2025-26 Opening Night

 

Prologue
Welcome to the 2025-2026 season opener.  Its a unique experience this year as I'll take in a brand new conference and gym to start the year.  This year we open with Minnesota Christian Athletic Conference action.  Its a doubleheader as the Cambridge Christian Boys JV and Girls along with the Owatonna Christian Boys visit Fourth Baptist Christian in Plymouth.  Nice weather, no other games to do, so why not?

Minnesota Christian Athletic Conference you ask?  Isn't that the MCAA?  No folks its not.  The league is in its 2nd year and is comprised of non-MSHSL schools.  That's why they could play tonight.  MSHSL schools can't even scrimmage yet and have to wait another 5 days to play.  The league formed due to the union of the old Christian Athletic League along with Minnesota Association of Christian Schools (MACS) teams.  For those of you who remember Christian Life out of Farmington before they merged with Bethany to form United Christian, they were once a CAL member so not unheard of for the schools to move up.  Like any small school league, teams sometimes move to just a JV level for a couple of years to make things work.

The league is spread out all over the place.  This year for boys basketball its 16 teams split into North and South Divisions as follows.

North:
Cambridge Christian Warriors
Chisago Lakes Baptist Patriots (Chisago City)
Faith Christian Saints (Foreston)
Good Shepherd Lutheran Rams (Elk River)
Lake Region Christian Hornets (Baxter)
St. Cloud Christian Warriors
St. Francis Christian Patriots
Woodcrest Baptist Academy Warriors (Fridley)

South:
First Baptist School Crusaders (Rosemount)
Community Christian Eagles (Willmar)
Fourth Baptist Christian Warriors (Plymouth)
Immanuel Lutheran Trojans (Mankato)
Liberty Christian Golden Eagles (Chippewa Falls, WI)
Owatonna Christian Sabers
Prior Lake Christian Royals
Rochester Area Homeschool Defenders 

Fourth Baptist is a fitting place to be introduced to the league.  For many years it has been the host of the MACS state tourney at the beginning of March.  The cafeteria/atrium area right outside the gym is super handy.  I love the irony of having a Pepsi beverage cooler but selling nothing but being a Coke shop.  No thank you, Dr Pepper please.  I can let that slide for a nice variety at the concession stand, including pizza.  They even had Chick-Fil-A on the menu at the state tourney.

Also a fun fact that I didn't know.  I looked up at the 1000 point scorer banners and there was the name Gresyn Rennie.  Hmmm, that name sounds familiar. He played his sophomore year at Armstrong and then finished his high school career for 2 years at Maranatha Christian.  Very productive high school player. But before that, he was a 3 year varsity player and 1000 point scorer for Fourth Baptist.

Game Time
Now to the games, the boys JV game ended up being the best game of the night.  The home squad came from about 10 down and hit a 3 with 15 seconds to go to win a low scoring affair 35-34. Beyond that its was all blowouts.  In the girls came, Cambridge Christian rolled 53-20.

The boys game had blowout written all over it.  Owatonna Christian didn't have a varsity team in the league last year and dressed 7 underclassmen for this one.  Fourth Baptist coming off a 18-8 league record last year.  They return league player of the year candidate Grant Vikander and 2nd teamer Elijah Forman. It was ugly and quickly.  11-0 Fourth Baptist jumped out just 3 minutes into the game.  They'd stretch that to 29-0 before Owatonna Christian finally got on the board almost 10 minutes in.  46-6 Warriors at half.  They put on the brakes in the 2nd half to keep the score down.  Only 2 field goals in each half for the Sabers.  Fourth Baptist rolls in the MCAC opener 67-13.

Too much size and experience for Fourth Baptist.  Their 3 bigs all dominate.  Senior Grant Vikander 10 points and 7 rebounds in limited minutes.  Senior Carlos Flodstrom 10 points.  Soph Lukyn Williams off the bench behind them with 14 points and 8 boards.  He looks like he'll be a major factor inside for the Warriors the next 2 seasons.  Tyler Stevens and Christian Hoffman each add 9 points.  Nice zone offense from Fourth Baptist vs the 2-3 zone.  For Owatonna Christian, Aidan Seagrist 8 points and a pair of 3s to lead the Sabers.

2025-26 Season In A Nutshell

The Czar's 2025-2026 Season Preview series concludes with the traditional Season In A Nutshell preview.  Its a higher level season overview for the casual fans who don't eat, sleep and breathe hoops like I do.  Its who and what you need to see and when and where to see it.  If you missed any of the conferences or the 156 teams covered in this preview series, the full list can be found here.

New Coaches

• Chisago Lakes - Tom Terhaar
• Cristo Rey Jesuit - Darrell Moffit
• Delano - Chance Veasey
• Eagle Ridge - Kalvin O'Neal
• Hill-Murray - Dustin Hayes
• Irondale - Travis Dedina
• Jordan - Matt Cordes
• Lakeville North - Mike Nolan
• Maranatha Christian - Al Harris
• Math & Science - Rich Berkley
• North Branch - Rob Johnson
• Park Center - Bo Powell
• Robbinsdale Cooper - Ron Howard
• Rosemount - Kevin Smith
• St. Agnes - Malique McCoy
• St. Paul Academy - Kevin Keto (returns from 1 year leave)
• St. Paul Central - Cam Jones
• St. Paul Como Park - Jake Sullivan
• St. Thomas Academy - Pat Sjoberg
• Spectrum - CJ Maternoski
• Trinity - Pat Buchanan
• United Christian - Roy Mould
• Waconia - Nick Perrin

Teams In New Conferences
Note on this section.  I only included City Conference and EMAC changes that I could verify so all updates to those leagues may not be reflected here.

• CHOF to MCAA (basketball only, was independent)
• Cristo Rey to EMAC from Skyline
• Legacy Christian to Skyline from MCAA
• Liberty Classical to MCAA from EMAC
• Maple Grove to Lake from NW Suburban
• Math & Science to MCAA from EMAC
  

Teams In New Sections

Class AAAA

• Alexandria to 8AAAA from 8AAA
• Buffalo to 6AAAA from 8AAAA
• Monticello to 8AAAA from 5AAA
• Two Rivers to 4AAAA from 3AAA
  

Class AAA

• Minneapolis Southwest to 6AAA from 6AAAA

Class AA

• Higher Ground Academy to 4AA from 4A
• Hmong Academy to 4AA from 4A
• New Life Academy to 4AA from 4A
• PACT to 6AA from 5A
• Parnassus Prep to 5AA from 4A
• St. Paul Harding to 4AA from 3AAA

Class A

• Aim Academy joins 4A (new school)
• Community School of Excellence joins 4A (new school)
• Metro Schools College Prep to 4A from 5AA

10 Notable Local Events

• Big Stage (Breakdown) - Dec 6th (Hopkins)
• Southside Showcase I - Dec 6th (Minnehaha)
• Tipoff Classic (Breakdown)- Dec 13th (Edina HS and Edina Community Center) 
  
• Southside Showcase II - Dec 13th (Benilde-St. Margaret's)
• Hutton Winter Classic - Dec 18-20 (Hamline)
• Concordia St. Paul Holiday Classic - Dec 26-27
• Capitol City Classic (Breakdown) - Dec 26-27 (Hamline, Bethel and UNW-SP)
• Southside Super Showcase - Jan 10th (Minnehaha)
• St. Paul Johnson MLK Event - Jan 19th (St. Paul Johnson)
• Border Battle- Feb 7th (Hamline)

10 Non-Conference Games to Watch (single game events only)

• Wayzata at Prior Lake - Dec 2nd
• Totino-Grace at Prior Lake - Dec 4th 
• Apple Valley at Hopkins - Dec 9th 
• Totino-Grace at Maple Grove - Dec 11th 
• Holy Family at Minnehaha - Dec 12th 
• Cretin-Derham Hall at Totino-Grace - Dec 19th 
• Totino-Grace at Wayzata - Dec 23rd
• Cretin-Derham Hall at DeLaSalle - Jan 31st 
• Wayzata at East Ridge - Feb 9th 
• Hopkins at DeLaSalle - Feb 24th 

10 Conference Games to Watch

• Hopkins at Maple Grove - Jan 30th
• Maranatha at Legacy - Feb 3rd 
• Richfield at DeLaSalle - Feb 4th 
• Maple Grove at Wayzata - Feb 6th
• Apple Valley at Prior Lake - Feb 10th 
• Totino-Grace at Spring Lake Park - Feb 10th 
• St. Paul Central at St. Paul Johnson - Feb 10th 
• Cretin-Derham Hall at East Ridge - Feb 13th 
• Wayzata at Hopkins - Feb 17th
• Prior Lake at Eagan - Feb 20th 

