2017-18 Lake Conference Preview

This is the 10th preview in my 2017-2018 season preview series.  In this preview, week 3 rolls on with a look at the Lake Conference.  For a list of all the season previews and how they are done, click here.

Eden Prairie Eagles (2016-17 season 16-13, 3-5 Conference, 3rd)
20 PPG from guard Owen Chose and defender Will Pahl both need to be replaced.  The rest of the rotation is back.  Senior Kyler Kluge (13.2 PPG) and soph Drake Dobbs (11.8 PPG) will carry the offensive load from the perimeter and do the ball handling.  Soph forward Austin Andrews (8.6 PPG) returns to lead the front court.  Seniors Antonio Montero, Jack Tuttle and DJ Johnson return to the rotation with soph Connor Christensen.

Edina Hornets (2016-17 season 18-10, 3-5 Conference, 4th)
Senior PG Walt McGrory (23.1 PPG) needs to be replaced.  Senior Anders Nelson averaged 15.7 PPG and will step into that role.  Junior wing Jack Middleton should see his 7.6 PPG go up significantly with his sharpshooting.  Luke Glenna provides defense and experience in the backcourt.  Size needs to be replaced up front with the graduation of Matt Hofrenning.  The Hornets move their home games from the Edina Community Center to the high school this season.

Hopkins Royals (2016-17 season 23-6, 6-2 Conference, Tie 1st)
Hopkins has to replace D1 players in Ish El-Amin (20.1 PPG) and Simon Wright (16 PPG).  But the Royals still expect to be in the running for a state title.  The backcourt is experienced with soph PG Blaise Beauchamp (11.8 PPG) and Anthony Davis (11.5 PPG).  Then the front court is as good as any with senior Joe Hedstrom (8.6 PPG) and junior Zeke Nnaji (8.1 PPG).  Breck transfer Kerwin Walton is a candidate to be the other perimeter starter.  They'll have plenty of depth at all positions with players like Dane Zimmer and Andrew Dahnke.

Minnetonka Skippers (2016-17 season 12-15, 2-6 Conference, 5th)
The Skippers lose their 3 double figure scorers from last season.  That accounts for over 40 PPG and takes away their best 2 wings and inside man.  Coach Ryan Freeberg has pieces to work with though.  Junior Jalen Dearring (7.7 PPG) runs the point and is the top returnee.  Soph Cam Steele and senior Peter Haas will handle inside duties.  Jon Martens returns on a wing and junior Aaron Syverson gives them another guard option.  Hopkins transfer Andy Stafford should also contribute.

Wayzata Trojans (2016-17 season 28-4, 6-2 Conference, Tie 1st)
Wayzata also has to replace a dynamic duo.  Gavin Baumgartner and Ryan Lindberg combined for over 30 PPG last year.  But the backcourt will still be strong, if not big, with juniors Jacob Beeninga (12.9 PPG) and Luke Paulson to handle the ball and shoot it.  Senior sniper Drew Galinson should fill Lindberg's role.  So expect the Trojans to still shoot the lights out.   No experience returns at the big man spots.  Tanner Jonas is an option there.

Predicted Order of Finish

1. Hopkins
2. Wayzata
3. Eden Prairie
4. Edina
5. Minnetonka

Conference Overview
The league is marked by outstanding guard play on every roster.  Hopkins gets the nod here because they're the 1 team that also has an interior game (a very good one at that).  Wayzata will miss Gavin Baumgartner's versatility on both ends but they have enough shooting to be 2nd here.  Eden Prairie and Edina are similar teams to last year and Eden Prairie won big twice last year so I give them 3rd.  Minnetonka is the only team left so they are at the bottom.  But they split with both Eden Prairie and Edina last year so I could see anything happening 3 thru 5.  Anders Nelson gets my MVP nod due to value to team.  The other teams have more depth to compensate for a star injury.

Conference MVP: Anders Nelson - Edina


Underclassmen to watch:  

• Drake Dobbs, Austin Andrews, Connor Christensen, Lukas Dunford - Eden Prairie
• Blaise Beauchamp, Kerwin Walton - Hopkins
• Cam Steele- Minnetonka

Conference Games to Watch

• Wayzata at Hopkins - Jan 12th
• Hopkins at Wayzata - Feb 16th

 Non-Conference Games to Watch

• Cretin Derham-Hall at Hopkins - Dec 2nd (Girls Tipoff Classic)
• De La Salle at Hopkins - Dec 9th (Tipoff Classic)
• Hopkins at Champlin Park - Dec 12th
• Lakeville North at Wayzata - Dec 12th
• Park Center at Wayzata - Dec 15th
• Wayzata vs Orono - Dec 21st (Hamline Tournament)
• Hopkins vs Minnehaha (projected) - Dec 23rd (Augsburg Tournament)
• Hopkins vs St. Thomas Academy - Dec 27th (UST Tourney)
• Wayzata vs St. Thomas Academy - Dec 28th (UST Tourney)
• Hopkins at Orono - Jan 9th
• Hopkins at Minneapolis North - Feb 13th
• Wayzata at De La Salle - Feb 23rd

2017-18 Metro West Conference Preview

This is the 9th preview in my 2017-2018 season preview series.  This 3rd week and final week of conference previews will cover mostly class AAAA schools.  Then next week we'll move on to the 2nd half of the preview series by looking at the metro area sections.  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 (2016-17 season 10-17, 4-10 Conference, 6th)
Big loss for the Red Knights as forward Jamison Battle transferred to De La Salle.  He was their top scorer at 15 PPG.  G Will Whitmore (12.6 PPG) and Derek Drees (14.1 PPG) graduated.  That's over 41 PPG that needs to be replaced.  Joe Dunn (9.3 PPG) returns to the front line as the top returning scorer.  Gabe Alada (athleticism) and Carter Uphus (length) are a couple of other experienced rotation players.  Riley Miller and Dylan Drees are other options.

Bloomington Jefferson Jaguars (2016-17 season 22-5, 13-1 Conference, Tie 1st)
Jefferson has to replace 4 of their top 5 scorers.  That includes 19.6 PPG from forward Tyler Riemersma who's now at Navy.  PG Joe Hird and Jack Tillotson are also big losses.  Mike Evens is the top returnee from a balanced group.  Gavin Lyons is another offensive option on the win.  Chris Seymore provides an experienced defensive guard.  The JV squad had great success last year so expect the Jags to reload.

Bloomington Kennedy Eagles (2016-17 season 7-19, 1-13 Conference, 8th)
Kennedy looked like a surprise story after a 4-1 start, but finished 3-18 after that.  Jamin Cook comes over from Washburn to be the 3rd head coach in 3 years.  While they lose forward Josh Bryant (12.9 PPG), they do have a couple of pieces to work with.  PG Markel Aune averaged 18.7 PPG and has big man Krystian Toliver  (10.5 PPG) as a secondary option.  Isaiah Stone and Issac Coutier return on the perimeter.  Allen Ardley returns with size.

Chanhassen Storm (2016-17 season 12-15, 8-6 Conference, 3rd)
Leading scorer Trey Prince and 17.6 PPG has graduated.  Guard Chris Wandling is the top returnee as 10.2 PPG.   Austin Carter is another top offensive option on the wing.  Ryder Hutton also returns to the rotation. 

Chaska Hawks (2016-17 season 24-7, 13-1 Conference, Tie 1st)
Is this the 1st year that the Hawks don't hoist a league title?  Star forward Myles Hanson (24.3 PPG), point guard Andrew Kallman (12.9 PPG) and Alex Strazzanti are 3 big losses.  Junior forward Cole Nicholson (13.1 PPG) leads the returning group.  Parker Bjorklund returns as a ball handling option.  Matt Eliason returns as a defensive specialist.  I look for soph Zach Lea to step up from JV and provide plenty of offense.

Richfield Spartans (2016-17 season 10-19, 3-11 Conference, 7th)
Richfield made a surprise run to the section final last season after losing 9 of their last 10 in the regular season.  They have to replace the size and athleticism of Antonio Maddox (13.5 PPG) and Davis Miles.  But they have Devin Wade-Henderson (14.1 PPG) returning as a go to guy on the wing.  Emmanuel Blackshear (8.4 PPG) and Anthony Sanders are experienced guards.

Robbinsdale Cooper Hawks (2016-17 season 13-13, 7-7 Conference, Tie 4th)
Leading scorer Beijan Newbern (20.3 PPG) is now at Maranatha.  Forward Damien Gordon  and his 12.3 PPG graduated.  But Bo Powell still has plenty to work with for his havoc system.  Junior guard Jalen Justice averaged 12.3 PPG.  Senior Nate Hill was also in double figures at 11.6 PPG.  Jalen Miller, Onte Burns and Trokon Massey all saw significant minutes last year.
 
St. Louis Park Orioles (2016-17 season 14-14, 7-7 Conference, Tie 4th)
Wing Mykal Howard (10.4 PPG) and center Ryan Domres (6.8 PPG) are 2 significant pieces that graduated.  The backcourt will be solid with PG Cire Mayfield (12.9 PPG) as the top returnee and SG Joey Whitlock (10.1) PPG both returning.  Forward Aidan Doherty (10.1 PPG) also returns to the lineup.  No other notable experience returns.  Junior Anthony Rayson is a top candidate for a post spot.

Predicted Order of Finish

1. Bloomington Jefferson  
2. Chaska
3. St. Louis Park
4. Robbinsdale Cooper  
5. Chanhassen 
6. Benilde-St. Margaret's  
7. Bloomington Kennedy
8. Richfield 

Conference Overview
There's no team that really sticks out here and there's lots of mediocrity.  Jefferson and Chaska will reload and are too well coached to drop that far with this group.  St. Louis Park has a solid perimeter trio so I take them as the best of the rest.  Cooper is also in that discussion as their running and trapping style can get people.  The rest of the league isn't good.  Chanhassen was better than I thought they'd be last year so I'll give them a benefit here.  Benilde-St. Margaret's has heavy losses.  Kennedy has another new head coach and has underachieved.  What help will Devin Wade-Henderson have at Richfield?

