2010-2011 What to Watch For

This is the 24th and final preview in my month long 2010-2011 season preview series.  I finish the previews with a high-level look at the season for the not so intense fan.  Its my lists of the top players, teams, events and storylines of the 2010-2011 season.  Click here to view a list of all the previews and read any you may have missed

12 Players You Should See

• Lucas Brown (Sr - Roseville)
• Joe Coleman (Sr - Hopkins)
• Tyus Jones (Fr - Apple Valley)
• Shelby Moats (Sr - Waconia)
• Kyle Noreen  (Sr - Minnesota Transitions)
• Marvin Singleton (Sr - Hopkins)
• Jonah Travis (Sr - DeLaSalle)
• Ross Travis (Sr - Chaska)
• Estan Tyler (Sr - St. Paul Johnson)
• Jake White (Sr- Chaska)
• Johnny Woodard (Jr - Duluth East)
• Isaiah Zierden (Jr - Benilde-St. Margaret's)

All of the 2011 kids above are Division 1 signees except Noreen who is a division 1 talent.  Woodard and Zierden are 2 of the state's top prospects in 2012.  And any list would be incomplete without Tyus Jones.  Moats isn't in the 11 conferences I officially follow, but I did give the Wright County a look this year and he's a high-major player close enough to the metro so he has to be mentioned.  Another mention has to go to Lakeview Christian's sophomore guard Andres Broman who's 500 points ahead of Kevin Noreen's state scoring record pace.  Like Johnny Woodard, he has a group of games in the metro this season despite being stuck in the Duluth area.

12 Teams You Should See

• Apple Valley
• Benilde-St. Margaret's
• Chaska
• Cretin-Derham Hall
• DeLaSalle
• Eastview
• Eden Prairie 
• Hopkins 
• Lakeville South
• Osseo
• St. Paul Johnson
• Tartan

These are the creme de la creme, best of the best in the metro.  9 conference champions by my picks here which makes them obvious adds.  As to the rest, Eden Prairie gets added because they would win most of the other leagues and because their schedule almost always has them playing a big game.   Lakeville South has a very good core group of Alex Richter, Riley West and Spencer Pankonin returning.  Apple Valley with Jones and Thomas Schalk will make a run in the South Suburban as well.

12 Events You Should See

• St. Paul Johnson at Lakeville South - Fri Dec 3rd
• Breakdown Tipoff Classic - Sat Dec 11th at Minnetonka
• Eden Prairie Holiday Tourney Semifinals-  Tu Dec 28th
• Granite City Classic Semifinals - Wed Dec 29th at St. Cloud Apollo
• Best Buy Holiday Tourney Finals - Th Dec 30th at Augsburg
• Timberwolves Shootout - Sat Jan 8th at Target Center
• St. Paul Johnson at Eden Prairie - Th Jan 13th
• East Metro Showcase - Fri/Sat Jan 21/22nd at St. Paul Johnson
• Border Battle - Sat Jan 29th at St. Cloud Tech
• DeLaSalle at Benilde-St. Margaret's - Tu Feb 8th (Boys/Girls doubleheader)
• Super Saturday in St. Cloud - Sat Mar 13th at St. Cloud State
• Class AAA State Quarterfinals - Wed Mar 23rd at Williams Arena

Johnson opens the season with one of their toughest games of the season at Lakeville South.  That along with the game at Eden Prairie will be one of their few challenges.  The Breakdown Tipoff Classic is the event of the year with talent upon talent.  Eden Prairie's tournament is only 4 teams but loaded with Chaska, Waconia, Benilde-St. Margaret's and the hosts.  The Breakdown makes the list again with the Granite City Classic.  The semis could be Apple Valley vs Duluth E or Rocori and Orono vs St. Cloud Apollo.  All of those teams will be looking at the state tournament as a destination.   The projected Hopkins vs Johnson rematch highlights championship day at Augsburg in what would be the game of the year.

Moving to the new year, Marcus Paige vs Tyus Jones in a duel of high major point guards highlights another down year at the Timberwolves Shootout.  Wisconsin standouts Wally Ellenson and Bronson Koenig are Wisconsin highlights in the East Metro Showcase and Border Battle.  Hopkins represents Minnesota in both events.  DeLaSalle at BSM gets moved to during the week which is a shame, but this boys/girls double dip highlights 2 of the best teams in all of 3A.  March 13th in St. Cloud features not 1, not 2 but 3 pairs of section semifinals.  With teams like Rocori, Apollo, Orono, Rogers, Tech and Buffalo just to name a few, its an outstanding day of basketball in a great building.  Finally, the 3A quarterfinals could feature 5 outstanding teams and 2 of them unfortunately have to matchup in round 1.  Whoever gets left out is not going to be happy and a team you don't want to see in that quarterfinal matchup.

5 stories worth following

Can the champs repeat?
Hopkins, Johnson and Minnesota Transitions all lose a major player (Peterson, Rosenbloom, Noreen) from their championship teams but all of them return multiple significant pieces in their quests to repeat.  Hopkins and Johnson are clear favorites to repeat and don't count out MTS either as they added a couple of valuable pieces and still feature Kyle Noreen and Rodney Owens.

Who's the best team in the state?
In national polls, the vote generally goes to Hopkins but ESPN has given Johnson due recognition.  December 30th will put a definitive stamp on who the best team in the state is.  That will be the team wins the Best Buy Holiday Classic at Augsburg.   The hope is for a Johnson vs Hopkins rematch but if MTS can knock off Hopkins and Johnson to win the title, one has to think they have a legit claim to the throne too.

Who steps up in Class AAAA?
Hopkins is the clear favorite again in 4A, but after that who is there?  Half of last year's 4A bracket suffered heavy losses and that doesn't count Owatonna who wasn't one of the elite teams in 4A.  Is it Eastview with most of their roster back or is their guard play an issue?  Does Tyus Jones lead Apple Valley to another level or is their lack of size too much to overcome?  Does Osseo's addition of Terez Van Pelt put them in the mix?  Does Joel Awich's dramatic improvement give Tartan an inside presence they haven't had in years and put them at another level?  Those are just some of the questions.

Success of the realigned teams
With all of the conference realignment falling into place this season, a couple of teams look to take advantage.  Chaska moves to the Missota where they're one of the favorites.  That beats playing the tough former Lake Conference schedule night in and night out.  But Chaska still has Eden Prairie and Apple Valley on the schedule so they still get a couple of those tough games.  Chanhassen will definitely be happy to see the bottom half of the Missota.  Robbinsdale Armstrong gets away from the huge schools in the former Classic Lake.  They look to make a run in the NW Suburban.  Eden Prairie gets thrown in with Minnetonka and Hopkins and has a ridiculously tough non-conference schedule.  Prior Lake steps up to the South Suburban which could be a rough introduction.  But with the talent coming up, it'll be good experience for them in a couple of years.

The Saga at Minneapolis North
The sad story of the decline of Minneapolis North came to a head with a vote to close the school.  Then it was we aren't going to admit any more freshmen.  What ultimately happens on the north side still is unknown but does any of the off-court discussion translate to on the court.

10-11 Section 7AAAA Preview

This is the 23rd preview and second to last preview in my 2010-2011 season preview series.  In this preview, a final look at the metro sections with a trip to Section 7AAAA.  For a list of all the season previews, click here.

Defending Champion: Forest Lake

Predicted Seeding

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

This is the other section in 4A with 9 teams in it.  This one is caused by the combination of Duluth Central and Duluth Denfeld.  Next year those schools will combine under the Denfeld name.  Johnny Woodard leads Duluth East to the top spot in the section.  In addition to 2012's top prospect (in my opinion), Ian Nelson mans the post and junior Taylor Stafford had a breakout fall at the point guard spot.  He's lightning quick and should continue his big improvement this season.   I picked Anoka ahead of Blaine and Andover in my NW Suburban picks but losing Marcus Tyus until at least January is a huge blow.  They will be one of the hardest teams in the state to seed thanks to that injury.  And with a lower seed, they have bracket buster written all over them.  Forest Lake is the best of the rest with their open-post offense.  Cambridge-Isanti loses a ton but returns shooter Ted Lutterman.  The Duluth combo jumps in next.  Coon Rapids and St. Francis are my picks for the pigtail game.

Section Winner: Duluth East.  I think they'll be better than years past defensively.  But unlike last year where they could use Woodard as a defensive stopper and let Dyami Starks score, they'll need to get Woodard off the star on defense.  The other 2 stars I think are the nominees for the runner up spot.  That's forward Zach Romashko at Blaine and Tyus if healthy.

10-11 Section 6AAAA Preview

This is the 22nd preview in my 2010-2011 season preview series.  In this preview, a look at Section 6AAAA.  For a list of all the season previews, click here.

