2020-21 Nebraska Opener COVID Style

We continue our theme of midwest and/or great plains online openers with a Nebraska opener tonight.  High major recruit Isaac Traudt takes his Grand Island squad into Omaha to take on #3 Creighton Prep. The teams split 2 OT games with the margins being 2 points in 1 game and 3 points in the other.  Difference is that Grand Island lost basically everybody except Traudt.  Creighton Prep had their top kid move on to D2 power NW Missouri.  That's the 1 in the 7 of top 8 that's not back.  Nebraska football recruit AJ Rollins leading the big lineup.  No masks for the players tonight.  Minimal fans allowed in the building.  Student broadcast, here we go.

Traudt 2 quick buckets and Grand Island goes up 4-2.  But he goes ice cold the rest of the night forcing tough shots.  The rest of the Grand Island roster was overmatched.  12-3 Creighton Prep run to end the 1st quarter and take a 14-7 lead. Then 8 turnovers and only 6 FGA for Grand Island in the 2nd quarter.  Only 2 baskets for Grand Island from around the middle of the 1st quarter until under a minute left in the 2nd quarter.  That allows Creighton Prep to expand the lead to 29-12 at the half.

6 more turnovers in the 3rd quarter (to go with just 6 FGA) for Grand Island.  They did come out 1-3-1 zone so they had some more energy.  But no offense means they're down 41-17 after 3 quarters.  Creighton Prep PG Justin Sitti with a nasty dunk off a turnover to push the lead to 49-22 in the middle of the 4th quarter.  Sitti is a very nice get for Morningside.  Solid PG handling it and defending.  Creighton Prep rolls 51-33.  Isaac Traudt 16 points, 10 rebounds, 4 TO on 5-18 FG shooting.  Forward Luke Jungers leads Creighton Prep with 15 points, all in the 1st 3 quarters. He has a couple of low D1 offers now but with his shooting, I see upside for the junior.  He played with the OSA Crusaders 16s last summer so I hope to see him again on the circuit this spring.

Creighton Prep wins 3 of the 4 factors. They win the obvious one, EFG by a 51.22 to 35.14 margin.  4-18 from 3 for Grand Island.  Creighton Prep was a passable 8-24 from deep.  They lose the ORB% factor but win the FT Rate and TO Rate factors.  15.69% TO% compared to an ugly 37.25% for Grand Island with 19 total TO.

I have only 1 story of Nebraska basketball travels.  It was sometime around my college days when I made a trip to Omaha to visit family.  I believe we took in a game in Lincoln.  I was like those annoying parents you hear on video.  I feel better laughing at my idiocy now but I also cringe.  Maybe age does bring moments of wisdom.

2020-21 Wisconsin COVID Opener

Back to back nights of online season openers and stories.  Last night it was Iowa.  Tonight its the delayed opening night in Wisconsin.  My online choice has a little local interest in addition to a star team.  Brookfield Central is the preseason #1 in Wisconsin's Division 1.  They host Germantown in a Greater Metro conference game to open the season.  Brookfield Central features Texas commit David Joplin on the wing.  He played with D1 Minnesota during the summer.  Guard Ben Nau is the 1st commit for the St. Thomas Tommies. 

The kids playing in masks but I really didn't see much of a difference in the play by using them.  The game was close for 9 minutes.  Then Brookfield Central knocked down 4 straight shots to start a 27-5 run that covered the last 9 minutes of the 1st half.  Only 2 buckets in the last 18 trips of the half for Germantown.  42-19 Brookfield Central at the break with Nau and Joplin both in double figures.  

A 9-0 run by Germantown would cut the lead to 18 with 9 minutes left in the game but that was as close as it would get in the 2nd half.  Brookfield Central rolls to a 80-52 win.  David Joplin 24 points and 8 rebounds on my sheet and did plenty of damage from deep.  Ben Nau also getting his with 22 points.  Guard Andrew Rohde adds 17 for Brookfield Central.  Andrew Case leads Germantown with 13 points.  Brookfield Central sweeps the 4 Factors which isn't a surprise in a blowout. 

Now to the stories.  Wisconsin often starts their season a week ahead of Minnesota.  That means as part of Thanksgiving travels, I've been able to sneak in some fun openers over the last decade.  I've been to small schools which is always a thrill.  I've been to Thanksgiving events in Milwaukee and Wisconsin Dells.

I saw UW grad Brevin Pritzl in his senior year home opener (and ran into the Augustana guys from Sioux Falls in the process).  Also in the Green Bay area, I took in Sam Dekker's senior year opener.  He didn't make a shot all night against the defending section champs.  Still ended up with 47 points that night.  By the way, if you haven't seen the last minute of his high school career where he stole a state championship, go look it up.  Its amazing.  Also got to see Tyler Herro who's been great for the Miami Heat.  He scored 43 points but turned it over 10 times in a loss to a top ranked small school team. 

That opener is a chance to see a top flight Wisconsin player before the Minnesota season starts.  Over the years that hasn't disappointed.  Even online tonight, knowing the game wasn't top flight, the stars did perform.  Now I might have to go back and watch stars Patrick Baldwin and Leon Bond go at it in another game from the same conference.

2020-21 Virtual Season Opener COVID Style

Its the week after Thanksgiving and that means its basketball season.  Oh wait, not here in Minnesota due to COVID.  But we have other fools excited enough to play so that means we get to test technology and some new stat keeping thanks to our friends in Iowa.  Opening night in Iowa gives us #4 2A Albia vs 1A powerhouse Grand View Christian on YouTube.  

A familiar face for me seeing GVC center Daniel Tobiloba again.  He's one of the top big man prospects in Iowa's 2023 class.  He didn't disappoint on this night.  I liked what I saw of him in July when I was in Ames.  5 first half blocks controlled the paint.  The good folks at Prep Hoops Iowa had him for 22 rebounds as well.  Very raw offensively but a definite impact guy on the defensive end.  GVC rolled the dice and kept him in with fouls for much of the game.  It a game against a top 5 team, play to win!  Love the decision.  

Albia really struggled in the middle 2 quarters to score.  19 points in the 1st quarter with a 12-0 run (Tobiloba fouls had him sitting).  The next 2 quarters they combined for 23 points that saw them shoot  4-23 during a stretch of that.  I had Albia 2-22 from 3 on the night and plenty of good looks.  A Manny Hammonds 3 to beat the 3rd quarter buzzer pushed the lead to 9 and was a back breaker to conclude a 12-4 run that closed the quarter.  Hammonds with 34 points to carry the Grand View Christian offense.  Expect Albia to be a very tough out down the road and Grand View Christian to jump way up in the polls as well.

4 FACTORS
Effective FG%: Grand View Christian 59.09%, Albia 35.29%
Offensive RB%: Albia 32%, Grand View Christian 25%
FT Rate: Albia 19.12%, Grand View Christian 18.18%
TO Rate:  Albia 9.09%, Grand View Christian 25%
Points per Possession: GVC 1.01, Albia 0.85

Czar's Facts of Basketball 101 rears its ugly head again. Shoot it better, you win.  End discussion.  Basket, Ball, put ball in basket.  Grand View Christian got beat on the offensive glass, turned it over, didn't get to the line as much (and didn't make them when there, only 4-13).  But Tobiloba's influence forcing jump shots was the difference.  Albia couldn't hit the outside shots, game over.

Fond Iowa memories from watching the game.  Albia is within a stone's throw from Knoxville, IA where I once ventured.  This was 1 week short of 11 years ago back when current Nova Classical head coach John Carrier was starting his head coaching duties in Iowa.  I still tell John to this day that nobody would know he won a game there if I hadn't been there to watch it.  I lost my original iPhone the night before that trip so I couldn't even live tweet about it.  The horror!

Speaking of horror, John and many others can tell horror stories of just how tight the officiating is in Iowa.  Nothing has changed in that regard from watching tonight.  No breathing allowed!  The best story I can tell about that is when former Iowa Hawkeye Jeff Horner (an Iowa native) and current head coach at D2 Truman State was coaching in the Timberwolves Shootout.  I was sitting at the end of the scorers table right next to his bench.  Play goes on for a couple of minutes to start the game, contact happens and no whistle.  Horner is like "You don't call that here?"   That was a vastly underrated part of the Timberwolves Shootout for me in the final years.  Sitting next to the out of town bench and hearing them think out loud.

Iowa once upon a time had a rule where you had to raise your hand if you got called for a foul.  Being a Wisconsin guy in high school, we made the trip to Iowa to play and saw this in the JV game (where nobody knew it was coming).  Kid got a T for not raising his hand.  So once the varsity game came along, it was comical.  Everybody was raising a hand to make sure if they got called they showed it.

2020-21 Season in a Nutshell

The Czar's 2020-2021 Season Preview series concludes with the traditional Season In A Nutshell preview.  This is a higher level season overview for casual fans who don't eat, sleep and breathe hoops.  Its who and what you need to see and when and where to see it.  If you missed any of the 14 conferences or 144 teams that I previewed, a full list of them can be found here.  (Czar's Note: for continuity reasons, I left the schedule sections as they were before this latest season delay was announced)

New Coaches
It was a fairly quiet season on the local coaching carousel.  The most noteworthy move was former Gopher Damien Johnson moving from a successful run at North St. Paul to Benilde-St. Margaret's.  I think he brings the Red Knights back to prominence quickly.  Before he took the North St. Paul job, he was an assistant at Eden Prairie.  

North St. Paul went back to that well as they hired assistant Cornelius Gilleyelen from Eden Prairie.  Eden Prairie also loses assistant Corey Christopherson who takes over at Chanhassen.  Both have significant rebuilds ahead.  How does this impact the Eden Prairie staff as they look to rebuild from last season?  

Speaking of rebuilds, John Carrier moved from Henry Sibley to Nova Classical to take on that major rebuilding task.  He's one of 3 new coaches in the Skyline.  St. Olaf assistant Tony Taylor takes over at New Life Academy.  Former Edina assistant Mike Landers takes over at Maranatha as head coach and athletic director.  Pat Buchanan takes over for Zach Goring at Apple Valley.  Big challenge there after a very successful run with the Mayer Lutheran program.

Local Events
One of the major COVID impacts of this season is the loss of all the big events.  No Border Battle, no Breakdown events, no Southside Showcase etc etc.  No holiday tournaments either.  While section level tournaments are still on the docket, the odds of anything beyond that is very very slim right now.  Feels kind of like last season in that way.

