This is the 14th preview in the 2024-2025 season preview series. We've covered all of the metro class A, AA and AAA leagues. Now its time to dive headfirst into the AAAA schools. I'll start with the 10 non-metro class AAAA schools. For a list of all the season previews and how they are done, click here.
Bemidji Lumberjacks (2023-24 season 11-15)
The Lumberjacks lose forward Braden Luksik and a couple of reserves. The guard play is their strength with junior Jaxon Boschee (23.2 PPG) leading the team. Fellow junior Austin Riewer is another top scoring option. Senior guards Charles Zellmann and Kobe Brown return to the starting lineup as well. Junior Jeron Huseby also was a rotation guy.
Brainerd Warriors (2023-24 season 17-10, 12-4 Conference, 2nd Central Lakes)
Brainerd has to replace 3 starters including wing Luke Diem (19.8 PPG) and PG Eli Hoelz (17.3 PPG). Wing Korde Roseman (13.4 PPG) leads this year's lineup. Garrett Gilbert (8.5 PPG) returns inside along with junior Grant Johnson. Senior guards Eli Tautges and Trey Hendrickson will look to expand their roles this year.
Duluth East Greyhounds (2023-24 season 10-17)
Coach Rhett McDonald returns most of last year's rotation. Guards Brennan Meyer and Ty Nyberg lead the roster as effective shooters. Braden Bement, LaDainian Bowman and Xavier Johnson also return to the perimeter rotation. Caleb Winkels returns as the main big man with soph Simon Winkels behind him.
Moorhead Spuds (2023-24 season 14-14)
Wings Dylan Zimmerman and DJ Smith were major threats last year on the wing but need to be replaced. Seniors Brian Zarazua, Reign Battle and Owen Thielges are the returning starters. Zarazua is a very effective passer as a big PG but is also the top returning scorer. Thielges is the front line leader. Deangelo Jones also returns to the rotation.
Owatonna Huskies (2023-24 season 17-10, 13-8 Conference, 5th Big 9)
The Huskies need to replace 4 starters. Biggest loss is guard Rielly Kleeberger. He's now playing for new UW-Eau Claire coach Zach Malvik. PG Nolan Ginskey leads the returning squad. Cole Kruschke and Jackson Mottl join him in the backcourt. There are questions up front. Juniors William Halverson and Baron Dushek look to be answers to that.
Rochester Century Panthers (2023-24 season 20-8, 16-4 Conference, 2nd Big 9)
Star wing Shaun Wysocki and 3 other starters need to be replaced. PG Ricky Wengert leads the roster. He's undersized but very quick and shifty and fun to watch. Markes Simpson, Michael Ruff and junior Dane Skime join him in the perimeter rotation. There's no true big man.
Rochester John Marshall Rockets (2023-24 season 15-11, 14-7 Conference, 4th Big 9)
PG Chan Malith and wing Zech Ladu are the top losses for the roster. Plenty of experienced seniors return. Wings Brayson Sawyer and Eli Ladu return to starting lineup as top scoring options. Soph Jackson Daly joins them in the rotation. Up front there's senior Jordan Bell and center Deng Lueth. The Rockets look to be a sleeper in the Big 9 and Section 1AAAA.
Rochester Mayo Spartans (2023-24 season 13-14, 10-9 Conference, 6th Big 9)
Guard Sawyer Markham's graduation leaves a big hole in the perimeter rotation. Junior wing Isaac Peterson is the top returnee. Fellow junior Will Gyarmaty joins him on the wing. Forward Ethan Post returns inside with Logan Shimek.
Sartell Sabers (2023-24 season 6-22, 4-12 Conference, 8th Central Lakes
Seniors Brayden Simones and Andrew Nelson return to guard and forward spots in the starting lineup. Their juniors lead with shooter Maddox Lewis, a stretch 4 type, and wing Bennett Bommersbach. Guard Jalen Schumann is another experienced senior from last year's rotation.
Sauk Rapids-Rice Storm (2023-24 season 18-9, 11-5 Conference, tie 3rd Central Lakes)
The Storm return a ton as they look to challenge for the Central Lakes and section 8AAAA titles. Combo guard Keller Hanson is a sniper who can play on or off the ball. He'll play at Northern Michigan next year. Wing Hudson Omoke can score and defend. Spencer Swenson can play inside or out from his forward spot. Soph forward Izayah Cook was impressive last year as a freshman.
Overview
Sauk Rapids looks to be the best of this bunch. Rochester JM should match their win total of last year as well. Duluth East and Sartell have plenty coming back as they look to take a step up from last season. Moorhead and Bemidji should again be a fun competitive matchup.
- Simon Winkels, Roman Durand - Duluth East
- Jett Feeney - Moorhead
- Jackson Daly - Rochester John Marshall
- Trevor Schlangen - Sartell
- Izayah Cook - Sauk Rapids-Rice
Games to Watch
- Sauk Rapids-Rice vs Breck - Dec 7th (Tip-Off Classic at Hopkins)
- Alexandria at Sauk Rapids-Rice - Dec 10th
- Champlin Park at Sauk Rapids-Rice - Dec 27th (Granite City Classic)
- Sauk Rapids-Rice at Alexandria - Jan 31st
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