2015-16 Season Preview in a Nutshell

The 2015-2016 Season Preview Series concludes with an overview of what and who you need to see and when and where you can find it.  This is a higher level preview for the more casual fan who doesn't eat, sleep and breathe hoops like many of us do.  So with that in mind, we distill the season down to some high points.

Events to Watch

• Nov 28 - Anoka-Ramsey Showcase
• Dec 5 - Breakdown Girls Tipoff Classic at Hopkins (4 premier boys games)
• Dec 11-12 - Johnson Winter Showcase 1
• Dec 12 - Breakdown Boys Tipoff Classic at Minnetonka 
• Dec 18-19 - Johnson Winter Showcase 2
• Dec 29-30 - Granite City Classic at St. Cloud Apollo
• Jan 2 - Timberwolves Shootout at Target Center
• Jan 18 - Dream Classic at Minneapolis Roosevelt and Minneapolis Washburn
• Jan 18 - MLK Classic at Minneapolis Patrick Henry
• Jan 30 - Super 60 Showcase at Hopkins
• Feb 21 - Twin Cities Game at St. Paul champion

Anoka-Ramsey provides a chance to see Perham who's always a tough out in 8AA.  The section battle there between Moorhead and Elk River that could determine seeding later on.  This one was decided on a long buzzer beater last year.  4 great boys games in the Girls tipoff with Iowa City West vs Apple Valley as a huge game.  Johnson has Atascoctia (TX) and Purdue commit Carsen Edwards coming to town on Breakdown boys weekend.  They'll play De La Salle on December 11th followed by Milwaukee King and Michigan commit Jordan Poole vs Johnson in the late game.  Then Georgia 6A runner up Pebblebrook comes to town on December 18th to play back to back days vs Johnson and Minneapolis North.  Pebblebrook features Auburn commit Jared Harper.  The Timberwolves Shootout gives locals their best chance to see Michael Hurt (Minnesota commit) and younger brother Matthew from Rochester John Marshall.  Minneapolis will be busy on Martin Luther King day with 3 schools hosting games all day.  Hopkins vs 2A power Caledonia and St. Croix Lutheran vs Battle Lake highlight the Super 60 Showcase at the end of January.  As always the Twin Cities Game/EMAC Championship duo finishes off the regular season.

Other Non-Conference Games to Watch

• Wayzata at Lakeville North - Nov 28th
• Minnehaha at St. Croix Lutheran - Dec 1st
• Milwaukee Washington (WI) at St. Paul Johnson - Dec 4th
• St. Croix Lutheran at Minneapolis North - Dec 8th
• St. Croix Lutheran at St. Paul Academy - Dec 10th
• Waseca at St. Croix Lutheran - Dec 22nd
• Benilde-St. Margaret's at De La Salle - Dec 23rd
• Eden Prairie at Shakopee - Jan 2nd
• De La Salle at Eden Prairie - Jan 5th
• Hopkins at Minneapolis North - Jan 19th
• Wayzata at Minneapolis North - Jan 25th
• Eden Prairie at Champlin Park - Feb 10th

I didn't include conference games because those are covered in the conference previews.  Not to mention I wanted the list to be somewhat manageable.

Players to Watch

• Amir Coffey (Sr) - Hopkins (Minnesota)
• Theo John (Jr) - Champlin Park
• Tre Jones (So) - Apple Valley
• Goanar Mar (Jr)- De La Salle
• Steffon Mitchell (Sr) - Shakopee
• Reed Nikko (Sr) - Maple Grove (Missouri)
• Nate Reuvers (Jr) - Lakeville North
• Jericho Sims (Jr) - Cristo Rey
• Gary Trent (Jr) - Apple Valley
• McKinley Wright (Jr) - Champlin Park

Teams Looking to Win It All

• Apple Valley
• De La Salle
• Eden Prairie
• Hopkins
• Lakeville North
• Maple Grove
• Minneapolis North  
• Minnehaha Academy
• St. Croix Lutheran
• St. Paul Academy
• Shakopee
• Tartan
• Wayzata

Season Thoughts
This year I see Apple Valley and Hopkins as the 2 top contenders for the 4A Gold Ball.  But there's a long line of very good teams behind them.  The teams are also balanced across sections so I think the 4A tourney should be very good.  3A is way down and that gives De La Salle as good a chance as any to win their 5th straight title.  The final 4 in section 4AA could be state tourney semifinal quality with St. Croix Lutheran, SPA, Minnehaha and Roosevelt.  Is this the year that Minneapolis North finally gets to state under Larry McKenzie?  With the Hanson clan gone at Maranatha and the entire rotation turning over, what does the next generation look like for the Mustangs?

We had the annual coaching turnover.  A number of the coaching changes seemed strange at a glance.  There appears to be a very disturbing trend of talented young coaches not getting a shot.  Some of the jobs you wondered why there weren't more high profile applicants.  Maybe more proof that parents are getting crazier every day.

National officiating points of emphasis for the year include post play, rebounding and protecting the free throw shooter.  Displacement is the word of the day.  More emphasis on arm bars, continued hand checking etc is back on this year.  As always we'll see how long it actually lasts.

2015-16 Final Section Previews

This is the 26th preview in my 2015-2016 season preview series.  This final section preview covers miscellaneous metro teams not yet mentioned but we'll do it in brief form.  We'll focus on sections 1AAAA and 8AAAA with a couple small schools thrown in for completeness.  For a list of all the season previews and how they are generated, click here.

Lakeville North (1AAAA)
The Panthers are one of the favorites in the section thanks to their versatile forward duo of Carter Brooks and Nate Reuvers.  Their toughest test will come from likely Big 9 champ Rochester John Marshall.  Minnesota commit Michael Hurt and younger brother Matthew (a national level 2019 player) lead the way for the Rockets.  Add in Albert Lea transfer Dedoch Chan to fill the middle and take away some of the banging for the Hurt brotthers.  Coach Kirk Thompson has experience getting to the big dance from his days at Plainview-Elgin-Millville.  If there's any year for the Rockets to beat their Lakeville North curse, this is it.

Prediction: 1 seed and Section Champs

Lakeville South (1AAAA, moved from 2AAAA)
The Cougars have a couple of talented pieces to build around in junior point guard Jack Sorenson and soph Shae Mitchell.  But they have a new inexperienced head coach in Nick Gruhlke.  They should have a fun seeding battle with New Prague.  New head coach Bryce Tesdahl has Augustana commit Lucas Walford to build around this season.  The tough South Suburban 4A schedule gives Lakeville South the nod over the tough 3A Wright County East schedule.  Also don't discount Northfield with forward Luke Harris returning.  (Czar's Note 11/4: Northfield has moved to section 1AAA)

Prediction: 3 seed

Maple Grove (8AAAA, moved from 5AAAA)
The Crimson are stacked with their entire group from last year returning plus the addition of Cooper transfer Taron Pickford.  Moving to a section where no other team will be ranked means Maple Grove is the clear favorite.  Defending champ St. Michael-Albertville and traditionally strong Buffalo are both down.

Prediction: 1 seed and Section Champs

Elk River (8AAAA)
The Elks have a couple of nice building blocks in shooter Matt Keller and post Trent Pink to make a run in the section.  I think they battle with Rogers for the 2nd seed.  But Rogers has 3 quality wings in Steffan Musoke, Will Alexander and Allen Wilson.  Moorhead has a couple of guys returning including Matt Bye to put them in the next group behind Maple Grove discussion as well.

Prediction: 3 seed

Christian Life (1A West Subsection, moved from 4A)
Christian Life has a ton of guys to replace and no major star returning.  That's going to make the long trip south for the opening pigtail game more painful.  As MN State Academy for the Deaf has shown in this section, no respect for the EMAC.  Those schools get the bottom 2 seeds. 

Prediction: Subsection 11 seed (MSAD gets 10 seed due to higher EMAC finish)

Lester Prairie/Holy Trinity (2A North Subsection)
The Bulldogs should be in the same spot as last year where they barely avoided having to play a pigtail game.  I think they don't avoid that fate this year.

Prediction: Subsection 7 seed

2015-16 Section 7AAAA Preview

This is the 25th preview in my 2015-2016 season preview series.  Our final full section preview is of section 7AAAA.  For a list of all the season previews and how they are generated, click here.

