Edison Tommies (2013-14 season 9-18, 0-12 Conference, 7th)
All 5 starters and 7 members of the rotation are gone. That includes 3 double figure scorers topped by wing Joseph Anderson. Post option Jonah Togbah also is gone. Junior Travis Moore is the top returner at 3.8 PPG. DeShaon Felix-Twiet is the other returning player. The Tommies currently have a 14 game losing streak in league play.
North Polars (2013-14 season 19-11, 10-2 Conference, Tie 1st)
Larry McKenzie took the Polars from worst to 1st in 1 season. The Polars made their 1st appearance in the Twin Cities Game since 2010. Their big 2nd half run of 14 wins in 17 games ended with a close loss to Maranatha in the section championship game. Don't think coach McKenzie will let the Polars forget it. The roster is still young but is still loaded. The explosive duo of Tyler Johnson (20.1 PPG, tops in the league) and lefty Jamil Jackson (15.2 PPG) returns. Point guard Patrick Dembley transfers in after being Richfield's leading scorer last year. Soph Isaac Johnson also averaged double figures last season. Freshman Odell Wilson and senior Randy Mathews provide inside depth.
Patrick Henry Patriots (2013-14 season 9-15, 6-6 Conference, 5th)
The Patriots suffer 1 big loss in leading scorer JJ Jefferson and his almost 20 points a night. But the rest of the rotation is back. Not to mention the JV squad won the conference last season. Jacarius Ford returns at the point. Juniors Ibrahim Mohammad and Julian Jackson returns inside. Ramaa Hudnell and Jermal Davis return on the wings. That's the next 5 scorers with Ford, Mohammed and Davis all averaging double figures.
Roosevelt Teddies (2013-14 season 8-20, 2-9 Conference)
Coach Rob Mestas has the Teddies on the rise. Leading scorer London Cobbs returns along with wing Elijah Hannah Jr. That duo was good for almost 30 points night. Guard Arione Farrar returns to Roosevelt after spending last year at Park Center. He averaged 12.5 PPG there and should easily be good for that this year. There's no experienced size though. The future has some promise as the freshman squad won the league last year.
South Tigers (2013-14 season 15-12, 7-5 Conference, 3rd)
Leading scorer Kenley Farrow and his 18.6 PPG will need to be replaced. Guards Payton Bowdry and Taron Myers both return after averaging double figures last year. Kyle Lumbar and Darrius Clinton also return. Romeo Barber's size will need to be replaced as there's no experienced big man returning.
Southwest Lakers (2013-14 season 12-14, 6-5 Conference, 4th)
Leading scorer Lanick Knight returns with 17 points a night. The other 3 double figure scorers all need to be replaced including almost 16 per night from Cam Ross. AJ Ray and Keion Alexander return to the lineup.
Washburn Millers (2013-14 season 16-10, 10-2 Conference, Tied 1st)
Football star Jeff Jones and Quinton Garvis both averaged double figures on the wing last year. Post George Clark also averaged double figures. All 3 need to be replaced. Kevin Gleason returns as a pass first point guard. Evan Shepherd returns on the wing, he was the team leader in scoring at 16.8 PPG last year. JoBreil Powell provides another scoring option. Noah Burke and Charlie Irmiger should provide some size
Predicted Order of Finish
- North
- Henry
- Washburn
- Roosevelt
- South
- Southwest
- Edison
The Minneapolis City is as deep as its been in many years. North is the clear favorite and a state title contender in class A. Washburn and Henry both return high quality pieces and should battle for 2nd. Roosevelt is the best of the rest and with their backcourt trio, they're very dangerous. But the lack of size puts them down a notch. South and Southwest will fight for the 5th spot with top players from last year returning. Hard to see Edison winning a game in the league this year either.
Conference MVP: Jamil Jackson - North
Underclassmen to watch:
- Savion Scott - Henry
- DJ Hunter, Ahzerik Rodgers, Isaac Johnson, Odell Wilson Jr - North
- Brennan Hawkins - Southwest
- Washburn at North - Dec 9th
- Henry at North - Jan 9th
- North at Washburn - Jan 23rd
- North at Henry - Feb 12th
- Roosevelt vs St. Paul Academy - Nov 29th (MN Transitions tournament)
- Washburn at St. Thomas Academy - Dec 2nd
- Henry vs Hill-Murray - Dec 13th (Breakdown Tipoff at Minnetonka)
- North vs Lakeville North - Dec 13th (Breakdown Tipoff at Minnetonka)
- Henry at Orono - Dec 18th
- Holy Family at North - Dec 20th
- Washburn at Hill-Murray - Jan 3rd
- Minnetonka at Henry - Jan 13th
- Washburn at Waconia - Jan 15th
- Maranatha at North - Jan 17th
- North at Armstrong - Feb 9th
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