10 Non-Conference Games to Watch

• Hopkins at De La Salle - Dec 8th
• Richfield at Minneapolis North - Dec 10th 
• Minneapolis North at De La Salle - Dec 12th
  
• Hopkins at Minnehaha - Dec 17th
• Wayzata at Chaska - Dec 17th
  
• Minneapolis North at Minnehaha - Dec 30th
• Waseca at Minnehaha - Jan 2nd 
• St. Croix Prep at Twin Cities Academy - Jan 19th 
• Wayzata at Minnehaha - Feb 4th
  
• Minneapolis North at Hopkins - Feb 22nd
  

Non-conference games take a major hit with the schedule being cut from 26 to 18 games.  Many teams will play a conference schedule with minimal leftover room beyond that.  Teams in the South Suburban, Suburban East and Northwest Suburban will not play outside their leagues so you won't see them here.  But the cupboard isn't totally bare.   Minnehaha was still able to load up their schedule.  They have the rivalry games with Hopkins and Minneapolis North.  A big clash with Waseca and a late season matchup with Wayzata.  Not to mention a back to back at Duluth East and Hibbing.  Minneapolis North has a loaded 6 game non-conference schedule with a tough group of AAA teams and the usual game vs Hopkins.  Chaska only gets 1 mention in the list but they visit Minnehaha in December too.  The St. Croix Prep vs Twin Cities Academy game is a matchup of 2 of the best in section 4AA.

10 Conference Games to Watch

• Chaska at Robbinsdale Cooper - Feb 9th
  
• De La Salle at Richfield - Feb 9th
• Totino-Grace at Champlin Park - Feb 11th
  
• Hopkins at Wayzata - Feb 12th
  
• Lakeville North at Lakeville South - Feb 18th
  
• Tartan at South St. Paul - Feb 18th
  
• St. Croix Prep at Cristo Rey - Feb 19th
• Mound-Westonka at Orono - Feb 19th
  
• Columbia Heights at De La Salle - Feb 23rd
• East Ridge at Cretin-Derham Hall - Feb 26th

All of these games are late season 2nd meetings.  The 1st 3 are favorites facing what is arguably their toughest road test in league play.  Nothing like a late season rivalry game with the league crown potentially on the line in Lakeville.  How about South St. Paul playing at home possibly with the outright Metro East crown on the line.  In the Skyline and Wright County East, its a battle not just for conference supremacy but also section implications.  Then the last 2 I love as late season spoilers.  Columbia Heights is the name that comes up in De La Salle upsets.  Coach Willie Braziel seems to have a knack.  The now traditional East Ridge vs Cretin-Derham Hall finale once again will have section and likely conference impact.

10 Impact Transfers

• Patrick Bath - Fargo Shanley (ND) to Totino-Grace
• Ibo El-Amin - Burnsville to Minnetonka
• Andre Gray - Hopkins to Minneapolis North
• Donovan Hinsz - Moorhead to Columbia Heights
• Hassan Kamara - Osseo to Columbia Heights
• Chiang Ring - Brooklyn Center to Minneapolis South
• DeWayne Thompson - Henry Sibley to Tartan
• Demarion Watson-Saulsberry - Minnehaha to Totino-Grace
• Shawn West-Zimpel - North St. Paul to South St. Paul
• Max Wilson - South St. Paul to Hopkins

10 Upperclassmen to Watch

• Prince Aligbe - Minnehaha 
• Kendall Blue - East Ridge
• Alonzo Dodd - South St. Paul
  
• Cade Haskins - De La Salle
  
• Camden Heide - Wayzata
  
• Tre Holloman - Cretin-Derham Hall
  
• Chet Holmgren - Minnehaha
• Hercy Miller - Minnehaha
• Elvis Nnaji - Hopkins
  
• Davon Townley - Minneapolis North
  

10 Underclassmen You Need to Know

• Patrick Bath - Totino-Grace 
  
• Taison Chatman - Totino-Grace
• Jack Janicki - White Bear Lake 
• Mercy Miller - Minnehaha
  
• CJ O'Hara - Totino-Grace
  
• Lincoln Palbicki - Maple Grove
  
• Chiang Ring - Minneapolis South 
• Max Shikenjanski - Stillwater
  
• Max Wilson - Hopkins
• Nolan Winter - Lakeville North
  

10 Local Teams to Watch

• Chaska
• De La Salle
  
• East Ridge
• Hopkins
  
• Lakeville South
• Minneapolis North
  
• Minnehaha Academy
• Osseo
  
• Totino-Grace
  
• Wayzata
  

Current Streaks of 10 Games or More In Conference Play

• De La Salle - 54 wins. Last loss was 1/28/16 at St. Croix Lutheran.  Read about that thriller here.
• 75 home wins.  Last home loss was 2/14/09 vs Minnehaha.  Read what I saw back then.
• Minneapolis North - 51 wins.  Last loss was 2/5/16 at Minneapolis Washburn.
• 32 home wins.  Last loss was 2/6/15 vs South
• Minnehaha - 35 wins.  Last loss was 2/6/15 at St. Paul Academy
• 21-0 home record all-time in IMAC play
• Hill-Murray - 26 road losses.  Last road win was 2/10/17 at South St. Paul.
• St. Croix Prep - 22 wins including last 8 wins in the MCAA.
• 14 home wins.  Last home loss was 2/9/18 vs New Life Academy
• East Ridge- 21 home wins.  Last home loss was 1/30/18 vs Cretin-Derham Hall
• Twin Cities Academy/Great River - 19 wins (now independent).
• Mounds Park Academy - 17 losses.  Last win was 2/9/18 at home.
• 63 road losses including their years in the Tri-Metro.  Last road conference win was at St. Paul Academy 2/1/2008
• AFSA - 17 losses.
• Minneapolis Roosevelt - 16 losses.
• Eden Prairie - 15 wins.
• Prior Lake - 14 home wins.  Last home loss was 1/22/19 vs Lakeville North 
• St. Paul Como Park - 14 losses
• Nova Classical Academy - 14 losses 
• St. Michael-Albertville - 13 losses including their final game in the Mississippi 8.
• Maple Grove - 12 wins vs north division
• Anoka - 12 losses
• 11 road losses.  Last road win was 2/22/19 at Osseo
• St. Paul Central - 11 wins
• 14 road wins.  Last road loss was 2/5/18 at St. Paul Johnson
• Park of Cottage Grove - 11 road losses.
• Chaska - 10 wins.  
• 14 home wins.  Last home loss was 2/13/18 vs Bloomington Jefferson

Season Thoughts

This is going to be a very different season.  You'll see limited, if any, fans at games this season.  Seeing a full gym appears to be highly unlikely right now.  But if the fall season is any indication, look for lots more availability of events online.  Prepspotlight.tv has already decided to go from free to $60 a season for games.  Look for NFHS subscriptions to go up as well with more schools likely going that route like the IMAC already has.  But also expect plenty of individual school feeds to be available.  

Based on the football season, also expect plenty of last minute cancellations and games moving around.  As of now its 2 games per week with the ability to play 3 games a week for the last 2 weeks of the regular season.  I was really hoping the MSHSL would call for a game moratorium between Dec 23rd and January 4th to keep everybody somewhat healthy.  With losing only 1 week of the full calendar but cutting 8 games, there's a lot more room to move games around.  So expect the unexpected.

Class AAAA is down this year which was expected after seeing one of the most talented senior classes in Minnesota history graduate.  While there are favorites like Lakeville South and Wayzata to name a couple, they are very beatable.  Class AAA should be really fun with Minnehaha, Totino-Grace, De La Salle and Orono all being top teams.  Class AA will be strong at the top with the likes of Waseca, Caledonia, Stewartville, Minneapolis North and Perham.

So now that all the predictions and off season work are in, its time to let the season play out on the court.  Good luck to all and I hope everyone will #ShockTheCzar.

2020-21 Preseason Section Predictions

This is the 17th preview in my 2020-21 Season Preview Series.  In this preview, I'll condense my usual section by section previews in to a list of predicted winners for this season.  For a list of all the season previews and how they are generated, click here.

Section 4A: Legacy Christian Academy.  The Lions have way too much returning in a section that isn't very strong.  Jake Wald should be recovered from an offseason injury by the end of the season.  With him at 100% for the section bracket, that's enough.  CHOF once again looks to give them a run.

Section 4AA: St. Croix Prep.  The guard play for SCPA too much to ignore here.  Cristo Rey will look to give them a run with the Burgess twins running the show.  Twin Cities Academy and the McNeal twins is another team with a loaded perimeter crew that can make a run here.

Section 5AA: Minneapolis North.  Larry McKenzie has a loaded roster that is the huge favorite here.  Davon Townley is the major difference maker.  Blake has a talented perimeter group that will make them the next best team here.  But lack of depth and size are too much of an issue to pick them to pull the upset.

Section 3AAA: South St. Paul. Alonzo Dodd leads an explosive offensive team.  I love the feel good story of Matt McCollister taking another downtrodden program to a section title (see also Brooklyn Center).  But they'll have to get past the defending champs Richfield to make it happen.  The Spartans have everybody back including a front line that is a tough matchup for most.  Those 2 teams matching up would be one of the more appealing section title games.

Section 4AAA: Minnehaha Academy.  Speaking of appealing section title games, a Totino-Grace vs Minnehaha matchup would top my list.  Minnehaha with 3 straight state titles and COVID preventing a chance for 4 has to be the pick until beaten.  Losing Jalen Suggs is huge, but Chet Holmgren is such a game changer defensively.  Add in guys like Prince Aligbe and all the other talent to make a roster still good enough to win the whole thing.  TG goes 2 deep at every position though.  Plus they have a star of their own in soph PG Tommy Chatman.  The one weakness they have is youth and Minnehaha has the experience of being there.

Section 6AAA: De La Salle.  Another case where you pick the champ until beaten.  Cade Haskins will put the offense on his back.  While its not the section of death like many years past, it won't be a cakewalk either.  Orono will give the Islanders all they want.  Plus I'm sure they won't forget giving away a section title game a couple years ago.  Mound-Westonka is no slouch either.

Section 1AAAA: Lakeville South.  Coach Joe Janquart has the stars aligned to win the section this year.  The main competition will be from Owatonna and Farmington.  Both have a ton coming back and are looking to make a leap.  But I see too much big game experience for the Cougars.  Reid Patterson makes plays and they have nice role guys around him.

Section 2AAAA: Chaska.  The Hawks have size, guard play and experience coming back.  3 of last year's loaded teams have huge losses (Prior Lake, Shakopee, Eden Prairie).  Edina also losing a star in forward Jacob Hutson.  Prior Lake, Shakopee and Edina all with talented juniors ready to take over though.  Minnetonka has a good guard group that can be a bad matchup.