Defending Champion: Hopkins

Predicted Seeding

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

Minneapolis Southwest is improved and I think they shock the world by running through the section and making state.  Enough nonsense, the top team in 4A resides here and that's Hopkins.  After that, Armstrong's guard play and finish in the NW Suburban puts them second.  St. Louis Park with everyone back will have a nice year and take 3.  Minnetonka will be much improved by the end of the year but learning a new system for coach Dasovich and the always difficult schedule, especially in December while learning that system, will knock down their seed.  Wayzata's front line of Eric Robertson and Chris Burt puts them at #5.  The Minneapolis City standings determine the rest.  Expect a big fight for the 3 seed because the 4/5 winner would play Hopkins in round 2.  South's guard play led by Carnell Sheppard and lack of Armstrong bigs could make for an interesting 2 vs 7 game.

Section Winner: Hopkins.  While the Royals aren't the perfect team, they still have an elite point in Siyani Chambers, the top prospect in the state Joe Coleman and a beast up front in Marvin Singleton.  They're still one of the top 2 teams in the state at worst and the other team is in 3A (Johnson).

10-11 Section 5AAAA Preview

This is the 21st preview in my 2010-2011 season preview series.  In this preview, I move to the north metro for a look at Section 5AAAA.  For a list of all the season previews, click here.

Defending Champion: Champlin Park

Predicted Seeding

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

Osseo is the clear favorite but after that, this section is a real tossup.  Bryan Sprang makes me take Irondale for the 2 spot.  But they may have to win at Mounds View on Dec 10th to get it.  Cooper will have plenty of athletes and is dangerous at 4.  Champlin Park with TJ Okafor can scare at #5.  Spring Lake Park can really help themselves with home games against Mounds View and Centennial in early December and Champlin Park in February in addition to the 4 league games with Irondale and Cooper.  Not sure they beat Mounds View or Champlin Park but I think they beat Centennial to swipe the 6 spot.  Park Center falls to 8 via my NW Suburban picks but a rivalry game with Osseo makes the 1 vs 8 slightly more interesting.  The Bethel holiday tourney features 4 of these teams (Mounds View, Champlin Park, Cooper and Centennial) so a strong showing in that tournament could go a long way in section seeding.

Section Winner: Osseo.  Too talented for the rest of a very average section.  Orioles shouldn't have any trouble moving through.  Individual performances from players like Bryan Sprang, Jordan Van Eps, TJ Okafor and Terrance Averyheart will go a long way in determining who the Orioles will face in the section final.

10-11 Section 4AAAA Preview

This is the 20th preview in my 2010-2011 season preview series.  In this preview, I move to the east metro for a look at Section 4AAAA.  For a list of all the season previews, click here.

Defending Champion: Henry Sibley

Predicted Seeding

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

This is the 1 of the 2 AAAA sections that will have an 8 vs 9 pigtail game this season.  East Ridge moves in as the 9th team.  As usual this is the Classic Suburban vs Suburban East showcase with the top teams in each league highlighting the bracket.  The conference winners and runners-up get the top 4 seeds.  Roseville has enough talent to over come the 2 teams in front of them.  Lucas Brown is a handful for anybody in the section.  The rest falls in line with league results.  White Bear Lake gets a rough draw as the 6 seed but they could scare Roseville in that 3 vs 6 game.  East Ridge gets the home pigtail game.  I wonder with them moving in to the section if the section site eventually gets moved as it would be possible for East Ridge to play 3 games at home to make state (if they were a top 4 seed).  The rest of the sections are setup to avoid section semis/finals at home.

Section Winner: Tartan.  Last year's semifinal loss to Cretin-Derham Hall was really tough to swallow and I think the Titans get revenge.  These are 2 teams that are similar with Awich vs Newman up front and Strong/Preiners vs Tillman/Kelly/Montero on the outside.  I think Tartan is better defensively and has the top difference maker in this game, Darrion Strong.  Combine that with the defensive options Tartan can throw at Raijon Kelly and I think that puts Tartan over the top in a quality section final.

10-11 Section 3AAAA Preview

This is the 19th preview in my 2010-2011 season preview series.  In this preview, I stay in the south metro for a look at Section 3AAAA.  For a list of all the season previews, click here.

Defending Champion: Eastview

Predicted Seeding

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

This is the easiest section to seed but only because Park puts themselves at the bottom.  The South Suburban standings determine the rest.  Top to bottom you won't find a tougher bracket, especially in the top 6.  Rosemount and Matt Nelson is not a 6 seed I would want to draw if I'm a 3 seed.  The top 3 are absolutely stacked and Eagan is as good a 4 seed as you'll find.  Lakeville South can have a big say with their front line of Alex Richter, Spencer Pankonin and Jon Christensen.  Eagan has plenty of firepower to scare and if Jameson Parsons gets hot, they can definitely pull an upset.


Section Winner: Eastview.  The Lightning are stacked with perimeter and inside players.  If they get quality point guard play, watch out.  Their 2 regular season games last year with Apple Valley were decided by a combined 7 points before Eastview won the section title by 12.  Expect another classic in a section final rematch.  Don't be shocked if it turns out to be the best section final in AAAA.

10-11 Section 2AAAA Preview

This is the 18th preview in my 2010-2011 season preview series.  In this preview, I start my week long look at the 6 metro area sections in class AAAA with a look at Section 2AAAA.  For a list of all the season previews, click here.

Defending Champion: Eden Prairie

Predicted Seeding

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

This section breaks down into 3 very good teams at the top and then blah below.  Chaska gets the top seed based on winning the Missota.  I think Eden Prairie is the best team here but their schedule is so insanely difficult I can't see them getting through all of it.  Shakopee is heads and shoulders above the rest with Petrill, Ulferts and Perkins all returning.  Jefferson gets the 4 seed with the best remaining player, Marcus Alipate.  But any game with Jefferson in this section is sure to either be a blowout or a cure for insomnia.  5-8 could fall anywhere.  Edina's guard play puts them at 5.  Chanhassen falls in at 6 thanks to some wins against the bottom of the Missota and Kevin Jensen.  Prior Lake's tough schedule and youth puts them at 7.  Kennedy comes in at 8 after a rough season.  But they've surprised in fall ball with wins over Chaska and a nice performance in a loss to Johnson.  We'll see if that translates to the regular season.  The Eden Prairie vs Shakopee semifinal will be a defensive struggle.  It wouldn't surprise me to see that game in the 40s.

Section Winner: Eden Prairie.  While I think Chaska has the most talent in the section, its hard to pick against the defending champs. I think Eden Prairie slows the tempo and plays the game at their pace.  That will minimize the impact of Ross Travis.  While EP isn't an offensive juggernaut, their defense is stout and in a slow game I see that as potential frustration for the Hawks.  Chaska's Jake White vs Eden Prairie's Conner Nord inside is a matchup to watch in that one.

10-11 Section 6AAA Preview

This is the 17th preview in my 2010-2011 season preview series.  In this preview, I venture to the west metro to look at Section 6AAA.  For a list of all the season previews, click here.

Defending Champion: Benilde-St. Margaret's

Predicted Seeding

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

Nothing like a 7 team section with 6 conferences represented.  Makes for an interesting seeding challenge.  Chanhassen leaves the section to move up to AAAA.  Benilde-St. Margaret's has the most firepower in the section.  Winning the North Suburban and a tough non-conference schedule should get them the top seed.  If Shelby Moats and his back are healthy enough to lead Waconia to the Wright County title, the Wildcats will also make a strong case for the top seed.  Waconia has lost as the 2 seed in the 1st round the last 2 years though.  Washburn will build on last season and finish strong in the Minneapolis City to get the 3 seed.

Holy Family returns junior center Ryan Daul and guard Jeff Soule for new coach Joe Burger.  He's a former assistant for the Fire so expect much of the same disciplined system.  The 2A conference schedule hurts them in seeding but they have Braham in the tipoff classic and a home game with Minnetonka to help.  The biggest game might be the last game of the year at St. Thomas Academy.   Holy Angels wins the battle of Richfield for the 5/6 seeds.  If these seeds hold, I would expect the 4/5 Holy Angels rematch with Holy Family to be very different than their regular season meeting before Christmas.  Both of coach McKenzie's teams at AHA have started slow and made big runs late in the year.  With a young squad this season, expect them to be very different in early March than in December and January.  Mound-Westonka lost a group of seniors but still has guard Matt Daoust and center Dan Flesher returning to provide experience.  But I think they drop to the lower half of the Wright County.

Section Winner: Benilde-St. Margaret's.  The Red Knights will have another year of experience for their talented junior class and will have roles sorted out by then.  Too deep and talented to lose the section.  An off shooting night against a team like Waconia who defends well and plays slow is the only way I see them not advancing.  But I don't see Waconia getting there as I think Washburn takes them out in the semis.

10-11 Section 4AAA Preview

This is the 16th preview in my 2010-2011 season preview series.  In this preview, I continue my look at the metro area sections with a look at Section 4AAA.  For a list of all the season previews, click here.

Defending Champion: St. Paul Johnson

Predicted Seeding

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

In the St. Paul City vs Classic Suburban tournament, the Classic Suburban is stronger top to bottom, but Johnson is the defending state champs and still loaded.  Johnson rolls through most of their schedule with only a couple of tests.  The Classic Suburban falls into line next though I flip Hill-Murray and Mahtomedi due to Justin Pahl leaving Mahtomedi for East Ridge.  Highland Park falls to 5th thanks to the weak St. Paul City and they have to play at Hill-Murray and Mahtomedi.  As to the bottom 2 teams, the number of their seed will be greater than their number of wins.

