10-11 St. Paul City Preview

This is the 9th preview in my 2010-2011 season preview series.  In this preview, a look at the St. Paul City Conference.  For a list of all the season previews, click here.

Its addition by subtraction with Arlington closing down. But with the school expanding to hold the growth of the old Washington high school (now Washington Middle but expanding to 7-12 eventually), we'll see them back in a couple of years.  Outside of Harding, the rest of the league is better, but not great. Middle of the pack should be a good struggle to see who finishes 3rd.

Central Minutemen (2009-10 season 20-6, 10-2 Conference, 2nd)
I thought Central was one of the most overrated teams last season but the results were hard to argue with.  Forward LeDarian Horton averaged 17.5 PPG last year to finish 2nd in the league.  Horton and a bunch of guards including Taylor Smaller will need to be replaced.  Point guard William McDonough leads the way outside with Dwayne Cannady.  Martin Smith returns to anchor the post.  Keep an eye on the lower levels here as there's a good freshman group and the sophs won the city last year. 

Como Park Cougars (2009-10 season 14-11, 8-4 Conference, 3rd)
The top 3 scorers including point guard Adrian Wackett and wings Joe Conley and Brandon Baker are gone.  Soph Bajaun Adams returns inside and guard Terrance Williams will lead the way on the perimeter.  They have a couple of other talented sophomores as well.

Harding Knights (2009-10 season 4-19, 2-10 Conference, 6th)
2 of the 4 wins were over Arlington last year.  Top players Vernon Keller and Jeremy Hallowanger are gone.  Hard to see Harding improving on last season's mark.

Highland Park Scots (2009-10 season 10-13, 5-7 Conference, tied 4th)
Leading scorer Jimmy Sauser is gone and there's a new coach.  Jon DePerry comes over from Central after being a longtime top assistant to Scott Howell at Central. Senior Cordero Washington and soph Dion Bradley are the top returnees.  Guard TyShaun Williams is one of the many guards on this small roster.

Humboldt Hawks (2009-10 season 14-12, 5-7 Conference, tied 4th)
Last year's breakout star in the league Bryale Winters and his 18 points a night are gone.  5'8 guard Julian Luster's 11.1 PPG returns along with Keith Jackson and Danny Barber.

Johnson Governors (2009-10 season 32-0 AAA State Champs, 12-0 Conference, 1st)
Max Rosenbloom is off to Bemidji State after averaging almost a double double with 9.8 points and rebounds a night.  Wing athlete Jordan Pluff and guard Donte Warlick are gone, but this is Johnson where the talent is overflowing.  One of the best perimeter trios in the state is back with Estan Tyler running the show.  Wings Roosevelt Scott and Marcus Marshall both had breakout summers.  Chris Smith-Bond returns in the middle.  Juniors Jalen Albritton and Shelby Ashford are ready to make contributions as well.  Expect another run at a state title.

Predicted Order of Finish

1. Johnson
2. Central
3. Highland Park
4. Como Park
5. Humboldt
6. Harding

Conference MVP: Roosevelt Scott - Johnson

Underclassmen to watch:  
Quashingm Smith-Pugh, Kendarius Latimore - Johnson
Malik Durant-Haines, Lester Patton - Central
Kayshiva Shaw, Bajaun Adams - Como Park
Dion Bradley - Highland Park

Games that will determine the conference title

• Johnson at Central - Feb 4th

Non-Conference Games to Watch

• St. Paul Johnson at Lakeville South - Dec 3rd
• Central at Tartan - Dec 14th
• Roseville at Johnson - Dec 22nd
• Central at Catholic Spirit Tournament - Dec 28th-30th (U of St. Thomas)
• Johnson vs Hopkins - Dec 30th (projected Augsburg tourney championship) 
• Johnson at Eden Prairie - Jan 13th
• Johnson at Midwest Players Showcase - Jan 15th (La Crosse, WI)
• Superior (WI) at Johnson - Jan 21st (East Metro Showcase)
• Orono at St. Paul Central - Feb 25th