Southside Showcase Preview held Sat. Dec. 9th @Benidle St. Margaret’s
South v St. Louis Park:
South is led by Poet Davis. A sharpshooter who has expanded his game on both sides of the court. He’s a 4 year varsity player and battle tested. One of the top unsigned seniors in the state. Along with James Underwood, South has the size and experience to make a run in section 3AAA.
St. Louis Park is led by First-year Boys Coach and St. Louis Park Alumni Arsenio Richardson. He’s been a fixture at SLP. Look for him to bring excitement to the program. With that being said the cupboard isn’t dry. With the Davis twins along with Rashaad Kimber look for them to be competitive in the Metro West Conference.
Columbia Heights v Maple Grove:
Coach Braziel is back for his 17th year at Columbia Heights where he, along with his right hand man Dedrick Jenkins have built a winning tradition. They will again be in contention to win their conference and section championships. Led by seniors Randy McClendon and Jency Davis, Heights will have an experienced backcourt.
Maple Grove is a model of consistency. Every year they lose a strong senior group and reload with the next solid class. This year’s group will be led by Henry Stang. Look for him to make tremendous strides in his scoring and leadership. With a good supporting class around him and a proven coach in Nick Schroeder, Maple Grove looks to have another productive year in the tough Northwest Suburban Conference.
Mankato West v Hermantown:
Last year’s inexperienced team now has the experience to compete with top teams in AAA and the Big 9 Conference. Led by Sr. Landon Dimler along with 2 jrs Maurice Staley and Kyle Steinke, West has high expectations for the season.
Hermantown gets a big boost after last year’s State Tournament appearance with the addition of 31 ppg transfer Brooks Johnson. Along with solid role players look for Hermantown to continue to compete in section 7AAA for years to come.
BSM v Edina:
After a heartbreaking loss to Orono in the section championship BSM is hungry to make a state tournament push. Led by D1 prospect Jalen Wilson, along with PG Jaleel Donley and utility man Abu Keita look for the Red Knights to be one of the top teams in the state regardless of class.
After making a big splash in his first year at Edina, Jon Bryant will look to translate his success in the Lake Conference to success in his Section. Led by a good mix of talent Edina will be a force to reckon with. Josia Coleman and Daniel Molhoek provide a nice 1-2 punch. With an experienced backcourt and the potential of rising freshman Vinny Cronin the Hornets can compete with any team in the state.
Mpls. Southwest v Spring Lake Park.
Southwest comes in with the Co-Conference MVP and one of the top unsigned seniors in Liam Farniok. He’s a do everything guard who can score in bunches. They also have an experienced backcourt that includes sharpshooter Abe Anderson. They are one of many Minneapolis Conference teams who are looking to compete for their conference championship.
Spring Lake Park loses 2 double-digit scorers but gains a ton of experience with their younger group. Led by leading scorer Andrew King and a much improved Brock Remme, the Panthers look to improve on last year’s record.
Washburn v Eagan:
Washburn is led by Colorado St.commit Kyle Jorgensen. The pieces are in place for the Millers to make a run at the conference title in Minneapolis. 2nd year coach Myles Sheppard has done a great job of developing a culture after early growing pains. Washburn will be fun to watch this winter.
Eagan is coming off a section final loss to Eastview and what was one of their most accomplished seasons in years. While graduating their two leading scorers they have raised the bar of expectations in their program. Look for Eagan, with Coach MacKenzie at the helm to be competitive for years to come. This year’s team will be led by senior backcourt mates Max Burlee and Charlie Birk. With toughness in the interior and a nice group of underclassmen Eagan will look to again compete for a section title.
St. Cloud Tech v Richfield:
Tech comes in with Mr. Basketball candidate and 30 ppg scorer Tameron Ferguson. He may be the top unsigned sr. left on the board in Minnesota. Tech has made great strides in the 2 years since Coach Don Ferguson has taken the reins. With a trip to state in year one and a section finals appearance in year two the Tigers will be hungry to make it back to state. Versatile forward Mekhi Edwards looks to make a big contribution as well.
Richfield returns the duo of CJ Armstrong and Zay Hayes who are arguably one of the top duo guards in the state. Anderstrong is coming off of a 50 point performance and Hayes had one of the best summers in the state. Both look to parley past performances into a successful season.