2021-22 EMAC Preview

This is the second preview in the 2021-2022 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 (2020-21 season 0-0, 0-0 Conference, 6th)
Did not play in 2020-21 season.

Avail Academy Valor (2020-21 season 11-9, 3-3 Conference, 3rd)
FEAR THE RHINO!  The Rhino needs to be aware of poachers this season.  4 starters have graduated from a very balanced lineup.  Senior wing Josiah Schaap (15.6 PPG) should be poised for a big season.  Senior guard Josiah Loge (16.1 PPG) will also be a major offensive option.  The rest of the roster will be very young and inexperienced.

Community of Peace Academy Tigers (2020-21 season 0-0, 0-0 Conference, 6th)
Did not play in 2020-21 season.

Groves Academy Griffins (2020-21 season 0-0, 0-0 Conference, 6th)
Did not play in 2020-21 season.

Hiawatha Colliegiate Wolves (2020-21 season 10-7, 5-2 Conference, 2nd)
Hiawatha returns their core of 4 juniors plus a senior to the starting lineup.  PG Jessye Lewis (21.2 PPG) runs the show and creates the offense.  Romelle Bell (15.6 PPG) is a versatile forward.  Guard Mohamud Doud (15.2 PPG) gives them a 3 point threat.  Jaheim Houts moving to Minneapolis South costs them a bouncy option on the front line.  Plenty of depth experience returns too.

Hmong Academy Warriors (2020-21 season 0-0, 0-0 Conference, 6th)
Did not play in 2020-21 season.

Liberty Classical Academy Lions (2020-21 season 5-13, 1-7 Conference, 5th)
John Towle moves up the street from an assistant gig at White Bear Lake to take over the program.  Senior guard Cameron Lacy (12.6 PPG) and junior forward Trent Verbeek (15.3 PPG) are the main offensive options.  Juniors Joshua Louis, Sam Buum, John Pedro and Lucian Miles all saw time last season along with seniors Daniel Kneen and Joe Mandell.

Math and Science Academy Dragons (2020-21 season 3-7, 1-3 Conference, 4th)
The Dragons got a late start to last season but still got in 10 games.  Senior guards Brady Sahr and Dylan Goff return to lead the offense.  Soph wing Josh Balami is another threat on that end.  Ayman Elhassan returns as the most experienced interior player.

Predicted Order of Finish

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

Conference Overview
Defending champion United Christian returns to the MCAA.  Twin Cities Academy remains an independent.  That leaves Hiawatha as the overwhelming favorite here.  They would have won the league title last season if not for a home buzzer beater loss to United Christian in a winner take all game.  Is this the year where they take the next step?  Behind them, I see a group of 3 or 4 teams in any order.  Avail, M&S and Liberty all have a couple of players but questions beyond that.  The other 4 teams by default go to the bottom.  Community of Peace had some young players coming up so we'll take them next by default.  The other 3 stay at the bottom until otherwise proven.

Conference MVP: Jessye Lewis - Hiawatha

Underclassmen to watch: 

• Josh Balami - Math & Science
• Zachariah Schaap, Alvin Karngar - Avail
  

Conference Games to Watch

• Hiawatha at Avail - Dec 6th
• Avail at Hiawatha - Jan 20th

Non-Conference Games to Watch

• Kaleidoscope at Avail - Dec 17th
  
• Hope at Avail - Jan 21st