Section 7AAAA (8 teams)
Defending Champion: St. Francis

Predicted Seeding

1. St. Francis
2. Blaine
3. Duluth East
4. Andover
5. Forest Lake
6. Cambridge-Isanti
7. Coon Rapids
8. Anoka

Now to our old friend, section 7AAAA.  The section where I can't find the last time they won a game at state.  This is the only section in this set of previews where there are no changes in the group of teams participating.  Defending champ St. Francis loses 4 of their top 5 scorers.  That includes leading scorer and rebounder Blake Moreno.  Double figure scorer Robbie Whitney returns along with guards Tanner Carlson and Hunter Trautman plus forward Ryan Svihel.  So don't expect that much of a dropoff from the Saints.   Duluth East improved from 4-23 to 15-13 last year.  They lose valuable contributors Kahlil Green and Will Heyer.  Joey Zwak, Quentin Miller and Cody Carlson give coach Rhett McDonald a nice group to build around.  Cambridge-Isanti has to replace their top 7 scorers including Kyle McDonald and Collin Terwilliger.  Leading returning scorer is forward Luke Johnson at 3.3 PPG.  Blaine's size will make them a tough out in the section.  Their guard play determines how far they go.  The next 4 all have major losses to replace.  I see Andover and Duluth East slightly ahead and battling for 3.  Forest Lake and Cambridge-Isanti fill the other 2 spots.  Coon Rapids and Anoka continue to rebuild.  Nik Keller's transfer to Coon Rapids puts them out of the cellar.

Sleeper: Duluth East.  Coach Rhett McDonald saw his group make a jump last year.  He has some guys who took lumps for a couple of years and may lead the Greyhounds to turn the corner.

Section Winner: St. Francis.  I'll take the safe pick here and not underestimate them as I've done previously.

2015-16 Section 6AAAA Preview

This is the 24th preview in my 2015-2016 season preview series.  The final week of the 6 week season preview series begins with a look at the always tough section 6AAAA.  For a list of all the season previews and how they are generated, click here.

Section 6AAAA (8 teams)
Defending Champion: Hopkins

New teams in the subsection

• Minneapolis Washburn (6AAA)
• Robbinsdale Cooper (5AAAA)
• Wayzata (5AAAA)

Teams that left the subsection

• Eden Prairie (2AAAA)
• Edina (2AAAA)
• Minnetonka (2AAAA)

Predicted Seeding

1. Hopkins
2. Wayzata
3. Robbinsdale Armstrong
4. St. Louis Park
5. Robbinsdale Cooper
6. Minneapolis Washburn
7. Minneapolis South
8. Minneapolis Southwest

This section is pretty straight forward.  Hopkins is one of the top 2 teams in AAAA.  Wayzata is loaded with everyone returning.  Armstrong is clearly better than the other 5.  Metro West teams better than the Minneapolis City teams.  Though Washburn does have a shot to overtake Cooper for that 5 spot.

Sleeper: Robbinsdale Cooper.  Bo Powell takes over and they have some talented youngsters.

Section Winner: Hopkins.  They're basically an upgraded version of last year's team with Amir Coffey back in the lineup for John Warren's spot.  Its a loaded lineup with the top player in the state.  Hard to bet against that.

2015-16 Section 5AAAA Preview

This is the 23rd preview in my 2015-2016 season preview series.  Week 5 of the 6 week series concludes with a look at section 5AAAA.  For a list of all the season previews and how they are generated, click here.

Section 5AAAA (8 teams)
Defending Champion: Champlin Park

New teams in the subsection

• Mounds View (4AAAA)
• Roseville (4AAAA)
• Spring Lake Park (3AAA)

Teams that left the subsection

• Maple Grove (8AAAA)
• Robbinsdale Cooper (6AAAA)
• Wayzata (6AAAA)

Predicted Seeding

1. Champlin Park
2. Osseo
3. Centennial
4. Mounds View
5. Roseville
6. Park Center
7. Spring Lake Park
8. Irondale

Champlin Park looks to hold on to their title with McKinley Wright and Theo John.  I think they plug in enough pieces to make it happen.  Osseo had a down year last year but they have a ton of guys coming back, I expect them to be more like their former identity.  Centennial is dangerous with South Dakota commit Tyler Peterson.  Mounds View and Roseville make up the next tier as they try to reload.  Park Center, Spring Lake Park and Irondale are all in rebuild mode.

Sleeper: Park Center.  New coach and young talent makes them a wildcard.

Section Winner: Champlin Park.  They have the 2 best players in the section.  There's just no matchup for Theo John.  I see them returning to the big dance.

2015-16 Section 4AAAA Preview

This is the 22nd preview in my 2015-2016 season preview series.  The series moves on with a look at section 4AAAA.  For a list of all the season previews and how they are generated, click here.

Section 4AAAA (8 teams)
Defending Champion: Roseville

New teams in the subsection

• Cretin-Derham Hall (3AAAA)
• East Ridge (3AAAA)
• St. Paul Central (4AAA)

Teams that left the subsection

• Mahtomedi (4AAA)
• Mounds View (5AAAA)
• Roseville (5AAAA)

Predicted Seeding

1. Tartan
2. Cretin-Derham Hall
3. Stillwater
4. North
5. East Ridge
6. St. Paul Central
7. Woodbury
8. White Bear Lake

CDH and Tartan are the 2 clear favorites here.  I think Tartan is better thanks to their 4 stars returning and Jarvis Thomas but a 3A league vs a 4A league gives CDH a chance to be the 1 seed.  Stillwater and North will battle for the 3rd seed.  East Ridge, St. Paul Central and Woodbury all have a chance to sneak into that 4th spot if North's youth hurts them.  Frosh Courtney Brown Jr at East Ridge is a wild card that could bump up the Raptors.  White Bear Lake is rebuilding.

Sleeper: North.  They taken some lumps but now have experience in a year where many in the section are rebuilding.  Add in the success at lower levels and they're a team that could surprise.

Section Winner: Tartan.  A leader and goto guy in Jordan Horn and quality interior play with great depth send another Mark Klingsporn group to state.

2015-16 Section 3AAAA Preview

This is the 21st preview in my 2015-2016 season preview series.  We continue our look at class AAAA with a look at section 3AAAA.  For a list of all the season previews and how they are generated, click here.

Section 3AAAA (8 teams)
Defending Champion: Apple Valley (defending state champion)

New teams in the subsection

• Burnsville (2AAAA)
• Hastings (1AAAA)

Teams that left the subsection

• Cretin-Derham Hall (4AAAA)
• East Ridge (4AAAA)

Predicted Seeding

1. Apple Valley
2. Eastview
3. Burnsville
4. Rosemount
5. Hastings
6. Eagan
7. Henry Sibley
8. Park

The 1 major competitor to Apple Valley for the section title (Cretin-Derham Hall) got moved to section 4.  I don't have any other team in the section picked above 5th in their league.  Most of this falls according to South Suburban finish.  Park clearly takes the 8 spot.  Eagan and Sibley fight for 6th.  Rosemount and Hastings battle for the last home game thanks to the South Suburban vs Metro East debate.  Eastview gets the 2 seed over Burnsville based on higher conference finish.

Sleeper: None.  The rest of the section is way down so there's nobody of note to pick here.

Section Winner: Park of Cottage Grove.  OK, maybe not.  With everybody back and the rest of the section down, there's no reason to believe that Apple Valley won't steamroll through this section with the possible exception of a rivalry matchup vs Eastview staying close.  It would not surprise me to see an Apple Valley game in this section go the stall route.

2015-16 Section 2AAAA Preview

This is the 20th preview in my 2015-2016 season preview series.  Now we move on to all the sections in class AAAA.  This starts with a look at section 2AAAA.  For a list of all the season previews and how they are generated, click here.

Section 2AAAA (8 teams)
Defending Champion: Shakopee

New teams in the subsection

• Eden Prairie (6AAAA)
• Edina (6AAAA)
• Minnetonka (6AAAA)

Teams that left the subsection

• Bloomington Kennedy (3AAA)
• Burnsville (3AAAA)
• Lakeville South (1AAAA)

Predicted Seeding

1. Eden Prairie
2. Shakopee
3. Edina
4. Chaska
5. Minnetonka
6. Bloomington Jefferson
7. Prior Lake
8. Chanhassen

This may be the deepest section in AAAA from top to bottom . Definitely not the firepower at the top like 6AAAA, but there is not a bad team in this section.  Eden Prairie and Shakopee are the 2 clear favorites.  They could meet twice in 4 days over New Year's between the Eden Prairie tourney final on December 30th and their regular meeting at Shakopee on January 2nd.  Chaska will fight with Edina and Minnetonka for a home game.  Jefferson and Prior Lake both with good junior classes looking to move up next year.  No other place to put Chanhassen in a rebuilding year though they will be better than your average 8th seed.

