10-11 Section 4A Preview

With 11 conference previews and a look at the local independents (along with the Wright County and Mississippi 8), I move on to part 2 of my season preview series with a look at the 11 metro area sections.  As is tradition, I'll start with the little guys in section 4A . For a list of all the season previews, click here.

Defending Champion: Minnesota Transitions

Normally I'd do full section seeding predictions here but as convoluted as the setup is for this section, who knows who will end up where.  Ultimately the seeds will mean very little as there's 2 teams at the top with 1 possible sleeper.  Beyond that, there's nothing to be afraid of in the section.  Assuming the teams are on separate sides of the bracket like last year, easy money says MN Transitions vs Maranatha for the section crown.  St. Agnes has enough talent back and they have both MTS and MCA on the schedule to be a sleeper.  Remember they won at Maranatha early last season.  In the next tier, I expect 3 others to open section play (after the play in games) with wins.  That's Heritage in the North/West.  Then New Life and St. Paul Humboldt in the South/East.

Section Winner: Minnesota Transitions.  The Wolves just have too much firepower with Rodney Owens, Devonte Harvey and Kyle Noreen.  MCA will keep the game close as they are very well coached but MTS will close them out late.

09-10 Section 7AAAA Preview

This is the 24th preview in my season preview series. In this edition I finish my look at the 11 metro area sections with a look at Section 7AAAA. If you missed any of the previews, you can find links to all of them on the Section & Conference Previews page.

Defending Champion: Blaine

Predicted Seeding:

1. Duluth East
   
2. Forest Lake
   
3. Blaine
   
4. Anoka
   
5. Andover
   
6. St. Francis 
   
7. Cambridge-Isanti
   
8. Coon Rapids
   

Section Winner: Duluth East.  A Forest Lake vs Duluth East final should be fantastic as these teams went triple OT last year.  Soph Johnny Woodard I believe went for 38 in that game.  With his improvement and Dyami Starks, the Greyhounds get the nod over Zach Riedeman and the Rangers.  Too bad that game won't be on Saturday night this year.  Too bad both teams have to go to Elk River to play it.  Move that game to some place like Cloquet.  Blaine is down but with forward Zach Romashko they're a level above the rest in this section.  The bottom 5 here are bad teams.  C-I lost 5 of their top 6 scorers.  St. Francis is a bottom half team in the North Suburban.  And the 3 remaining teams are the 3 teams I picked at the very bottom of the NW Suburban.

09-10 Section 6AAAA Preview

This is the 23rd preview in my season preview series. In this edition I continue my look at the big boys in AAAA with a look at section 6. If you missed any of the previews, you can find links to all of them on the Section & Conference Previews page.

Defending Champion: Hopkins

Predicted Seeding:

1. Hopkins
   
2. Minnetonka
   
3. Armstrong
   
4. Wayzata
5. Minneapolis North
   
6. St. Louis Park
   
7. Minneapolis South
   
8. Minneapolis Southwest
   

Section Winner: Hopkins.  Should be another epic section final between the big rivals Hopkins and Minnetonka.  X-Factor in that matchup is Marvin Singleton for Hopkins.  St. Louis Park is much improved and South's Alonzo Traylor is a tough matchup in the post, but these teams don't have enough to pull an upset.  Armstrong's guard play will make for an interesting matchup with Minnetonka.  Armstrong put up 91 and 84 in the 2 games last year so keep an extra scoreboard handy.

09-10 Section 5AAAA Preview

This is the 22nd preview in my season preview series. In this edition I continue my look at the big boys in AAAA with a look at section 5. If you missed any of the previews, you can find links to all of them on the Section & Conference Previews page.

Defending Champion: Osseo

Predicted Seeding:

1. Champlin Park
   
2. Osseo
   
3. Centennial
   
4. Robbinsdale Cooper
   
5. Spring Lake Park
   
6. Mounds View
   
7. Park Center
   
8. Irondale
   

Section Winner: Champlin Park.  The best of the NW Suburban resides here with the top 3 teams from that league.  Cooper is inexperienced but talented.  Spring Lake Park can play with any of these teams.  Mounds View's tradition and coach Ziggy Kauls can't be overlooked either.  A very balanced top 6 will make for very close if not high profile semifinals and a 4 vs 5 game that will be good.  Champlin Park vs Cooper is an appealing matchup that could be a semifinal.  Osseo and Cooper have seen each other 3 straight years in section play including the last 2 finals. They'll be challenged to do that again.

09-10 Section 4AAAA Preview

This is the 21st preview in my season preview series. In this edition I continue my look at the big boys in AAAA with a look at section 4. If you missed any of the previews, you can find links to all of them on the Section & Conference Previews page.

Defending Champion: Henry Sibley

Predicted Seeding:

1. Tartan
   
2. Stillwater
   
3. Henry Sibley 
   
4. Cretin-Derham Hall
5. Roseville
   
6. White Bear Lake
   
7. Woodbury
   
8. North
   

Section Winner: Tartan. This won't be easy for anyone. The top 4 here are as good as any section. Seantrel Henderson and CDH are as talented as anyone here. I'd definitely want to see Seantrel Henderson or Ryan Duxbury go at it with Mike Rostampour. Seeding here will definitely be interesting with 5 Suburban East teams voting against 3 Classic Suburban teams. If Stillwater or CDH wins the Suburban East outright, then I'd expect them to be voted the top seed by their peers. I think Tartan is the best team but against the other 3 contenders they have no matchup for the big guy. Not to mention they'd have to overcome that not once, but twice. Great constrast of styles. The semis and finals are at the new East Ridge gym rather than Concordia-SP or Arlington which should be a great venue.

09-10 Section 3AAAA Preview

This is the 20th preview in my season preview series. In this edition I continue my look at the big boys in AAAA with a look at section 3. If you missed any of the previews, you can find links to all of them on the Section & Conference Previews page.

Defending Champion: Apple Valley

Predicted Seeding:

1. Lakeville South
   
2. Eastview
   
3. Lakeville North
   
4. Rosemount
   
5. Apple Valley
   
6. Burnsville
7. Eagan
   
8. Park
   

Section Winner: Eastview. The Lightning are always a tough out at tournament time. The matchup of Vinard Birch vs Riley West at the point is a major weakness in this one for Lakeville South. Lakeville North has talented guards which can be a major factor at tourney time, but size and chemistry are issues to watch. Seeds 4-7 all have players who can have big games which provides an element of danger for the top seeds.

09-10 Section 2AAAA Preview

This is the 19th preview in my season preview series. In this edition I start my look at the big boys in AAAA. We start with section 2. If you missed any of the previews, you can find links to all of them on the Section & Conference Previews page.

