Preview and Predictions: Greater Metro

<p>Looking ahead to the 2019-20 season, Prep Hoops Wisconsin breaks down the race in the Greater Metro Conference...</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>2018-19 STANDINGS</strong></p> <p>1. Sussex Hamilton (15-1)</p> <p>T-2. Brookfield Central (12-4)</p> <p>T-2. Brookfield East (12-4)</p> <p>T-4. Germantown (9-7)</p> <p>T-4. Marquette (9-7)</p> <p>6. Wauwatosa West (7-9)</p> <p>T-7. Wauwatosa East (3-13)</p> <p>T-7. West Allis Hale (3-13)</p> <p>9. Menomonee Falls (2-14)</p> <p><strong>2019-20 PROJECTED STANDINGS</strong></p> <p>1.  Brookfield Central</p> <p>2. Sussex Hamilton</p> <p>3. Wauwatosa East</p> <p>4. Brookfield East</p> <p>5. Menomonee Falls</p> <p>6. Germantown</p> <p>7. Marquette</p> <p>8. Wauwatosa West</p> <p>9. West Allis Hale</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>THE FAVORITES</strong></p> <p>We're looking at another battle between Central and Hamilton. While it was Hamilton who won the conference a year ago, Central advanced to the state tournament and took home the gold ball in Division 1. </p> <p>The difference for the Lancers? It could be their depth and ability to throw multiple bodies at Baldwin Jr. Central did lose Cole Nau and Gage Malensek, but <strong>Malik-Abdul-Wahid,</strong> <strong>Andrew Rohde</strong>, and  <strong>Eric Radisevic</strong> are all poised to make significant gains this season. </p> <p><strong>THE DARKHORSES</strong></p> <p>The Greater Metro is extremely deep this season. While Tosa East, Brookfield East, and Menomonee Falls are considered a step behind Central and Hamilton, these are three teams who could win a lot of different conferences.</p> <p>The Red Raiders are going to be one of the most improved teams in the state as they return Brian Parzych, John Lovelace, and Leon Bond, who form one of the top trios in the country.</p> <p>Falls has some of the best young talent in the state. After taking their lumps last season, <strong>Seth Trimble, Steven Clay, Grant Martin</strong>, and <strong>Greg Kemp</strong> are likely to keep the Indians relevant in this race.</p> <p>And of course, you can never count out Brookfield East. Under <strong>Joe Rux,</strong> the Spartans have been one of the most consistent programs and never beat themselves. East has some talent as well, returning All-Conference caliber players in <strong>Hayden Doyle, Sam McGath</strong>, and <strong>Michael Poker</strong>. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>PRESEASON FIRST-TEAM ALL-CONFERENCE</strong></p> <p>G Ben Nau - Jr. (Brookfield Central)</p> <p>G Brian Parzych - Jr. (Wauwatosa East)</p> <p>W John Lovelace - Jr. (Wauwatosa East)</p> <p>W Patrick Baldwin Jr. - Jr. (Sussex Hamilton)</p> <p>W Steven Clay - So. (Menomonee Falls)</p> <p> F Malik Abdul-Wahid - Sr. (Brookfield Central)</p> <p>F David Joplin - Jr. (Brookfield Central)</p> <p><strong>SECOND-TEAM</strong></p> <p>G Seth Trimble - So. (Menomonee Falls)</p> <p>G Tanner Resch - Jr. (Sussex Hamilton)</p> <p>G Sam McGath - Sr. (Brookfield East)</p> <p>G Carson Smith - Sr. (Sussex Hamilton)</p> <p>G Hayden Doyle  - Jr. (Brookfield East)</p> <p>F Aiden Flynn - Sr. (Marquette)</p> <p>F Leon Bond - So. (Wauwatosa East)</p> <p><strong>HONORABLE MENTION</strong></p> <p>G Jakai Davis - Sr. (Menomonee Falls)</p> <p>G Jaylyn Kelley - Sr. (Wauwatosa West)</p> <p>G J.T. Hoytink - Sr. (Sussex Hamilton)</p> <p>G Jacob Hefle - Sr. (Germantown)</p> <p>G Owen Meyer - Jr. (Germantown)</p> <p>G Michael Poker - Sr. (Brookfield East)</p> <p>G Justin Steinike  - Sr. (Wauwatosa West)</p> <p>F Matt Staskunas - Jr. (West Allis Hale)</p> <p>F Lucas Finnessy - Sr. (Sussex Hamilton)</p> <p>F Eric Radisevic - Sr. (Brookfield Central)</p> <p><strong>PLAYER OF THE YEAR - Patrick Baldwin Jr.</strong></p> <p>The five-star talent won the award as a sophomore after averaging 19.0 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game. There's no reason to think that Baldwin can't/won't repeat as a junior.  An impossible matchup for most defenders, the sweet-shooting 6-foot-8 wing hit the 30-point mark three times last season.</p> <p><strong>SURPRISE PLAYER -  John Lovelace</strong></p> <p>Lovelace has put in a ton of work during the off-season and his confidence is through the roof. The junior wing will end up as a top 20 prospect in the 2021 class, if not higher. One of the top two-way players in the state, Lovelace can not only get you 20 points, but can make life difficult on the opposing team's best player.  Averaging 10.8 ppg as a sophomore, look for Lovelace's numbers to explode as he can shoot from all areas of the floor and is athletic enough to live at the rim. </p> <p>Others: Leon Bond,  Jaylyn Kelley, Eric Radisevic, Grant Martin, Justin Steinike</p> <p><strong>BREAKOUT PLAYER - Malik Abdul-Wahid</strong></p> <p>As a junior, Abdul-Wahid averaged less than seven points per game. Opponents from last season are going to remember Abdul-Wahid as a role player for the Lancers. They may be caught off guard when the 6-foot-5 wing suits up as a senior. Abdul-Wahid had a monster spring and summer on the travel circuit, which  led to him committing to Division 2 Winona State. While he may be the No. 3 option on this loaded Central squad, Abdul-Wahid  is a star waiting to break out. </p> <p>Others: Tanner Resch, Owen Meyer,  Seth Trimble, Carson Smith</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>