Conference MVP: Cire Mayfield - St. Louis Park

Underclassmen to watch:  

• Zach Lea - Chaska
• Luke Gitzen - Chanhassen

Conference Games to Watch

• Chaska at Bloomington Jefferson - Jan 19th
• Bloomington Jefferson at Chaska - Feb 13th

Non-Conference Games to Watch

• Chaska at North St. Paul - Dec 2nd 
• Chaska at Eden Prairie - Dec 27th
• Wayzata at Jefferson - Jan 2nd
• Jefferson at Eden Prairie - Jan 9th
• Chaska at Delano - Jan 9th
• Orono at Chaska - Jan 11th

2017-18 Metro East Conference Preview

This is the 8th preview in my 2017-2018 season preview series.  Thanks to the traditional MEA break, we'll end this 2nd week of previews here with a look at the Metro East Conference.  For a list of all the season previews and an explanation of how the previews are generated, click here.

Hastings Raiders (2016-17 season 12-15, 8-8 Conference, 5th)
Senior forward Sawyer Levos averaged 13 points a game last season.  He is the only member of the starting lineup and top 7 scorers that returns.   Those losses include tough Colin Kummer (13.6 PPG) and shooter Brandon Haraldson (12.1 PPG).  Grant Hollar moves up in the rotation at a guard spot.  Levi Zak will see time up front.

Henry Sibley Warriors (2016-17 season 5-22, 4-12 Conference, 7th)
Senior PG Rieshaun Satar more than doubled his production to 19 PPG last season.  Center Antonio and wing Jack Korte both averaged double figures and need to be replaced.  Junior forward Malik Spearman saw major minutes last year and should see a significant increase in production.  Junior Elijah Lonetree also returns to the rotation.

Hill-Murray Pioneers (2015-17 season 5-22, 3-12 Conference, 8th)
The Pioneers have a big task in replacing 30.9 PPG from PG Simeon Davis.  The next 3 scorers do return but none were over 7 PPG.  Lance Meniboon gives them an athletic perimeter player.  Matt Langer and lefty forward Ryan Vimr also return to the rotation.  Their guard play without Davis struggled last year.  That means handling pressure could be a major problem.

Mahtomedi Zephyrs (2016-17 season 24-4, 14-2 Conference, 1st)
Mahtomedi built everything up for last year.  Now the entire rotation has graduated.  That includes high flying forward Parker Fox and his 23.3 PPG.  Forward Jack Shay looks like the top option.  Timmy Lindquist will be a top backcourt option.  Soph center Cole Chapman will be an option as well.

North Polars (2016-17 season 17-10, 11-5 Conference, 4th)
Former Gopher player Damien Johnson takes over for Joe Janquart who moved on to Lakeville South.  He has 2 nice pieces to work with as seniors Goodnews Kpegeol and PG Bryce Phillips return as the top 2 scorers (20.9 and 10 PPG).  They'll miss the shooting of Josh Steckler (9.2 PPG).  Dylan Bateman looks to replace that.  Soph Brenden Lankford-Johnson saw minutes in the middle last year as a freshman.  Tytist Dean should be the replacement on the wing for the athletic role guys they lost.
 
St. Thomas Academy Cadets (2016-17 season 24-8, 12-4 Conference, 3rd)
Coach Jason Birr took the Cadets to the state tourney last season.  The Cadets look to repeat that with their top 3 scorers returning.  Junior guard Jack Thompson leads the team with 16.3 PPG.  Forward Sam Vascellaro is another solid option at 13 PPG.  George Stewart works inside (9 PPG).  A ton of role guys behind them need to be replaced.  Junior Noah Chamberlain is the top candidate to break out.

Simley Spartans (2016-17 season 13-15, 5-10 Conference, 6th)
The 19 PPG mismatch quality of DeAndre Smith and 10.1 PPG from Logan Tschida need to be replaced.  Senior Jake Binley averaged 19 PPG last season and could see a jump in that this season.  He'll have help from shooter Sam Vujovich and junior Isaiah Robinson.  Their size will be inexperienced.  Skyler Clairmont looks to be their top option there.

South St. Paul Packers (2016-17 season 1-25, 0-16 Conference, 9th)
57 straight league home losses now for the Packers.  All 3 double figure scorers and plenty of the rotation have graduated.  Those double figure scorers accounted for almost 44 points per game.  Mark Williams and Hamza Hussein appear to be top internal options.  Rumor has it they've picked up some talented from the east side of St. Paul that could contribute.

Tartan Titans (2016-17 season 25-4, 14-2 Conference, 2nd)
Similar to Mahtomedi, Tartan also has to replace everything.  That includes 4 double figure scorers lead by 18.5 PPG from D1 point guard Jordan Horn.  However the Titans do have junior guard Antwan Kimmons (6 PPG) returning to the rotation as the top option.  They do have some quality JV options moving up.  That includes Andre Jenkins-Whitmore along with juniors Matt Maanum and M'Akil Weems.  Senior Brady Hartman should provide size.

Predicted Order of Finish

1. St. Thomas Academy     
2. North
3. Tartan
4. Mahtomedi
5. Simley  
6. Hastings   
7. Henry Sibley 
8. Hill-Murray 
9. South St. Paul

Conference Overview
St. Thomas Academy is the clear favorite with their stars and coach coming back.  North can give them a run but will need time to adjust to the coaching change.  After that heavy losses for last season's top teams.  Tartan and Mahtomedi will rely on JV guys from last year.  Hastings and Simley have 1 quality guy coming back but important losses.  Sibley will try to ride Rieshaun Satar into that group.  Hill-Murray and South St. Paul will struggle.

Conference MVP: Goodnews Kpegeol - North St. Paul

Underclassmen to watch: 

• Cole Chapman - Mahtomedi
• Brenden Lankford-Johnson - North

Conference Games to Watch

• North at St. Thomas Academy - Jan 19th
• St. Thomas Academy at North - Feb 9th

Non-Conference Games to Watch

• Chaska at North - Dec 2nd
• St. Thomas Academy vs Osseo - Dec 9th (Tipoff Classic at Hopkins)
• North vs Eden Prairie - Dec 9th (Tipoff Classic at Hopkins)
• St. Thomas Academy at Apple Valley - Dec 15th
• North at Woodbury - Dec 21st
• Cretin-Derham Hall at St. Thomas Academy - Dec 23rd
• St. Thomas Academy vs Hopkins - Dec 27th (UST Holiday Tourney)
• St. Thomas Academy vs Wayzata - Dec 28th (UST Holiday Tourney)

2017-18 Minneapolis City Preview

This is the 7th preview in my 2017-2018 season preview series.  Yesterday was the St. Paul City Conference, now equal time for the Minneapolis City Conference.  For a list of all the season previews, click here.

Edison Tommies (2016-17 season 3-25, 1-13 Conference, Tie 7th)
Edison broke a 50 game league losing streak by beating FAIR late last season.  With FAIR now combining with Henry, that means the Tommies haven't beaten a league opponent since the 2012-13 season.  The program combines with Heritage Academy this season.  That includes new head coach Ahmil Jihad who was the head man at Heritage last year.  That will add much needed athleticism.  1 double figure scorer is lost.  Guard Tenzin Chime (11.1 PPG) is the top returnee along with junior forward Jackson Rusnacko (10.7 PPG). 

North Polars (2016-17 season 32-2, 14-0 Conference, 1st)
Despite losing high scoring forward Isaac Johnson (23.4 PPG) and guard JaQuan Sanders-Smith (11.8 PPG), the Polars still are the heavy favorite.  Senior Odell Wilson's 17.1 PPG holds down the post as the top returning scorer.  Wing Tayler Johnson will see a much expanded role after averaging almost double figures.  Zion Sanford will run the show.  Juniors Nasir El-Amin and Eli Campbell will step into bigger rotation roles at the guard spots.  The Hines twins, Da'Kei and Da'Koi, give them a ton of length inside. 

Patrick Henry Patriots (2016-17 season 20-8, 10-2 Conference, 2nd)
North sider Jamil Jackson takes over the program.  He has to replace 4 double figure scorers who combined for 57 points a game.  That includes forward Lamar Wood and guard Jordan Lynn.  Junior guard Rashaud Rollins is the lone returning starter and top scorer with 7.7 PPG.  William Laabs looks to take over the interior role.  Guard Devon Johnson also returns to the rotation.

Roosevelt Teddies (2016-17 season 20-9, 10-4 Conference, 3rd)
Roosevelt combines with Wellstone for hoops this year.  The Teddies have to replace 3 double-figure scorers including forwards Jordan Johnston and Devon Hannah.  But coach Rob Mestas still has plenty coming back.  Guards Desi Sims and Leo Buchwald both averaged double figures.  Forward Luke Barnes and guard Eric Atson also return.  Barnes is their only size but the Teddies will scrap and claw their way thru it.

South Tigers (2016-17 season 5-22, 5-9 Conference, 6th)
It was one of those seasons where nothing went right for coach Joe Hyser.  Injuries destroyed the lineup.  Soph Curtis Jones was one of those who missed time.  He returns as the only double figure scorer (10.5 PPG).  Guard Jalan Jones and Demetrius Gladney also return to the lineup.  3 of their top guards need to be replaced.  Cossy Kowouto gives them a big body inside. 

Southwest Lakers (2016-17 season 9-18, 6-8 Conference, 5th)
Forward Brennan Hawkins and 16.3 PPG needs to be replaced.  Forward Niko Polydorou (16.2 PPG) is the top returnee.  Ari-Bogen-Grose and big man Alex Fischer return to the lineup.  JayZee Brown will step into a bigger role in the guard rotation

Washburn Millers (2016-17 season 14-11, 7-7 Conference, 4th)
Head coach Jamin Cook left for the Bloomington Kennedy job.  The job has not been filled at the time of this writing.  Guard Cortez Adams and his 10.9 PPG graduated.  Leading scorer Terrell Adams (13.3 PPG) and PG Isaac Lotz (8.1 PPG) are the top returning players.  Charles Cook-Gordon and Damon Neubert return to the perimeter rotation.  Gavin Yares returns and will take over the top role inside.

Predicted Order of Finish

1. North
2. Roosevelt
3. Washburn
4. Henry
5. South 
6. Southwest 
7. Edison

Conference Overview
North is the runaway favorite this year.  Roosevelt and Washburn are in the next tier but I like Roosevelt here especially with the late coaching change at Washburn.  Edison brings up the rear with the other 3 fighting for middle spots.  I'll go with Henry by default.  South jumps up over Southwest if they can stay healthy.