Section 3AAAA: Lakeville North.  This section title has resided in the city of Apple Valley for a long time.  Coach Oxton is not one to bet against come section time and he has plenty of experience and talent coming back.  Eastview will be the main competition with a talented bench group taking over the rotation.  Rosemount is dangerous with shooter Caleb Siwek returning.

Section 4AAAA: East Ridge.  They have a talented inside-out duo of Kendall Blue and Drew Adams coming back.  Woodbury will be a threat here as well with plenty coming back.  Cretin-Derham Hall can't be discounted with Tre Holloman.  Tartan's defense will have them in the mix as well.

Section 5AAAA: Osseo.  I think this is the most top heavy section in class AAAA.  Osseo is the deepest team here.  Tim Theisen's experience gets it done here.  Champlin Park's duo of Strong and Nwaokorie is more than capable of winning it.  Park Center will still be very talented despite heavy losses.  Mounds View has their scoring coming back.  Their hard-nosed style along with their experience will make them a tough out.

Section 6AAAA: Wayzata.  This is the common Wayzata vs Hopkins theme.  Hopkins having to replace Andre Gray (now at Minneapolis North) is a major hole.  Wayzata's junior group is very talented and experienced.  Health did them in last year but they proved they could play with anybody.  

Section 7AAAA:  Duluth East.  Despite losing guard Will Van Scoy for the season due to injury, the Greyhounds have the easiest run of anybody.  Mattie Thompson and Noah Paulson are a top level duo.  Forest Lake is the only notable threat here.

Section 8AAAA: Maple Grove.  I think the Crimson size makes the difference here.  Add that in with their always solid group of guards and that's enough . Moorhead can give them a run with a ton coming back.  Brainerd and Buffalo look to be spoilers.

2020-21 Rest of the Teams Preview

This is the 16th preview in my 2020-21 Season Preview Series.  This is the 4th and final week of this season's preview series.  This second bonus preview covers the 9 class AAAA teams that weren't included in the specific conference previews.  Then for fun, I've included a handful of random AAA and AA teams that I saw last season.  For a list of all the season previews and how they are generated, click here.

THE REST OF CLASS AAAA
Brainerd Warriors (2019-20 season 9-18, 8-8 Central Lakes Conference, 5th)
Brainerd loses their top 3 scorers and they all were in double figures.  PG Conner Powers (16.1 PPG) and forward Owen Davis (13.8 PPG) are the biggest losses.  But big wing Griffin Rushin (11.1 PPG) returns and is poised for a big season.  Juniors Cam Engholm (4.4 PPG) and Nate Staehling (4.1 PPG) also return to the lineup.  The front line will be solid, guard play is my question mark.

Cambridge-Isanti Bluejackets (2019-20 season 24-4, 12-2 Mississippi 8 Conference, 2nd)
Coach Mike McDonald has to replace almost all of his rotation that had played together for years.  That includes star guard Henry Abraham (33.5 PPG) along with shooters Micah Ladd (15.3 PPG) and Ryan Cox (7.4 PPG) on the perimeter.  Forward Connor Braaten (8.9 PPG) is the only rotation guy coming back.  Rigo Mork looks to take over the point guard spot.  Juniors Braden Jones and Reese Bickford are more options to fill the vacated perimeter slots.
 
Duluth East Greyhounds (2019-20 season 24-5)
Another outstate team poised to make a move in class AAAA is Duluth East.  The Greyhounds have the locally committed to UMD duo of wing Mattie Thompson (18.5 PPG) and Noah Paulson (14.8 PPG) in the middle to build around.  Guard Giovani Saldivar (10.2 PPG) also returns to the starting lineup.  Junior PG Will Van Scoy (12 PPG) is out for the year with a knee injury.  Filling his role is a major concern.

Moorhead Spuds (2019-20 season 21-7)
The Spuds appear poised for another year to challenge in section 8AAAA.  Assistant Matt Ellington takes over for Tyler Bormann.  He moved up to the D3 Concordia-Moorhead head job.  Forwards Drew Hagen (16.8 PPG) and Donnavin Hinsz (7.1 PPG) are significant losses.  Hinsz is now at Columbia Heights.  Double-figure scorers Brady Walthall (11.7 PPG) and Trey Feeney (10.1 PPG) lead the solid core coming back.  Shooter Blake Walthall (9 PPG) and Belind Alemadi (8.1 PPG) at the point also return on the perimeter.  Inside there's not much experience.

Northfield Raiders (2019-20 season 8-19, 7-15 Big 9 Conference, 9th)
Northfield looks to make a jump in the Big 9 standings as they lose only 2 seniors.  The guard duo of Kip Schetnan (16.4 PPG) and Karsten Clay (15.2 PPG) return to anchor the offense.  Luke Labenski (6.5 PPG) gives them another ball-handling option.  Its a group of small guards without a true big man.

Owatonna Huskies (2019-20 season 17-11, 14-8 Big 9 Conference, 5th)
Owatonna is another team with a ton coming back that is looking to take another step.  The junior duo of bruising forward Evan Dushek and guard Brayden Williams is a great start.  Dushek is a guy who can go for 20 points and 10 boards on any night.  Williams is one of the better shooters in the league.    Payton Beyer is another key returnee.  Tough PG Nolan Burmeister and Ty Creger give them options to handle it.

Rochester Century Panthers (2019-20 season 19-9, 16-6 Big 9 Conference, 4th)
Its a rebuilding year for the Panthers.  They lose their top 6 players from last season.  Top guard Jack Fisher is the most significant loss from the group that included 4 double-figure scorers.  Guard RJ Saar is the top perimeter returnee.  Luke Kottom transfers in from Schaeffer Academy and will be the top front line option.  He averaged 15.3 PPG last season.  Peter Lynch also provides experience in the middle.

Rochester John Marshall Rockets (2019-20 season 11-16, 9-13 Big 9 Conference, Tie 7th)
Coach Jim Daly has to replace 6 of his top 7 players.  That includes UMD commit Lincoln Meister in the middle and scorer Jacob Daing on the wing.  Forward Ty Tuckner is the top returning player.  Aballa Bagutti should pick up some of the scoring slack on the wing.  Trevale Moe and soph Logan Tuckner are guard options.  I expect a small lineup.

Rochester Mayo Spartans (2019-20 season 22-6, 18-4 Big 9 Conference, 2nd)
Mayo continues the theme of major changes amongst the Rochester big schools.  Former St. Mary's (MN) assistant Kevin Landrum takes over the program.  Coach Luke Madsen resigned now that his twin sons Gabe (26.8 PPG) and Mason (18.8 PPG) are now playing at Cincinnati.  Big man Riek Riek (6.2 PPG) also needs to be replaced.  But the cupboard is more full here.  Perimeter players Michael Sharp (11 PPG), Andre Crockett (6.2 PPG) and Mo Hammadelniel (6.3 PPG) all return to the rotation.  Junior forward Makuei Riek looks to take over the interior spot.

CLASS AAA AND AA SCHOOLS
Chisago Lakes Wildcats (2019-20 season 7-20, 5-9 Mississippi 8 Conference, Tie 5th)
Chisago Lakes has to replace a pair of double figure scorers.  They do have their leading scorer Andrew Koehler (19.8 PPG) returning to anchor the post.  Guard Nick Wasko also returns to the starting lineup.  Ryan Sanvik (6.5 PPG), Noah Lasiuta (4.4 PPG) and Reed Marquart are further rotation options.

Faribault Falcons (2019-20 season 8-19, 7-15 Big 9 Conference, 9th)
The Falcons return leading scorer John Palmer at a guard spot.  Forward Nick Ehlers returns to the starting lineup as well.  Alex Sullivan and Devin Lockerby are options can fill forward spots.  Junior Hunter Nelson is another guard option.

Princeton Tigers (2019-20 season 25-4, 13-1 Mississippi 8 Conference, 1st)
I was bad luck as I saw the only league loss for the Tigers last year, maybe because I still want one of their old orange short sleeve hoodies.  4 of the top 5 scorers need to be replaced including forward Cody Miller (18.2 PPG) and guard Tate Laabs (12.3 PPG).  Laabs is now playing at St. John's (MN).  Junior forward Haydn Stay was 2nd on the team at 14.2 PPG last season.  Manny Flicek (8.6 PPG) and Callahan O'Neil (6.1 PPG) should step right into increased rotation roles.  Ben Arseneau looks to fill the size lost with Miller's graduation.

Rockford Rockets (2019-20 season 21-7, 10-4 Wright County West Conference, 2nd)
Rockford needs to replace 5 of their top 7 scorers.  The big front line of Luke Pepin (13.5 PPG), 7 footer Calvin Sisk (11.9 PPG) and bruiser Carter Kulavik (6.7 PPG) all graduates after being a difficult matchup for opponents last season.  Junior Sam Zilmer (4.3 PPG) is the top option to replace them.  Guard Ryan Boysen (10.9 PPG) is the top scoring returnee and will lead the much more perimeter oriented offense.  Junior wing Derek Pepin (4.9 PPG) will be another primary option.

St. Francis Saints (2019-20 season 7-20, 5-9 Mississippi 8 Conference, Tie 5th)
The Saints need to replace leading scorer Wyatt Schroeder (15 PPG) at a forward spot along with 3 other starters.  Schroeder is now playing football at Minnesota.  Despite that the future is bright for the Saints.  Junior Cody Pennebaker averaged 13.6 PPG and should have a huge year.  Soph forward Matt Bothun (6.2 PPG) is also poised for a much increased role.  Forward Jacob Schultz along with guards Bjorn Hallberg and Kadyn Waller are other rotation options.

Southwest Christian Stars (2019-20 season 14-14, 7-7 Minnesota River Conference, 4th)
School legend Kit Avery departs as the career leader in scoring and coaching wins for the program.  How many people have that on their resume?  Former Chanhassen assistant Tommy Hutton will lead the Stars through their final year in the Minnesota River. They'll jump to the revamped Wright County Conference next season after their short move away from the MCAA.  The Stars need to replace big man Tyren Harris (10.7 PPG) but return the rest of their top 7 scorers.  Guard Tyson Sandness (14 PPG) leads the way.  Junior Brayden Zimmerman (9.8 PPG) is the goto guy inside.  Sandness has help outside with returning guards Nick Morland (7.8 PPG), Isaac Harrison (6.2 PPG) and Lucas Anderson (5 PPG)

2020-21 Wright County Conference East Preview

This is the 15th preview in my 2020-21 season preview series.  Its often asked for and never forgotten.  Therefore its only fitting that my first bonus preview is the East division of the Wright County Conference.  For a list of all the season previews and how they are done, click here.

