08-09 Tri-Metro East Preview

This is the 12th installment in the 08-09 Season Preview series. If you missed any of the 1st 11 previews, you can use the Section and Conference Previews page to go back and read them. In this installment, the east side of the metro is still our home for a look at the East Division of the Tri-Metro Conference

St. Bernard's Bulldogs (2007 Season 28-4, 15-1 4th place state AA)
The Bulldogs return most of a team that made it all the way to the state semifinals. Explosive point guard Jordair Jett leads the way. Averey Duncan returns as a long lockdown defender who's offense continues to improve. Trent Davis returns as a 4 year starter at guard. Jordan Gittens is another long athlete. Brian Sandifer returns as a shooter. They'll miss John Bright's girth, but with their athleticism they play bigger than their size. Expect them to make another run at a state title.

Concordia Beacons (2007 Season 23-6, 13-3)
Zach Towle returns to run the point and light up the scoreboard for the Beacons. Zach Houliston returns in the middle and has greatly improved over the last 2 years. The loss of wings Darrin Beekman and Kyle Hagen will have to be addressed.

St. Croix Lutheran Crusaders (2007 Season 13-11, 8-8)
Post Chris Breuer (Randy's son) leads the way as he returns his 18 PPG to the lineup. Guard Aaron Hulsebus is also a nice guard that returns his 14 PPG. A nice inside-out duo.

St. Anthony Huskies (2007 Season 13-15, 8-8)
They'll miss all everything Calvin Walker (known as Chris Mullin to longtime readers). Junior Guard Josh Pratt returns and will need to be a good rebounder as this squad will be young and small. Junior Derek Jahner returns up front. Expect them to be tough and sound under coach Dave Bratland.

St. Agnes Aggies (2007 Season 15-13, 7-9)
Junior Darry Jones can put up points in a hurry. He's the leading returning scorer. 6-5 wing Leevon Perry is also a noteworthy returnee. Senior center Joe Constanzo returns to provide an interior presence. 17 PPG from Al Green is lost.

Mounds Park Academy Panthers (2007 Season 23-6, 1-14)
The Panthers lost 18 of last 19 after a home win over Providence in the opener of their Kreischer Basketball Tournament. The 2 leading scorers Dan Short and Adam Frudden are gone. But they do have the best gym in the conference with their new building.

Predicted Order of Finish

1. St. Bernard's
   
2. Concordia
   
3. St. Croix Lutheran
   
4. St. Agnes
   
5. St. Anthony
   
6. Mounds Park Academy
   

Player of the Year: Jordair Jett - St. Bernard's

Games that will determine the conference title

• Concordia at Minnehaha - December 19th
• St. Bernard's at Concordia - January 13th
• De La Salle at St. Bernard's - January 31st
• Minnehaha at St. Bernard's - February 5th
• Concordia at St. Bernard's - March 3rd
• De La Salle at Concordia - March 6th
  

Non-Conference Games to Watch

• Concordia at Shakopee - December 9th
  
• Hopkins at St. Bernard's - December 18th
• St. Bernard's vs Armstrong - December 30th (projected Catholic spirit semifinal at St. Thomas)
• St. Bernard's at St. Cloud Tech - February 7th
• Columbia Heights at St. Bernard's - February 12th
• Concordia at Minnetonka - February 17th