Conference MVP: Odell Wilson - North


Underclassmen to watch:  

• Trejuan Holloman - North
• Yusuf Abdullah, Jamar Gardner - Henry
• Curtis Jones, Jaylen Blakley, Demarco Dowden - South

Conference Games to Watch

• Roosevelt at North - Jan 19th
• North at Roosevelt - Feb 20th
• Twin Cities Game - Mar 3rd (at St. Paul champion)

Non-Conference Games to Watch

• North vs Apple Valley - Dec 9th (Tipoff Classic at Hopkins)
• Eden Prairie at North - Jan 3rd
• North at Minnehaha - Jan 25th
• Hopkins at North - Feb 13th

2017-18 St. Paul City Conference Preview

This is the 6th preview in my 2017-2018 season preview series.  In Week 1, it was suburban schools and private schools.  To start week 2, we move to the city schools.  That equals 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 (2016-17 season 15-13, 11-1 Conference, 1st)
Star forward Daveonte Davis returns after averaging over 16 PPG last season and is only a junior.  Fellow juniors Luke McElroy (10.2 PPG) and Ronelle Porter should comprise the starting backcourt.  Dion Ford also returns to the rotation.  Forwards Re'Twan Balenger and Shawn Blanchard were important scoring options that need to be replaced.

Como Park Cougars (2016-17 season 8-18, 5-7 Conference, 5th)
Leading scorer Trey Clark (13.1 PPG) and Brian King-Keller (8.5 PPG) are the top returning threats.  Center Donald Ventrelli returns to the lineup as a banger.  Point guard Jason Jett and guard Kyrin Woodard are 2 major losses on the perimeter after combining for over 23 PPG.

Harding Knights (2016-17 season 7-18, 3-9 Conference, 6th)
The Knights have a serious scoring threat in PG Jovan Christian (19 PPG).  2 other double figure scorers return at the guard spots as well, De'Million Randle (10.7 PPG) and Nuradean Adam (10.2 PPG).  Forward Chris English averaged 13.6 PPG but has graduated.  Davonte Bolton provide their size. 

Highland Park Scots (2016-17 season 23-5, 10-2 Conference, 2nd)
Assistant Undre Ellis takes over for Jon DePerry in the 1st chair.  He has 2 major pieces to replace in 20.2 PPG guard Amitri Collins-Westlund and 19 PPG from athletic forward Dreem Kelly-Jabbar.  Junior guard Evan Brodtman is the top returning player at 6.1 PPG.  Mohamoud Bue also returns at a guard spot.  Gopher football commit Josh Aune will provide muscle up front.

Humboldt Hawks (2016-17 season 9-19, 1-11 Conference, 7th)
Humboldt has to replace 3 of their 4 double figure scorers.  They combined for over 42 points per game.  Senior Derron Riley is the 1 returnee of the 4 and he averaged 12.6 PPG.  Junior Darnell King and senior Avrik Bell are other returning options. 

Johnson Governors (2016-17 season 11-13, 7-5 Conference, 3rd)
The 13 year run of league titles is over.  Leading scorer Kyle Lee returns with 12.6 PPG.  4 of the next 5 top scorers also return for coach Vern Simmons.  Artereal Spriggs and Keylan Jackson will be the size.  Shemar Tucker-Adams, Kobe Anderson and Lamonte White are the top guard options.  Forward Justin Yang's 12.5 PPG needs to be replaced. 

Washington Eagles (2016-17 season 13-15, 5-7 Conference, 4th)
Washington has to replace one of league's top players in Curtis Bell (25.5 PPG).  They also have to replace their other 2 double figure scorers in guards Maurice Carter and James Boua-Taylor.  Soph forward Drewjuan White could have a breakout season after averaging 7.2 PPG last year.  Jackson Carver is another scoring option.  Junior center Da'Quan Grimes is experienced in the middle.

Predicted Order of Finish

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

Conference Overview:
My view is that Central retains the top spot.  Johnson has a bounce back year and is the only team who can give them a serious run.  After that, a major drop off.  Highland Park and Washington have major losses but still as good as anybody else.  Como Park and Harding could jump into that group as they have some fire power coming back.  Humboldt holds down the last spot.

Conference MVP: Daveonte Davis - Central

Underclassmen to watch: 

• Drewjuan White - Washington

Conference Games to Watch

• Johnson at Central - Jan 12th
• Central at Johnson - Feb 5th
• Twin Cities Game - Mar 3rd (at St. Paul champion)

Non-Conference Games to Watch

• Central at Cretin-Derham Hall - Nov 30th
• Delano at Central - Dec 12th
• East Ridge at Central - Jan 3rd
• Central at Minnehaha - Mar 1st

2017-18 Tri-Metro Preview

This is the 5th preview in my 2017-2018 season preview series.  Week 1 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 (2016-17 season 3-22, 2-10 Conference, 5th West)
Forward Sam Boehne and his 19 PPG needs to be replaced.  Senior wing Ryan Mazurek is the top returnee at 10.4 PPG.  Senior Jacob Werle is the other returning starter.  Juniors Tommy Shelstad and lefty Max Gerstner lead the full bench group that returns.
 
Brooklyn Center Centaurs (2016-17 season 19-8, 9-3 Conference, 2nd West)
Athletic forward Davonta Price (14.5 PPG) and guard Deshawn Pickford (13 PPG) need to be replaced.  All the other major contributors last year were talented underclassmen.  That starts with leading scorer Lu'Cye Patterson  (16.8 PPG) returning to run the point as a sophomore.  Junior wing Adreone Sprinkles averaged 13+ a night as the top shooter.  Soph Rudwan Tahir is an experienced defensive piece along with junior Quentrell Douglas in the rotation.

Columbia Heights Hylanders (2016-17 season 22-10, 8-4 Conference, 3rd West)
The Hylanders look to make noise in AAA this year with all of their top players returning.  3 double figure scorers return.  That includes Deaundra Roberson on the wing (17.7 PPG), forward Wendell Matthews inside  (15.9 PPG) and point guard Quentin Hardrict (13.9 PPG).  Christian Kelly is another solid wing.  Junior Jarvis Wright was a revelation off the bench.  They will need to find depth as they lose role guys Kadeem Thomas, Nate Sherefaw and Airreon Austin.
 
Concordia Academy Beacons (2016-17 season 8-19, 0-11 Conference, 4th East)
Concordia returns their top 3 scorers including 2 in double figures.  Junior forward Barnabas Preble averaged 13.2 PPG.  Senior guard Gavin Harbo averaged 11.2 PPG.  Senior Casey Hackett also returns to the rotation.  Lots of depth behind that is lost and will need to be replaced.  A pair of sophomores could be the answer to that.

De La Salle Islanders (2016-17 season 27-3, 12-0 Conference, 1st West)
Islander alumnus and former Centennial head coach Travis Bledsoe takes over for legend Dave Thorson who's now an assistant at Drake.  Star forward Goanar Mar and his 21 PPG is the biggest loss.  The shooting of Dominic Bledsoe will also be missed.  Senior wing Gabe Kalscheur (17.7 PPG) will take on the bulk of the scoring.  Junior Jamison Battle comes over from Benilde-St. Margaret's to man the other wing.  Junior point guard Tyrell Terry will run the show again.  Christian Dickson and Sage Booker are high quality defensive role guys.  The interior will be the question.  The development of Malik Lamin inside will be something to watch.

Fridley Tigers (2016-17 season 14-13, 5-7 Conference, 4th West)
High scoring guard Tirik Reeves and his 20 PPG are a major loss for the Tigers.  3 starters return including Jerome Cunningham (10.9 PPG) and shooter Evan Nelsen (10.6 PPG).  Nate Soto is the other returning starter.  Junior Casey Fisher should see more time at the point guard spot.

St. Agnes Aggies (2016-17 season 14-15, 2-9 Conference, 3rd East)
Coach Chris Hopkins has to replace 4 of his top 5 players.  Darius Lopez (16.8 PPG) and Brandon Plasch (11.4 PPG) graduated.  Athletic forward Gary Smith  (11.8 PPG) is now at Roseville.  Junior big man Jonathan Prokop will not return.  The small junior guard duo of Terrell Jones and Kentale Morris will lead the way.

St. Anthony Huskies (2016-17 season 19-8, 6-5 Conference, 2nd East)
Forward Rhys Langums and his 19.3 PPG as one of the top big men in the league has graduated.  Soph Tait Nelson (15.6 PPG) returns at the point and senior shooter Aaron Smith (16.1 PPG) return as a very good backcourt.  Mickey Jah also returns to the starting lineup.  Drew Nelson and Abe Jaeger Mountain will provide experienced depth.

St. Croix Lutheran Crusaders (2016-17 season 16-13, 8-3 Conference, 1st East)
Forward Jamaris Johnson is the lone starter that graduated.  His 13.9 PPG and athleticism will be missed.  But the Crusaders return 4 senior starters and 2 reserves.  was a revelation once added to the starting lineup last year.  Forwards Garett Maag and Jack Kuckhahn are the top offensive options at 15.9 and 11.9 PPG respectively.  Stephen Kletcher does the inside dirty work and Aaron Jenniges runs the point.  Adam Arroyo and Dorrell Bratton return to the rotation as well.

Predicted Order of Finish

East

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

 West

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

Conference MVP: Gabe Kalscheur - De La Salle

Conference Overview:
Once again the west division has the heavyweights.  Expect the top 3 teams to be in the state polls all season.  De La Salle remains the favorite but not as heavy as past years.  Columbia Heights and Brooklyn Center will both look to give them a run.  Brooklyn Center won 2 close games vs Heights last year but since that logic didn't work for me last year in picks, I'll say a tie for 2nd.  Fridley and Holy Angels fall in behind them.

The east should look about the same as last year.  St. Croix Lutheran will take the top spot with St. Anthony behind them.  Concordia with returnees and St. Agnes with major losses will swap spots.  But both are a level behind the saints at the top of the division.

