Conference Preview: Perusing the South Suburban

Here's the second installment of our conference previews, and this time we're heading to the South Suburban – a league where there is no clear-cut favorite. Top to bottom, it's one of the toughest conferences in the state, and every night feels like a battle. There won't be any easy wins here, just high-level competition and teams capable of knocking each other off on any given night. Here's how we see it shaping up.   FAVORITES   Lakeville North   The Panthers finished 4th in the conference last season with a strong 12-5 record in what was arguably one of the toughest leagues in the state. They're still young, but several of their top players have already logged heavy varsity minutes, and there's no question coach Andy Berkvam will have them prepared. Leading the way is top-3 sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='644878' first='Sahara' last='Wilson'], a 6'3 post who continues to draw major college interest and looks ready to take another big leap. Joining her is fellow sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='908286' first='Lauren' last='Robison'], a confident shooter who showed poise beyond her years as a freshman. Also returning is 6'3 forward [player_tooltip player_id='897889' first='Madilynn' last='Bell'], whose length, athleticism, and versatility give Lakeville a unique advantage on both ends along with the steady presence of veteran guard <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/sophia-perry/">Sophia Perry</a> (Jamestown). While this trio will set the tone, the Panthers will also rely on others ready to step into larger roles and contribute, giving them the depth needed to chase another state tournament appearance.   Eastview   Perfection is hard to find, but that's exactly what Eastview delivered last season, finishing 17-0 in conference play. The Lightning were one of the state's best defensive teams, anchored by Bra'ja Torry, who became the school's all-time leader in steals before heading to Kirkwood CC. They also lose standout Myah Maull, now at Winona State. Still, this senior-heavy group is loaded with experience. [player_tooltip player_id='502569' first='Clara' last='Goodman'], a sharpshooter and team leader, sets the tone, while 6'0 wings [player_tooltip player_id='782565' first='Maya' last='Jenkins'] and Ellie Ehrman bring length, scoring, and toughness on both ends. [player_tooltip player_id='515688' first='Lexie' last='Mathews'] and [player_tooltip player_id='502600' first='Jayda' last='Wilson'] provide energy and balance on the perimeter, while senior guard Kennedy Flemons adds leadership and outside shooting. A potential X-factor could be freshman guard [player_tooltip player_id='941745' first='Nevaeh' last='Grosse'], whose athleticism and skill could give Eastview another spark as they look to defend their conference crown and maintain their spot among the state's elite programs.   Rosemount   As if the Rosemount Irish didn't already have enough shooting with the talented Ramlall sisters, they get a major boost with the return of [player_tooltip player_id='478366' first='Riley' last='Ang'] from injury and the addition of transfer [player_tooltip player_id='630245' first='Gianna' last='Carpentier'] from Farmington. This roster is loaded from top to bottom and could easily go 9-10 deep, giving the Irish one of the most complete and versatile rotations in the state. Leading the charge is Minnesota Golden Gopher commit [player_tooltip player_id='578467' first='Amisha' last='Ramlall'], a scoring machine who averaged just over 21 points per game last season. Her sister, [player_tooltip player_id='716527' first='Ashna' last='Ramlall'], is nearly as dangerous, adding just under 18 ppg while bringing energy and leadership. [player_tooltip player_id='630243' first='Arshia' last='Ramlall'] can shoot it, too, and is now attacking off the bounce, as well. With so many offensive options and improved depth, Rosemount looks ready to turn last year's 9-8 conference record into something much more impressive. The Irish have the talent, chemistry, and hunger to push for a South Suburban crown and another state tournament berth.   