2023-24 South Suburban Conference Preview

This is the 13th preview in my 2023-24 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 (2022-23 season 4-23, 2-16 Conference, 10th)
Two important pieces of the perimeter rotation need to be replaced with the graduation of Eli Ocharo and transfer of 2026 Joe Mitchell.  Mitchell was the lone double figure scorer at 15 PPG.  Senior guard Nati Tizazu (8 PPG) is the top returning scorer.  Sophs Camare Young and Ryan Christiansen once again figure to play major minutes.  Isiah Ford also returns to the rotation.  Limited size and firepower as the Eagles continue to rebuild in the post-Jones era.

Burnsville Blaze (2022-23 season 9-17, 4-14 Conference, 9th)
Wings Khalif Bettis and JT Thornton were last year's top 2 scoring options and need to be replaced.  Guards Charlie Pettis and Jeremy Sherlock look to step into those roles.  7-foot shot blocker Henry Buchanan is a defensive factor inside.  Scoring will be hard to come by.

Eagan Wildcats (2022-23 season 16-13, 8-10 Conference, tie 6th)
4 year starting wing Emmanuel Schmitter (13.1 PPG) and shooter Oscar Khazon (11.8 PPG) need to be replaced after being last year's top 2 scorers.  Guard Max Buslee (9.8 PPG) is the top returning scorer.  Seniors Jack Hansen and Trevor Syring form a solid center duo.  Charlie Birk will be a wing shooting option.  Liam Madigan, Jack Kruger and Owen Ford also saw major minutes last season. Soph wing Alex Schroepfer should play a bigger role too.

Eastview Lightning (2022-23 season 23-9, 14-4 Conference, 2nd)
Assistant Danny Olsen takes over the program as Paul Goetz retired.  He has to rebuild the rotation.  But he gets the advantage of having 1 guy back in Colorado St commit Jon Mekonnen (18 PPG).  Expect a huge year from the lefty forward.  Nolan Segner is another front line option.  Junior Jack Frigstad should also see rotation minutes.  Experience and guard play are the major concerns.

Farmington Tigers (2022-23 season 17-11, 10-8 Conference, tie 4th)
Three starters including last year's leading scorer, PG Baiden Bean (16.1 PPG), need to be replaced.  Brandon Hrncir (12.6 PPG) and junior Nik Domier (7.2 PPG) make up a solid front court duo.  Wing Tyler Beckwith (7.8 PPG) is another solid starting option.  Junior Cole Wilcek will also see many significant minutes.  Junior Jonah Ask will be a guard option.

Lakeville North Panthers (2022-23 season 28-4, 16-2 Conference, 1st)
Wisconsin commit Nolan Winter (23.4 PPG) will be hard to replace inside.  They also lose 15.9 PPG from wing Hudson Vaith.  But the Panthers still have a ton to work with.  Wing Jack Robison (15.1 PPG) makes whatever play is necessary.  He'll play at Wisconsin next year with Winter.  Matt Drake missed time due to health issues last season.  His toughness and shot making from the point guard spot is very valuable.  Forward Andrew Quam is coming off a very productive summer and should step into a critical role.  Grant Ryan should step into a big wing role.

Lakeville South Cougars (2022-23 season 17-12, 10-8 Conference, tie 4th)
The Cougars appear ready to pounce on a great season.  DaMarcus Burks (11.5 PPG) and Ryan Johnson (10.2 PPG) accepted D2 offers after playing well in the summer.  Junior PG Keaton Ressler also returns.  Then there's the wildcard in senior wing Marley Baah-Yeboah.  He's the best athlete of the bunch but he's coming off a knee injury that cost him most of last season.  Joe Hager will man the inside.  Lauson Schmidt and Carter Wilson returns in reserve perimeter roles. 

Prior Lake Lakers (2022-23 season 13-15, 8-10 Conference, tie 6th)
The Lakers have big losses yet again with 6 of their top 7 scorers graduting.  Forward Joe Ofori and his 16.3 PPG is 1 of the double figure scorers gone.  Junior guard Luke Loehlein (7.9 PPG) is the top returning scorer.  Junior PG Cade Wozney returns to the starting lineup.  Juniors Brayden Thompson and Norbu Jenpa are other rotation options.

Rosemount Irish (2022-23 season 11-17, 5-13 Conference, 8th)
Luck wasn't with the Irish last season as they didn't fare as expected.  Both double figure scorers have graduated including star guard Anish Ramlall (16.1 PPG).  Guard Bennett Arlandson and forward Kyson Leenderts (6.5 PPG) are the top returnees.  Seniors Ben Siwek and Will Peroutka also return to the rotation

Shakopee Sabers (2022-23 season 16-11, 13-5 Conference, 3rd)
Shakopee had to replace their entire starting lineup and still finished 3rd.  Lefty PG Jalen Langsy (18.8 PPG) leads a strong perimeter group.  Shooters Isaac Snell (12 PPG) and Eli Schroeder (5.8 PPG) join him.  Then there's Kaden Braxton, Devin Pass and Isaac Cordes returning too.  Luke Wherley is the primary forward but he can step out and shoot it too.

Predicted Order of Finish

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

Conference Overview:
The top 3 are going to be really tough.  I take Shakopee because they have so much returning.  But you can make an argument for the other 2 as well.  Eastview has the best remaining player and they always reload so I'll go 4th with them.  Farmington will give them a run for that spot with their size.  Eagan and Prior Lake battle for the 2 spots behind them.  Burnsville is the next best and Apple Valley continues a rough rebuild.

Conference MVP: Jack Robison - Lakeville North

Underclassmen to watch:

• Camare Young, Ryan Christiansen- Apple Valley
• Alex Schroepfer - Eagan
• Dane Danielson - Lakeville North
  
• Kobby Sambrew, Trey Theis - Prior Lake
  
• Peyton Gholson - Rosemount

Conference Games to Watch

• Shakopee at Lakeville North - Dec 19th
• Lakeville North at Lakeville South - Jan 12th
  
• Lakeville South at Shakopee - Jan 26th
• Lakeville North at Shakopee - Feb 1st
• Lakeville South at Lakeville North - Feb 13th
  
• Shakopee at Lakeville South - Feb 23rd
  

Non-Conference Games to Watch

• Lakeville North at East Ridge - Dec 5th
  
• Eastview vs Orono - Dec 9th (Tipoff Classic at Hopkins)
• Lakeville South vs Minnetonka - Dec 9th (Tipoff Classic at Hopkins)
  
• Lakeville North vs Park Center- Dec 9th (Tipoff Classic at Hopkins)
• Shakopee at Wayzata - Dec 12th
  
• Lakeville South vs Hopkins - Dec 16th (Big Stage at Park Center) 
• Chanhassen at Lakeville North - Dec 29th (Lakeville North Tourney) 
• Wayzata at Lakeville North - Jan 4th
• Lakeville South at Chanhassen - Jan 6th
  
• Chanhassen at Shakopee - Jan 11th
• Shakopee at Minnetonka - Feb 10th