2022-23 Lake Conference Preview

This is the 14th preview in my 2022-2023 season preview series.  In this preview, I finish my look at my look at each of the metro area conferences with a look at the Lake Conference.  There's 1 more preview left to go over section predictions and what to watch.  For a list of all the season previews and how they are done, click here.

Buffalo Bison (2021-22 season 16-12, 2-10 Conference, Tie 6th)
The Bison have to replace 6 of their top 7 scorers from a year ago.  Last year's leading scorer Antonio Bluiett (16.3 PPG) is the biggest lost.  Senior guard Nate Dahl (13.6 PPG) is the top returnee.  He'll lead a group of juniors that will be the base of the program this year and next.  That includes Brody Wishart, Grady Guida, Torii Johnson, Trenton Radloff and Kai Penney.

Eden Prairie Eagles (2021-22 season 19-12, 8-4 Conference, Tie 2nd)
Forward Chiddi Obiazor and his 18.5 PPG will be lost due to leaving early for Kansas State football.  Huge loss there for the Eagles.  Sophs Max Lorenson (5 PPG) and JJ Sullivan are both capable shooters to stretch the floor.  Luke Rapp and Joey Flom return to the guard rotation.  Jermell Taylor (4.2 PPG) provides front court experience.

Edina Hornets (2021-22 season 15-13, 4-8 Conference, 5th)
Former Armstrong head coach Jon Bryant takes over with Joe Burger leaving for the Holy Family job.  6 seniors including the inside out duo of Brady Helgren (19.7 PPG) and Gabe Jobe (17.8 PPG)  have graduated.  Junior guard Kole Hanson (14.8 PPG) had a breakout year with the injury to Sammy Presthus.  He is now at Holy Family.  Guard Peyton Himley and soph forward Daniel Molhoek are the top returning players at 3.8 PPG.  Vinnie Ingram will also see guard minutes.  Josiah Coleman transfers in from Maranatha where he averaged 8.8 PPG last season.  A group of juniors will be the depth behind that.

Hopkins Royals (2021-22 season 18-10, 8-4 Conference, Tie 2nd)
After a difficult year for the Royals, they'll have a retooled roster.  7 of the top 9 players need to be replaced.  3 major transfers out (CJ O'Hara 18.6 PPG, Max Wilson, Gavin Pierce) and 2 significant graduations (Elvis Nnaji 15 PPG) cause that.  The guard play will be strong with star frosh Jayden Moore (11.1 PPG) and soph Anthony Smith.  Vince Hillesheim returns as the main interior presence.  Soph Jaleel Donley figured to step into one of those open spots but he too has transferred.  He's now at Benilde-St. Margaret's.

Minnetonka Skippers (2021-22 season 18-9, 7-5 Conference, 4th)
The Skippers once again have a bevy of scoring at their disposal.  Junior Jordan Cain led the league with 20.1 PPG last season.  Ibo El-Amin added 19.2 PPG from another perimeter spot.  Junior PG Andy Stefonowicz holds it all together while adding 13.5 PPG.  Senior wings Alex Jones and Jalen Cain add more firepower along with junior Will Koeppen.  There's no size of note, but they're one of the few teams that can roll the ball out and just outscore most anybody they play.

St. Michael-Albertville Knights (2021-22 season 6-21, 2-10 Conference, Tie 6th)
Former UM-Crookston head coach and STMA assistant Jeff Oseth takes over the program.  He needs to replace 3 starters including both double figure scorers from last season.  Forward Colton Demarais (8.5 PPG) is the top returnee.  Soph wing Hudson Hochstedler (5.7 PPG) will also see a bigger role.  Landon Riebel, Logan Jans and Connor Luongvan also return to the rotation.  Logan Kunz should see interior minutes in the rotation.

Wayzata Trojans (2021-22 season 27-5, 11-1 Conference, 1st)
Wayzata has made the last 2 AAAA championship games.  They look to make another run for a gold ball this season.  Forward Carter Bjerke (17.1 PPG) is now at the U of St. Thomas but the rest of the roster is loaded.  Senior guards Hayden Tibbits (13.7 PPG), Spencer Hall, Myles Barnette, and Jake Schmitt make up a backcourt that has shooting, experience and ball handling.  Then you have junior Jackson McAndrew and his high major talent ready to step into Bjerke's stretch forward spot.  Isaiah Habte provides another option at that spot.

Predicted Order of Finish

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

Conference Overview
Wayzata is the favorite here.  After moving Minnetonka too far down last season, I'm going to throw the pendulum the other way this season.  Hopkins still has Ken Novak Jr at the helm and Jayden Moore so I can't move them too far down.  Eden Prairie would have had something to say about all of that but they drop with Obiazor leaving early.  Then a drop to the last 3 squads who are all looking for the future.  Buffalo and Edina battle for the 5th spot.  I'll take Buffalo's experience and not having a new coach here.  STMA has some youth but the rest of the league is too tough.

Conference MVP: Hayden Tibbits - Wayzata

Underclassmen to watch:  

• Max Lorenson, JJ Sullivan, Hamze Yusef - Eden Prairie
• Daniel Molhoek - Edina
• Jayden Moore, Anthony Smith - Hopkins
• Duke Richardson - Minnetonka
• Hudson Hochstedler, Kyle Ross, Jeremiah Johnson - St. Michael-Albertville
  

Conference Games to Watch

• Minnetonka at Hopkins - Jan 20th
• Minnetonka at Wayzata - Jan 27th
• Wayzata at Minnetonka  - Feb 21st

 Non-Conference Games to Watch

• Wayzata vs Eastview - Dec 10th (Tipoff Classic at Hopkins)
• Bloomington Jefferson at Hopkins - Dec 10th (Tipoff Classic)
• Minnetonka vs De La Salle - Dec 10th (Tipoff Classic at Hopkins)
• Lakeville North at Wayzata - Dec 13th
• Eastview at Minnetonka - Jan 3rd
• East Ridge at Wayzata - Jan 31st
• De La Salle at Wayzata - Feb 28th