This is the 15th preview in my 2025-2026 season preview series. Its the final week of the preview series and that means its time for the metro big schools. In this preview, a look at the Northwest Suburban Conference. For a list of all the season previews and how they are done, click here.
Andover Huskies (2024-25 season 11-17, 3-10 Conference, Tie 11th)
The Huskies have to replace their leading guard duo of Alex Kopetzki (18.8 PPG) and Luke Fenton (12.6 PPG). They'll be strong up front. Forwards Eddie Miles (10.8 PPG) and Joseph Mapson (8.5 PPG) return to anchor the frontcourt. Caden Roessler (10.4 PPG) and Colton Miller (8.8 PPG) return on the perimeter. Blaine Roessler and Lane Johnson also return to the rotation.
Anoka Tornadoes (2024-25 season 23-8, 9-4 Conference, 5th)
Both leading scorers at the guard spots also depart for Anoka. That costs the Tornadoes over 34 PPG in scoring and a ton of experience. Senior guard Dre Ellis (11.5 PPG) should see a big increase in production. What goes with him at the guard spots is a question mark. The forward spots will be solid with Brody Lakanen, freshman Kolden Johnson and Spectrum transfer Bryce Gaustad.
Blaine Bengals (2024-25 season 16-12, 6-7 Conference, Tie 6th)
The Bengals have to replace 3 of their 4 double figure scorers. Senior wing Shiloh Ayitey (19 PPG) looks to be one of the league's top scorers again. Guard Tulla Gemta (8.9 PPG) also returns to the starting lineup. Guards Gavin Weir, Tim Radtke and Owen Clark will see guard time. Cade Neilson returns to the front line. It'll be a senior laden lineup
Centennial Cougars (2024-25 season 15-14, 5-8 Conference, Tie 8th)
Centennial has to replace 4 of their top 5 scorers. That includes star wing Jackson Driessen and his 23.8 PPG. Forward Tristan Hanson (15 PPG) leads the lineup. Wing/Forward Zach Espinosa (4 PPG) will see a much increased role. The perimeter rotation sees senior Shawn Eline to run the point. Juniors Wesley Kukkonen and Brett Pullman join him. Sophomores Bryant Richardson and Brady Anderson are depth options.
Champlin Park Rebels (2024-25 season 23-5, 11-2 Conference, Tie 3rd)
The dynamic wing duo of Tyler Wagner (27.7 PPG) and Preston Thielke (12 PPG) needs to be replaced. But there's still plenty to work with. Junior wing Gavin Walter (8.9 PPG) has waited his turn. He should expand on a great grassroots season to be the lead guy this winter. Soph Moussa Dukuly and Pierless Davis will join him on the outside. Kyler Pust (8.5 PPG) is a leader at a guard spot. Great Emadamerho is an option to take over the forward spot.
Coon Rapids Cardinals (2024-25 season 7-20, 1-12 Conference, 14th)
Coon Rapids loses their top 2 scorers which is over 44 PPG and a huge hole on the wings. The Cardinals will be led by a small senior guard trio of Kieran Wymore (7.1 PPG), Konnor Young and Cody Dagogo. Wymore is the only returnee who averaged more than 4 PPG last season. Junior TJ Neal joins them in the perimeter rotation. Senior Jadon Ekoue returns in the middle along with Bo Adeuga.
Elk River Elks (2024-25 season 8-20, 5-8 Conference, Tie 8th)
The Elks lose guard Max Spanier (12.4 PPG) but return everybody else. Guard Levi Harris (20 PPG) and big forward Dominic Webster (10.4 PPG) are a nice duo to work with. David Balisidya, Chase Sheldon and Amani Kuhl join Harris in the backcourt. Jackson Boll is a super hard worker and a dynamic rebounder to go with Webster. Fun player to watch. Brody Thompson and 7 footer Lincoln Jeno LaPlante are also frontline options.
Osseo Orioles (2024-25 season 7-20, 3-10 Conference, Tie 11th)
It was another surprising down year for Osseo but this is a new year with a brighter outlook. Kwa Silikpoh and Joel Saah transfer in to man the guard spots. Both come from Park Center but Silikpoh was the starting PG at Champlin Park for half of last season before leaving. Owen Counce joins them at a guard spot. Wing Quincy Johnson also returns. Trey Shaffer returns at a forward spot. That's a spot that the Orioles have traditionally been able to always plug in as a productive role guy.
