This is the 11th preview in my 2024-25 season preview series. Now its time for a new preview with a look at the Mississippi 8. Fun story of me trying to preview this league. I see Cambridge-Isanti almost every year at the Spring Lake Park jamboree and have seen them at the Augsburg Holiday Tourney in recent years. I see them struggle in those events and then they run thru the league. Shows that I know absolutely nothing. For
a list of all the
season previews and how they are done, click here.
Becker Bulldogs (2023-24 season 14-14, 9-7 Conference, tie 3rd)
Leading scorer and rebounder Kyan Blomquist (19.1 PPG) has graduated along with a couple of reserves. A strong junior class returns with 3 starters. That group includes PG Sawyer Brown (14.6 PPG) plus wings Nathan Weiss (12.2 PPG) and Landon Peterson (10.6 PPG). Senior Mitch Soltau and junior Bryce Paumen augment the rotation.
Big Lake Hornets (2023-24 season 14-14, 9-7 Conference, tie 3rd)
New head coach Lance Pettis comes over from Blaine to replace Ted Critchley Jr. Junior forward Owen Wilczek (14.7 PPG) was last year's top scorer but the rest of the starting lineup is gone. Senior Max Siegrist adds to their strong front line. Senior Zach Mauch will see time up front too. Frosh Judd Layton could be a major contributor at a guard spot. Senior Preston Wesseh will see guard minutes too.
Cambridge-Isanti Bluejackets (2023-24 season 16-11, 12-4 Conference, 2nd)Coach Mike McDonald has to replace his top guy in guard John Troolin (22.8 PPG). But he still has lefty shooter Elias Dee (21 PPG) and forward Emerson Droubie (16.2 PPG) coming back. Droubie reminds me a bit of former Roseville star James Ayers who was a big body that could step out and really shoot it. Ethan Bergloff (8.5 PPG) also returns to the starting lineup. They'll also return 2 or 3 seniors who saw rotation time. Plus there's a group of sophomores chomping at the bit for minutes.
Czar's Note: I was informed that I made a mistake with Elias Dee. He has graduated so I'm leaving the original but updating it below to reflect that. First time previewing a new league, always has to be something, lol.
Coach Mike McDonald has to replace 2 top shooters in John Troolin (22.8 PPG) and Elias Dee (21 PPG). Forward Emerson Droubie (16.2 PPG) leads the returning lineup. Droubie reminds me a bit of former Roseville star James Ayers who was a big body that could step out and really shoot it. Ethan Bergloff (8.5 PPG) also returns to the starting lineup. They'll also return 2 or 3 seniors who saw rotation time. Plus there's a group of sophomores chomping at the bit for minutes.
Chisago Lakes Wildcats (2023-24 season 22-9, 13-3 Conference, 1st)
Four starters including do everything forward Patrick Rowe (29.8 PPG) need replacing from last year's conference and section 7AAA champions. Senior guard Lucas O'Malley is the lone starter returning. Seniors Blake Seifert and Riley Estes should be the primary front court options. They have a trio of talented junior wings in Joe Couwenhoven, Cohen Underhill and Kellen Meissner. Junior Colton Betts figures to see time as well.
Monticello Magic (2023-24 season 11-16, 8-8 Conference, tie 5th)
The Magic lose Patrick Shobe and his 13.2 PPG from their front line. Jackson Soroko (13.9 PPG) is a big forward who can play in or out. The perimeter play is experienced with Brayden Dollard, Rhys Nebben, Andrew Matuska plus sophs Hunter Miller and Carson Deibele.
North Branch Vikings (2023-24 season 14-14, 8-8 Conference, tie 5th)
Former St. Michael-Albertville assistant Trevor Walton is the new head coach. Four starters and five seniors gone from the rotation mean a major overhaul for the lineup. Leading scorer Tyler Minke (21.1 PPG) returns as a versatile inside/out forward. Junior forward Jacob Knoespel is another size guy. James Weinkauf and Chazz Johnson return to perimeter spots.
Princeton Tigers (2023-24 season 4-23, 4-12 Conference, 8th)
Coach Brett Cloutier and his normally strong Tigers program fell on hard times last year starting 1-20 before a 3-3 finish. Yes, I still need one of those orange short sleeve hoodie shooting shirts for my collection. Leading scorer Noah Stencel (18.6 PPG) returns on the wing. Seniors Harrison Lupkes and Deuce Zarletti will push the pace. Wylan Iverson and frosh Matthew Hallberg are other perimeter guys coming back.. Junior Austin Ross is the main guy up front.
St. Francis Saints (2023-24 season 11-16, 7-9 Conference, 7th)
Robbie Whitney returns home to take over at his alma mater. He was a Graduate Assistant at Augustana last year and previously took New Life Academy to the state tournament. Lefty wing Connor Peterson (18.9 PPG) will be his go to guy. Guard Tayler Hardie (10.3 PPG) is the other returning double figure scorer. Owen Lamson also returns to the starting lineup. Reserves Tanner Rothbauer and David Tupper once again provide depth.
Zimmerman Thunder (2022-23 season 6-21, 2-14 Conference, 9th)
Zimmerman returns 3 starters. That includes their 2 top threats in junior wing Thomas McEachern (16 PPG) and senior PG Gianni-Arisensi-Skime (13.6 PPG). McEachern is a jumping jack who's always a candidate for a highlight. Junior guard Mason Spence will figure into that perimeter rotation. Senior TJ Johnson returns to anchor the frontcourt.
Predicted Order of Finish
- Cambridge-Isanti
- Becker
- Monticello
- Chisago Lakes
- St. Francis
- Princeton
- North Branch
- Big Lake
- Zimmerman
Conference Overview
The league was acting much like the Metro West for a while last year where it seemed like nobody wanted to win it. I expect the same this year. My pick here is Cambridge-Isanti with 2 top guys and lots of depth returning. Plus you can't help but love their offense with all the screening plus they'll push it. Becker's junior class was 3rd last year, so I keep them up there this year. Monticello's experience puts them 3rd but they could get a run from a youthful but talented Chisago Lakes squad or St. Francis. I think Princeton bounces back after a tough year. With a new coach and new help around Tyler Minke, I had to drop North Branch. Big Lake is in a very similar spot. Zimmerman has 2 top returnees that could help them jump out of the cellar.
Conference MVP: Emerson Droubie - Cambridge-Isanti
Underclassmen to watch:
- Isiah Boyer, Nathan Warhol, Tucker Becker - Becker
- Judd Layton - Big Lake
- Jameson Epple, Eddie Lundeen - Cambridge-Isanti
- Carson Deibele, Hunter Miller - Monticello
- Matthew Hallberg, Michael Kincaid - Princeton
- Hunter Olson - St. Francis
- Joe Larson, Luke Lemke - Zimmerman
- Cambridge-Isanti at Becker - Jan 14th
- Becker at Cambridge-Isanti - Feb 14th
- Albany at Becker - Dec 10th
- Becker vs SW Christian - Dec 28th (Granite City at St. John's)
Total botch by me as Elias Dee graduated last season.
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