This is the 11th preview in my 2025-26 season preview series. Week 3 moves on with a look at the Mississippi 8. For a list of all the season previews and how they are done, click here.
Becker Bulldogs (2024-25 season 17-11, 12-4 Conference, 2nd)
This is the year the Bulldogs have built up to. They return all 5 starters including 3 double figure scorers. Forward Bryce Paumen (18 PPG, 11.8 RPG) leads the roster. Adam Wipper looks to be a depth option with him on the front line. Sawyer Brown (17.5 PPG) and Nathan Weiss (13.7 PPG) lead the guards. Landon Peterson, Troy Nuest and junior Isiah Boyer also return to that perimeter rotation.
Big Lake Hornets (2024-25 season 9-18, 7-9 Conference, Tie 5th)
Forward Max Siegrist is a major loss at a post spot. Forward Owen Wilczek is a Cincinnati baseball commit. He could have a big year as the main post threat. He was a double figure scorer last year. The guard trio of Lane Pettis and soph Judd Layton with Trevor Stuckenholtz also returns. Junior Leroy Hamrin and senior William Newland also return to that perimeter rotation. Senior Dylan Kunz is a depth option inside.
Cambridge-Isanti Bluejackets (2024-25 season 12-15, 10-6 Conference, 4th)
Cambridge-Isanti has to replace 4 starters. That includes double figure scorers Emerson Droubie (25.2 PPG, 10.1 PPG) and guard Ethan Bergloff (16.9 PPG). A group of juniors will look to lead the way. Guards Jameson Epple (13.8 PPG) and Eddie Lundeen (5.2 PPG) are the top returning scorers. Peyton Coplan will join them in the rotation. Lane Nelson returns to the rotation as the best option to replace Droubie's size and rebounding.
Chisago Lakes Wildcats (2024-25 season 3-24, 1-15 Conference, 9th)
After going first to worst in a very disappointing season, former Spectrum head coach Tom Terhaar takes over. He'll need to implement a Get Back coach. But this one will be for getting back on defense as the Wildcats gave up a ton of points last year. He'll have a pair of solid wings to work with in Joe Couwenhoven (16.9 PPG) and Cohen Underhill (13.9 PPG). Colton Betts (8.1 PPG) and Jack Storlie return to the lineup as well. Juniors Will Pearson and Charles Boarman are top post options.
Monticello Magic (2024-25 season 24-5, 15-1 Conference, 1st)
Monticello has to replace 3 starters from last year's league champs. That includes forward Jackson Soroko (17 PPG). Wings Rhys Nebben (13.7 PPG) and junior Carson Deibele (12.4 PPG) form a nice returning duo. Juniors Hunter Miller (6 PPG) and Ty Disch (4.7 PPG) return with expanded duties. David Engel is a returning front line option.
North Branch Vikings (2024-25 season 3-24, 2-14 Conference, 8th)
Rob Johnson is the 3rd head coach in 3 years for the Vikings. He comes from their travel program. He'll have 2 double figure scorers to work with. Big wing Ethan Thorsen (15.3 PPG) returns. Jacob Knoespel (15.6 PPG) returns to lead the interior. Vinny Dufeck is a returning starter on the other wing. Kingston Droz and Andrew Karnes saw rotation time last year.
Princeton Tigers (2024-25 season 12-15, 7-9 Conference, Tie 5th)
The Tigers return 3 starters. Wing Noah Stencel (21 PPG) can fill it up in a hurry in their up and down style. Soph Matthew Hallberg and senior Cody Durham are guards that will also score it. Senior Jaxson Olson mans in the side. Logan Wagner, Austin Ross and Michael Kincaid are depth options
St. Francis Saints (2024-25 season 9-18, 7-9 Conference, Tie 5th)
The top 3 scorers including wing Connor Peterson (23 PPG) need to be replaced. Junior wing Hunter Olson (6.2 PPG) is the top returning player. Guard Leyton Manners (2.4 PPG) is the other returnee to the starting lineup. Seniors Tanner Rothbauer, Alex Cristan and Beckham Shiepnev are all returning to the rotation.
Zimmerman Thunder (2024-25 season 17-10, 11-5 Conference, 3rd)
Zimmerman had a breakout season last season. They look to continue that with leading scorer Thomas McEachern returning. The explosive wing averaged 17.8 PPG last season. Lucas Lemke and Mason Spence return to the starting lineup too. Junior Joe Larson will take over the point guard duties. Senior forward Jakobey Giffen will see minutes inside.
Predicted Order of Finish
- Becker
- Monticello
- Cambridge-Isanti
- Zimmerman
- Princeton
- Big Lake
- Chisago Lakes
- St. Francis
- North Branch
Conference Overview
Becker with most everything back is the default pick to win here. Monticello and Cambridge-Isanti lose major pieces but also have plenty remaining. I see those 2 battling for the 2nd spot. Zimmerman and Princeton each have a very good wing scorer with returning pieces around that so I see them fighting for the top half. Big Lake has enough to be the best of the rest and maybe jump into the top half. Chisago Lakes will need to clean up their defense but talent wise they get the next slot. St. Francis has a down year ahead. North Branch is still rebuilding. League could go down to the final night when Monticello visits Becker.
Conference MVP: Bryce Paumen - Becker
Underclassmen to watch:
- Nathan Warhol, Tucker Becker - Becker
- Judd Layton - Big Lake
- Luke Leadhom, Logan Ford, Carter Anderson - Chisago Lakes
- Johnny Moore, Gibson Voll, Alec Deah - Monticello
- Dhaylen Bachrodt, Henry Christensen, Reid Sjodahl, Adam Bartkey - North Branch
- Matthew Hallberg - Princeton
- Becker at Cambridge-Isanti - Jan 13th
- Becker at Monticello - Jan 30th
- Cambridge-Isanti at Becker - Feb 13th
- Monticello at Becker - Feb 27th
- Legacy Christian at Becker - Dec 2nd
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