Underclassmen to watch: 

• Lu'Cye Patterson, Rudwan Tahir - Brooklyn Center
• Aaron Terhaar, Bryce Paul - Concordia
• Conor O'Rourke - Holy Angels
• Xavier Garcia - St. Croix Lutheran
• Tait Nelson, Jeremiah Lucas - St. Anthony

Conference Games to Watch

• Columbia Heights at Brooklyn Center - Jan 9th
• De La Salle at Brooklyn Center - Jan 16th
• Brooklyn Center at St. Croix Lutheran - Jan 19th
• St. Anthony at St. Croix Lutheran - Jan 26th
• St. Croix Lutheran at Columbia Heights - Jan 30th
• De La Salle at St. Croix Lutheran - Feb 1st
• De La Salle at Columbia Heights - Feb 13th
• St. Croix Lutheran at St. Anthony - Feb 16th
• Brooklyn Center at De La Salle - Feb 20th 
• Brooklyn Center at Columbia Heights - Feb 23rd
• Columbia Heights at De La Salle - Mar 2nd

Non-Conference Games to Watch

• De La Salle vs Iowa City West - Dec 2nd (Breakdown Girls Tipoff at Hopkins)
• De La Salle vs Hopkins - Dec 9th (Breakdown Tipoff at Hopkins)
• Brooklyn Center at Minneapolis North Holiday Tourney - Dec 27-28
• De La Salle  at Cretin-Derham Hall - Feb 10th 
• Minnehaha at Columbia Heights - Feb 16th
• Wayzata at De La Salle - Feb 23rd

2017-18 IMAC Preview

This is the 4th preview in my 2017-2018 season preview series.  Week 1 of the 6 week series fully transitions to local class AA and higher schools with a look at the Independent Metro Athletic Conference (IMAC).  For a list of all the season previews and how they are done, click here.

Blake Bears (2016-17 season 10-17, 5-4 Conference, 3rd)
The Bears lose 4 top senior scorers plus 20 PPG game from Jack Moe who left for California.  The top 2 returnees are freshmen Robert Grace and Gabe Ganz.  Juniors Alex Martha and Isaac Gittleman should see increased roles.

Breck Mustangs (2016-17 season 19-10, 8-2 Conference, 2nd)
Star forward David Robby returns to the lineup.  He averaged 18.3 PPG last year and had a very good AAU season.  Guard Elijah Zackery also returns to the starting lineup.  Josh Roddy and Joey Ganley also return to the rotation.  The size of Sam Willey inside will need to be replaced.  Biggest loss is the transfer of soph wing Kerwin Walton (16.3 PPG) to Hopkins.

Minnehaha Academy Redhawks (2016-17 season 26-5, 7-0 Conference, 1st)
The defending conference and class AA champs are the favorites to repeat.  They carry a 19 game winning streak in league games going back 3 seasons.  The Redhawks lose only 1 notable senior, forward Jose Williamson.  Top 5 national player in 2020 Jalen Suggs (21.5 PPG) and senior forward JaVonni Bickham (14.5 PPG) lead a loaded group of 5 returnees that averaged double figures.  Senior Lorenzo Smith and sophs Terry Lockett and Kaden Johnson all averaged double figures and return on the wings.  Freshman Chet Holmgren and 8th grader Prince Aligbe are the next youngsters in line.

Mounds Park Academy Panthers (2016-17 season 3-20, 0-9 Conference, 6th)
2009 guard and former JV coach Jacob Schwartz takes over at his alma mater.  The program's all-time leading scorer Brendan Connolly graduates.  He was the only double figure scorer last year at 16.4 PPG.  Guard Nick Guiang and center Tom Fitzgerald are the top returnees. Anthony Kuba and Ben Nippolt also return to the rotation.  The program is 0-29 in conference play in the 3 year history of the IMAC.

Providence Academy Lions (2016-17 season 7-19, 4-5 Conference, 4th)
Juniors Mark Richelsen and Dylan Servais return after averaging double figures last season.  Richelsen was the team leader at 17.6 PPG.  Junior Sam Young and Joey Fafinski return to the rotation as well.  Jackson Baird and the size of Gavin Blomberg inside will need to be replaced.  Senior Adam Kettler should step into that inside role.

St. Paul Academy Spartans (2016-17 season 10-17, 3-7 Conference, 5th)
2 of the top 3 scorers for SPA depart.  Tommy Dicke and Emerson Egly are double figure scorers that will be hard to replace.  Leading scorer Gus Grunau returns with 13.8 PPG.  Ryan Moore (6.8 PPG) and Ryan Kuntz (8.9 PPG) also are returning starters.  The bench crew all returns.  Junior shooting guard Andrew Johnson leads that group with 6.1 PPG.

Predicted Order of Finish

1. Minnehaha
2. Breck
3. Providence 
4. Blake
5. St. Paul Academy
6. Mounds Park Academy

Conference Overview
Minnehaha is the obvious favorite here.  Their non-conference schedule is a ridiculous guantlet of the best across AA, AAA and AAAA.  Breck with just David Roddy is enough for clear 2nd here.  Providence with 2 top scorers back falls into clear 3rd.  The bottom 3 are going to have long seasons.  Blake and St. Paul Academy will fight for 4th.  Mounds Park Academy still fighting to get out of the cellar.

Conference MVP: Jalen Suggs - Minnehaha

Underclassmen to watch:  

• Robert Grace, Gabe Ganz- Blake
• Jaren Morton - Breck
• Jalen Suggs, Kaden Johnson, Terry Lockett, Chet Holmgren, Prince Aligbe - Minnehaha

Conference Games to Watch

• Minnehaha at Breck - Jan 11th
• Breck at Minnehaha - Jan 30th

 Non-Conference Games to Watch

• Minnehaha vs East Ridge- Dec 2nd (Girls Tipoff at Hopkins)
• Breck at Brooklyn Center - Dec 5th
• Minnehaha at Apple Valley - Dec 7th (ESPN game)
• Breck vs Perham - Dec 9th (Boys Tipoff at Hopkins)
• Eden Prairie at Minnehaha - Dec 12th
• Minnehaha vs Hopkins (projected) -Dec 23rd (Augsburg Tournament championship)
• Breck vs Orono - Jan 15th (MLK event at Totino-Grace)
• Minneapolis North at Minnehaha - Jan 25th
• Austin at Minnehaha - Feb 3rd
• Breck at Maranatha - Feb 13th
• Minnehaha at Columbia Heights - Feb 16th
• Caledonia at Minnehaha - Feb 17th
• St. Paul Central at Minnehaha - Mar 1st

2017-18 MCAA Preview

This is the third preview in my 2017-18 season preview series.  Week 1 of the 6 week series moves on with a look at the Minnesota Christian Athletic Association (MCAA).  For a list of all the season previews and how they are done, click here.

Bethany Academy Eagles (2016-17 season 15-11, 3-8 Conference, 10th)
After the departure of the head coach to New Life, many of the players followed him.  So Bethany will not have a team this season.  Whether those kids will be eligible at New Life this year is still to be determined.

Heritage Christian Academy Eagles (2016-17 season 23-6, 11-0 Conference, 1st)
Heritage holds a 26 game regular season conference winning streak going back to 2014-15.  That will be hard to uphold this year.  CJ Woda and Zach Johansen both averaged over 20 PPG and have to replaced.  Starting center Jack Vander Top also graduated.  Seth Halvorsen and guard Ben Allen are experienced returnees.

Legacy Christian Academy Lions (2016-17 season 15-13, 5-6 Conference, Tie 6th)
Assistant Josh Olson takes over as the 3rd head coach in 3 years at Legacy.  The backcourt duo of Lucas Nelson and Cole Bertsch was worth over 31 PPG last year and needs to be replaced.  Overall the top 4 scorers depart.  Junior Josh Hinrichs is the top returnee at 4.1 PPG.  Junior Justin Demars and Luke Chaika return to the lineup.

Lester Prairie/Holy Trinity Bulldogs (2016-17 season 12-15, 5-6 Conference, Tie 6th)
Junior guard Michael Ziermann is the top returnee with 13.3 PPG.  Expect that number to go up significantly this year.  Big man Rees Schutte and 18.9 PPG needs to be replaced inside.  He's one of 2 6'8" centers that graduate for the now smaller Bulldogs.  Guards Leighton Burr and Tyler Scheevel return to the lineup.

Maranatha Christian Academy Mustangs (2016-17 season 13-14, 6-5 Conference, 5th)
Rob Ware comes over from Totino-Grace to take the head job.  Transfers Beijan Newbern (Cooper) and Quinn Smith (Armstrong) provide a major boost to the roster.  That will ease the pain of losing 2 of their top 3 scorers.  That includes 14.5 PPG from guard Elisha Coleman.  Soph Hakim Daniels returns to the front line after averaging just under 10 PPG last season.  Juniors Julian Cavin and Jeff Ekiyor and Justin Mason provide experienced depth.

New Life Academy Eagles (2016-17 season 24-4, 9-2 Conference, 2nd)
Longtime head coach Doug Linton has moved up to D3 University of Northwestern-St. Paul.  2010 graduate Kory Kiekhofer comes home from Bethany to replace him.  8 seniors have to be replaced including all of their top perimeter play.  Kyle Kaemingk (17.5 PPG), Chris Ketema (13.1 PPG) and PG Adam Busch (8.6 PPG) are all major pieces that graduated there.  Size won't be a problem as senior forwards Drew Wynia (9 PPG) and Zach Thor return.  Tate Hullett should be a top option to step into the vacated perimeter roles.

PACT Charter Panthers (2016-17 season 2-25, 0-11 Conference, 12th)
Senior Cade Johnson had another big season with 22.5 PPG last season.  The rest of the roster returns along side of him.  That includes 8+ PPG from forward Bennett Olson and guard Matt Johnson.

St. Croix Prep Lions (2016-17 season 15-13, 5-6 Conference, Tie 6th)
Leading scorer Matt Kaul and his 17.5 PPG graduated.  Point guard Jayton Metcalf and almost 16 PPG returns. 9.3 PPG from Adam Wiering also is back.  Size is a question mark.

Southwest Christian Stars (2016-17 season 16-10, 9-2 Conference, 3rd)
This will be the final year for the Stars in the MCAA.  They'll move to the Minnesota River Conference next year.  4 major rotation pieces have to be replaced.  That includes guard Trey Sandness and his 11.7 PPG.  The backcourt as seems is always the case will be their strength.  Juniors Max Steensland (14.2 PPG, leading scorer last year) and Jalen Wight will be the main firepower.  Senior David Solfelt will provide the size.

Spectrum Sting (2016-17 season 11-15, 5-6 Conference, Tie 6th)
Spectrum returns their top 3 scorers.  Junior Cole Elrod tops the list at 16.2 PPG.  Junior Matthew Kruse and soph Max Lawrence also averaged double figures last year.  Kelton Sundstrom's double figure production needs to be replaced.  Fisher Marberg also returns to the rotation.

