Class A Most Improved Teams

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Teams are always changing. Sometimes for better, sometimes for worse. Every year, certain teams are hyped up to be really good before disappointing for a variety of reasons. And on the flip side, there are always teams that seemingly come from nowhere to surprise people and enjoy a lot of success. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Here are some teams that could see significant jumps in wins from last year:</span></p> <p><strong>Houston</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Houston Hurricanes won 13 games last year, finishing eighth in Section 1A and losing to Spring Grove in the second round. They return four starters and three double-figure scorers. Alex VanGundy could be one of the top scorers in the Southeast Conference after averaging 17 points per game a year ago. Mikkel Schutte was a double-double guy a year ago, averaging 13 points and 11 rebounds and is a mismatch guy all over the floor and Caiden Danielson averaged better than 10 points while serving as the team’s top perimeter shooter. </span></p> <p><strong>Menahga</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Braves had a positive point differential despite going just 12-15 last season. But there’s plenty of cause for optimism as they return all five starters. A solid defensive group already, if the Braves can take a step up on the offensive end, they could push for a 20-win campaign. Tristan Aho, Charlie Hodge and Gavin Hillukka all averaged double figures in scoring a year ago and Jonah Howard could be a double-double guy inside.</span></p> <p><strong>MACCRAY</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Wolverines won 10 games last season, suffering through bouts of inconsistently while showing the capability to beat good teams too. Brady Kienitz is one of the better all-around players in the area and averaged 16 points, six rebounds and five assists as a sophomore. Trenten Cavaness averaged 12 points and eight rebounds as a sophomore and Blake Wadsworth chipped in 11 per game. Look for this group to move up the chain in Section 3A.</span></p> <p><strong>Sleepy Eye St. Mary’s</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">SESM went 9-18 last year, boasting a decent offense but struggling mightily to get consistent stops. Look for the Knights to take a step forward this year as many of the teams in the area won’t be as strong due to graduation. Nick Labat and Carson Domeier combined to average 30 points and 12 rebounds per game last year and guys like Trent Steffensmeier, Kyle Steffensmeier and Kyle Goblirsch are all back in the rotation. If the defense can improve, this team could fight for a high seed in Section 2A.</span></p>