Tri-Metro West Division Preview

Overview:

The Tri-Metro West is the weaker of the 2 divisions of the Tri-Metro with 3 teams that aren't any good. But De La Salle is the heavyweight here. Look for Minnehaha to make a run with their youth.

Team Previews:

De La Salle returns top national junior Royce White in addition to a bunch of guards from last year. The loss of Sedrick McBounds to Minnetonka is a major loss as it leaves White as their only inside player. The return of Jeremy Randle to run the point will be a major factor. AJ Barker transfers in from Mounds Park Academy and will be the key to their success. If Barker provides DLS with the 2nd scoring option and outside shooting they need, they will make a run at a state title.

Minnehaha Academy returns their top 8 players from a solid team of a year ago. 6-5 Junior Taylor Sparkman leads this group. If they get interior play, they'll be very dangerous. Look for them to make a run at a state berth in section 4AA.

Breck loses PG Marcus Hill but returns Dakota Tidd and experienced guard Thomas Smolenski. They could give Minnehaha a run at 2nd in the division.

Blake loses star forward Blake Williams and will rebuild.

Brooklyn Center and St. Paul Academy continue their rebuilding efforts.

Synopsis:

Conference Champion: De La Salle
Teams you must see: De La Salle
Other teams to watch: Minnehaha Academy, Breck
Surprise Team: None
Teams you don't want to see: St. Paul Academy

Games that will determine the division title

• DLS at Minnehaha, Tues Jan 8th
• Minnehaha at Breck, Tues Jan 15th
  
• DLS at Breck, Tues Jan 22nd
• Minnehaha at Concordia, Tues Jan 22nd
  
• DLS at Concordia, Tues Jan 29th
  
• St. Bernard's at Minnehaha, Fri, Feb 1st
  
• Minnehaha at DLS, Fri Feb 22nd
• DLS at St. Bernard's Tues Mar 4th
  

Noteworthy Non-Conference games

• Holy Angels at Minnehaha, Tues Dec 11th
  
• De La Salle vs Minnetonka at Marshall, Sat Dec 15th (Breakdown Tip-Off Classic)
  
• Holy Family at Minnehaha, Fri Dec 21st
• Minnehaha vs Braham, Th Dec 27th (Totino-Grace tournament)
  
• Madison, WI Memorial at DLS, Fri Jan 4th
• DLS at Minneapolis Henry, Tues Jan 15th
  
• Whitefish Bay Dominican (Milwaukee, WI) at DLS, Sat Feb 2nd
• Benilde-St. Margaret's at DLS, Sat Feb 9th (Boys/Girls doubleheader)
  
• St. Thomas Academy at DLS, Fri Mar 7th