Delano Tigers (2019-20 season 25-4, 8-2 Conference, 2nd)
Delano loses 4 starters including 2 top scorers in forwards Terron O'Neill (21.2 PPG) and Keagan Smith (18.6 PPG).  Versatile forward Trey Longstreet (14.5 PPG) is a very good returning piece to build around.  Lengthy forward Carter Tool and guard Colin Tolkkinen are 2 pieces that saw limited rotation time in many games.  Guards Trent Techam and Ty Weiman should move up from JV into rotation roles.

Holy Family Fire (2019-20 season 11-17, 2-8 Conference, 5th)
Guard Nick Hendler (13 PPG) was the lone double-figure scorer last year.  Forward Seth Thompson is now playing football at Northern Illinois.  Guard Noah Seck is the top returning scorer with 9.4 PPG.  Jake Kirsch and Gavin Lund return to the guard rotation.  Sophomore Boden Kapke is one of the top big man prospects in his class.  He should see a much increased role.

Hutchinson Tigers (2019-20 season 15-13, 3-7 Conference, 4th)
The school's career scoring leader Russell Corrigan is off to Boise State to play football.  That leaves a big hole in the middle of the Tigers lineup.   The cupboard isn't bare as the rest of the roster for this traditional football power returns.  Talented junior wing Sam Rensch (13.8 PPG) is the top returnee.  Junior post Brayden Johnson and senior Jordan Klinker (7.2 PPG) look to replace Corrigan's production on the front line. The guard play all returns with seniors Zachary Kuseske (13.3 PPG) and Billy Marquart (5 PPG) plus juniors Devon Verhasselt (5.2 PPG) and Aaron Elliot (5.1 PPG)

Jordan Hubmen (2019-20 season 21-7, 13-1 Minnesota River Conference, 1st)
Jordan makes the move to the Wright County Conference this season.  4 starters including star wing Ryan Samuelson (19.1 PPG) need to be replaced.  They'll build around point guard Reagan Koch (15 PPG).  He's committed to Division 2 school Colorado School of Mines.  Forwards Jojo Kleoppel (6.2 PPG) and Cam Dean (3.5 PPG) return to the rotation.  Junior Ashton Sivilay (5 PPG) is another returning guard.  Not much size for the lineup though.

Mound-Westonka Whitehawks (2019-20 season 21-7, 13-1 Wright County West Conference, 1st)
While the Whitehawks have to replace 3 of their top 4 scorers, they still have high expectations.  Leading scorer Jameson Sexton (15 PPG) and post Connor Prok (7.4 PPG) are 2 important losses.  Junior guard Jason Spaeth (10.6 PPG) leads the offense.  PG Santi Phommahaxay returns with forwards Logan Leonard and Jack Linder.  A talented JV squad from last year with juniors Jake Dallman and Jack Eberhart and soph Reese Vanderwilt will provide quality depth options.

New Prague Trojans (2019-20 season 5-21, 1-9 Conference, 6th)
Coach Dan Peterka has to replace 4 of his top 5 scorers.  Guard Parker Johnson and his 21.8 PPG is the biggest loss.  Tommy Traxler (6.2 PPG) is the top returning scorer.  Andrew Nerud is an option for size in the middle.  Matthew Kudrle and Ian Liliquist are other rotation options.

Orono Spartans (2019-20 season 10-17, 6-4 Conference, 3rd)
Orono got off to a rough start before playing better in the 2nd half of an abnormally down season.  They expect to bounce back in a big way with all 5 starters and 7 rotation guys coming back.  Bouncy PF Connor Chappell (15 PPG) had a big summer.  Junior shooter Sebastian Loder (10.3 PPG) is the other returning double-figure scorer.  Andrew Mandel (6.8 PPG) gives them a big body in the middle.  Guards Jacob Farrell and AJ Anhorn  round out those starters.  Soph guard Kyle Kallenbach and senior forward Graham Beltrand provide experienced depth.

Waconia Wildcats (2019-20 season 24-5, 10-0 Conference, 1st)
The Wildcats have to replace shooting guard PJ Hayes and his 23.4 PPG.  Connor Schwab's 11.5 PPG will also be missed.  Forward Spencer Swanson and his interior 15.6 PPG is a great start to address that.  Connor Behrens and Ben Christians are primary options behind him.  Wally Wisniewski and Tyson  Freeburg also saw rotation minutes last season.

Predicted Order of Finish

1. Orono
2. Mound-Westonka  
   
3. Delano
   
4. Waconia
5. Hutchinson
   
6. Holy Family
7. Jordan
8. New Prague
   

Conference Overview
The East division has traditionally been a very rugged test for its teams.  So why not make it even tougher by adding last year's West division champs and the Minnesota River champion.  But this configuration is a 1 year only deal, possibly like this preview.  Orono, Waconia and New Prague are departing for the Metro West Conference next season.  That's a move I've thought should have happened long ago.  Southwest Christian will follow Jordan from the Minnesota River Conference as a replacement.

As to this season, once again it will be tough.  You have a pair of top 10 level teams in class AAA at the top.  Orono with everybody back gets my nod despite the Whitehawks winning the matchup last year.  Delano with Trey Longstreet as an anchor gets the nod over Waconia.  Those 2 teams just reload every year so don't count them out.  Hutchinson with most of their lineup back will look to break into the top 4.  Holy Family falls in just behind that group but they have a nice piece in Kapke to build around.  Jordan will battle them but even with Reagan Koch the loss of 4 starters and jumping up into AAA league is too much to ask in year 1.  New Prague was in the cellar last year and loses a ton.  Can't see them making a move.

Conference MVP: Connor Chappell - Orono

Underclassmen to watch: 

• Boden Kapke - Holy Family
• Reese Vanderwilt - Mound-Westonka
  
• Kyle Kallenbach, Grant Gunderson - Orono
  

Conference Games to Watch

• Orono at Mound-Westonka - Jan 26th
• Mound-Westonka at Orono - Feb 19th
  

Non-Conference Games to Watch

• Mound Westonka at Blake - Dec 11th
  
• Hopkins at Orono - Jan 5th
  

2020-21 Lake Conference Preview

This is the 14th preview in my 2020-2021 season preview series.  In this preview, I finish my look at my normal list of conferences with a look at the Lake Conference.  For a list of all the season previews and how they are done, click here.

Buffalo Bison (2019-20 season 16-13, 5-7 Conference, 4th)
The Bison have to replace buckets man Matt Willert (25.3 PPG) on the wing and guard Brandon Maatz (14 PPG).  The lineup will be junior heavy.  Guards Antonio Bluett (13.4 PPG) and Carter Jackson (3.7 PPG) return to the starting lineup.  Zach Zrust mans the post and Will Pool is another solid wing option.  Senior wing Luke Gunderson should round out the main lineup.

Eden Prairie Eagles (2019-20 season 28-0, 12-0 Conference, 1st)
The Eagles were set to complete one of the greatest seasons in state history when COVID hit in the spring.  They were 13-0 against teams that won their league or were ranked at the end of the season with only 3 of those games at home.  Now they have to replace the entire lineup including all 4 double figure scorers who combined for almost 65 PPG.  The guard spots should be set with Cole Tiran, defensive minded Will Foster and junior Ryan Warren.  The size will be inexperienced.

Edina Hornets (2019-20 season 13-14, 4-8 Conference, Tie 5th)
Big man Jacob Hutson and his team leading 17 PPG are off to Loyola (IL) for college.  The next 4 scorers are coming back with a pair of juniors lead the the way.  Combo forward Brady Helgren averaged 10.9 PPG while PG Sammy Presthus averaged 8.9 PPG.  Senior guard Marcus Crawford (8.8 PPG) and forward Bastian Swinney (6.4 PPG) are also back in the lineup.

Hopkins Royals (2019-20 season 24-5, 10-2 Conference, 2nd)
Hopkins has to replace their top 3 scorers.  Kerwin Walton (26.9 PPG) is off to the University of North Carolina.  Cornell Richardson (9.3 PPG) graduated and Andre Gray (8.5 PPG) is now at Minneapolis North.  Wing Xavier White leads the returning scorers with 6.9 PPG.  Combo guard Jaelen Treml averaged 6.2 PPG.  Forward Elvis Nnaji leads the front line with 6.6 PPG.  Forwards Tristan Lee and Andrew Chisley also return to the rotation.  South St. Paul transfer Max Wilson should nicely fit into the role vacated by Andre Gray.

Minnetonka Skippers (2019-20 season 12-15, 4-8 Conference, Tie 5th)
Power forward Cam Steele and 25 PPG have graduated.  Big wings Riley O'Connor and JT Gaffney have also graduated after both averaging double figures as well.  The guard rotation is overflowing.  Junior Cohen Kellogg (4.1 PPG) along with sophs Jalen Cain (7.3 PPG) and Burnsville transfer Ibo El-Amin fill the ball handling and shooting spots.  Vlad Ciubataru (4.2 PPG) also returns to that group.  The front line is a question mark.  Vince Brown and Jacob Durenburger look to be the top interior options.

St. Michael-Albertville Knights (2019-20 season 8-20, 0-12 Conference, 7th)
The Knights struggled through their first year in the Lake Conference.  Now they have to replace most of the rotation.  Wings Evan Wieker (13.6 PPG) and Kale Hoselton (13.4 PPG) need to be replaced along their dunker spot guy Jack Carroll (11.8 PPG).  Junior guard Johnny Tennyson (10.1 PPG) is the lone returning starter.  Nathan Coulson and Uriah Purcell are shooting options.  Jack Hulting should see rotation time.  Wyatt Blakstvedt (3.2 PPG) returns to the rotation.

Wayzata Trojans (2019-20 season 11-17, 7-5 Conference, 3rd)
Coach Bryan Schnettler returns 5 of his top 6 scorers from an injury ravaged season.  The junior class is very experienced and again leads the way.  Wing Camden Heide (15.2 PPG) and sharpshooting power forward Carter Bjerke (14.5 PPG) were the team scoring leaders last year.  Senior Kody Williams (12.3 PPG) is their best creator off the bounce.  Guards Drew Berkland (9.8 PPG), Eddie Beeninga (8.3 PPG) and Ryan Harvey (6 PPG) surround that group with shooting.

