Boys' basketball preview: Apple Valley heads Star Tribune's top teams

1. Apple Valley

Three solid Division I prospects in three grades— 7-0 senior center Brock Bertram, 6-6 junior shooting guard Gary Trent Jr. and 6-2 sophomore point guard Tre Jones — manning three key positions. The Eagles have their sights set on the Class 4A title for the third time in four years.

2. Hopkins

A healthy Amir Coffey returns to join forces with three starters from the state tournament team of a year ago. The Royals will be explosive with many interchangeable parts. A veteran lineup paired with the third winningest coach, Ken Novak Jr., has no intention of finishing second.

3. Maple Grove

The Crimson probably have more pressure on them than any other team in the state. A talented group, in its prime, that has yet to reach the section championship game. Anything less than a trip to the Target Center will a major disappointment for the program.

4. Eden Prairie

5. Wayzata

This year mark a season the Trojans have been looking forward to for some time, coming off a 21-victory in season without a senior on their roster. "We return an experienced group who have played a lot of minutes together," Wayzata coach Bryan Schnettler said.

6. Champlin Park

Coach Mark Tuchscherer must replace six talented graduates from the state tournament runner-up team of a year ago. The Rebels feature two Division I prospects in juniors Theo John (6-9 center) and McKinley Wright (6-1 guard). Don't expect much of a drop-off.

7. Tartan

8. DeLaSalle (Class 3A)

The Islanders aren't as talented on the offensive end of the floor as their previous four state championship teams. The reason they remain a top-10 team in the metro is the way coach Dave Thorson's squad plays defense. This year will be no different.

9. Lakeville North

If the Panthers can add toughness to their repertoire, they could be making their fifth consecutive state tournament appearance in March. Coach John Oxton's squad will be long and athletic, with good shooters and plenty of depth.

10. Shakopee