CONTENDERS   Lakeville South   The Cougars have a great blend of veteran leadership and youthful talent, making them a team to watch this season. Helping to lead the charge is 6'1 senior [player_tooltip player_id='927228' first='Amaya' last='Pahl'], the emotional heartbeat of the squad who competes hard on every possession. Her mix of toughness and finesse makes her a tough matchup for anyone. Fellow seniors [player_tooltip player_id='478365' first='Audrey' last='Schmidtke'], [player_tooltip player_id='502538' first='Ashlyn' last='Williams'], and Haley Benson bring poise and versatility as ball handlers who can score and defend at a high level. Sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='644902' first='Piper' last='Ohnstad'] adds an explosive scoring punch – she's all gas, no brakes – while freshman guard [player_tooltip player_id='1057125' first='Macie' last='Henrikson'] provides energy and adaptability, doing whatever the team needs to win. After finishing just below .500 in conference play last season, the Cougars return deeper, hungrier, and more experienced. With this balance of leadership and youth, they have the tools to make a legitimate push toward conference supremacy.   Prior Lake   The Lakers have big shoes to fill after losing Bree Bowman (Colorado State), Haven Fisher (Tulsa), and Brooklyn Holmberg (Northern State) to graduation. Despite that, they have the right mix of leadership and young talent to stay competitive in the South Suburban. Junior [player_tooltip player_id='764229' first='Toni' last='Fisher'] returns to lead the way after helping Prior Lake finish second in the conference last season. Fellow juniors [player_tooltip player_id='764194' first='Fiona' last='Anttila'] and [player_tooltip player_id='657022' first='Ava' last='Brynteson'] are smart, versatile players who'll be asked to take on more scoring responsibility. As usual, expect a few new contributors to emerge as the Lakers look to stay near the top and challenge for another conference title.   Eagan   Returning for the Wildcats are seniors [player_tooltip player_id='502573' first='Gabby' last='Boyle'], [player_tooltip player_id='502598' first='Kathryn' last='Simonsen'], and [player_tooltip player_id='502579' first='Stella' last='Triplett'], a veteran trio ready to keep Eagan in the mix after the graduation of All-Conference standouts Ava Ligtenburg, Jocelyn McClary, and Maya Meisinger. The Wildcats finished 12-5 in conference play last season, good for third place, and will rely on their experienced seniors to set the tone early. Behind them is a promising group of underclassmen eager to make their mark and add depth. If this young talent develops quickly, Eagan could surprise some teams and find themselves right back in the thick of the South Suburban race.   DARK HORSE   Farmington   It wasn't that long ago that Farmington made back-to-back trips to the big dance, so they've tasted success. Looking ahead to the 2025–26 season, they've lost key players to graduation and transfer ([player_tooltip player_id='630245' first='Gianna' last='Carpentier'] to Rosemount). Hoping to help the Tigers compete in the South Suburban Conference will be Sophia Krchnavy, a strong post who will eat up space, grab rebounds, and defend. Senior point guard [player_tooltip player_id='876960' first='Ashley' last='Harrison'] will lead the charge, setting up teammates while scoring when needed. Guards [player_tooltip player_id='736173' first='Carly' last='Olson'], [player_tooltip player_id='939160' first='Scarlett' last='Hedrick'], and Olivia Schommer are other key contributors who give Farmington balance, toughness, and backcourt depth as they look to compete for a conference title.   OTHER PLAYERS TO WATCH   Aubrey Thomas, forward, Prior Lake – With a young roster around her, Thomas's senior leadership and shooting touch will be crucial in guiding the Lakers' push for a conference title.   [player_tooltip player_id='567377' first='Sadie' last='Hall'], guard, Shakopee – The ultra-quick guard, committed to D1 Houston Christian, can beat defenders off the bounce to score or create for teammates, setting her up for a big senior season ahead.   [player_tooltip player_id='992425' first='Obatare' last='Hunt'], guard, Eastview – Hunt brings instant energy with her blazing speed and dual-threat ability to attack the rim or bury shots from deep.   Kya Meyers, guard, Apple Valley – The junior guard, returning as the Eagles' leading scorer, combines a lightning-quick first step with added experience, making her a tough cover this season.

Here's the second installment of our conference previews, and this time we're heading to the South Suburban – a league where there is no clear-cut favorite. Top to bottom, it's one of the toughest conferences in the state, and every night feels like a battle. There won't be any easy wins here, just high-level competition and teams capable of knocking each other off on any given night. Here's how we see it shaping up.