Predicted Order of Finish

1. Wayzata 
   
2. Hopkins
3. Edina
4. Minnetonka 
   
5. Buffalo 
   
6. Eden Prairie 
7. St. Michael-Albertville

Conference Overview
Wayzata gets the nod here as they have most of their lineup returning.  Hopkins losing Andre Gray is a big loss that they'll have to address.  Who scores for them after Xavier White?  Max Wilson looks to be that guy.  Edina and Minnetonka will try to jump into the mix.  Edina gets the nod here with a more versatile lineup.  It'll be interesting to see how Minnetonka manages all their guards.  Buffalo could make a run here too.  Eden Prairie loses a ton and in a traditionally tough league, that's a big drop.  St. Michael-Albertville has too much to replace to move up.

Conference MVP: Camden Heide - Wayzata

Underclassmen to watch:  

• Easton Breyfogle - Edina
  
• Ibo El-Amin- Minnetonka 
• Hayden Tibbits - Wayzata
  

Conference Games to Watch

• Wayzata at Hopkins - Jan 19th
• Hopkins at Wayzata - Feb 12th
  

 Non-Conference Games to Watch

• Hopkins at De La Salle - Dec 8th
• Moorhead at Wayzata - Dec 12th
  
• Hopkins at Minnehaha Academy - Dec 17th 
• Wayzata at Chaska - Dec 17th
• Hopkins at Orono - Jan 5th
• Hopkins at Chaska - Feb 2nd
  
• Wayzata at Minnehaha Academy - Feb 4th
  
• Minneapolis North at Hopkins - Feb 22nd
  

2020-21 South Suburban Conference Preview

This is the 13th preview in my 2020-21 Season Preview Series.  In this preview, we head south for a look at the South Suburban Conference.  For a list of all the season previews and how they are generated, click here.

Apple Valley Eagles (2019-20 season 8-20, 4-14 Conference, Tie 9th)
Former Mayer Lutheran head coach Pat Buchanan takes over for Zach Goring.  The top 3 scorers have graduated including guard Davy Hosea (13.9 PPG) and forward Mason Klett (10.5 PPG).  Wing Kortland Johnsen (7.5 PPG) and forward Noah Friedt (7 PPG) are the top returnees.  R'Moni Warner, Nick Deluca and Bobbie Jackson are guard options. 

Burnsville Blaze (2019-20 season 8-19, 4-14 Conference, Tie 9th)
Former Concordia-St. Paul assistant and Winona State star Jonte Flowers is a late replacement for Rob Mestas as the head coach of the program.  PG Ibo El-Amin (18 PPG) is now at Minnetonka.  Forward Daniel Rosenbur (17.7 PPG) has graduated.  That costs the Blaze their top 2 scorers which cause them to rely on youth.  Junior forward Yarin Alexander (13.3 PPG) and soph forward Khalif Bettis (6.7 PPG) are the top returnees.  The rest of the lineup is a big question mark.

Eagan Wildcats (2019-20 season 9-15, 5-13 Conference, Tie 6th)
Kurt Ohlhues (15 PPG) is the lone double figure scorer graduating.  Soph Emmanuel Schmitter is the top returning scorer with his 10.1 PPG on the wing.  Cole Nelsen's defense returns in the lineup.  Junior Logan Schmidt and Ryan Madigan return to man the middle.  They'll miss the shooting of players like Cam House, Sammuel Davis and Finn O'Malley

Eastview Lightning (2019-20 season 24-4, 15-3 Conference, Tie 1st)
The Lightning have to replace all 5 starters including Wisconsin recruit Steven Crowl's 26.5 PPG and 14.8 PPG from sharpshooting wing Ryan Thissen.  Eastview will plug in plenty of talent though.  Jackson Purcell and Grayson Stalboerger are the wings.  Purcell's 7.3 PPG leads the returnees.  Kenji Scales (5.1 PPG) takes over the point.  Jumping jack Zach Spann (5.5 PPG), Henry Shannon and developing center Jamal Ambrose are a solid front line.

Farmington Tigers (2019-20 season 11-16, 5-13 Conference, Tie 6th)
Forward Carter Huschka's 10.9 PPG is the lone starting value that needs to be replaced.  4 other starters plus 2 rotation members are back.  That doesn't include talented guard Eli Green who should be fully back from injury after missing almost all of last season.  Point guard Isaac Ask led the team with 14 PPG.  Juniors Kyle Hrncir (11.1 PPG) and Zach Cochnauer handle the interior duties with senior Max Darrington.  Jake Cochnauer and shooter Gabe Bassett handle the wings spots.

Lakeville North Panthers (2019-20 season 17-11, 11-7 Conference, Tie 4th)
Guard Josh Kamara (12.3 PPG) and wing Noah Frechette (8.9 PPG) are major losses from the lineup.  Wing Will Blascziek returns after leading the the roster with 14.1 PPG last season.  Cooper Laufenburger (8 PPG) gives them a lanky inside presence.  Matt Miller, Noah Nephew and Landon Mohs are tough minded guards coming back.  I would not be shocked to see wing Nolan Winter break out during his sophomore season like Nate Reuvers did.

Lakeville South Cougars (2019-20 season 21-7, 11-7 Conference, Tie 4th)
Its a banner year in store for the Cougars.  The top 3 scorers are back in the lineup.  Clutch guard Reid Patterson (17.6 PPG) leads the way.  Junior Avery Mast averaged 11.5 PPG on the wing.  Wisconsin football recruit Riley Mahlman (9.6 PPG) is a huge target inside.  Sam Fliehe, Trystan Ressler and soph Jackson Ressler also return.  The experience of guard Joe Bachinski (8.6 PPG) and the size of Jack Leland are the biggest losses.

Prior Lake Lakers (2019-20 season 19-8, 15-3 Conference, Tie 1st)
Prior Lake has to replace their 2 double figure scorers who were D1 recruits.  Marquette recruit Dawson Garcia's 31.9 PPG and 9.7 RPG leaves a huge hole in the lineup.  Guard Tyree Ihenacho averaged 12.3 PPG and is now at North Dakota.  Junior Malcolm Jones looks to take over the load on the front line after putting up 9.4 PPG to lead the returning scorers.  Not much size with him though.  Tommy Mestnik (6.4 PPG) and Kyle McCullough return on the wings.

Rosemount Irish (2019-20 season 11-16, 5-13 Conference, Tie 6th)
Luck is with the Irish this season as they return their top 4 scorers.  Junior Caleb Siwek (19.6 PPG) is one of the top shooters around.  Noah Loehr averaged 11.4 PPG on the other wing.  Sean Sullivan (8.6 PPG) returns to run the show.  Zach Wenthe (8.9 PPG) sees another season in the post.  Forward Jared Gerke (7.7 PPG) and his size is the main loss from the rotation.

Shakopee Sabers (2019-20 season 23-5, 15-3 Conference, Tie 1st)
Shakopee has to replace 5 of their top 6 scorers.  Forward Charlie Katona, now at UMD, along with guards Caleb Druvenga and Will Cordes all averaged double figures and combined for 45 PPG.  Junior forward Nick Katona (6.7 PPG) is the top returnee.  Mick Wherley (4.1 PPG) returns on the front line.  Quinton Snell, Cade McGraw and Sam West are options to fill the guard positions.

Predicted Order of Finish

1. Lakeville South 
   
2. Lakeville North 
3. Eastview 
   
4. Prior Lake
   
5. Shakopee
6. Farmington 
7. Rosemount
   
8. Eagan
   
9. Burnsville
10. Apple Valley

Conference Overview:
The league suffers heavy losses to its heavyweight tri-champions.  I think the Lakeville schools jump those 3.  Lakeville South has pieces at all 3 levels, I think they have a great year.  John Oxton has plenty coming back to see the Panthers get back to 20 wins.  Eastview is going to be right there too despite losing their entire starting group.  Their group has been very solid in AAU ball.   Then it gets interesting as you have to figure out how far to drop rivals Shakopee and Prior Lake.  Malcolm Jones and Nick Katona are fun juniors to watch in the league.  I think Jones has more help.  Behind those 2 you have Farmington and Rosemount who both return most of their lineups.  Farmington won at both Lakeville schools late last year and Rosemount beat Farmington twice.  But Farmington gets the nod here with the return of Eli Green.  Of course, teams like this are teams I often mess up in predictions (i.e. teams that struggled but return a truckoad of the lineup).  Therefore, that must mean that you can bet the family farm that one of them will have a breakout season and make me look foolish.  Then the bottom 3 remain the same as they all lose plenty.  Teams will play a full double round-robin schedule with no non-conference games.

Conference MVP: Reid Patterson - Lakeville South

Underclassmen to watch: 

• Khalif Bettis, Noah Murigi, Henry Saykeo - Burnsville 
• Emmanuel Schmitter, Oscar Khazon - Eagan
• Nolan Winter - Lakeville North 
• Jackson Ressler - Lakeville South
• Isaac Snell - Shakopee
  

Conference Games to Watch

• Lakeville South at Lakeville North - Jan 22nd 
• Eastview at Lakeville North - Jan 26th
  
• Lakeville South at Eastview - Feb 5th
• Lakeville North at Lakeville South - Feb 18th
• Lakeville North at Eastview - Feb 26th
  

Non-Conference Games to Watch

• None
  

2020-21 Suburban East Conference Preview

This is the 12th preview in my 2020-2021 season preview series.  In this preview, I continue my look at the local big schools with a look at the Suburban East Conference.  For a list of all the season previews and how they were generated, click here.

Cretin-Derham Hall Raiders (2019-20 season 25-4, 16-2 Conference, 2nd)
The high-powered trio of J'Vonne Hadley (19.6 PPG), Curtis Jones (15.7 PPG) and Amari Carter (11.8 PPG) needs to be replaced.  Junior PG Tre Holloman (10.8 PPG) should now be the full focus both creating and scoring.  Jack Tauer will be another critical guard piece for the Raiders (dang it Chloe!).  Beyond them there's almost no experience.  Peter Howard provides an option in the middle.  Al Fleming is another front line option.

East Ridge Raptors (2019-20 season 23.6, 17-1 Conference, 1st)
Ben Carlson's graduation as the school's all-time scoring leader leaves a major hole of 24.7 PPG and 11.7 RPG in the lineup.  Brody Kriesel (10.5 PPG) and his size will also be missed.  Winona St recruit Drew Adams (7.3 PPG) takes over the front line.  Senior Zac Thomas will also see time up front.  Junior guard Kendall Blue (14.3 PPG) anchors the perimeter play.  Ben North (5 PPG) is another tough guard in the starting lineup. 

Forest Lake Rangers (2019-20 season 11-17, 7-11 Conference, 7th)
Leading scorer Eric Peterson (12.7 PPG) has graduated.  Carter Thiesfeld (11.5 PPG) leads the options at guard.  Forward Jordan Boysen (11.8 PPG) returns to man the middle as the leading returning scorer.  Nick Bartlett, Austin Traylor and Owen Berg are experienced players in the rotation as well.