10 Impact Transfers

• Izayah Cook - Wayzata from Sauk Rapids-Rice
• Justus Dayee - Tartan from Simley
• DeAngelo Dungey - Totino-Grace from Breck
• Bryce Gaustad - Anoka from Spectrum
• Max Iversen - Maple Grove from Delano
• Marcus Marshall - Maranatha from Minneapolis North
• Jack Thelen - Maple Grove from St. Michael-Albertville
• Xavier Frelix - Hopkins from Park Center
• Kwa Silikpoh - Osseo from Champlin Park
• AJ Taban - Totino-Grace from Stillwater

10 Upperclassmen to Watch

• Baboucarr Ann - Maple Grove
• Nolen Anderson - Wayzata (Minnesota commit)
• Dothan Ijadimbola - Totino-Grace (Drake commit)
• Max Iversen - Maple Grove (North Dakota St commit)
• JoJo Mitchell - Cretin-Derham Hall (U of St. Thomas commit)
• Jayden Moore - Hopkins
• Ahmed Nur - Hopkins
• Ty Schlagel - Cretin-Derham Hall (Nebraska commit)
• Cedric Tomes - East Ridge (Minnesota commit)
• Christian Wiggins - Wayzata (Iowa St commit)

10 Underclassmen to Watch

• Justus Dayee - Tartan
• Jaylen Greer - Two Rivers
• Ichima Idoko - DeLaSalle
• Kolden Johnson - Anoka
• Malik Martin - Minneapolis Camden
• Lamar McBride - Minneapolis Camden
• Tre Moore - Hopkins
• Emmanuel Oyesanmi - Tartan
• Kevin Wilson - Tartan
• Daniel Zoa - Totino-Grace

10 Local Teams to Watch

• Cretin-Derham Hall
  
• DeLaSalle
• East Ridge
• Hopkins
• Maple Grove
• Richfield
• St. Paul Johnson
• Tartan
• Totino-Grace
• Wayzata

Active Streaks of 20 Games Or More In Conference Play
Nova Classical and Mounds Park Academy broke big losing streaks last season.  Most of this year's streaks are new.

• St. Paul Washington - 36 losses
• Last win was 3/4/22 at St. Paul Humboldt
• Mounds Park Academy - 27 home losses
• Last home win was 2/9/18 vs St. Paul Academy
• Benilde-St. Margaret's - 24 home wins
• Last home loss was 2/8/22 vs Orono
• Burnsville - 23 road losses
• Last road win was 1/24/23 at Rosemount 
• St. Croix Lutheran - 22 wins
• Last loss was 2/2/24 at Maranatha
• Tartan - 22 wins
• Last loss was 2/8/24 at St. Thomas Academy
• Simley - 21 home losses
• Last home win was 1/13/23 vs Hill-Murray

Section Winners

I gave thoughts on 16 conferences plus independents.  I'll match that here with predictions for the winners of 15 metro area sections.  That includes the 6 local A, AA and AAA sections and all 8 AAAA sections.

4A: Liberty Classical.  With Legacy moving up and Heritage graduating everybody, the Lions get the default nod here.

4AA: Minnehaha has won this section 9 straight years.  Hard to see it not being 10.

5AA: Holy Family is thefavorite here with a high powered roster.  Maranatha should be right there with them.  Then a strong list of dangerous teams behind that.  Minneapolis North, SW Christian, Blake and Hiawatha all have talented pieces to move deep in the section.

3AAA: This section has been the city Cinderella story the last 2 seasons.  Its a very weak and wide open section.  I'll take craziness and another city story here.  Give me Minneapolis Roosevelt.
4AAA: De La Salle moves on again from this section.  Johnson is the main threat here.

5AAA: Totino-Grace continues their run without a ton of resistance.

6AAA: Richfield loads up and should make a run thru this section.
1AAAA: I'll take Rochester Mayo here with everybody coming back and a down year for the South Suburban reps of the section.

2AAAA: Not quite the usual section of death but the top half all capable of winning it.  Rivalries galore here only add to the flavor.  Prior Lake is the pick.

3AAAA: The top of this section remains the same.  I like Apple Valley here with Camare Young.  Eagan more than capable of making here too.

4AAAA: The section is top heavy again with a loaded Tartan squad, U of M recruit Cedric Tomes at East Ridge and a very talented Cretin-Derham Hall squad.  Let's go with Tartan in a grudge match of last year's section final.

5AAAA:  Maple Grove.  Easy favorite here with a loaded roster.

6AAAA: Wayzata.  Can't bet against the loaded state champs here.  But Hopkins will not be an easy out.

7AAAA: Another down year in this section.  I see a battle between Anoka and Blaine here.  Anoka moves on.

8AAAA: This section doesn't disappoint and it won't this year either.  Moorhead will have their hands full returning to state with defending AAA champ Alexandria, Bemidji and Brainerd all looking to claim the crown.  I'll take Alexandria here.

Season Thoughts

Plenty to watch and we'll begin with the Lake Conference.  The Breakdown has the top 3 teams as the top 3 in AAAA.  Will be very surprised if Mr Basketball comes from outside these teams.  Can Wayzata repeat?  Will Ken Novak get 20 wins at Hopkins to break the all-time coaching wins record?  Does he stay if he gets the record?  James Ware leaves Park Center to become the coach in waiting at Hopkins.  Just as interesting is Bo Powell leaving Robbinsdale Cooper, going to St. Agnes very briefly and ending up returning to Park Center where he took a struggling program to a state runner up finish in 2014.  Can Tartan or East Ridge break Cretin-Derham Hall's hold on section 4AAAA?  How far does Alexandria go without Chase Thompson and moving up to AAAA?  

The top of AAA locally will be loaded with Totino-Grace and don't miss those Tri-Metro games between Richfield and DeLaSalle.  AA will be well represented  locally with Minnehaha, Holy Family and Maranatha all capable of making a run.  I'll be interested to see how Jordan does with Matt Cordes getting back into the coaching ranks.  He had a great run at New London-Spicer.  The state tournament moves back a week.  It will feel like football with that awkward extra week between making state and the state tourney games.  Time to #ShockTheCzar, let's go!

2025-26 Lake Conference Preview

This is the 18th preview in my 2025-2026 season preview series.  In this preview, I finish my look at my look at each of the metro area conferences with a look at the Lake Conference.  There's 1 more preview left.  That will include section predictions and what to watch.  For a list of all the season previews and how they are done, click here.

Buffalo Bison (2024-25 season 14-14, 2-10 Conference, Tie 6th)
Buffalo has to replace all 5 starters and 6 members of their rotation.  Their 16U grassroots team had a very strong summer season.  Soph Thomas Jordan (8.3 PPG) played up with that group and is the top returning scorer.  He fits the 5 out style well as he can play outside and be their best guy inside for a small lineup.  Fellow soph Eli Hegle is a shooter who also played with that team.  I can see him having a breakout season.  Juniors Matthew Jordan (4.4 PPG) and Tony Jordan will see minutes too.  Plenty of shooting available for this squad.

Eden Prairie Eagles (2024-25 season 13-14, 4-8 Conference, 5th)
The Eagles have to replace their leading scorer Max Lorenson (22.8 PPG).  Guard play will still be their strength starting with PG Hamze Yusuf (17.2 PPG).  He's surrounded by shooters Grant Sprute (6 PPG) and junior Carter Pulrang (6.1 PPG).  Senior Cooper Fahning (6.3 PPG) is the tallest player but he can shoot it too as a stretch 4.

Edina Hornets (2024-25 season 9-19, 2-10 Conference, Tie 6th)
Coach Jon Bryant loses top scorer Billy DeMars (17.3 PPG) to UMD but returns his other 4 starters.  They play a versatile roster.  Forward Vincent Cronin (13.3 PPG) is the top guy.  Gus Carpenter (9.8 PPG) and Mason Mohs (9.5 PPG) are top scoring options.  Ben Rebischke is a starting guard.  Will Newburg joins him in the backcourt.  Junior Adryan Miller gives them a front line option.

Hopkins Royals (2024-25 season 26-2, 11-1 Conference, 1st)
Coach Ken Novak is now 19 wins away from matching the Minnesota all time record held by Bob McDonald.  He brought in James Ware from Park Center to be the next head coach in waiting.  The Royals have to replace 3 of their 5 double figure scorers.  That includes 24.8 PPG from North Dakota recruit Anthony Smith.  But you can always expect a high powered offense.  Star PG Jayden Moore (15 PPG) returns to lead the roster.  He'll likely be a Mr Basketball finalist.  Junior forward Ahmed Nur (10.2 PPG) has seen his stock rise into a high major guy over the last year or so.  Guard Tre Moore (5.9 PPG) also returns to the rotation.