Section Winner: St. Paul Johnson.  With the star perimeter trio of Tyler, Scott and Marshall back, no way I can pick against the champs. Hill-Murray vs St. Thomas will be an interesting semifinal but I think St. Thomas wins a close one.  St. Thomas is very disciplined and will keep the title game with Johnson close for a while.  But on city turf at Arlington (practically Johnson's backyard) and with all that depth, Johnson pulls away late with defensive pressure and makes another run at a state title. If Hill-Murray falls to 4 they could be looking at a 2nd round rematch at Johnson where they led by 3 at the half last year before falling 70-63.

10-11 Section 3AAA Preview

This is the 15th preview in my 2010-2011 season preview series.  In this preview, I continue my look at the metro area sections with a look at Section 3AAA.  For a list of all the season previews, click here.

Defending Champion: DeLaSalle

Predicted Seeding

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

It should be another very competitive season in section 3AAA.  DeLaSalle's non-conference schedule will give them every opportunity to top the section standings.  Columbia Heights will have to take the North Suburban crown to take the top seed.  Henry has games at DeLaSalle and hosting Columbia Heights.  Henry's guards traditionally give DeLaSalle fits but Henry doesn't have the guards of years past.  Totino-Grace is dangerous in the 5 slot as they're good enough to beat a Central team and they took out Henry last year in the tourney (and barely lost in another game).  Como Park looks like a lock for the 6 seed with their talent and St. Paul City schedule.  A possible Fridley/St. Anthony matchup in the Fridley holiday tourney likely determines the last 2 spots.  But that game will look much different than the 66-65 OT gem these 2 played last December at St. Anthony.

Section Winner: DeLaSalle.  They barely took out Columbia Heights in the section final last season and I expect another classic this season.  2 keys to that game will be pace and the turnover battle.  If a slow pace and sound defense forces Heights into frustration turnovers trying to generate offense, that's a big tilt to DeLaSalle.  If pressure on a DeLaSalle team that hasn't shown a true point guard force turnovers and allow an up and down helter-skelter kind of game, then Heights will be tough to deal with.  Ultimately, while DeLaSalle has players like Melvin Collins and Riley Dearring to match up with Zach Lofton and Ben Glover, Heights really doesn't have a good answer inside for Jonah Travis who's too quick for Andrew Hanson and too big and strong for the rest of the Heights roster.

10-11 Section 4AA Preview

This is the 14th preview in my 2010-2011 season preview series.  In this preview, I continue my look at the metro area sections with a look at Section 4AA.  For a list of all the season previews, click here.

Defending Champion: Minnehaha Academy

I'd say we're upgrading from class A to class AA, but this section is even worse than last year.  That's hard to fathom considering how down it was last year.  No powerhouse team in the section like last year's Minnehaha squad.  Last year's brackets were a little goofy with Trinity in the west and International School in the east so who knows what it will end up like.  For my purposes, I'll project them with the East/West breakdown that I think should happen.

West Subsection Predicted Seeding

1. Minnehaha
2. Blake
3. Minneapolis Roosevelt
   
4. Breck
5. Brooklyn Center
6. Providence
7. International School
   

I take Minnehaha at the top for winning the Tri-Metro west.  The race for #2 is nice bear (Roosevelt) vs mean bear (Blake).  Blake lost at Roosevelt by 2 last year.  They'll play at Blake on Jan 4th and I'll take the Bears at home this year.  But Calvin Jenkins is enough to pull Roosevelt all the way through the subsection if he gets hot.  Providence is still young and I can't put them above any of the Tri-Metro squads.  International School got no respect for their EMAC schedule last year and losing to Edison really sealed their fate.  No reason to believe the coaches won't seed them at the bottom again.

East Subsection Predicted Seeding

1. Concordia Academy
   
2. St. Croix Lutheran
   
3. Trinity
   
4. St. Paul Academy
   
5. Minneapolis Edison
6. Mounds Park Academy
7. Great River
   

Concordia is the easy pick at the top and Great River is another EMAC school who will get no respect with their schedule so they get the bottom spot.  Edison and MPA are both worthy of a 7 seed but I can only put 1 team there.   Edison gets the nod over MPA since they can score and MPA struggles there.  Trinity at St. Croix Lutheran in February is a must win for Trinity to take the 2 seed.  SPA has to travel to both Trinity and St. Croix Lutheran.  With those 2 teams having their top kids back and SPA losing 11 seniors, going on the road will be too much to overcome.

Section Winner: Concordia Academy.  With the additions from St. Bernard's, I think that gives Concordia too much depth.  They have the top inside player in the section in Cutler Finneman and the deepest backcourt.  They beat Minnehaha to win the section.

10-11 Independents and the Rest Preview

This is the 12th preview in my 2010-2011 season preview series.  In this preview, a look at the metro area independents and then some bonus thoughts on the Wright County and Mississippi 8 Conferences.  For a list of all the season previews, click here.

CHOF Lions (2009-10 season 6-16)
Junior center Tyler Strandlund is your prototype class A 1 man band.  He's good for 20 and 10 every night.  Guards Tate Piepkorn and Adam Rohlf return.  They'll be improved but beyond Strandlund, they'll struggle to score.

Minnesota Transitions Wolves (2009-10 season 30-3)
The defending class A state champions lose the state's all-time leading scorer Kevin Noreen and his 36.5 points and 16.4 rebounds per game.  With his size no longer in the middle, expect the Wolves to go back to their old Loyola Marymount ways.  Younger brother Kyle returns and is the glue that will hold the team together as he will do a bit of everything for them.  After averaging 19.2 PPG last season, don't be shocked if he comes close to 30 this season.  It wouldn't be crazy to see him average a triple-double either.  Dynamic scorer Rodney Owens returns on the other wing and should also have a large season.  Forward Devonte Harvey can fill it up in a hurry too. Expect the starters to play big minutes as beyond those 3, the roster is thin.

PACT Panthers (2009-10 season 22-7)
The Panthers lose most of their rotation including forward Austin Rink.  He averaged 18.3 points a game last season.  Sophomore Drew Zieroth is the top returner at 6.9 PPG a night.  Senior Jordan Szabla is another returnee of note.  In a rebuilding year, they've downgraded the non-MCAA section of their schedule accordingly.

Prairie Seeds Academy comes on the scene this year. They have enough athletes to be competitive against their mostly charter school schedule.

Former Big Lake coach Steve De Los Reyes relaunches the program at Spectrum after it didn't play varsity last year. 

Games to Watch

• Duluth East vs MTS - Dec 11th (Breakdown Tipoff Classic)
• Lakeview Christian at CHOF - Dec 11th
• Braham at CHOF - Dec 16th
• MTS at Springfield - Dec 20th
• Park Christian at CHOF - Jan 14th
• CHOF at MTS - Feb 10th
• MTS at St. Paul Johnson - Feb 22nd
• MTS at Eden Prairie - Feb 25th
• CHOF at Maranatha - Mar 1st
• MTS at Stephen-Argyle - Mar 4th

Wright County Conference Thoughts
Some really good talent in the league with lots of players back.  The battle at the top remains the same with Orono and Waconia set to have a pair of epic battles again this season (1/4 at Waconia, 2/8 at Orono).  Waconia loses forward Danny Fischbach but the development of Alex Schmitt and Wylie Ferron should over come that.  My gut tells me to take Orono since 9 of their top 10 return.  However, with Shelby Moats inside and the guard duo of Bronson Scheff and Ben Kortuem returning for a 3rd year with 2 league titles, I have to take Waconia until beaten.  I think these teams split like last year and Orono's reliance on outside shooting and opposing bigs to rebound means they get upset in a game.  Plenty of bigs in the league as well which isn't good for Orono's small lineup.  Mike Yahnke and 18 a night return at Delano.  Expect a big year inside from James Fort at Annandale.  Nate Kratch is a versatile lefty forward at Watertown-Mayer.  They need to replace 14 a night from Tyler Schmidt but most of the rotation returns. 

Mississippi 8 Conference Thoughts
Rogers is my team to beat in the league with their top 2 scorers Trevor Morlick on the wing and post Rory Donovan returning.  RJ Dean returns at the point.  Center Michael Schreiber returns.  Forward Josh Turnquist had a big summer for 43 Hoops and is a nice complement to their inside play.  Trevor Berkley is another wing who should see time.  Buffalo loses their top 2 scorers in Aaron Duske and guard Brent Kettenacker.  Sharpshooter Andy Ortmann returns as the top scorer.  Soph Ethan Freer and Kennan Brown return to the rotation.  At St. Michael-Albertville, athletic forward Joe Carpenter returns along with guard Michael Wiese.  Like Buffalo, they are well-coached and hard-nosed defensively.  Expect those 2 to be in the top half.  On the northern side of the league you've got shooters.  Junior Ted Lutterman leads the way at Cambridge-Isanti.  Zimmerman's backcourt of Brandon Giese and Blake Ehley (especially Giese) can fill it up in a hurry.  Those 2 with 5 juniors who saw plenty of time last year should allow the Thunder to make the top half.  Big Lake will have a say in that with much of their rotation back.  Center Anthony Saavedra (including goggles) and point guard Michael Stevens are the top players back for another year.  Post Damien Reinke will lead Becker but they'll have to find a way to replace athletic forward Michael Lindsay's 17 points a night.  Center Kevin Flesch will lead Monticello.  Zimmerman, Princeton and possibly Becker all leave the league after the season to form a new conference very similar to the old Rum River (read about the realignment possibilities here)

10-11 Tri-Metro Preview

This is the 11th preview in my 2010-2011 season preview series.  In this preview, a look at the Tri-Metro Conference.  For a list of all the season previews, click here.