Park Center Pirates (2024-25 season 16-11, 11-2 Conference, Tie 3rd)
The Pirates are facing a mass exodus. Four double figure scorers graduated. Coach James Ware left to be the head coach in waiting at Hopkins. Xavier Frelix followed him there along with the pair that left for Osseo. DaRoyce Mills and Joseph Jacobs return in the backcourt. Yahya Soumahoro saw back end rotation minutes in the middle.
Robbinsdale Armstrong Falcons (2024-25 season 5-22, 3-10 Conference, Tie 11th)
Coach Rob Ware has to replace his 2 double figure scorers. Junior wing Alex Olson (10.1 PPG) was a nice breakout story last season. He'll be the primary option this season. Seniors Eli Kuempel join and Aidon Reinke join him as returning starters. Gabriel Hall and Reinke should be the primary guards. Calan Pilon will be another inside out rotation option. Max Peters-Hebert will see inside minutes.
Rogers Royals (2024-25 season 10-17, 6-7 Conference, Tie 6th)
All 5 starters and the top 5 scorers need to be replaced. Guards Xyarien Jackson (4.1 PPG) and Tucker Sawdey lead that group. Jason Lutgen and Owen Ahlbrecht will be the front line. The 6'8" Ahlbrecht had a nice summer and is a breakout candidate. Sam McApline will see wing time. All of those players are juniors as the Royals build for 2 seasons. Senior guard Colin Anderson provides experience.
Spring Lake Park Panthers (2024-25 season 11-16, 4-9 Conference, 10th)
The Panthers went with a junior lineup last year and that should pay off this year. Wing Nolan Myren (19.8 PPG) leads a strong group of guards. Colin Welch (11.1 PPG) and junior Cal Spencer (8 PPG) return with Myren as starters. Sawyer Thomsen, Nolan Roach and Tyler Wilkinson will be in that perimeter rotation too. Forward Aaron Jeppson (6 PPG) returns to the starting lineup too. He's 6'10" (and you can't teach that), long and lanky but can stretch the floor shooting it. James Pelkey joins him on the front line.
Totino-Grace Eagles (2024-25 season 23-7, 12-1 Conference, Tie 1st)
Coach Nick Carroll looks to lead the Eagles back to a state championship. Malachi Hill (14 PPG) and Tian Chatman (9.6 PPG) return to lead the guards. Drake commit Dothan Ijadimbola (12.4 PPG) returns on the wing. Stillwater transfer AJ Taban is an inside out option. Breck transfer DeAngelo Dungey is another great wing option. Depth options Jaylan Hynes and Daniel Zoa also return to the rotation. Then you have quality options like Luther Bunge and Shay Jackson from last year's JV also looking for time.
Predicted Order of Finish
- Totino-Grace
- Spring Lake Park
- Champlin Park
- Anoka
- Osseo
- Elk River
- Blaine
- Rogers
- Park Center
- Andover
- Robbinsdale Armstrong
- Centennial
- Coon Rapids
Conference Overview:
Maple Grove has moved to the Lake Conference and that takes away a league heavyweight. That means Totino-Grace is far and away the favorite. Spring Lake Park is the best of the rest with most of their lineup returning. Anoka and Champlin Park have strong pieces coming back as well. Osseo should rebound with their additions. Elk River and Blaine will once again battle in the middle. Park Center drops and Rogers loses a ton but will be better than expected. Coon Rapids clearly at the bottom with the other 3 trying to avoid them.
Conference MVP: Nolan Myren - Spring Lake Park
Underclassmen to watch:
- Kolden Johnson - Anoka
- Bryant Richardson, Brady Anderson - Centennial
- Mousssa Dukuly - Champlin Park
- Daniel Zoa - Totino-Grace
- Totino-Grace at Spring Lake Park - Feb 10th
- Totino-Grace at Prior Lake - Dec 4th
- Totino-Grace vs Apple Valley - Dec 6th (Big Stage at Hopkins)
- Totino-Grace at Maple Grove - Dec 11th
- Totino-Grace vs Hopkins - Dec 13th (Tipoff Classic at Edina)
- Cretin-Derham Hall at Totino-Grace - Dec 19th
- Totino-Grace at Wayzata - Dec 23rd
- East Ridge at Totino-Grace - Jan 2nd
- Totino-Grace vs Germantown (WI) - Feb 7th (Border Battle at Hamline)
- Maple Grove at Spring Lake Park - Feb 25th
No comments:
Post a Comment
Have a different take than mine? You can provide your take here.
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.