Sleeper: Minnetonka. The Skippers don't have size but then again size in this section is hard to come by.  What they do have is a high powered backcourt with Amar Miller, NDSU commit Seth Coatta and Cedric Boone.  The teams in the section are very sound defensively but Amar Miller can create against most anybody 1 on 1.  That opens up the shooters.

Section Winner: Eden Prairie. After the heartbreak of last year's giveaway vs Hopkins in the 6AAAA final, I think they move on.  Too many solid guards in Rudrud, Geolat, Jacobus and Chose.  They're very sound on defense and they'll always have that football guy to do the interior dirty work.

2015-16 Section 6AAA Preview

This is the 19th preview in my 2015-2016 season preview series.  Week 5 of this 6 week series begins with a glance at the final metro area section in class AAA.  That's the reworked section 6AAA.  For a list of all the season previews and how they are generated, click here.

Section 6AAA (8 teams)
Defending Champion: Waconia

New teams in the subsection

• Delano (5AAA)
• DeLaSalle (3AAA)
• Minneapolis Henry (3AAA)
• Orono (5AAA) 

Teams that left the subsection

• Holy Angels (3AAA)
• Holy Family (5AA)
• Minneapolis Washburn (6AAAA)
• Richfield (3AAA)

Predicted Seeding

1. DeLaSalle
2. Benilde-St. Margaret's
3. Delano
4. Orono
5. Waconia
6. Minneapolis Henry
7. Mound-Westonka
8. Blake

If this isn't the best section in a very down year in class AAA, I don't know what is.  Not only do you have defending champion Waconia, but you have 4 time defending state champ De La Salle and last year's 5AAA champion Orono joining the section.  Add in my Metro West favorite Benilde-St. Margaret, a solid Minneapolis Henry team and up and coming Delano and you have a very good section.  That means it won't be a cakewalk in the drive for 5 for the Islanders.

Waconia loses a ton of size from last year's team but they still have a rock solid backcourt with Joey Kortuem, Josh Rands and Ryan Kutchen plus soph Charlie Gove behind them.  Orono loses 4 of their top 6 scorers (like Waconia) but they still have Sam Sustacek inside with Alex Kill, Coby Stoe and junior Noel Mshihiri around him.  Delano loses their top scorer but the Tigers bring back their next 7.  That includes recent Mary commit Matt Kreklow to provide size.  They also have a young and talented backcourt in soph Calvin Wishart and frosh Derek Techam.  New coach Wade Hokenson takes over for Tyler Biwan at Mound-Westonka.  He has soph Griffin Sage as a piece to build around.  The Wright County East will battle test Delano, Orono and Waconia but I still like Benilde-St. Margaret's at the 2 seed.  They're experienced and have a goto guy in Sam Baker.  3 thru 6 could fall in any direction but whomever comes thru that Wright County East gauntlet will get the 3.  I'm going to pick Delano to be that team and to make a jump up from 500 this year.  That's despite losing to Orono 3 times and Waconia twice last year.  Waconia won't go out easily either thanks to their guards.  Henry is my hard luck 6 seed as they'd probably be no worse than a 3 seed in most other AAA sections.  Late season home games for the Patriots against Waconia and Orono could loom large in their section seeding.  If nothing else the 3 vs 6 and 4 vs 5 games will be very entertaining.

Sleeper: Henry.  They're big and athletic and they have scorers in Julian Jackson and Demetrius Edwards-Brown.  If they take care of the ball and make shots, they have the ability to make it really tough on people.

Section Winner: DeLaSalle.  Is there another choice here?  You have a nationally ranked guy in Goanar Mar who can play inside or out.  Soph Gabe Kalscheur got a ton of time last year and emerged as a goto type guy.  Samm Jones provides the experience at point.  Not to mention they are loaded with young talent.

2015-16 Section 4AAA Preview

This is the 18th preview in my 2015-2016 season preview series.  To end week 4 of this 6 week series, I take a look at another of the metro area's revamped class AAA sections.  This time it's the section 4AAA.  For a list of all the season previews and how they are generated, click here.

Section 4AAA (8 teams)
Defending Champion: St. Paul Johnson

New teams in the subsection

• Columbia Heights (3AAA)
• Fridley (3AAA)
• Mahtomedi (4AAAA)
• St. Anthony (3AAA)
• St. Paul Como Park (3AAA)
• Totino-Grace (3AAA)

Teams that left the subsection

• St. Paul Central (4AAAA)
• St. Paul Highland Park (3AAA)
• St. Paul Harding (3AAA)
• St. Thomas Academy (3AAA)
• Simley (3AAA)
• South St. Paul (3AAA)

Predicted Seeding

1. St. Paul Johnson
2. Mahtomedi
3. Fridley
4. Totino-Grace
5. Hill-Murray
6. Columbia Heights
7. St. Anthony
8. St. Paul Como Park

Yea!  We are no longer in DeLaSalle's section!  Oh wait, now we get St. Paul Johnson.  Doh!  Not exactly the winning lotto ticket for the former section 3AAA schools.  Johnson and Hill-Murray are the only holdovers from this section.  Johnson has played in 10 straight section finals, including the last 8 years in this section.  They've lost only 2 of those.  Mahtomedi may lack some experience now but by tourney time I can see them as a difficult out.  Hudson transfer Shayne Frost (who I inexplicably left out of my Metro East preview) is a great addition for them at point guard.  Fridley has enough athletes to make a Johnson game interesting.  Totino-Grace vs Hill-Murray makes for a competitive 4 vs 5 game.  I could see Columbia Heights making the league matchup vs Fridley interesting in the 3 vs 6 game.  St. Anthony and Como Park are still in rebuilding mode.

Sleeper: Totino-Grace.  With experienced pieces inside (James Streeter) and outside (Krueser and Jacob) I can see the Eagles jumping up and surprising people come tourney time.

Section Winner: Mahtomedi.  I don't see Johnson as the juggernaut of years past and wonder how they'll score enough in the biggest games.  Mahtomedi loses a ton but they have size and Frost to shore up the backcourt.  Last year's JV guys step up and I'll take the Zephyrs to come out of the section.

2015-16 Section 3AAA Preview

This is the 17th preview in my 2015-2016 season preview series.  In this preview, I start my look at the local AAA sections with section 3AAA.  Thanks to the MSHSL redrawing sections from scratch this year, its an entirely new group of teams from the south and east metro rather than the north metro.  This section is most like last year's 4AAA with 5 teams from that previous group.  In an ironic twist, 5 of last year's teams in this section make up the new section 4AAA.  For a list of all the season previews and how they are generated, click here.

Section 3AAA (8 teams)
Defending Champion: DeLaSalle

New teams in the subsection

• Bloomington Kennedy (2AAAA)
• Holy Angels (6AAA)
• Richfield (6AAA)
• Simley (4AAA)
• South St. Paul (4AAA)
• St. Paul Harding  (4AAA)
• St. Paul Highland Park (4AAA)
• St. Thomas Academy (4AAA)

Teams that left the subsection

• Columbia Heights (4AAA)
• DeLaSalle (6AAA)
• Fridley (4AAA)
• Minneapolis Henry (6AAA)
• Spring Lake Park (5AAAA)
• St. Anthony (4AAA)
• St. Paul Como Park (4AAA)
• Totino-Grace (4AAA)

Predicted Seeding

1. St. Thomas Academy
2. Simley
3. Kennedy
4. Holy Angels
5. Highland Park
6. South St. Paul
7. Harding
8. Richfield

I've had my share of comments about the quality in section 7AAAA over the years, but they get a break this year with this section.  If my conference predictions end up accurate (insert your own joke here), you'd have the last 2 from the Metro West, last in St. Paul, 5th, 6th and last in Metro East and a last place finisher in their division of the Tri-Metro.  The bottom 3 were in the last 6 of the CzarPI in all of class AAA at the end of last season.  I see that happening again.  Holy Angels and Highland Park will fight to reach 10 wins.  Holy Angels ultimately gets that home game.  I pick Kennedy 3rd here but I have them 7th in the Metro West.  They only won 9 games last season but had a bunch of close losses in the 2nd half.  I see Simley and St. Thomas Academy as the only teams to finish above the break even mark.  That's after they both lost most of their lineups and each only have 1 notable varsity guy returning.  So even that isn't a given.

