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More than just Hopkins: Ten metro players to watch this year

By RON HAGGSTROM, Star Tribune, 12/04/19, 7:30PM CST

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Check out 10 shooting stars along with an early season ranking of metro top 10 teams.


Lakeville North guard Lauren Jensen (15) has committed to Iowa. Photo: AARON LAVINSKY • aaron.lavinsky@startribune.com

Ten more players to watch

(college plans undecided unless noted)

Mara Braun, Wayzata, G, 5-11, sophomore: Well-rounded guard with speed and athleticism.

Kendall Coley, St. Louis Park, G, 6-2, junior: Versatile player with plenty of length.

Sophie Hart, Farmington, C, 6-4, junior: Game changer on defensive end of the floor.

Mallory Heyer, Chaska, F, 6-1, sophomore: Can run the floor and provide inside presence.

Lauren Jensen, Lakeville North, G, 5-10, senior: Terrific ability to score in a variety of ways. College: Iowa

Jenna Johnson, Wayzata, F, 6-2, junior: Coming off breakout season of a year ago.

Mackenzie Kramer, St. Michael-Albertville, G, 5-10, senior: Can score as well as find open teammates. College: Lehigh

Adalia McKenzie, Park Center, G, 5-10, junior: Relentless competitor who utilizes athleticism.

Molly Mogensen, Farmington, G, 5-7, senior: Five-year starter will do what it takes to win. College: Creighton

Alexis Pratt, Stillwater, G, 5-5, junior: Uses outstanding speed to get to the basket.

RON HAGGSTROM

Metro top 10 teams

1. Hopkins: “I am cautiously optimistic,” Royals coach Brian Cosgriff  said. “We have everything in place to have a successful season, but it takes a lot of luck.”

2. Wayzata: The Trojans have a lot of experience and depth back from a 26-3 team. All three setbacks were to undefeated Hopkins.

3. Farmington: Coach Liz Carpentier’s group, coming off a 24-5 season, has its sights on making its initial trip to the state tournament.

4. Park Center: Coach Barb Metcalf welcomes back all of its starters from a 23-5 squad that was upset in the Section 5 semifinals a year ago.

5. St. Michael-Albertville: The Knights make a significant jump from the Mississippi 8 to the Lake Conference. Having all five starters back will help.

6. Stillwater: Sara Scalia has moved on to the Gophers, but that doesn’t mean the state tournament runners-up have a shortage of talent.

7. Lakeville North: Coach Shelly Clemons’ group will go as far as its senior backcourt of Lauren Jensen and Sarah Kuma can carry it. The Panthers only have three seniors on the roster.

8. Eden Prairie: The Eagles boast size, depth and plenty of athleticism. They took a big step in forward last season, going 21-7.

9. Maple Grove: An experienced group is seeking a third consecutive state tournament trip.

10. Rosemount: The Irish won 10 of their last 11, so optimism is high. Four starters return, including Montana State recruit 6-2 senior forward Taylor Janssen.

RON HAGGSTROM

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