Wow, talk about a league in a down year. DeLaSalle is loaded and Concordia gets some help from the closing of St. Bernard's but otherwise, not a good year in the league.

Blake Bears (2009-10 season 10-18, 5-11 Conference, 5th West)
Those 10 wins are deceiving as there really wasn't a good win on the schedule.  Sophomore Kebu Johnson is rapidly improving.  He was last year's second leading scorer at 11.6 PPG and is their do everything player.  Senior forward Tim Zellmer is the other returnee of note.

Breck Mustangs (2009-10 season 7-19, 2-14 Conference, 6th West)
Long time Larry McKenzie assistant Matt McCollister takes over as the new coach.  3 of their 7 wins were against Trinity so 4-19 against everyone else.  Top scorer Jeffrey Lurie returns with his 14.8 points a night.  Juniors Austin Lommen and  Tyler Hudson saw big minutes last season along with guards Nick Hoffman and Joey Yared.

Brooklyn Center Centaurs (2009-10 season 16-11, 11-5 Conference, 3rd West)
Huge loss for the Centaurs with their star point guard Freddie Young leaving for a prep school.  Demetrius Anthony is the top returner at 11.1 PPG.  Without Young I expect a long season.

Concordia Academy Beacons (2009-10 season 15-13, 9-7 Conference, 2nd East)
The Beacons lose forward Jordan Schneidermann, Chad Koepke and shooter Nik Novitsky.One of the few bright spots in the league.  Point guard Shane Taylor comes over from St. Bernard's.  Junior Cutler Finneman returns inside.  Guards Jeff Weber and Lorenzo Davis also return.

DeLaSalle Islanders (2009-10 season 25-6, 15-1 Conference, tied 1st West)
There's D and everyone else despite the loss of star forward Jalen Jaspers.  Jonah Travis returns in the middle and should have a monster year.  Bretson McNeal had a breakout summer for Howard Pulley.  He's one of the top shooters in the state and can explode for a handful of triples in a very short time.  Marcas Dorsey and Robert Ndondo-Lay will see minutes inside.  Sophomore Riley Dearring comes over from Hopkins.  He should see time on the other wing along with the athletic Marvin Collins.  Lamonte Hall is another shooter and he'll see time at the point.  Keep an eye on the DLS play at the point.  They'll probably do it by committee as there really isn't a true PG right now.

Minnehaha Academy Redhawks (2009-10 season 26-5, 15-1 Conference, tied 1st West)
No team in the league has bigger losses than the Redhawks.  Their big 3 of Austin Brown, Parker Hines and Taylor Hansen combined for 48 points a night and all are gone.  3 other seniors are also gone.  Joel Reinhardt and Zach Nipper are the top returning players.

Mounds Park Academy Panthers (2009-10 season 3-23, 0-16 Conference, 6th East)
Guard Peter Wright and forward Nate Burstein are back but they struggle to score more than anyone in the league and there's no help coming up to improve them.  Expect another very long season.

St. Agnes Aggies (2009-10 season 13-16, 7-9 Conference, 4th East)
Besides 1 senior, the entire roster is back.  Though talk has it that 1 of the 3 double-figure scorers transferred out.  Even then you'd have 5 back from last year's rotation.  With the tons of losses in the rest of the division besides Concordia, expect them to be near the top of the East.

St. Anthony Huskies (2009-10 season 16-11, 13-3 Conference, 1st East)
If Minnehaha doesn't have the biggest losses in the league, the Huskies do.  The entire backcourt of Aaron McCrossan and leading scorer Josh Pratt is gone.  Forward Derek Jahner is also gone along with Jordan Sayers and Karuza Cook.  Guard Stephen Couillard is the top returner at 3.8 PPG.

St. Croix Lutheran Crusaders (2009-10 season 7-21, 2-14 Conference, 5th East)
This is a hard team to figure out.  Their only league wins were against Mounds Park Academy despite some talent.  But they were young.  The junior guard duo of brute Wesley Tucker and Cameron Cummings is back and both averaged double-figures last season.  Junior shooter Mark Lawrence is back.  Fowards Kyle Prelgo and Michael Galler saw front line minutes last year.  Its another year of experience as they should be improved, but I think they're a year away.

St. Paul Academy Spartans (2009-10 season 16-12, 9-7 Conference, 4th West)
The losses are huge here too.  SPA has 11 seniors who are gone including their star forward Evan McMillan and point guard Santano Rosario.  It seems like they both played varsity for 10 years.  Sophomore Spencer Egly saw plenty of minutes last year and is the top returner.  He averaged 4.6 a game and will man the point.  Expect to see lots of youth on the court.

Predicted Order of Finish

West

1. DeLaSalle
2. Minnehaha
3. Blake
4. Breck 
5. St. Paul Academy
6. Brooklyn Center

East

1. Concordia Academy
2. St. Agnes 
3. St. Croix Lutheran
4. St. Anthony
5. Mounds Park Academy

Conference MVP: Jonah Travis - DeLaSalle

Underclassmen to watch:  
Kebu Johnson - Blake
Riley Dearring, Reed Travis, Sean Fitzgibbons - DeLaSalle
Mario Franco - St. Agnes
Spencer Egly - St. Paul Academy

Games that will determine the conference title

• Concordia at St. Agnes - Dec 7th
• Concordia at DeLaSalle - Jan 25th
• St. Agnes at Concordia - Feb 4th

Non-Conference Games to Watch

• DeLaSalle vs Chaska - Dec 11th (Breakdown Tipoff Classic)
• Concordia at St. Cloud Cathedral tournament - Dec 28-30
• DeLaSalle vs Superior at UW-Superior - Jan 8th
• Eden Prairie at DeLaSalle - Jan 29th
• DeLaSalle at Waunakee (WI) - Feb 4th
• DeLaSalle at Benilde-St. Margaret's - Feb 8th
• St. Paul Central at Concordia - Feb 11th
• St. Agnes at Maranatha - Feb 14th
• Cretin-Derham Hall at DeLaSalle - Feb 26th
• Minneapolis Henry at DeLaSalle - Mar 1st
• Concordia at Mayer Lutheran - Mar 4th

10-11 Suburban East Preview

This is the 10th preview in my 2010-2011 season preview series.  In this preview, a trip to the east metro for a look at the Suburban East Conference.  For a list of all the season previews, click here.

Some major losses across the league with 6 teams losing their top scorer.  That doesn't count the BIG loss of Seantrel Henderson either. But there's some nice talent coming up in some of the top programs in the league that will keep things interesting.

Cretin-Derham Hall Raiders (2009-10 season 23-6, 14-4 Conference, 2nd)
Big Seantrel Henderson is off to Miami to play football but with him missing a series of games last season, the Raiders learned to play without him.  Athletic forward Elliot Owusu and shooter Gus Gehlen also need to be replaced.  Senior off guard Raijon Kelly returns after leading the team in scoring at 14 PPG last season.  Then the junior trio of point guard Cortez Tilllman, glue forward Taylor Montero and center CJ Neuman are back.  Neuman saw plenty of minutes in the middle last year and he's really gotten big.  Guard Brian Smith also saw some time in the rotation last season.

East Ridge Raptors (2009-10 season 6-21, 2-16 Conference, 9th)
The best news for the Raptors is addition of shooter Justin Pahl from Mahtomedi.  Everyone is back from last year including 14.1 PPG from John Hietpas.

Forest Lake Rangers (2009-10 season 24-6, 16-2 Conference, 1st)
The Rangers lose the league's top scorer last season Zach Riedeman.  He was able to go outside of the open post motion system to generate his own offense and add another dimension to the Rangers.  Power forward Doug Sewall and athletic Sam Miller are also gone.  That's 3 of the top 4 scorers.  Guard Phil Hegseth and his 10 points a game returns to lead the way.

Hastings Raiders (2009-10 season 14-14, 9-9 Conference, 6th)
34.6 PPG from the forward duo of Shane Monjeau and Nick Gmiterko has graduated.  The 3rd leading scorer Mike Hill is also gone.  The top returnee is junior forward Darius Wilkerson.  He averaged 7.3 points a game last season.  He's a nice athlete who should see his role expanded greatly this season.

