Mid-State Conference Preview
Last season, the Mid-State Conference was led by the usual suspect, Crosby-Ironton. Their magical 30-3 season took them all the way to the Class AA State Title game, where they lost 47-36 to a very talented Minnehaha Academy squad led by Jalen Suggs, JaVonni Bickham, and Terry Lockett.
There are a number of storylines in the conference this season. How will C-I cope with the graduation of 4 All-Conference players? How will Aitkin adjust to their first season in the conference? How will a coaching change impact Detroit Lakes?
It will be an interesting, action-packed year for the six squads in the Mid-State Conference.
Conference Commentary
Favorites: Detroit Lakes, Pequot Lakes
Taking over the reins this year as coach for Detroit Lakes is Markus Okeson. He brings a wealth of experience and success to the sidelines for the Lakers. Prior to taking the Detroit Lakes job, he spent three seasons as the coach of Hutchinson. Before that, he had an extremely successful run with Ellsworth High School, compiling a record of 213-55 while making three championship game appearances, and winning back-to-back Class A titles in 2006-2008.
Last season, they finished with a mark of 15-12, losing in the Section 8AAA semifinals to Fergus Falls, a team that won the Class AAA consolation bracket last March. They are tasked with replacing a large chunk of scoring from last season, with the graduation of Isaac Cihak and Adam Daggett. The Lakers will be led this season by a pair of seniors, Tanner Doppler and Logan Pratt, as well as junior, Jake Betcher.
After coming off a 15-13 season, and a second-round loss to Esko, Pequot Lakes is expecting big things this season. They are now in their second season with the current coaching staff led by head coach Rich Spiczka, and bring back a senior-laden, experienced squad.
A trio of seniors will lead the Patriots, including Zach Sjoblad, Adam Casanova, and Nathan Traut. Keep an eye on 6’9” junior, Vincent Miska. He tore his ACL in December last season, which limited his 2016-2017 season, but he has a combination of size and athleticism that allows him to run the floor and be a factor on both ends of the court.
Contender: Crosby-Ironton
It was a magical run last year for the Rangers, but they will have a lot of work to do this season to replace four All-Conference players from last season, three of which (Trey Jacobs, Noah Gindorff, Jack Silgen) were on the AA All-Tournament Team last year.
Somehow, some way, head coach Dave Galovich always seems to find a way to make the Rangers competitive, but this year he will have his work cut out for him. They will be a young group, with only one senior on the roster. They will be led by returning starter, Jonathan Jacobson, and sixth-man from last season, Isaac Burley.
The Rest: Aitkin, Park Rapids, Staples-Motley
Entering their first season in the conference, Aitkin is looking to surprise a lot of people coming off of a 10-16 campaign last season. Coach Kerry Hopperstad expects his team to be more comfortable, now in the second year of his system, and compete night-in and night-out. They will be led by Hunter Moe, who was an All-Conference selection a season ago. Other returning contributors are D.J. Haasken and Garrett Westerlund.
Last year was a struggle for Park Rapids, finishing with a 4-23 record. This season, head coach Matt Brandt expects his team to be much more competitive. Consistency will be the key for the Panthers, as their offense was streaky last season. Key returners for Park Rapids will be Jason Haas, Gabe Bagstad, and Tristin Persons.
Staples-Motley will have a tall task this season, trying to replace one of the best scorers in the conference from last season, Gavin Smith and his 20+ points per game. In addition, they graduated one of the conference’s top rebounders in Trey Skeesick. They will look to a pair of juniors to help replace that production, Derek Kennedy and Josh Lombard.
Conference Prediction
- Pequot Lakes
- Detroit Lakes
- Crosby-Ironton
- Aitkin
- Staples-Motley
- Park Rapids
Preseason All-Conference
First Team:
Zach Sjoblad – Pequot Lakes – Sr.
Tanner Doppler – Detroit Lakes – Sr.
Hunter Moe – Aitkin – Sr.
Logan Pratt – Detroit Lakes – Sr.
Vincent Miska – Pequot Lakes – Jr.
Others to Watch:
Adam Casanova – Pequot Lakes – Sr.
Derek Kennedy – Staples-Motley – Jr.
Jonathan Jacobson – Crosby-Ironton – Jr.
Nathan Traut – Pequot Lakes – Sr.
Josh Lombard – Staples-Motley – Jr.
Jason Haas – Park Rapids – Sr.
***Photo Credit: Robert Williams – Detroit Lakes Tribune***