Defending Champion: Bloomington Jefferson

Predicted Seeding:

1. Chaska
   
2. Eden Prairie
   
3. Shakopee
   
4. Bloomington Jefferson
   
5. Edina
   
6. Bloomington Kennedy
   
7. Prior Lake
   

Section Winner: Chaska. Despite all the success that Eden Prairie has in football, they just can't seem to get to state in basketball. Last year, Jefferson pulled the upset in the section final. Eden Prairie will be right there though. Shakopee and Jefferson will be very tough outs which should make for interesting semifinals according to the seedings. Jefferson is always well prepared and against a junior laden Chaska team, I can see that upset. Shakopee vs Eden Prairie will be a defensive struggle. The winner of the section will definitely earn it via 2 tough games.

09-10 Section 6AAA Preview

This is the 18th preview in my season preview series. In this edition, a look at section 6AAA. If you missed any of the previews, you can find links to all of them on the Section & Conference Previews page.

Defending Champion: Minneapolis Washburn

Predicted Seeding:

1. Benilde-St. Margaret's
   
2. Holy Angels
   
3. Waconia
   
4. Minneapolis Washburn
   
5. Richfield
   
6. Holy Family
   
7. Mound-Westonka
   
8. Chanhassen
   

Section Winner: Benilde-St. Margaret's. This is a very interesting section. Holy Angels is going to be a major indicator here as they play all the section contenders on the road (@Washburn Dec 10, @BSM Dec 17, @Richfield Dec 22, @Waconia Jan 8). Plus they have Holy Family at home. The top 3 are rock solid and could win this section. BSM is deep and talented with experience to boot so they have to be the favorite. Waconia's Shelby Moats has been a monster this fall and they defend as well as anyone. But they also return junior guards Bronson Scheff and shooter Ben Kortuem with forward Danny Fischbach. Holy Angels has a ton of experience returning for coach Larry McKenzie. Washburn is young but they're athletic and well-coached. Richfield has plenty of experience and guard Jay Sewer returning. Holy Family loses a ton, but they're always sound. Mitch Mandel and Ryan Dahl make up a big inside duo. Mound-Westonka returns Dan Flesher in the middle with guard Brandon Host so they won't go out easy.

09-10 Section 4AAA Preview

This is the 17th preview in my season preview series. In this edition, a look at section 4AAA. If you missed any of the previews, you can find links to all of them on the Section & Conference Previews page.

Defending Champion: St. Paul Johnson

Predicted Seeding:

1. St. Paul Johnson
   
2. St. Thomas Academy
   
3. Hill-Murray
   
4. Mahtomedi
5. Highland Park
   
6. Harding
7. South St. Paul
   
8. East Ridge
   

Section Winner: Johnson. They still have all the athletes and Estan Tyler gives them enough punch. St. Thomas Academy is down and Hill-Murray would be too big a jump. The rest of the section is dismal, especially the bottom with Harding, SSP and East Ridge. Even my 3 seed Hill-Murray finished last year 3-14 with all 3 wins being against really bad teams. Section final with Johnson and St. Thomas should be a defensive struggle. I would have moved South St. Paul up but with coach Getzlaff now coaching at Concordia-St. Paul, expect more of the same struggles.

09-10 Section 3AAA Preview

This is the 16th preview in my season preview series. In this edition, a look at section 3AAA. If you missed any of the previews, you can find links to all of them on the Section & Conference Previews page.

Out with the defending champ (Spring Lake Park moves to section 5AAAA) and the bottom feeders of the section (Chisago Lakes and North Branch move to section 7AAA). Replacing them are Central and Como Park who are upgrades and then De La Salle's arrival from section 6 more than replaces Spring Lake Park. Is it just me or wherever DLS goes, they get a tough section. No easy games here as 3 teams would be worthy champions.

Defending Champion: Spring Lake Park

Predicted Seeding:

1. De La Salle
   
2. Columbia Heights
   
3. Minneapolis Henry
   
4. St. Anthony
5. St. Paul Central
6. Totino-Grace
7. Fridley
8. Como Park
   

DLS is the favorite with their depth and defense. Columbia Heights gets the nod over Henry due to a tougher league. St. Anthony over Central for winning their half of the Tri-Metro. Totino-Grace over Fridley by conference pick and Como Park has to be last for not beating up on the weak St. Paul City. I really like the prospects of a Columbia Heights/Henry semifinal. Dynamite guard play and helter-skelter pace in that one. Have a spare scoreboard on hand. Then you get the contrast of DLS and their slow defensive style vs either in the final. That could mean ugliness either way. DLS plays at Henry on March 2nd in an early preview.

Section Winner: De La Salle. With their defense I think they match up very well against the other 2 elite teams (Henry and Heights). They more athletes and scoring punch than in years past so I think they get it done. That St. Anthony vs Central 4 vs 5 game could be one of the better 4 vs 5 games. Central's LeDarian Horton could be the difference maker.

09-10 Section 4AA Preview

This is the 15th preview in my season preview series. In this 2nd section preview, a look at section 4AA. If you missed any of the previews, you can find links to all of them on the Section & Conference Previews page.

17 teams in this year's section 4AA, but it may be more about what's gone (Jordan with favoirte name player Yuriy Maleshenko and Holy Family, all of the talent that St. Bernard's had etc). The West top seed may not break the 500 mark and the East once again has the power.

Defending Champion: St. Bernard's

West Subsection Predicted Seeding:

1. Brooklyn Center
   
2. Breck
3. Edison
4. Trinity
5. Blake
6. Roosevelt
7. Providence
8. MN Internship Center (or Intl School possibly)
   

Wow is this subsection ugly. Brooklyn Center is the only team I see breaking the 500 barrier and they'll need to be better in the 2nd half then past years. The bottom 3 teams are really bad, the remaining teams won't sniff the top half of their leagues.

East Subsection Predicted Seeding:

1. Minnehaha
   
2. St. Paul Academy
   
3. Concordia
4. St. Bernard's
   
5. St. Croix Lutheran
   
6. Arlington
7. Mounds Park Academy
   
8. International School
   
9. Great River
   

In the east, Minnehaha is the top team with division rival SPA right behind them. Then fill in the Tri-Metro East, then the class A level independents. International School should really be in the west, but I'm just going off of what the MSHSL site has.

Section Winner: Minnehaha Academy. Clearly the best team but their subsection title game with SPA or somebody from the Tri-Metro East isn't even that appealing. Only Brooklyn Center would break the top 5 in the East. These games aren't as appealing as the weak section 4A games which is pretty rare.

09-10 Section 4A Preview

Rolling on with the 09-10 Season Preview series, I move into part 2 with a look at the 11 metro area sections. This week a look at the bottom 3 classes. To start, a look at section 4A. If you missed any of the previews, you can find links to all of them on the Section & Conference Previews page.

A ugly year in section 4A as there's very little to be excited about. I'll put everyone in here based on the section website listing of the subsection members. 1 huge favorite and only 1 possible threat to that.