Maple Grove Crimson (2024-25 season 23-9, 12-1 NW Suburban Conference, Tie 1st)
The Crimson have loaded up for their inaugural season in the Lake.  High scoring guard Max Iverson (23.2 PPG) comes in from Delano along with Jack Thelen in the middle.  I love the Thelen fit for them.  Maple Grove is one of the rare teams that use big men in traditional ways and Thelen fits that mold.  Add in a high major recruit in junior Baboucarr Ann (14.9 PPG) on the wing and you have a loaded roster.  Bennett Cizadlo is another top 2027 wing who is now eligible.  He played JV last year after transferring in from Totino-Grace.  Henry Knutson (10.1 PPG) is a sneaky good athlete returning at a wing spot as well.  Gavin Elmquist also provides experienced depth.

Minnetonka Skippers (2024-25 season 19-9, 8-4 Conference, 3rd)
Minnetonka was probably my worst analysis of last year as they were far better than I expected.  They have to replace their top scorer Isa El-Amin (24.5 PPG).  They'll still have Willie Wright and Anthony Ortiz (7.3 PPG) on the perimeter.  They'll hope that football star Caleb Francois (9.6 PPG) sticks around for the hoops season rather than leave early for Iowa State. They played a short rotation last year.  I expect the same this year.

St. Michael-Albertville Knights (2024-25 season 18-10, 5-7 Conference, 4th)
STMA has to rebuild the lineup with most of the rotation gone.  That includes 3 double figure graduated scorers and 13.8 PPG from 7 foot center Jack Thelen who's now at Maple Grove.  Size won't be a problem though as Maverick Maros and Drew Demarais return to the front line.  Junior PG Braylon Bohm and Lane Jeffery are top options to be backcourt replacements. Junior Sekou Fofana is another wnig option.  Ethan Jordheim is another front court option.

Wayzata Trojans (2024-25 season 28-4, 10-2 Conference, 2nd, AAAA State Champion)
The defending champs return their top 3 guys and they all averaged over 15 PPG.  Iowa St recruit Christian Wiggins (19.1 PPG) and Minnesota signee Nolen Anderson (17.5 PPG) are the top 2 recruits in the state.  They team up on the wing with Isaac Olmstead (15.6 PPG, UMD commit) running the show.  Tommy Shunmugavelu (4.9 PPG) returns to do the dirty work up front. They also add a top junior in forward Izayah Cook from Sauk Rapids.  He should be used to playing with 3 star seniors as he did that last season.  Guards Xaviahn Ivey and Sam Mohs join forward Brady Lam is just some of the top depth that they also have.

Predicted Order of Finish

1. Wayzata
   
2. Maple Grove   
3. Hopkins 
4. Edina  
5. Minnetonka     
6. Eden Prairie
7. Buffalo  
   
8. St. Michael-Albertville

Conference Overview
The top of the league is absolutely stacked.  The top 3 are all top 5 teams in the state.  Wayzata as the defending state champs with everything back has to be the pick.  Coin toss on Maple Grove and Hopkins.  How quickly the new pieces integrate at Maple Grove is something to watch.  I'm going to take Edina as the best of the rest with 4 starters coming back.  Minnetonka figured it out last year, I'll give them the benefit of the doubt here in a group of 3.  Eden Prairie and Buffalo will be dangerous teams from the 3 point line but they'll live and die by it.  St. Michael has too much to replace especially in a league this tough.

Conference MVP: Jayden Moore - Hopkins

Underclassmen to watch:  

• Thomas Jordan, Eli Hegle - Buffalo
• Jamir Davis - Eden Prairie
• Tre Moore, King Smith - Hopkins 
• Brody Cook, Ben Banwart - Maple Grove 
• Willie Wright, Beckham Nelson, Elliot Thompson - Minnetonka 
• Finn Dorfsman, Tanner Heinen - St. Michael-Albertville

Conference Games to Watch

• Maple Grove at Hopkins - Jan 6th
• Wayzata at Maple Grove - Jan 13th
• Hopkins at Wayzata - Jan 23rd
• Hopkins at Maple Grove - Jan 30th
• Maple Grove at Wayzata - Feb 6th
• Wayzata at Hopkins - Feb 17th

 Non-Conference Games to Watch

• Wayzata at Prior Lake - Dec 2nd 
• Maple Grove vs DeLaSalle - Dec 6th (Big Stage at Hopkins)
• Tartan at Hopkins - Dec 6th (Big Stage) 
• Apple Valley at Hopkins -  Dec 9th 
• Totino-Grace at Maple Grove - Dec 11th
• Wayzata vs Cretin-Derham Hall - Dec 13th (Tipoff Classic at Edina)
• Hopkins vs Totino-Grace - Dec 13th (Tipoff Classic at Edina) 
• Maple Grove vs East Ridge - Dec 13th (Tipoff Classic at Edina) 
• Chaska at Wayzata - Dec 16th  
• Totino-Grace at Wayzata - Dec 23rd
• Maple Grove vs Rochester Mayo - Dec 26th (Capitol City Classic at Bethel) 
• Maple Grove vs Tartan- Dec 27th (Capitol City Classic at Bethel) 
• Hopkins vs Eagan - Jan 10th (Southside Super Showcase at Minnehaha)
• Maple Grove vs Nicolet (WI) - Feb 7th (Border Battle at Hamline)
• Hopkins at DeLaSalle - Feb 24th 
• Maple Grove at Spring Lake Park - Feb 25th

2025-26 South Suburban Conference Preview

This is the 17th preview in my 2025-26 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 (2024-25 season 23-8, 12-6 Conference, 3rd)
The Eagles look to take the another step as they've gone from 4 to 14 to 23 wins and a trip to state in a 3 year span.  Leading scorer Camare Young (18.6 PPG) returns for the Eagles.  He's a nightmare matchup with size and power to go with speed.  He'll play a lot of point forward for them.  Trey Parker (17 PPG) also returns as a guard who can score in a hurry.  Ryan Christansen (5.6 PPG) returns as the stretch 4.  Jaedin Williams will have a bigger role on the wing.  Tylan Ward returns as as rotation guard.

Burnsville Blaze (2024-25 season 4-23, 2-16 Conference, Tie 9th)
Burnsville has to replace a large chunk of their lineup.  Junior forwards Connor McDevitt and Jayden Anunda will be top options this season.  Yannick Amoyi will see inside minutes.  Guard play is a huge question mark.

Eagan Wildcats (2024-25 season 17-12, 10-8 Conference, Tie 4th)
The Wildcats return 4 starters as they look to compete for a league title.  St. Cloud St commit Kevin Kemp (9.7 PPG) controls the middle.  SG Mikey McKenzie (11.5 PPG) is one of the best shooters in the league with deep range.  Leading scorer Alex Schroepfer (16.5 PPG) is the Swiss army knife that does it all and holds it together.  Will Berran returns as their defensive minded guard.  Junior Donjae Knox also returns to the front line.  Senior wing Kyle Peterson also returns to the rotation.

Eastview Lightning (2024-25 season 5-22, 2-16 Conference, Tie 9th)
Wing JC Green (18 PPG) led the Lightning in scoring last season.  He's the only returning starter.  Justice Demarco and Erik Olson will man guard spots.  Daniel Mekonnen will see time on the wing.  Isaac Bone is the top returning option to man the interior.

Farmington Tigers (2024-25 season 15-13, 9-9 Conference, Tie 6th)
Farmington sees 5 of their top 7 scorers from last season graduate.  That includes guard Ryan Beckwith and do everything forward Cole Wilcek.  They were 2 of the 4 double figure scorers.  They also lose junior forward Tommy Schabert (5 PPG) for the season due to injury.  He was poised to be a major contributor.  Forward Briggs Sheridan (9.6 PPG) is the top returning scorer and should be poised for a major increase in his production with the Schabert injury.  He's a big body who will also shoot it from 3.  On the perimeter, Blake Johnson (3.9 PPG), Kale Flees and Max Blandin all return to the rotation.

Lakeville North Panthers (2024-25 season 18-11, 10-8 Conference, Tie 4th)
Longtime assistant Mike Nolan takes over for retired hall of famer John Oxton.  He had a 21-33 record in 2 years as the interim coach from 2006-2008.  Northern State commit Dane Danielson (7.9 PPG) is the top returnee for a team that needs to replace 4 starters.  He had a terrific summer as he's developed into that classic inside out forward.  Tony Johnson (5.1 PPG) is the starter coming back.  Lots of questions beyond those 2.  Juniors Owen Brezinski and Reid Bishop look to complete with a group of seniors for minutes.  Pete Krolak and Dylan Lepinski are a couple of guard in that senior group.

Lakeville South Cougars (2024-25 season 15-12, 9-9 Conference, Tie 6th)
Casey Fliehe (7.2 PPG) is the top returning scorer and the lone returning starter.  Soph Nolan Greene (7 PPG) and Ryker Sanders return to the front line.  Senior guard Collin Johnson (5.3 PPG) was very productive this summer. Expect a big increase in production from him.  Nic Swanson also returns at a guard spot.

