Preview and Predictions: Mississippi Valley

<p>Looking ahead to the 2019-20 season, Prep Hoops Wisconsin breaks down the race in the Mississippi Valley Conference...</p> <p><strong>2018-19 STANDINGS</strong></p> <p>1.  La Crosse Central (12-0)</p> <p>2.  Onalaska (10-2)</p> <p>3.  Holmen (6-6)</p> <p>4. Aquinas (5-7)</p> <p>T-5. Tomah (3-9)</p> <p>T-5.  La Crosse Logan (3-9)</p> <p>T-5. Sparta (3-9)</p> <p><strong>2019-20 PROJECTED STANDINGS</strong></p> <p>1.  La Crosse Central</p> <p>2. Onalaska</p> <p>3.  La Crosse Logan</p> <p>4. Tomah</p> <p>5.  Holmen</p> <p>6. Aquinas</p> <p>7. Sparta</p> <p><strong>THE FAVORITE - La Crosse Central</strong></p> <p>In our book, you're the team to beat until somebody unseats you. Noah Parcher will be a tough loss, but there's arguably not a better trio in the state than  the Davis brothers and Thompson, who also all play AAU together.  This group  has won the Mississippi Valley Conference all three years together.</p> <p><strong>THE DARK HORSE - Onalaska</strong></p> <p>Dark horse probably isn't the best term, because Onalaska has closed the gap on Central. In fact, the Hilltoppers took the Red Raiders down to the wire three times last season and came up short.  Craig Kowal has everything back from last season, including a pair of first-team All-Conference forwards in <strong>Tyrell Stuttley</strong> and <strong>Carson Arenz</strong>.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>PRESEASON FIRST-TEAM ALL-CONFERENCE</strong></p> <p>G Johnny Davis - Sr. (La Crosse Central)</p> <p>G Jordan Davis - Sr. (La Crosse Central)</p> <p>G  Jacksun Hamilton - Sr. (La Crosse Logan)</p> <p>F Carson Arenz - Sr. (Onalaska)</p> <p>F Tyrell Stuttley - Sr. (Onalaska)</p> <p><strong>SECOND TEAM</strong></p> <p>G Sam Kick - Jr. (Onalaska)</p> <p>G Charlie Ella - Sr. (Tomah)</p> <p>F Floyd Thomas - Sr. (La Crosse Logan)</p> <p>F Terrance Thompson - Sr. (La Crosse Central)</p> <p>C Gavin McGrath - Jr. (Onalaska)</p> <p><strong>PLAYER OF THE YEAR - Johnny Davis</strong></p> <p>The Wisconsin commit won the award as a junior. Davis has never missed the state tournament in his career, including winning the gold ball as a freshman.  Last season, Davis led the league in scoring at 23.1 ppg. </p> <p><strong>BREAKOUT PLAYER - Jacksun Hamilton</strong></p> <p>Hamilton had an eye-opening spring and summer on the travel circuit. One of the most improved players in the state, Hamilton 11.5 ppg as a junior. Having worked hard on his wing and perimeter skills, Hamilton is a very intriguing prospect at 6-foot-5 and one of the top two-way  players   out West. </p> <p><strong>SURPRISE PLAYER - Gavin McGrath</strong></p> <p>Big guys tend to develop late. McGrath is making noticeable gains in a hurry. The 6-foot-10 junior is an outstanding shot blocker who protects the paint without fouling. Now that he's added some strength and gotten more comfortable in his body, McGrath can do more offensively as an offensive rebounder, back-to-the-basket post presence, and even step out and shoot the ball a little bit.  Averaging 6.6 ppg last season, McGrath is likely going to be showing up more on scouting reports this season. </p>