Class AAAA Title Contender: East Ridge

<p>The Raptors have a couple starters back, a couple reserves ready for bigger roles, and some young guys that are likely to get some time.  It’s a solid group. </p> <p><strong>Key Wins in 20-21 (12-7)</strong><strong>: </strong> Cretin-Derham Hall, White Bear Lake, Park of Cottage Grove, Mounds View</p> <p><strong>Oops</strong>: Park of Cottage Grove, Mounds View, Woodbury, Cretin-Derham Hall</p> <p><strong>Moving On:  </strong>Drew Adams scored 12-13 a game for the Raptors last year and is now at Winona State.  He started at the four while Rodrick Payne was at the five and he’s now at River Falls playing the post.  Point guard Ben North was a tough leader, and he’s graduated as well.  Reserve big Luke Budzyn and reserve guard Max Kenol also graduated.  That’s three starters and five of the top nine that have to be replaced.  </p> <p><strong>Returning Starters (2): </strong>  [player_tooltip player_id="850708" first="Kendall" last="Blue"] handled the ball at times, he was the top scoring option for the Raptors last year at 15-16 a contest, and he is coming off a strong summer with D1 Minnesota.  Blue earned several scholarship offers in the past dozen months but at the peak of his play this summer he committed to St. Thomas.  Blue will be a top 250 national level ranked prospect when the new national rankings are released very soon and he’s headed to UST. </p> <p>The other returning starter is 6’3 shooter [player_tooltip player_id="962211" first="Alex" last="Mattes"].  Alex is a junior, and a top 15-20 level player in the local 2023 class.  Mattes scored 13 a game last year and he’s improved.  From what we’ve seen this fall Mattes is in for a big junior year. </p> <p><strong>Reserves Playing a Bigger Role:  </strong>The two returning players from last year’s varsity are [player_tooltip player_id="1220400" first="Pete" last="Koland"] and [player_tooltip player_id="1144115" first="Carson" last="Koch"].  Koland was a regular ball handler for the Raptors a season ago and he gave the team a couple scores a game.  His role will likely move into a starting role for East Ridge.  Koch had some varsity spot minutes last season and he was on JV.  Koch has looked really good this fall and we think he could have a nice senior season as a 6’4 forward. He can shoot it and is a good rebounder which will be quite valuable. </p> <p><strong>Potentials from the JV:   </strong>There are eight guys coming up from the JV - not including Koch - that will be working for the other four or five spots in the line-up.  </p> <p>Seniors:  There are three senior guards that will look to back-up Koland - and likely Blue at times - in a ball handling/backcourt role.  The main one is [player_tooltip player_id="1144129" first="Dane" last="Meuler"] who got a few spot minutes at competitive times last season and had a solid summer with the Minnesota Heat.  Jack Schliesman and Cole Schliesman are the other two that will provide depth.  As for frontcourt players the Raptors don’t have any with experience.  Six-foot-6, 230 pound senior Brayden McDougall will likely be needed. He’s having a hell of a two way season at tight end and linebacker for the Raptors.</p> <p>Sophomores:  The Raptors have a really good 2024 class of players and they should supply toughness and some needed frontcourt help.  [player_tooltip player_id="1284091" first="Brayden" last="Carlson"] is 6’8 and was solid for D1 Minnesota 15s this year.  Carlson may need a bit of time to get acclimated to the varsity level but he is certainly going to be a part of the rotation.  A player I really like is [player_tooltip player_id="1284105" first="Charlie" last="Theis"].  At 6’4 Theis is skilled, tough, and has the type of attitude that can handle playing early.  He was outstanding for the Minnesota Fury this year. Six-foot-3 [player_tooltip player_id="1284104" first="Charlie" last="Bern"] and 5’10 guard [player_tooltip player_id="1284203" first="Parker" last="Wellman"] will also compete for time.  </p> <p><strong>Final Thoughts</strong>:   The Raptors will start just outside the top ten and could certainly push their way into the top ten quickly.  It all depends on how things go inside when it comes to post play from inexperienced guys plus they will have to find a comfort at lead guard.  This is a talented team and when it gains experience they could be very tough.  </p>