Sleeper: Bloomington Kennedy.  This is really a default pick with Kennedy having another year of Markel Aune at the point and Josh Bryant.  They can throw some athleticism in and pressure teams into a helter-skelter kind of game.  If they can get to the final, then they would be across town at Jefferson.

Section Winner: Simley.  Jack Stensgard is the top player in the section so I'll pick his experience and scoring ability to put the Spartans over the top.

2015-16 Section 5AA East Preview

This is the 16th preview in my 2015-2016 season preview series.  In this preview, a look at the east subsection of section 5AA.  The projections are for this section to go east and west vs north and south this season.  Most of these teams played in the south last year and all look to be in the east this year.  For a list of all the season previews and how they are generated, click here.

Section 5AA East Subsection (9 teams)
Defending Champion: Breck

New teams in the subsection

• FAIR (4AA)
• Holy Family (6AAA)
• Southwest Christian (4A)
• Spectrum (5AA North)

Teams that left the subsection

• Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted (5AA West)
• Rockford (5AA West)
• Watertown-Mayer (5AA West)

Predicted Seeding

1. Brooklyn Center
2. Southwest Christian
3. Holy Family
4. Providence
5. Breck
6. Spectrum
7. Minneapolis Edison
8. International School
9. FAIR

I look for Brooklyn Center to be very dangerous in this subsection.  Too much athleticism which I think can force some turnovers to get easy hoops.  Southwest Christian's guard play is good enough to overcome that but a lack of size looms.  Holy Family and Providence have guard experience too and play methodical styles that drive the Centaurs nuts.  I see them battling for the 3 seed.  After that, it drops off drastically.  Breck has a new coach and has to replace almost everyone.  The bottom 3 are also rebuilding while double double guy Zach Knollenberg needs help at Spectrum.  FAIR and International School battle for the home pigtail game

Sleeper: Holy Family.  The Fire are a different team this year without Justin Dahl in the middle.  Plus they lose a bunch of seniors.  So expectations may not be the highest.  But they return a couple of guards who can shoot it and a reserve post.  With their tough 3A Wright County schedule and tradition, that will help them come tourney time.

Section Winner: Brooklyn Center.  I see a breakthrough year for the Centaurs.  Landon Kirkwood and company put it together and make it to the section final.

2015-16 Section 4AA Preview

This is the 15th preview in my 2015-2016 season preview series.  In this preview, a look at section 4AA. For a list of all the season previews and how they are generated, click here.

Section 4AA (16 teams)
Defending Champion: St. Croix Lutheran (State 3rd Place)

New teams in the section

• Academy for Sciences & Agriculture (4A)
• Math and Science Academy (4A)

Teams that left the section

• FAIR (5AA)
• Prairie Seeds Academy (4A)
• St. Paul Prep (4A)

Predicted Seeding

1. St. Croix Lutheran   
2. Minnehaha 
3. St. Paul Academy    
4. Minneapolis Roosevelt  
5. Concordia Academy
6. Trinity 
7. New Life Academy
8. St. Paul Washington  
9. St. Croix Prep
10. Mounds Park Academy
11. St. Paul Humboldt
12. Charter Stars
13. AFSA
14. Math and Science
15. St. Paul Prep
16. Hmong Academy

Once again the top quarter of the section is very strong.  Defending champ St. Croix Lutheran should be the early favorite for the top seed with everybody back from last year.  The rest of the contenders remain strong as well.  JoVanni Bickham and Jalen Suggs can carry Minnehaha a long way.  SPA has another year of their dynamic duo Dalante Peyton and Kent Hanson.  Roosevelt has to replace their outstanding backcourt but Elijah Hannah and Devon Hannah with Martez Rodgers give them a nice trio to build around.   Trinity and Washington has some pieces coming back as well.  The bottom half remains very weak so don't expect much in the 1st round games. 

Sleeper: Trinity.  Apologies to fellow MCAA South member New Life Academy for not picking them here for the 3rd straight season.  With plenty coming back and a go to guy in Eddie Maruggi, the Tri-Hawks won't be an easy out.

Section Winner: St. Croix Lutheran. While their tough regular season schedule will knock their record down (at Mpls North, Braham, Waseca, at Roosevelt, at SPA, Wayzata, Battle Lake), I still think they earn the top seed.  Size, guard play, shooting and experience are all there

2015-16 Section 4A Preview

This is the 14th preview in my 2015-2016 season preview series.  115 individual team and 12 conference previews are completed.  Now I move on to phase 2 of the previews.  Over the next 3 weeks, I'll take a look at 12 metro area sections plus a couple of outstate class AAAA sections that have local teams.  We start with a look at Section 4A.  For a list of all the season previews and how they are generated, click here.

Section 4A (24 Teams)
Defending Champion: Maranatha (2015 state 2nd place)

New teams in the section

• Chesterton Academy (N/A)
• Groves Academy (N/A co-op with Champlin Park)
• Lincoln International (N/A)
• Metro Schools College Prep (N/A)
• Prairie Seeds Academy (4AA)
• St. Paul Prep (4AA)

Teams that left the section

• Academy for Sciences & Agriculture (4AA)
• Christian Life (1A)
• Math and Science Academy (4AA)
• Southwest Christian (5AA)

Predicted Seeding

1. Minneapolis North
2. Heritage
3. MTS
4. Legacy
5. Maranatha
6. CHOF
7. Cristo Rey
8. West Lutheran
9. Hope 
10. Community of Peace

Minneapolis North goes on top of the list.  Heritage and MTS are poised for 20 win seasons and should be in a battle for that 2nd seed.  As usual, the bottom of the section has some of the worst teams in the state.  Very little usually happens in the way of surprising seeding wise in this section (only 1 upset in each of the last 3 years).  It starts to get interesting once you get thru the 1st week and down to the final 4.  You also never know who will actually play as many of the bottom teams in the section don't play the MSHSL tournament series.

Sleeper:  Cristo Rey.  Forward Jericho Sims has seen a meteoric rise in his stock.  If he continues to develop you have arguably the most dominant player in the section.  At the small school level, that means a team can go a long way.  After their opener, they play 6 straight games against the MCAA, including section matchups against the entire north division.  That will ultimately determine their seeding as most of the rest of the schedule is very weak.

Section Winner: Minneapolis North.  The Polars are still far and away the favorite here.  Too much talent and too much depth.  The experience of not making the last 2 years has to help at some point.

2015-16 Rest of the Metro Preview

This is the 13th preview in my 2015-2016 season preview series.  In this preview, I conclude my look at the teams around the metro with a look at the local independents and any other teams in The Kingdom that I haven't previewed yet and want to mention.  For a list of all the season previews and how they were generated, click here.  But don't fret, we're not done yet.  Next week, we'll begin a 3 week look at the local sections.

CHOF Lions (2014-15 season 12-12)
Kit Piepkorn led the Lions in scoring again at 19 a night last season and is back for his senior season at shooting guard.  He joins the rest of the starting lineup coming back.  Only 2 role playing seniors depart.  Tim Rohlf also averaged double figures.  Anders Strandlund will once again man the middle.

Cristo Rey Jesuit Pumas (2014-15 season 15-12)
Jericho Sims had a breakout summer on the AAU circuit.  No the junior returns to the Pumas poised for a big season.   He averaged 17.2 PPG last year.  22.8 PPG from Davonte Smith will need to be replaced.  Senior Drakarr Lobley and junior Karlton Gregory return to the lineup.  They should pick up some of that scoring slack.

FAIR Falcons (2014-15 season 6-14)
The Falcons lose 2 top scorers in Armani Scott and Laron Reynolds.  They do have some young pieces returning that saw time last year.  Junior Otis Turner will be the veteran of the group.  Soph Treavon Nystrom and freshmen Kresean Greer and Dameon Jones all saw time last year.  Though Greer may now be at De La Salle. 

