Conference Preview: Breaking down the Metro West

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Metro West has become one of the toughest conferences in the state, featuring a mix of elite programs and rising contenders. From the championship pedigree of Benilde-St. Margaret's to Orono's hungry pursuit and Chanhassen's emerging stars, every night is a battle. Expect physical play, star power, and playoff-caliber intensity all season. Here's how we see it.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>FAVORITES</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Benilde-St. Margaret's</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Benilde-St. Margaret's is once again in position to dominate. The Red Knights are chasing their second Metro West title in three years and a fourth straight Class 3A state championship – something only a handful of programs have ever done. They'll have to do it without two major contributors in <strong>Kendall McGee</strong> (Creighton) and <strong>Zahara Bishop</strong> (Seton Hall), but this group isn't backing down. Incoming transfer [player_tooltip player_id='659118' first='Alivia' last='Bell'] (pictured above), currently rated 10^th in the 2027 class, brings speed, confidence, and composure at the point guard position. The backcourt is still elite, led by 2027 standout [player_tooltip player_id='498661' first='Pressley' last='Watkins'], who can impact the game on both ends. Add in sharpshooter [player_tooltip player_id='567389' first='Sydney' last='Friedly'], versatile [player_tooltip player_id='1303730' first='Mira' last='Wismer'], and emerging underclassmen [player_tooltip player_id='786398' first='Zaida' last='Jenkins'] and [player_tooltip player_id='939000' first='Kiera' last='Willis'], and the Red Knights look reloaded. While their offense has always drawn headlines, it's their relentless defense that's fueled this dynasty. Expect more of the same – gritty, disciplined, and championship-caliber.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Orono</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Orono put together an impressive 25-4 season last year, sharing the Metro West crown with BSM. But “pretty good” isn't cutting it for this group – they want it all. The Spartans have their eyes set on both the conference title and the 3A state championship, and odds are, the Red Knights will be the obstacle standing in their way. Creighton commit [player_tooltip player_id='471360' first='Mya' last='Moore'] is locked in and ready to lead the charge, while her younger sister, sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='644898' first='Ally' last='Moore'] – ranked 13th in the 2028 class – is right there with her, ready to help carry the load. Seniors [player_tooltip player_id='717668' first='Evelyn' last='Miller'] and [player_tooltip player_id='782553' first='Amelia' last='Schwendimann'] bring leadership, experience, and defensive grit, with the ability to get a bucket when needed. Add in sharpshooter [player_tooltip player_id='764216' first='Maryn' last='Prenevost'] and long, active defender [player_tooltip player_id='1094442' first='Lilah' last='Rice'], and you've got a balanced, dangerous team. This feels like the year Orono breaks through and topples the Red Knights.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>CONTENDERS</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Chaska</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>What a run it was for Chaska last season. The Hawks went 10-4 in conference play and made noise in the 4A state tournament, pushing eventual champ Hopkins in the first round before claiming the consolation title. Senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='515651' first='Addi' last='Schneider'] (Concordia–St. Paul) and 6'0 post [player_tooltip player_id='644897' first='Natalie' last='Heyer'] form one of the state's best inside-out duos. Schneider was electric in the tournament, averaging 27 a game, and looks ready to build on that. Sophomore shooter [player_tooltip player_id='989050' first='Jenna' last='Nelson'] and senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='502558' first='Addie' last='Perkins'] will take on bigger roles. They lost some veterans, but don't sleep on Chaska – they know how to win.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Chanhassen</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Chanhassen finished middle of the pack in the Metro West last season with a solid 9-5 record, a strong showing in a league that sent two teams to state. The Storm return plenty of offensive firepower led by juniors [player_tooltip player_id='763004' first='Lyla' last='Hentges'] (St. Thomas), [player_tooltip player_id='630241' first='Kate' last='Arnold'], and [player_tooltip player_id='766676' first='Skyler' last='Mancini'] (St. Thomas) – ranked 12th, 15th, and 19th in the 2027 class. That trio gives them scoring, toughness, and experience. Sophomore guard [player_tooltip player_id='918649' first='Reese' last='Keating'] adds size and versatility to the backcourt, giving Chanhassen another weapon. If this group can tighten up defensively and find a way to rebound, they've got a real shot to make noise in the Metro West race.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>DARK HORSE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Waconia</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Seniors [player_tooltip player_id='1194442' first='Audrey' last='Brown'], [player_tooltip player_id='773415' first='Emma' last='Hanson'] (UW-Stout), and [player_tooltip player_id='717676' first='Addison' last='Bryfczynski'] bring a level of chemistry you can't teach. They've played so many games together; it's like they read each other's minds. That experience and leadership will be crucial as Waconia looks to contend for the Metro West crown. Sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='1106580' first='Reese' last='Majerus'] and freshman [player_tooltip player_id='939720' first='Hailey' last='Eggers'] are two young talents ready to make an impact, especially as defenses key in on the veteran trio. If the underclassmen step up and the seniors lead the way, the Wildcats could surprise some people this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>OTHER PLAYERS TO WATCH</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='595199' first='Maya' last='Kilian'] (North Dakota State), forward, New Prague –</strong> At her size, Kilian is a matchup nightmare with the ability to stretch the floor from deep and punish defenders by attacking the paint.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1095965' first='Kailoni' last='Johnson'], guard, St. Louis Park </strong>– Johnson may only be an 8th grader, but in her second varsity season she's already showing poise and purpose, attacking the rim with confidence and finishing through contact.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='478364' first='Brynn' last='Leibfried'], forward, Orono </strong>– Leibfried brings a versatile skill set that makes her hard to keep off the floor, impacting the game with her scoring touch, rebounding, and relentless effort on both ends.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Morgan Donahue, guard, Chaska – </strong>A long, active guard who's ready to take on a bigger role this season, bringing energy, and the ability to get to the rim.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->