2022-23 Metro West Conference Preview

This is the 10th preview in my 2022-2023 season preview series.  Its now time for the big schools with the mostly class AAAA leagues are now on the list of previews.  In this preview, a look at the league nobody wanted to win last year, the Metro West Conference.  For a list of all the season previews and how they are done, click here.

Benilde St. Margaret's Red Knights (2021-22 season 18-10, 13-5 Conference, 2nd)
The Red Knights have to replace 4 of their top 5 scorers.  They'll reload from a loaded JV roster and with soph star Jalen Wilson (12.5 PPG).  Juniors Jayden Daisy and Xavier Lumpkin will be the veterans of the group.  Soph Abu Keita saw major rotation minutes last season on the front line as an active forward.  Soph Jaleel Donley transfers in from Hopkins.  He was a top varsity guy for Bloomington Kennedy as an 8th grader.  They'll be young but no questions on the talent level.

Bloomington Jefferson Jaguars (2021-22 season 20-7, 14-4 Conference, 1st)
Coach Jeff Evens can build around the state's top junior Daniel Freitag.  The returning conference MVP averaged 26.7 PPG last season.  He also had plenty of clutch moments leading the Jags to the league title.  They also nicely incorporated Freitag in the post into their offense.  Senior guard Blake Mamalakis-Linderman will provide shooting.  Lefties Gavin Luick and soph Thomas Rowland can also knock down shots.  Anthony Thorman provides the size and banging inside. 

Chanhassen Storm (2021-22 season 15-12, 12-6 Conference, tie 3rd)
Junior PG Max Woods (14.6 PPG) once again returns as the leading scorer.  Braden Barger (9.2 PPG) is the other returning starter as a wing. Beyond that, they'll have to find offense.  Grant Muffenbier will be in the rotation as well.  A very solid and balanced JV squad will help supplement the rotation.

Chaska Hawks (2021-22 season 10-17, 9-9 Conference, Tie 6th)
Nick Hayes takes over the program after the retirement of longtime coach Dana Kallman. The top 3 scorers including their big front line of Brady Nicholson (23.2 PPG) and Jakobe Lyles (7.9 PPG) need to be replaced.  Seniors Maddox Foss (7.7 PPG) and forward Dawson Reif (7.4 PPG) are the top returnees.  Seniors Max Rain and Joey Born will be wing options.  Soph Trey Lenzen one of the forward options.

New Prague Trojans (2021-22 season 4-23, 3-15 Conference, tie 9th)
Shooter Ethan Chromy (13.2 PPG) and forward Jaxon Short (12.6 PPG) need to be replaced along with guard Matt Kudrie.  The perimeter spots will be the strength.  PG Noah Washa (6.3 PPG) and wing Jacob Hemann (6.7 PPG) both return to the rotation.  Nick Giesen will pick up more interior minutes.

Orono Spartans (2021-22 season 21-8, 12-6 Conference, Tie 3rd)
Coach Barry Wohler has to replace a pair of shooters in Sebastian Loder (15.7 PPG) and Jake Farrell (11.1 PPG).  He still has plenty to work with.  Guard Isaiah Hagen (18.7 PPG) was the team scoring leader and can play on or off the ball.  Kyle Kallenbach (10.1 PPG) and Grant Gunderson are experienced guards.  Zach Close and Riley Nelson return as front line options.  Soph Brady Wooley could also see time as a stretch forward.

St. Louis Park Orioles (2021-22 season 10-17, 4-14 Conference, 8th)
Guard Stefano Giovannelli (11.3 PPG) is the only 1 of 4 double figure scorers from last year that is coming back.  Junior Keegan Hartford will have the point guard duties.  Antonio Speed will be the top front line option.  Very little else coming back to the rotation.

Waconia Wildcats (2021-22 season 12-15, 9-9 Conference, tie 6th)
The Wildcats need to replace 4 starters including 3 of their top 4 scorers.  They do return a strong wing duo in Ty Miller (11.5 PPG) and Jackson Hayes (4.6 PPG).  Freshman Will Kirsch should run the point.  He's started at Holy Family last season.  Matt Hedtke will see guard minutes.  Chris Fulford is a front court option.

Predicted Order of Finish

1. Orono
   
2. Bloomington Jefferson 
   
3. Benilde-St. Margaret's  
   
4. Chanhassen   
   
5. Waconia
6. Chaska 
   
7. St. Louis Park
   
8. New Prague

Conference Overview
I had long predicted more change had to happen with the Metro West and sure enough it happens this season.  Robbinsdale Cooper and Bloomington Kennedy are both off to the Tri-Metro.  That brings the league size down a perfect 8 teams.  I see 2 top groups with a drop off to the remaining 3.  I like Orono's experience and depth to win i.  Jefferson will be right there with Freitag and the shooters around him.  Benilde-St. Margaret's youth keeps them third.  Waconia and Chanhassen will battle for the last spot in the top half as a dangerous second tier.  Chaska is rebuilding but has the most coming back so I default them to sixth.  St. Louis Park and New Prague are rebuilding.
 
Conference MVP: Daniel Freitag - Bloomington Jefferson

Underclassmen to watch:  

• Jalen Wilson, Abu Keita, Jaleel Donley, Christian Wiggins - Benilde-St. Margaret's
• Thomas Rowland - Bloomington Jefferson 
• Trey Lenzen - Chaska
• Brady Wooley - Orono
• Will Kirsch - Waconia
  

Conference Games to Watch

• Orono at Bloomington Jefferson - Jan 27th
• Orono at Benilde-St. Margaret's - Jan 30th
• Bloomington Jefferson at Orono - Feb 21st
• Bloomington Jefferson at Benilde-St. Margaret's - Feb 24th
  

Non-Conference Games to Watch

• Hopkins at Orono - Dec 2nd
• Bloomington Jefferson vs TBD - Dec 10th (Tipoff Classic at Hopkins)
  
• Benilde-St. Margaret's at De La Salle - Dec 20th