Learning for Leadership Mustangs (2014-15 season 1-16)
Abdul Aden departs but the rest of the roster returns.  But still expect a long year in northeast Minneapolis.

Minnesota Transitions Wolves (2014-15 season 23-6)
The Wolves return their top 2 scorers with Isaiah Wade inside and Lewis McCaleb on the outside.  It wouldn't shock me to see Wade have a 20 and 10 season.  Sophomore Charles Gordon returns to the backcourt.  Behind Wade they'll need to find some size.

Prairie Seeds Academy Lycans (2014-15 season 12-10)

6'8" Post Brandon Egge has graduated but everyone else returns.  That includes the top 2 scorers returning as juniors.  Daveon Gibson and Brian Robinson combined for 37+ PPG last year.  Egge was the only size the Lycans had.  The rest of the lineup is very small.

St. Croix Prep Lions (2014-15 season 14-14)
New head coach Keven Seim comes in from Totino-Grace.  But this is closer to his prior gig in Stillwater.  He has to replace 31.5 PPG from PG Michael Gutierrez.  Sophomore Jayton Metcalf figures to take his place.  The other double figure scorer Jared Shea also graduated.  Quinn Fisher and Sam Richardson are the returning starters.  Juniors Austin Have and Matt Kaul saw time last season.  Size and depth are concerns.

Spectrum Sting (2014-2015 season, 12-14)
Senior center Zach Knollenberg averaged 22.5 PPG to go with almost 10 boards a night.  Ben Maki's 11.2 PPG graduated.  Junior Nick Anderson returns after averaging 8.2 PPG.  Freshman Cole Elrod also returns after being part of the rotation last season.  This will be the Sting's last season as an independent.  They'll join the MCAA next season.

2015-16 Eastern Minnesota Athletic Conference Preview

This is the 12th preview in my 2015-16 season preview series.  For the first time ever, I present to you a look at the Eastern Minnesota Athletic Conference (EMAC).  I only saw half of the league last year and information on these tiny schools is hard to find, so the results should be quite interesting.  For a list of all the season previews and how they are done, click here.

Academy for Sciences & Agriculture Eagles (2014-15 season 7-18, 2-10 Conference, 11th)
AFSA is based out of Vadnais Heights.  They once played home games at Bethel before building their new building.  Leading scorer Thomas Ewalt graduated with 15+ PPG.   Nick Germscheid also needs to be replaced.  Freshman Sam Andrews will be a top option.  Soph James Wilfong will be another one of their scoring options.

Calvin Christian Cougars (2014-15 season 9-15, 5-7 Conference, 8th)
The Cougars are based out of Fridley but they will play home games at the Mounds View Community Center.  Nick Bonnema appears to be the biggest loss to the lineup.  Nathan Mateer and Brad Mateer should be 2 primary options this season.

Charter Stars (2014-15 season 9-12, 7-5 Conference, Tie 6th)
You'll also hear this St. Paul team called Great River.  Charter Stars is the technical name for the co-op between Great River and Twin Cities Academy.  In years past, they've had home games at the old St. Paul Washington high school (Wellstone now, not the old Arlington).  Last year they played at Metro Deaf's upstairs gym.  They are a traditionally strong program by league standards.  Romello Wilson gives them a returning scoring option.

Christian Life Academy Hawks (2014-15 season 13-12, 8-4 Conference, 5th)
The Hawks are based out of Farmington.  Coach Kyle Kurz has to replace his top 2 scorers in Kieran Kolb and do everything forward Caleb Wochnick (34 and 22 in the EMAC title game vs Hope last year).  Soph guard Caleb Kurz and Jackson Griffith provide the scoring punch.  Daniel Olson and Luke Swelland will also see rotation time.

Community of Peace Tigers (2014-15 season 12-14, 11-1 Conference, 1st)
CPA is nestled on the east side of St. Paul.  The defending regular season champs have plenty returning to defend that crown.  The perimeter trio of senior Marquez Perry, Edward Milton and Ontario Chapman returns to the starting lineup.  Perry is a high scoring guard who put up almost 23 a night last year.  Milton is the leadership and Chapman is a quality 3rd option.  Forward David Provenczano will be missed.  Steven Parker and Tyler Parker will serve front court roles.

Hmong Academy Warriors (2014-15 season 0-14, 0-12 Conference, 13th)
This St. Paul school once had what was the shortest road trip in the state with Metro Deaf school right next door (even closer than the Osseo at Maple Grove at Osseo Jr High across the parking lot matchup last year).  No seniors and only 2 juniors last year for a group that hasn't had much success.  Hard to see them moving up.

Hope Academy Lions (2014-15 season 19-8, 10-2 Conference, Tied 2nd)
Plenty of hope this season in south Minneapolis for the defending EMAC tourney champs.  They played a run and gun, lots of 3s, 5 in and 5 out rotation style with a super young team last season.  They lose only 1 senior from that rotation.  Junior lefty Johnny Erickson put up 23.9 PPG game from a guard spot.  Tobias Griffin was the only junior.  He almost reached 20 PPG.  He's a big body lefty forward who can handle, shoot and post.  Juniors Nate Elifson and Dashon Holcomb both averaged 10+ per night and combined for 90 3s

International School of Minnesota Huskies (2014-15 season 7-11, 7-5 Conference, Tie 6th)
This Eden Prairie school is a high academic co-op with Eagle Ridge Academy.  They have been a traditional powerhouse in the league.  Rich Berkley and Jason Sheppard give coach Shun Tillman a couple of nice scoring options.

Liberty Classical Academy Lions (2014-15 season 6-13, 3-9 Conference, 10th)
Liberty Classical starts their 2nd year in White Bear Lake after moving from Maplewood.  The Lions were super young last year with only 2 juniors and no seniors.  That should mean 2 years of an upward trend.  Senior Jacob Grill will lead a still young lineup.  Junior Nathaniel Bliss and soph Peter Klarr are 2 more options for scoring.

Minnesota State Academy for the Deaf Trojans (2014-15 season 14-7, 10-2 Conference, Tie 2nd)
Not to be confused with now former EMAC member Metro Deaf School, MSAD is based out of Faribault.  While they do lose a couple of pieces, most of the roster returns.  That should be enough to keep the Trojans in the 2nd tier.

North Lakes Academy Huskies (2014-15 season 1-24, 1-11 Conference, 12th)
North Lakes is at the other end of the EMAC geographical spectrum in Forest Lake.  They went from 1st 2 years to 1 win with a young roster last season.  Such is life at a small school.  The top 2 scorers were 2 of the 3 graduated seniors.  Senior Noah Nei appears to be the top option.  Cole Yeager and David Christopherson are 2 others who saw time as underclassmen last year.

Nova Classical Academy Knights (2014-15 season 15-6, 10-2 Conference, Tie 2nd)
Nova is another small St. Paul school in the league.  They were in the drivers seat for the conference title until losing to Community of Peace and Hope in the final week.  Athletic guard Bakari Jackson graduated after averaging almost 17 a night.  In an unexpected twist, soph Cole Bothun transferred out and one of the Tritabaugh twins inside will not play this season either.  Jeremiah Rodgers and Dominic Bumgarner will have to handle the load.

Shattuck St. Mary's Sabers (2014-15 season 5-8, 4-8 Conference, 9th)
Yes, this is the same school that is the hockey powerhouse down in Faribault.  Their MSHSL teams play in the EMAC.  The Sabers lose their top 3 scorers, 2 of who were 11 PPG scorers.  They do have 3 senior pieces coming back in Shane Hoben, Wesley Sun and Kevin Du.  Junior Parker Reddig should also see plenty of time.
 
Predicted Order of Finish

1. Hope Academy
2. Community of Peace
3. MSAD
4. International School
5. Nova Classical
6. Charter Stars
7. Christian Life
8. Shattuck-St. Mary's
9. Liberty
10. Calvin Christian
11. North Lakes
12. AFSA
13. Hmong Academy

Conference Overview
The schedule is like the old MCAA schedules where you play everybody just once.  Then the league does a 2 day end of season tourney with each group of 4 teams getting 2 games.  MSAD doesn't play due to the section 1A playoffs.  That impacts Christian Life too as they moved to section 1A this year from section 4A.  The kids and fans treat the conference title game like its the section championship.  Its a different and really fun atmosphere.

