2024-25 Lake Conference Preview

This is the 18th preview in my 2024-2025 season preview series.  In this preview, I finish my look at my look at each of the metro area conferences with a look at the Lake Conference.  There's 1 more preview left.  That will include section predictions and what to watch.  For a list of all the season previews and how they are done, click here.

Buffalo Bison (2023-24 season 13-15, 2-10 Conference, Tie 6th)
The Bison have to replace 4 starters, 2 of whom were double figure scorers.  But this group will have continuity as they played together as a group on the AAU circuit.  Mitchell Friesz (8.8 PPG) is the top returning scorer.  Ty Torgrimson is the top returning guard.  Jordy Sorenson joins him in the backcourt as a shooter. Trevor Kotilinek will be the size guy.

Eden Prairie Eagles (2023-24 season 9-18, 3-9 Conference, 5th)
Eden Prairie had a rough season last year.  Now 3 major pieces have transferred out taking almost 45 PPG with them.  That leaves senior guard Max Lorenson (17.2 PPG) poised for a monster season.  Hamze Yusuf (10.8 PPG) returns as a point guard.  Cam Riggins-Brown, Cooper Fahning and Colin Kirk are options for the front court.

Edina Hornets (2023-24 season 16-12, 8-4 Conference, 3rd)
Edina loses 4 starters including the early departure of Daniel Molhoek to college.  Wing Billy DeMars (9.1 PPG) is the lone returning starter.  He looks to replace Josiah Coleman's 15.3 PPG as a top option.  Soph Vince Cronin (5.2 PPG) should slot into Molhoek's inside/out forward slot.  Kyle Hustrulid is another big wing on the roster who should see an expanded role.  Junior Gus Carpenter should also see front court minutes.

Hopkins Royals (2023-24 season 23-6, 9-3 Conference, 2nd)
PG Jayden Moore (19.4 PPG), SG Anthony Smith (23 PPG) and wing JJ Semanko (16.6 PPG) return as one of the top perimeter trios in the state.  Davie Hart (12 PPG) also averaged double figures.  Tyson Moore provides returning depth.  Junior Julius Ellis gets minutes inside when the Royals want to play a big guy.

Minnetonka Skippers (2023-24 season 25-6, 7-5 Conference, 4th, AAAA State Champion)
After a defensive revival led the Skippers to a state title, now its a rebuilding year.  4 double figure scorers including 3 scholarship players need to be replaced.  Guard Isa El-Amin (9.1 PPG) should get all the shots he wants in a much expanded role.  Malachi Boadi returns on the wing.  Beyond that, no experience and not much to work with.  Will Steingas is a guard option.  Jaden Loeschen and Khalid Abdulkadir look for front court minutes.

St. Michael-Albertville Knights (2023-24 season 14-15, 2-10 Conference, tie 6th)
The Knights return most of last year's roster.  Wing Hudson Hochstedler (16.2 PPG), PG Jeremiah Johnson (16.1 PPG) and big shooter Jordan Holm (13.1 PPG) all return.  Senior Carter Arnlund and Layton Bottolfson provide depth behind them.  Soph Jack Thelen should be ready for bigger minutes manning the middle.  Maverick Maros will team up with him inside.

Wayzata Trojans (2023-24 season 27-4, 11-1 Conference, 1st, AAAA State Runner Up)
Wayzata looks to be one of the elite teams in the state again.  That's despite the loss of Mr Basketball winner Jackson McAndrew (23.6 PPG).  Wings Christian Wiggins (13 PPG) and Eden Prairie transfer Nolen Anderson combine with Isaac Olmstead (10.6 PPG) to form an elite outside trio.  Wyatt McBeth.(10.2 PPG) joins them on the front line.  Plus they have plenty of guys from last year's JV just waiting to fill in spots.

Predicted Order of Finish

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

Conference Overview
Once again its Wayzata and Hopkins battling for supremacy.  STMA may have been 2-10 in the league but 7 of those games were decided by 3 points or less and they were 2-5 in those games.  That experience gives them a boost this season with most of the team returning.  Heavy losses for the teams behind them.  Eden Prairie is the most talented team left.  Buffalo has great chemistry.  Minnetonka has too much to replace in a tough league.

Conference MVP: Jayden Moore - Hopkins

Underclassmen to watch:  

• Vince Cronin - Edina
• Tre Moore - Hopkins
• Willie Wright - Minnetonka
  
• Jack Thelen - St. Michael-Albertville

Conference Games to Watch

• Hopkins at Wayzata - Jan 21st
• Wayzata at Hopkins - Feb 13th

 Non-Conference Games to Watch

• Hopkins at Orono - Nov 27th
• Hopkins at Totino-Grace - Dec 4th
• Wayzata at Orono - Dec 5th
• Mankato East at Hopkins - Dec 7th (Tip-Off Classic)
  
• Wayzata vs Totino-Grace - Dec 7th (Tip-Off Classic at Hopkins)
• SW Christian at Hopkins - Dec 10th
• Hopkins vs Richfield - Dec 14th (Big Stage at Totino-Grace)
  
• Park Center at Hopkins - Dec 17th
• Breck at Wayzata - Dec 19th
• Wayzata at Shakopee - Dec 31st
• East Ridge at Wayzata - Feb 19th
• De La Salle at Wayzata - Feb 25th