2022-23 IMAC Preview

This is the 5th preview in my 2022-2023 season preview series.  I conclude week 1 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 (2021-22 season 20-7, 6-3 Conference, 3rd)
Lefty wing Theo Liu and his 20.4 PPG is a major piece to replace.  Junior guard Grayson Okoronkwo (19.9 PPG) will carry the offense.  Junior Dane Borene (5.6 PPG) and soph Ian Schnabel lead the front line along with Jack Griffin.  Sophs Kris Baker (7.7 PPG) and Drew Dillon will be important perimeter pieces.

Breck Mustangs (2021-22 season 11-16, 3-6 Conference, tie 4th)
Former Apple Valley player Harry Sonie takes over the program.  Senior forwards Waziri Lawal (14.5 PPG) and Will Walker (14 PPG) make up a strong front line with junior Kevin Armstrong (10.5 PPG).  Plenty of youth to go with them.  Sophs Teddy Koch and Miles Newton and frosh DeAngelo Dungey saw plenty of time.  Frosh JP Musoke transfers in after being a major piece at Eagle Ridge last season. The shooting of Jimmy Koch (13.7 PPG) will be missed.

Minnehaha Academy Redhawks (2021-22 season 19-11, 4-0 Conference, 1st)
Boston College commit Prince Aligbe and his 29.4 PPG need to be replaced.  He was a monster after PG Mercy Miller departed mid-season.  At that point the Redhawks went with a youth movement with everybody else coming back.  Senior Leroy Barnes is the lone double figure scorer coming back (10.3 PPG).  Rolyns Aligbe anchors the interior with his 7.8 PPG.  Point guards Jerome Williams (16.2 PPG at Mpls South) and Lorenzo Levy (20.3 PPG at Concordia) transfer in.  They can both run the show or knock down shots off the ball.

Mounds Park Academy Panthers (2021-22 season 3-19, 0-8 Conference, 6th)
The Panthers return their entire roster from last sesaon.  They are led by a trio of junior guards.  Trey Kent-Landrum (17.1 PPG) and Micah Hudock (15.1 PPG) are the shooting guards.  Jay Green (6.7 PPG) runs the point.  Gabe Messner is the top returnee on the front line at 6.9 PPG.

Providence Academy Lions (2021-22 season 20-9, 8-1 Conference, 2nd)
Providence needs to replace its 3 double figure scorers from last year.  Guards Jimmy Fafinski and Liam Carney combined for 32.5 PPG.  They also lose the inside outside threat of big man Mark McCarthy (13.4 PPG).  Senior forwards Alvin Mokua (8.8 PPG) and Dylan Perrill (8 PPG) are the top returnees.  Limited experience returns after those 2.  Luke Wachholz is the top returning guard.

St. Paul Academy Spartans (2021-22 season 16-10, 3-6 Conference, tie 4th)
SPA loses 4 starters.  That includes their 2 starting forwards and top 2 scorers at the guards spots. Twin shooters Brandt and Clarke Baskerville combined for over 28 PPG last season.  Junior wings Ethan Carter (12.2 PPG) and Tysen Hayes (10.1 PPG) will be the top options for the Spartans.  Soph forward Nathan Rock should see plenty of front court minutes.

Predicted Order of Finish

1. Minnehaha
2. Breck
   
3. Blake
4. St. Paul Academy  
   
5. Providence   
6. Mounds Park Academy 

Conference Overview
Minnehaha is still the heavy favorite here.  Breck clearly the most talented of the rest.  Blake and SPA will battle for the 3rd spot.  Providence too inexperienced to break thru that.  Mounds Park Academy continues to rebuild.

Conference MVP: Jerome Williams - Minnehaha

Underclassmen to watch:  

• Kris Baker, Ian Schnabel, Drew Dillon - Blake
• Teddy Koch, Miles Newton, DeAngelo Dungey, JP Musoke - Breck
• Fitta Jafar, Marcus Horton, George Norsman- Minnehaha
  
• Adnaan Said - Mounds Park Academy
  
• Nathan Rock - St. Paul Academy
  

Conference Games to Watch

• Breck at Minnehaha - Dec 9th
• Minnehaha at Breck - Jan 27th
  

 Non-Conference Games to Watch

• Cherry at Minnehaha - Dec 17th
• Breck at Holy Family - Jan 10th
  
• Mahtomedi at Minnehaha - Jan 14th
• Minnehaha at Holy Family - Jan 16th
• Hiawatha at Minnehaha - Jan 17th
• Minnehaha vs New Life - Jan 21st at Hiawatha
  
• Breck at New Life - Mar 3rd