2020-21 EMAC Preview

This is the second preview in the 2020-2021 season preview series.  I continue the opening week of previews with small schools.  In this preview, a look at the Eastern Minnesota Athletic Conference.  For a list of all the season previews and how they are done, click here.

Academy for Sciences and Agriculture Eagles (2019-20 season 1-22, 0-17 Conference, 10th)
Forwards Jake Colestock and Nate Lundy were the main offensive pieces.  They graduated so the Eagles will have to find offense elsewhere.

Avail Academy Valor (2019-20 season 14-13, 9-8 Conference, 5th)
The entire roster returns which is all the reason I need to say FEAR THE RHINO!  Wings Joey Ritzema and Josiah Schapp lead the way for a balanced lineup.  Ritzema does all the dirty work plays in addition to his team leading scoring average.

Community of Peace Academy Tigers (2019-20 season 9-18, 8-10 Conference, Tie 6th)
There's only 1 notable graduation loss for the Tigers.  Osa Osasumwen (12 PPG) and Chris Williams take care of the paint.  Angel Sanchez (12.8 PPG) provides scoring punch on the wing.  Plenty of guard experience returns as well.  Tyrel Green's return at the point guard (only listed in 7 games last year) would be a major difference.  Lots of guard experience returns but much of it is young.

Groves Academy Griffins (2019-20 season 6-21, 3-15 Conference, 9th)
Center Alfie Galle (18.5 PPG) and PG Gabe Gordon (10.1 PPG) are major losses from the Griffins lineup.  They were most of the offense.  Sophs Emory Harden and Abraham Rossinow are youngsters looking at bigger roles.  Senior Daniel Schoenfelder and juniors Nick Lang and Danny Berthoud return to the starting lineup.

Hiawatha Colliegiate Wolves (2019-20 season 18-8, 12-5 Conference, 4th)
The Wolves talented sophomore group looks to take another step this season.  With only 1 senior graduating, that would not be a surprise.  PG Jessye Lewis, W Romelle Bell and F Jaheim Houts make up a dangerous trio.  Lewis makes the offense go with his 24.2 PPG.  Lots of high pick and roll for him to create for himself and others.

Hmong Academy Warriors (2019-20 season 4-18, 3-14 Conference, 8th)
Leading scorer Elijah Vang graduates.  Wing Calvin Yang should pick up much of that scoring slack after averaging 12.5 PPG last season.  Weelai Vang averaged 8.3 PPG and is a quality distributor in the lineup.

Liberty Classical Academy Lions (2019-20 season 17-10, 13-5 Conference, 3rd)
Liberty has to replace most of their rotation.  That includes F Thomas Conroy's 28 and 16 per night and SG Ben Horn.  Horn was also a double figure scorer.  Junior Cameron Lacy (11.3 PPG) and soph Trent Verbeek are the new main options. It will be a young and largely inexperienced lineup.

Math and Science Academy Dragons (2019-20 season 11-14, 8-10 Conference, Tie 6th)
Junior guards Dylan Goff and Brady Sahr return to lead the Dragons.  Nate Stephen provides another guard option.  The front line is a question with the losses of Charlie Eng and Jagar Hansen.

Twin Cities Academy/Great River Tigers (2019-20 season 25-3, 18-0 Conference, 1st)
AK Avwunuma will be a major loss inside after putting up 14.8 PPG last year.  But the Tigers are still loaded on the perimeter.  Juniors Carmello and Carrington McNeal return in the backcourt.  Both averaged double figures last year.  Seniors Tre-Vionne Allen and Ibrahima Diagne also return.  

United Christian Academy Thunder (2019-20 season 17-11, 14-4 Conference, 2nd)
The Thunder have to replace 3 guards who combined for over 35 PPG last year.  That consisted of most of their shooting.  That will be sorely missed for forward Zach Corley.  Corley is the top big man in the league.  He averaged 14.7 PPG and 12.4 RPG last year.  20+ and 15+ this season would not be a shock.  Lengthy lefty Jonah Anderson returns to the starting lineup.  Micah Rich and Kaeden Kotula also return to the rotation.

Predicted Order of Finish

1. Hiawatha Academy
2. Avail Academy
3. Community of Peace 
4. United Christian Academy 
5. Math and Science 
6. Liberty Christian Academy
7. Hmong Academy
8. Groves Academy
9. AFSA

Conference Overview
I'm told that Hmong Academy and AFSA won't be playing this year.  But just in case, I've included them here for completeness.  Twin Cities Academy/Great River is now an independent.  So much for my prediction that last year's race would be close.  Twin Cities Academy steamrolled their way through an undefeated league season with an average score of 87-42.

Hiawatha is the clear best of the rest, but they'll have to defend much better, particularly in transition.  Avail and Community of Peace both return plenty and should battle for the next spot.  United Christian falls off but with Zach Corley inside they can't drop too far.   Math and Science and Liberty Classical will try to give them a run for that final spot in the top half.  Then a drop off to the final 3 with Hmong Academy being the best of the rest.  Groves and AFSA battle to stay out of the cellar.

Conference MVP: Jessye Lewis - Hiawatha

Underclassmen to watch: 

• Bernard Taylor, Noah Chang, Jah'cir Allen, Se'vione Wilson - Community of Peace
• Emory Harden, Abraham Rossinow - Groves
• Jessye Lewis, Jaheim Houts, Romelle Bell - Hiawatha
• Trent Verbeek - Liberty

Conference Games to Watch

• Hiawatha at Avail - Jan 21st
• Avail at Hiawatha - Feb 22nd

Non-Conference Games to Watch

• Twin Cities Academy/Great River at Hiawatha - Dec 4th
• Hiawatha vs CHOF - Dec 22nd
  
• St. Croix Prep at Twin Cities Academy/Great River - Jan 19th
• Twin Cities Academy/Great River at Cristo Rey - Feb 2nd