A down year in the Tri-Metro East leaves this division very wide open. Signficant losses hit at least 5 of the 6 programs in the division. The winner of this division would have to fight to be in the top half of the West. While this year is down, there is plenty of young talent that will have time to develop.
Concordia Academy Beacons (2008 season 16-12, 11-5 Conference)
Jitterbug point guard Zach Towle is gone along with post Zach Houliston. Senior forward Jordan Schneidermann is the top returnee. Seniors Chad Koepke and sharpshooter Nik Novitsky return. Sophomore Cutler Finneman is a young post who should see a major uptick in varsity time this year.
Mounds Park Academy Panthers (2008 season 2-23, 0-16 Conference)
The scorers like Jacob Schwartz are gone. Junior Gus Bruggeman may be one of the contributors. But maybe they'll have a shot against St. Agnes.
St. Agnes Aggies (2008 season 6-20, 4-12 Conference)
Leading scorers Dalton Sturdivant and Leevon Perry are gone. Center Joe Constanzo is also gone along with Philip Butler. They'll be a very young squad with sophomores Dakari Davison and Joe Humphrey seeing big minutes. Senior Dajoun Davis will also see major time.
St. Anthony Huskies (2008 season 12-15, 8-8 Conference)
This is the one squad that returns major players from last year so they have to be the favorite. Shooting guard Josh Pratt returns with his 17 PPG. Aaron McCrossan returns to run the point. Lefty Derek Jahner returns as an undersized post. Jordan Sayers and Stephen Couillard were in the rotation last year and return. Look for guard Marcus Nolen to contribute as well.
St. Bernard's Bulldogs (2008 season 28-4, 16-0 Conference)
All 5 starters and most of rotation are gone including stud point guard Jordair Jett and defensive stopper Averey Duncan. Shane Taylor returns at a guard spot. Sophomore Ricky Suggs will have to step up big.
St. Croix Lutheran Crusaders (2008 season 19-7, 11-5 Conference)
The Crusaders lose all 5 starters including star post Chris Breuer and shooting guard Aaron Hulsebus. Sophomore Wesley Tucker returns after averaging 8 points a game last year. Not much from the senior returnees. Sophomore Cameron Cummings is a youngster to watch for them.
Predicted Order of Finish
- St. Anthony
- Concordia
- St. Bernard's
- St. Croix Lutheran
- St. Agnes
- Mounds Park
Breakout/Surprise Player: Ricky Suggs - St. Bernard's
Games that will determine the regular season conference title
- Concordia at St. Anthony - January 26th
- St. Anthony at Concordia - February 19th
- St. Anthony vs Champlin Park - Dec 28 (Bethel Tournament)
What about Junior Peter Wright and Sophomore Nate Burstein from Mounds Park Academy? I know Wright was a solid contributor on the Varsity last year and Burstein was a very good player on the MN Static.
ReplyDeleteGus Bruggeman is leaving midway through the season for something outside of school, though I'm not sure exactly sure what. I agree that Peter Wright, who as a 10th grader contributed good minutes, should be good this year for the panthers. He will probably be the only bright spot for the whole program except a pretty knowledgeable and talented coaching staff.
ReplyDeleteNate Burstein.... Yeah That's the big center that Mn static had, pretty good player but dont know much about him... Static seems like they had all the right players, Man I wanna see what they do net summer.
ReplyDeleteYeah He doesnt seem well known, but from what i saw he looked like a very good player, strong post who can step outside
ReplyDeleteThanks guys. Wright almost got a mention and since I didn't see MPA last year and very little of the Static this summer. Burstein will be a name I'll try to see this year
ReplyDeleteReally hope you didn't jinx my STA huskies Czar! I hope Nolen finally gets his academics together, I had him a few years ago and there is no doubt the kid can play!
ReplyDeleteLet's hope that's true Dane. He can definitely make a contribution.
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