Conference Previews: Tri-Metro

DeLaSalle has held firm control and bragging rights atop the Tri-Metro for the past few seasons. But with a few heavy hitters lost to graduation, the door might finally be cracked open for someone else to make a move. This conference has long been known for its toughness, rivalries, and tradition – where every game feels like a playoff atmosphere. Expect a few surprises this year as new names emerge and familiar ones fight to stay on top. Stay tuned as we unpack what should be another entertaining Tri-Metro season.   FAVORITES   DeLaSalle   As mentioned above, the Islanders have maintained a strong hold on the Tri-Metro and aren't in any hurry to let up. Despite losing key contributors to graduation, including Aneisha Scott (Richmond), DeLaSalle returns a talented and experienced group. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='478363' first='Maddy' last='Blaylark'], whose leadership and shooting were sorely missed last season due to injury, is healthy and ready to roll. Fellow senior [player_tooltip player_id='1377567' first='Naomi' last='Whittaker-Hill'] brings the energy, hustle, and grit that define this program. [player_tooltip player_id='992385' first='Anaya' last='Shaffa'], the ultra-quick guard, will look to fill Scott's shoes while balancing her scoring and playmaking responsibilities. Juniors [player_tooltip player_id='667778' first='Laila' last='Moses'] and [player_tooltip player_id='529334' first='Isa' last='Griefenhagen'] round out a well-balanced lineup – Moses with her perimeter shooting and finishing ability, and Griefenhagen as the glue player who does it all. The Islanders remain the favorite, but life after Scott will test their depth as they chase a fourth straight trip to the big dance.   Holy Angels   The Stars finished 19-8 overall last season and return a core that's capable of making some noise in the Tri-Metro. Leading the way is senior [player_tooltip player_id='455051' first='Vivian' last='Carter'], one of the more versatile players in the conference. At 6'0, she can score inside, stretch the floor, and defend multiple positions. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='876895' first='Erin' last='Spence'] brings leadership and toughness, doing a little bit of everything for the Stars. [player_tooltip player_id='918321' first='Kacia' last='Caron'], another returning senior, provides steady guard play and is more than capable of creating her own offense, whether it's off the bounce or on the block using her 5'10 frame to her advantage. Add in sophomore guard [player_tooltip player_id='992383' first='Allie' last='Lima'], a developing scorer with quickness and range, and Holy Angels has balance at all levels. The Stars will lean on experience and chemistry to stay competitive in what should be a tightly contested conference race. If they defend and rebound consistently, they'll be in the mix late in the season.   CONTENDERS   St. Anthony   The Huskies finished 9-7 in conference play last season and lost two key pieces to graduation – Leilani Abraham (Cal State–Dominguez Hills) and Stella Timmons. Returning is a senior-laden group anchored by [player_tooltip player_id='589277' first='Greta' last='Schumann'], whose shot-blocking and rebounding make her a force inside. When she's aggressive offensively, Schumann becomes a true two-way presence opponents must account for. Senior guards Maiyah Allen, [player_tooltip player_id='773422' first='Rebecca' last='Nelson'], and [player_tooltip player_id='647823' first='Kacie' last='Lesinski'] round out a veteran core that carried a big load last year. Allen and Lesinski handle the ball and attack the paint, creating scoring chances for themselves or kick-outs to Nelson, whose jumper is as smooth as they come. Nelson also uses her strength to punish smaller defenders in the post. Defensively, St. Anthony isn't afraid to mix it up, throwing different looks to disrupt rhythm. The Huskies have the experience and grit to make life difficult for anyone in the Tri-Metro.   Richfield   Coach Desmond Walker's goal is simple – win the conference. But after losing top-tier talent like Desirai Chappell (Kirkwood CC) and Aniiya Johnson (Iowa Lakes CC), he knows it won't be easy. One of the leaders of the attack will be sophomore guard [player_tooltip player_id='969766' first='Iona' last='MacNabb'](pictured above), who's had a strong preseason and looks ready to take another step. Freshman [player_tooltip player_id='1264768' first='Zuri' last='Hayes'] adds size at 5'10” and gives the Spartans a versatile inside-out option on both ends of the floor. Junior guard Ania Laduke will also play a key role with her defense, rebounding, and ability to score when needed. Richfield's defensive intensity has long been its trademark, and if this group buys in the way Walker expects, the Spartans have every chance to challenge for the Tri-Metro crown.   DARK HORSE   Visitation   You don't replace a player like Sam Wills (Harvard), who led the Blazers in nearly every major category last season. For Visitation to stay in the mix in a tough conference, others will need to step up. Senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='502596' first='Kiersti' last='Joerger'] looks more than ready for the challenge. She's a confident shooter who doesn't settle – able to take smaller guards to the block and score in a variety of ways. At 6'0, junior post [player_tooltip player_id='815121' first='Marie' last='Jacobson'] continues to make strides and gives the Blazers a solid presence in the paint on both ends. Visitation will need additional contributors to emerge if they want to push for the conference crown, but with Joerger's leadership and Jacobson's growth inside, they've got the foundation to compete. Don't count them out – the Blazers could surprise some people this season.   OTHER PLAYERS TO WATCH:   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='1311723' first='Samira' last='Peters'] – guard, Columbia Heights – Peters has all the tools to be special. Once she locks in and puts it all together, look out because she's got the ability to take over games. </li>   <li>[player_tooltip player_id='644101' first='Samira' last='Taylor'] – guard, DeLaSalle – Like the aforementioned Peters, Taylor has all the tools – length, athleticism, and skill. Once that motor fully kicks in, she has the potential to be one of the conference's breakout players. </li>   <li>[player_tooltip player_id='1262873' first='Zoey' last='Smith'] – guard, Robbinsdale Cooper – The Hawks will be young this season and will lean on the senior to help them through some growing pains. She's talented, steady, and experienced enough to guide this group and keep them competitive. </li>   <li>Slayia Hambrick – guard, Robbinsdale Cooper – Just a 7th grader, Hambrick will have a great opportunity to step in right away for the upstart Hawks. She's one of the young guns expected to take the reins early and gain valuable experience against tough competition.</li> </ul>

DeLaSalle has held firm control and bragging rights atop the Tri-Metro for the past few seasons. But with a few heavy hitters lost to graduation, the door might finally be cracked open for someone else to make a move. This conference has long been known for its toughness, rivalries, and tradition – where every game feels like a playoff atmosphere. Expect a few surprises this year as new names emerge and familiar ones fight to stay on top. Stay tuned as we unpack what should be another entertaining Tri-Metro season.