Last Year’s Class A Top Ten: What’s Next?
Two time defending champion Minneapolis North has moved up to Class A leading a wide open race. Which of last year’s top ten can make a run?
One. Minneapolis North. The champs lost some good players but return a group that is going to make a run at Class AA champion Minnehaha Academy. The Polars and Redhawks will be a talked about rivalry all year long. Who is better? We will find out eventually.
Two. North Woods. The runner-up in last year’s Class A title game brings back most of their line-up and will be among the preseason favorites to win the title. Cade Goggleye, Brendan Parson, and Tate Olson all return giving them their top three scorers for another season.
Three. Goodhue. This is a program that has earned a lot of respect. The problem coming into the next year is that this was a senior dominated club and they will be relying on a bunch of inexperienced guys. Top Ten? Tough to say right now. Need to play some games first.
Four. Springfield. After a 29-4 season Isaac Fink and Tanner Vofel are back and the expectations are high. Springfield is the team that many believe will win the title. They are certainly one of the favorites with four starters returning. Decker Scheffler is about to enter his prime years while Andrew Beckman is inside once again.
Five. Red Lake. Rob McClain is now at UST taking with him some of the best numbers any player in state put up last winter. Red Lake still has top ten potential and a shot to make a run. They won’t likely be a state title contender but they will win a lot of games.
Six. Nevis. Griffin Chase has moved on so this team belongs to Jack and Michael Landquist now along with Tom Wormley up front. They were 28-3 last year and while the record may not match last year’s they will still be in the middle of the top ten most likely all year.
Seven. Prairie Seeds Academy. The top three players from last season have graduated so things are up in the air about what this team will have coming in to take their place. Jamar Robinson will be solid and AiMonti Booth is back but from there the questions will have them outside the top ten starting the year.
Eight. Heritage Christian. CJ Woda and Zach Johansen were 20 plus point per game scorers but both graduated. Expectations will fall off for them.
Nine. Spring Grove. Ethan Matzke will be back from his injury, Alex Folz should have a huge year, and the team overall will be very good. They are likely to start out top ten in about the same place they finished last year.
Ten. Central Minnesota Christian. This was a senior dominated team last year with little contributions returning. Carter Henry is a junior that is ready to step into a big role. With him back and guards back from the younger program they should be around top ten.
Mayer Lutheran wasn’t top ten last year at the end of the year but they were close and they have serious talent back. Good enough to be a title contender. Ada-Borup, Cleveland, Cass Lake-Bena, and others will also be fighting for the top ten .