Hidden Gems: Lake

<p>As the season approaches, preview content begins to escalate for the 2019-20 hoops campaign.</p> <p>We’ll continue this series called Hidden Gems by naming one sleeper prospect from each team, conference by conference. Who is poised for a big season with new responsibilities? NHR details an up-and-comer from every angle, today in the now-seven-school Lake Conference.</p> <p><strong>Buffalo: Antonio Bluiett, 5-10 PG, So. </strong>Bluiett will be a nightmare for opposing ballhandlers. He has incredible lateral quickness and anticipatory hands for steals on the ball. He had some problems with excessive fouling last season so that will be a point of emphasis to improve on this season. Bluiett will be relied on heavily with lots of perimeter scoring and playmaking gone after Tony Dahl's ACL injury.</p> <p><strong>Eden Prairie: Miles Frisch, 6-1 SG, Sr. </strong>Out of nowhere in February emerged Miles Frisch, a desperately-needed seventh man off the bench for the Eagles. When injuries and sickness overwhelmed EP's rotation toward the end of the regular season, Frisch strung together multiple games of raining triples that caught eyes from all over the metro — he continued that hot streak with MN Select this summer including a monster 40-ball. We know he can shoot and his height and elevation on the shot has progressed greatly. I expect him to be asked off the bench as a scorer (maybe even a starter) in every game this year; he's gained trust and respect in the conference and the state.</p> <p><strong>Edina: Chandler Reeck, 5-11 PG, Sr. </strong>The Hornets need some guard play to surround star center Jacob Hutson this season because he will draw up to three defenders inside. Chandler Reeck is a confident senior who can step into that secondary role as a scorer and handler. He appeared in 11 games last season and could be a leader in the backcourt with his limited experience.</p> <p><strong>Hopkins: Andre Gray, 6-0 PG, Jr. </strong>Another team in need of bolstered guard output is Hopkins and Andre Gray will be called upon to shoulder that load with star wing Kerwin Walton. Gray's strengths are speed and athleticism with a growing outside shot. He is a blow-by driver whose scoring average can climb to new heights with more ball to go around but his defensive contributions will be the main source of his points and I think Coach Novak will be just fine with that.</p> <p><strong>Minnetonka: Riley O'Connor, 6-2 G, Sr. </strong>Big summers will get you noticed no matter where you play. Minnetonka gives Riley O'Connor a great showcase of ability next to other competent players in the Lake, and he has a head start with his stellar AAU season with the Heat. A sharpshooting combo guard with size, Riley's strengths are the deep ball and attacking closeouts for mid-paint finishes. He rebounds and pushes well at his position too.</p> <p><strong>St. Michael-Albertville: Kale Hoselton, 6-4 F, Sr. </strong>Let's give credit where it's due: Kale is a great small college prospect. He's one of the strongest forwards around and rebounds like a menace. He led the Knights in scoring at 13 a game. Kale has great jumping ability and a sturdy frame to defend inside. I love his potential as a double-double guy this season working against new opponents in the Lake.</p> <p><strong>Wayzata: Carter Bjerke, 6-8 C, So. </strong>The Trojans haven't had a true big man to anchor the paint since Austin Slater in 2016. Bjerke possesses the same soft shooting touch and defensive presence Slater had and saw time as a freshman last season performing admirably. Carter's outside shot form is already looking great and his mobility defensively will grow as he matures into his frame over the net few years.</p>