Mounds View Mustangs (2009-10 season 16-12, 10-8 Conference, 5th)
4 seniors who averaged between 9 and 11.4 points a night last season are gone.  Top scorer Jordan Van Eps and his 12.4 points a night return along with Blake Anderson.  But you can't completely write off a Ziggy Kauls coached team.

Park Wolfpack (2009-10 season 1-26, 0-18 Conference, 10th)
Park loses a bunch of seniors including 16.1 PPG from Craig Brown.  Antonio Dominguez-Howard is the top returnee at 4.5 a night.  August Omot and Austin Kruseski are 2 other returners.  The team in the South Washington County district that will have the toughest season.

Roseville Raiders (2009-10 season 11-16, 6-12 Conference, 8th)
The only team in the league with no major loss due to graduation . The top 3 scorers are back.  That includes wings Lucas Brown (Wofford commit and 17.2 PPG last year) and junior Emeche Wells.  Guard David Stanley is short but surprisingly athletic with his 15.7 PPG.  Connor Harlander and center Sam Peterson return.  Frosh Mack Johnson may be small but he has area code range.  Easy pick to predict the Raiders will make the biggest jump this season in the league standings.

Stillwater Ponies (2009-10 season 20-7, 13-5 Conference, 3rd)
Tons of losses for the Ponies.  Shooter Alex Oman, center Ryan Duxbury and versatile forward Miles Heller and point guard Paul Franklin combined for over 43 points a game last year.   Athletic wing Paxton Harvieux and forward Jake Malwitz return.  Center Josh Johnson is a lefty center who can step out and shoot it.

White Bear Lake Bears (2009-10 season 17-10, 12-6 Conference, 4th)
4 of the top 5 scorers including forwards Spencer Cummings and Richard Azevedo, shooter Ryan Olson and point guard David Rademacher is also gone.  Don't expect much of a dropoff from the Bears though.  There's a nice group of juniors.  Josh Tismer will take over the point.  Zach Meyer will take over inside after a breakout performance in July against the Atlanta Celtics.  Guards Vidal Vance and Colton Smit also return.  If forward Eric Gebeke decides not to focus on track, he would add another scoring weapon on the wing.

Woodbury Royals (2009-10 season 12-16, 8-10 Conference, 7th)
Wow, what a new school will do to a district. Woodbury may not out do East Ridge this season.  The trend of down teams south of I94 and outside the loop continues.  The entire rotation is gone including 21.3 PPG from Nick Quicksell.  Junior Connor McKeen is the top returner.

Predicted Order of Finish

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

Conference MVP: Lucas Brown - Roseville

Underclassmen to watch:  
Teddy Chapman - Cretin-Derham Hall
Logan Brown, Mack Johnson - Roseville

Games that will determine the conference title

• Roseville at Stillwater - Jan 21st
• Cretin-Derham Hall at Roseville - Jan 28th
• Cretin-Derham Hall at White Bear Lake - Feb 4th
• Roseville at White Bear Lake - Feb 22nd
• Cretin-Derham Hall at Stillwater - Mar 1st
• Roseville at Cretin-Derham Hall - Mar 4th

Non-Conference Games to Watch

• Benilde-St. Margaret's vs Cretin-Derham Hall - Dec 11th (Breakdown Tipoff Classic)
• Roseville at Minneapolis Washburn - Dec 14th
• St. Thomas Academy at Cretin-Derham Hall - Dec 18th
• Roseville at St. Paul Johnson - Dec 22nd
• Cretin-Derham Hall vs St. Paul Central - Dec 30th (projected Catholic Spirit championship at U of St. Thomas)
• Eden Prairie at Cretin-Derham Hall - Jan 15th
• Roseville vs Rice Lake (WI) - Jan 22nd (East Metro Showcase)
• Cretin-Derham Hall at DeLaSalle - Feb 26th

10-11 St. Paul City Preview

This is the 9th preview in my 2010-2011 season preview series.  In this preview, a look at the St. Paul City Conference.  For a list of all the season previews, click here.

Its addition by subtraction with Arlington closing down. But with the school expanding to hold the growth of the old Washington high school (now Washington Middle but expanding to 7-12 eventually), we'll see them back in a couple of years.  Outside of Harding, the rest of the league is better, but not great. Middle of the pack should be a good struggle to see who finishes 3rd.

Central Minutemen (2009-10 season 20-6, 10-2 Conference, 2nd)
I thought Central was one of the most overrated teams last season but the results were hard to argue with.  Forward LeDarian Horton averaged 17.5 PPG last year to finish 2nd in the league.  Horton and a bunch of guards including Taylor Smaller will need to be replaced.  Point guard William McDonough leads the way outside with Dwayne Cannady.  Martin Smith returns to anchor the post.  Keep an eye on the lower levels here as there's a good freshman group and the sophs won the city last year. 

Como Park Cougars (2009-10 season 14-11, 8-4 Conference, 3rd)
The top 3 scorers including point guard Adrian Wackett and wings Joe Conley and Brandon Baker are gone.  Soph Bajaun Adams returns inside and guard Terrance Williams will lead the way on the perimeter.  They have a couple of other talented sophomores as well.

Harding Knights (2009-10 season 4-19, 2-10 Conference, 6th)
2 of the 4 wins were over Arlington last year.  Top players Vernon Keller and Jeremy Hallowanger are gone.  Hard to see Harding improving on last season's mark.

Highland Park Scots (2009-10 season 10-13, 5-7 Conference, tied 4th)
Leading scorer Jimmy Sauser is gone and there's a new coach.  Jon DePerry comes over from Central after being a longtime top assistant to Scott Howell at Central. Senior Cordero Washington and soph Dion Bradley are the top returnees.  Guard TyShaun Williams is one of the many guards on this small roster.

Humboldt Hawks (2009-10 season 14-12, 5-7 Conference, tied 4th)
Last year's breakout star in the league Bryale Winters and his 18 points a night are gone.  5'8 guard Julian Luster's 11.1 PPG returns along with Keith Jackson and Danny Barber.

Johnson Governors (2009-10 season 32-0 AAA State Champs, 12-0 Conference, 1st)
Max Rosenbloom is off to Bemidji State after averaging almost a double double with 9.8 points and rebounds a night.  Wing athlete Jordan Pluff and guard Donte Warlick are gone, but this is Johnson where the talent is overflowing.  One of the best perimeter trios in the state is back with Estan Tyler running the show.  Wings Roosevelt Scott and Marcus Marshall both had breakout summers.  Chris Smith-Bond returns in the middle.  Juniors Jalen Albritton and Shelby Ashford are ready to make contributions as well.  Expect another run at a state title.

Predicted Order of Finish

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

Conference MVP: Roosevelt Scott - Johnson

Underclassmen to watch:  
Quashingm Smith-Pugh, Kendarius Latimore - Johnson
Malik Durant-Haines, Lester Patton - Central
Kayshiva Shaw, Bajaun Adams - Como Park
Dion Bradley - Highland Park

Games that will determine the conference title

• Johnson at Central - Feb 4th

Non-Conference Games to Watch

• St. Paul Johnson at Lakeville South - Dec 3rd
• Central at Tartan - Dec 14th
• Roseville at Johnson - Dec 22nd
• Central at Catholic Spirit Tournament - Dec 28th-30th (U of St. Thomas)
• Johnson vs Hopkins - Dec 30th (projected Augsburg tourney championship) 
• Johnson at Eden Prairie - Jan 13th
• Johnson at Midwest Players Showcase - Jan 15th (La Crosse, WI)
• Superior (WI) at Johnson - Jan 21st (East Metro Showcase)
• Orono at St. Paul Central - Feb 25th

10-11 South Suburban Preview

This is the 8th preview in my 2010-2011 season preview series.  In this preview, we go from north to south with a look at the South Suburban Conference.  For a list of all the season previews, click here.

It may not be the Lake Conference in name, but its all the same teams and the same ridiculously tough league schedule.  4 teams at the top with tons of talent back, a fast rising program right behind them and an up and coming team moving up the back of the pack.  The top of the league could be the best race around.  Difficult race to pick as Lakeville South matches up well with Eastview but didn't fare as well against Apple Valley.  Records below are for last year's Lake Conference standings except for Prior Lake's Missota record.

Apple Valley Eagles (2009-10 season 20-8, 16-6 Conference, 2nd)
The 2nd leading scorer in the league returns.  That's William and Mary commit Thomas Schalk.  But of course the Eagles revolve around freshman point guard Tyus Jones.  The Eagles are a different team when he's on the floor.  Gavin Bronson and Josh Johnson also return.  Shooter Dustin Fronk and guard Harry Sonie are youngsters to watch.

Bloomington Jefferson Jaguars (2009-10 season 7-18, 5-17 Conference, 10th)
With their ugly slowdown style, they can steal a game like they did against Apple Valley at home and at Eastview last year.  8 of the 18 losses were by 5 points or less.  Guard Marcus Alipate averaged 17.8 PPG last season and is the top returner.  Matt Hovila is the other returner of note.  Sophomore post Reggie Lynch is making a rapid rise.