Defending Champion: Minnesota Transitions

North Subsection Predicted Seeding:

1. Maranatha
2. PACT
3. West Lutheran
4. Heritage
5. Ascension
6. Spectrum
7. Four Directions
8. AFSA
   
9. Liberty Classical
10. Calvin Christian
11. MN North Star
    

Maranatha has to be the favorite here with Darien Pittman at the point and Josh Hanson. Beware of Austin Rink and PACT. These 2 teams meet at the tiny PACT bandbox on February 5th in a game that could determine the #1 seed. Michael Lindberg could spring West Lutheran to an upset but that might be a stretch in a weak subsection that may have only 2 teams over 500. Ultimately, it won't matter as the winner is just another sacrificial lamb for the south winner.

South Subsection Predicted Seeding:

1. Minnesota Transitions
   
2. CHOF
   
3. New Life
4. St. Agnes
5. Humboldt
6. Bethany
7. Lion's Gate
8. Community of Peace
9. St. Paul Prep
10. Math & Science
    
11. Hmong Academy
12. Prairie Seeds
13. North Lakes
    

In the south, there's MTS and everybody else. Don't be shocked if MTS has a chance to put up a state record for points in their 1st round game. CHOF and New Life are down this year and the rest of the subsection is just as bad as the bottom of the north subsection. Look for MTS to sleepwalk to the section title game.

Eliminate the early rounds and just get to the final 4. I expect regular season rematches in the subsection title games (PACT/MCA, MTS/CHOF).

Section Winner: Minnesota Transitions. The Wolves are the clear favorite as they have the top player in the section in Kevin Noreen and the most talent even without him. Any game besides Maranatha in the section championship will be a blowout.

09-10 Tri-Metro East Preview

This is the 12th preview in my metro area season previews series. In this installment, I take a look at the East Division of the Tri-Metro Conference. To access all of the previews in the series, view the season preview page here.

A down year in the Tri-Metro East leaves this division very wide open. Signficant losses hit at least 5 of the 6 programs in the division. The winner of this division would have to fight to be in the top half of the West. While this year is down, there is plenty of young talent that will have time to develop.

Concordia Academy Beacons (2008 season 16-12, 11-5 Conference)
Jitterbug point guard Zach Towle is gone along with post Zach Houliston. Senior forward Jordan Schneidermann is the top returnee. Seniors Chad Koepke and sharpshooter Nik Novitsky return. Sophomore Cutler Finneman is a young post who should see a major uptick in varsity time this year.

Mounds Park Academy Panthers (2008 season 2-23, 0-16 Conference)
The scorers like Jacob Schwartz are gone. Junior Gus Bruggeman may be one of the contributors. But maybe they'll have a shot against St. Agnes.

St. Agnes Aggies (2008 season 6-20, 4-12 Conference)
Leading scorers Dalton Sturdivant and Leevon Perry are gone. Center Joe Constanzo is also gone along with Philip Butler. They'll be a very young squad with sophomores Dakari Davison and Joe Humphrey seeing big minutes. Senior Dajoun Davis will also see major time.

St. Anthony Huskies (2008 season 12-15, 8-8 Conference)
This is the one squad that returns major players from last year so they have to be the favorite. Shooting guard Josh Pratt returns with his 17 PPG. Aaron McCrossan returns to run the point. Lefty Derek Jahner returns as an undersized post. Jordan Sayers and Stephen Couillard were in the rotation last year and return. Look for guard Marcus Nolen to contribute as well.

St. Bernard's Bulldogs (2008 season 28-4, 16-0 Conference)
All 5 starters and most of rotation are gone including stud point guard Jordair Jett and defensive stopper Averey Duncan. Shane Taylor returns at a guard spot. Sophomore Ricky Suggs will have to step up big.

St. Croix Lutheran Crusaders (2008 season 19-7, 11-5 Conference)
The Crusaders lose all 5 starters including star post Chris Breuer and shooting guard Aaron Hulsebus. Sophomore Wesley Tucker returns after averaging 8 points a game last year. Not much from the senior returnees. Sophomore Cameron Cummings is a youngster to watch for them.

Predicted Order of Finish

1. St. Anthony
   
2. Concordia
   
3. St. Bernard's
   
4. St. Croix Lutheran
   
5. St. Agnes
   
6. Mounds Park
   

East Division MVP: Josh Pratt - St. Anthony

Breakout/Surprise Player: Ricky Suggs - St. Bernard's

Games that will determine the regular season conference title

• Concordia at St. Anthony - January 26th
• St. Anthony at Concordia - February 19th

Non-Conference Games to Watch

• St. Anthony vs Champlin Park - Dec 28 (Bethel Tournament)

09-10 Tri-Metro West Preview

Minnehaha coach
Lance Johnson

This is the 11th preview in my metro area season previews series. In this installment, I take a look at the West Division of the Tri-Metro Conference. To access all of the previews in the series, view the season preview page here.

Should be a fun year in the West Division. De La Salle is loaded and could be better than last year. Minnehaha loses great talent and they may have higher expectations this season. St. Paul Academy and Brooklyn Center return their top players. Blake and Breck continue rebuilding efforts.

Blake Bears (2008 season 7-20, 2-14 Conference)
Last season I wrote in one of my "Monday Morning Point Forward" MN Preps columns about the Bears 4-0 start. They finished the season after that 3-20. Leading scorer David Nash graduates from a guard spot. Austin Hoeg and Tim Zellmer return to provide some experience. Freshman Kebu Johnson is one to watch. He played up with the MN Select 15s this summer.

Breck Mustangs (2008 season 10-14, 6-10 Conference)
3 of the top 4 scorers including Blake Johnson are gone. Coach Daryl Woods does have some pieces to work with. Junior Jeffrey Lurie is the leading returning scorer. Senior Sam Greely is another member of the rotation.

Brooklyn Park Centaurs (2008 season 8-19, 5-11 Conference)
Another second half meltdown for the Centaurs last year. After a 6-6 start, they finished up 2-13. Point guard Freddie Young leads the way. There's a transfer from Kansas City who played some AAU ball who's also with them. He'll be an interesting addition. Soph Mahari Wilson saw lots of time at a guard spot last year.

De La Salle Islanders (2008 season 17-9, 11-5 Conference)
Loaded and one of the season's favorites in 3A. Walter Franklin returns to run the point. Bretson McNeal will step right up from JV to replace AJ Barker at the 2. Jalen Jaspers is a powerful scorer at the 3. Jonah Travis and Marcus Dorsey are athletic interior players. Juniors La Monte Hall and Melvin Collins saw plenty of time last year along with senior John Hertle. Plenty of talent in the pipeline too for future years.

