2024-25 Metro West Conference Preview

This is the 13th preview in my 2024-2025 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 (2023-24 season 19-10, 13-1 Conference, 1st)
The Red Knights remain loaded for another attempt to make state.  Forward Jalen Wilson (18.7 PPG) is committed to Northern Iowa.  PG Jaleel Donley (14.7 PPG) also returns and can fill it up in a hurry.  They also add TJ Stuttley who was a top 5 kid in Wisconsin before playing at a prep school last season.  They'll need to replace guards Ron Lee and Tanner Rose (now at St. Louis Park) who provided defense and shooting.  Abu Keita departs from the front line for Park Center.

Bloomington Jefferson Jaguars (2023-24 season 5-22, 2-12 Conference, 7th)
The guards will be their strength with their top 3 scorers returning.  Senior Marcus Horton (18.5 PPG), soph Isaac Feller (12.8 PPG) and lefty Tommy Rowland are that core group.  Luke Thoenen will be one of their bigs.

Chanhassen Storm (2023-24 season 12-15, 8-6 Conference, tie 3rd)
Injuries to star PG Max Woods torpedoed what looked to be a promising season.  But that experience means that star wings Riley Johnson (23.8 PPG) and John Schmidt (11.5 PPG) have a large adjustment period already addressed by his absence.  Nobody else returning averaged more than 2.3 PPG.  Soph Bennet Barger looks to fill of those roles.  Tyler Jahraus should assume ball-handling duties.  Mikan Pelowski and Nathan Ramler are interior guys.  Expect them to play at a fast pace.

Chaska Hawks (2023-24 season 10-17, 6-8 Conference, 6th)
Chaska returns 3 of their top 4 scorers.  Jimmy Coddiington (13.3 PPG) returnss on the wing. Tray Lenzen (13.2 PPG) returns to lead the front line but he can step away from the basket too.  Soph Tyler Forrest (10.3 PPG) returns for his 3rd year starting at the point.  Soph Kalin Jochum and Noah Slinde were rotation guys too.  Hayden Virasami returns as another point guard.

New Prague Trojans (2023-24 season 5-22, 1-13 Conference, 8th)
The Trojans lose their entire rotation except for top wing Evan Weichert (18.6 PPG).  No other returnee averaged more than 3 PPG.  Toby Bleess, Justin Holden and Sam Gilles will be guards from last year's JV squad that step into important roles.  They'll have to find size for the lineup.

Orono Spartans (2023-24 season 19-12, 8-6 Conference, Tie 3rd)
Orono looks for a return to state with their 3 double figure scorers coming back.  Yale commit Nolan Groves (27 PPG, 8.3 PPG) had the thrilling hail mary buzzer beater to send the Spartans to state on BSM's home court in the section final.  Brady Wooley (14.2 PPG, 11.1 RPG) is a D1 talent leading the front line.  Guard Mitchell Kauch is the 3rd scorer coming back.  Nate Chavez, Dane Danwischer and Lucas Knudson are all seniors who saw rotation time.

St. Louis Park Orioles (2023-24 season 12-15, 7-7 Conference, 5th)
The Orioles were a pleasant surprise last year and may fly under the radar this season.  Wing/Forwards Micah and Marley Curtis are committed to North Dakota.  They combined for over 40 PPG and played really well this summer.  PG Rashaad Kimber returns along with Javaris Ellis, Noah Margolis and Josh Rickford.  Plus shooter Tanner Rose comes over from St. Louis Park

Waconia Wildcats (2023-24 season 22-6, 11-3 Conference, 2nd)
Coach Dan Rubishcko loses 4 starters but returns his top option in Will Kirsch.  The junior point guard will carry an even heavier load after leading the team with 20.1 PPG.  Jadan Ford and forward Soren Marker also return to the rotation. . Luke Hill and Bryce Buseman look to fill in front court spots..  beau Specken is a point guard who could help give Kirsch some minutes off the ball.

Predicted Order of Finish

1. Benilde-St. Margaret's   
   
2. Orono
   
3. St. Louis Park  
   
4. Chaska 
   
5. Chanhassen    
6. Waconia
7. Bloomington Jefferson
   
8. New Prague
   

Conference Overview
Benilde-St. Margaret's and Orono are the class not just of the league but 2 of the best teams in a loaded AAA field this year.  BSM gets the vote because they've won it the last 2 years.  New Prague and Jefferson still figure to struggle at the bottom.  The middle will be a real toss up and I'm not fan of picking any of them 6th as any could just easily be 3rd.  St. Louis Park gets my vote with a deep backcourt and the Curtis twins up front.  Chaska's talented duo of Forrest and Lenzen can't be ignored.  Chanhassen's strong wing play will make them dangerous.  Waconia will have to find help for Will Kirsch.
 
Conference MVP: TJ Stuttley - Benilde-St. Margaret's

Underclassmen to watch:  

• Milton Nuahn - Benilde-St. Margaret
  
• Isaac Feller - Bloomington Jefferson
  
• Bennet Barger, Issac Johnson - Chanhassen 
• Tyler Forrest, Kalin Jochum - Chaska
  

Conference Games to Watch

• Orono at Benilde-St. Margaret's - Jan 30th
• Benilde St. Margaret's at Orono - Feb 25th

Non-Conference Games to Watch

• Hopkins at Orono - Nov 27th
  
• Richfield at Benilde-St. Margaret's - Dec 5th
• Orono vs Fargo Davies - Dec 7th (Tip-off Classic at Hopkins)
• Benilde-St. Margaret's vs Shakopee - Dec 7th (Tip-off Classic at Hopkins)
  
• Wayzata at Orono - Dec 5th
  
• Benilde-St. Margaret's at Breck - Dec 10th
• Orono vs Cretin-Derham Hall - Dec 14th (Big Stage at Totino-Grace)
  
• Orono at Richfield - Dec 20th
• Orono vs Mankato East - Feb 1st (Breakdown Community Clash at Delano)