Trinity Tri-Hawks (2016-17 season 11-16, 6-5 Conference, 4th)
Leading scorer Luke Lodoen and his 10.5 PPG needs to be replaced.  But the rest of the rotation returns from a very balanced lineup.  The other 4 starters all return and averaged 6.9 to 9.8 PPG.  Plus no fewer than 4 bench players return as well.  Does somebody step up as a go-to scorer?

West Lutheran Warriors (2016-17 season 9-18, 2-9 Conference, 11th)
3 of the top 4 scorers depart.  That includes leading scorer Griffin Ewing and power forward Ben Beise who were their double figure scorers.  Junior Brett Volrath is the top returnee at 9.6 PPG.  Lefty Josh Englert also returns in the backcourt.

Predicted Order of Finish

1. Maranatha  
2. Trinity
3. Southwest Christian 
4. Lester Prairie/Holy Trinity    
5. New Life 
6. Heritage Christian
7. St. Croix Prep
8. Spectrum  
9. Legacy
10. PACT  
11. West Lutheran 

Conference Overview
Maranatha is far and away the favorite, especially with all the top teams coming there except for the long trip to Lester Prairie.  Trinity was a pleasant surprise last year.  With 8 returnees and major departures from the teams above them, I like them to make a jump.  The next group is a major jumble.  Very similar to last year where there were about 6 teams behind the top 3, only with 2 of those dropping back to the pack.  I see SW Christian, LP/HT and New Life in the next group as they have quality pieces coming back but significant losses.  Heritage is similar but the losses are bigger and returnees not at the same level.  St. Croix Prep with a healthy Jayton Metcalf and Spectrum with a solid group of returnees also fit into that group.  Legacy and West Lutheran have too much to replace and PACT struggled last year so those 3 make up the bottom group.

Conference MVP: Beijan Newbern - Maranatha


Underclassmen to watch: 

• TJ Guggenberger - Heritage Christian 
• Payton Thomsen - Legacy Christian
• Hakim Daniels - Maranatha
• Ben Kaus - New Life
• Daniel McCarrell - St. Croix Prep
• Max Lawrence - Spectrum
• Troy Kokkinen- West Lutheran

Conference Games to Watch

• Trinity at Maranatha - Jan 9th
• Maranatha at Lester Prairie/Holy Trinity - Jan 23rd
• MCAA Tournament Championship - Feb 24th

Non-Conference Games to Watch

• Maranatha at Mayer Lutheran - Dec 5th
• Maranatha at Minnetonka - Feb 13th

2017-18 TCAC Divisions B and C Preview

This is the second preview in the 2017-2018 season preview series.  The 6 week preview series moves along with a 2 for 1 preview of Division B and Division C of the Twin Cities Athletic Conference.  For a list of all the season previews and how they are done, click here.

Division B

Christian Life Academy Hawks (2016-17 season 7-17, 4-8 Conference, Tie 5th)
Christian  Life returns 6 of their top 7 scorers from last season.  That includes almost 13 PPG from senior Kyle Ringley and soph Jacob Kyllo's 10.9 PPG.  Juniors Caleb Carlson and Kyle Hovey also are experienced returnees.  Carlson will provide shooting and Hovey provides size.

Groves Academy Griffins (2016-17 season 3-24, 0-12 Conference, 7th)
Both double figure scorers return for Groves.  Senior guard Malik Bodden averaged 18.7 PPG.  Forward Max Bilcik averaged almost 15 PPG as a freshman.  The next 3 top scorers have departed.  Junior guard Larry Mohamed will one of the players to step into that void.

Learning for Leadership Mustangs (2016-17 season 15-11, 6-6 Conference, 4th)
High scoring duo Kafi Abdi and Badrudin Aden return for another season.  They combined for over 38 points a night with the 6'4" Abdi getting almost 25 of those.  They knocked off a couple of teams above them last year but gave those wins back with a couple losses below them to finish in the middle of the pack.

Liberty Classical Academy Lions (2016-17 season 18-9, 10-2 Conference, 1st)
The defending division champs need to replace their top 2 scorers in Luke Hill and Nate Bliss.  That's 19.2 and 16.5 PPG that are gone.  Peter Klarr is back on the front line with a team returning high 10.6 PPG.  William Reid and Noah Nelson also return to the lineup.

Math and Science Academy Dragons (2016-17 season 15-8, 9-3 Conference, Tie 2nd)
Rich Zellmer takes over for head coach Nathan Schroeder who moved on to be an assistant at New Life Academy.  The Dragons have to replace 2 big scorers in Brian Smith (23 PPG) and Andrew Jeyachandran (17.7 PPG).  Junior Ahmad Elhassen is the top returnee with 6 PPG.

Minnesota State Academy for the Deaf Trojans (2016-17 season 2-15, 0-9 in Division 1, 8th)
MSAD moves down from the top division of the league.  They have to replace their top 2 players Kyrell Cummings and Dawson Moder.  Juan Salgado is the top returnee.  Jon Schmidt also returns to the starting lineup.

Nova Classical Academy Knights (2016-17 season 12-12, 9-3 Conference, Tie 2nd)
The Knights lose only 1 senior from last year's team.  Isaiah Boudreaux leads a group of 3 returning double figure scorers.  Fellow senior Shae Nelson and junior Noah Olson were the other double figure scorers.  Junior Mathieu LaFrambois is also an experienced returnee.

Division C

Academy for Sciences and Agriculture Eagles (2016-17 season 14-9, 9-1 Conference, 1st)
AFSA loses their top 4 scorers from the division championship team.  That includes 11.8 PPG from Kyle Cantwell.  But they return the next 5.  Junior Cole Walker (7.9 PG) and senior James Wilfong (6.6 PPG) are the top returning scorers.  Soph DeAndre Mason returns to the rotation along with seniors Jackson Coenen and Najib Ahmed.  Jamey Strand takes over as head coach.  He previously spent time at Calvin Christian.

Calvin Christian Cougars (2016-17 season 11-16, 4-8 in Division 2, Tie 5th)
Calvin Christian moves down from the 2nd division.  Leading scorer Jaedan Schaap returns for the Cougars.  Big center Alex Meybaum and Brad Mateer are important pieces that need to be replaced.

Chesterton Academy  (2016-17 season 8-12, 4-5 Conference, 4th)
The move to the 3rd division definitely helped Chesterton play a more balanced schedule.  They lose only 1 senior from last year's roster.

Hmong Academy Warriors (2016-17 season 10-7, 6-4 Conference, 3rd)
Hmong Academy had one of their best seasons ever last year.  That was thanks to Chinou Vang.  He put up a huge season but now needs to be replaced.  Tidley Yang is one of the top returnees.

Metro Schools College Prep (2016-17 season 0-11, 0-8 Conference, 6th)
This crew suffered blowout losses all season.  No other information available.

North Lakes Academy Huskies (2016-17 season 6-20, 3-7 Conference, 5th)
North Lakes returns most of the major pieces of their roster.  Senior Alex Stockton and soph Ethan Crandell lead the way.  David Christopherson is the biggest loss. 

Shattuck St. Mary's Sabers (2016-17 season 6-3, 6-3 Conference, 2nd)
The Sabers have to replace a senior laden lineup.  Not much else known about this group

Predicted Order of Finish - Division B

1. Nova Classical Academy
2. Christian Life Academy
3. Learning for Leadership
4. Liberty Classical Academy 
5. Math and Science Academy
6. Groves Academy
7. Minnesota State Academy for the Deaf

Division B Overview
Nova Classical is the favorite here with basically everybody back.  I picked Isaiah Bourdreaux as the division MVP last year and I'll do it again here.  Christian Life returns a ton as well.  They played the league leaders tough last year and those teams have big losses.  Kafi Abdi is enough to make Learning for Leadership dangerous but they were up and down last year.  Liberty Classical and Math and Science each have to replace their top 2 guys so I see those 2 teams falling back in the standings.  Liberty gets the nod as they still have a double figure scorer coming back.  Groves and MSAD struggled last year and I don't see that changing.

Predicted Order of Finish - Division C

1. Academy for Sciences and Agriculture 
2. Calvin Christian
3. Shattuck-St. Mary's
4. Hmong Academy
5. North Lakes
6. Chesterton Academy
7. Metro Schools College Prep

Division C Overview
This is the most fun I'll have with a preview since I didn't see anybody in the division last year despite seeing 92 local teams.  AFSA loses a ton but they also have a lot of experience returning.  So that's enough for me to pick them to retain the crown.  Calvin Christian has my pick for the league MVP so they'll be up there as well.  Shattuck-St. Mary's is usually respectable in this group of teams so I'll pick them to stay fairly high.  Hmong Academy I put in the middle as they could go anywhere.  North Lakes and Chesterton have players returning but need to show they can compete at another level before I move them up.

Conference MVPs: 

• Division B: Isaiah Boudreaux - Nova Classical Academy
• Division C: Jaeden Schaap - Calvin Christian

Underclassmen to watch: 

• DeAndre Mason - AFSA
• Jacob Kyllo - Christian Life 
• Max Bilcik - Groves 
• Ben Horn - Liberty Classical
• Jager Hansen - Math and Science Academy
• Ethan Crandell - North Lakes

Conference Games to Watch

• AFSA at Calvin Christian - Jan 12th
• Nova at Christian Life - Jan 26th
• Calvin Christian at AFSA - Feb 5th 
• Nova at Learning for Leadership - Feb 5th
• Christian Life at Nova - Feb 20th
• TCAC Tournament Championships - Mar 3rd

Non-Conference Games to Watch

• Nova at Maranatha - Dec 19th
• CHOF at Nova - Jan 5th

2017-18 TCAC Division A and Independents Preview

This is the first preview in the 2017-2018 season preview series.  This is 11th annual edition of this series and we'll go for 6 weeks leading up to the start of practice November 20th .  The previews will be done starting with small schools and working up to the big schools.  That means the Twin Cities Athletic Conference (TCAC) goes first.  Since the league is 21 teams and 3 divisions, we'll break it into 2 previews.  In this preview a look at the top division of the league plus the small local independents.  Then in tomorrow's preview, we'll do the other 2 divisions of the league.  For a list of all the season previews and how they are done, click here.