Prior Lake Lakers (2024-25 season 22-7, 13.5 Conference, 2nd)
Forward Norbu Jenpa (20.8 PPG) and PG Cade Wozney (11 PPG) have graduated.  That means no double figure scorers return.  The Lakers will still be very dangerous though.  Forward Colten Gunderson (9.4 PPG) is a go to guy inside.  Juniors Kobby Sanbrew and Trey Theis return as forwards with shooter Kolby Thompson.  Zach Christofferson also returns to the front line.  Cole Brinkman is another returning guard.

Rosemount Irish (2024-25 season 11-16, 7-11 Conference, 8th)
Assistant Kevin Smith takes over the program.  He'll have 4 returning starters to work with.  However that won't include leading scorer Jordan VanWinkle (13 PPG).  Guard Peyton Gholson (12.5 PPG) leads the offense.  Senior forwards Jack Burke (9.8 PPG) and Drew Molenaar will now be the top inside guys.  Kavari Flowers and Ja'khi Hollie join Gholson as guards who can handle it.  Mayon Dixon (9.3 PPG) returns as a wing starter.

Shakopee Sabers (2024-25 season 24-7, 16-2 Conference, 1st)
The Sabers have to replace 5 starters with their top 6 scorers.  That's almost 65 PPG gone.  But there's a group of talented juniors waiting in the wings.  Shooter Luke Schroeder (5.8 PPG) could triple or even quadruple his production.  Football standout Blake Betton (4.1 PPG) also returns to the rotation.  Jake Courts is another wing who joined the rotation later in the season.    I think he'll be a name that breaks out.

Predicted Order of Finish

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

Conference Overview:
I see a trio at the top of the league.  Prior Lake I see as the deepest lineup.  Apple Valley has the most dangerous player.  Eagan has way too much coming back to be picked any lower.  Tons of losses in the middle.  Shakopee just seems to reload and I'll take them to do that here.  Farmington both with 1 versatile big guy but what they put around that guy is key.  The bottom 3 all continue to rebuild.

Conference MVP: Camare Young - Apple Valley

Underclassmen to watch:

• Nolan Greene - Lakeville South 
• Brady Molenaar - Rosemount

Conference Games to Watch

• Prior Lake at Apple Valley - Jan 12th
• Eagan at Prior Lake - Jan 15th
• Apple Valley at Eagan - Jan 20th 
• Apple Valley at Prior Lake - Feb 10th
• Eagan at Apple Valley - Feb 17th 
• Prior Lake at Eagan - Feb 20th 

Non-Conference Games to Watch

• Wayzata at Prior Lake - Dec 2nd
• Totino-Grace at Prior Lake - Dec 4th 
• Apple Valley vs Totino-Grace - Dec 6th (Big Stage at Hopkins)
• Apple Valley at Hopkins - Dec 9th 
• Apple Valley vs Rochester Mayo - Dec 13th (Tipoff Classic at Edina) 
• Prior Lake vs Chaska - Dec 29th (Shakopee tournament) 
• Eagan vs Hopkins - Jan 10th (Southside Super Showcase at Minnehaha) 
• Prior Lake at Cretin-Derham Hall - Jan 24th (The Collision) 
• Apple Valley vs Onalaska (WI) - Feb 7th (Border Battle at Hamline) 

2025-26 Suburban East Conference Preview

This is the 16th preview in my 2025-2026 season preview series.  In this preview, I continue my look at the local big schools with a look at the Suburban East Conference.  For a list of all the season previews and how they were generated, click here.

Cretin-Derham Hall Raiders (2024-25 season 29-2, 17-1 Conference, 1st)
The state AAAA runner up needs a new front line with Tommy Ahneman (18.1 PPG) and Monteff Dixon (12 PPG) graduating.  Wing Ty Schlagel (18.4 PPG) and guard JoJo Mitchell (16.7 PPG, St. Thomas commit) lead a deep group.  4 other reserves return and they add guard Isaac Feller from Bloomington Jefferson.  Junior Dre Frierson-Hollie is the main candidate to be the new interior guy.  Feller, Isaiah Thom, Cartier Russell and Julian Smith join returning PG and defender Jason Johnson on the outside.

East Ridge Raptors (2024-25 season 21-7, 16-2 Conference, 2nd)
Star combo guard Cedric Tomes (27.3 PPG) returns.  He'll play at Minnesota next year.  He'll be recovering from a broken finger suffered during the football season.  Shooting guard Bennett Skinner (11.6 PPG) joins him in the backcourt.  Forward Graham Sanneh (5.4 PPG) also returns to the lineup.  He's shown rapid improvement over the last year.  Andrew Tharaldson joins him on the front line.  Aidan Galvin and soph Ben Koch will be part of the backcourt rotation.

Forest Lake Rangers (2024-25 season 6-21, 3-15 Conference, 9th)
The Rangers return all but 1 member of their rotation. Guard DJ Westman (16.1 PPG) leads the way.  Nobody else averaged more than 7.6 PPG.  Kevin Ndirangu, Adam Sorenson and Connor Johnson join him in the starting lineup.  Landon Schwartz and Alex Sanchez are other front line options.  Jayden Dillard (7.6 PPG) is another scoring option in the backcourt.

Irondale Knights (2024-25 season 5-22, 1-17 Conference, 10th)
Travis Dedina is the new Knights head coach.  He has to replace top guard Jake Dedominces (21.3 PPG) and 6 other seniors.  Forwards Cameron Cramble (12 PPG) and Mason Broussard (6.2 PPG) provide good size up front.  Fisher Killins (5.3 PPG) and Vaughn Macdonald are the top returning guard options.

Mounds View Mustangs (2024-25 season 20-8, 12-6 Conference, 3rd)
Mounds View has to replace their entire lineup of 10 seniors.  Seniors Basil Casper and Qani Mohamed along with junior Connor Crosby will lead the front line.  Juniors Rylan Happel, Ried Defeyter and Andrew Aitkin should be a perimeter rotation with soph Dominic Barrett.

Park Wolfpack (2024-25 season 12-16, 6-12 Conference, 8th)
The guard duo of Anthony Giadyu (18.9 PPG) and Miskir Esayas (14.9 PPG) graduated so no double figure scorers return.  The wing play will be a strength with Aaron Sandin (9.6 PPG) and Brandon Bihm (8.7 PPG) as the top returning scorers.  Junior Justin Ebbers can stretch the floor as their main size guy.  Seniors Caleb Sweet and Keon Moody return at guard spots.  Expect them to once again go with a short bench of only 1 or 2 guys.

Roseville Raiders (2024-25 season 10-17, 8-10 Conference, 6th)
A familiar name returns to Roseville as Tom Critchley Jr takes over.  His dad Tom and brother Ted ran the program a few years ago.  He'll have hall of fame coach Dave Galovich (Crosby-Ironton) on his staff.  Four starters and 8 other seniors have to be replaced.  Forwards Carter Bloomquist and Wayne McGriff return.  Junior wing Micah Wiscus (11.6 PPG) is the leading returning scorer.  No experience outside of those 3.

Stillwater Ponies (2024-25 season 17-11, 11-7 Conference, 4th)
The Ponies lose 3 of their top 4 scorers.  Junior forward AJ Taban (12.9 PPG) was the leading scorer but he's off to Totino-Grace.  But they are deep in that spot.  Juniors Carter Zollar (12.6 PPG) and Owen Stangl (5.9 PPG) should fill in nicely there as top options.  Zach Krusemark and Gabe Smith also saw front court time last season.  Replacing the guard play of Henry Zollar and Manny Smith is also needed.  Senior lefty Henry Percic (4.7 PPG) is the lone experience guard coming back.  Bjorn Naatjes will be a candidate at the point guard spot.

White Bear Lake Bears (2024-25 season 14-12, 9-9 Conference, 5th)
Forward Colin Piper (15.2 PPG, Florida Tech commit) returns but they lose 9 seniors from the rotation.  Junior forward Preston Crider will be another front court presence.  Nick Cardenas is the only other player with any rotation experience.

Woodbury Royals (2024-25 season 10-17, 7-11 Conference, 7th)
Coach Kent Getzlaff returns a pair of starters.  Wings Muad Abdulrahim (12.7 PPG) and Brandan Fahey (6.9 PPG) lead the program.  Junior forward Tyler Erickson (4.5 PPG) and soph guard Ethan Studer (4.2 PPG) are nice young pieces to work with.  Senior Cohen Rogers will also see wing time.  Juniors Ethan Hauser and Nolan Freymiller and soph Carter Wilkerson were JV starters last year.  They'll compete for minutes this season.