Irondale Knights (2019-20 season 17-10, 9-9 Conference, 6th)
The move to the Suburban East paid dividends.  Irondale had their highest win total since the 2010-11 season.  Now the Knights lose all 5 starters and most of their rotation.  That includes double figure scorers Kwame Herzog (15.9 PPG) and athletic forward Iggy Ejiofor (14.2 PPG).  Forward Jake Vana (3.4 PPG) leads the returnees.  Henry Eliefson is another returning forward.  Cooper Jorgensen, Noah Kiani and junior Drake Gomez are options to fill the guard spots.

Mounds View Mustangs (2019-20 season 20-8, 11-7 Conference, 4th)
Mounds View was another surprising team moving up 5 spots and bumping their win total from 8 to 20.  Starters Thomas Gebhardt (10.5 PPG) and center John Montgomery (9.6 PPG) need to be replaced.  Wing Evan Kim (15.9 PPG) was a breakout player last year and is the top returning scorer.  SG Dylan Wheeler (11.4 PPG) and Cole Sorenson (7.2 PPG) also return to the starting lineup.  Lucas Sopcinski, Ethan Farm and Joey Bruggers should step into the rotation.

Park Wolfpack (2019-20 season 4-23, 1-17 Conference, 10th)
The Wolfpack is fully on the prowl this season with all 5 starters returning.  PG Jayden Lane (14 PPG) is the top returning scorer and has deep range.  Juniors Evan Bearth (11.6 PPG) and Jack Blumberg (10.3) can shoot it on the wings.  Junior Pharell Payne (6.2 PPG) is a developing big man in the middle.  The depth options have graduated so they'll need to figure out the bench options.

Roseville Raiders (2019-20 season 5-22, 3-15 Conference, 9th)
Leading scorer Keyshawn Payne (12.9 PPG) along with centers Spencer Nath (6.1 PPG) and Robert Riley (5.3 PPG) need to be replaced.  Forward Elijah Burns (8.2 PPG) is the top returning scorer.  Guards Treygan Adams (6 PPG) and Teris Watson (4.2 PPG) also return.  Tomas Nelson is another ball handling option.  Jesse Howard is another option in the middle.

Stillwater Ponies (2019-20 season 9-18, 4-14 Conference, 8th)
Soph Max Shikenjanski (17.1 PPG) returns to run the show after leading the team in scoring last season.  Big brother Sam averaged 5.6 PPG last year.  He'll return to the middle.  Tyler Tompkins (7.7 PPG) is another top returnee.  Ben Smalley (10.5 PPG) and Max Richardson (10.2 PPG) are double figure scoring options that need to be replaced.

White Bear Lake Bears (2019-20 season 13-13, 10-8 Conference, 5th)
Soph PG Jack Janicki (14.5 PPG) and wing Kanye Raheem (13.7 PPG) are a pair of lefties that return after leading the team in scoring last year.  Will Forsythe (4.2 PPG) and Max Steiner (4 PPG) also return in the middle.  Guard Brice Peters (12 PPG) and wing Moses Hancock (7.5 PPG) are scoring options that need to be replaced.

Woodbury Royals (2019-20 season 19-9, 12-6 Conference, 3rd)
The Royals were another Cinderella story in the league last year jumping from 6 wins to 19.  That was highlighted by a thrilling 2 OT win at Cretin-Derham Hall in February.  5 of the top 6 scorers are back including wing Bradley Cimperman and his 15 PPG.  Devin Padelford (7.8 PPG), junior Blake Rohrer (7.4 PPG), Donald West (7.1 PPG) and Mac Lockner (6 PPG) are other returning options for a balanced offense. 

Predicted Order of Finish

1. East Ridge    
   
2. Woodbury 
3. Mounds View
4. Cretin-Derham Hall  
5. Forest Lake 
6. White Bear Lake    
7. Stillwater  
8. Park
   
9. Roseville 
   
10. Irondale 
    

Conference Overview:
I view this season as a compressed year in the league.  Last year's best CDH and East Ridge aren't as good and the bottom is better with Park having everybody back and Roseville can only go up.  I think East Ridge continues their run at the top with their solid duo of Adams and Blue and good depth.  Woodbury and Mounds View are 2 experienced teams that you won't want to see in a big game.  Tre Holloman is going to be a monster at CDH putting that team on his back.  The battle between those 3 for the 2nd spot will be fun to watch.  Forest Lake has enough returning to be the best of the rest and a spoiler.  White Bear Lake and Stillwater will battle behind them.  Park is a sleeper looking to jump into that group.  Roseville and Irondale lose top scorers and have plenty to replace.  The league will play a full double round-robin schedule with no non-conference games.

Conference MVP: Tre Holloman - Cretin-Derham Hall

Underclassmen to watch: 

• Alex Mattes - East Ridge
  
• Ataa-Adjetey Mensah, Anthony Knight - Roseville
  
• Max Shikenjanski - Stillwater 
• Jack Janicki - White Bear Lake

Conference Games to Watch

• Woodbury at Mounds View - Dec 8th
• Woodbury at Cretin-Derham Hall - Dec 15th
  
• East Ridge at Woodbury - Jan 12th
• East Ridge at Mounds View - Feb 16th
  
• Woodbury at East Ridge - Feb 19th
  
• East Ridge at Cretin-Derham Hall - Feb 26th
  

Non-Conference Games to Watch

• None
• None

2020-21 NW Suburban Conference Preview

This is the 11th preview in my 2020-2021 season preview series.  In this preview, a look at the Northwest Suburban Conference. For a list of all the season previews and how they are done, click here.

Andover Huskies (2019-20 season 13-15, 9-10 Conference, Tie 3rd North)
Guard Calvin Foy and his 12.9 PPG return after leading the team in scoring the last 2 seasons.  Sophomores Sammy Musungu (7.6 PPG) and Ben Kopetzki (5.2 PPG) are the next leading scorers that are coming back.  Expect them to play fast and let it fly as there's not much size.

Anoka Tornadoes (2019-20 season 4-23, 1-18 Conference, 7th North)
The youth movement continues for Anoka.  3 of the top 4 scorers including guards DeAndre Miller and Brody Lake need to be replaced.  Junior guards Japheth Nyamari (7.6 PPG), Keenan Rodriguez and Alpha Kamanda.  Soph guard Donald Prah also saw significant minutes last season.

Blaine Bengals (2019-20 season 10-16, 9-10 Conference, Tie 3rd North)
The Bengals need to replace 4 starters including leading scorer Isaiah Giles in the middle (12.7 PPG).  Junior forward Aaron Kaul (11.7 PPG) is the top returnee.  Samuel Olson (8 PPG) will see time in the middle.  Max Stepanek (5 PPG) will be an option on the wing.  Guard play is a question to be addressed.

Centennial Cougars (2019-20 season 4-23, 4-15 Conference, Tie 5th North)
Guard Jaxon Waldvogel (10.3 PPG) needs to be replaced.  The strength of this group should be in forwards Mason Lindsay (12.4 PPG) and Thomas Palmsteen (8.6 PPG). Guards Evan Walsh, Reese Neudahl, Taiden Johnson and Justin Doce also return to the rotation.

Champlin Park Rebels (2019-20 season 18-10, 13-6 Conference, 2nd North)
The Rebels lose a large and productive senior class.  But they return their 1-2 punch of bruising power forward Francis Nwaokorie (16.6 PPG) and PG Josh Strong (9.4 PPG).  Dylan Gichaba (5.8 PPG) gives them an athletic option on the wing.  Beyond that, very limited experience and not much known shooting.

Coon Rapids Cardinals (2019-20 season 8-19, 4-15 Conference, Tie 5th North)
Coach Mike Ogorek has to replace both of his double figure scorers from last year.  PG Jordan Doe (9.4 PPG) leads the returning roster.  Junior guard MJ Galimah (9.1 PPG) joins Doe in the back court along with Armanti Henry (7.7 PPG).  Elijah Smith will be a primary front court option.  Expect to see lots of him on top of the Cardinals 1-3-1 zone. 

Elk River Elks (2019-20 season 6-21, 3-16 Conference, 7th West)
Elk River returns a nice 1-2 punch in guard Parker Behne (8.6 PPG) and 6-8 power forward Brandon Melchior (9 PPG).  Both are juniors.  They will miss guards Payton Mielke (10.3 PPG) and Braydon O'Connor (9.5 PPG) who were the top 2 scorers a year ago.  Junior Caleb Gillquist and senior Nolan Blake should see expanded roles.  Junior Mason Mattingley is another offensive option.  Size is abundant as they can bring in 7 footer Daniel Cockroft or 6-8 Chase Lusignan.

Maple Grove Crimson (2019-20 season 23-5, 16-3 Conference, 1st North)
Maple Grove has to replace their strong guard duo of Lovell Williams (16.3 PPG) and RaShaun Parker (14.6 PPG) along with big man Sean Bergstrom.  Soph Lincoln Palbicki and Junior Payton Mogire should stop nicely into that inside slot.  Forward Caden Boettcher is the top scoring returnee at 8.2 PPG along with guard Jon Haakenson (7.9 PPG).  Jatai Dillard should see ball handling minutes.  Terence Anthony-Larmouth is an athletic presence on the wing.

Osseo Orioles (2019-20 season 10-17, 6-13 Conference, 6th West)
Osseo had their worst season in 15 years with just about anything that could go haywire happening last year.  I think they rebound from that in a big way.  Guard Tariq Henry (9 PPG) graduated and wing Hassan Kamara (6.3 PPG) is now at Columbia Heights.  The loaded junior class will lead the way.  Josh Ola-Joseph (13.5 PPG) is a jumping jack on 1 wing.  Benard Omooria (11.2 PPG) and Donald Ferguson are solid ball-handlers.  Tyriece Waits is another solid guard.  Blessed Barhayiga is a big body in the middle.  Senior Michael McIntyre and junior James Spencer are classic dirty-work power forwards who set the tone.

Park Center Pirates (2019-20 season 23-5, 17-2 Conference, 1st West)
The Pirates have to replace a loaded senior class that featured their top 5 scorers and 6 big contributors.  Dain Dainja (21.1 PPG) in the middle, guard Josh Brown (14.7 PPG) and swiss-army knife Detavius Frierson (11.8 PPG) were the leaders of that group.  The Pirates still have plenty of firepower coming back.  Guards Braeden Carrington (6.4 PPG) and Jalen Cook (4.2 PPG) can both score in bunches. James Parker (4.1 PPG) returns a big body in the middle.  Dawson Rudolph is another player who will see perimeter time.

