Edison Tommies (2016-17 season 3-25, 1-13 Conference, Tie 7th)
Edison broke a 50 game league losing streak by beating FAIR late last season. With FAIR now combining with Henry, that means the Tommies haven't beaten a league opponent since the 2012-13 season. The program combines with Heritage Academy this season. That includes new head coach Ahmil Jihad who was the head man at Heritage last year. That will add much needed athleticism. 1 double figure scorer is lost. Guard Tenzin Chime (11.1 PPG) is the top returnee along with junior forward Jackson Rusnacko (10.7 PPG).
North Polars (2016-17 season 32-2, 14-0 Conference, 1st)
Despite losing high scoring forward Isaac Johnson (23.4 PPG) and guard JaQuan Sanders-Smith (11.8 PPG), the Polars still are the heavy favorite. Senior Odell Wilson's 17.1 PPG holds down the post as the top returning scorer. Wing Tayler Johnson will see a much expanded role after averaging almost double figures. Zion Sanford will run the show. Juniors Nasir El-Amin and Eli Campbell will step into bigger rotation roles at the guard spots. The Hines twins, Da'Kei and Da'Koi, give them a ton of length inside.
Patrick Henry Patriots (2016-17 season 20-8, 10-2 Conference, 2nd)
North sider Jamil Jackson takes over the program. He has to replace 4 double figure scorers who combined for 57 points a game. That includes forward Lamar Wood and guard Jordan Lynn. Junior guard Rashaud Rollins is the lone returning starter and top scorer with 7.7 PPG. William Laabs looks to take over the interior role. Guard Devon Johnson also returns to the rotation.
Roosevelt Teddies (2016-17 season 20-9, 10-4 Conference, 3rd)
Roosevelt combines with Wellstone for hoops this year. The Teddies have to replace 3 double-figure scorers including forwards Jordan Johnston and Devon Hannah. But coach Rob Mestas still has plenty coming back. Guards Desi Sims and Leo Buchwald both averaged double figures. Forward Luke Barnes and guard Eric Atson also return. Barnes is their only size but the Teddies will scrap and claw their way thru it.
South Tigers (2016-17 season 5-22, 5-9 Conference, 6th)
It was one of those seasons where nothing went right for coach Joe Hyser. Injuries destroyed the lineup. Soph Curtis Jones was one of those who missed time. He returns as the only double figure scorer (10.5 PPG). Guard Jalan Jones and Demetrius Gladney also return to the lineup. 3 of their top guards need to be replaced. Cossy Kowouto gives them a big body inside.
Southwest Lakers (2016-17 season 9-18, 6-8 Conference, 5th)
Forward Brennan Hawkins and 16.3 PPG needs to be replaced. Forward Niko Polydorou (16.2 PPG) is the top returnee. Ari-Bogen-Grose and big man Alex Fischer return to the lineup. JayZee Brown will step into a bigger role in the guard rotation
Washburn Millers (2016-17 season 14-11, 7-7 Conference, 4th)
Head coach Jamin Cook left for the Bloomington Kennedy job. The job has not been filled at the time of this writing. Guard Cortez Adams and his 10.9 PPG graduated. Leading scorer Terrell Adams (13.3 PPG) and PG Isaac Lotz (8.1 PPG) are the top returning players. Charles Cook-Gordon and Damon Neubert return to the perimeter rotation. Gavin Yares returns and will take over the top role inside.
Predicted Order of Finish
- North
- Roosevelt
- Washburn
- Henry
- South
- Southwest
- Edison
North is the runaway favorite this year. Roosevelt and Washburn are in the next tier but I like Roosevelt here especially with the late coaching change at Washburn. Edison brings up the rear with the other 3 fighting for middle spots. I'll go with Henry by default. South jumps up over Southwest if they can stay healthy.
Conference MVP: Odell Wilson - North
Underclassmen to watch:
- Trejuan Holloman - North
- Yusuf Abdullah, Jamar Gardner - Henry
- Curtis Jones, Jaylen Blakley, Demarco Dowden - South
- Roosevelt at North - Jan 19th
- North at Roosevelt - Feb 20th
- Twin Cities Game - Mar 3rd (at St. Paul champion)
- North vs Apple Valley - Dec 9th (Tipoff Classic at Hopkins)
- Eden Prairie at North - Jan 3rd
- North at Minnehaha - Jan 25th
- Hopkins at North - Feb 13th
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