The Metro West Preview
Minnesota’s Metro West Conference could possibly be the most underrated league in the state. It’s a tough place to pick up wins night in and night out. Last Year. An eight team league that had Chaska on top, Bloomington Jefferson…
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Continue ReadingMinnesota’s Metro West Conference could possibly be the most underrated league in the state. It’s a tough place to pick up wins night in and night out.
Last Year. An eight team league that had Chaska on top, Bloomington Jefferson on their heels, Cooper, St. Louis Park, and BSM knocking on their door, and Chanhassen and Richfield as a tough out. Better than expected? Without a doubt. Short on the state trips though as nobody outside of Cooper made any sectional noise.
Conference Commentary
State Contender: Chaska
Yes Chaska. Myles Hanson has a better year last year than people predicted. He was basically a year ahead of where we all expected him to be and consequently so was his team. This off-season Coach Dana Kallman showed us how well he can coach with Fury Kallman and his son Andrew Kallman earned eight D2 offers stepping forward as maybe the spring and summer’s biggest surprise as far as talented is concerned. With Myles, Andrew, Alex Strazzanti, and Coach Kallman all there what they need is the reserves to step forward.
Top 10/15 Right Now: BSM (in AAA), Bloomington Jefferson, St. Louis Park
With Navy bound Tyler Riemersma, Joe Hird, and Jack Tillotson all back fresh from a great experience with the Minnesota Warriors, the Jags have their top three scorers returning from a 17 win team. They should hit 20 wins and if that happens, potentially a top ten in state spot. BSM is very interesting because in addition to some solid experience returning, the Red Knights have a really good core of youth in the program. The Orioles won 18 games a year ago and bring back four of their top five scorers meaning they should only get better.
Compete with Most: Cooper
Cooper is very close to that top 10/15 group, there are just some roster things we need to see. Beijan Newbern is one of the state’s best juniors plus Nate Hill, Damien Gordon, and last year’s frosh are back so they are right on the verge. If rumors of a certain private school transfer are true, and if Massey is ready to roll this team could make that push.
In-Between: Chanhassen, Richfield
The Spartans were much tougher than expected last year and should be similar this season with Antonio Maddox and Emmanuel Humphrey being two of their better players. Chanhassen is interesting. The Trey Prince, Chris Wandling, Jon Mattern, and Austin Carter core is better than people think.
Rebuilding: Bloomington Kennedy
They didn’t win a game, nowhere to go but up. Markel Aune is a nice start to the rebuild.
Conference Power Ranking
- Chaska
- Bloomington Jefferson
- St. Louis Park
- Robbinsdale Cooper
- Bendlie-St. Margaret’s
- Chanhassen
- Richfield
- Bloomington Kennedy
Preseason All South Suburban
First Team
Myles Hanson, Chaska, Sr
Tyler Riemersma, Bloomington Jefferson, Sr
Andrew Kallman, Chaska, Sr
Beijan Newbern, Cooper, Sr
Joe Hird, Bloomington Jefferson, Sr
Second Team
Alex Strazzanti, Chaska, Sr
Trey Prince, Chanhassen, Sr
Markel Aune, Bloomington Kennedy, Jr
Mykal Howard, St. Louis Park, Sr
Cire Mayfield, St. Louis Park, Sr
Third Team
Nathan Hill, Cooper, Jr
Jack Tillotson, Bloomington Jefferson, Sr
Derek Drees, BSM, Sr
Jamison Battle, BSM, So
Damien Gordon, Cooper. Sr
Ryan Domres, St. Louis Park, Sr
Fourth Team
Antonio Maddox, Richfield, Sr
Joe Dunn, BSM, Jr
Will Whitmore, BSM, Sr
Jon Mattern, Chanhassen, Sr
Emmanuel Humphrey, Ricfhield, Sr
Chris Wandling, Chanhassen, Jr