Running the point for EP will be junior Drake Dobbs. Dobbs is one of the most competitive and tough guards in the whole state, and the energy he brings to the floor translates to his teammates. He is willing to compete with anyone in the state, and when his shot is hitting he has the chance to outplay anyone. One example of that ability is when he dropped 39 points against #2 ranked Hopkins last season, almost single-handily bringing his team back with his second half performance. (Highlights from that game will be linked on his name). Formerly known as just a shooter, Drake now brings a complete game to the point guard spot for EP, and will be a tough cover for anyone in the state.
Outside of Dobbs, the Eagles feature a plethora of talented forwards led by Austin Andrews. Andrews plays the role of an undersized center at 6'6, but what he lacks in height at the position, he makes up for with his footwork and crafty finishing. He has no fear taking on taller defenders in the post, and does well to get them in the air with pump-fakes leading to easy lay-ins. He put up 18 ppg as a sophomore, an impressive number considering the amount of talented bigs he went up against (Oturu, Nnaji, and Hedstrom to name a few). He'll continue to give EP high level production this season.
A pair of wing forwards in Connor Christensen and John Henry keep the depth flowing. Christensen at 6'6 contributes well on both ends of the floor as both a high level defender and a solid scorer. He averaged 11.6 ppg as a sophomore and had some good performances at the state tournament. His aggressive play will help contribute to a lethal Eden Prairie offense. John Henry is another dangerous offensive threat. The 6'5 lefty has a sweet stroke from outside which really helps to spread the floor. He split time both starting and coming off the bench as a sophomore, where he was an instant spark of offense. He averaged about 12 ppg including four games of 20+ points.
New to the Eagles will be junior forward Ariel Bland. Ariel was originally from Minnesota but had been going to high school and South Carolina. Transferring back for his junior year, he will add another weapon to an already dangerous team. At 6'6 he brings good height and some added athleticism to the team. He makes Eden Prairie a very long team with the potential to start four players at 6'5+ who are all mobile and skilled.
Speaking of length, junior Lukas Dunford returns at 6'7 to provide rebounding and interior defense. Brenden Donohue also saw some time at guard as a sophomore, and will provide some backcourt depth to a forward-heavy team. Other contributing roles will be up for grabs as EP will welcome in more youth and some call ups from last years JV team.
Eden Prairie made a statement last year that they can beat anyone, and could be heading into this season as the team to beat in Class AAAA. Though they don't have any true center height, they have a well rounded length to their team. They'll have a good chance to win the highly competitive Lake Conference, and roll with that momentum into a long state tournament run.
Predicted Regular Season Record: 23-3
Predicted Scoring Leaders: Drake Dobbs 20 ppg
Austin Andrews 18 ppg
John Henry 14 ppg
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