This is the 13th preview in my 2026-2027 season preview series. Now its time for class AAAA as we have only 3 powerhouse AAA schools left. In this preview, a look at 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 (2025-26 season 13-15, 5-8 Conference, 5th)
Former St. Thomas Academy head coach Jake Sand takes over for Damien Johnson. Point guard Conner Watts (16.4 PPG) and wing Milton Nuahn (12.2 PPG) return. They were the 2 top scorers last season. Senior Champ Wright should see a bigger role. Tons of lineup questions after that.
Bloomington Jefferson Jaguars (2025-26 season 3-24, 1-13 Conference, 8th)
Guard Gus Vollmuth returns after a hot shooting summer with Minnesota Gold. Gavin Vanoverbeke joins him as a returning starter. Dorian Ward, Sawyer Quigley, Max Meier and Dillon Thoenen are frontcourt options. While they execute well, scoring will be a problem and there's no significant athleticism on the roster.
Chanhassen Storm (2025-26 season 16-12, 10-4 Conference, 2nd)
The Storm have to replace 23.9 PPG from wing Kolby Christl along with 6 other valuable seniors. Wings Benett Barger (17.8 PPG) and junior Isaac Johnson (10.2 PPG) will carry the offense. Junior guards Boston Pyle and Gavin Gustad will see bigger roles. Very limited experience beyond them.
Chaska Hawks (2025-26 season 28-4, 14-0 Conference, 1st, AAAA State Champions)
The Hawks started the season 3-4 and then ran off 25 in a row on their way to a shocking state title. 5 top guys return in their attempt to defend. Point guard Tyler Forrest (16.2 PPG) has committed to South Dakota State. He's back to start for his 5th season and does a bit of everything. Kalin Jochum (12.9 PPG) plays inside and out. Soph Jed Keenan (11.2 PPG) exploded on the scene last season. Eli Herzog (10.1 PPG) gives them a high level shooter along with Keenan. Junior Chase Maetzold plays a stretch 4 role. They had a great 8 man setup last year and now they lose that depth with the 3 bench guys graduating. Gavin Lucht and Josh Keenan could fill those bench roles this season.
New Prague Trojans (2025-26 season 8-19, 3-10 Conference, 7th)
New Prague has to replace 3 double figure scorers. Point guard Carter Den Hartog (10.1 PPG) and Spencer Bahn return to the starting lineup. Senior wing Isaiah Gaffke (7.1 PPG) figures to have a much bigger role.
Orono Spartans (2025-26 season 18-11, 8-6 Conference, 4th)
Coach Barry Wohler returns 4 of his top 5 scorers. Grant Hansen (20.2 PPG) and junior Gavin Doherty (6.5 PPG) are deadly shooters. Alex Pilakowski (10.4 PPG) is another perimeter scorer. Andrew Nishida is another experienced guard in the rotation. Finn Dyvik (11.1 PPG) can play inside or out. Tommy Lundell gives them size inside. Crosby Schmidt will also contend for rotation minutes.
St. Louis Park Orioles (2025-26 season 10-17, 5-9 Conference, 6th)
Wing Matthew Johnson (15.4 PPG) used a strong high school season to springboard his way to a great summer. That resulted in a commitment to D2 Minnesota State. He's the lone returning starter for the Orioles. I could see forward Holden Steinbrueck (3.6 PPG) averaging double figures this season in a much increased role. Very limited experience after those 2.
Waconia Wildcats (2025-26 season 17-10, 9-5 Conference, 3rd)
Star point guard Will Kirsch and top big man Luke Hill are part of 4 starters that need to be replaced. The wing rotation will still have experience with Alex Kirsch, Henry Wisniewski, Tyson McDonald and Colton Henke. Senior Adam Hayden looks to be the 1st big guy. Finding a ballhandler and interior presence are questions to answer.
Predicted Order of Finish
- Chaska
- Orono
- Chanhassen
- St. Louis Park
- Waconia
- Benilde-St. Margaret's
- Bloomington Jefferson
- New Prague
Conference Overview
Chaska has to be the pick with 5 top guys back. Orono will be their major competitor. Chanhassen is the clear number 3 with 2 top guys returning. After that a drop off thanks to huge graduation losses for the next 3 teams. Best player in that group is Matthew Johnson so give me St. Louis Park as the best of the rest. New Prague and Jefferson are a level below and will try to stay out of the cellar.
Conference MVP: Tyler Forrest - Chaska
Underclassmen to watch:
- Deontae Tate - Chaska
- Aiden Boll - St. Louis Park
- Chaska at Orono - Feb 2nd
- Orono at Chaska - Feb 26th
- Orono at Minnehaha - Dec 4th
- Lakeville South at Chaska - Dec 8th
- Orono at Mahtomedi - Dec 8th
- Chaska at Farmington - Dec 10th
- Chaska vs Totino-Grace - Dec 12th (Tipoff Classic)
- Chaska at Prior Lake - Jan 13th
- Orono at Richfield - Jan 14th
- Chaska at Champlin Park - Feb 18th
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