When a team's best player goes down to injury, the mood in the locker room can be glum. So when Lakeville North 6-6 forward and South Dakota recruit Tyler Flack broke a wrist before the season even started, the boys mourned.

But it didn't last too long.

"We were obviously sad at first, but we think in the long run that it will help us," senior forward Ryan Saarela said. "People will have to step up in place of him, and then when he comes out, we'll be better because of it."

Two weeks ago, Flack was undercut while trying to block a shot, and his left wrist broke the fall, coach John Oxton said. He will continue to be in a cast for approximately a week and a half before wearing a brace for another week and a half. Oxton said he believes Flack will return shortly after that, and the transition will be seamless. Flack, who averaged 11.2 points per game last season, still can run and shoot -- he's right-handed -- at practice.

Also missing from the lineup is senior guard Devin Shockley, who averaged 7.2 points per game last season. Shockley is serving a suspension and will be eligible to return Dec. 22.

It certainly hasn't affected the Panthers in the win column. Lakeville North has begun the season 3-0, and looked particularly good in a 63-50 victory over Champlin Park at the Breakdown Tip-Off Classic on Saturday in Minnetonka.

One of those reasons is the improved play of Saarela, who's averaging 18.3 points per game. Saarela is a 6-5 senior who can play small forward or power forward, creating mismatches and providing versatility for a team looking to fill a hole. He saw plenty of varsity time last season, but he grew three inches since then and feels much more comfortable on the floor.

"A very underrated player," Oxton said of Saarela. "Nobody knows about him, and he's had just an unbelievable year thus far."

Oxton might want to keep Saarela a secret among high school coaches this year but strongly believes he can play at the next level.

"I hope he keeps flying under the radar because he's pretty good, but I want college coaches to know about him so he can go somewhere and play, which I know he will," Oxton said.

But Saarela is only one piece to the Panthers' puzzle. Brett Rasmussen has improved immensely. He brings a strong post presence and is averaging 17.3 points per game. Guards Shockley, Trey Heid and Joel Oxton also bring senior leaderships and experience.

As far as chemistry goes? The Panthers have that covered. This group of seniors has found plenty of success on the basketball court growing up together.

"We all get along great, on and off the court," Saarela said. "We've been playing together since sixth grade. That's a long time."

They also have a few juniors in the mix -- guard Zach Creighton has averaged 10 points per game. Grant Erickson and Kyrell Newell also are seeing playing time. It has given the Panthers more options and tremendous depth.

"We just think as we go here, we've got a very bright future," Oxton said.

Lakeville North finished 12-14 last season, falling to Lakeville South in the section opener. This group's potential -- especially with the return of Flack -- is much higher.

"Our expectation is a state championship," Saarela said.