Rochester Mayo and Mankato East finished in the middle of the Big 9 conference last season, and if either are going to take the title from Rochester John Marshall, early conference wins will be a must.
The Spartans (1-1, 0-1) field a young roster, with sophomore Gabe Madsen leading the team in scoring (16 ppg) after losing their top five scorers from last year's team. That much turnover can force a team into a rebuilding year, but it also provides the opportunity for young talent to develop quickly and turn a rebuild into a successful season.
Mankato East (2-0, 1-0) has the benefit of returning both senior Damani Hayes and sophomore Jax Madson, the only players on the team to average more than 10 points a game last season, with Hayes averaging 19.7 and Madson averaging 11.7.
The combination of Hayes' senior experience and Madson's burgeoning talent gives the No. 6-3A Cougars the enviable ability to grow a young core in the company of proven players.
After splitting results last year, this early contest between a revamped squad and a combination of youth and experienced leadership will serve as a good early measuring stick for both sides.