This is the 10th preview in my 2020-2021 season preview series. Its now
time for the big schools with the mostly class AAAA leagues are now on the list of previews. In this
preview, a look at the Metro West Conference. For a list of all the
season previews and how they are done, click here.
Benilde St. Margaret's Red Knights (2019-20 season 5-22, 2-10 Conference, 7th)
After the Red Knights nightmare season they now have Damien Johnson at the helm. He makes the move after a nice run at North St. Paul. The lone double figure scorer Nick Peterson (16.6 PPG) has graduated. Junior guard Derric Standifer (9.9 PPG) is now down the street at rival St. Louis Park. There are pieces to build around. Junior Dan Ijadimbola (9.6 PPG) will be an impact player on the wing. Theo Pohlen and Jack Kinsey are options in the post. Lakeville South transfer Maddox Alipate should see a significant role in the backcourt.
Bloomington Jefferson Jaguars (2019-20 season 9-17, 4-8 Conference, Tie 4th)
Major losses for Jefferson with 3 critical pieces gone. Forward Manny Montgomery (18.6 PPG) and center Evan Lind (9.4 PPG) have both graduated. Soph Alex Jones (7.3 PPG) has moved on to Minnetonka. Juniors Aiden Atkins and Hayden Holland are options at the guard spots. Senior wing Sam Wanzek leads the returning scorers with 9.1 PPG. Isaac Freitag should be another forward option.
Bloomington Kennedy Eagles (2019-20 season 13-13, 3-9 Conference, 6th)
Kennedy got off to a hot start last season then cooled off. Leading scorer Amarion
Hanspard (13.1 PPG) returns at a guard spot. Most of the rest of the rotation needs to be replaced. Wing Eric Dums (12.3 PPG) is the biggest loss from the group. Juniors Rob Issa and Leanthony Wright-Ponder return to the rotation.
Chanhassen Storm (2019-20 season 6-21, 4-8 Conference, Tie 4th)
Chanhassen reboots the program with former Eden Prairie and Austin assistant Corey Christopherson taking over. 2 of the top 3 scorers have graduated including guard Luke Gitzen (15.1 PPG) . Guard Ben Giles (11.6 PPG) leads the group of returning players. Austin Boll (7.3 PPG) and Mike Shea are options up front. Adam Strobel also returns to the lineup.
Chaska Hawks (2019-20 season 24-4, 11-1 Conference, 1st)
The Hawks have to replace a couple of double figure scorers including UMD recruit Zach Lea and his 12.7 PPG at the shooting guard spot. Wing Luke Strazzanti returns after leading the team with 13.5 PPG last season. Ben Kallman and Jack Frick also return on the perimeter. Spencer Goetz (7.9 PPG) and junior center Brady Nicholson (8.3 PPG) return on the front line.
Robbinsdale Cooper Hawks (2019-20 season 19-6, 10-2 Conference, 2nd)
Speaking of Hawks who are going to contend for a league title, count Cooper in that mix. Big man Damarri Bankhead was a mountain to move inside and that will be missed. The perimeter group is a large group of interchangeable athletic parts that is very well suited for coach Bo Powell's pressure style. Bo Powell Jr is a crafty lefty point guard who makes it all go. Davion Evans and Tyson Dallas are 2 other double figure scoring threats around him. Athletic forward David Osayameh transfers in from Coon Rapids to provide an interior presence.
St. Louis Park Orioles (2019-20 season 12-16, 8-4 Conference, 2nd)
Coach David Breitenbucher has to replace 3 starters. They were his 2 thru 4 scorers led by combo guard Cole Ewald (10.3 PPG). Leading scorer Paris Johnson (19.1 PPG) returns on 1 wing. Shooter Jacob Holm and junior Deontez Ross provide a couple of other perimeter options. Junior Derric Standifer (9.9 PPG) comes over from Benilde-St. Margaret's. Him and TyShawn Lyons should take the point guard spot. Not much noteworthy size on the roster.
Predicted Order of Finish
- Chaska
- Robbinsdale Cooper
- St. Louis Park
- Benilde-St. Margaret's
- Chanhassen
- Bloomington Jefferson
- Bloomington Kennedy
I've said for a while that I didn't think the configuration of this conference made sense. That gets addressed next year with New Prague, Orono and Waconia all joining the league. Hawks have won every title since the league was formed for the 2014-15 season. Chaska has gone 72-10 in 6 years of league play and won 5 titles (1 shared). Robbinsdale Cooper won the other title in 2017-18. I like Hawks here again. Chaska and Cooper split last year and I think their games will be very competitive again this season. Chaska has done it before and with a size advantage, I won't bet against them here. The city of St. Louis Park should hold down the next 2 spots. I like what St. Louis Park has coming back. BSM wasn't nearly as bad as their record last year. Plenty of opportunity to move up here too with the rest of the league down. But I'll give Damien Johnson a 1st year break to get his system installed. A dropoff to the final 3 who have major holes to fill. Ben Giles puts Chanhassen above the rest. Jefferson and Kennedy battle to stay out of the cellar.
Conference MVP: Luke Strazzanti - Chaska
Underclassmen to watch:
- Daniel Freitag - Bloomington Jefferson
- Robbinsdale Cooper at Chaska - January 15th
- Chaska at Robbinsdale Cooper - February 9th
- Chaska at Minnehaha - December 15th
- Wayzata at Chaska - December 17th
- De La Salle at Robbinsdale Cooper - Jan 5th
- Hopkins at Chaska - February 2nd
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