Minnehaha Academy Redhawks (2008 season 26-3, 15-1 Conference)
Minnehaha's 3 losses were 2 to St. Bernard's and a holiday loss to Sibley in a game they were up by 9 at the half. Wings David Burnham and Greg Meyer along with Taylor Sparkman were a great trio and are gone. Parker Hines and Austin Brown return to man the backcourt. Taylor Hanson is an animal up front. Role players like center Erik Klingner will make solid contributions for the other major contender in this division.

St. Paul Academy Spartans (2008 season 13-13, 7-9 Conference)
The Spartans return 4 starters and some bench play. Seniors Evan McMillan and Santano Rosario seem like they've been there forever. McMillan is a another high scoring forward who leads the way. Rosario runs the point. Junior Gabe Mast provides a nice post presence inside. Seniors David McVeety, Harry Whitaker and Paul Nerland all return with junior John Micevych.

Predicted Order of Finish

1. De La Salle
   
2. Minnehaha
   
3. St. Paul Academy
   
4. Brooklyn Center
   
5. Breck
   
6. Blake

West Division MVP: Jalen Jaspers - De La Salle

Breakout/Surprise Player: Bretson McNeal - De La Salle

Games that will determine the regular season conference title

• De La Salle at Minnehaha - January 19th
  
• Minnehaha at De La Salle - February 13th
  

Non-Conference Games to Watch

• Minnesota Transitions at Minnehaha - December 8th
  
• De La Salle vs Osseo - December 12th (Breakdown Tipoff Classic at Minnetonka)
• Braham vs Minnehaha - December 12th (Breakdown Tipoff Classic at Minnetonka)
• Minnehaha at Holy Angels - December 15th
• De La Salle at Grand Rapids - December 30th
  
• De La Salle at Cretin-Derham Hall - February 20th
• Benilde-St. Margaret's at De La Salle - February 27th
• De La Salle at Minneapolis Patrick Henry - March 2nd
  

I had a chance to ask Minnehaha Academy coach Lance Johnson some questions about the Redhawks and the Tri-Metro Conference. Minnesota Preps subscribers can read that interview here.

Lance Johnson picture courtesy of MNPhotoNet.net

09-10 St. Paul City Preview

Johnson coach
Vern Simmons

This is the 10th preview in my metro area season previews series. In this installment, I take a look at the St. Paul City Conference. To access all of the previews in the series, view the season preview page here.

Humboldt was in the bottom 15 in AA last year. Highland Park, Harding and Como Park were in the bottom 15 in AAA last year. Now Arlington loses everybody. Best thing for those teams is that they have 8 games against each other to try and get some wins on the record. That drags down a Johnson team that will be able to play with most anybody.

Arlington Phoenix (2008 season 16-11, 9-3 Conference)
Arlington loses 7 seniors that basically were their whole rotation. JVs were 4-8 with no size returning. Assistant John Gray (former head coach at Breck) takes over and will instill toughness but he's got very little to work with.

Central Minutemen (2008 season 19-7, 9-3 Conference)
Jordan Larson was a beast inside and he's gone but Central returns plenty. LeDarian Horton is a bull as a combo forward. Nathaniel Kado, Cameron Smith and Taylor Smaller are small but quick and experienced guards. Smaller is the top shooter of that trio. Eric Grice is a defensive minded forward. Junior Martin Smith provides interior size. Guard William McDonough is a scorer off the bench.

Como Park Cougars (2008 season 6-20, 4-8 Conference)
Majorly dysfunctional team last season that was far too talented to win only 6 games, especially in this league. Jordan Jackson leaves for Sibley but there's still enough talent to win games. Joe Conley should have a breakout year from the 2 guard slot. Adrian Wackett returns to run the point. The Cougars were dead last in 3A with 73.8 points allowed per game last season. They could exceed that this season.

Johnson Governors (2008 season 26-5, 12-0 Conference)
All discussion in St. Paul has to start with Johnson. They play a ton of bodies and just wear you out defensively. Which they need to as they can be offensively challenged at times. 2 year starter Estan Tyler returns as the point as a junior. Max Rosenbloom is one of the toughest rebounders and hardest workers around. Jordan Pluff and Demitri Conwell return as athletic wings. Donte Warlick saw time last year on the wing. Chris Smith-Bond, Anthony Lee and Roosevelt Scott are juniors who will make contributions. No true big guy, but they'll make up for it by being more athletic than most of their opponents.

Harding Knights (2008 season 3-22, 2-10 Conference)
Top 2 scorers Andre Creighton and Ernest Mang are gone. Vern Keller will lead the way with DeAndre Keller and Jeremy Hollowanger. Size will be an issue for them. Hard to see them as better than last year.

Highland Park Scots (2008 season 7-18, 6-6 Conference)
The Scots rebounded from a 1-12 start to finish 6-6, some of that against the soft underbelly of the league. Seniors Jimmy Sauser, Miles Davison and Eric Pressley return along with junior Cordaro Washington. All were members of last year's rotation.

Humboldt Hawks (2008 season 2-23, 0-12 Conference)
Top scorers Josh Titus and Dominic Campillo are gone. Juniors Julian Luster and Dallas Jackson return for a another team with a very small lineup. Another long season on the south side.

Predicted Order of Finish

1. Johnson
   
2. Central
   
3. Highland Park
   
4. Como Park
   
5. Harding
   
6. Arlington
   
7. Humboldt

Conference MVP: Estan Tyler - Johnson

Breakout/Surprise Player: Joe Conley - Como Park

Games that will determine the regular season conference title

• Johnson at Central - January 8th
• Central at Johnson - February 5th
  

Non-Conference Games to Watch

• Stillwater at Johnson - December 15th
• Johnson in Augsburg tourney - Dec 28-30th
• Maple Northwestern (WI) at Johnson - January 22nd (East Metro Showcase)
  

I had a chance to ask Johnson coach Vern Simmons some questions about the Governors and the St. Paul City Conference. Minnesota Preps subscribers can read that interview here.

Vern Simmons picture courtesy of MNPhotoNet.net

09-10 Suburban East Preview

This is the 9th preview in my metro area season previews series. In this installment, I take a look at the Suburban East Conference. To access all of the previews in the series, view the season preview page here.

Top to bottom the Suburban East may be as tough as any league. There's firepower at the top and even as you go down the league, almost everyone seems to have a player that you have to really prepare for.

Cretin-Derham Hall Raiders (2008 season 13-14, 9-7 Conference)
They were one of the more disappointing teams in the metro last year. But they return everyone including monster Seantrel Henderson in the middle, Clay Horne and Elliot Owusu at the forwards with Gus Gehlen and Raijon Kelly in the backcourt. Sean Kopp and Jake Frey will provide depth. Sophomore point guard Cortez Tillman may see time as backup point guard, but I'd like to see them keep him down on JV with fellow soph stars Taylor Montero and CJ Neumann to build for 2 great seasons starting next year. What's strange is that everytime I saw CDH last year (start, middle and end of the year) they were better when Henderson wasn't on the floor. They have as much talent returning as anyone and could have a big year, but I'm not sold. I think they disappoint again this year.