Independents

CHOF Lions (2016-17 season 15-12)
The Lions have to replace 3 starters including their top 2 scorers, Jacob Bluhm and Dillon Alleman.  They combined for over 33 points a night.  Junior McCaleb Alleman averaged just over 10 PPG.  He returns along with senior Jackson Rohlf.  Rohlf averaged just under 10 PPG and is the only notable size on the roster.  Dawson Eckman also provides returning experience.  Junior Eric Strandlund should see an increased role.

Minnesota Transitions Wolves 
The Wolves cancelled their season due to lack of numbers and did not play last season.  No idea if they'll have a team this year or what that team would have.

TCAC Division A

Charter Stars (2016-17 season 8-19, 2-9 Conference, 7th)
Last year's lineup was a junior laden lineup.  That means the Stars lose only 1 notable senior from the rotation.  That should lead to an improved season.  Taye Carter and Brett McNeal are the top returnees.  They are still looking for a head coach at the time of this writing.

Community of Peace Academy Tigers (2016-17 season 10-16, 5-6 Conference, 5th)
CPA has to replace their top 4 scorers from last season.  That includes the all-conference duo of forward Ontario Chapman (18.5 PPG) and guard Edward Milton (13.7 PPG).  Soph Zaveon Smith and junior Geancarlos Pujols are the top returning scorers and will man the guard spots.  Alex Baker returns inside.
 
Cristo Rey Jesuit Pumas (2016-17 season 21-8, 11-1 Conference, Tie 1st)
All everything forward Jericho Sims and his 25 PPG are off to Texas.  Forward Karlton Gregory's 11 PPG also needs to be replaced.  But coach Stan Clay's cupboard isn't bare.  Senior forward Franklin Doyle figures to see a big jump in his 13.3 PPG.  Soph PG James Sommer returns to the starting lineup after putting up 8.3 PPG.  Juniors Victory George and post John Williams also saw major minutes last season.

Hope Academy Lions (2016-17 season 18-10, 7-5 Conference, 3rd)
The Lions have to replace the 2000+ career points of guard Johnny Erickson.  In addition to his 26.5 PPG, forward Nate Elifson and his 20+ PPG also graduated.  Elifson was their interior defensive stopper plus a top long ranger bomber.  Junior Joey Erickson returns after averaging 14.3 PPG, expect him to have a huge year.  Soph Caleb Hoilien returns as a shooting threat.  Simon Gray provides returning experience to the rotation.

International School of Minnesota Huskies (2016-17 season 8-13, 3-9 Conference, 6th)
Coach Shun Tillman has a couple of nice pieces to work with this season.  Junior guard Preston Dahlen leads the way.  Micah Hjelle and Zach Breen also return to the rotation.  With most of the roster back expect the Huskies to be improved.

Prairie Seeds Academy Lycans (2016-17 season 24-5, 11-1 Conference, Tie 1st)
The Lycans made a repeat run to the section 4A final last year.  They have to replace a ton of firepower as their top 3 scorers depart.  That was on all levels as Brian Robinson averaged 22.5 at the point guard slot.  Daveon Gibson averaged 16 on the wing and AJ Abara put up 20+ a night as the post.  Starters Jamar Robinson (11 PPG) and junior AiMonti Booth return.  Brian Bohanon also returns and will see minutes inside.  Soph Isaiah Jones should see a much increased role.  Depth is a concern.

St. Paul Prep/High School for Recording Arts Falcons (2016-17 season 15-7, 6-5 Conference, 4th)
Aaron Gill returns to Jump City and once again should put up monster numbers.  He's arguably the most athletic player in the state and can put on a dunking exhibition.  What help he'll have is the big question mark.

Predicted Order of Finish

1. Cristo Rey
2. Prairie Seeds Academy
3. Hope Academy
4. St. Paul Prep/HSRA 
5. International School 
6. Community of Peace
7. Charter Stars

Conference Overview
Last year's league schedule was turned on its head when St. Paul Prep/HSRA was moved up to the top division late.  This year we're back to the intended 3 groups of 7.  That means St. Paul Prep/HSRA will stay up in the top division.  MN State Academy for the Deaf moves down to the 2nd division.  The league was at an all-time high last year but no way you can replace all the talent that was lost.  Depth in this league is always a question mark.  I see the deepest team as Cristo Rey and that's why I take them to win the league.  Prairie Seeds has a style that suits the league well so I like them with Hope Academy and St. Paul Prep/HSRA to also be very competitive at the top.  Then a drop off to the bottom 3.  International School gets the nod as I see Preston Dahlen as one of the top scorers in the league. But Charter Stars knocked them off late last season.  Community of Peace has a ton to replace.  Overall the league will be more balanced top to bottom.

Conference MVP: Joey Erickson - Hope Academy


Underclassmen to watch: 

• Isaiah Long, Akpevwe Avwonuma - Charter Stars
• Zaveon Smith - Community of Peace 
• James Sommer, Eric Burgess - Cristo Rey Jesuit 
• Caleb Hoilien - Hope Academy
• Isaiah Jones - Prairie Seeds Academy

Conference Games to Watch

• Cristo Rey at Prairie Seeds - Jan 5th 
• Prairie Seeds at Cristo Rey - Jan 30th
• TCAC Tournament Championships - Mar 3rd

Non-Conference Games to Watch

• Hibbing at Cristo Rey - Dec 1st

How the WI Realignment Plan Might Look in MN

There's a very interesting development going on in Wisconsin right now regarding classification.  The WIAA, Wisconsin's version of the MSHSL, is pushing a new plan for realigning sections based on a rural vs urban model.   Here's a good link to read about the particulars.  Basically it says that small schools based in large population areas will be moved up from the 2 smallest divisions (4 and 5) to division 3 while the 2 largest divisions (1 and 2) remain unchanged.  The definition of large urban area is defined by the US Census with a link in the article.  Basically that's an area of more than 25,000 people.  I decided to play around with it a bit and see what it might look like here in Minnesota. 

Here are the rules, I tried to base it on the Wisconsin stuff but 4 classes instead of 5 complicated it.  So I chose the number 300 as a dividing point since I didn't want the smallest schools to move up more than 1 class.

1) Class AAAA remains unchanged.
2) Schools with an enrollment of over 300 and in an urban area will play no lower than class AAA.
3) Schools with an enrollment of under 300 and in an urban area will play in class AA.
4) Enrollment for co-op programs is the combined enrollment of the schools.
5) Enrollment figures are from the MSHSL website but likely doesn't include free lunch calculations or schools who have the ability to opt down.
6) Opt Up schools not included

Results:
AAAA retains the same 1195+ range and 64 teams

14 schools were urban and had an enrollment of over 300.  They were moved from class AA to class AAA.  They are (in order of enrollment)
St. Cloud Cathedral
Rochester Lourdes
Charter Stars
St. Paul Academy
St Paul Prep/HSRA
Holy Family Catholic
International School/Eagle Ridge
St. Croix Prep
Minnehaha Academy
Brooklyn Center
Southwest Christian
Providence Academy
Spectrum
Hmong Academy

Class AAA expands to 96 teams in an attempt to balance the enrollments.  That's 8 sections of 12 teams so 4 pigtail games in each which I think would be interesting.  Its the next 82 in enrollment after class AAAA plus the mandated 14 teams above.  The 14 teams above are the smallest in the class with Hmong Academy coming in at 307.  But note they play in section 4A right now, so they would likely be AA after adjustments.  St. Croix Lutheran also moves up but they already opted up for this 2 year cycle.  Note that Brooklyn Center with an enrollment of 336 moves up.  Brooklyn Center is the only public school moved under the plan.  In Wisconsin, the Milwaukee area has a number of smaller public schools that move up to Division 3.

Bloomington Kennedy with a listed enrollment of 1290 (meets AAAA criteria but adjusted to AAA) is the largest school.  Fairmont at 464 is the smallest non-adjusted school in the class.  That compares today to a range of 555-1290.  By comparison, Wisconsin leaves their top 2 classes alone and sees a large disparity in the middle class where all the teams are moved to.

Class AA remains at 128 teams.  Its the next 103 schools by enrollment.  Then 25 teams move up from class A, 18 of those are from the metro area.  Mankato Loyola and Lakeview Christian are 2 other notables that move up.  Hope Lutheran is the bad luck draw here with an enrollment of 27 but being in Winona bumps them up.  On the other end, Milaca is the biggest school with an enrollment of 460.  Rushford-Peterson is the smallest school not forced up with an enrollment of 195.  AA today is a range of 204 - 554.  Wisconsin also ends up with the problem of a very tiny private school facing a public school in the 500 enrollment range.

Class A drops to 138 teams.  Largest school is Janesville-Waldorf-Pemberton with an enrollment of 195.  It drops all the way down to Bug-O-Nay-Ge-Shig at 23.  Ellsworth at 40 is the smallest public.  Note that the class still has private schools, some of them with very good basketball histories.  Central Minnesota Christian, SW MN Christian, Hillcrest Lutheran, New Ulm Cathedral, Minnesota Valley Lutheran and Mayer Lutheran remain in class A because they aren't in a big enough urban area.

Now I'm not advocating for the idea or for the exact way I did it.  The splits in AA and AAA aren't all that appealing.  I did try a version where I moved urban schools over 600 to AAAA with 96 teams.  But that made the split between biggest and smallest in AAA even worse.  My point is discussion as private vs public is an issue that has been around forever.  The WIAA proposal is definitely new and worth evaluation and discussion.  One suggestion is a private school federation.  I find that ironic being I grew up with WISAA (the now defunct private school version of WIAA) in Wisconsin and I always complained that I wanted them to prove them were as good as the public schools so be careful what you wish for.  Another option that has come up is a multiplier value to a private school's enrollment.  The methodology here is probably most similar to the idea of bumping all private schools up a class, another popular suggestion.

Welcome to Czar Season 11

Its that time of year again.  As is tradition here on Labor Day weekend, I move forward to the new school year and another season of high school hoops.  Its my 11th season and I've provided all the usual updates for the 2017-2018 season.  That includes the biennial update of Section Assignments and Section Maps.   We'll dive more into the specific section updates during previews.

