Conference Preview: Lakes
The Teams Emmetsburg: After scraping together just four wins last season (which included a 3-game win streak mid-season), the E’Hawks could see that number increase this season. It’s three leading scorers from last winter return, all seniors now. And four…
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Continue ReadingThe Teams
Emmetsburg: After scraping together just four wins last season (which included a 3-game win streak mid-season), the E’Hawks could see that number increase this season. It’s three leading scorers from last winter return, all seniors now. And four of five regular starters from last winter will be back, led by 2017 Thomas Schultes who averaged 12.7 points per game as a junior.
Estherville-Lincoln Central: They ended the regular season with two straight wins last winter, and considering the five wins they had all season, that was big news. Three starters return for the Midgets, all just juniors still. And you have to love that mixture of experience plus youth.
LeMars: After a run to Wells Fargo Arena two seasons ago, the Bulldogs struggled last year, finishing under .500 and winning just 10 games. Look for vast improvement this season, behind one of the state’s best players, Trent Hilbrands. It’s not just him though, all five starters return for a LeMars squad that must be bursting with excitement to redeem themselves from last season.
Spencer: Last season the Tigers were chock-full of seniors, and after a promising and expected 11-2 start, they finished the regular season a disappointing 14-7. With nearly everyone gone from that squad, it becomes 2018 point guard Brady Kluender’s team to lead. We know he has plenty of talent, but the rest of the team is very much a mystery.
Spirit Lake: Two Division I players graced the roster of last season’s 21-4 squad, and though Ryan Kreiner and Billy Brown are gone, the cupboard is far from bare. Junior guard Frankie Ramos will be ready to come in a lead the team, he’s the Indians’ leading returning scorer. And you got to think the rest of the guys benefited from practicing against D1 talent all last season.
Storm Lake: There’s reason to be excited in Storm Lake this season. Parker Lange has been a standout guard for three seasons now, but with little team success. The Tornadoes though return all five starters from last season’s 10-win squad, and could contend for a conference title.
Washington: With their top two scorers back, including outstanding shooter Trey Valentine, this Washington squad will look to eclipse last season’s six win total.
Western Christian, Hull: An absolute power at the 2A ranks, last season’s state champions lose plenty, but will reload this for the 2016/17 campaign. Point guard Ben Gesink is poised for a huge season, he was tremendous at the state tournament last March. And senior forward Jesse Jansma could put up some all-state caliber numbers for the Wolfpack this season. Both were starters on last season’s state championship squad.
Projected Order of Finish
- Western Christian, Hull
- LeMars
- Storm Lake
- Spirit Lake
- Spencer
- Washington
- Emmetsburg
- Estherville-Lincoln Central
Analysis
The defending state champions and perennial conference champs Western Christian, Hull have plenty of talent returning in the form of Ben Gesink and Jesse Jansma. But, with LeMars returning everyone, and having the best player in the conference, Trent Hilbrands, on its squad, don;t count them out. Storm Lake could be a dark-horse to be crowned champs.
Preseason Player of the Year
Trent Hilbrands, 2017, LeMars
This recent Northwestern (IA) commit had a monster season as a junior, and there’s no reason to think he wont be better as a senior. A big and physical guard, Hilbrands has the build of a fullback and nice skill to pair. Look for him to fill up the stat sheet each night out, and solidify himself as one of LeMars’ all-time greats.
Biggest Sleeper
Brady Kluender, 2018, Spencer
He was a key contributor last season as a sophomore on a senior-laden squad, but this season the 5-foot-10 standout should blow up. Look for him to up his 5.1 points per game average from a season ago to north of 15 per game this season.
Players to Watch
Trenton Hilbrands, 2017, LeMars
Parker Lange, 2017, Storm Lake
Ben Gesink, 2017, Western Christian, Hull
Trey Valentine, 2017, Cherokee
Brady Kluender, 2018, Spencer
Joshua Werge, 2017, Storm Lake
Will Pottebaum, 2018, LeMars
Thomas Schultes, 2017, Emmetsburg
Frankie Ramos, 2018, Spirit Lake
Jesse Jansma, 2017, Western Christian, Hull