Ridge vs Maple Grove -  Dec 13th (Tipoff Classic at Edina)
• Cretin-Derham Hall at Totino-Grace - Dec 19th
• Cretin-Derham Hall vs Alexandria - Dec 27th (CSP Holiday Tournament) 
• East Ridge at Totino-Grace - Jan 2nd 
• Prior Lake at Cretin-Derham Hall - Jan 24th (The Collision) 
• Cretin-Derham Hall at DeLaSalle - Jan 31st 
• Wayzata at East Ridge - Feb 9th 

2025-26 NW Suburban Conference Preview

This is the 15th preview in my 2025-2026 season preview series.  Its the final week of the preview series and that means its time for the metro big schools.  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 (2024-25 season 11-17, 3-10 Conference, Tie 11th)
The Huskies have to replace their leading guard duo of Alex Kopetzki (18.8 PPG) and Luke Fenton (12.6 PPG).  They'll be strong up front.  Forwards Eddie Miles (10.8 PPG) and Joseph Mapson (8.5 PPG) return to anchor the frontcourt.  Caden Roessler (10.4 PPG) and Colton Miller  (8.8 PPG) return on the perimeter.  Blaine Roessler and Lane Johnson also return to the rotation.

Anoka Tornadoes (2024-25 season 23-8, 9-4 Conference, 5th)
Both leading scorers at the guard spots also depart for Anoka.  That costs the Tornadoes over 34 PPG in scoring and a ton of experience.  Senior guard Dre Ellis (11.5 PPG) should see a big increase in production.  What goes with him at the guard spots is a question mark.  The forward spots will be solid with Brody Lakanen, freshman Kolden Johnson and Spectrum transfer Bryce Gaustad.  

Blaine Bengals (2024-25 season 16-12, 6-7 Conference, Tie 6th)
The Bengals have to replace 3 of their 4 double figure scorers.  Senior wing Shiloh Ayitey (19 PPG) looks to be one of the league's top scorers again.  Guard Tulla Gemta (8.9 PPG) also returns to the starting lineup.  Guards Gavin Weir, Tim Radtke and Owen Clark will see guard time.  Cade Neilson returns to the front line.  It'll be a senior laden lineup 

Centennial Cougars (2024-25 season 15-14, 5-8 Conference, Tie 8th)
Centennial has to replace 4 of their top 5 scorers.  That includes star wing Jackson Driessen and his 23.8 PPG.  Forward Tristan Hanson (15 PPG) leads the lineup.  Wing/Forward Zach Espinosa (4 PPG) will see a much increased role.  The perimeter rotation sees senior Shawn Eline to run the point.  Juniors Wesley Kukkonen and Brett Pullman join him.  Sophomores Bryant Richardson and Brady Anderson are depth options.

Champlin Park Rebels (2024-25 season 23-5, 11-2 Conference, Tie 3rd)
The dynamic wing duo of Tyler Wagner (27.7 PPG) and Preston Thielke (12 PPG) needs to be replaced. But there's still plenty to work with.  Junior wing Gavin Walter (8.9 PPG) has waited his turn.  He should expand on a great grassroots season to be the lead guy this winter.  Soph Moussa Dukuly and Pierless Davis will join him on the outside.  Kyler Pust (8.5 PPG) is a leader at a guard spot. Great Emadamerho is an option to take over the forward spot.

Coon Rapids Cardinals (2024-25 season 7-20, 1-12 Conference, 14th)
Coon Rapids loses their top 2 scorers which is over 44 PPG and a huge hole on the wings.  The Cardinals will be led by a small senior guard trio of Kieran Wymore (7.1 PPG), Konnor Young and Cody Dagogo.  Wymore is the only returnee who averaged more than 4 PPG last season.  Junior TJ Neal joins them in the perimeter rotation.  Senior Jadon Ekoue returns in the middle along with Bo Adeuga.

Elk River Elks (2024-25 season 8-20, 5-8 Conference, Tie 8th)
The Elks lose guard Max Spanier (12.4 PPG) but return everybody else.  Guard Levi Harris (20 PPG) and big forward Dominic Webster (10.4 PPG) are a nice duo to work with.  David Balisidya, Chase Sheldon and Amani Kuhl join Harris in the backcourt.  Jackson Boll is a super hard worker and a dynamic rebounder to go with Webster.  Fun player to watch.  Brody Thompson and 7 footer Lincoln Jeno LaPlante are also frontline options.

Osseo Orioles (2024-25 season 7-20, 3-10 Conference, Tie 11th)
It was another surprising down year for Osseo but this is a new year with a brighter outlook.  Kwa Silikpoh and Joel Saah transfer in to man the guard spots.  Both come from Park Center but Silikpoh was the starting PG at Champlin Park for half of last season before leaving.  Owen Counce joins them at a guard spot.  Wing Quincy Johnson also returns.  Trey Shaffer returns at a forward spot.  That's a spot that the Orioles have traditionally been able to always plug in as a productive role guy.