The fall basketball schedule including fall leagues and valuable camps can be found here on my Fall Basketball page.  All of the players who have made the choice to play D1 or D2 basketball are listed on my Signings page.  New this year, I'm also including any non-seniors who have made that choice.  I'll move those forward to next season when the time comes.  The Holiday Tournaments page lists out the laundry list of holiday tournaments and who will be playing in them (as far as I know now).  That list will be updated as more teams and schedules become available.

I'll be doing my usual season preview series starting in October.  That will be on the usual schedule of the 6 weeks leading into the start of practice in November with a 2 day MEA break thrown in.  Find out when your conference and section will be previewed on my Season Previews page.  Once again, I'll be doing those in the general order of small schools to large schools.

One major change I've made is the addition of a Resources Page.  This will appear as the 1st option in the menu for folks on mobile devices.  This duplicates all the things you see in the Basketball Links menu on the left side of desktop site but don't appear on a phone.  I've broken that out into 3 major areas, High School Season, AAU Season and Other Sites.  So it has a slightly different feel than the current menu.  Hopefully that makes the multitude of resources that are there easy to use in the mobile world.  Anything that you want to find about Minnesota hoops is likely there. 

2017 Summer Stockraisers

So after watching another season of grassroots hoops here are 10 names that stuck out to me as improving their stock in the recruiting world.  I've limited the list to 17U kids only since that's the vast majority of what I watched.  The names are in no particular order.

Tre Jones - Apple Valley/Howard Pulley
With a very talented point guard class at the national level, where would Tre stand at the end of the season.  Well if you watched the high school season, the end result is no surprise.  He raised his game during the high school season leading the Eagles to a state title.  He continued that momentum into the grassroots season where he repeatedly outplayed his peers.  As has been stated before, you can have any other point guard you want and I'll take my chances (credit Ryan James)

Jarvis Thomas - Orono/Howard Pulley
It was fair to wonder where he would fit in at the start of the season.  After all, with Daniel Oturu already there and Pulley traditionally plays small, how would his minutes turn out?  No questions afterwards.  He hustled and dunked his way up the recruiting charts all season long.  He even showed flashes of a perimeter game.

David Roddy (2019) - Breck/Howard Pulley
Playing up a year didn't hurt Roddy any.  He played a perfect role for the Panthers squad and hit a bunch of big shots.  He definitely progressed faster than expected for a talented Panthers squad.

Joe Hedstrom - Hopkins/Minnesota Comets Lewis
Hedstrom went from being a lower level D1 guy to having Wisconsin, Minnesota and Purdue following him at different points this season.  He played hard and showed ability to finish in the paint.  And as a biased former coach of his, I'll always say he's more skilled than he appears.

Max Bjorklund - Orono/Minnesota Fury Antl
Bjorklund was the catalyst for the 2nd Fury crew and opened eyes all spring and summer.  He's another guard who took the momentum of a great finish to the high school season and showed it during the spring and summer.  He's a capable ball handler and shot maker.  If there's a vastly underappreciated guy out there, he fits the bill. 

Josiah Strong - Champlin Park/Minnesota Powerhouse Hoops Black
At first glance you wonder is he a 2 stuck in a 1 body.  He proved he too can make big shots and play either guard spot.  Was very impressive in his final game vs EYBL rep Portland BC in Las Vegas.  Played himself into a Missouri-Kansas City offer.  Will get a chance to break out this high school season with all the graduation losses for the Rebels.

Tayler Johnson - Minneapolis North/Grassoots Sizzle
Sizzle was often undermanned on the Under Armour Circuit.  But Johnson did everything he could to keep it from being only the Jalen Suggs show.  He stepped up and became the clear #2 guy for the Sizzle.  His quickness definitely played well on the circuit and he showed he could definitely compete.

Luke Martens - Apple Valley/Minnesota Select Ohnstad
Martens has always been known as a great role player who will defend anybody.  But in Vegas he took his offensive game to another level.  Playing without Beijan Newbern or Christian Dickson, Martens carried the offense in the 1st bracket game and then lit it up for 30 and a buzzer beater on championship day as Select won their bracket

Deaundra Roberson - Columbia Heights/43 Hoops
Roberson definitely helped himself with 43 Hoops this grassroots season.  His athleticism caused fits for opponents all season.  He was definitely the catalyst for his crew.  Its also true during the high school season where the Hylanders will be a team to be reckoned with in class AAA.

Calvin Wishart - Delano/D1 Minnesota
Wishart used his speed very effectively throughout the grassroots season.  That allowed him to be very effective playing on the Adidas circuit.  He looks to have another big season for a dangerous Delano squad in AAA.

Vegas 2017 Part 2 (The Rest)

This is part 2 of my writings on what I saw in Las Vegas during the 2017 recruiting period.  Part 1 was about the Minnesota teams so read that here if you missed it.  In this post, everything else that happened.

Lavar Ball
I would be remiss if I didn't mention the clown show around Lavar and Big Ballers.  I didn't attend the Wednesday night game with Zion Williamson where 80,000+ watched on Facebook and another 3,000 to 4,000 watched in person.  The craziest atmosphere that I can recall in my time covering grassroots hoops.  Fans flocking around his team after each game ended.  Then the whole debacle on Friday where he got a T, had the female official replaced and then forfeited his team after he got another T but wouldn't leave the court.  The national writers have said everything that needs to be said on this and far better so I won't repeat it here.  Shame on Lavar and Adidas for how they both handled it.  Total embarrassment.  Credit to the officials group for backing out of their contract with Adidas.  Part of me is slightly disgusted though that when I did seem them on Thursday he actually behaved himself which seems to more and more rare.  Say what you will about the style of play but I love how they get the ball out of the net and get it to the front court . Either via the pass as a 1st option (super underutilized in today's game) or pushing it hard with the dribble.  After that, the shot selection etc etc leaves much to be desired.

The Other Basketball
Another year like 2015 where Point Guard play was the theme.  I got to see a glimpse of most of top point guards in the country during the week between the 3 events.  That made it clear to me that Tre Jones is the top point guard in the country.  There are scoring point guards (most of the crop) and then floor generals like Jones and Devon Dotson.  Very impressed with both of those generals.  Also impressive, Mac Irvin Fire PG Ayo Dosunmu went off for 40 something in the 3rd place game of Pulley's bracket of The Eight.

Speaking of point guards, when not watching The Eight or The Creators Cup, I took in championship bracket runner up Las Vegas Prospects.  Backup PG Christopher Hawkins is no more than 5'6" but just loved how he got after it on the ball and took FOH Seattle out of their offense. 

Cache Valley of Idaho features one of the top bigs in Idaho in Brayden Parker.  The big bruising forward was dominant in the game against Team 907 of Alaska.  That Team 907 squad knocked out 43 Hoops in the bracket opener to get to this point.  Fun game with a surprisingly athletic Alaska team really getting after it and the fans/bench both being very vocal.  But the big man with the Idaho State offer was just too much.

The championship games of the mini brackets didn't disappoint either.  At The Eight, Team Takeover won the Peach Jam finale rematch with the Oakland Soldiers in a very entertaining game.  Ditto that as the Compton Magic went down to the wire to beat the New England Playaz in the Creators Cup final.  Compton got a couple late freebies from star PG Jules Bernard to hold off D1 in the semis.

The Gambling
Now for the important stuff.  I started my monetary adventures at the Bellagio on Monday night.  It was only after I sat down and started playing that I realized that the table was only paying 6 to 5 for Blackjack.  That's a terrible table when most pay 3 to 2.  Quickly got back to even and got out.  Lost everything for the Tuesday afternoon session.  The regular hotel sessions Monday thru Thursday ended about even.  So down a big number going to the big table on the final night.  Double deck and I couldn't bust.  Poor guy next to me was getting 15 and 16 all night.  Not me as I doubled up and more than made up the early losses to come home a big winner.  Best result ever there and even better cards than 2011 at the Bellagio.


The Hangover
It started on Monday on the strip with sightings of an Austin Powers impersonator and Chewbacca on the way to the Bellagio.  So not only did I break my regular glasses on Thursday morning (so who knows what I actually saw) but after recovering on Sunday from the flight home, somehow I was missing part of a tooth (Chewbacca noise here).  Sad part is I have no idea how.  I had fun but didn't think I had THAT much fun.  No super late nights, just extra good food as I used Tuesday to get some quality Pot Liquor CAS BBQ.  After 5 miles on foot with luggage on my back on Saturday, all I could do is sleep and rehydrate.  Well worth it though to see 5 kids that I once coached.  Spent 3 hours in the dentist's chair getting that fixed to wash away all the winnings.

Vegas 2017 Part 1 (MN Teams)

The annual adventure known as the Las Vegas recruiting period has completed for 2017.  So much to talk about that I'm going to split it into 2 parts.  This post will deal with the Minnesota teams that I saw.  The next post will be the lighter side of the trip and the other hoops I saw.  9 of the top 10 Minnesota 17U teams were in Vegas (WOTN season was done).  I had a chance to see 8 of those teams and saw the game that 43 Hoops would have played in had they won their bracket opener.  So here are my thoughts in order of viewing.

Howard Pulley
Pulley is the one team in this group that I saw twice.  They lost their opener to E1T1 on Wednesday.  Very good use of a soft trap to get the ball out of Tre Jones hands.  That held him to 12 points in that game.  Tre rebounded to outplay LSU commit Javonte Smart in the 5th place game of The 8.  But that was another game where his shot left him.  3-12 FG but ended with 19 points, 6 board and 8 assists.  Gabe Kalscheur combined for 7 triples in those 2 games. David Roddy's hot shooting in game 2 was a big factor.  Jarvis Thomas very active in both games and even knocked down a 3 in each game.  Disappointing end to the tourney with a big loss to NY2LA champ Team Blaze Select and Ohio St commit Musa Jallow.  They finish 2-2.

Grassroots Sizzle
Sizzle played a Wednesday showcase game in the Fab 48 vs 1 Family.  1 Family had a quick turnaround with only 1 session off to cross town after a tough 4 point loss.  Jalen Suggs and 1 Family star Nassir Little both played well but ended up leaving with injuries.  Javonni Bickham and Tayler Johnson would pick up the slack and get THE NATION a win.  Johnson impressive all weekend.  They would beat Belmont Shore in their pool finale to reach the championship bracket.  They lost the opener to Nike South Beach who then forfeited the next game.  That meant a rematch with fellow UA member C2K Elite which they lost.  We'll ignore that since they shouldn't have been in it anyway and on the schedule it shows as a forfeit.  They finish 3-2.