Bloomington Kennedy Eagles (2009-10 season 6-21, 4-18 Conference, 11th)
Coach Jared Nuness is gone to take a job at Baylor.  Also gone are the top 4 scorers from last season including guard Deron Murphy.  DeShun Patterson comes over from Jefferson to be one of the top players.  A long season on the horizon.

Burnsville Blaze (2009-10 season 11-16, 8-14 Conference, 9th)
The top 2 scorers Jeff Fallat and Jack Ghizoni are gone.  CJ Smith is the top returner after a nice summer with the Minnesota Magic Elite.

Eagan Wildcats (2009-10 season 16-11, 12-10 Conference, tied 6th)
Here's a team that would make a run in most other leagues.  Adam Carl is gone but most everyone else is back.  Jameson Parsons is a sharpshooting guard at 21.2 a night and can go off at anytime.  Ben Sicoli returns to run the point.  Matt Hentges is a bruising forward.  Shea Mandli is a versatile post.  Leading rebounder Eric Wittenburg is also back.

Eastview Lightning (2009-10 season 18-12, 14-8 Conference, tied 4th)
The most loaded team in the league.  Don't let last year's record fool you and the loss of point guard Vinard Birch fool you. Once Joey King became eligible the Lightning went on an 11-2 team with the 2 losses by 3 points to Sibley at state and 4 points at Apple Valley in a game that could have gone either way.  King averaged more than 16 a night.  Shane McSparron and Frank Veldman are a pair of athletic wings.  Soph Ben Oberfeld gives them an inside presence along with DeLaSalle transfer Sam Burt.  Darin Haugh and Oshari Arnett are guards who saw varsity time last season.  Point guard play will be key.

Lakeville North Panthers (2009-10 season 18-10, 14-8 Conference, tied 4th)
The high octane guard duo of Dajon Newell and Devon Knopke is gone.  Alex Moore is the top returnee along with guard Al Erickson. 

Lakeville South Cougars (2009-10 season 20-9, 15-7 Conference, 3rd)
Another group that is loaded and they are built for this season.  Forward Alex Richter topped the league in scoring last year at 22.9 a night.  He returns along with point guard Riley West.  The other top 2 scorers are inside and both return.  That's active Jon Christensen and Spencer Pankonin.

Prior Lake Lakers (2009-10 season 3-24, 2-12 Conference, 8th)
And now a look at the finest southern resort in The Kingdom (wasn't fair to call it Siberia so I've had a change of heart).  3-24 in the relatively down Missota and the top scorer Jake Bolks at 12.6 a night is gone along with Ryan Boegeman and Andrew Dale.  Boo hoo.  Kyle Repinski and Jack Harrison return.  But new coach Alex Focke has some reinforcements coming. 7 footer Carson Shanks comes over from Eastview.  6'8 soph Jeff Probert and freshman point guard Jon Sabaski are also on the way up.

Rosemount Irish (2009-10 season 14-13, 11-11 Conference, 8th)
17.9 PPG from forward Zach Vraa is gone along with 11.4 from guard Toriano Tatum.  And Matt Larson may be focusing on football.  Center Justin Larson also graduated.  Help is on the way as Rosemount has a couple of quality classes on the way.  Leading the way will be 6'7 junior Matt Nelson.  He's on everybody's AAU radar.

Predicted Order of Finish

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

Conference MVP: Joey King - Eastview

Underclassmen to watch:  
Tyus Jones, Dustin Fronk, Harry Sonie - Apple Valley
Reggie Lynch - Bloomington Jefferson
Ben Oberfeld - Eastview
Jon Sabaski, Carson Shanks, Jeff Probert - Prior Lake

Games that will determine the conference title

• Lakeville South at Apple Valley - Jan 7th
• Apple Valley at Eastview - Jan 14th 
• Eastview at Lakeville South - Jan 25th
• Lakeville South at Eagan - Jan 28th
• Eastview at Eagan - Feb 4th
• Apple Valley at Lakeville South - Feb 8th
• Eastview at Apple Valley - Feb 15th
• Apple Valley at Eagan - Feb 18th
• Lakeville South at Eastview - Feb 25th

Non-Conference Games to Watch

• St. Paul Johnson at Lakeville South - Dec 3rd
• Duluth East at Eastview - Dec 3rd
• Eastview vs Waconia - Dec 11th (Breakdown Tipoff Classic)
• Apple Valley vs Tartan - Dec 11th (Breakdown Tipoff Classic)
• Apple Valley at Chaska - Dec 14th
• Hopkins at Lakeville South - Dec 14th
• Apple Valley at Eden Prairie - Dec 17th
• Apple Valley at Granite City Classic Tournament- Dec 28th-30th (St. Cloud Apollo)
• Shakopee at Lakeville South - Dec 29th (Projected Lakeville Rotary championship)
• Eastview at Midwest Players Classic - Jan 15th (La Crosse, WI)

10-11 Northwest Suburban Preview

Now to the second group of conference previews.  This is the 7th preview in the series, a look at the Northwest Suburban Conference.  For a list of all the season previews, click here.

Osseo looks to reclaim the league crown as the league welcomes Robbinsdale Armstrong.  I see the Falcons making an immediate impact.  Nice star power in the league with no fewer than 5 teams having a top flight player.  And there are a couple of teams in the bottom half with nice young players.

Andover Huskies (2009-10 season 16-11, 11-7 Conference, tied 3rd)
Over 30 points a game departs with the graduation of Andrew Berndt and Jason Schneider.  Tyler Finnes is the top returnee at 13.2 PPG.  Ben Mei, Gabe Wolfe and junior John Hennessey are 3 returnees who saw rotation minutes last season.

Anoka Tornadoes (2009-10 season 19-9, 11-7 Conference, tied 3rd)
Center Lomumba Ismail was one of the top bigs in the league last year.  His 16 points and 9.3 rebounds will be missed.  3 other seniors, including 2 who averaged double figures are also gone.  Junior guard Marcus Tyus had a breakout season last year and this will be his team this season.  After averaging 13.6 PPG last season, he could push for 20 PPG this season.  Seniors Eric Jordan, Spencer Specht and Spencer Grow were part of the rotation last year.  Eli Guptil and Brandon Lindquist are 2 others who should make contributions. 

Blaine Bengals (2009-10 season 6-21, 4-14 Conference, 9th)
Maple Grove coach Mark Arzdorf moves across the league and returns home to coach the Bengals.  Guard Jesse Briggity is gone but the Bengals do have a couple of pieces coming back.  Power forward Zach Romashko was the top scorer in the league last season at 18.1 PPG with 8.2 rebounds a game.  Junior forward Duke Anywanu looks to have an expanded role.  Dan Robel returns to run the point.

Centennial Cougars (2009-10 season 13-14, 10-8 Conference, 5th)
7 of the top 9 players are gone for the Cougars.  That includes guards Nathan Kuck and Tony Gerding.  Austin Malinowski is the top returning player at 5 points per game.  Josh Matheson is the other returning player from the rotation.  Is Mitchell Kuck one of the players to pick up the slack?

Champlin Park Rebels (2009-10 season 24-6, 16-2 Conference, 1st)
The heaviest losses in the league award goes to the Rebels.  The top 8 players are all gone including the 3 headed monster of Josh Pella, Kyle Zimmerman and Jasper Duberry and a productive group of role players around them .  TJ Okafor is one of the top athletes in the MN 2011 class.  He didn't see as many minutes as I would have expected last year and one has to wonder if that will bite the Rebels this year.  Teddy Gibson is the other notable returnee.  Very inexperienced but the Rebels JV squad was 20-3 last year so this squad is difficult to figure out.

Coon Rapids Cardinals (2009-10 season 11-17, 6-12 Conference, tied 7th)
Torren Dowdy came on as a nice surprise last season at 16.6 a game.  Along with Ricke Setts, he's part of the top 5 players graduating.  Malcolm Farley is the top returner at 5.5 points a night.

Elk River Elks (2009-10 season 16-12, 9-9 Conference, 6th)
The Elks got off to a hot 11-4 start last season and then had a rough second half to only finish 16-12.  7 of the top 8 scorers are gone.  Seniors Ben Erickson and Will Iverson are the top returners.

Maple Grove Crimson (2009-10 season 4-22, 2-16 Conference, 10th)
A very long year for the Crimson last season.  6 seniors are gone and a new coach takes over.  Sophomore Bryce Wojta is the top returner at 8.3 points a game.  Expect another long year.

Osseo Orioles (2009-10 season 22-6, 15-3 Conference, 2nd)
We don't rebuild, we reload.  That's true at very few places but Osseo is one of them.  Lose point guard Aaron Anderson to North Dakota and Terez Van Pelt comes over from Park Center to fill that spot.  DJ Hebert comes over from Cooper and he's another quality guard.  Senior forwards Jerrod Bervin and Joey Sonnenfeld return along with freshman center Ian Theisen.

Park Center Pirates (2009-10 season 12-15, 6-12 Conference, tied 7th)
Big losses for the Pirates.  None bigger than Van Pelt moving next door to Osseo.  They also lose center Justin Casey and forwards Jordan Lynn and Bryan Asberry.  That accounts for almost 48 points a night.  Sophomore guard Quinton Hooker will lead the way along with forward Kevin Handy.