Park Center Pirates (2024-25 season 16-11, 11-2 Conference, Tie 3rd)
The Pirates are facing a mass exodus.  Four double figure scorers graduated.  Coach James Ware left to be the head coach in waiting at Hopkins.  Xavier Frelix followed him there along with the pair that left for Osseo.  DaRoyce Mills and Joseph Jacobs return in the backcourt.  Yahya Soumahoro saw back end rotation minutes in the middle. 

Robbinsdale Armstrong Falcons (2024-25 season 5-22, 3-10 Conference, Tie 11th)
Coach Rob Ware has to replace his 2 double figure scorers.  Junior wing Alex Olson (10.1 PPG) was a nice breakout story last season.  He'll be the primary option this season.  Seniors Eli Kuempel join and Aidon Reinke join him as returning starters.  Gabriel Hall and Reinke should be the primary guards.  Calan Pilon will be another inside out rotation option.  Max Peters-Hebert will see inside minutes.

Rogers Royals (2024-25 season 10-17, 6-7 Conference, Tie 6th)
All 5 starters and the top 5 scorers need to be replaced.  Guards Xyarien Jackson (4.1 PPG) and Tucker Sawdey lead that group.  Jason Lutgen and Owen Ahlbrecht will be the front line.  The 6'8" Ahlbrecht had a nice summer and is a breakout candidate.  Sam McApline will see wing time.  All of those players are juniors as the Royals build for 2 seasons.  Senior guard Colin Anderson provides experience.

Spring Lake Park Panthers (2024-25 season 11-16, 4-9 Conference, 10th)
The Panthers went with a junior lineup last year and that should pay off this year.  Wing Nolan Myren (19.8 PPG) leads a strong group of guards.  Colin Welch (11.1 PPG) and junior Cal Spencer (8 PPG) return with Myren as starters.  Sawyer Thomsen, Nolan Roach and Tyler Wilkinson will be in that perimeter rotation too.  Forward Aaron Jeppson (6 PPG) returns to the starting lineup too.  He's 6'10" (and you can't teach that), long and lanky but can stretch the floor shooting it.  James Pelkey joins him on the front line.

Totino-Grace Eagles (2024-25 season 23-7, 12-1 Conference, Tie 1st)
Coach Nick Carroll looks to lead the Eagles back to a state championship.  Malachi Hill (14 PPG) and Tian Chatman (9.6 PPG) return to lead the guards.  Drake commit Dothan Ijadimbola (12.4 PPG) returns on the wing.  Stillwater transfer AJ Taban is an inside out option.  Breck transfer DeAngelo Dungey is another great wing option.  Depth options Jaylan Hynes and Daniel Zoa also return to the rotation.  Then you have quality options like Luther Bunge and Shay Jackson from last year's JV also looking for time.

Predicted Order of Finish

1. Totino-Grace
   
2. Spring Lake Park 
3. Champlin Park 
4. Anoka 
5. Osseo
6. Elk River 
7. Blaine  
8. Rogers   
9. Park Center
10. Andover
11. Robbinsdale Armstrong 
12. Centennial 
13. Coon Rapids

Conference Overview:
Maple Grove has moved to the Lake Conference and that takes away a league heavyweight.  That means Totino-Grace is far and away the favorite.  Spring Lake Park is the best of the rest with most of their lineup returning.  Anoka and Champlin Park have strong pieces coming back as well.  Osseo should rebound with their additions.  Elk River and Blaine will once again battle in the middle.  Park Center drops and Rogers loses a ton but will be better than expected.  Coon Rapids clearly at the bottom with the other 3 trying to avoid them.

Conference MVP: Nolan Myren - Spring Lake Park

Underclassmen to watch: 

• Kolden Johnson - Anoka 
• Bryant Richardson, Brady Anderson - Centennial 
• Mousssa Dukuly - Champlin Park 
• Daniel Zoa - Totino-Grace
  

Conference Games to Watch

• Totino-Grace at Spring Lake Park - Feb 10th

Non-Conference Games to Watch

• Totino-Grace at Prior Lake - Dec 4th 
• Totino-Grace vs Apple Valley - Dec 6th (Big Stage at Hopkins) 
• Totino-Grace at Maple Grove - Dec 11th
• Totino-Grace vs Hopkins - Dec 13th (Tipoff Classic at Edina)
• Cretin-Derham Hall at Totino-Grace - Dec 19th
• Totino-Grace at Wayzata - Dec 23rd
• East Ridge at Totino-Grace - Jan 2nd
• Totino-Grace vs Germantown (WI) - Feb 7th (Border Battle at Hamline) 
• Maple Grove at Spring Lake Park - Feb 25th

2025-26 Outstate AAAA Preview

This is the 14th preview in the 2024-2025 season preview series.  Week 3 of the series ends with a look at the 9 non-metro class AAAA schools.  That means the AAAA schools that aren't otherwise included in the previews.  For a list of all the season previews and how they are done, click here.

Alexandria Cardinals (2024-25 season 29-3, 17-1 Conference, 1st Central Lakes, AAA State Champions)
The 2024-25 Class AAA state champs make the jump up to class AAAA.  Losing Mr Basketball winner Chase Thompson is huge.  But the Cardinals still look to return to the state tourney with most of the rest of the roster.  They have top notch perimeter play with guards Mason Witt and Talan Witt and wing Gavin Roderick.  Myles Gray and Grady Starzl also return.  Thomas Hinrichs is a worker that fits them very well.

