2018-19 South Suburban Conference Preview

This is the 12th preview in my 2018-19 Season Preview Series.  In this preview, we head south for a look at the South Suburban Conference.  For a list of all the season previews and how they are generated, click here.

Apple Valley Eagles (2017-18 season 27-5, 17-1 Conference, 1st)
The 9 year Jones era is over after a record of 237-38.  The top 9 scorers need to be replaced including Tre Jones (Duke) and Luke Martens (Winona St).  Only Mark Possis (2.2 PPG) has any rotation time.  The foundation has been built but with a lack of experience and a tough league, expect a major dropoff for the Eagles.

Burnsville Blaze (2017-18 season 6-22, 4-14 Conference, Tie 8th)
Rob Mestas comes over from Minneapolis Roosevelt to take the head job.  He has a couple of pieces to work with on the wings in Marcus Shepley (14.6 PPG) and junior Josh Kamara (10 PPG).  Charlie Krekelberg, Sam Bardwell and Hayden Johnson also saw lots of rotation time last year.

Eagan Wildcats (2017-18 season 6-22, 4-14 Conference, Tie 8th)
The rebuild continues for the Wildcats.  PG Jaylen James was the only double figure scorer last year and he is now at Eastview.  The memories of Joey King's transfer come to mind.  Ben Kozemzak (8.6 PPG) and junior guard Kurt Ohlhues (8.4 PPG).  Fellow junior guards Finn O'Malley and Cam House also return to the lineup.

Eastview Lightning (2017-18 season 12-17, 6-12 Conference, 7th)
Eastview is primed for a big jump this season.  The junior front line of Steven Crowl (12.5 PPG) and Tate Machacek (10.9 PPG) leads the way.  Adding junior PG Jaylen James from Eagan gives another ballhandler to go with Izaak Raspberry.  Ryan Thissen and Caden Scales are also juniors who provide depth.

Farmington Tigers (2017-18 season 14-13, 7-11 Conference, 6th)
Farmington was a pleasant surprise thanks to a 1-3-1 zone last year.  2 double figures scorers including leading scorer Caden Freetly (12.2 PPG) need to be replaced.  Adam Weed is the top scoring returnee at 10.2 PPG.  Athletic forward Miles Mendes (8.3 PPG) is another quality option.  PG Jameson Shrum and his 7.9 PPG return to run the show.

Lakeville North Panthers (2017-18 season 27-5, 16-2 Conference, 2nd)
Star forward Tyler Wahl (17.2 PPG) returns and at some point will fill every possible role.  Guard Tommy Jenson (10.7 PPG) gives the Panthers another offensive option.  They do lose a bunch of important pieces around them including 10.9 PPG from F Tyler Lewko.  Tate Staloch should step into Lewko's role on the front line.  The duo of Eli and Will Mosaert provides a physical presence up front as well.  The guards will be inexperienced so expect Wahl to do a ton of ball-handling.

Lakeville South Cougars (2017-18 season 15-13, 11-7 Conference, 4th)
Lakeville South has to replace their top 3 scorers who all averaged double figures.  That includes UW-Milwaukee recruit Shae Mitchell and his 15.2 PPG.  Soph PF Riley Mahlman averaged 10.3 PPG last year and will be a primary option this season.  SG Joe Bachinski and his 5.7 PPG should see a much expanded role as well.   Soph Reid Patterson will also see plenty of time.

Prior Lake Lakers (2017-18 season 22-6, 14-4 Conference, 3rd)
The Lakers have an absolutely huge front line with leading scorer 6'10" Dawson Garcia (21.7 PPG), shot-blocker 6'11" Robert Jones (13.5 PPG) and 6'9" Carson Schoeller.  They've experimented with playing all 3 at once.  Sharp shooting Sam Nissen returns to run the point with 11.6 PPG.  Jackyse Jacox also returns to the starting lineup.  They add Tyree Ihenacho on the wing as a transfer from Burnsville.

Rosemount Irish (2017-18 season 2-25, 1-17 Conference, 10th)
It was a long 1st year for coach Lance Walsten.  Leading scorer Luke Siwek and 16.3 PPG graduated.  2 other double figure scorers do return.  Guards Andrew Reuter (12.5 PPG) and Jacob Siwek (10.9 PPG) return to be the primary options on offense.  Marcus Stephenson provides guard depth.  Keaton Miller (4.5 PPG) is the primary option inside.

Shakopee Sabers (2017-18 season 14-13, 10-8 Conference, 5th)
Shakopee was one of the big stories of the off-season with the surprising firing of hall of fame coach Bruce Kugath.  Wayzata assistant Jake Dammann takes over with a very good junior class to work with.  That includes leading scorer Charlie Katona (19.1 PPG) at a forward spot.  Guards Caleb Druvenga (15.9 PPG) and Will Cordes (10.7 PPG) are also part of that group.  Fellow juniors Tanner Koenen and Brooks Allen also saw lots of time last year.

Predicted Order of Finish

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

Conference Overview:
With the Jones era over, the league opens up.  Prior Lake is the favorite with most of their lineup returning and a ridiculous amount of size.  Tyler Wahl will keep Lakeville North near the top.  Eastview and Shakopee both return a ton and are poised to move up the standings.  Farmington could be a sleeper to make a run there too.  Lakeville South is young but has nice pieces.  Apple Valley has nothing coming back so they fall far.  Burnsville has pieces coming back but a new system to learn.  Eagan and Rosemount continue to rebuild.

Conference MVP: Tyler Wahl - Lakeville North

Underclassmen to watch: 

• Noah Friedt - Apple Valley
• Nick Hughes - Burnsville
• Brock Mogensen - Farmington
• Riley Mahlman, Reid Patterson - Lakeville South
• Cade McGraw - Shakopee

Conference Games to Watch

• Lakeville North at Prior Lake - Jan 22nd
• Prior Lake at Lakeville North - Feb 22nd

Non-Conference Games to Watch

• Prior Lake vs Park Center - Dec 1st (Big 12 at Cretin-Derham Hall)
• Lakeville North at Hopkins - Dec 8th (Tipoff Classic)
• Prior Lake at Chaska - Dec 6th
• Prior Lake vs East Ridge - Dec 8th (Tipoff Classic at Hopkins)
• Lakeville North at Chaska - Dec 13th
• Eden Prairie at Lakeville North - Dec 21st
• Wayzata at Lakeville North - Jan 5th