Last Year’s AAA Top Ten: Whats Next?
DeLaSalle has won the past six titles. When the Breakdown book comes out this fall they are likely the preseason #1. Today we run through Last Year’s Top Ten and what to expect from them.
****THIS IS THE FINAL 2016-17 TOP TEN FROM LAST MARCH
One. DeLaSalle. The loss of Coach Thorson and Goanar Mar up front means Coach Travis Bledsoe has some massive shoes to fill while the Islanders will need junior Malik Lamin and/or sophomore Jalen Travis to finish around the bucket. Jamison Battle is a key transfer while Gabe Kalscheur, Tyrell Terry, Sage Booker, and CJ Dickson are all back from last year. Of course they are a contender for the title.
Two. Orono. The only team to really challenge the Islanders in the playoffs was Orono who lost by a single score. Orono losses very little but their players have all made major advances. Jarvis Thomas has grown and has become more skilled, Colton Codute’s leadership is respected on the 17u high level, Max Bjorklund played both spots playmaking, Griffin Sage had a huge summer, and others were strong as well. A legit contender to knock off the Islanders.
Three. Austin. A week ago we learned about Both Gach leaving Austin for Prep School but thought maybe he would change his mind. Yesterday an article in Arizona proved otherwise. The Austin star is gone. With Both? They were a very legit contender for the title and a top three team. They still have his brother Duoth Gach, point guard Tate Hebrink, forward Moses Issa, and some excellent players from the JV but without Both things change. The Packers go from a legit title contender that would have their entire town behind them at the Target Center, to a back end top ten team likely to win their section but prone to be upset.
Four. Marshall. The Tigers core talent has moved on to play sports of all kinds but they just reload. This is a program that will always win. Trey Lance returns, there are dependable seniors, and some good juniors. That said they are likely just outside of the top ten entering the year and one of three teams battling neck and neck for state with Mankato East as the favorite in the section.
Five. Columbia Heights. After a final four finish and just about everything returning Heights is the next team people will look at as state contenders after Orono and DeLaSalle. Heights has the majority of their team back led by Deundra Roberson and Wendell Matthews. Big things are expected.
Six. Fergus Falls. Two years at state in a row is in the rearview, a third is the expectation/goal and what is in front of them. The Otters are considered the favorite for state again with Nathan Rund coming off a great summer and guys like Harrison Christensen as well as Matthew Johnson playing big roles. Back end top ten team in 17-18.
Seven. Mahtomedi. Unlike the others on this list, the Zephyrs lost just about everything from last year’s line-up. The guys coming up were reserves or top JV players from a year ago so they know winning, but they have to prove they can do it at the varsity level. Many others in the section have more experience back.
Eight. Waseca. Don’t sleep on the Jays. This is still a top 10-12 team because they are a top ten program in Class AAA. Experience was lost to college basketball but the best player returns in Malik Willingham. Malik is coming off a fantastic season and has quality players around him, just not as much size.
Nine. St. Thomas. The Cadets will enter the year a top ten squad along with De, Orono, Heights, and likely Delano (Austin would have been there of course had Both not left). The Cadets have a fantastic 1-2 punch in Jack Thompson and Sam Vascellaro with Thompson being the playmaker and Sam being the versatile worker.
Ten. Mpls Patrick Henry. There is a lot of unknowns at Henry. A new coach, many seniors graduated moving on to college basketball including the top four scorers, and only a few known players are back. They should be a good team but top ten good? Not likely. Watch for teams like Delano, Waconia, Totino-Grace, and Mankato East enter the top ten when the Breakdown releases it this fall.