Predicted Order of Finish

1. Cretin-Derham Hall
   
2. East Ridge     
   
3. Woodbury 
4. Stillwater  
5. Park 
   
6. Forest Lake
7. Mounds View  
8. Roseville 
9. White Bear Lake
10. Irondale

Conference Overview:
CDH remains the class of the league.  East Ridge has nice balance and a star in Tomes.  After that, drop to Woodbury who I think makes a jump with a nice returning group.  Stillwater will be big, but they'll have to figure out guard play.  Park has a nice wing group to work with.  Forest Lake also looking to make a jump with most everybody back.  Mounds View has to drop with zero experience coming back but they always plug the next group into their system.  Roseville and White Bear Lake also have to replace just about everybody.  Irondale loses their top guy and has struggled for 2 seasons so they stay in the cellar for now.

Conference MVP: JoJo Mitchell - Cretin-Derham Hall

Underclassmen to watch: 

• Anthony Armstrong, Zeke Gilbert- Cretin-Derham Hall
  
• Ben Koch - East Ridge
• Soren Lukkason - Forest Lake
• Dominic Barrett - Mounds View 
• Ethan Studer, Carter Wilkerson - Woodbury

Conference Games to Watch

• East Ridge at Cretin-Derham Hall - Jan 8th 
• Cretin-Derham Hall at East Ridge - Feb 13th

Non-Conference Games to Watch

• Cretin-Derham Hall vs Wayzata - Dec 13th (Tipoff Classic at Edina) 
• East Ridge vs Maple Grove -  Dec 13th (Tipoff Classic at Edina)
• Cretin-Derham Hall at Totino-Grace - Dec 19th
• Cretin-Derham Hall vs Alexandria - Dec 27th (CSP Holiday Tournament) 
• East Ridge at Totino-Grace - Jan 2nd 
• Prior Lake at Cretin-Derham Hall - Jan 24th (The Collision) 
• Cretin-Derham Hall at DeLaSalle - Jan 31st 
• Wayzata at East Ridge - Feb 9th 

2025-26 NW Suburban Conference Preview

This is the 15th preview in my 2025-2026 season preview series.  Its the final week of the preview series and that means its time for the metro big schools.  In this preview, a look at the Northwest Suburban Conference. For a list of all the season previews and how they are done, click here.

Andover Huskies (2024-25 season 11-17, 3-10 Conference, Tie 11th)
The Huskies have to replace their leading guard duo of Alex Kopetzki (18.8 PPG) and Luke Fenton (12.6 PPG).  They'll be strong up front.  Forwards Eddie Miles (10.8 PPG) and Joseph Mapson (8.5 PPG) return to anchor the frontcourt.  Caden Roessler (10.4 PPG) and Colton Miller  (8.8 PPG) return on the perimeter.  Blaine Roessler and Lane Johnson also return to the rotation.

Anoka Tornadoes (2024-25 season 23-8, 9-4 Conference, 5th)
Both leading scorers at the guard spots also depart for Anoka.  That costs the Tornadoes over 34 PPG in scoring and a ton of experience.  Senior guard Dre Ellis (11.5 PPG) should see a big increase in production.  What goes with him at the guard spots is a question mark.  The forward spots will be solid with Brody Lakanen, freshman Kolden Johnson and Spectrum transfer Bryce Gaustad.  

Blaine Bengals (2024-25 season 16-12, 6-7 Conference, Tie 6th)
The Bengals have to replace 3 of their 4 double figure scorers.  Senior wing Shiloh Ayitey (19 PPG) looks to be one of the league's top scorers again.  Guard Tulla Gemta (8.9 PPG) also returns to the starting lineup.  Guards Gavin Weir, Tim Radtke and Owen Clark will see guard time.  Cade Neilson returns to the front line.  It'll be a senior laden lineup 

Centennial Cougars (2024-25 season 15-14, 5-8 Conference, Tie 8th)
Centennial has to replace 4 of their top 5 scorers.  That includes star wing Jackson Driessen and his 23.8 PPG.  Forward Tristan Hanson (15 PPG) leads the lineup.  Wing/Forward Zach Espinosa (4 PPG) will see a much increased role.  The perimeter rotation sees senior Shawn Eline to run the point.  Juniors Wesley Kukkonen and Brett Pullman join him.  Sophomores Bryant Richardson and Brady Anderson are depth options.

Champlin Park Rebels (2024-25 season 23-5, 11-2 Conference, Tie 3rd)
The dynamic wing duo of Tyler Wagner (27.7 PPG) and Preston Thielke (12 PPG) needs to be replaced. But there's still plenty to work with.  Junior wing Gavin Walter (8.9 PPG) has waited his turn.  He should expand on a great grassroots season to be the lead guy this winter.  Soph Moussa Dukuly and Pierless Davis will join him on the outside.  Kyler Pust (8.5 PPG) is a leader at a guard spot. Great Emadamerho is an option to take over the forward spot.

Coon Rapids Cardinals (2024-25 season 7-20, 1-12 Conference, 14th)
Coon Rapids loses their top 2 scorers which is over 44 PPG and a huge hole on the wings.  The Cardinals will be led by a small senior guard trio of Kieran Wymore (7.1 PPG), Konnor Young and Cody Dagogo.  Wymore is the only returnee who averaged more than 4 PPG last season.  Junior TJ Neal joins them in the perimeter rotation.  Senior Jadon Ekoue returns in the middle along with Bo Adeuga.

Elk River Elks (2024-25 season 8-20, 5-8 Conference, Tie 8th)
The Elks lose guard Max Spanier (12.4 PPG) but return everybody else.  Guard Levi Harris (20 PPG) and big forward Dominic Webster (10.4 PPG) are a nice duo to work with.  David Balisidya, Chase Sheldon and Amani Kuhl join Harris in the backcourt.  Jackson Boll is a super hard worker and a dynamic rebounder to go with Webster.  Fun player to watch.  Brody Thompson and 7 footer Lincoln Jeno LaPlante are also frontline options.

Osseo Orioles (2024-25 season 7-20, 3-10 Conference, Tie 11th)
It was another surprising down year for Osseo but this is a new year with a brighter outlook.  Kwa Silikpoh and Joel Saah transfer in to man the guard spots.  Both come from Park Center but Silikpoh was the starting PG at Champlin Park for half of last season before leaving.  Owen Counce joins them at a guard spot.  Wing Quincy Johnson also returns.  Trey Shaffer returns at a forward spot.  That's a spot that the Orioles have traditionally been able to always plug in as a productive role guy.

Park Center Pirates (2024-25 season 16-11, 11-2 Conference, Tie 3rd)
The Pirates are facing a mass exodus.  Four double figure scorers graduated.  Coach James Ware left to be the head coach in waiting at Hopkins.  Xavier Frelix followed him there along with the pair that left for Osseo.  DaRoyce Mills and Joseph Jacobs return in the backcourt.  Yahya Soumahoro saw back end rotation minutes in the middle. 

Robbinsdale Armstrong Falcons (2024-25 season 5-22, 3-10 Conference, Tie 11th)
Coach Rob Ware has to replace his 2 double figure scorers.  Junior wing Alex Olson (10.1 PPG) was a nice breakout story last season.  He'll be the primary option this season.  Seniors Eli Kuempel join and Aidon Reinke join him as returning starters.  Gabriel Hall and Reinke should be the primary guards.  Calan Pilon will be another inside out rotation option.  Max Peters-Hebert will see inside minutes.

Rogers Royals (2024-25 season 10-17, 6-7 Conference, Tie 6th)
All 5 starters and the top 5 scorers need to be replaced.  Guards Xyarien Jackson (4.1 PPG) and Tucker Sawdey lead that group.  Jason Lutgen and Owen Ahlbrecht will be the front line.  The 6'8" Ahlbrecht had a nice summer and is a breakout candidate.  Sam McApline will see wing time.  All of those players are juniors as the Royals build for 2 seasons.  Senior guard Colin Anderson provides experience.

Spring Lake Park Panthers (2024-25 season 11-16, 4-9 Conference, 10th)
The Panthers went with a junior lineup last year and that should pay off this year.  Wing Nolan Myren (19.8 PPG) leads a strong group of guards.  Colin Welch (11.1 PPG) and junior Cal Spencer (8 PPG) return with Myren as starters.  Sawyer Thomsen, Nolan Roach and Tyler Wilkinson will be in that perimeter rotation too.  Forward Aaron Jeppson (6 PPG) returns to the starting lineup too.  He's 6'10" (and you can't teach that), long and lanky but can stretch the floor shooting it.  James Pelkey joins him on the front line.

Totino-Grace Eagles (2024-25 season 23-7, 12-1 Conference, Tie 1st)
Coach Nick Carroll looks to lead the Eagles back to a state championship.  Malachi Hill (14 PPG) and Tian Chatman (9.6 PPG) return to lead the guards.  Drake commit Dothan Ijadimbola (12.4 PPG) returns on the wing.  Stillwater transfer AJ Taban is an inside out option.  Breck transfer DeAngelo Dungey is another great wing option.  Depth options Jaylan Hynes and Daniel Zoa also return to the rotation.  Then you have quality options like Luther Bunge and Shay Jackson from last year's JV also looking for time.