At the top, Hope Academy has so much coming back that they have to be the favorite.  Especially when they get the other 3 top teams at home.  Community of Peace will also make a strong run for the top spot.  MSAD and International School are the clear next tier and could bite the top 2.  I think these are the 4 teams in the championship bracket in February.  ISM gets the brutal draw having the other 3 all on the road in the regular season.  The next bracket for 5th I see Charter Stars, Nova, Christian Life and Shattuck-St. Mary's.  All have pieces coming back and in league play should be respectable.  Nova gets all 3 of those teams at home.  The bottom 5 drop off.  Liberty has the best chance with a bunch of guys coming back but the gap was pretty big.

Conference MVP: Marquez Perry - Community of Peace

Conference Games to Watch

• Community of Peace at Hope Academy - Jan 15th
• EMAC Tournament - Feb 20th

Non-Conference Games to Watch

• CHOF at Community of Peace - Dec 10th

2015-16 St. Paul City Conference Preview

This is the 11th preview in my 2015-2016 season preview series.  Week 3 of the 6 week preview series starts with a look at the St. Paul City Conference.  For a list of all the season previews and how they are generated, click here.

Central Minutemen (2014-15 season 13-13, 10-2 Conference, 2nd)
Lefty forward Sam Gubbrud and shooter Jack Beckman return to the lineup after being the top 2 scorers last season.  Abdikalak Muse also returns to the starting lineup.  Guard Charles Smith is one of 2 starters that needs to be replaced.  Combine that with a JV group that won the conference and the Minutemen should be poised to remain near the top of the league.

Como Park Cougars (2014-15 season 7-20, 6-6 Conference, Tie 3rd)
Leading scorer Demetrice Mitchell raised his scoring average to 18.5 PPG and should be good for that this year.  But the lineup around him is very thin.  Shawn Phillips graduated and brother Deland Phillips is now at Cretin-Derham Hall.  Head coach John Robinson comes over from leading the girls program to replace Steve Scroggins.

Harding Knights (2014-15 season 6-18, 2-10 Conference, Tie 6th)
Shooter Essa Adam returns to the Knights lineup after leading the team in scoring last year at 13.8 PPG.  Ben Thompson also returns to the starting lineup.  Everybody else graduated.  Guard Malik Samuel's 11.7 PPG is the biggest loss that will need to be replaced.  No size returns.  While they may take some lumps this year, the freshmen did win the city title last year.

Highland Park Scots (2014-15 season 8-19, 6-6 Conference, Tie 3rd)
Amitri Collins-Westlund leads the way for a tiny lineup.  Dreem Kelly-Jabbar and soph Josh Aune try to give them some semblance of height.  No player averaged in double figures.  Guard Mike Cornelius and Khari Dennis also return.

Humboldt Hawks (2014-15 season 8-17, 2-10 Conference, Tie 6th)
Guard Demond Dawson departs after leading the league in scoring (conference games) the last 2 seasons.  The other double scorer Marion Moore (13.7 PPG) also needs to be replaced.  Jacob Andrew is top returning player.  Junior La'Vonta Bryant joins him in the starting lineup.  Soph Michael King and juniors Guadalupe Tovalin and Patrico Webster also saw time last year.  This is another lineup that is super small.

Johnson Governors (2014-15 season 27-4, 12-0 Conference, 1st)
Johnson has to replace 4 of 5 starters.  That includes star point guard Jalen Mobley (18.2 PPG, 5.6 APG), forward Eric Elliot and center Justus Murphy.  Guard Andre Smith averaged 10.7 PPG and is the top returning player.  They also have rotation pieces returning in Carlin Clarke, Savion Benton and Saivon Parker also return to the rotation.

Washington Eagles (2014-15 season 12-12, 4-8 Conference, 5th)
Washington loses 2 of their 3 double figures scorers.  But leading scorer Curtis Bell (13.8 PPG) and 2 other starters do return.  Keenan Williams mans the center spot after just missing out on double figures.  Xavier Walden returns to back him up.  Guard Courtney Walker should take care of the ball handling duties.

Predicted Order of Finish

1. Johnson
2. Central
3. Highland Park
4. Washington 
5. Como Park 
6. Humboldt  
7. Harding 

Conference Overview:
Johnson loses a lot but they are the favorite until beaten.  Central is definitely the best of the rest.  But once again the league is in a serious down turn.  The rest of the league will beat up on themselves and struggle outside of the league.  Washington and Highland Park battle for 3rd.  Como Park, Humboldt and Harding are in for long seasons.

Conference MVP: Andre Smith - Johnson

Underclassmen to watch: 

• Josh Aune - Highland Park
• Michael King - Humboldt

Conference Games to Watch

• Johnson at Central - Jan 26th
• Central at Johnson - Feb 18th
• Twin Cities Game - Feb 20th (St. Paul Champion)

Non-Conference Games to Watch

• Johnson at Cretin-Derham Hall - Dec 5th
• Central at Minnehaha - Jan 7th
• Minneapolis North at Central - Feb 4th

2015-16 Tri-Metro Conference Preview

This is the 10th preview in my 2015-2016 season preview series.  Week 2 of the 6 week long series concludes with a look at the Tri-Metro Conference.  For a list of all the season previews and how they are generated, click here.

Academy of Holy Angels Stars (2014-15 season 8-18, 3-9 Conference, Tie 4th West)
Junior Sam Boehne returns to lead the Stars inside.  He averaged almost 16 PPG last year.  Shooter Charlie Nicklay needs to be replaced.  Robbie Metcalf (9.8 PPG) and Patrick Burke return to the starting lineup.  Joey Oslund and Max Arms look to also see time on the perimeter.
 
Brooklyn Center Centaurs (2014-15 season 12-13, 3-9 Conference, Tied 4th West)
The Centaurs started 9-1 before off-court issues completely torpedoed a promising season.  Matt McCollister takes over and I see hope for the years of in-season issues going away.  Tedkye Clark and 20.2 PPG has graduated along with Romell Carr (10.7 PPG) but there are a couple of nice athletic pieces to work with.  Landon Kirkwood averaged 15.7 PPG and Devontae Prince averaged 12.9 PPG.  Dashawn Pickford, Reid Chesmer and Sam Duncan are other pieces coming back.

Columbia Heights Hylanders (2014-15 season 13-14, 8-4 Conference, Tie 2nd West)
Columbia Heights returns forward Jarrett Baptiste (13.1 PPG) for what seems to be his 5000th season.  High scoring forward Montroy Scott (19.4 PPG), Ernest Dixon (13.3 PPG) and Tak Anwey (7.9 PPG) all need to be replaced.  Tenzin Kalsang returns in the back court.  Rodney Jones provides size up front.  Ismail Ugas also returns.
 
Concordia Academy Beacons (2014-15 season 18-10, 6-5 Conference, 2nd East)
Point Guard Roger Moore Jr (21.5 PPG) and forwards Sam Root and Jacob Falk (19.5 PPG combined) all need to be replaced.  Athletic wing Isaiah Maddox returns with 14.5 PPG.  The only other returnee to the rotation is guard Grant Harbo.

De La Salle Islanders (2014-15 season 26-4, 12-0 Conference, 1st West, AAA State Champion)
The 4-time defending state AAA champion Islanders lose 3 D1 players.  That includes their top 3 scores Sacar Anim, Jarvis Johnson and Josh Collins who combined for 46.4 PPG.  Junior star Goanar Mar is the top returning scorer at 8.7 PPG.  Soph Gabe Kalscheur came on as the year progressed.  Samm Jones looks to have a breakout year taking over the point.   The rumor mill says they have a big freshman to play inside too.  Plug in whoever you want at the other spot.

Fridley Tigers (2014-15 season 18-8, 8-4 Conference, Tie 2nd West)
The size of center Jonathan Conyers and his team 13.9 PPG will be missed.  Tessy Pal returns with 13.4 PPG on the wing.   Shyheem Murray also returns with 10.4 PPG.  Tyree Caruthers and Anthony Zarr are a couple of other options.   They'll be plenty athletic with enough size to be a pain.

St. Agnes Aggies (2014-15 season 7-19, 0-11 Conference, 4th East)
Soph Gary Smith was the team leader in scoring last year at 11.6 PPG.  Luther Missoh was their inside presence at 10.4 PPG and needs to be replaced.  Junior guard Darius Lopez and Alula Tesfay also return to the lineup.  They will move into a new gym this year after playing all their games on the road last season.