East Ridge Raptors (New School)
The Suburban East welcomes the Raptors who as with any new school will be young and undermanned. Hard to know what they'll have from Woodbury or Park. Expect a long season.

Forest Lake Rangers (2008 season 20-9, 10-6 Conference)
Now for a team that I have high hopes for. Forward Zach Riedeman returns as a do everything player for them. Doug Sewall is a banger inside but very effective. Sam Miller and junior Phil Hegseth return after seeing big minutes last year. They'll need to replace the shooting of Griffin Lentsch. With their open-post motion, they are a bear to defend and just wear you down.

Hastings Raiders (2008 season 11-16, 6-10 Conference)
Hastings doubled the win total last year and 2 of the top 3 scorers return. That includes Shane Monjeau. Nick Gmiterko and Michael Hill also return. They played most everyone tough last year so they'll look to duplicate last season.

Mounds View Mustangs (2008 season 20-7, 14-2 Conference)
The Mustangs lose almost all of their rotation including a nice trio of DJ Carroll, Justin Harding and Greg Anderson. Jordan Van Eps is the top returnee. Junior guard Blake Anderson and senior center Mitch Porter look to be major contributors this year as well.

Park Wolfpack (2008 season 7-19, 3-13 Conference)
Post Andy Voigt and point guard Cody Hofmann were the top 2 scorers and they're gone. Craig Brown is a solid but unspectacular wing and he's back. Soph Marcus Jones saw varsity time last year. Senior Drew Benson also returns inside.

Roseville Raiders (2008 season 12-16, 9-7 Conference)
Star Mike Muscala is gone to Bucknell but there are nice pieces returning. David Stanley will man the point. David Michaelson is the shooting guard. Junior Lucas Brown is the star forward. Sam Peterson will see time in the middle. Youngster Emeche Wells is one to watch.

Stillwater Ponies (2008 season 16-12, 10-6 Conference)
Here's another group that was very young last year and everybody is back. A twist this year as coach Randy Jordan comes down from St. Cloud Tech to take over the program. Unlike CDH, the Ponies finished strong at 12-3 (with 3 wins over CDH in that stretch). Big Ryan Duxbury returns in the middle with Paul Franklin at the point. Miles Heller fills the 4 spot but he got hurt playing football so his health could be a question. Alex Oman returns as the top shooter. Jake Malwitz, Jesse George and junior Paxton Harvieux all saw notable minutes last season.

White Bear Lake Bears (2008 season 9-18, 3-13 Conference)
The loss of versatile forward Mitch Fiereck to Northern State hurts but soph Eric Gebeke could step into that role. Power forward Spencer Cummings returns and he was last season's leading scorer. David Rademacher returns to run the point. Expect soph Josh Tismer and junior Vidal Vance to also see plenty of backcourt time this season.

Woodbury Royals (2008 season 13-15, 8-8 Conference)
Point guard Ernest Dorsett, shooter Bo Schiffler and post Sam Swanson are all gone. All that remains is forward Nick Quicksell. He led them in scoring last year. Tanner Pearson will be at a guard spot. David Smith should see time in the middle.

Predicted Order of Finish

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

Conference MVP: Zach Riedeman - Forest Lake

Breakout/Surprise Player: Jordan Van Eps - Mounds View

Games that will determine the regular season conference title

• Stillwater at Forest Lake - January 5th
• Forest Lake at Cretin-Derham Hall - January 8th
• Stillwater at Cretin-Derham Hall - January 26th
• Forest Lake at Stillwater - February 9th
• Cretin-Derham Hall at Forest Lake - February 12th
• Cretin-Derham Hall at Stillwater - March 2nd
  

Non-Conference Games to Watch

• Duluth East at Forest Lake - December 12th
  
• Champlin Park vs Cretin-Derham Hall - December 12th (Breakdown Tipoff Classic at Minnetonka)
• Stillwater at St. Paul Johnson - December 15th
• Forest Lake at Granite City Classic in St. Cloud - Dec 28-30th
• Cretin-Derham Hall at Eden Prairie - January 2nd
• Stillwater vs Eau Claire North - January 23rd (Border Battle at Eau Claire Memorial)
• Forest Lake at Eau Claire Memorial - January 23rd (Border Battle)
• De La Salle at Cretin-Derham Hall - February 20th

I had a chance to ask Roseville coach Bartt Pierce some questions about the Raiders and the Suburban East Conference. Minnesota Preps subscribers can read that interview here.

Photo courtesy of MNPhotoNet.net

09-10 Northwest Suburban Preview

Osseo coach
Tim Theisen

This is the 8th preview in my metro area season previews series. In this installment, I take a look at the Northwest Suburban Conference. To access all of the previews in the series, view the season preview page here.

The league has some teams taking major hits due to graduation. Do those teams rebuild or reload? Will that mean that Osseo still wins the conference crown? Will Elk River rebound from a down season? With all the star power gone, what players step up as stars in the league?

Andover Huskies (2008 season 12-16, 7-11 Conference)
The Huskies lose leading scorer Brett Tester and his 19.5 ppg. Jason Schneider returns along with juniors Tyler Finnes and Ben Mei to provide some experience.

Anoka Tornadoes (2008 season 8-19, 4-14 Conference)
Guard Bernie Ward departs but the Tornadoes have some pieces to work with. Lomumba Ismail returns to man the middle. Bryan Sherva and Spencer Grow are returning wing pieces. Add in David Mooers, who is the leading returning scorer, and the Tornadoes should jump up out of the league cellar.

Blaine Bengals (2008 season 15-15, 8-10 Conference)
The dynamic forward combination of Billy Giddings and Dylan Rodriguez is gone to the NSIC along with role players Jeff Harstad and David Leafblad. Guard Jesse Briggity returns but he missed the entire summer with a bad back. If he's not healthy, that's the best returning scorer down. Junior forward Zach Romashko's figures to step out from the shadows this year. Dan Robel gives the Bengals another experienced guard.

Centennial Cougars (2008 season 15-12, 12-6 Conference)
Anthony Adams was a nice surprise last year. He's gone but Centennial still has enough to make a run. Tony Gerding returns at the point. Nathan Kuck gives them a shooter. Jeff Burns and Brian Sarvela saw significant time last season.

Champlin Park Rebels (2008 season 17-11, 12-6 Conference)
The Rebels look to be the major threat to Osseo's throne. Jasper Duberry returns at the point. Kyle Zimmerman and Josh Pella are a dynamic forward duo. Zimmerman is undersized but the lefty is surprisingly effective inside and he can also step out to 3 and shoot it. Pella is an athletic wing who can do a bit of everything. Jordan Reibling is a shooter and Dillon Hager is a defensive minded backup point guard. Junior TJ Okafor could have a breakout year inside. Him and D'Andre Williamson will man the center spot.

