2024-25 Wright County East Preview

This is the 10th preview in my 2024-25 season preview series.  Week 2 ends with a look at the always tough Wright County East.  For a list of all the season previews and how they are done, click here.

Delano Tigers (2023-24 season 22-6, 8-2 Conference, 2nd)
Former Osseo star Bridge Tusler takes over after the retirement of Terry Techam.  Despite losing star gaurd Will Strandemo (22.4 PPG), the lineup will still have plenty of perimeter firepower.  Junior Max Iverson averaged 21.9 PPG.  Senior Jake Schultz is a shooter who averaged 11.2 PPG.  I expect that to jump this season.  Senior JJ Longstreet also returns to the rotation.  Juniors Bjorn Stewart and Nate Nielsen look to see time as well.

Holy Family Fire (2023-24 season 18-10, 9-1 Conference, 1st)
Coach Joe Berger needs to replace all 3 of his double figure scorers.  That includes star guards Kole Hanson and Luke Graff who combined for over 44 PPG and top post Brayden Carlson (14.3 PPG).  Despite that, the wing play should still be solid.  Junior Drew Coleman (8.1 PPG) looks to be the goto guy this season.  Jackson Birchem also returns to the starting lineup.  Hayden Guggemos and Jackson Ryan are seniors who should see plenty of time.  Sophs Carson Kuchenbecker and Geno Ward also look to join the rotation.

Hutchinson Tigers (2023-24 season 17-11, 4-6 Conference, 4th)
The Tigers have to replace a strong senior class that comprised most of their lineup.  They do have a couple of pieces to build with.  Senior forward Nathan Johnson is a top option. Senior wing Brady Larson is another top scoring threat on the wing.  Colton Farrell and Alexander Flores will be guard options.  Landon Struck and Everett Conrad should see front line minutes.

Jordan Hubmen (2023-24 season 11-16, 0-10 Conference, 6th)
Jordan returns 2 of their 3 double figure scorers.  Forward Mitchell Schmidt (13.5 PPG) and SG Lexyn Grof (11 PPG) lead the way.  Both are juniors.  Senior wing Brayden Davis returns with them.  Sam Mahto will be a frontcourt option along with Noah Robinson.

Mound-Westonka Whitehawks (2023-24 season 11-16, 3-7 Conference, 5th)
Coach Andre Phillips needs to replace hard nosed PG Carter Reinbold and shooter Bryce Tappen. But the dynamic senior forward duo of Max Kraay (21.6 PPG) and Cole Drill (14.3 PPG) can make up for that.  Both can step out and shoot it or play inside vs a smaller mismatch.  Matthew Mobagi, Jacob Orenge, George Eberhart and Brendon Sexton are also experienced seniors returning to the rotation.

Southwest Christian Stars (2023-24 season 18-9, 6-4 Conference, 3rd)
The Stars return most of a deep roster from last season.  Mason Wood (11.1 PPG) is the main loss.  But this lineup will look to make a deep tournament run.  Brayden Beckering (16.3 PPG) and Isaac Tollefson (13.7 PPG) can both shoot it on the wing.  Juniors Jack Burke and Drew Mertens are other skilled wing/forwards in the lineup.  Junior Adam Dye can be used for size.  Who becomes the primary ball handler is the main question.

Predicted Order of Finish

1. Southwest Christian
   
2. Mound-Westonka
   
3. Delano  
   
4. Holy Family
   
5. Hutchinson
   
6. Jordan
   

Conference Overview
I see SW Christian and Mound-Westonka at the top of the league with a ton coming back for both rosters.  But with modified league scheduling in place, those teams will only play each other once.  The rest of the league drops off but there's no awful team in the group.  Delano with a new coach but a similar type system should still be an offensive factor.  Holy Family will be young and has a ton to replace.  Hutch has a couple nice pieces but also has a ton to replace. Jordan has a couple pieces back as they look to jump out of the cellar.

Conference MVP: Max Kraay - Mound-Westonka

Underclassmen to watch: 

• Vinny Lucarelli - Delano
  
• Geno Ward, Carson Kuchenbecker, Levi Trout - Holy Family
• Mika James - Mound-Westonka
  

Conference Games to Watch

• Mound-Westonka at SW Christian - Jan 30th

Non-Conference Games to Watch

• Minnehaha at SW Christian - Jan 4th
• Mound-Westonka at Orono - Jan 7th
• Mound-Westonka at Richfield - Jan 28th
  
• St. Croix Lutheran at SW Christian - Feb 1st
• Mound-Westonka at Blake - Feb 18th
  
• Blake at SW Christian - Feb 26th