09-10 Independents Preview

This is the 13th preview in my metro area season previews series. In this installment, I finish up the 106 team previews with a look at the metro area independents. To access all of the previews in the series, view the season preview page here.

CHOF Lions (2008 season 15-12)
Last season was a season of lost expectations as the Lions lost starting point guard Cole Piepkorn due to an ankle injury. Then leading scorer and bruising power forward Nate Fiscus had a bad back. The bright spot in that was Cody Sarbacker getting experience at the point guard spot. The bright spot is sophomore center Tyler Strandlund. One of the best young kids that no one knows about. 6'5 and athletic. He'll have some big games over the next 3 years. Sophomore Tate Piepkorn and junior Myles Eckman will see major minutes as well. Can we just move them to the MCAA once and for all since they play everybody except Lester Prairie?

Minnesota Transitions Wolves (2008 season 28-3)
With MTS, you never know who will walk through the door. The rumor mill has a pair of nice players that were formerly at Brooklyn Center and a top player from Edison coming in. Also talk of a behemoth who sat out the last 2 years with a back injury. But here's what we know. The Noreen's are back. Kevin will obliterate the all-time state scoring record. He figures to break the record in late January. And I don't want to hear about a weak schedule. Kyle has gone from being a matador defender to a very solid wing defender. Mac Ingram returns at a guard spot. Biggest question is can the Wolves finally get over the top and win a state title.

PACT Panthers (2008 season 16-13)
Lanky forward Austin Rink returns and he was the leading scorer last season. Tough class A matchup as he's 6'7 and plays more outside than in. Dan Graffunder also returns up front. Mick Hedberg will see time at a guard spot. Paul Nelson also returns. Seth Mathis and Michael Clauer are noteworthy losses.

Spectrum Sting (2008 season 18-7)
The Sting had a nice buildup for last season with all seniors. Now those seniors are gone and that includes the top 7 players. That includes the starting backcourt of Grant Spark and Beau Emerson. Toby Jorris is the only returnee with any significant experience.

Games to Watch

• Minnesota Transitions at Minnehaha - December 8th
• Minnesota Transitions vs Minneapolis Henry - December 12th (Breakdown Tipoff Classic at Minnetonka)
  
• CHOF at Braham - December 17th
• Minnesota Transitions vs Staples-Motley - January 9th (Timberwolves Shootout)
  
• Park Christian vs CHOF (Northwestern College) - January 15th
  
• Minnesota Transitions at CHOF - January 21st
• Maranatha vs CHOF - February 13th
• Minnesota Transitions at Maple Northwestern (WI) - February 19th