Conference Preview: Lakes
The Teams Emmetsburg There’s reason to be optimistic for the E-Hawks, who return their top two scorers from last season's 5-17 squad. But that could be a moot point as they play in one of the most talented conferences in the state.…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingThe Teams
Emmetsburg
There’s reason to be optimistic for the E-Hawks, who return their top two scorers from last season's 5-17 squad. But that could be a moot point as they play in one of the most talented conferences in the state.
Estherville-Lincoln Central
The Midgets will rely heavily on some new faces to carry the load. The question is, can seniors Kyle DeVary and Alex Miller step-up and help them improve from last season’s 7-13 campaign?
LeMars
Last season the Bulldogs played in a classic 3A semifinal at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, where Tyler Borchers led them to a double OT win with 35 points and 19 rebounds. Borchers is now at Division I South Dakota, and it will be up to junior point guard Trenton Hilbrands to carry load this season — we think he’s capable.
Spencer
A wealth of talent returns from last year’s 12-10 squad. Jake Kluender, Blake Illg, and Preston Funderburg make up one of the more talented trios in the state. Last season they couldn’t beat the conference’s best, this season they’ll have to.
Spirit Lake
With two Division I commits on the same roster, expectations will be sky high for the Indians. Iowa-commit Ryan Kreiner packs the punch inside, while North Dakota-commit Billy Brown orchestrates the backcourt.
Storm Lake
After a brutal 3-18 finish last season, the Tornadoes will look to improve behind a trio of juniors who lead the team in scoring last season, including stud point guard Parker Lange.
Cherokee, Washington
The bad news; this team won just one game last season. The good news; its nine leading scorers are back. First priority for the Braves will be to improve upon their abysmal 39 percent shooting last season.
Western Christian
The Wolfpack are always a threat to make a deep run in the state tournament, this year is certainly no different. Every player returns from last season’s varsity roster, and this team is projecting to be historically good.
Projected Order of Finish
1. Western Christian
2. Spirit Lake
3. Spencer
4. LeMars
5. Emmetsburg
6. Estherville-Licoln Central
7. Storm Lake
8. Cherokee, Washington
Analysis: Yes, Spirit Lake has the two Division I commits, but Western Christian is loaded with talent and experience from top to bottom. It will be a dogfight each time the top three projected teams face each other. But the Wolfpack are our slight favorites to take a conference title.
Preseason Player of the year
Ryan Kriener, Spirit Lake, 2016: 19.8 ppg, 71 3FG%, 8.5 rpg
Biggest Sleeper
Ben Gesink, Western Christian, 2017: He started last season on a state-qualifying team, so he's not completely unknown. But after being a solid role player as a sophomore, we anticipate Gesink will be the X-factor for the Wolfpack this season. A difference-maker that propels them to be favorites to take home a 2A title.
players to watch
Ryan Kriener, Spirit Lake, 2016
Billy Brown, Spirit Lake, 2016
Preston Funderburg, Spencer, 2016
Blake Illg, Spencer, 2016
Jake Kluender, Spencer, 2016
Parker Lange, Storm Lake, 2017
Trenton Hilbrands, LeMars, 2017
Taylor Meidema, Western Christian, 2016
Josh Van Lingen, Western Christian, 2016
Thomas Schultes, Emmetsburg, 2017