Robbinsdale Armstrong Falcons (2009-10 season 14-13, 5-3 Classic Lake Conference, 2nd)
The Falcons get a nice landing in the Northwest Suburban after being booted from the Classic Lake.  A pair of quality guards, David Weber and Andy Seidlitz are gone.  Also gone is smart forward Joe Lewis.  But guards will still be a strength.  KJ Bluford and Levi Abercrombie return.  Bluford averaged 10.7 a night last year and Abercrombie had a big summer for MN Select.  Star Marquel Curtis returns on the wing after averaging 22 a night last season.  Big enough to overpower most 2 guards, quick enough to go around big forwards.  Lanky Jaevon Walton returns inside.

Predicted Order of Finish

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

Conference MVP: Marquel Curtis - Robbinsdale Armstrong

Underclassmen to watch:  
Joe Robel - Blaine
Bryce Wojta, Jake Weineke - Maple Grove
Ian Theisen, Bridge Tussler - Osseo
Quinton Hooker - Park Center

Games that will determine the conference title

• Armstrong at Anoka - Dec 9th
• Osseo at Anoka - Dec 17th
• Osseo at Armstrong - Jan 18th
• Anoka at Armstrong - Jan 28th
• Anoka at Osseo - Feb 3rd
• Armstrong at Osseo - Mar 1st

Non-Conference Games to Watch

• Rogers at Anoka - Dec 3rd
• Osseo at Buffalo - Dec 7th
• Hopkins vs Osseo - Dec 11 (Breakdown Tipoff Classic)
• Osseo vs Plainview-Elgin-Millville - Dec 30th (Projected Rochester Rotary Championship)
• Champlin Park at Bethel Tournament - Dec 28th-30th
• Robbinsdale Armstrong at Robbinsdale Cooper - Feb 5th

10-11 North Suburban Preview

Its the second week of my 2010-2011 season preview series.  This week I begin with the 6th preview in the series, a look at the North Suburban Conference.  For a list of all the season previews, click here.

If you like scorers, this is the league for you.  I expect 3 players in the league to be in the 25 points a game range.  And only the extreme talent level holds at least 1 if not 2 players from Benilde from that mark.  The top and the bottom of the league standings seem pretty clear.  The middle of the league is a group of respectable teams that could fit anywhere from 3-6.

Benilde-St. Margaret's Red Knights (2009-10 season 24-6, 15-1 Conference, 2nd)
Forward Peter Crawford is off to UMD and sharpshooter Seth Marx is gone.  Post Myles Barnes may choose to focus on football.  That's 3 of the top 4 scorers.  And they lose defensive stopper and shooter Darren Glover.  But the junior class is one of the most loaded classes at a school in my short time in the cities.  Guard Isaiah Zierden and wing Sanjay Lumpkin are both capable of taking over at anytime.  Post Kyle Washington can block shots and also step out to the 3 point line.  He oozes potential.  Point guard Danon Briggs and wing Will Dunn are solid role players in that class.  Add in senior post Evan Battle to do the dirty work inside and the Red Knights should still be one of the best teams in 3A.  Oh and did I mention they also add point guard Isaiah Gray from Wisconsin.  He played with the 43 Hoops 16s this summer and will see a ton of playing time as well.

Chisago Lakes Wildcats (2009-10 season 6-21, 2-14 Conference, tied 10th)
Benji Figini averaged 24.8 points per game last season and figures to have another huge season this year.  The bad news is that nobody else averaged more than 7 points a game.  They do have a handful of players coming back who gained varsity experience last year.  Expect improvement from this group. 

Columbia Heights Hylanders (2009-10 season 22-7, 13-3 Conference, 3rd)
One of the state's most explosive scorers Jacob Thomas is gone (26.7 PPG) but Zach Lofton is ready to jump into that spot.  He averaged almost 19 points a game with Thomas last season.  Don't be shocked if he leads the state in shots and scoring.  Ben Glover returns on the other wing and can do a bit of everything.  Roderick Logan is a defensive pest at the point.  6'9 Andrew Hanson returns in the post. 

Fridley Tigers (2009-10 season 7-17, 3-13 Conference, tied 8th)
A rough year and the top 2 players Jordan Halvorson and Devin Hemmerich are gone. Junior Ryan Backstrom will man the point.  Ryan Jenkins is the top returner. 

Irondale Knights (2009-10 season 16-11, 11-5 Conference, 4th)
Bryan Sprang averaged 25.5 PPG last year and is one of the top returning scorers in the state.  Vince Calistro and Danny Blumberg also return.

North Branch Vikings (2009-10 season 9-18, 2-14 Conference, tied 10th)
Top player Kyle Grote is gone and he was the only double-figure scorer last year.  The top returnee is Christian Ehrnriter at 7.8 PPG.  Another long season appears ahead for the Vikings.  

Robbinsdale Cooper Hawks (2009-10 season 25-4, 15-1 Conference, 1st)
Big losses for the Hawks in center Calvin Godfrey and wing Darry Jones.  That's over 45 PPG gone.  Guard Terrance Averyheart is the top returnee.  Raheem Tyner returns inside.  Keep an eye on frosh Rashad Vaughn.

St. Francis Saints (2009-10 season 6-21, 3-13 Conference, tied 8th)
Most of the roster is gone from a team that had a rough year.  Can't see things on the upswing this season.

St. Louis Park Orioles (2009-10 season 14-13, 10-6 Conference, 5th)
David Breitenbucher takes over as the 4th head coach in 4 years for the Orioles.  Sharpshooter Alex Koch is gone to SW Minnesota State.  However, the Orioles still have plenty of pieces to work with.  Aaron Ziman returns at the point.  Joe Zangel returns up front.  Wing Marquealis Edwards had a breakout season and a big summer for the MN Fury.  Expect his 14.1 PPG to go up.  TJ Gist and and Quinton Wagner saw plenty of time last year and return.  The schedule is favorable with Totino-Grace and Benilde St. Margaret's only on the schedule once.

Spring Lake Park Panthers (2009-10 season 13-14, 8-8 Conference, 6th)
The top 3 scorers including Travis Johnson and Elijah Sabah are gone.  Freak athlete Sean Scott returns at 1 forward spot.  Derek Dahl returns to run the point.  Other than that, there's little experience to be found.  Keep an eye on soph Robert Ben.

Totino-Grace Eagles (2009-10 season 13-15, 7-9 Conference, 7th)
Leading scorer Alex Kreuser returns with his 16.2 points per game.  Guards Tyler Fleming and Sam Meyer also return.  Senior Ben Meyer returns to provide size inside.

Predicted Order of Finish

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

Conference MVP: Zach Lofton - Columbia Heights

Underclassmen to watch:  
Troy Freeman - Fridley
Rashad Vaughn, Leroy Taylor - Robbinsdale Cooper
Kashif Hayes - St. Louis Park
Robert Ben - Spring Lake Park

Games that will determine the conference title

• Columbia Heights at Benilde-St. Margaret's - Jan 6th
• Benilde-St. Margaret's at Columbia Heights - Feb 15th

Non-Conference Games to Watch

• Benilde-St. Margaret's vs Cretin-Derham Hall - Dec 11th (Breakdown Tipoff Classic at Minnetonka)
• Benilde-St. Margaret's at Hopkins - Dec 18th
• Benilde-St. Margaret's at Eden Prairie tournament - Dec 28th/30th
• Benilde-St. Margaret's vs Onalaska, WI - Jan 8th (Timberwolves Shootout)
• Columbia Heights at Minneapolis Henry - Jan 13th
• Columbia Heights at Minneapolis Washburn - Feb 1st
• Irondale at Rogers - Feb 1st
• DeLaSalle at Benilde-St. Margaret's - Feb 8th

10-11 Missota Preview

This is the fifth in my 2010-2011 season preview series.  In this preview, a look at the Missota Conference.  For a list of all the season previews, click here.

Its a year of new faces in the Missota.  Still 8 teams but Hutchinson and Prior Lake are gone for Chaska and Chanhassen.  Interesting to see Chaska back in the league after they had a ton of success here before moving to the Lake Conference and now they're back in a big way. 

Academy of Holy Angels Stars (2009-10 season 17-12, 11-3 Conference, tied 2nd)
A typical year for coach Larry McKenzie's crew.  They started 3-8 against a tough schedule and then ran off 14 of 18 to end the year.  But they did come up 1 game short of McKenzie's conference title prediction.  This year is a rebuilding year with the top 6 scorers including center Andy Jirik and shooter Sam Gullickson all gone.  Guards Parker Bredow and Damon Woods return.  Watch frosh Jordan Dembley and soph Danny Sullivan.

Chaska Hawks (2009-10 season 17-12, 12-10 Lake Conference, tied 6th)
The Hawks move into the league with visions of winning the league.  Wichita State commit Jake White leads the front line at 21.2 a night dominating inside.  Penn State commit Ross Travis is a super athletic wing who does a bit of everything for them.  Add in guard Max Watts and you have a returning group of top 3 scorers that can match anybody in the league.