Coon Rapids Cardinals (2008 season 9-18, 7-11 Conference)
The top 6 scorers are gone, including Ben Baker and Blair Townsend. There's limited experience returning so I expect a long year.

Elk River Elks (2008 season 12-16, 6-12 Conference)
A down year last year for the Elks. Point guard Jack Gavin and forward Nick Held were the top 2 scorers and have departed. Matt Buhmann returns as the leading scorer and rebounder. Junior Ben Erickson, seniors Taylor Berger, Jack Nelson, Matt Kush and Travis Banken all return so there is varsity experience. With coach Randy Klasen, they'll be sound and stay in a bunch of games.

Maple Grove Crimson (2008 season 18-10, 12-6 Conference)
Head coach Mark Arzdorf has a big task at hand. The entire rotation, including star Josh Pedretti, is gone. But they still have a set of nice forwards. Bryce Burkman and Sam Schwalbe will provide post presence. Jordan Harrell may end up being the top scorer. Youngsters Will Johnson and Andra Griffin are ones I'll be following.

Osseo Orioles (2008 season 29-3, 17-1 Conference)
Despite the loss of the force known as Sam Dower, the Orioles will still make a run at the league title. Aaron Anderson returns to run the point. John Rowland is a great shooter from the 4 spot and as he showed in last year's AAAA title game, a matchup problem. Then the JVs take over and its a good group. Juniors Joey Sonnefeld and Jerrod Bervin are talented forwards along with senior Chris McMorris. Dalton Graff gives them a steady guard. Andy Friesen provides a little size.

Park Center Pirates (2008 season 6-21, 5-13 Conference)
Voltaire Nalls was their best scorer on the wing and he's gone but there are a couple of pieces here. Junior point guard Terez Van Pelt had a nice summer for the Minnesota Fury and is gaining some interest at the next level. Justin Casey returns to man the middle. Jordan Lynn is back and freshman Quentin Hooker is one to watch.

Predicted Order of Finish

1. Champlin Park
   
2. Osseo
   
3. Centennial
   
4. Blaine
5. Elk River
   
6. Maple Grove
   
7. Park Center
   
8. Anoka
9. Andover
10. Coon Rapids
    

Conference MVP: Kyle Zimmerman - Champlin Park

Breakout/Surprise Player: Zach Romashko - Blaine

Games that will determine the conference title

• Osseo at Centennial - January 14th
• Champlin Park at Osseo - January 19th
• Champlin Park at Centennial - January 22nd
• Centennial at Osseo - February 12th
• Centennial at Champlin Park - February 19th
• Osseo at Champlin Park - February 23rd
  

Non-Conference Games to Watch

• Champlin Park at Minnetonka - December 11th
  
• Osseo vs De La Salle - December 12th (Breakdown Tipoff Classic at Minnetonka)
• Champlin Park vs Cretin-Derham Hall - December 12th (Breakdown Tipoff Classic at Minnetonka)
• Champlin Park vs Hopkins - January 9th (Timberwolves Shootout)
• Duluth East at Osseo - January 16th

I had a chance to ask Osseo coach Tim Theisen some questions about the Orioles and the Northwest Suburban Conference. Minnesota Preps subscribers can read that interview here.

Tim Theisen picture courtesy of MNPhotoNet.net

09-10 North Suburban Preview

Columbia Heights coach
Willie Braziel

This is the 7th preview in my metro area season previews series. In this installment, I take a look at the North Suburban Conference. To access all of the previews in the series, view the season preview page here.

A bevy of good players throughout the league. Mostly guards and then the buzz that surrounds Cooper's new addition. Top of the league is brutal with 2 obvious contenders and 2 others who I think are dangerous. This year is unique as the league goes to the 16 game unbalanced schedule. It will be very interesting to see how that impacts the conference race.

Benilde-St. Margaret's Red Knights (2008 season 17-11, 15-5 Conference)
BSM returns a talented club with Peter Crawford and Miles Barnes up front. Sophomore point guard Isaiah Zierden is outstanding. Darren Glover is a good shooter on the wing. Seth Marx, Ben Krebsbach and Nick Meyer provide guard depth and Evan Battle is mean up front. Add in sophs Will Dunn and Kyle Washington for even more talent. Look for them to be one of the best in 3A this season.

Chisago Lakes Wildcats (2008 season 10-17, 6-14 Conference)
Josh Figini leaves for Cornell after an outstanding career. Younger brother Ben will take over as the star. Otherwise not much returns. Figini will have a big season, but I can't see double-digit wins.

Columbia Heights Hylanders (2008 season 18-11, 14-6 Conference)
This is the season that they've built for with a group of seniors that has played together for 2 years. Kendrick Mills and Akrau Imbu will be missed but are replaceable. Star guard Jacob Thomas returns with his 23 points a game. When he's on, there are few people who can put up points quicker. There's plenty of firepower outside with him in Harold Rainey, Markus Shaw, Gerard Baptiste and D'Carlos Craig. Andrew Hansen comes in from Apple Valley to provide much needed size in the middle. If he defends and rebounds, the Hylanders will have a great final piece to their puzzle. Notable that Columbia Heights and Cooper only play once.

Fridley Tigers (2008 season 17-9, 13-7 Conference)
Fridley surprised me last year as Isaiah Thomas put the Tigers on his back as the best 1 man band around. The top 5 scorers are gone. While coach McDonald does an outstanding job year in and year out, this year he'll have to work miracles to come close to last year's 17 wins.

Irondale Knights (2008 season 9-18, 8-12 Conference)
Guard Rayveen Banks and Bjorn Westlund are gone. However, Bryan Sprang returns as one of the more unique scorers around. Expect him to have a big season. Chad Goodsell also returns.

North Branch Vikings (2008 season 6-21, 2-18 Conference)
Leading scorer Kyle Grote returns but he didn't average double figures in a very long season for the Vikings. More of the same awaits.

Robbinsdale Cooper Hawks (2008 season 27-2, 20-0 Conference)
Cooper has the biggest X-Factor coming in and that's 6'7" Calvin Godfrey from Milwaukee via a east coast prep school. He was the #5 player in Wisconsin a year ago before leaving and recently decommitted from UW-Milwaukee. Expect him to have a HUGE year (i.e 25 and 12) as the Hawks lost high-flying Rodney Williams to Minnesota along with the other 7 members of the rotation. What they lack in experience, they'll make up for in athleticism. Johnny Jackson and Brandon Harrison give them the most size in the league. Darry Jones, Charles Williams and Terrance Averyheart are also athletic returnees. Jones was a big scorer at St. Agnes 2 years ago, he'll need to be a 2nd scorer.

