2022-23 EMAC Preview

This is the second preview in the 2022-2023 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 (2021-22 season 3-10, 2-8 Conference, 7th)
The Eagles lose a handful of seniors.  Junior Kris Kirkland and sophomore Tim Williams return at the guard spots.  They look to provide most of the offense.

Avail Academy Valor (2021-22 season 19-8, 7-5 Conference, Tie 3rd)
Avail has to replace 3 of their top 4 scorers.  That includes guards Josiah Schaap and Josiah Loge.  They combined for over 32 PPG last season.  Forward Deacon Bock and his 10.7 PPG also needs to be replaced on the front line.  Junior Zachariah Schaap is the next family member in line to take over the team.  He should see a big jump from his 13.8 PPG last season.  Senior Brayden Ritzema is the other top returnee.  Junior guards Justin Kroeze and Alvin Karngar also return to the rotation.

Community of Peace Academy Tigers (2021-22 season 3-7, 5-17 Conference, 6th)
COPA only loses 1 player from last year's roster.  The Tigers return 4 double figure scorers with senior PG Bernard Taylor (14.6 PPG) leading the way. Senior Jah'cir Allen (10.1 PPG) and soph guard Julius Terrell (11.6 PPG) return to the starting lineup as well.  Forward Troy Madison (11.7 PPG) returns as an athletic front line anchor.

Groves Academy Griffins (2021-22 season 1-6, 3-9 Conference, 8th)
The Griffins are coming off a season where I had a chance to see their only league win.  That was a home come from behind win vs AFSA.  Limited firepower for this roster.

Hmong Academy Warriors (2021-22 season 4-8, 5-15 Conference, 5th)
Leading scorer Kyle Vang will need to be replaced.  Frosh Tou Win Yang and junior Damien Yang look to lead the offense.

Lakes International Language Academy Dragons (2020-21 season 3-15)
Forward Jake Fakler and guard Joe Navratil have graduated.  That means LILA loses their top 2 scorers.  Junior wing Connor Severson (14.6 PPG) is the lone double figure scorer coming back.  Juniors Carter Moore and Sam Kuhlman also return to the starting lineup.  No seniors return for this young roster but its full of juniors.

Liberty Classical Academy Lions (2021-22 season 21-7, 9-3 Conference, 2nd)
Guard Anton Romportl (13.3 PPG) and forward Trent Verbeek (17.3 PPG) lead the Lions squad.  Lucian Miles also returns to the starting lineup.  Guard Cameron Lacy (11.1 PPG) and power forward Daniel Kneen (11.2 PPG) are the 2 important pieces that need to be replaced.

Math and Science Academy Dragons (2021-22 season 21-7, 7-5 Conference, Tie 3rd)
Math and Science was one of the best stories nobody knew about last year as they jumped up to a 21 win season with a senior laden squad.  They start over this season.  But the cupboard isn't bare with junior Josh Balami leading the way.  Expect him to have a huge year and contend for league MVP honors.  The question will be how much help he has.

Predicted Order of Finish

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

Conference Overview
This will be a different year in the EMAC.  Lakes International Language Academy and Hiawatha swap spots between independent and EMAC status.  The schedule is a single round-robin only.  You won't have that 1 team that is ridiculously far ahead of the pack like Twin Cities Academy was a couple years ago and Hiawatha last year.  Avail and Liberty fill in their losses to claim top spots.  Community of Peace is talented enough to be near that but are they disciplined enough?  Josh Balami keeps Math and Science in the top half.  The rest fit logically into the bottom half with LILA being the best of that group.

Conference MVP: Josh Balami - Math and Science

Underclassmen to watch: 

• Jake Ritzema - Avail
• Julius Terrell - CPA 
• Tou Win Vang, Kaleb Yang - Hmong
  
• Mac Maring, Gabe Ndirangu, Oslo Norcross - LILA
  

Conference Games to Watch

• Liberty at Avail - Jan 5th
  

Non-Conference Games to Watch

• West Lutheran at Avail - Feb 16th