Chanhassen Storm (2009-10 season 4-23, 2-20 Lake Conference, 12th)
Year 2 at Chanhassen should look better than year 1 with everyone back and a much softer bottom of the league than the Lake.  Shooter Chance Panning averaged 11.9 PPG last year to lead the team.  Talented junior Kevin Jensen was the other double figure scorer at 10.8 a night and is the goto player.  After that, the talent drops off quickly.

Farmington Tigers (2009-10 season 7-20, 5-9 Conference, 5th)
The Tigers were the best of the have nots in the league last year.  Now 4 of the top 5 players are gone.  Senior Alex Michels averaged 11 points a game last year and returns.  Sophomore Darren Beenken averaged almost 5 points a night in 15 games.

New Prague Trojans (2009-10 season 19-10, 9-5 Conference, 4th)
All everything Danny Geiger and his 20.6 PPG are gone but most of the rest of the roster is back.  Forward Cale Girten figures to be a matchup problem in the dribble drive system for most teams.  Senior shooters Alex Dittberner and Jed Kreuser return.  Junior Jake Meyer returns to man the post.

Northfield Raiders (2009-10 season 5-21, 3-11 Conference, tied 6th)
Tons of losses here as well from a team that had a rough year.  But they have one of the best names around, Otto Pfefferle, to man the front line.  He tall and lean but can step out and shoot it. He'll be their top player this season.

Red Wing Wingers (2009-10 season 6-20, 3-11 Conference, tied 6th)
The Wingers return 3 of their top 4 players including guard Pat Kelly who lit up Prior Lake for 32 points at the end of last season.  They have some size back as well.  Expect them to be improved this season, but the top of the league is still too strong for them.

Shakopee Sabers (2009-10 season 21-7, 12-2 Conference, 1st)
I learned a long time ago not to go against the Sabers so I won't this season.  Versatile Jason Perkins returns up front.  Ethan Petrill returns to hold down either guard position.  Dylan Ulferts is an athletic wing who can go off at any time.  They're well coached and they defend.

Predicted Order of Finish

1. Chaska
2. Shakopee
3. New Prague
4. Holy Angels
5. Chanhassen
6. Red Wing
7. Northfield
8. Farmington

Conference MVP: Jake White - Chaska

Underclassmen to watch:  
Jordan Dembley, Anthony Baysah, Danny Sullivan - Holy Angels
Darren Beenken - Farmington
Eric Shepley - Northfield

Games that will determine the conference title

• Chaska at New Prague - Jan 14th
• Shakopee at Chaska - Feb 1st
• Shakopee at New Prague - Feb 15th
• Chaska at Shakopee - Mar 1st

Non-Conference Games to Watch

• Holy Angels at Minneapolis Henry - Dec 7th
• Minneapolis Washburn vs Shakopee - Dec 11 (Breakdown Tipoff Classic)
• DeLaSalle vs Chaska - Dec 11th (Breakdown Tipoff Classic)
• Apple Valley at Chaska - Dec 14th
• Shakopee at Waconia - Dec 17th
• Shakopee vs Lakeville South - Dec 29th (projected championship Lakeville Rotary Tourney)
• Shakopee at Eden Prairie - Jan 4th
• Chaska vs Cedar Rapids Washington - Jan 8th (Timberwolves Shootout)
• Chaska vs St. John's Military Academy - Jan 22nd (East Metro Showcase)
• Eden Prairie at Chaska - Feb 8th

10-11 MCAA Preview

This is the fourth in my 2010-2011 season preview series.  In this preview, a look at the Minnesota Christian Athletic Association (MCAA).  For a list of all the season previews, click here.

While Maranatha may not be the top flight class A team of years past, they are the champs until beaten.  Plenty of youth coming back in the league.

Bethany Academy Eagles (2009-10 season 13-11, 3-7 Conference, 9th)
Things started to look up a bit for Bethany as they won 9 of their last 12 against a weak schedule.  Guard Tony Ervin and Max Mattila return as most of a young roster is back.  Last year's leading scorer Ben Peters is 1 of 2 senior losses.  They also get some of the players from now closed neighbor Lion's Gate.  That includes players like Jeremiah Vetsch and Caleb Rollins.  The girls combined like this a couple of years ago and exploded to a huge season.  Can't say that will happen here but improvement is almost certain.

Heritage Christian Academy Eagles (2009-10 season 13-14, 6-4 Conference, 4th)
These Eagles were a pleasant surprise last year and the top 3 scorers are back.  That includes senior guard Nick Parkhurst and junior Dan Liedall.  Sophomore Brad Basco also returns to man the inside.  Expect them to stay in the top half this season.

Legacy Christian Academy (2009-10 season 18-9, 7-3 Conference, 3rd)
The former Meadow Creek Christian Academy starts a series of changes with a name change with a location change to come in the future.  On the court, their only double figure scorer from last year, Ben Thom, has graduated.  Senior Matt Clausen is the top returnee.  Keep an eye on junior center Ben Freeby who if his improvement projects forward could average a double-double and he averaged 2.2 blocks per game last year.  He should be one of the league's top interior players.  Experience could be an issue.

Lester Prairie/Holy Trinity Bulldogs (2009-10 season 21-9, 8-2 Conference, 2nd)
The Bulldogs have a couple of major losses including post Brandon Schaust and Daniel Andersen.  The league's top post, David Andersen, is back to lead the way.  Junior guard Jared Kadrie is the top returnee on the outside.  Expect the scoring average to jump into double figures this season for both after each averaged 8.8 PPG last year.

Maranatha Christian Academy Mustangs (2009-10 season 25-4, 10-0 Conference, 1st)
The champs once again have major losses with forward Josh Hanson and center Jay Higgins graduating.  But this was a young group last year so plenty of returnees.  Junior Darian Pittman will start for the 4th year at point guard for the Mustangs and is the top perimeter player in the league.  SaVaughn Jordan is an undersized but extremely effective post who lead the Mustangs with 15.5 PPG last year.   Another Hanson (the 900th in line I think), sophomore Isaiah, will see plenty of minutes inside.  Also keep an eye on freshman Josh Goldschmidt.

New Life Academy Eagles (2009-10 season 8-18, 4-6 Conference, 8th)
Forward Kory Kiekhofer was last year's leading scorer and one of the top scorers in the league at 17.2 per game.  His loss leaves a big hole.  Juniors Alex Heiser and Cody Linton will look to pick up the slack. Senior Joe Mann returns for another year to contribute.  

Providence Academy Lions (2009-10 season 4-20, 0-10 Conference, 11th)
Only 4 of the 24 games within 11 points last season.  Ouch.  Sophomore Jackson Canfield was last year's leading scorer just reaching double figures at 10.5 per night. Another long year for the Lions ahead.

Southwest Christian Stars (2009-10 season 15-13, 6-4 Conference, 5th)
Heavy losses for the Stars as the entire rotation save Joshua Kennedy is gone.  He'll really need to up his 8.4 points per game for the Stars to have success.  Expect size to be an issue as the JVs were very small last year.

Trinity Tri-Hawks (2009-10 season 8-19, 5-5 Conference, 6th)
This is the year the Tri-Hawks have been building for after a disappointing year last season.  Point guard Tony Kuplic is the league's leading returning scorer at 20.1 per night.   Forward Aaron Gregg is versatile and averaged almost 13 a night last year.  Dan Stanton also reach double figures.  With those 3 and junior Josh Koletar returning, the Tri-Hawks have plenty of firepower and should make a big jump in the league standings.

West Lutheran Warriors (2009-10 season 15-13, 4-6 Conference, 7th)
The league's top scorer Michael Lindberg and his 22.6 points a night are gone.  Add in forward Nate Dwyer and his 16.2 points and 8.7 rebounds also graduating and that's a double dose of pain.  Lots of youth saw time last year though.  Juniors Shea and Blake Molitor along with Riley Gehl give the Warriors a nice base of juniors.  Good experience for them this year but I think they're a year away. 

Predicted Order of Finish

1. Maranatha
2. Lester Prairie/Holy Trinity
3. Trinity
4. Heritage 
5. Legacy
6. New Life
7. Bethany
8. West Lutheran 
9. Southwest Christian
10. Providence
    

Conference MVP: Darian Pittman - Maranatha

Underclassmen to watch:  
Josh Goldschmidt, Isaiah Hanson - Maranatha
Brad Basco - Heritage
Jackson Canfield - Providence

Games that will determine the conference title

• Trinity at Maranatha - Jan 21st
• Lester Prairie/Holy Trinity at Trinity - Jan 25th
• Maranatha at Lester Prairie/Holy Trinity  - Jan 27th

Non-Conference Games to Watch

• Lakeview Christian at Legacy Christian - Dec 10th
• Henry Sibley vs Maranatha - Dec 11th (Breakdown Tipoff Classic)
• Bloomington Jefferson at Maranatha - Dec 21st
• Eden Prairie at Maranatha - Jan 25th
• Lakeview Christian at Heritage - Jan 29th