This is the 10th preview in my 2025-26 season preview series. We've reached the halfway point of the series. Let's begin week 3 with the Wright County East. For a list of all the season previews and how they are done, click here.
Delano Tigers (2024-25 season 12-15, 4-3 Conference, 3rd)
Chance Veasey takes over the program. He comes from Minneapolis Southwest. He'll need to replace the high scoring guard duo of Max Iversen (23.2 PPG) and Jake Schultz (19.8 PPG). Schultz graduaed and Iversen is now at Maple Grove. Nate Nielsen (10.8 PPG), Vinny Luccarelli (5 PPG), Brady Schultz and Elijah Engesser are top perimeter returnees. Ben Tellers and Bjorn Stewart return on the front line. How they adjust to a brand new style will be a storyline to watch.
Holy Family Fire (2024-25 season 12-16, 4-6 Conference, 4th)
A pair of double figure scorers graduate and a couple remain. Wing Drew Coleman (12.7 PPG) and sharpshooting point guard Geno Ward (10.5 PPG) return to the starting lineup. The Fire get a major addition in shooter Lexyn Grof (21 PPG) from Jordan to go on the other wing. Carson Kuchenbecker (6.7 PPG) is another big wing in the rotation. Cooper Strezo will also see inside minutes. This should be a fun team to watch on the offensive end with the shooters and skilled wings that they have.
Hutchinson Tigers (2024-25 season 7-20, 1-9 Conference, 6th)
The Tigers have to replace the firepower of forward Nathan Johnson and guard Brady Larson. Landon Teetzel and Nathan Schumann return to the starting lineup. Isaac Scott and William DeMeyer join them on the perimeter. Junior forward Matthew Ortloff will be the main interior threat.
Jordan Hubmen (2024-25 season 16-12, 3-5 Conference, 5th)
Matt Cordes takes over the program. He had a 170-42 record (80.2%) and took 4 teams to state during his time at New London-Spicer. He has a tall task in front of him. Forward Mitchell Schmidt (15.8 PPG) will need to carry the offense, especially now with Lexyn Grof gone. Guard Graham Helgerson (6.6 PPG) returns to the lineup and will see an expanded role. Senior Owen Halvorson should see point guard minutes.
Southwest Christian Stars (2024-25 season 18-10, 8-0 Conference, 1st)
Coach David Flom has to replace 9 seniors. That includes 4 starters and 3 double-figure scorers. They'll still be strong on the wing with Jack Burke (9.7 PPG) and Jed Streed (7.2 PPG) leading the returning players. Adam Dye gives them a big body for the interior. Soph guard Talbot Jones and junior wing Jameson McCarthy provide good depth.
Westonka Whitehawks (2024-25 season 19-9, 5-2 Conference, 2nd)
Don't call us Mound anymore! The Whitehawks have to replace 10 seniors. That includes star forwards Max Kraay and Cole Drill who combined for almost 40 points a night. Kraay leaves as the school's all-time leading scorer. Junior guard Mika James (8.4 PPG) is the only rotation guy coming back. Expect him to have a big year. Seniors Ben Pruitt and Osvaldo Rodriguez are guard options with Alexander Stevens inside. They could also go young with frosh Marcus Lessor and soph Reese Otto.
Predicted Order of Finish
- Holy Family
- Southwest Christian
- Delano
- Jordan
- Westonka
- Hutchinson
Conference Overview
Its a down year in this usually difficult league. SW Christian loses a bunch of seniors. Delano and Hutch lose multiple important pieces. Jordan loses top guy to league rival and Westonka loses everybody. That leaves Holy Family as they actually return and add guys. So the Fire is the pick here. Southwest Christian still plenty to work with. They should be the clear top 2. Delano and Jordan will have to figure out new systems and replace their top guys. That will be the battle for 3rd. Mound Westonka has to replace everybody and Hutchinson has much to replace too. That will be the battle to stay out of the cellar.
Conference MVP: Drew Coleman - Holy Family
Underclassmen to watch:
- Griffen Pohlen - Delano
- Dylan Baker - Holy Family
- Ari Langheim, Sullivan Maresch - Jordan
- Talbot Jones - Southwest Christian
- Reese Otto, Marcus Lessor - Westonka
- Holy Family at SW Christian - Jan 27th
- SW Christian at Holy Family - Feb 20th
- Belle Plaine at SW Christian - Dec 9th
- Blake at Holy Family - Dec 9th
- SW Christian vs Hiawatha - Dec 18th (Hutton Winter Classic at Hamline)
- SW Christian vs Maranatha - Dec 27th (Capitol City Classic at Bethel)
- Minneapolis North at Holy Family - Jan 20th
- Holy Family at Hiawatha - Feb 17th
- SW Christian at Minnehaha - Feb 18th
- SW Christian at Blake - Feb 24th
