The Wright County Conference East Division is one of many kicking off league play this week, and starting with a win could be crucial for any team hoping to emerge from the historically tight group.
Orono (7-5) finished atop of the division last season and has started this year well, despite being only two games above .500. The No. 6-3A Spartans have lost only to ranked teams, including No. 1-1A Cretin-Derham Hall (77-76 on Dec. 9), No. 2-4A Hopkins (94-86 on Jan. 9) and No. 1-2A Minnehaha Academy (53-50 on Dec. 30). Orono has shown it can keep games close and hang with some of the most talented teams in the state.
Jarvis Thomas Omersa (20.2 ppg, 12.3 rpg), a Minnesota commit, leads the Spartans and, at 6-foot-8, could pose a serious matchup issue for Holy Family Catholic.
The Fire have been on a hot streak since early December; they have not lost a game since Dec. 9. Holy Family Catholic (11-2) hasn't quite played the level of competition as Orono, but if the Fire can defeat No. 10-2A Byron on Monday, they will be coming into this matchup as winners of 10 straight and confidence will be soaring.
Senior guards Lincoln Cizek (21.1 ppg) and Nathan Hendler (19.6 ppg) will be the main thrust of the offense, and a good game from both should give Holy Family Catholic more than a fighting chance to take down last season's conference champions.