This feels like a rehash of the old Metro Lakes conference but having a conference beats not having one. Original reports had St. Paul Prep in here as well but since they aren't on schedules, they aren't included here. Prairie Seeds has to be the big favorite. FAIR and MTS should be a good battle for the 2 slot. Spectrum and St Croix Prep move up to varsity this year and should fight for the 4 and 5 spots with Math and Science at the bottom. Highlight of the season is that we finally get to settle the debate over the mascot with the most mange (MTS or PSA).
FAIR Downtown Falcons (2010-11 season 18-9)
The Falcons return 5 of their top 6. That includes leading scorer Darrion Scott (21.9 PPG) and lefty frosh John Warren on the wings and 16.6 PPG from 6'4 post Desmond Williams. They only went 6 deep last year so depth could be an issue
Math & Science Academy Dragons (2010-11 season 3-8)
Not much known about the Dragons except seeing them struggle mightily 2 years ago in the playoffs. They lose only 1 senior. After looking at last year's scores, hard to believe they won't take up the 6 spot in the league this season.
Minnesota Transitions Wolves (2010-11 season 23-7)
The Noreen era at MTS is over after 7 years, 3 state trips, 1 title and an overall record of 178-36 (Kevin's teams won 2 more games in his 6 years). But a tough loss at the buzzer to Maranatha in the section final leaves a sour taste coming into this season. The losses are as big as any in the state with the loss of leader Kyle Noreen (29.5 PPG, signed with Radford), wing Rodney Owens (19.4 PPG) and forward Matt Lanier (15.4 PPG). The Wolves won't be the powerhouse of years past but don't sleep on them either as they won't be terrible. They may just get back to the old run and gun ways with this roster. Lefty forward David Wallendorf is back after missing last season and he can shoot it. He'll need to have a huge year. Tyler Davis is another shooter coming back. Big body Tevin Sims returns in the middle. Terence Lofton is a another scorer.
Prairie Seeds Academy Lycans (2010-11 season 16-7)
The Lycans lose 2015 star Jarvis Johnson to DeLaSalle but reload with their own transfers. Lefty PG Kaysh Shaw comes over from Como Park. Post Gage Deis transfers in and will be a dominant force in this league. He'll make up for the loss of forwards Chris Jones and Charles Robinson. Senior Trent Pollard returns and can play either guard slot.
St. Croix Prep Lions (2010-11 season N/A, JV Program only)
Lots of youth for the Lions and head coach Jon Leisener. Soph Wes Berg will play inside and out for the Lions and be their top player. Their point guard is currently nursing a bum ankle but should be ready for the season. Their read and react system should be fun to watch and it looks like their trying to build things the right way.
Spectrum Sting (2010-11 season N/A, JV Program only)
Not sure if this was a true JV only program or not as they do have a record listed but it appears they threw the JVs out there for experience. Expect Johnny Erickson to make an impact inside for them.
Predicted Order of Finish
- Prairie Seeds
- FAIR
- Minnesota Transitions
- Spectrum
- St. Croix Prep
- Math & Science
Underclassmen to watch:
John Warren - FAIR
Wes Berg - St. Croix Prep
Games that will determine the conference title
- Minnesota Transitions at Prairie Seeds - Dec 6th
- FAIR at Prairie Seeds - Dec 21st
- Minnesota Transitions at FAIR - Jan 5th
- Prairie Seeds at Minnesota Transitions - Jan 31st
- Prairie Seeds at FAIR - Feb 3
- FAIR at Minnesota Transitions- Feb 16th
- Prairie Seeds at Minneapolis Washburn - Jan 14th?
- Prairie Seeds vs Lakeview Christian - Jan 28th (Washburn Classic)
- FAIR vs Minneapolis North - Jan 28th (Washburn Classic)
hmm I thought Kyle was a senior this year, or did he change schools?
ReplyDeleteKyle is done. He's off to Radford.
ReplyDelete