Bemidji Lumberjacks (2024-25 season 15-12)
Bemidji returns 4 starters from last year.  High scoring combo guard Jaxon Boschee (26.7 PPG) and forward Austin Riewer (14.6 PPG) are a solid inside out duo.  Jeron Huseby (9.3 PPG) and Rhys Sneide also return to the starting lineup as guards.  Beyond that, they'll need to figure out the depth options since the rest of the returning experience is very limited.

Brainerd Warriors (2024-25 season 14-14, 8-8 Conference, 5th Central Lakes)
The Warriors return wing Korde Roseman (17.2 PPG) and wing Grant Johnson (7.5 PPG)  to their starting lineup.  They are 2 of the taller players on the roster but aren't interior guys so what they do there will be a question mark.  Guard Eli Tautges (14 PPG) and forward Garrett Gilbert (9.3 PPG) are the main pieces that need to be replaced.  Junior Blake Fenstad and soph Luke Merseth will also be in the guard rotation.

Duluth East Greyhounds (2024-25 season 10-17)
The Greyhounds return 3 nice pieces.  Guard Ty Nyberg and LaDanian Bowman join junior forward Simon Winkels.  Bowman was a breakout player last year.  Roman Durand is another front line option.  Soph wing Ty Schingen will see an expanded role.

Moorhead Spuds (2024-25 season 24-8, AAAA 5th place)
Moorhead has to replace their top 2 scorers in wing Reign Battle (20.8 PPG) and PG Brian Zarazua (16.7 PPG).  Zarazua's leadership was a key piece for them.  Juniors David Mack (16.1 PPG) and Jett Feeney (7.6 PPG) are football standouts but can hoop too.  Soph Romeo Kromah had a very nice grassroots season. Those 3 make up another good perimeter group.  Junior Austin Dryburgh returns inside along with Edmund Wotoe.

Owatonna Huskies (2024-25 season 14-14, 10-10 Conference, 6th Big 9)
Coach Josh Williams needs to replace all 5 starters.  Guard Gavin Burmeister is the top returnee along with forward William Halverson..  Junior Brendan Klecker will also see interior time.  Junior point guard Willie Moore will see plenty of ball handling time.

Rochester Century Panthers (2024-25 season 7-20, 6-13 Conference, 9th Big 9)
Wing/Forward Nate Long (13.1 PPG) is the lone double figure scorer returning for the Panthers.  Aguek Aguek returns inside.  A full backcourt of SG Sabir Ahmed (16.9 PPG), PG Ricky Wengert (11.9 PPG) and wing Dane Skime (6.5 PPG, now at Orono) needs to be replaced.  Junior Adam Borgmeier is an option to replace them.

Rochester John Marshall Rockets (2024-25 season 26-6, 19-2 Conference, 2nd Big 9)
The Rockets wouldn't let John Oxton retire without getting a section final win against him.  Now the top 7 scorers need to be replaced.  Guards Jackson Daly and Savy Vath lead this year's team.  Carson Guidinger returns on the front line.  Experience will be limited so expect the Rockets to grind out possessions.

Rochester Mayo Spartans (2024-25 season 18-9, 14-5 Conference, 3rd Big 9)
Mayo looks to contend for a Big 9 title with their entire starting lineup coming back.  Bruising PF Reggie Parker had a outstanding summer.  He'll lead the interior with Logan Shimek who can play inside but has a little range too.  Isaac Peterson and Will Gymarty return as a solid wing pair.  Junior Elliot Myszkowski returns as the point guard.

Overview
The northern half (read non Big 9) has all their top guys coming back outside of Chase Thompson and look to have really good seasons.  Section 8AAAA will once again be very fun.  In the south, section 1AAAA looks like rebuild seasons except for Mayo.

Underclassmen to watch: 

• Ty Miller - Alexandria 
• Luke Merseth, Brady Oseland, Dewayne Sims - Brainerd 
• Ty Schingen, Isaac Emerson, Tristan Latimore - Duluth East 
• Romeo Kromah- Moorhead
• Cooper Routh - Owatonna
• Will Ruzek - Rochetser John Marshall 
• Aguer Akech - Rochester Mayo 

Games to Watch

• Rochester Mayo vs Apple Valley- Dec 13th (Tipoff Classic at Edina) 
• Alexandria vs Tartan - Dec 13th (Tipoff Classic at Edina) 
• Maple Grove at Alexandria - Dec 16th
• Moorhead at Alexandria - Jan 6th
• Brainerd at Alexandria - Jan 13th
• Moorhead at Bemidji - Jan 15th
• Eagan at Duluth East - Jan 17th 
• Alexandria at Bemidji - Jan 22nd 
• Moorhead at Brainerd - Jan 24th 
• Brainerd at Duluth East - Jan 27th 
• Bemidji at Moorhead - Jan 29th 
• Alexandria at Brainerd - Feb 19th 
• Moorhead at DeLaSalle - Feb 21st 
• Totino-Grace at Alexandria - Feb 26th