St. Anthony Huskies (2014-15 season 6-21, 2-9 Conference, 3rd East)
The top 3 scorers return for the Huskies.  Seniors Nick Peterson and Nick Knutson return again after raising their scoring averages to 11.8 and 11.2 PPG respectively.  Junior Rhys Langums just missed the double figure plateau at 9.9 PPG.  Ben Peterson is a significant piece that needs to be replaced.

St. Croix Lutheran Crusaders (2014-15 season 30-3, 10-1 Conference, 1st East, AA 3rd Place)
Last year's section final hero Tommy Metcalf and role guy Josh Arndt depart.  But the Crusaders have all their stars and top scorers coming back.  Athlete Ade Lamu (16.5 PPG) and UMD recruit Trenton Krueger (16 PPG) man the front court.  PG Venkat Valluri and shooter Aage Rovney (14.8 PPG) are also back.  Gunnar Maki also returns to what should be a limited rotation.

Predicted Order of Finish

East

1. St. Croix Lutheran
2. Concordia
3. St. Anthony
4. St. Agnes

 West

1. De La Salle
2. Fridley 
3. Brooklyn Center
4. Columbia Heights
5. Holy Angels  

Conference MVP: Samm Jones - De La Salle

Conference Overview:
In the west, of course we pick De La Salle in a no brainer selection.  Still plenty of talent there.  Brooklyn Center and Fridley should be a good battle of old Metro Alliance neighbors for the 2nd spot.  Columbia Heights too athletic for Holy Angels for the last spot.

In the east, St. Croix Lutheran has everybody back so they have to be the favorite.  They'll be looking to improve on their 3rd place state finish last year.  Concordia and St. Anthony fit into the middle spots by default.  St. Agnes at least gets a true home game this year.

Underclassmen to watch:  

• Jack Anderson - Holy Angels
• Sage Booker, Sy Chatman, Gabe Kalscheur - De La Salle
• Gary Smith, Cahlil Golden - St. Agnes

Conference Games to Watch

• Fridley at St. Croix Lutheran - Jan 5th
• De La Salle at Brooklyn Center - Jan 12th
• Brooklyn Center at St. Croix Lutheran - Jan 15th
• Fridley at De La Salle - Jan 19th
• Fridley at Brooklyn Center - Jan 26th
• De La Salle at St. Croix Lutheran - Jan 28th
• Brooklyn Center at Fridley - Feb 9th
• De La Salle at Fridley - Feb 11th
• Brooklyn Center at De La Salle - Feb 16th

Non-Conference Games to Watch

• De La Salle vs Milwaukee Washington (WI) - Dec 5th (Girls Tipoff Classic at Hopkins)
• De La Salle vs Atascocita (TX) - Dec 11th (St. Paul Johnson showcase)
• De La Salle vs Champlin Park - Dec 12th (Tipoff Classic at Minnetonka) 
• St. Croix Lutheran vs Braham - Dec 12th (Tipoff Classic at Minnetonka) 
• Delano at Fridley - Dec 15th
• Benilde-St. Margaret's at De La Salle - Dec 23rd
• De La Salle at Eden Prairie - Jan 5th
• De La Salle at Cretin-Derham Hall - Feb 13th

2015-16 Suburban East Conference Preview

This is the 9th preview in my 2015-2016 season preview series.  In this preview, a look at the Suburban East Conference.  For a list of all the season previews and how they were generated, click here.

Cretin-Derham Hall Raiders (2014-15 season 25-4, 15-1 Conference, 1st)
Cretin-Derham Hall loses their 3 division 1 guys in Sam Neumann, Joe Rosga and Donnell Gresham.  They combined for 52 PPG last year.  Plus starting center Frank Delaney also graduated.  But the Raiders are more ready to reload than anyone in the league.  Sophomore Daniel Oturu takes over in the middle.  They are loaded on the with Jalan Ousley-Brown, Chris Perry and Jordan Ammons.  Point guard play and outside shooting are question marks.

East Ridge Raptors (2014-15 season 21-7, 11-5 Conference, Tied 3rd)
4 starters graduate including point guard Sid Tomes and 22 PPG.  Football star Seth Green transferred away so all starters need to be replaced.  Kyle Junker returns at center.  Tom Kelzenberg returns at a PF spot.  Luke Coquyt and junior Michael Virgin will see backcourt time.  Carter Dowdle and Sam Schiller should also see front court time.

Forest Lake Rangers (2014-15 season 11-16, 4-12 Conference, Tie 6th)
Forest Lake loses 6 members of their rotation.  That includes 19 PPG from wing Connor Knutson.  PG Noah Alm and 12 PPG returns to the lineup.  Forward Matt Wallner also returns to the starting lineup.  The rest of the rotation will be inexperienced.
   
Mounds View Mustangs (2014-15 season 19-8, 9-7 Conference, 5th)
4 starters including star forward Ryan Kaczynski need to be replaced.  Kaczynski had a big year averaging 23 PPG and 8 RPG.  Center Max Van De Werken averaged 13 PPG and his length will be missed.  Nate Albers averaged 14.7 PPG and is the lone returning starter.  Tyler Fairchild and Zeke Thompson return to the backcourt.  Luke Swenson will see time up front.  Juniors Nick McMillan and Brian Stone could also be contributors.

Park Wolfpack (2014-15 season 3-23, 2-14 Conference, 9th)
Leading scorer Anthony Juba needs to be replaced along with Bobby Winmill  Tolu Ogurinde and Brandon Alt provides returning scoring options.  Despite a down year in the league, hard to see the Wolfpack moving up.

Roseville Raiders (2014-15 season 24-6, 13-3 Conference, 2nd)
Former St. Paul Academy head coach Kevin McKenzie takes over the program.  He has to replace the top 6 scorers including PG Kobe Critchley, SG Mitch Poss and F Jesper Horsted who combined for 48.5 PPG.  Henry Bensen is the only notable returnee and he'll run the show.  Junior Dre Schwantes takes over inside duties.

Stillwater Ponies (2014-15 season 18-10, 11-5 Conference, Tied 3rd)
Coach Randy Jordan has to replace his 3 headed monster of Connor Gamble, Matt Anderson and Kyle McKinley.  They were worth almost 48 PPG last year.  Wings Wyatt Blinkhorn  and Isaiah Dobson return to the starting lineup. Adam Bruggers and Andrew Warren should see time at guard spots.  Joe Haggard is an option in the middle.

White Bear Lake Bears (2014-15 season 10-17, 4-12 Conference, Tied 6th)
The Bears need to replace the entire rotation.  Shooter Andy Lockwood and Jacob Olson are double figure scorers that depart.  Matt LeMay and Kevin May are a couple of guards who figure to see time.  Kyle Kanipes and Carter Kaun are others who should see rotation time.

Woodbury Royals (2014-15 season 6-21, 3-13 Conference, 8th)
Woodbury went to a youth movement last year.  With only 1 notable loss and a couple of juniors leading the way, the Royals look to move back up in the next 2 years.  Wing Jeremiah Coddon and guards Jake West and Michael Carter are all juniors and averaged double figures last year.  Colin Flanigan provides some height.  Sophomore Michael Jones provides depth on the wing.

Predicted Order of Finish

1. Cretin-Derham Hall   
2. Mounds View   
3. Stillwater  
4. East Ridge
5. Roseville 
6. Woodbury 
7. Forest Lake
8. White Bear Lake
9. Park

Conference Overview:
Even more than the Metro East, the Suburban East was ravaged by graduation.  5 Division 1 players, 2 D1 football kids, a D2 football kid and 4 division 2 hoops players all left.  CDH has the most coming back so they have to still be the favorite.  After that, good luck figuring it out.  Mounds View's toughness I think serves them well.  Ditto that with Stillwater.  East Ridge and Roseville battle for the top half.  Woodbury has a lot coming back so they are better than the rest but can they jump into the top half?.  Forest Lake has more coming back than White Bear so put them up.  Park stays at the bottom as there's no compelling reason to move them up.

