Classic Lake Conference Preview

Overview:

The Classic Lake was tough all around last year. This league finished 81-20 in non-conference play last year. Armstrong and Wayzata lose loads of talent from extremely good teams so they'll be a step down this year. But its all about the top 2 teams in the state. Minnetonka and Hopkins.

Team Previews:

Minnetonka in 1 word, loaded. They already returned all 5 starters from a year ago including Iowa signee SG Anthony Tucker and Evansville signee F CJ Erickson. The only concern was height. Well, they bring in big man Sedrick McBounds from De La Salle to address that issue. With their top 9 players returning, this is the #1 team in the state. Andy Burns and Kyle Risinger run the point. Tyler Schilling gives them intangibles. Andrew Latzke and Tucker give them shooting. UT Udo gives them energy and defense off the bench. Cole Stefan is a star sophomore and he can't even get playing time for this team.

Hopkins loses their star backcourt of Blake Hoffarber (U of M signee) and Tyler Nicolai along with starting PF Chris Pfeiffer. But the cupboard isn't bare. They return Arizona State recruit junior Trent Lockett, star sophomore DJ Peterson, junior Raymond Cowles on the wing with junior point guard Marcus Williams and big men senior Anthony DiLoreto and junior Mike Broghammer. Clearly the #2 team in the state and very likely #1 next year

Robbinsdale Armstrong loses their terrific guards from the state runner-up team last year. Replacing Alex Rubin will be tough, but they're well-coached so look for them to be competitive. Look for JD Robinson to provide them with leadership.

Wayzata loses star Chris Taylor, but his younger brother Kellen is still there. They will also be competitive.

Edina as always will serve as the last place team.

Synopsis:

Conference Champion: Minnetonka
Teams you must see: Minnetonka, Hopkins
Other teams to watch: None
Surprise Team: None
Teams you don't want to see: None

Games that will determine the conference title

• Hopkins at Minnetonka, Fri Feb 15th
• Minnetonka at Hopkins, Mon Mar 3rd
  

Noteworthy Non-Conference games

• Robbinsdale Cooper at Armstrong, Fri Dec 7th
• Armstrong at Buffalo, Sat Dec 8th
• Robbinsdale Cooper at Hopkins, Tues Dec 11th
• Hopkins at Benilde St. Margaret's, Fri Dec 14th
• Minnetonka vs De La Salle at Marshall, Sat Dec 15th (Breakdown Tip-off classic)
  
• Minneapolis Henry at Hopkins, Tues Dec 18th
• Minnetonka at Henry Sibley, Tues Dec 18th
  
• Henry Sibley at Hopkins, Fri Dec 21st
• St. Thomas Academy vs Hopkins (projected) Sat Dec 29th (Hamline Tournament final)
• Minnetonka vs Minneapolis Henry (projected) Sat Dec 29th (Hastings Tournament final)
• Hopkins vs DeMatha at Target Center, Sat Jan 5th (Timberwolves Shootout)
• Minnetonka vs Campbell Hall at Target Center, Sat Jan 5th (Timberwolves Shootout)
• St. Paul Johnson at Hopkins, Tues Jan 8th
• Eden Prairie at Minnetonka, Fri Jan 11th
• Robbinsdale Cooper at Minnetonka, Fri Jan 18th
  
• Cretin-Derham Hall at Hopkins, Tues Jan 22nd (Boys/Girls doubleheader)
• Minnetonka at Benilde-St. Margaret's, Th Jan 24th
• Minnetonka vs Madison, WI Memorial at Verona, WI, Sat Jan 26th (Border Battle rematch)
  
• Hopkins at Minneapolis Henry, Tues Jan 29th
• Cass Lake-Bena at Hopkins, Sat Feb 2nd