Outlook: This balanced conference had five of six teams reach a Class A regional championship last year. Hales Franciscan has lost only one conference game in four years, but St. Gregory and Providence-St. Mel have the talent to challenge.
Top players: Hales Franciscan F-C Barry Johnson, 6-5, sr.; St. Gregory F-C Donny Cooper, 6-6, sr., G Foster Moore, 6-2, sr.; Providence-St. Mel G Bakari Autman, 6-6, sr., F Tim West, 6-6, sr.; Holy Trinity F William Matlock, 6-1, sr.; St. Benedict G David Sharkey, 5-11, sr.; Quigley G Rigel Ventura, 6-0, jr.
Quotable: Holy Trinity coach Tim Bopp: “(St. Gregory’s) Donny Cooper is a great player. I see him as the difference. He can shoot, run, handle the ball, and at 6-6, he can look over the top of your defense.”
Key games: Hales Franciscan at Thornton, Dec. 9.
Defending champion: Hales
Predicted finish: Hales, St. Gregory, Providence-St. Mel, Holy Trinity, St. Benedict, Quigley