Conference MVP: Daniel Oturu - Cretin-Derham Hall

Underclassmen to watch:  

• Daniel Oturu - Cretin-Derham Hall
• Michael Jones - Woodbury 
• Sam Schwartz, Austin Schochet - White Bear Lake

Conference Games to Watch

• Mounds View at Cretin-Derham Hall - Jan 5th
• Cretin-Derham Hall at Mounds View- Feb 9th

Non-Conference Games to Watch

• St. Paul Johnson at Cretin-Derham Hall - Dec 5th
• Cretin-Derham Hall at Minnetonka - Dec 12th (Breakdown Tipoff Classic) 
• Eden Prairie vs Cretin-Derham Hall - Jan 19th (at U of St. Thomas)
• Cretin-Derham Hall at Hopkins - Feb 3rd
• De La Salle at Cretin-Derham Hall - Feb 13th

2015-16 South Suburban Conference Preview

This is the 8th preview in my 2015-16 Season Preview Series.  In this preview, a look at the South Suburban Conference.  For a list of all the season previews and how they are generated, click here.

Apple Valley Eagles (2014-15 season 30-2, 17-1 Conference, 1st, AAAA State Champion)
The defending class AAAA champions return all 5 starters.  That includes junior star wing Gary Trent who averaged 21 and 5 last year.  Soph star Tre Jones returns to run the point.  Senior Brock Bertram averaged 14 and 10 in the middle.  Add in athletic defender Cam Kirksey and the quickness of Jordan Bolton who both put up double figures and you have a loaded lineup.  They'll have to replace role players like Steve Christiansen and Riley Parham.  Aaron Ertz will fill a backup post role.

Burnsville Blaze (2014-15 season 10-17, 6-12 Conference, 7th)
The forward duo of Joe Morris and Brett Shepley were the top 2 scorers last year combining for 25+ PPG.  They need to be replaced.  Point guard Jake Ruffing also graduated.  Jason Gumm returns to the middle with 10 PPG.  Junior Jackson Martens should take over the point guard duties.  Tucker Shepley will slide into a forward spot.  No other experience returns.

Eagan Wildcats (2014-15 season 5-22, 2-16 Conference, 10th)
A season of high-expectations turned into injury riddled disappointment for the Wildcats last season.  The senior trio of Bryndan Matthews, Chase Seiberlich and GT Johnson has graduated.  Sam Schuburg is the top returning player at 8.7 PPG.  Daniel Stahlut, Collin Anderson, Jake Van Wyk and Nathan Kuhn are just a few of the guys who saw many minutes  off the bench last year that return.

Eastview Lightning (2014-15 season 18-9, 12-6 Conference, 3rd)
Sioux Falls recruit Drew Guebert and bull Keegan Dixon depart the front line.  They combined for almost 28 PPG last season.  Athletic forward Obi Ibeneme also graduated.  Plenty of experience returns in the backcourt.  Junior PG Jameson Bryan returns for a 3rd varsity year with 8.3 PPG.  Sean Ryan is the top returning scorer at 12.4 PPG.  Martin Mitchell returns as another guard.  All 3 are effective 3 point shooters.  Senior Connor Stevens provides depth for the small perimeter group.  Mason Carpenter is the only experienced size but he's only 6'3".

Farmington Tigers (2014-15 season 8-19, 5-13 Conference, Tie 8th)
4 starters and 3 of the top 4 scorers need to be replaced including breakout forward Wyatt Ferm (19.9 PPG) and PG Zach Speikers (10.8 PPG).  Forward Alex Hart is the 1 returning starter and he is the top returning scorer at 7.2 PPG.  Alex Zitzmann will join him on the front line.  Seniors Lucas Berg and Gavin Bassett along with junior Sam Wilson return to the backcourt rotation

Lakeville North Panthers (2014-15 season 19-13, 10-8 Conference, Tie 4th)
Oft injured Connor Flack didn't play at state but was the only regular season double figurer scorer at 18.4 PPG.  Forwards Isaac Brooks and Marquise Walker also graduated.  The lineup coming back is still very good though.  David Lindstrand and Cal Pesola are experienced guards.  Drew Stewart is a lefty wing who can score.  Then you have the super versatile forward duo of Carter Brooks and junior Nate Reuvers.  Both can play inside or out, shoot it well enough to guard them, but quick enough to beat you and post you.  Major matchup problems with those 2.  They'll have to find depth behind them.

Lakeville South Cougars (2014-15 season 12-15, 9-9 Conference, 6th)
This is another group that had injury issues last year.  Sophomore coach Nick Gruhlke takes over as head coach.  While the Cougars lose 19.8 PPG from forward Brenon Larson-Gulsvig, there is still plenty of talent on hand.  Junior PG Jack Sorenson returns with 3 years of experience and 19.9 PPG.  Sophomore forward Shae Mitchell is one of the top players in the class and averaged almost 10 PPG last year.  Blake Wacholz and Cade Carlson return to the backcourt rotation as well.  Kyle Martin, Jake Cuddigan and Jack Swanhorst return up front.

Prior Lake Lakers (2014-15 season 16-12, 10-8 Conference, Tie 4th)
Bob Schweim is the new Lakers leader.  He has to replace 6 of the top 7 scorers.  That includes PG Kevin McKiernan, forwards Connor Bair, Austin Heidecker and Sam Schulze.  Jack Kortes and junior Brian Sitzmann return on the perimeter.  Devin Mays will man the middle.  Look for Casey Gustina in the rotation too.  The junior class is talented so I can see the Lakers being better than people think.

Rosemount Irish (2014-15 season 9-19, 5-13 Conference, Tied 8th)
Rosemount loses 4 of their top 5 scorers.  That includes 13.1 PPG from their only double-figure scorer Logan Halvorsen.  Guard Jared Hanson is the top returning scorer at 8.8 PPG.  Defending guard Kelly Muir returns along with twins Luke and Alex Loehr as their size.

Shakopee Sabers (2014-15 season 24-8, 14-4 Conference, 2nd)
All everything forward Steffon Mitchell returns.  He averaged 24.8 PPG and 8.8 RPG.  Booker Coplin and Taylor Triplett provide a little more punch.  They are the type of tough player that Shakopee consistently produces.  The ball handling and shooting of guards Evan Hagen and Tevin Killeen will need to be replaced.  Senior Travis Larsen figures to be one of the main guys to do that.  Mitchell also figures to see plenty of time handling the ball.

Predicted Order of Finish

1. Apple Valley
2. Lakeville North    
3. Shakopee 
4. Lakeville South
5. Eastview   
6. Prior Lake
7. Burnsville
8. Farmington
9. Rosemount   
10. Eagan 

Conference Overview:
The top of the league is really good and you could see the top 3 all make it to state.  Apple Valley is the favorite to repeat as state champs in AAAA.  Gary Trent with all that help is just too much firepower to deal with.  Lakeville North and Shakopee are teams that should be ranked all year and they'll battle for 2nd.  Lakeville South is the most talented team and experienced remaining.  But they have a rookie head coach compared to 2 veteran head coaches for the teams behind them.  I expect them to battle Eastview and Prior Lake for a top half spot.  The rest of the league is trying to replace major losses.

Conference MVP: Steffon Mitchell - Shakopee

Underclassmen to watch: 

• Tre Jones, Luke Martens - Apple Valley
• Shae Mitchell - Lakeville South
• Garrett Mitchell - Shakopee

Conference Games to Watch

• Shakopee at Lakeville North - Jan 8th
• Lakeville North at Apple Valley - Jan 12th
• Apple Valley at Shakopee - Jan 15th
• Lakeville North at Shakopee - Feb 9th
• Shakopee at Apple Valley - Feb 11th
• Apple Valley at Lakeville North - Feb 16th

Non-Conference Games to Watch

• Wayzata at Lakeville North - Nov 28th
• Apple Valley at Chaska - Dec 1st 
• Chaska at Lakeville North - Dec 3rd
• Apple Valley vs Iowa City West (IA) -  Dec 5th (Girls Tipoff Classic at Hopkins)
• Apple Valley, Lakeville South and Shakopee vs TBD - Dec 12th (Tipoff Classic at Minnetonka)  
• Lakeville North at Eden Prairie - Dec 22nd
• Apple Valley vs Wayzata - Dec 28th (Granite City at St. Cloud Apollo)
• Apple Valley vs Maple Grove - Dec 29th (Granite City at St. Cloud State)
• Apple Valley vs Lausanne (TN) - Jan 2nd (Timberwolves Shootout)
• Eden Prairie at Shakopee - Jan 2nd