1) Pleasant Plains – The Cardinals won the Edinburg tournament and while that’s not the toughest tournament in the area, it was easy to see what Plains is capable of this season. You’ve got quick, dangerous guards in Cole Greer, Daulton Nibbe and Isaac Collins and now they’ll be complimented inside with Nik Clemens and Austin Finley. Clemens and Finley will be the closest thing to the Bash Brothers that we’ve seen in the area since Ozzie Kent and Jacob Lounsberry suited up at Williamsville a few seasons ago.
2) PORTA – The Bluejays graduated four of five starters from a team who won a regional last season and played in the 2A state tournament two years ago. The only returning starter has a familiar name, though. Junior Max Muller is the younger brother of Mitch and Matt who were major contributors on the last two teams. Nick Rathgeb has also established himself as one of the best coaches in the conference.
3) Williamsville – The Bullets bring back Matt Watson at guard and 6-8 Harrison Creswell this season. If Watson can be consistent and take care of the ball, he’ll be a nice compliment to the size and athleticism that Creswell provides. There are few that can match up with 6-8 in the Sangamo.
4) Athens – The Warriors would have been a spot or two higher on this list a week ago, but after losing starting point guard with a severely sprained ankle, there are some concerns about who’s going to make the offense go. Of course, Matt Wendling helps alleviate those problems. Wendling may very well be the best player in the conference and it shouldn’t take Jeff Johnston long to find new ways to get him the rock.
5) Pawnee – The Indians might be the favorite in the MSM conference that saw the likes of Pierson Wofford (LuHi) and Austin Deal (Morrisonville) graduate. Austin Galloway is a mismatch for anyone based on his size and strength alone and Garrett Gillette is a returning starter with the ability to score as well.
Honorable Mention
Riverton – Kyle Weber has proven to be one of the best coaches in the Sangamo and he’ll have Ryan Roscetti, who may be the best point guard in the conference this season. Add an athlete like Josh Gabriel and a sharp shooter like Marc Hinkle, and it’s a safe bet that the Hawks will be players in the conference race.
Lincolnwood – This season the Lancers are a combination of the Lincolnwood and Morrisonville school district. Combining that talent will help replace the super talented Austin Deal (Morrisonville). Seth Foster and Bryan Graham make up one of the nastier back courts in the MSM.