Robbinsdale Armstrong Falcons (2019-20 season 19-8, 14-5 Conference, 4th West)
Versatile forward Jake Breitbach (14 PPG), shooter Adam Biewen (12.3 PPG) and C Hezekiah Iyawe (13.8 PPG) were the top 3 offensive options and need to be replaced.  The guard positions will be strong with D'Sean Larkins and Peyton Newburn returning to run the show.  Wing Dylan Inniger (6.0 PPG) is a knockdown shooter who I see having a breakout season.  Limited experience returns at the size spots.

Rogers Royals (2019-20 season 10-17, 7-12 Conference, 5th West)
All 5 starters need to be replaced for the Royals.  Forward Thomas Glad (12.7 PPG) and guard Sam Simpson (11.9 PPG) are the 2 double figure scorers in that group.  Junior Peyton Belka (5.3 PPG) looks to take over the point guard spot. Carter Daun provides length inside.  Football star Michael Olowo is an athlete on the wing.

Spring Lake Park Panthers (2019-20 season 23-5, 15-4 Conference, Tie 2nd West)
A very strong senior class has to be replaced.  Blake Remme (18.9 PPG) and Gabe Myren (17.8 PPG) graduated as the top 2 scorers in school history.  Forward Daydor Phillips (10.4 PPG) and PG Jacob Say (9.6 PPG) were also part of that group.  Forward Kaleb Skelly (9.8 PPG) had a breakout year last year and expect another jump from him this year as the top returnee.  Junior Nick Ojile joins him on the front line.  Senior Trey Johnson (7.2 PPG) is the top returning guard.  The posts are raw but do provide size.  Evan Fedoravicius and Fitzgerald Wreh are wings that look to step up into the rotation.

Totino-Grace Eagles (2019-20 season 20-9, 15-4 Conference, Tie 2nd West)
Its an embarassment of riches for the Eagles as they go 2 deep at all positions.  Everybody returns plus they add Demarion Watson-Saulsberry from Minnehaha and center Patrick Bath from North Dakota.  Taison Chatman runs the show and leads the scoring at 13.3 PPG. CJ O'Hara (12.9 PPG) and Tommy Humphries (6.3 PPG) are wings. Along with Bath, those 3 are all sophomores.  Then you have the senior group of PG DJ Akpati, C Joe Alt (7.9 PPG) and wings Devin Burger (10.2 PPG) and Carter Weierke (7.4 PPG).  Whatever the bench ends up being it alone would be a top 5 team in the league.

Predicted Order of Finish

1. Totino-Grace
2. Maple Grove
3. Champlin Park
4. Osseo
5. Park Center
6. Robbinsdale Armstrong
   
7. Spring Lake Park  
8. Andover
9. Blaine
10. Centennial
11. Rogers
    
12. Coon Rapids
13. Elk River
    
14. Anoka

Conference Overview:
The schedule is simplified this year.  Teams will play within the league only.  The 5 games in December are non-conference games.  Then its a 13 game single round-robin after that to determine one overall champion.  Despite no divisions the western teams still are the stronger group.  They went 35-14 against the north last year.  Totino-Grace with everybody coming back plus a couple of huge transfers is the runaway favorite.  Maple Grove swept the north last year so I'll take them to hold off Champlin Park.  But the Rebels do get both Maple Grove and Totino-Grace at home so that's a big edge.  Osseo is talented enough to be in this group but after last year they get put at the back of that pack.  Park Center loses a ton but they still have scorers so they will look to jump into that top group.

Armstrong once again with big losses but I see them as the best of the rest.  Spring Lake Park also has to replace a ton but Kaleb Skelly keeps them afloat.  Andover is a team I think could surprise.  Blaine loses too much to be any higher.  At the bottom, its a bunch of rebuilding.

Conference MVP: Francis Nwaokorie - Champlin Park

Underclassmen to watch: 

• Ben Kopetzki, Sammy Msungu - Andover
• Donald Prah - Anoka
• Lincoln Palbicki - Maple Grove
• Tameron Ferguson - Osseo 
• JJ Ware - Park Center
  
• Seth Newbern - Robbinsdale Armstrong
• CJ O'Hara, Taison Chatman, Tommy Humphries, Patrick Bath - Totino-Grace

Conference Games to Watch

• Maple Grove at Champlin Park - Jan 5th 
• Champlin Park at Osseo - Jan 8th
  
• Maple Grove at Totino-Grace - Jan 14th
• Osseo at Maple Grove - Jan 20th
• Osseo at Totino-Grace - Jan 25th
• Totino-Grace at Champlin Park - Feb 11th
  

Non-Conference Games to Watch

• Totino-Grace at Park Center - Dec 8th
• Osseo at Champlin Park - Dec 8th
• Park Center at Maple Grove - Dec 15th
• Osseo at Park Center - Dec 18th
• Maple Grove at Champlin Park - Dec 18th
• Totino-Grace at Osseo - Dec 22nd
• Maple Grove at Osseo - Dec 29th
  

2020-21 Metro West Conference Preview

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

1. Chaska
2. Robbinsdale Cooper 
   
3. St. Louis Park   
   
4. Benilde-St. Margaret's
5. Chanhassen
6. Bloomington Jefferson  
7. Bloomington Kennedy

Conference Overview
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
  

Conference Games to Watch

• Robbinsdale Cooper at Chaska - January 15th
• Chaska at Robbinsdale Cooper - February 9th

Non-Conference Games to Watch

• Chaska at Minnehaha - December 15th
• Wayzata at Chaska - December 17th
• De La Salle at Robbinsdale Cooper - Jan 5th
  
• Hopkins at Chaska - February 2nd

2020-21 Metro East Conference Preview

This is the 9th preview in my 2020-2021 season preview series.  With no MEA break during this season's previews, we roll on with the Metro East Conference.  For a list of all the season previews and an explanation of how the previews are generated, click here.

Hastings Raiders (2019-20 season 17-10, 12-4 Conference, 3rd)
Hastings once again has to replace a ton in their lineup.  The top 4 scorers need to be replaced.  That includes guard Devon Haraldson (15.1 PPG) and 2 other double figure scorers.  Guards Evan McGinnis and Japhe Gudissa return to the rotation.  Seniors Jack Dunn and Bailey Johnston will likely step into major roles as well.

Henry Sibley Warriors (2019-20 season 5-23, 3-13 Conference, 7th)
Assistant Doug Linton takes over for John Carrier who is now at Nova Classical Academy.  Linton won almost 300 games in 18 years as the head coach at New Life but long before that he spent 4 years as Sibley girls head coach.  He has a big task ahead with the graduation of center MJ Davis (10 PPG) and the transfer of PG Dewayne Thompson (18.1 PPG) to Tartan.  Senior wing Cam Latvis (9.2 PPG) is the top returnee.

Hill-Murray Pioneers (2019-20 season 6-21, 1-15 Conference, 9th)
Leading scorer Mitch Gutknecht and his 14.2 PPG need to be replaced at a guard spot. Junior Max Yanz is the top returnee with 11.7 PPG.  Guard Rashad McKinley (10.3 PPG) leads a group of 4 juniors that return to the rotation.  Senior Andrew Chambers is another rotation option.

Mahtomedi Zephyrs (2019-20 season 13-13, 8-8 Conference, Tie 5th)
Mahtomedi once again decimated by graduation and a top scorer transferring.  7 of the top 9 scorers are gone.  That includes guard Brody Fox (18.6 PPG) and center Cole Chapman (10.8 PPG).  Forward Cal Greene (12.9 PPG) has moved on to Mike Miller's school in Tennessee.  Soph PG Will Underwood (7.1 PPG) is the top returnee.  Ryan Maule (3.6 PPG) is the only other notable returnee.

North Polars (2019-20 season 18-9, 15-1 Conference, 1st)
Coach Damien Johnson took the Benilde-St. Margaret's job.  So the Polars decided once again to dip into the Eden Prairie assistants pool by picking Cornelius Gilleylen to take over. He has to replace 3 of the top 4 scorers.  Shaheed Muhammad (18.7 PPG) and Brandon Hickman (12.3 PPG) graduated.  Shawn West-Zimpel (10.2 PPG) has changed directions to South St. Paul.  Forward Laron Thomas (10.2 PPG) is the main piece to build around.  Junior Kenny Daily is another offensive option.  Ben Teigland and Robert Wessel provide size.  The guard rotation will be inexperienced.

St. Thomas Academy Cadets (2019-20 season 2-25, 2-14 Conference, 8th)
Coach Jason Birr went with a huge youth movement that included 4 freshmen and a sophmore.  That caused the Cadets to drop 17 wins from the previous season.  They also lost all 3 games to archrival Sibley.  The entire roster returns except for forward Stephen Betts (8.6 PPG).  Senior Ryan Chamberlain mans the inside with his team high 9.8 PPG.  Junior Nathan Johnson (7.8 PPG) is another quality front line option.  Yenika Fondugallah and soph Anthony Bickford lead the wing group.  Jack Chamberlain     leads the group of small sophomore guards who can shoot it.

Simley Spartans (2019-20 season 14-14, 8-8 Conference, Tie 5th)
Former North St. Paul and St. Paul Academy coach Isaiah Wallfred took over the program last year and led the Spartans to a solid season.  He returns most of his rotation including his top scorers in wings Breyton Buysman (13.6 PPG) and junior RJ Jioklow (13.3 PPG).  Luke Vandemeer returns inside with 7.1 PPG.  Juniors Devin Robinson and Kevin Wormer also return to the rotation along with senior Nathan Fischer.

South St. Paul Packers (2019-20 season 18-10, 10-6 Conference, 4th)
After winning their most games in a season in 50 years, the Packers program is back.  Guard Max Wilson (12 PPG) is off to Hopkins and forward Marcus Brown (9.9 PPG) are the significant losses from the rotation.  Coach Matt McCollister still has a ton of offensive firepower.  Junior PG Alonzo Dodd (24.9 PPG) makes their dribble drive offense go.  Marquise Gleb and and transfer Shawn West-Zimpel from North St. Paul make up a productive wing duo and they'll score plenty.

Tartan Titans (2019-20 season 24-4, 13-3 Conference, 2nd)
All 3 double figure scorers from last season have departed.  Langston Binns and Joseph Kearney combined for almost 28 PPG on the wing.  PG Dorian Singer (10.7 PPG) was set to be the go to guy but he transferred to Arizona for football.  The pickup of DeWayne Thompson from Sibley fills that hole.  Defender Laye Keita and F Curtis Favors (8.3 PPG) return to the starting lineup.  Juniors AJ Burns, D'Marco Chelley and Marko Vukomanovich also saw significant rotation minutes. 