Predicted Order of Finish

1. Totino-Grace
   
2. Spring Lake Park 
3. Champlin Park 
4. Anoka 
5. Osseo
6. Elk River 
7. Blaine  
8. Rogers   
9. Park Center
10. Andover
11. Robbinsdale Armstrong 
12. Centennial 
13. Coon Rapids

Conference Overview:
Maple Grove has moved to the Lake Conference and that takes away a league heavyweight.  That means Totino-Grace is far and away the favorite.  Spring Lake Park is the best of the rest with most of their lineup returning.  Anoka and Champlin Park have strong pieces coming back as well.  Osseo should rebound with their additions.  Elk River and Blaine will once again battle in the middle.  Park Center drops and Rogers loses a ton but will be better than expected.  Coon Rapids clearly at the bottom with the other 3 trying to avoid them.

Conference MVP: Nolan Myren - Spring Lake Park

Underclassmen to watch: 

• Kolden Johnson - Anoka 
• Bryant Richardson, Brady Anderson - Centennial 
• Mousssa Dukuly - Champlin Park 
• Daniel Zoa - Totino-Grace
  

Conference Games to Watch

• Totino-Grace at Spring Lake Park - Feb 10th

Non-Conference Games to Watch

• Totino-Grace at Prior Lake - Dec 4th 
• Totino-Grace vs Apple Valley - Dec 6th (Big Stage at Hopkins) 
• Totino-Grace at Maple Grove - Dec 11th
• Totino-Grace vs Hopkins - Dec 13th (Tipoff Classic at Edina)
• Cretin-Derham Hall at Totino-Grace - Dec 19th
• Totino-Grace at Wayzata - Dec 23rd
• East Ridge at Totino-Grace - Jan 2nd
• Totino-Grace vs Germantown (WI) - Feb 7th (Border Battle at Hamline) 
• Maple Grove at Spring Lake Park - Feb 25th

2025-26 Outstate AAAA Preview

This is the 14th preview in the 2024-2025 season preview series.  Week 3 of the series ends with a look at the 9 non-metro class AAAA schools.  That means the AAAA schools that aren't otherwise included in the previews.  For a list of all the season previews and how they are done, click here.

Alexandria Cardinals (2024-25 season 29-3, 17-1 Conference, 1st Central Lakes, AAA State Champions)
The 2024-25 Class AAA state champs make the jump up to class AAAA.  Losing Mr Basketball winner Chase Thompson is huge.  But the Cardinals still look to return to the state tourney with most of the rest of the roster.  They have top notch perimeter play with guards Mason Witt and Talan Witt and wing Gavin Roderick.  Myles Gray and Grady Starzl also return.  Thomas Hinrichs is a worker that fits them very well.

Bemidji Lumberjacks (2024-25 season 15-12)
Bemidji returns 4 starters from last year.  High scoring combo guard Jaxon Boschee (26.7 PPG) and forward Austin Riewer (14.6 PPG) are a solid inside out duo.  Jeron Huseby (9.3 PPG) and Rhys Sneide also return to the starting lineup as guards.  Beyond that, they'll need to figure out the depth options since the rest of the returning experience is very limited.

Brainerd Warriors (2024-25 season 14-14, 8-8 Conference, 5th Central Lakes)
The Warriors return wing Korde Roseman (17.2 PPG) and wing Grant Johnson (7.5 PPG)  to their starting lineup.  They are 2 of the taller players on the roster but aren't interior guys so what they do there will be a question mark.  Guard Eli Tautges (14 PPG) and forward Garrett Gilbert (9.3 PPG) are the main pieces that need to be replaced.  Junior Blake Fenstad and soph Luke Merseth will also be in the guard rotation.

Duluth East Greyhounds (2024-25 season 10-17)
The Greyhounds return 3 nice pieces.  Guard Ty Nyberg and LaDanian Bowman join junior forward Simon Winkels.  Bowman was a breakout player last year.  Roman Durand is another front line option.  Soph wing Ty Schingen will see an expanded role.

Moorhead Spuds (2024-25 season 24-8, AAAA 5th place)
Moorhead has to replace their top 2 scorers in wing Reign Battle (20.8 PPG) and PG Brian Zarazua (16.7 PPG).  Zarazua's leadership was a key piece for them.  Juniors David Mack (16.1 PPG) and Jett Feeney (7.6 PPG) are football standouts but can hoop too.  Soph Romeo Kromah had a very nice grassroots season. Those 3 make up another good perimeter group.  Junior Austin Dryburgh returns inside along with Edmund Wotoe.

Owatonna Huskies (2024-25 season 14-14, 10-10 Conference, 6th Big 9)
Coach Josh Williams needs to replace all 5 starters.  Guard Gavin Burmeister is the top returnee along with forward William Halverson..  Junior Brendan Klecker will also see interior time.  Junior point guard Willie Moore will see plenty of ball handling time.

Rochester Century Panthers (2024-25 season 7-20, 6-13 Conference, 9th Big 9)
Wing/Forward Nate Long (13.1 PPG) is the lone double figure scorer returning for the Panthers.  Aguek Aguek returns inside.  A full backcourt of SG Sabir Ahmed (16.9 PPG), PG Ricky Wengert (11.9 PPG) and wing Dane Skime (6.5 PPG, now at Orono) needs to be replaced.  Junior Adam Borgmeier is an option to replace them.

Rochester John Marshall Rockets (2024-25 season 26-6, 19-2 Conference, 2nd Big 9)
The Rockets wouldn't let John Oxton retire without getting a section final win against him.  Now the top 7 scorers need to be replaced.  Guards Jackson Daly and Savy Vath lead this year's team.  Carson Guidinger returns on the front line.  Experience will be limited so expect the Rockets to grind out possessions.

Rochester Mayo Spartans (2024-25 season 18-9, 14-5 Conference, 3rd Big 9)
Mayo looks to contend for a Big 9 title with their entire starting lineup coming back.  Bruising PF Reggie Parker had a outstanding summer.  He'll lead the interior with Logan Shimek who can play inside but has a little range too.  Isaac Peterson and Will Gymarty return as a solid wing pair.  Junior Elliot Myszkowski returns as the point guard.

Overview
The northern half (read non Big 9) has all their top guys coming back outside of Chase Thompson and look to have really good seasons.  Section 8AAAA will once again be very fun.  In the south, section 1AAAA looks like rebuild seasons except for Mayo.

Underclassmen to watch: 

• Ty Miller - Alexandria 
• Luke Merseth, Brady Oseland, Dewayne Sims - Brainerd 
• Ty Schingen, Isaac Emerson, Tristan Latimore - Duluth East 
• Romeo Kromah- Moorhead
• Cooper Routh - Owatonna
• Will Ruzek - Rochetser John Marshall 
• Aguer Akech - Rochester Mayo 

Games to Watch

• Rochester Mayo vs Apple Valley- Dec 13th (Tipoff Classic at Edina) 
• Alexandria vs Tartan - Dec 13th (Tipoff Classic at Edina) 
• Maple Grove at Alexandria - Dec 16th
• Moorhead at Alexandria - Jan 6th
• Brainerd at Alexandria - Jan 13th
• Moorhead at Bemidji - Jan 15th
• Eagan at Duluth East - Jan 17th 
• Alexandria at Bemidji - Jan 22nd 
• Moorhead at Brainerd - Jan 24th 
• Brainerd at Duluth East - Jan 27th 
• Bemidji at Moorhead - Jan 29th 
• Alexandria at Brainerd - Feb 19th 
• Moorhead at DeLaSalle - Feb 21st 
• Totino-Grace at Alexandria - Feb 26th 

 

2025-26 Metro West Conference Preview

This is the 13th preview in my 2025-2026 season preview series.  Now its time for class AAAA as we have only 3 powerhouse AAA schools left.  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 (2024-25 season 26-3, 14-0 Conference, 1st)
Coach Damien Johnson has a down year in front of him.  3 stars have graduated including UNI commit Jalen Wilson (20.9 PPG).  Guard Kobbe Willis injured a knee in the offseason.  He was looking at a monster season.  Point guard Conner Watts (3.4 PPG) and wing Milton Nuahn (4.8 PPG) are top returnees.  Seniors Jaidyn Garibaldi and Cameron Best are candidates for minutes.  Braylon Kelly-Taylor comes in from league rival Jefferson after averaging 8.1 PPG.

Bloomington Jefferson Jaguars (2024-25 season 6-20, 2-12 Conference, 7th)
The Jags lost their top scorer midway thru the season.  Another top scorer graduates.  Then 2 more top scorers have transferred.  In addition to Braylon Kelly-Taylor, Isaac Feller (16.7 PPG) is now at Cretin-Derham Hall.  So what's left.  Latif Squires is the lone returning starter (5.4 PPG).  Carson Christensen and Gus Vollmuth return as guards.

