Every once in awhile a high school has a class of kids that completely excites a coach. Of course, at some schools it happens more than others. At Lakeville North that group was identified a long time ago and it’s the 2012 class. The players making up that class are South Dakota signed Tyler Flack, forward Brett Rasmussen, guard Devin Shockley, forward Ryan Saarela, point guard Trey Heid, and guard Joel Oxton. This group of Panthers won a dozen games last year and is ready to make a big step as seniors. They are a preseason top ten team.

One of North’s first early tests will be Champlin Park who never rebuilds they just reload the talent. Anthony Hill was the second leading scorer for the Rebels a year ago ago at 14.6 points per game and he’s back on the wing looking to put up around 20 a contest. Also returning from last year’s rotation is junior Trevor Garrison, the ultra athletic Michael Sales, and junior point guard Zach Johnson. North also needs to watch out for 6-foot-4 sophomore Matt Juneau who got a few minutes as a freshman and seems ready to make an impact this winter.

North will have the advantage in size and experience as the Rebels really don’t have the type of big and physical players who should be able to stop Flack and Rasmussen. However, the Rebels have a load of speed, which could give them an edge there. Shockley and Heid are solid athletes for North’s back court too.