D1 Minnesota
Matt Hurt had a quiet 2nd half in the game I saw vs Compton Magic.  Beyond that though he was terrific.  Race Thompson stepped up in that 2nd half and finished with 23 points.  Calvin Wishart continued to play well at the point guard spot.  D1 would finish 3rd in the Creators Cup by knocking off eventual tourney champion Team Loaded VA.  They lost to the Iowa Barnstormers in the tourney quarterfinals to finish 5-2.

Comets Lewis
The game I saw had the Comets lose a NY2LA league rematch with the WI Swing.  Joe Hedstrom had 15 of his 20 points in the 1st half of the game.  Purdue and Wisconsin 2 big names there to watch him.  Ultimately though, the Swing made big shots in the 2nd half and hung on late.  That put the Comets 2nd in pool play.  They advanced to the semis of the Gold Elite bracket to finish 5-2.

The rest of these 17U games were in Saturday bracket play.  My luggage and I hiked over 4 miles to see these and they didn't disappoint.

Powerhouse Black
Powerhouse won their pool and drew Portland Basketball Club of the EYBL in the 1st round of bracket play.  Portland BC featuring Barrow, AK native and top 50 national player Kamaka Hepa.  Powerhouse played without Jarius Cook who was injured earlier in the tourney.  But the Powerhouse guys didn't care.  After trailing by 7 in the 1st half, they would open up a 12 point second half lead.  Both Gach with a big first half.  Josiah Strong would make big shot after big shot.  Portland BC would rally to tie behind their big guards which Powerhouse had no answer for.  Tie game at the end of regulation, Portland BC trying to give 5 fouls to close the clock out.  Both Gach with a catch and 1 dribble pullup for 3 that he got hit on and its good but waved off.  Dig thru my twitter feed for the video.  Spirit of the call right but easily could have counted for the win.  Hepa would miss late in double OT but Portland BC would put it back for a 60-59 2 OT win.  Both Gach 20 pts and Josiah Strong 17 pts with terrific games.  Nate Hendler with a very good game off the bench as well.  Powerhouse finishes 3-1.

Fury Wilde
Fury took on Griffins, a collection of players including John Stockton's son and coached by none other than Stockton himself.  We get to bingo him immediately for not turning his lineup in to start the game.  You could really see the Utah Jazz influence on his team too.  Hard cuts and UCLA action both shown and were staples of the old Jazz offense.  They also had a really good big guy that Fury had no answer for.  Fury really struggled in this one until late.  But Michael Jones would keep Fury close.  Drew Galinson with a late 3 to make it a 2 possession game and Fury would hang on from there.  Jones with 22, Galinson with 10.  Joey Whitlock 3 big 3s to help do some zone busting for 9.  Fury.  They would lose in the Platinum championship semis to finish 5-1.

Select Ohnstad
Select's bracket day was strange.  They were given a 1st round bye but their opponent sat in the main gym and didn't show up.  Game ends up being a forfeit.  But no time wasted as Select only had to wait another 90 minutes for their next game.  San Antonio GATA played a nasty 1-2-2 matchup and gave Select fits.  Select would make a shot and GATA would have an answer for a 33-20 lead in the 2nd half.  Luke Martens the only Select player able to get any offense to work.  Select would finally start making some shots.  The biggest being by Nick Fulford who buried 3 huge 3s down the stretch.  that brought Select back from 5 down with 3:30 left to 1 up with 1:20 left.  Select would hang on from there to win 51-47.  Luke Martens with 17 in the game.  He would go for 30 and hit a 3 to force overtime on championship day.  Select goes 7-0 and wins their Platinum championship bracket.

Fury Antl
Fury Antl came into Vegas hot but struggled to a 1-2 mark in bracket play.  That means we get the infamous 9 PM game and on Saturday night no less.  A detached auxiliary gym means no air conditioning and no game in the main gym.  Add in a full day of sweaty kids and fans in the gym and you can fill in the rest.  This made the old days under the track at Jefferson during the AAU State Tourney look like a picnic.  Their opponent was the Dallas Razorbacks who have a fun and athletic squad.  Offense in the 1st half very hard to come by with a 16-15 halftime score.  Razorbacks getting only 1 bucket in the last 7:45.  Max Bjorklund carried the Fury offense.  His 3 point play with 1:15 left tied the game.  Fury would get a stop and take timeout with 37.8 left.  Razorback player gets in the Fury huddle while ref is cleaning up a wet spot.  Fans start going nuts about it, kid gets shoved out of the huddle and gets a T.  Fury goes on to win 48-45 with Bjorklund scoring half of those.  Fury Antl would go on to sweep their bracket and win the Copper Elite championship.  They finish 5-2.

Lower Levels
Also have to give mention here to the Heat MacDonald and Heat Bui 16s that I saw play on Thursday night.  Heat MacDonald had no trouble winning their pool and they made a run all the way to their Platinum championship final before losing.  They finish 6-1.  Heat Bui and their Bethel offense was really fun to watch.  We had to invoke the up 50 media must leave mercy rule for their game.  They won a rematch with School Boys to open bracket play.  They lost their Platinum championship semifinal to finish 5-1. 

What I didn't see
43 Hoops 17s swept their pool and lost in 1st round to go 3-1.  D1 16s swept their pool before losing in the 2nd round of bracket play.  They finish 4-1.  Select Jaryan 16s finished 0-4.  Both Fury 16s won their pool but lost in 1st round to finish 3-1.  School Boys also swept their pool before losing to Heat Bui in the 1st round, 3-1 finish. 
 
D1 15s steamrolled their 3 pool opponents and their 1st bracket opponent before losing in the 2nd round.  They finish 4-1.  43 Hoops 15s started with a win over the Oakland Soldiers but lost their last 3 games for a 1-3 finish.  Fury Zurn won their pool and lost in 1st round for a 3-1 finish.  Select Gaddis 15s finished 2nd in pool and made a run to the Gold Elite championship game before losing.  They finish 5-2.

Thoughts from 2017 GPA

Another quality weekend at the Great Plains Alliance in St. Cloud.  Champioship games in St. Cloud never seem to disappoint and they didn't this weekend either.  We had 2 overtime title games and the other was a tight classic.  Here's some of the notes from what I saw.

17U
Powerhouse Red won the 17U bracket over Comets Lewis in a 70-69 overtime thriller.  Powerhouse rallied from 5 down in the last couple minutes of regulation to force the OT.  Josiah Strong with a couple of big buckets late.  The Comets would get a late hoop but Powerhouse would see Colton Codute go coast to coast to beat the regulation buzzer.  The Comets had 1 last chance in OT but Matt Todd's lane fadeaway at the buzzer was off.

The game was a very fun coaching chess match as 6'10" center Joe Hedstrom for the Comets ended up guarding the 5'10" PG Codute for a significant portion of the game.  Powerhouse would show a Golden State like "death" lineup with Jarius Cook, Josiah Strong, Anthony Davis, Duoth Gach and Michael Schaefer to start the 2nd half.  I was really hoping to see more of that group just for the humor value.  Very logical lineup too as you wouldn't want Hedstrom chasing any of that group around the 3 point line.  But the leadership and defense of Codute is really hard to take off the floor.  Jarius Cook hit a couple of big 3s in the game and as the biggest stockriser on the Powerhouse squad he did not disappoint.

Powerhouse looked like they would steamroll the MN Eagles in the semis.  Schaefer had 25+ thanks to hot shooting before fouling out.  Codute also fouled out and the roof almost caved in.  Powerhouse saw a 25 point lead with 12 minutes left shrink all the way down to 6 with 2:40 left.  But the rally would fall short.

Speaking of rallies and hot shooting, another great game on the weekend in 17s was ECI Prospects vs Wisconsin Shooters.  Preston Maccoux of the Shooters showed a smooth stroke leading the Shooters to a 14 point halftime lead.  ECI would rally to take a late lead.  But a Grant Basile layup and 2 free throws in the last minute would lead the Shooters to the last 8 points of the game and the victory.  Maccoux didn't play on Saturday and the Shooters fell to Select Ohnstad in the quarterfinals.

Credit to WI Playmakers Clark for their performance.  They took Comets Servaty right down to the final 6 seconds on Thursday night before a Jordan Belka 3 did them in.  Then they won a couple of bracket games before falling to Comets Lewis in the quarterfinals.  Speaking of Belka, the Rogers forward is one of the hottest names coming out of the event as he starts to rack up a bunch of D2 offers.

16U
SD Attack won the 15s last year at the GPA and defended that title in 16s with a 77-73 win over Comets Stumpf.  Even more impressive when you consider they did it without star PG Sawyer Schultz (has Augustana offer).  That left Noah Freidel as the main attraction and he did not disappoint.  He made tough shots all weekend and had 36 in the championship game.  Its a fun squad to watch as they execute good offense well, play rock solid defense and don't make mistakes. 

The biggest story of the 16U bracket has to be Wayzata G Jacob Beeninga.  He was fantastic all weekend and finished it with 42 points in the championship game.  The mano-a-mano battle with Friedel in that game will be remembered for a long time. 

Beeninga and White Bear Lake's Sam Schwartz for Heat MacDonald were the leaders for their squads in the semis.  Beeninga had a big first half with 16 of his 22 points and Schwartz brought his crew back in the 2nd half to finish with 19 points.  A late Beeninga steal and free throw would finish the game.  Comets Stumpf won that semifinal 58-55.

WOTN Swedberg lost to the eventual champs in the quarterfinals but won their other 4 games of the weekend.  Lakeville North forward Tate Staloch played well and definitely helped himself.  Fury Zurn played up in the 16s and drew the champs in the round of 16s.  But Fury also won their other 4 games to win the consolation championship.  They knocked off a talented ECI Prospects squad and solid Heat Wright and Real Athletics squads along the way.  ECI's Isaac Undlin was a physical inside presence that caused problems and Mitch Larson showed nice range on his shot over the weekend.


15U
In the 15u bracket, WOTN Davis won the title 68-62 in OT over Comets DLR.  6'8" C Steven Crowl from Eastview looks like he'll be a nice compliment to Tate Machacek on the Lightning frontline.  Add in a shooter like Gabe Bassett from Farmington and forward Reid Gastner from Lake City and you have a nice squad.  They played very well in Sanford League play and extended that here.