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Girls' basketball preview: Top 10 metro teams

By Star Tribune, 11/27/14, 8:53PM CST

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A preseason look at the top teams in the metro.

1. Eastview

The defending Class 4A champions have a chance to be even better this year. Now it depends on how players bounce back from knee injuries (four over the past year). The Lightning will still be led by senior guard Madison Guebert. Senior forward Samantha Trammel will join the starting lineup after sitting out a year after transferring from Eden Prairie.

 

2. Hopkins

Sophomore Jasmyn Martin left the program to concentrate solely on volleyball. That would hurt most teams. Not Hopkins. Coach Brian Cosgriff’s squad didn’t make the state tournament field a year ago. That’s enough incentive. A talented group will be looking to make amends quickly.

 

3. Minnetonka

The Skippers lost a couple of key contributors from their 24-4 squad of a year ago. That only means expanded roles for their talented young players. The addition of junior forward Lizzie Odegard, a transfer from Cretin-Derham Hall, fills a big void. They could start four juniors.

4. White Bear Lake

The Bears have won at least 22 games in five of the past six years. The 2014-15 season shouldn’t be any different. It also will be an indication of things to come from the Suburban East school in the near future. It has only three seniors on a roster that doesn’t boast any stars.

5. Chanhassen

Coach Angie Kissock’s squad added a key piece when senior guard Martha Kuderer transferred from Eden Prairie. The Storm has another marquee guard in senior Danielle Gitzen. Those two form the best backcourt in the state. A lack of size could catch up with the Storm.

6. Park Center (3A)

The defending Class 3A champions will put pretty much the same team on the court as last season and for years to come. The Pirates have the most talented sophomore group in the state. Four of them were on the court in the team’s triple-OT win over Marshall in the title game a year ago.

7. Lakeville North

The Panthers will look a lot like Chanhassen without the star power. They will have plenty of players who can handle the ball but will lack size. Look for them to improve on their 21-11 mark of a year ago. If they get any inside play, it could be a big improvement.

8. Eden Prairie

Coach Chris Carr’s squad still has plenty of talent even without Kuderer. The Eagles lost their two leading scorers but bring back eight players who played at least 15 minutes per game a year ago. “We have depth at multiple positions,” Carr said. “We are looking to have another successful season.”

 

9. Edina

The Hornets, blending veterans with youth, will take on a much different look after the first month of the season. Sophomore post Bailey Helgren (6-5) is injured and will be sidelined until around Christmas. Senior guard Jill Morton and sophomore post Annika Jank (6-2) will be counted on early.

 

10. Shakopee

Taylor Koenen and company are coming off a 23-victory season. That number will be tough to reach again, even with most of the starting lineup returning. The Sabers join the powerful South Suburban Conference this winter.

 

RON HAGGSTROM

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