2024-25 South Suburban Conference Preview

This is the 17th preview in my 2024-25 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 (2023-24 season 14-14, 7-11 Conference, tie 6th)
The Eagles were a pleasant surprise last season.  Now they look to build on that with the return a trio of junior starters.  Leading scorer Camare Young (15.8 PPG) leads that group on the wing.  He's joined by guard Trey Parker and forward Ryan Christiansen.  Depth options will include Barry Simmons, Tylan Ward, Julian Carter and Zach Nhial.

Burnsville Blaze (2023-24 season 3-24, 1-17 Conference, 10th)
Burnsville returns their lone double figure scorer in guard Soren Leafblad (12.1 PPG).  Fellow seniors Charlie Pettis and Collin Heckmann flank him on the perimeter.  Leul Samuel will also be part of that perimeter team.  Yannick Amoye provides experienced size inside.  Tahir Peterson is another front line candidate

Eagan Wildcats (2023-24 season 19-13, 7-11 Conference, tie 6th)
Eagan made a nice run out of weak section 3AAAA last season.  Then they knocked off Park Center and Cretin-Derham Hall at state.  Now 4 starters and 5 of the top 6 scorers need to be replaced.  I expect the lineup to be largely juniors.  Junior wing Alex Schroepfer (12.4 PPG) is the top option and is coming off a strong AAU season.  Fellow juniors Leo Erickson and Kevin Kemp should step into starting front line roles.  Senior Kai Strunk looks to be the primary point guard. 

Eastview Lightning (2023-24 season 6-23, 3-15 Conference, 9th)
Eastview had a really rough year and then made it all the way to the section final.  All 3 double figure scorers have graduated including Colorado St recruit Jon Mekkonen (20.8 PPG).  Ben Schmitz and junior Erik Olson return at guard spots.  Tartan transfer JC Green will be a major boost to the backcourt.  Jack Frigstad (6.1 PPG) is a face up forward who is the top returning scorer.  Derek Thissen will be another offensive option.

Farmington Tigers (2023-24 season 24-8, 14-4 Conference, 3rd)
The Tigers have to replace their top 2 scorers in forward Brandon Hrncir (19.5 PPG) and guard Tyler Beckwith (12.6 PPG).  But they'll still be big, tough and experienced.  Guard Ryan Beckwith (10 PPG) is the leading returning scorer.  Senior Jonah Ask is great fit as a defensive minded leader at the point guard spot.  Seniors Nik Domier (9.7 PPG) and Cole Wilcek (6.8 PPG) anchor that group with juniors Marshall Gordan and  Justin Stoneburg and a couple talented sophs right behind them.

Lakeville North Panthers (2023-24 season 23-6, 16-2 Conference, 1st)
Coach John Oxton has to replace 6 of his top 7 scorers including Wisconsin recruit Jack Robison (21.9 PPG).  James Fager (7.6 PPG) and Riley Grossman will be the guards.  Drew Kolander and junior Dane Danielson will be the main forwards.  Luke Sorensen will be part of the front line group as well.  Johanes Piscikas, Ben Weaver and Kade Bishop are depth options.

Lakeville South Cougars (2023-24 season 18-10, 12-6 Conference, 4th)
Lakeville South has to replace 4 starters and 5 rotation seniors.  That includes Ryan Johnson (14 PPG) and DaMarcus Burks (13.3 PPG) who are now in the NSIC.  Senior PG Keaton Ressler (12.8 PPG) leads this roster.  Senior Hudson Greene (8.1 PPG) now takes over as the top guy on the front line.  Junior Casey Fliehe will be the top wing.  Juniors Tyler Steffen and Ryker Sanders look to move up to significant varsity minutes.

Prior Lake Lakers (2023-24 season 12-16, 9-9 Conference, 5th)
Former Wayzata and Edina assistant Brian Jungwirth takes over the program.  He has the starting lineup coming back.  Forward Norbu Jenpa (16.4 PPG) can play inside or outside.  Luke Loehlein (11.6 PPG) and Brayden Thompson can both knock down shots on the wing.  Cade Wozney (11.2 PPG) runs the show.  Soph Kobby Sambrew is a strong wing who can put his head down to generate offense.  Alex Hulskotter also returns to the lineup.  Fellow sophs Trey Theis and Kolby Thompson provide solid depth.

Rosemount Irish (2023-24 season 10-18, 6-12 Conference, 8th)
Quincy Caldwell is the new head coach.  The Irish have to replace 4 of their top 5 scorers from a year ago.  Forward Jordon Vanwinkle (8.2 PPG) is the top returning scorer and front line player.  Junior Ja'khi Hollie and soph Peyton Gholson return as ball handlers.  Carson Schuetz returns to the rotation as well.  Jack Burke should see an expanded front court role.

Shakopee Sabers (2023-24 season 23-6, 15-3 Conference, 2nd)
Shakopee has to replace their star guard Jalen Langsy (22.8 PPG) plus Isaac Snell (11.7 PPG).  The Sabers still have guards for days though.  Isaac Cordes returns to be the primary point guard.  Eli Schroeder and Devin Pass are knock down shooters on the wings.  Luke Wherley is a face up 4 man committed to D2 Jamestown.  JP Kuchenbecker is a quality reserve coming back too.  Blake Betton and Luke Schroeder are a couple of talented sophs looking to break into the guard rotation too.  Add in the improvement of big man Tommy Auge as a option in the middle and the Sabers are still going to be dangerous.

Predicted Order of Finish

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

Conference Overview:
Shakopee for me is the clear favorite.  Just too much guard play and depth from the Sabers.  But their matchups with a completely opposite Farmington squad will be very interesting.  Farmington's physical grind it out style and size I could see bothering Shakopee.  Prior Lake with everybody back is poised to be a spoiler.  Lakeville North doesn't have that elite guy of past years but their guards are experienced and a John Oxton team will always be sound.  The next group of 3 is a toss up.  I slightly like Lakeville South here just because of 2 solid guys coming back.  Eagan has a ton to replace but they'll always defend. Apple Valley could jump up and bite people again with a solid junior group.  Eastview, Burnsville and Rosemount figure to struggle

Conference MVP: Isaac Cordes- Shakopee

Underclassmen to watch:

• Briggs Sheridan, Tommy Schabert - Farmington
  
• Nolan Greene - Lakeville South
• Kobby Sambrew, Trey Theis, Kolby Thompson - Prior Lake
• Peyton Gholson - Rosemount
  
• Blake Betton, Luke Schroeder - Shakopee
  

Conference Games to Watch

• Shakopee at Prior Lake - Dec 20th
• Shakopee at Farmington - Jan 7th
• Prior Lake at Shakopee - Jan 30th
  
• Farmington at Shakopee - Feb 7th
  

Non-Conference Games to Watch

• Shakopee vs Benilde-St. Margaret's - Dec 7th (Tip-off Classic at Hopkins)
• Farmington vs Champlin Park - Dec 7th (Tip-off Classic at Hopkins)
  
• Totino-Grace at Farmington - Dec 10th
  
• Farmington vs Rochester John Marshall - Dec 28th (Capital City Classic at UNWSP)
• Wayzata at Shakopee - Dec 31st
• Farmington vs Park Center - Jan 25th (The Collision at Cretin-Derham Hall)