St. Francis Fighting Saints (2008 season 15-13, 9-11 Conference)
The top 2 scorers, Joe Foss and post Seth Akason, are gone. Junior guard Dontay Matthews should up his scoring average into double figures and lead the way.

St. Louis Park Orioles (2008 season 6-20, 3-17 Conference)
Hands down the most improved team in the metro this season. Coach Micah Watkins will clean up the disaster of last year and he has a couple of nice pieces to work with. Point guard Aaron Ziman is quick enough to avoid pressure and a solid pass first player. He has 6'5 shooter Alex Koch on the wing and I think he has a huge year. Frosh Kashif Hayes is a player in the pipeline to watch. TJ Gist, Marquelis Edwards, Quinton Wagner, DeMonte Baker make up a nice group of talent that coach Watkins can develop.

Spring Lake Park Panthers (2008 season 24-7, 16-4 Conference)
Nasty schedule trick getting Cooper and Heights back-back but they only get BSM once and that's at home. The big scoring backcourt of Trey Scott, Shaun Jensen and Y (Tyler Ylvisaker) is gone but there are players remaining. Derek Dahl takes over at the point. Steve Bailey will man the 2. Travis Johnson and Elijah Sabah are solid forwards. Sophomore lefty Sean Scott plays like Josh Smith of the Atlanta Hawks wanting to swat and dunk everything in sight while shooting too many threes. He has great upside, especially if he develops a shot like Trey. They take great care of the ball and show great patience. Coach Guzy will keep them in the upper half.

Totino-Grace Eagles (2008 season 6-21, 4-16 Conference)
A surprisingly rough year for the Eagles last year finishing 3-16 in the new year. Senior center Tom Olson graduated, but everybody else is back for new coach Kevin Seim. Seim comes over after doing a nice job in a tough spot as the interim coach at Stillwater last season. The duo of John Crockett and Alex Kreuser gives him plenty to work with. Crockett was a beast this summer for MN Pump N Run much to my surprise and Kreuser was one of the nice sophomore stories of last regular season. Look for noteworthy improvement from them as well.

Predicted Order of Finish

1. Benilde-St. Margaret's
   
2. Columbia Heights
   
3. Robbinsdale Cooper
   
4. Spring Lake Park
5. St. Louis Park
   
6. Totino-Grace
7. Fridley
8. Irondale
9. Chisago Lakes
10. St. Francis
11. North Branch
    

Conference MVP: Jacob Thomas - Columbia Heights

Breakout/Surprise Player: Darry Jones - Robbinsdale Cooper

Games that will determine the conference title

• Cooper at Benilde-St. Margaret's - January 5th
• Spring Lake Park at Cooper - January 8th
• Columbia Heights at Spring Lake Park - January 12th
• Benilde-St. Margaret's at Columbia Heights - January 15th
• Benilde-St. Margaret's at Spring Lake Park - January 26th
• Cooper at Columbia Heights - February 1st
• Benilde-St. Margaret's at Cooper - February 11th
• Cooper at Spring Lake Park - February 16th
• Spring Lake Park at Columbia Heights - February 18th
• Columbia Heights at Spring Lake Park - February 23rd
  

Non-Conference Games to Watch

• Hopkins at Columbia Heights - December 8th
• Benilde-St. Margaret's vs Lakeville South - December 12th (Breakdown Tipoff Classic at Minnetonka)
• Holy Angels at Benilde-St. Margaret's - December 17th
• Cooper vs Henry Sibley - December 18th (Minnetonka tournament)
• Minnetonka vs Benilde-St. Margaret's - December 22nd
• Cooper at Little Falls (projected) - December 30 (Little Falls tourney)
• Minnetonka at Columbia Heights - January 7th
• Minnetonka at Cooper - January 26th
• Hopkins at Benilde-St. Margaret's - January 30th
• Benilde-St. Margaret's at De La Salle - February 27th
• Columbia Heights at Minnetonka - March 5th
  

I had a chance to ask Columbia Heights coach Willie Braziel some questions about the Hylanders and the North Suburban Conference. Minnesota Preps subscribers can read that interview here.

Willie Braziel picture courtesy of MNPhotoNet.net

09-10 Minneapolis City Preview

Washburn coach
Reggie Perkins

This is the 6th preview in my metro area season previews series. To start week 2 of the previews, I take a look at the Minneapolis City Conference. To access all of the previews in the series, view the season preview page here.

More of the usual here in the league with the best nicknames around. Can Washburn sustain after losing their huge senior class. Can North take another step up? Will Southwest escape the cellar?

Edison Tommies (2008 season 8-18, 4-8 Conference)
The Tommies lose Jonathan Conner and his 18 points a night. Marnell Davis returns to lead the way. Junior forward Mathew Lanier is another one to watch. Will their rematch vs MN Transitions break the all time record for points in a game?

North Polars (2008 season 16-9, 9-3 Conference)
The loss of Kevin Thompson costs the Polars a dynamic scorer. But coach Bo Powell has a nice group remaining. Junior Malik El-Amin returns at the point. Sophomore guard Charles Smith will see lots of time and Mark Devine is a shot blocker in the middle. Leading scorer Pengi Mboma returns up front. The loss of Spencer Puckett will cost them toughness.

Patrick Henry Patriots (2008 season 15-13, 9-3 Conference)
You will find no backcourt quicker than Louis Cox and Jordan Hughes. Hughes is as close to an Allen Iverson clone as you'll find anywhere as he can really fill it up and raise havoc in passing lanes. Dennis Joiner, Jordan McArthur and Fred Henry provide depth for the high powered backcourt. The loss of Evan Gray up front costs the Patriots their best big man. The remaining bigs such as George Meredith are bangers and minimal offensive threats.

Roosevelt Teddies (2008 season 6-22, 1-11 Conference)
The loss of scorer Eddie Boler and shooter Gobana Sameru costs the Teddies their 2 best scorers. Junior Calvin Jenkins and senior James Smith return for a very small squad. I'll also be watching Donovan Allen.

South Tigers (2008 season 12-15, 6-6 Conference)
Alonzo Traylor returns as the top big man in the league at 20 pts a night and should have a bunch of big nights against a small league. Derrick Boone also returns up front. Victor Easter was a leader for the squad. He'll be missed. Devell Wright is the top returning guard. Sophomore Carnell Shephard is a youngster I'll be following.

Southwest Lakers (2008 season 5-20, 1-11 Conference)
Center and leading scorer Dominique Dawson's 21.6 PPG has moved on to Minnesota. Elliot Matheiu is also gone taking away the 2nd leading scorer. Senior Jon Berry and junior Ayrton Scott are the top returnees. The cupboard is somewhat bare.

