2022-2023 Indianhead Conference Preview

Overview:

Appears to be a three horse race between Drummond, Hurley, and Solon Springs. Hurley returns their two best players from a State Tournament appearance (Eli Talsma - 20.8ppg & Dom Croci - 12.8ppg). Hurley also lost their two main interior players due to graduation, which might make it more difficult for Eli and Dom to get the shots they want. I think Solon Springs will give them a good run for their money, but I'm sticking with the experience of Hurley until proven otherwise. Solon Springs appears to have the depth to win the conference, mostly in their junior class (Isaiah Kastern - 1st-Team All-Conference & Dylan Taggert - 3rd-Team All-Conference) but they might still be a year away. Drummond always seems to be in the mix with their style of play, and they do return All-Conference select Alex Rasmussen. Washburn found a way to stay competitive last season and return their two All-Conference selections (Brenden Walson - 3rd-Team & Austin Barningham - HM) who should help the team win a few more games. South Shore struggled to stay at the top of the Indianhead while having the leading scorer in Wisconsin. The bright side for them is bringing back Carter Lulich who averaged 19.8ppg might be able to keep them at the top. Mellen doesn't return any All-Conference selections, but they play a style of basketball that always keeps them in the middle to upper part of the conference. I expected Lac Courte Oreilles to struggle last season, but they exceeded my expectations. Now they have a returning All-Conference selection in James Wilson (Honorable Mention) and would think they could move up a bit. Bayfield, Mercer, and Butternut round out the conference (all with no returning All-Conference selections).

Projections:

1. Hurley Northstars (2021-2022 season: 24-5 overall, 17-1 conference, 1st)

2. Solon Springs Eagles (2021-2022 season: 18-7 overall, 14-4 conference, 3rd)

3. Drummond LumberJacks (2021-2022 season: 20-4 overall, 14-3 conference, 2nd)

4. Washburn Castle Guards (2021-2022 season: 10-12 overall, 10-7 conference, 5th)

5. South Shore Cardinals (2021-2022 season: 17-9 overall, 13-4 conference, 4th)

6. Mellen Granite Diggers (2021-2022 season: 10-15 overall, 7-11 conference, 7th)

7. Lac Courte Oreilles Eagles (2021-2022 season: 4-20 overall, 3-15 conference, 8th)

8. Bayfield Trollers (2021-2022 season: 8-13 overall, 7-10 conference, 6th)

9. Mercer Tigers (2021-2022 season: 2-23 overall, 1-17 conference, 10th)

10. Butternut Midgets (2021-2022 season: 6-18 overall, 2-16 conference, 9th)

Sleeper: Drummond

Projected POY: Eli Talsma (Senior) - Hurley

Seniors to Watch:
Dominic Croci - Hurley

Carter Lulich - South Shore

Alex Rasmussen - Drummond

Tyler Runice - Drummond

Brenden Walson - Washburn

Conference Games to Watch:

12/15/2022 - Mellen @ Washburn

12/19/2022 - South Shore @ Solon Springs

1/27/2023 - Drummond @ Hurley

2/10/2023 - Drummond @ Solon Springs

2/17/2023 - Solon Springs @ Hurley

Non-Conference Games to Watch:
12/1/2022 - South Shore vs. Duluth Denfeld

12/1/2022 - Solon Springs @ Northwood

12/12/2022 - Bayfield @ Ashland

12/20/2022 - Cameron @ South Shore

12/22/2022 - Hurley @ Chequamegon