Predicted Order of Finish

1. Tartan 
   
2. South St. Paul
   
3. Simley  
4. North 
   
5. Hastings  
6. Mahtomedi 
   
7. St. Thomas Academy    
8. Henry Sibley 
9. Hill-Murray 

Conference Overview
Tartan and South St. Paul are clearly the top tier of the league.  You have 1 team that is a grind it out, defensive minded and maybe offensively challenged squad. The other is a run up and down, create and outscore you to 100 type of team.  Tartan's defense gives them the nod here in a fun contrast of styles.  Simley takes advantage of major losses from the rest to move up.  North has enough coming back to stay top half.  Hastings and Mahtomedi will rely on their execution to drive teams mad.  The bottom 3 continue to build for future years.  St. Thomas Academy gets a nod there with their returning sophomore class.

Conference MVP: Alonzo Dodd - South St. Paul

Underclassmen to watch: 

• Jayden Morgan, Maxwell Mogelson - Henry Sibley
• Will Underwood - Mahtomedi
• Ishmael Powell - North St. Paul
  
• Max Wilson - South St. Paul
  
• Jack Chamberlain, Michael Kirchner, Michael Thompson, Anthony Bickford - St. Thomas Academy

Conference Games to Watch

• South St. Paul at Tartan - Jan 21
• Tartan at South St. Paul - Feb 18th
  

Non-Conference Games to Watch

• None

2020-21 Minneapolis City Conference Preview

This is the 8th preview in my 2020-2021 season preview series.  We stay in city boundaries with the Minneapolis City Conference.  For a list of all the season previews, click here.

Edison Tommies (2019-20 season 12-12, 6-6 Conference, 4th)
Edison will be strong on the wings.  Seniors Johnny Spencer, Jabari Langely and Jeremiah Thompson all return to the lineup there.  Soph Micah Young is another forward who saw time last year.  Guard play will be a question mark.  Frosh Hanif Muhammad has transferred after seeing time the last 2 seasons.

North Polars (2019-20 season 21-8, 12-0 Conference, 1st)
North should continue to dominate the league.  Center Quientrail Jamison-Travis (10.8 PPG) is a significant loss.  The Polars return everybody else including league MVP Davon Townley (17.1 PPG) at his power forward spot.  Guard Willie Wilson (15.8 PPG) will handle the ball a ton.  They also add top wing prospect Andre Gray as a transfer from Hopkins.  Plenty of perimeter depth behind them for a team that should make plenty of noise in class AA.

Patrick Henry Patriots (2019-20 season 17-11, 8-4 Conference, 2nd)
The Patriots are hit hard by graduation with their top 3 scorers graduating.  The double figure scoring guards Mark Campbell (12.4 PPG) and Glentrell Carter (11.8 PPG) are the biggest losses.  A couple of the juniors who were expected to step up have transferred.  So I expect to see a totally overhauled lineup.  Juniors Karon Abdullah and Ajani Mcrae are the top returnees.  Robbinsdale Cooper transfer Denzil Walker could also be an impact player.

Roosevelt Teddies (2019-20 season 1-26, 0-12 Conference, 7th)
The top 2 scorers graduate from a thin roster that struggled to score.  Forward Dennis Holte (9.7 PPG) leads the front line.  Lefty guard Lakarion Moore (8.6 PPG) leads the guards.  Expect another long season.

South Tigers (2019-20 season 8-18, 4-8 Conference, 6th)
PG Jaylen Blakley (12.5 PPG) is the most significant graduation loss.  The Tigers return high scoring guard Anthony Martin who can go for 30 on any given night in the league. The add reinforcements with an incoming freshman class of transfers.  Athletic forward Chiang Ring and PG Demari Larkins were impact starters at Brooklyn Center last season.  PG Jerome Williams comes over from Minnehaha.

Southwest Lakers (2019-20 season 12-15, 5-7 Conference, 5th)
The Lakers have a couple of wings to replace in Christo Polydorou (17 PPG) and junior Cam Holter (13.5 PPG).  Holter is now at Holy Angels.  But the junior class will still lead the way.  Forwards Hakeem Ford (8 PPG) and Gabe Senseman-Cassidy (9.3 PPG) form the current core.  Senior Marcus Mattox returns to a guard spot.  Seniors Jaden Reed and Franklin Wolfe also return to the rotation.

Washburn Millers (2019-20 season 10-15, 7-5 Conference, 3rd)
Star wing Josh Rogers (16.8 PPG) and banger David Worman (8.2 PPG) are the main losses from the rotation.  Plenty returns for the Millers.  Seniors Jamar Nelson (9.6 PPG) and Sir'vell Miller are experienced ball handlers.  Nyle Dickel (7 PPG) and Will Kuelbs also return to the lineup.  Junior Cass Ramberg returns up front.

Predicted Order of Finish

1. North
2. South  
   
3. Southwest    
   
4. Edison
5. Washburn  
6. Henry  
   
7. Roosevelt

Conference Overview
North is no doubt the class of the league.  With the league being down this year, let's bank on the youth at South for the next spot.  The rest is up in the air.  I like the discipline and improvement of Southwest.  Edison and Washburn should be similar.  Henry always has talent so picking them 6th is criminal but with nobody of note returning, I couldn't go higher.  Roosevelt clearly brings up the last spot.

Conference MVP: Davon Townley - North

Underclassmen to watch:  

• Micah Young - Edison
• Datrell McCrimmon, Zashon Rich - North
• Chiang Ring, Demari Larkins, Jerome Williams - South

Conference Games to Watch

• North at South - Jan 27th
• South at North - Feb 16th
  

Non-Conference Games to Watch

• Minneapolis South at St. Paul Central - Dec 4th
  
• Richfield at Minneapolis North - Dec 10th
• Minneapolis North at De La Salle - Dec 12th
• Minneapolis South at Wayzata - Dec 15th
  
• Minneapolis North at Minnehaha - Dec 30th
• Minneapolis North at Hopkins - Feb 22nd
  

2020-21 St. Paul City Conference Preview

This is the 7th preview in my 2020-2021 season preview series.  Now that the private schools are mostly covered, its on to public schools.  We start with the city leagues and St. Paul goes first.  For a list of all the season previews and how they are generated, click here.

Central Minutemen (2019-20 season 14-11, 11-1 Conference, Tie 1st)
The Minutemen look to stay on top of the conference with almost their full rotation returning.  Senior wing Kaden Doram had a breakout season on the wing with 12.2 PPG.  Guards Gavin Gothard (10.6 PPG) and junior Gideon Musabyimana (10.2 PPG) are also back in the starting lineup.  Donnie Preston and Jaylen Cardenas also return to the rotation.  PG Caron Crowe (19.2 PPG) is the major loss to replace.  Depth and size are their concerns.

Como Park Cougars (2019-20 season 0-24, 0-12 Conference, 7th)
It was a rough 1st year for coach Donnell Gibson as the Cougars were the only winless team in the state.  The lineup was very young so they'll return almost everybody.  Junior guards Jountay Kibble (11.3 PPG) and Donnell Gibson (9 PPG) will be focus of the offense.  Amir Plair is the top returning front line scorer at 8.4 PPG.

Harding Knights (2019-20 season 7-19, 4-8 Conference, 5th)
Forward Alex Addai (13.9 PPG) returns as the leading scorer and their anchor in the middle.  Wing Simeon Sharp and his 23 PPG is a major loss on the wing.  Sam Gray also returns to the starting front line.  Salman Ahmed is the top returning guard and 3 point shooter.

Highland Park Scots (2019-20 season 11-16, 8-4 Conference, 3rd)
Highland Park is another team in the league that has plenty returning.  The top 6 scorers and 2 other rotation members are coming back.  Wing Carter Owens (20.2 PPG) and forward Nico Peterson (14.8 PPG) were breakout players last year as the top 2 scorers.  Fellow wing Joey Kottke also averaged double figures at 13.8 PPG.  Joe Conzet gives them a physical presence up front.

Humboldt Hawks (2019-20 season 11-16, 2-10 Conference, 6th)
Leading scorer Brian Williams (17.1 PPG) is one of the few returnees from a senior laden roster.  Keith Pabon (6.8 PPG) also returns.  The lineup gets a major boost with transfer Xavier Garcia from St. Croix Lutheran.  That makes the wing position a strength.  The rest of the lineup is a major question.

Johnson Governors (2019-20 season 16-9, 11-1 Conference, Tie 1st)
Assistant Colin Moore takes over for the retired legend Vern Simmons.  Don't expect the havoc style to change.  Forwards Jesse Foster (10.2 PPG) and Jeremiah Knox need to be replaced inside.  The guard core is strong with leading scorer Julian Hodges (13.4 PPG) returning.  Treyvon Mollette, Christian Jones and Ismael David also are back in the perimeter mix.

Washington Eagles (2019-20 season 11-12, 6-6 Conference, 4th)
No team in the league is hit harder by graduation than Washington.  6 of the top 7 scorers are gone including the dynamic duo of PG Zaveon Smith (22.2 PPG) and F Drew White (23.8 PPG).  White finished his career as the school's all-time leading scorer.  They'll also miss the shooting of Andreas Green (8.4 PPG).  Soph Ka'Jon Jordan was set to join to rotation but he's now at Central.  Center La'Kendrick Reed leads the returning group with 10.9 PPG.  The rest of the lineup will be replenished with last year's league winning JV guys.  Damonte Cogshell is one of those major pieces.  

Predicted Order of Finish

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

Conference Overview:
Central has won 33 straight league games against everybody except Johnson.  Their last league home loss to somebody other than Johnson was to Highland Park in Feburary 2013.  Give me the Minutemen with an experienced lineup coming back.  Johnson and Highland Park will be a great battle for 2nd.  Then a drop off to the bottom 4.  Humboldt has a ton to replace but adding Xavier Garcia to go with Brian Williams is the difference here.  Harding and Washington are my next 2 as they also have heavy losses.  Alex Addai gives the Knights the edge there.  Como Park hopes their experience coming back can keep them out of the cellar.

Conference MVP: Julian Hodges - Johnson

Underclassmen to watch: 

• Dillon Foster - Highland Park
• Mason Aarness - Como Park
• Ka'Jon Jordan - Central
  

Conference Games to Watch

• Highland Park at Central - Jan 5th
• Johnson at Central - Jan 28th
  
• Central at Highland Park - Feb 2nd
  
• Central at Johnson - Feb 23rd
  

Non-Conference Games to Watch

• Minneapolis South at Central - Dec 4th
• Central at Columbia Heights - Dec 8th