Washburn Millers (2008 season 26-5, 12-0 Conference)
There's a heavy price to be paid for a state championship as the the Millers lose 10 outstanding seniors. But last year's JVs were very talented, see the victory over Hopkins early in the year as proof. Juniors Clarence Thomas and Dwight Anderson should lead the way after lighting up the JV Twin Cities game. Joel Powell and Cedric Chappell are others that should make contributions.

Predicted Order of Finish

1. Patrick Henry
   
2. Washburn
   
3. North
   
4. South
5. Edison
   
6. Roosevelt
7. Southwest

Conference MVP: Jordan Hughes - Henry

Breakout/Surprise Player: Dwight Anderson - Washburn

Games that will determine the conference title

• Henry at Washburn - January 21st
• Henry at North - January 30th
• Washburn at North - February 12th
  
• North at Henry - February 15th
• Washburn at Henry - February 23rd

Non-Conference Games to Watch

• Henry at Holy Angels - December 8th
  
• North vs Plainview-Elgin-Millville - December 12th (Breakdown Tipoff Classic at Minnetonka)
• Henry vs Minnesota Transitions - December 12th (Breakdown Tipoff Classic at Minnetonka)
• Shakopee at Henry - December 17th
• Washburn at Staples-Motley - February 6th
  
• Washburn at Hopkins - February 20th
  
• De La Salle at Henry - March 2nd

I had a chance to ask Washburn coach Reggie Perkins some questions about the Millers and the Minneapolis City Conference. Minnesota Preps subscribers can read that interview here.

Reggie Perkins picture courtesy of MNPhotoNet.net

09-10 MCAA Preview

This is the 5th preview in my metro area season previews series. To close out week 1 of the previews, I downshift to the little guys and look at the MCAA Conference. To access all of the previews in the series, view the season preview page here.

The MCAA will be a league of the haves and the have nots. The bottom half of this league is going to be difficult to watch with a group of rebuilding teams. At the top end, you don't have the dominant player that the league has had in years past. All in all, I view this as the worst the league has been since I've been following it over the last 5 years or so.

Bethany Academy Eagles (2008 season 4-19, 1-9 Conference)
While Jeff Ray is one of the top coaches in the league, his squad is not blessed with talent. But he returns the top 6 from last year's very young squad. Forward Ben Peters and guard Tony Ervin are the main threats. Soph Max Mattila cleans up the glass. It'll be another long year but they can win some games against the bottom of the league.

Heritage Christian Academy Eagles (2008 season 11-15, 6-4 Conference)
Nate Johnson filled it up for the Eagles last year but he's now gone. Nick Parkhurst is the only returnee of note and will need to make a ton of shots to keep the Eagles competitive.

Lester Prairie/Holy Trinity Bulldogs (2008 season 19-7, 10-0 Conference)
The loss of long time league force Chris Neumann will hurt. But post Brandon Schaust returns as the top interior threat in the league. Senior Daniel Anderson and sophomore Jared Kadrie are others to follow.

Lion's Gate Christian Academy (2008 season 11-15, 2-8 Conference as Concordia Academy-Bloomington)
Since most things just moved from the now closed Concordia-Bloomington to Lion's Gate, I'll just treat them the same. Hopefully they play in the same nice building. Don't let last year's record fool you, those wins were all against awful teams. Center Andrew Erdman is gone but Mitchell Churney returns to take up space. Jacob Moe is the guard that will lead the way.

Maranatha Christian Academy Mustangs (2008 season 23-6, 8-2 Conference)
Lester Prairie took the throne from the Mustangs last season, but I don't see that happening this year. MCA returns everybody of note including forward Josh Hanson and point guard Darian Pittman. Jay Higgins and SaVaughn Jordan provide depth. With the best coach, tradition and home court advantage in the league, that's a great combination to win the title.

Meadow Creek Christian Academy Saints (2008 season 10-17, 6-4 Conference)
The Saints return 6 kids who saw varsity time last year including Ben Thom and Spencer Richards. They were the leading 3 point shooters last season. Thom is the leading returning scorer and the assist leader. Richards the leading returning rebounder.

New Life Academy Eagles (2008 season 14-14, 6-4 Conference)
Robbie Anderstrom was one of the top players in the league last season and he's gone. Ryan Furlong was solid at the point last season and will be missed. James Housworth, Sam Penwell, Cody Linton and Kory Kiekhofer return outside. Sam Berg will give them size inside. Can coach Linton find a guy who can create out of their dribble-drive motion like Anderstrom last year?

Providence Academy Lions (2008 season 2-23, 0-10 Conference)
Poor Providence. If only their team was as nice as their school (its a palace). Leading scorer Zach Money graduated, but everybody returns. John Lundbeck and Alex Eaton will be the leading offensive threats. Rumor mill says their might be some freshmen talent there. If so, it needs to develop quickly. Another very long year for the Lions.

Southwest Christian Stars (2008 season 19-8, 8-2 Conference)
I would deem 19-8 in section 4A with a D1 player as a disappointment. Now that Caleb Palkert is gone, there's no really dominant player. But they return a quality guard trio of Jordan Dye, Ryan Cummings and Peter Sorenson with Daniel Horner up front. Fall league showed that they may have some size too.

Trinity Tri-Hawks (2008 season 8-19, 4-6 Conference)
Wing Mark Olander is gone but the Tri-Hawks return leading scorer at the point, soph Tony Kuplic and junior Aaron Gregg up front. With those 2 pieces they continue to build up for a top division finish next season.

West Lutheran Warriors (2008 season 12-14, 4-6 Conference)
Another team with a deceptively good record. 3 of those wins were out of state and none of the in-state ones stick out. More telling to me is the 1-8 finish where the closest loss was 15 points. Lefty guard Michael Lindberg may lead the league in scoring this year. Great shooter. Nate Dwyer also returns.

Predicted Order of Finish

1. Maranatha
   
2. Lester Prairie/Holy Trinity
   
3. Southwest Christian
   
4. New Life
5. Meadow Creek Christian
6. West Lutheran
7. Trinity
8. Heritage
9. Bethany
10. Lion's Gate
    
11. Providence
    

Conference MVP: Josh Hanson - Maranatha

Breakout/Surprise Player: Joe Mann - New Life

Games that will determine the regular season conference title

• Maranatha at Southwest Christian - January 8th
• Southwest Christian at Lester Prairie/Holy Trinity - January 12th
  
• Lester Prairie/Holy Trinity at Maranatha - January 28th

Non-Conference Games to Watch

• Lester Prairie/Holy Trinity at Mayer Lutheran - December 8th
  
• Maranatha at CHOF - February 13th
  

I had a chance to ask Heritage coach Tim Herman some questions about his Eagles and the MCAA. Minnesota Preps subscribers can read that interview here.

MCAA logo picture courtesy of MNPhotoNet.net