Conference Preview: The Northwest Suburban

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Northwest Suburban Conference is wide open this season with Maple Grove's move to the Lake Conference shaking things up. There are four to five teams that could realistically grab the top spot, with another two or three capable of making a push if things break their way. Last year's finish was razor close – just four points separated first through fourth – and this season looks to be just as competitive. With no clear frontrunner, every game will matter, and the team that brings consistency and toughness night in and night out will rise to the top. It's anyone's race for conference supremacy – the question is, who's ready to put their foot down and take it?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>FAVORITES</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Totino-Grace</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Eagles will look to build on last season's 19-8 finish and 10-4 conference record after coming up just short in an overtime loss in the 3A section final. They'll have to replace the nearly 20 points per game lost with the graduation of <strong>Chloe Nuss</strong> (University of Mary), but there's still plenty of firepower returning. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='502586' first='Maria' last='Radabaugh'] (Concordia-St. Paul commit) will lead the charge as the team's top scorer and go-to option, while junior [player_tooltip player_id='764182' first='Ava' last='Litecky'], currently ranked 26th in the 2027 class (11 ppg), provides another steady hand in the backcourt. Keep an eye on junior guard [player_tooltip player_id='944088' first='Ella' last='Emslander'], a 5'7 spark plug coming off a strong AAU season who could make an immediate impact at the varsity level. If this group can find early chemistry, Totino-Grace has the talent and experience to stay among the conference's top contenders.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Elk River</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Elks should be right in the mix again after finishing 14-1 in conference play a season ago. They return four of their top seven scorers, led by senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='773414' first='Elsie' last='Ostmoe'], who averaged 12 points and 6 rebounds per game. Elk River brings a nice blend of youth and experience, with sophomore forwards [player_tooltip player_id='953273' first='Kaelee' last='Hansen'] (5.7 ppg) and [player_tooltip player_id='992407' first='Izzy' last='Johnson'] – a 5'11 newcomer, ranked #32 in the 2028 class is ready to make her varsity debut – adding size and athleticism up front. Junior guard <strong>Ava Osterman</strong> (10 ppg) and senior forward <strong>Joanna Talso</strong> (11.8 ppg) provide stability and scoring punch, while junior [player_tooltip player_id='675886' first='Ava' last='Klein'], coming off a strong AAU summer, will be counted on to shoulder more of the load on both ends. With multiple weapons and a competitive edge that defines their program, expect the Elks to be right in the thick of the conference race once again.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Andover</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Huskies are as intriguing a team as you'll find. With twin towers [player_tooltip player_id='1005207' first='Myla' last='Evers'] (6'0, Dordt commit) and [player_tooltip player_id='644896' first='Logan' last='Miller'] (6'4, ranked No. 5 in the 2028 class) anchoring the paint, opponents will have to rethink their approach when attacking the lane. Both are capable of dominating on both ends, creating constant matchup problems. On the perimeter, junior [player_tooltip player_id='999561' first='Miera' last='Bobbe'] (5'11) brings passion and poise, serving as the steady hand that keeps the offense flowing. Joining her in the backcourt is [player_tooltip player_id='903543' first='Olivia' last='Holmberg'], who will be counted on to help facilitate and provide scoring balance while ensuring Evers and Miller get their touches. Andover has the size, skill, and balance to be a major factor in the Northwest Suburban race. Expectations are high, and if this group can put all the pieces together, the Huskies could be a tough out for anyone once the post season gets underway.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>CONTENDERS</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Anoka</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It's hard not to pick Anoka as the favorite to win the conference after a 16-2 record and a state title appearance last season. Leading the Tornadoes is newly minted Division I commit [player_tooltip player_id='719637' first='Deborah' last='Ayeni'] (Southeast Missouri State). She's got great hands, quick feet, and a motor that never stops. With the graduation of all-conference guard <strong>Maddy Freking</strong>, the Tornadoes will lean on senior guards [player_tooltip player_id='502606' first='Angel' last='Chebichi'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1055095' first='Drew' last='Pederson'] to step up. Chebichi's quickness and defensive intensity set the tone, while Pederson proved she can fill it up – including a career-high 32 points against Spring Lake Park a season ago. There's plenty riding on Ayeni's shoulders, but the former football player has shown she's more than ready for the challenge as Anoka looks to make another deep postseason run.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Park Center</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>From 2013 to 2020, the Pirates danced their way into the state tournament five times, winning it all in back-to-back seasons (2014, 2015). The current group has that same fight – young, scrappy, and hungry. Super senior [player_tooltip player_id='589280' first='Lyric' last='Singleton'] leads the charge, bringing leadership, toughness, and a motor that never quits. [player_tooltip player_id='717675' first='Harmoni' last='Mayberry'] adds veteran experience and a confident shooting touch from deep, giving the Pirates a proven scoring threat. The X-factor will be top 25 freshman [player_tooltip player_id='1090092' first='Demi' last='Holman'], whose shooting ability already turns heads. She'll be asked to do more than just score – defending and rebounding against bigger opponents will be key if Park Center wants to challenge for a conference title. To make a deep postseason run, they'll need to find a way past two-time defending section champion Maple Grove, who's once again the roadblock standing between the Pirates and another trip to state.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>DARK HORSE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Rogers</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Royals finished in the middle of the pack in a jam-packed conference last season and will be looking for more this time around. With the graduation of <strong>Chloe Netzinger</strong> (University of Mary), junior [player_tooltip player_id='764207' first='Kinnley' last='Colligan'] will be asked to shoulder not just the scoring load, but also provide leadership on both ends. She'll be joined by senior [player_tooltip player_id='782555' first='Cooper' last='Lonsky'], a high-intensity guard known for her energy and toughness who will be expected to elevate her play. Another key piece is junior [player_tooltip player_id='630225' first='Alexa' last='Juntunen'], a 5'8 point guard and double-digit scorer who will be tasked with running the show and keeping the offense steady. With their experienced backcourt and a motivated core, the Royals have the pieces to climb the standings and push their way back into contention in what should once again be a highly competitive Northwest Suburban Conference race.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Spring Lake Park</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Panthers are deep and experienced, returning their entire starting five from a year ago – a luxury few teams have. [player_tooltip player_id='999549' first='Anna' last='Smolich'] leads the way with a strong inside-out game, while defensive standout [player_tooltip player_id='764205' first='Kendall' last='Krause'] looks to boost her scoring and keep disrupting opponents. [player_tooltip player_id='764201' first='Jaelyn' last='Bursey-Dixon'] does a little of everything and will be vital to their success. Freshman [player_tooltip player_id='1317635' first='Lyla' last='Behnke'] (6'0) adds size and energy inside, and Anne Wright brings grit, pace, and defensive toughness. With their experience and balance, Spring Lake Park has all the tools to surprise people. Dark horse? Maybe – but don't sleep on them.</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>Adelyn Utes</strong> – <strong>guard, Rogers – </strong>The 5'10 sophomore has put in the work and is poised for a breakout season.<br></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='667771' first='Brooke' last='Soash']</strong> – <strong>guard, Champlin Park </strong>– Smooth, poised, and ready to step into the spotlight for the Rebels.<br></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Marlie Janssen</strong> – <strong>guard, Blaine </strong>– A versatile guard who can play on or off the ball and takes pride in defending.<br></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='742286' first='Sydney' last='Schmitz']</strong> – <strong>forward, Centennial </strong>– Brings a strong inside-out game with the IQ to exploit mismatches.<br></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='764180' first='Anna' last='Smelser']</strong> – <strong>guard, Robbinsdale Armstrong –</strong> A three-level scorer and natural leader who makes her teammates better.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list -->