Chanhassen Storm (2024-25 season 11-16, 7-7 Conference, 4th)
Chanhassen has to replace their high powered wing duo of Riley Johnson (23.9 PPG) and John Schmidt (18 PPG).  Junior wing Bennett Barger (11.2 PPG) should see his production dramatically increase as the top returnee.  Senior  Kolby Christl (7 PPG) joins him on the wing.  Nathan Ramler (6 PPG) had a productive summer and will be the top inside guy along with Matthew Daly

Chaska Hawks (2024-25 season 10-18, 6-8 Conference, Tie 5th)
Juniors Tyler Forrest (10.5 PPG) and Kalin Jochum (7.4 PPG) are the top guys coming back.  Forrest will be running the point for his 4th season.  Evan Atkinson (7.2 PPG) and Mayer Lutheran transfer Chase Maetzold will man the wings.  Eli Herzog is a shooter in the rotation.  Marquis Connell will see lots of time handling the ball with Forrest.  Jochum will be a primary front court option.

New Prague Trojans (2024-25 season 3-24, 1-13 Conference, 8th)
The top 2 scorers have graduated from a roster that was offensively challenged.  Guard Andrew King (10.6 PPG) and forward Alex Meyer (8.3 PPG) lead this year's roster.  Forward Myles Tietz and point guard Adam Lee return to the starting lineup.  Spencer Bahn will also see time in the guard rotation.

Orono Spartans (2024-25 season 24-8, 12-2 Conference, 2nd)
Orono has to replace all world guard Nolan Groves (34.2 PPG), forward Brady Wooley (18.7 PPG) and wing Mitchell Kauch (9.5 PPG).  Shooter Grant Hansen and wing Gavin McGuirk return to the starting lineup.  Brennan Doherty, Griffin Mauer and Dane Kanwischer return on the wings.  Wing Dane Skime transfers in from Rochester Century and will be a major lineup contributor.

St. Louis Park Orioles (2024-25 season 14-14, 6-8 Conference, Tie 5th)
The Orioles suffer the loss of the Curtis twins to North Dakota.  They combined for 52 PPG last season.  They lose a bunch of other seniors from the rotation too.  Forward Matthew Johnson (9.3 PPG) is the top returning scorer.  Shooting guard Tanner Rose will be a big boost to the lineup after sitting out last year due to a transfer from Benilde-St. Margaret's.  Josh Rickford returns to the lineup and will be the guy running the point.

Waconia Wildcats (2024-25 season 13-14, 8-6 Conference, 3rd)
Former Concordia-St. Paul assistant Nick Perrin takes over the program.  He'll build around star point guard Will Kirsch (23.4 PPG).  Secondary scoring options include Jaxen Holmlund (6 PPG), Henry Wisniewski (6.2 PPG) and Colton Henke (5.5 PPG).  Nickolas Theis and Luke Hill will man the front line.

Predicted Order of Finish

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

Conference Overview
The Metro West takes the biggest hit of any league in terms of graduation losses.  I think Jefferson and New Prague battle to stay out of the cellar as the clear bottom 2.  The top is a jumble and I see another year where we may see results that indicate nobody wants to win it.  A bunch of mediocrity here.  Chaska has experience and talented inside, outside and on the wing.  Waconia with my pick for MVP goes second.  Orono and Chanhassen battle for the next spot.  St. Louis Park could easily jump into that mix.  BSM is a wildcard with everything they lost.
 
Conference MVP: Will Kirsch - Waconia

Underclassmen to watch:  

• Meech Williams - Benilde-St. Margaret
  
• Isaac Johnson - Chanhassen
• Chase Maetzold - Chaska 

Conference Games to Watch

• Chaska at Orono - Jan 20th 
• Waconia at Chaska - Jan 29th
• Chaska at Waconia - Feb 24th

Non-Conference Games to Watch

• Waconia vs Minneapolis Washburn - Dec 6th (Big Stage at Hopkins)
• Waconia at Prior Lake - Dec 9th 
• Chaska at Wayzata - Dec 16th
• Chaska vs Prior Lake - Dec 29th (Shakopee holiday tournament)

2025-26 Metro East Conference Preview

This is the 12th preview in my 2025-2026 season preview series.  This preview is for the Metro East Conference.  For a list of all the season previews and an explanation of how the previews are generated, click here.

Hastings Raiders (2024-25 season 20-8, 11-5 Conference, Tie 3rd)
Point guard Weston Schult (11.6 PPG) and forward Lukas Foss (11.4 PPG) are a valuable inside out duo that need to be replaced.  Guard Matthew Foss (15.2 PPG) returns after leading the team in scoring last season.  Junior wing/forward Marlowe Strain (10.4 PPG) figures to have another big burst of production.  Soph guard Brady Hendrickson (7.9 PPG) also returns to the starting lineup.  Carter Lundstrom, Liam Burnatz and Caleb Gudissa also will see guard time.  Landon Miska will see minutes inside.  

Hill-Murray Pioneers (2024-25 season 8-19, 3-13 Conference, 8th)
Dustin Hayes takes over as Cam Jones took the St. Paul Central job.  He spent many years on the White Bear Lake staff and was a head coach at St. Croix Central just across the river.  He'll have to replace most of the lineup.  Soph Koa Fuller leads the returning squad.  Soph Jacob Dornan and Noah VanWychen return at guard spots.  Alex Reid and John Omoyeniwill be the primary interior players.  A youthful roster looking toward the future.

Mahtomedi Zephyrs (2024-25 season 18-10, 13-3 Conference, 2nd)
The Zephyrs should be poised for another strong season.  They return 3 of their top 4 scorers.  That includes the duo of combo guard Mark Graff (19.2 PPG) and junior forward Willie Roelofs (16.5 PPG).  Wing Noah Carlson (7.2 PPG) also returns to the starting lineup.  Andrew Russell will see more minutes inside.  Joe Sevenich returns to the guard rotation.

North Polars (2024-25 season 12-12, 6-10 Conference, Tie 5th)
Three seniors graduating and a pair of transfers to district rival Tartan mean a rebuilding year.  Leading scorer Duke King (16 PPG) and soph forward Kenny Brown are those transfers.  The duo of Terrence Horton (10.3 PPG) and point guard Elijah Ernwein (8.1 PPG) leads the way.  Zach Evgen, Montaeo Jarvis and AJ Scarver join them in the guard rotation.  Junior Elijah Benepe mans the middle.

St. Thomas Academy Cadets (2024-25 season 19-10, 11-5 Conference, Tie 3rd)
Pat Sjoberg takes over the Cadets program.  Forward Andrew Nolde (19.7 PPG) will be a major loss inside.  Senior Lars Osteraas (13.3 PPG) will be the do everything guy for the Cadets with the rest of the starters graduating.  Guard Dominic Baez is defensive minded.  Senior wings George Anderson and Todd Rogalski (5.1 PPG) also return to the rotation.  Junior guard Max Hayes looks to have a bigger role.

Simley Spartans (2024-25 season 6-20, 1-15 Conference, 9th)
Simley returns most of their lineup.  But they lose star freshman forward Justus Dayee to Tartan.  Soph Andre Glass is a 3rd year point guard.  Christian Urbina will also handle it a ton.  Junior Tre Lovelace and senior Connor Streiff lead the offense from the wings.  Senior Lyric Groth provides a ton of experience with them.  Kaynen Zein and Nathan Elachi are the main inside options.

South St. Paul Packers (2024-25 season 11-16, 5-11 Conference, 7th)
Star forward Mustafa Mohamed (14.7 PPG) is another top guy transferring.  He's off to Texas.  Lots returning to the lineup though.  Junior wing Dante Branch (13.5 PPG) had a breakout season and is poised for big numbers this season.  Marco London, Keishon Jarmon and Sincere Casarez-McCampbell and soph Keli Marik are all experienced guards coming back.  Forward Addison Tereau (10.6 PPG) returns to his interior dump off guy role.

Tartan Titans (2024-25 season 27-1, 16-0 Conference, 1st)
Coach Mark Klingsporn looks to have another elite group.  He has Duke King and Kenny Brown coming in from North St. Paul and Justus Dayee from Simley.  Tyrel Pride returns after a year at Johnson.  Not to mention he returns 2 of the top sophs in Minnesota and 2 other rotation guys.  KJ Wilson (16.8 PPG) runs the point and Emmanuel Oyesanmi (10.6 PPG) can move out to the wing with Duke King.  Pride will fit right in at the 2 with King at the 3.  Dayee can slot in at the 5.  That's a lineup that can make some real noise.  Jaylen Goergen is a veteran who knows how to play within the system.

