2023-24 Wright County East Preview

This is the 5th preview in my 2023-24 season preview series.  Lets stay in the west metro and add in a look at the Wright County East.  For a list of all the season previews and how they are done, click here.

Delano Tigers (2022-23 season 20-8, 7-3 Conference, 2nd)
Coach Terry Techam returns a ton of perimeter firepower to his lineup.  He returns 3 double figure scorers in senior guard Will Strandemo (19.3 PPG), soph Max Iverson (17.6 PPG) and junior shooter Jake Schultz (13.1 PPG).  Inside they need to replace the 10.5 PPG from Jackson Stewart.  They'll be able to score with anybody.  Their defense will determine their fate.

Holy Family Fire (2022-23 season 29-3, 10-0 Conference, 1st)
The Fire lose 3 of their 4 double figure scorers from last year's state qualifier.  That includes 2 D1 big men in Boden Kapke (22.2 PPG) and Collin Mulholland (15.7 PPG).  They add guard Luke Graff (14 PPG) from Champlin Park and center Brayden Carlson from East Ridge.  Kole Hanson (21.3 PPG) returns to run the team.  Senior guard Evan Finley Grice is the only other returnee from last year's short rotation.  Expect this year's squad to be much more perimeter oriented and depth to still be a concern.

Hutchinson Tigers (2022-23 season 7-19, 2-8 Conference, tie 5th)
Hutchinson returns everybody from last year's roster.  Seniors Kaden Butler (13.2 PPG) and Carter Verhasselt (12 PPG) lead the way at the guard spots.  Senior Logan Butler (10.9 PPG) leads the interior crew.  Junior Nathan Johnson (9 PPG) is a nice talent on the wing.  Seniors Ethan Lenz and Anton Kadlec provide depth.

Jordan Hubmen (2022-23 season 13-13, 6-4 Conference, 3rd)
Senior guard Seth Young (12 PPG) is the lone returning starter.  Seniors Seth Noyes and Jack Olson are other options at the guard spots.  The rest of the rotation will be inexperienced.  Particularly true on the front line where they'll miss the 10 PPG from Carter Runge.

Mound-Westonka Whitehawks (2022-23 season 6-21, 2-8 Conference, tie 5th)
Wing Reese Vanderwilt (14.4 PPG) and guard Luke Leonard are 2 notable pieces that need to be replaced for the Whitehawks.  They'll build around junior forward Max Kraay (15.6 PPG) inside.  Junior PG Carter Reinbold (11.9 PPG) makes up for a lack of size with toughness.  Love that in a point guard. 

Southwest Christian Stars (2022-23 season 8-19, 3-7 Conference, 4th)
David Flom takes over the Stars program after his controversial exit from Eden Prairie.  He adds longtime Chaska head coach Dana Kallman to his staff.  Wing Sam Arnold (12.9 PPG) is the main loss from the roster.  7 of the top 8 scorers return.  Junior wing Brayden Beckering (15.2 PPG) and forward Gordie Molin (11.1) are the top returnees.  Mason Wood (6 PPG) transfers in from Shakopee.

Predicted Order of Finish

1. Delano 
   
2. Holy Family
   
3. Southwest Christian
   
4. Hutchinson
   
5. Mound-Westonka
6. Jordan
   

Conference Overview
The conference remains a tough test night in and night out.  Delano and Holy Family are looking to make state tourney appearances.  Their 2 matchups should be fun chess matches with really entertaining guard play.  Southwest Christian and Hutchinson have lots coming back and could be spoilers.  I expect coach Flom to make a big step with the Stars.  They get the nod for 3rd thanks to 2 head to head wins over Hutchinson last season.  Mound-Westonka will try to jump into that group but they may be a year away.  Jordan is left behind as they replace their lineup.

Conference MVP: Kole Hanson - Holy Family

Underclassmen to watch: 

• Max Iversen - Delano
  
• Drew Coleman - Holy Family

Conference Games to Watch

• Delano at Holy Family - Feb 2nd
  
• Holy Family at Delano - Feb 23rd
  

Non-Conference Games to Watch

• Holy Family vs Cherry - Dec 9th (Tipoff Classic at Hopkins) 
• Delano vs Stewartville - Dec 9th (Tipoff Classic at Hopkins)
  
• Delano at Alexandria - Dec 16th
• Delano at Orono - Dec 19th
  
• Hermantown at Delano - Dec 28th (Delano Holiday Tourney)
• Holy Family at Cretin-Derham Hall - Dec 29th (CDH Holiday Tourney)
  
• Minneapolis North at Holy Family - Jan 3rd 
• Maranatha at Holy Family - Jan 5th
• Waconia at Delano - Jan 9th
  
• Holy Family at Breck - Jan 10th
  
• Delano at New Ulm - Jan 20th
• Holy Family vs South St. Paul - Jan 27th (Community Clash at Chanhassen)