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2020-21 IMAC Preview

This is the 5th preview in my 2020-2021 season preview series.  Week 1 of the 2020-21 Season Preview Series ends with a look at the Independent Metro Athletic Conference (IMAC).  For a list of all the season previews and how they are done, click here.

Blake Bears (2019-20 season 22-6, 8-1 Conference, 2nd)
The 3 amigos for Blake have become the 4 amigos.  Jasper Liu, Gabe Ganz, Rob Grace and Theo Liu all averaged double figures last year.  Frosh Grayson Okoronkwo is the only other returnee of note for a thin rotation. There's no size but they run good sets and can really shoot it which is why they're so dangerous.

Breck Mustangs (2019-20 season 7-20, 3-6 Conference, 5th)
The Mustangs return their top 2 scorers from a year ago.  PG Jaren Morton and wing Jimmy Koch both averaged 14.2 PPG.  Sophs Waziri Lawal and Will Walker to return to the rotation.  They'll see increased roles with 4 members of the rotation graduating.

Minnehaha Academy Redhawks (2019-20 season 25-3, 3-0 Conference, 1st)
Its not often you can lose 4 division 1 athletes and still be a nationally ranked state favorite, but that's the story for the Redhawks.  PG Jalen Suggs is off to Gonzaga.  Kaden Johnson and Terry Lockett are off to high major football.  Wing Demarion Watson-Saulsberry transferred to Totino-Grace.  But when you still have the top senior in the nation in Chet Holmgren (14 PPG), a high major wing in Prince Aligbe (10.6 PPG) and a high major point guard in Hercy Miller (8.4 PPG), its not hard to understand.  The impact that Holmgren's shot blocking has on the game is something to behold.  That's above and beyond the ridiculous offensive skill set he has.  Sharpshooter Donovan Smith, wing Isaiah Davis and forward Chase Carter will be the very talented supporting cast.

Mounds Park Academy Panthers (2019-20 season 5-19, 0-8 Conference, 6th)
Head coach Jake Schwartz moved on to Minnesota Prep Academy.  Rich Harris has just been announced as his late replacement.  Leading scorer Shane Fruchterman (9.2 PPG) and center Alec Nicoski need to be replaced.  Frosh PG Jay Green returns to the starting lineup and gives the Panthers a piece to build around.  Seniors Dhruv Muppidi and Hunter Erickson also return.

Providence Academy Lions (2019-20 season 12-15, 5-4 Conference, 3rd)
3 of the top 5 scorers including guard Jacob Halek and forward Sean Rocheford have graduated.  Juniors Jimmy Fafinski (7.7 PPG) and Liam Carney (7.4 PPG) lead the returnees.  Baeddan Ongori returns to man the middle.  Paul Pellgrene returns at the point.  There's experience but not much firepower on offense.

St. Paul Academy Spartans (2019-20 season 16-10, 4-4 Conference, 4th)
Guard Adam Holod (22.3 PPG) returns to lead the offense.  The rest of the starters need to be replaced.  Gregory Forsberg, Brandt Baskerville (4.7 PPG) and Clarke Baskerville are all juniors that should see plenty of time.

Predicted Order of Finish
  1. Minnehaha
  2. Blake
  3. Providence   
  4. Breck
  5. St. Paul Academy 
  6. Mounds Park Academy 
Conference Overview
Minnehaha and Blake are clear favorites to be 1 and 2.  Mounds Park finishes at the back of the pack.  The middle is jumbled with 3 mediocre teams that could go in any order.  SPA goes in the 5th spot for me because of having to replace everything around Adam Holod.  Providence and Breck is a coin flip that I give to Providence due to 2 head to head wins last season.  A couple of fun scheduling quirks.  Blake is the only team with home games against every other team in the league.  Breck is the only team with road games against every other team in the league.  The league has a partnership with the Skyline and Twin Cities Academy for non-conference games.  

Conference MVP: Chet Holmgren - Minnehaha

Underclassmen to watch:  
  • Grayson Okoronkwo - Blake
  • Waziri Lawal, Will Walker - Breck 
  • Mercy Miller - Minnehaha
  • Jay Green - Mounds Park Academy
Conference Games to Watch
  • Minnehaha at Blake - Feb 25th
 Non-Conference Games to Watch
  • Mound-Westonka at Blake - Dec 11th
  • Chaska at Minnehaha - Dec 15th
  • Hopkins at Minnehaha - Dec 17th
  • Cristo Rey at Blake - Dec 18th
  • Minneapolis North at Minnehaha- Dec 30th
  • Waseca at Minnehaha - Jan 2nd
  • Blake at St. Croix Prep - Jan 14th
  • Wayzata at Minnehaha - Feb 4th

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