Two Rivers Warriors (2024-25 season 12-16, 6-10 Conference, Tie 5th)
The Warriors return most of their lineup and will be a senior laden group.  Ramzi Rizlove (13.6 PPG) leaves after a career running the point.  Guards Lamont Michaels (14.2 PPG) and Martevious Allen (9.3 PPG) provide some scoring punch.  Rory Schuler (7.8 PPG) joins them on the wing.  Forward Julian Greer (13.6 PPG) plays inside and out with the ability to fill it up in a hurry.  Frosh Jaylen Greer will see plenty of minutes too.

Predicted Order of Finish

1. Tartan
   
2. Mahtomedi     
3. Hastings 
4. St. Thomas Academy  
   
5. Two Rivers  
6. South St. Paul 
   
7. Simley 
8. North  
9. Hill-Murray 

Conference Overview
Tartan is far ahead of the pack here with their additions.  Mahtomedi returns a most of a 2nd place roster and I think they stand out above everybody else.  The bottom 3 of Simley, North and Hill-Murray are their own group with Simley being the most talented but they also have really struggled to put it together the last 3 seasons.  South St. Paul is too talented to be 6th but losing Mustafa Mohamed is a ton to ask for a roster that underacheived last season.  Two Rivers with a ton back will give rival St. Thomas Academy a run.  But I think Lars Osteraas builds on a great summer and puts the Cadets on his back.  Hastings was a pleasant surprise last year and has 2 nice pieces coming back.  I'll take them for the 3rd spot.

Conference MVP: KJ Wilson - Tartan

Underclassmen to watch: 

• Brady Hendrickson - Hastings 
• Koa Fuller, Jacob Dornan - Hill-Murray
• D'Wayne Gibson, AJ Scarver, DJ Walton - North St. Paul
• Andre Glass - Simley
• Keli Mark - South St. Paul
• KJ Wilson, Emannuel Oyesanmi, Justus Dayee, Kenny Brown - Tartan
• Jaylen Greer, Sol Mogelson - Two Rivers

Conference Games to Watch

• Tartan at Mahtomedi - Dec 22nd
• Mahtomedi at Tartan - Feb 4th

Non-Conference Games to Watch

• Mahtomedi vs Hudson (WI) - Dec 2nd
• Tartan at Hopkins - Dec 6th (Big Stage)
• Tartan vs Alexandria - Dec 13th (Tipoff Classic at Edina) 
• Mahtomedi at Orono - Dec 17th
• Tartan vs Maple Grove - Dec 27th (Capitol City Classic at Bethel) 
• Brainerd at Tartan - Dec 30th 
• Mahtomedi vs Anoka - Jan 10th (Southside Super Showcase at Minnehaha)

2025-26 Mississippi 8 Conference Preview

This is the 11th preview in my 2025-26 season preview series.  Week 3 moves on with a look at the Mississippi 8.  For a list of all the season previews and how they are done, click here.

Becker Bulldogs (2024-25 season 17-11, 12-4 Conference, 2nd)
This is the year the Bulldogs have built up to.  They return all 5 starters including 3 double figure scorers.  Forward Bryce Paumen (18 PPG, 11.8 RPG) leads the roster.  Adam Wipper looks to be a depth option with him on the front line.  Sawyer Brown (17.5 PPG) and Nathan Weiss (13.7 PPG) lead the guards. Landon Peterson, Troy Nuest and junior Isiah Boyer also return to that perimeter rotation.

Big Lake Hornets (2024-25 season 9-18, 7-9 Conference, Tie 5th)
Forward Max Siegrist is a major loss at a post spot.  Forward Owen Wilczek is a Cincinnati baseball commit.  He could have a big year as the main post threat.  He was a double figure scorer last year.  The guard trio of Lane Pettis and soph Judd Layton with Trevor Stuckenholtz also returns.  Junior Leroy Hamrin and senior William Newland also return to that perimeter rotation.  Senior Dylan Kunz is a depth option inside.

Cambridge-Isanti Bluejackets (2024-25 season 12-15, 10-6 Conference, 4th)
Cambridge-Isanti has to replace 4 starters.  That includes double figure scorers Emerson Droubie (25.2 PPG, 10.1 PPG) and guard Ethan Bergloff (16.9 PPG).  A group of juniors will look to lead the way.  Guards Jameson Epple (13.8 PPG) and Eddie Lundeen (5.2 PPG) are the top returning scorers.  Peyton Coplan will join them in the rotation.  Lane Nelson returns to the rotation as the best option to replace Droubie's size and rebounding.

Chisago Lakes Wildcats (2024-25 season 3-24, 1-15 Conference, 9th)
After going first to worst in a very disappointing season, former Spectrum head coach Tom Terhaar takes over.  He'll need to implement a Get Back coach.  But this one will be for getting back on defense as the Wildcats gave up a ton of points last year.  He'll have a pair of solid wings to work with in Joe Couwenhoven (16.9 PPG) and Cohen Underhill (13.9 PPG).  Colton Betts (8.1 PPG) and Jack Storlie return to the lineup as well.  Juniors Will Pearson and Charles Boarman are top post options.  

Monticello Magic (2024-25 season 24-5, 15-1 Conference, 1st)
Monticello has to replace 3 starters from last year's league champs.  That includes forward Jackson Soroko (17 PPG).  Wings Rhys Nebben (13.7 PPG) and junior Carson Deibele (12.4 PPG) form a nice returning duo. Juniors Hunter Miller (6 PPG) and Ty Disch (4.7 PPG) return with expanded duties.  David Engel is a returning front line option.

North Branch Vikings (2024-25 season 3-24, 2-14 Conference, 8th)
Rob Johnson is the 3rd head coach in 3 years for the Vikings. He comes from their travel program.  He'll have 2 double figure scorers to work with.  Big wing Ethan Thorsen (15.3 PPG) returns.  Jacob Knoespel (15.6 PPG) returns to lead the interior.  Vinny Dufeck is a returning starter on the other wing.  Kingston Droz and Andrew Karnes saw rotation time last year.

Princeton Tigers (2024-25 season 12-15, 7-9 Conference, Tie 5th)
The Tigers return 3 starters.  Wing Noah Stencel (21 PPG) can fill it up in a hurry in their up and down style.  Soph Matthew Hallberg and senior Cody Durham are guards that will also score it.  Senior Jaxson Olson mans in the side.  Logan Wagner, Austin Ross and Michael Kincaid are depth options

St. Francis Saints (2024-25 season 9-18, 7-9 Conference, Tie 5th)
The top 3 scorers including wing Connor Peterson (23 PPG) need to be replaced.  Junior wing Hunter Olson (6.2 PPG) is the top returning player.  Guard Leyton Manners (2.4 PPG) is the other returnee to the starting lineup.  Seniors Tanner Rothbauer, Alex Cristan and Beckham Shiepnev are all returning to the rotation.

Zimmerman Thunder (2024-25 season 17-10, 11-5 Conference, 3rd)
Zimmerman had a breakout season last season.  They look to continue that with leading scorer Thomas McEachern returning.  The explosive wing averaged 17.8 PPG last season.  Lucas Lemke and Mason Spence return to the starting lineup too.  Junior Joe Larson will take over the point guard duties.  Senior forward Jakobey Giffen will see minutes inside.

Predicted Order of Finish

1. Becker 
2. Monticello 
3. Cambridge-Isanti
   
4. Zimmerman 
5. Princeton
6. Big Lake
7. Chisago Lakes 
8. St. Francis
9. North Branch

Conference Overview
Becker with most everything back is the default pick to win here.  Monticello and Cambridge-Isanti lose major pieces but also have plenty remaining.  I see those 2 battling for the 2nd spot.  Zimmerman and Princeton each have a very good wing scorer with returning pieces around that so I see them fighting for the top half.  Big Lake has enough to be the best of the rest and maybe jump into the top half.  Chisago Lakes will need to clean up their defense but talent wise they get the next slot.  St. Francis has a down year ahead.  North Branch is still rebuilding.  League could go down to the final night when Monticello visits Becker.

Conference MVP: Bryce Paumen - Becker

Underclassmen to watch: 

• Nathan Warhol, Tucker Becker - Becker
• Judd Layton - Big Lake 
• Luke Leadhom, Logan Ford, Carter Anderson - Chisago Lakes 
• Johnny Moore, Gibson Voll, Alec Deah - Monticello
• Dhaylen Bachrodt, Henry Christensen, Reid Sjodahl, Adam Bartkey - North Branch 
• Matthew Hallberg - Princeton 

Conference Games to Watch

• Becker at Cambridge-Isanti - Jan 13th 
• Becker at Monticello - Jan 30th
• Cambridge-Isanti at Becker - Feb 13th
• Monticello at Becker - Feb 27th 

Non-Conference Games to Watch

• Legacy Christian at Becker - Dec 2nd

2025-26 Wright County East Preview

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

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

Conference Games to Watch

• Holy Family at SW Christian - Jan 27th
• SW Christian at Holy Family - Feb 20th 

Non-Conference Games to Watch

• 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