Lake Conference Preview

Overview:

As always the Lake Conference is loaded. There are at least 6 teams that can beat anyone on any given night and the bottom of the league has no really bad team (unlike most leagues). Every game in league play will be tough.

Team Previews:

Eden Prairie returns star junior Ethan Wraage along with guard Ryan Grant and big man Carter Bykowski. They'll be the happiest team around after getting out of the section with Hopkins and Minnetonka. Look for them to be a very dangerous team come tournament time.

Eastview is a team many people like. They return 4 starters from a surprise team of a year ago and played together all summer. Losing leading scorer Seth Jonker hurts, but they will be dangerous.

Burnsville returns a couple of star guards in Tarell Clark and Max Van Ordstrand. They're athletic and entertaining. If they get post play, they'll be tough.

Jefferson will have a new look without Cole Aldrich but with Aaron Barmore and Moses Alipate back, the cupboard isn't bare. It will also be interesting to see if frosh Marcus Alipate makes any contribution to the team. This team will go as far as Moses Alipate takes them.

Next we have 2 teams that are very good on paper, but haven't gotten it done.

Rosemount returns their leading 2 scorers including Iowa recruit 6-10 Andrew Brommer. This team can be extremely dangerous if Brommer has a breakout year like Cole Aldrich did last year.

Kennedy returns wing players Carlton Starr and Bobby Fong. They should be able to score, but will they stop anyone.

Chaska loses big man Marty Gregor, look for them to rebuild.

Apple Valley loses a load of talent including PG Steve McGuiggan and F Aaron Ford from last year's terrific team. Look for them to rebuild.

Lakeville S loses a ton of seniors. After the 2nd half debacle of last season, look for them to restore order with a new staff and team.

Synopsis:

Conference Champion: Eden Prairie
Teams you must see: Eden Prairie
Other teams to watch: Eastview, Burnsville, Jefferson, Kennedy, Rosemount
Surprise Team: Eagan
Team you don't want to see: None

Games that will determine the conference title

Despite a 20 game schedule, every game is tough, especially on the road.

Noteworthy Non-Conference games

• Cretin-Derham Hall at Eden Prairie, Fri Dec 7th
• Duluth East at Eastview, Wed Dec 26th
• Eden Prairie in Bethel tournament final Sat Dec 29
• Hopkins at Kennedy, Th Jan 3rd
• Burnsville at Minnetonka, Tues Jan 8th
• Eden Prairie at Minnetonka, Fri Jan 11th
• Burnsville at Hopkins, Fri Jan 18th
• Eastview in St. Paul Johnson showcase Sat Jan 26th