2022-23 MCAA Preview

This is the third preview in my 2022-23 season preview series.  We continue the conference previews  with a look at the Minnesota Classic Athletic Association (MCAA).  For a list of all the season previews and how they are done, click here.

Eagle Ridge Academy Gryphons (2021-22 season 16-12, 8-6 Conference, 4th)
The Gryphons have to replace the graduates Soren Habel along with twins Cade and Hunter LaFavor.  Promising freshman JP Musoke has transferred to Breck for another major loss.  That crew averaged over 45 PPG.  That leaves junior Teddy Relan (9.7 PPG) as the only 1 of the 5 top scores from last year coming back.  Seniors Michael Crowley and Aiden Ortmeier return to the rotation.

Heritage Christian Academy Eagles (2021-22 season 7-15, 5-9 Conference, 5th)
Coach Tim Herman went with a young roster of no seniors last season.  The top 4 scorers were all freshmen and return to the starting lineup.  Guard Josh Sokeye (11.1 PPG) and forward Abu Tarawallie (9.8 PPG) were the leading scorers.  James Wicht, Liam Berry and Jonathan Mayhew provide senior experience in the rotation.

Legacy Christian Academy Lions (2021-22 season 19-10, 10-4 Conference, 3rd)
Legacy returns the entire rotation and should be poised for a great season.  Forward Aiden Johnson (22 PPG, 14 RPG) is one of the top players in class A.  The guard duo of PG J Wuollet (9.1 PPG) and SG Micah Strand (14.8 PPG 80 3s) is a perfect fit for their offense.  Then you have solid role guys in Dominic Zoa (11 PPG), Solomon Kardell, Drew Mulvihill and Evan Bovee.

North Lakes Academy Huskies (2021-22 season 8-19, 3-11 Conference, 7th)
The Huskies lose 1 notable rotation piece in starting forward Brayden Dickey (5.4 PPG).  Their 2 offensive stars do return though.  That's senior forward Jonathan Ozment (21.2 PPG) and Caleb Jensen (18 PPG). Guards Kenan Zenkic (5.2 PPG), Reide Strand, Devan Somers and Drew Christian also return to the lineup.

PACT Charter Panthers (2021-22 season 8-20, 4-10 Conference, 6th)
PACT returns their top 2 scorers from a year ago.  Juniors Victor Nyabuto (16.8 PPG) and Micah Givand (12.4 PPG).  Tucker Kapas and Landon Bjokne also return to the rotation.  The 2 tallest players from last year have graduated so they'll need to find answers inside.

Spectrum Sting (2021-22 season 20-7, 13-1 Conference, Tie 1st)
Tom Terhaar takes over the program.  He was an assistant at Forest Lake last season. Titus Skistad, Carter Femrite and Landon Siegel combined for 43.7 PPG last season.  Replacing them will be the 1st task.  Forward Noah Miller is the leading returning scorer at 9.4 PPG.  Junior PG Beck Guse (3.5 PPG) also returns to the starting lineup.  Junior Blake Femrite (6 PPG) should see a much increased role this season. Ethan Mielke should help replace some of the lost size.

United Christian Academy Thunder (2021-22 season 2-20, 0-14 Conference, 8th)
The Thunder were another team that went young last season.  Josiah Hendley (15 PPG) and Sam Rich (8.8 PPG) were 1st and 3rd on the team in scoring as 8th graders last season.  Seniors Micaiah Miller (10.4 PPG) and Mitch Jensen (4.9 PPG) also return to the starting lineup.

West Lutheran Warriors (2021-22 season 19-8, 13-1 Conference, tie 1st)
West Lutheran's guard play was the major key last season.  PG Thomas Bursch (8.2 PPG) returns along with wings Isaiah Ronning (20.7 PPG) and Matt Koosman (9.7 PPG).  They'll miss the toughness and clutch play of wing Christian Schmidt (13.2 PPG).  The lineup is small so anything they get inside will be a major bonus.

Predicted Order of Finish

1. Legacy 
   
2. West Lutheran 
   
3. Spectrum
   
4. Heritage
5. PACT
   
6. Eagle Ridge
7. North Lakes
8. United Christian 
   

Conference Overview
With a youth movement last year, you'll see improvement in the league this year.  Legacy is the easy favorite here.  West Lutheran is an easy pick for 2nd but they don't have a big to match Aiden Johnson.  Then it drops off.  Spectrum has to replace their coach and 3 double figure scorers but there's still enough there to stay in the top half.  Heritage and PACT will push them with their top players returning.  Eagle Ridge has too much to replace to stay in the top half.  North Lakes and United Christian will be better with lots coming back but nowhere else to put them.

Conference MVP: Aiden Johnson - Legacy

Underclassmen to watch: 

• Oliver Kelash - Eagle Ridge
• Josh Sokeye, Abu Tarawallie, Jonah Moulton, Owen Haag - Heritage
• Evan Bovee, Drew Mulvihill, Hudson Strand, Carson Anderson, Solomon Kardell - Legacy
  
• Josiah Hendley, Sam Rich, Jeremiah McDougal - United Christian
  

Conference Games to Watch

• West Lutheran at Legacy - Dec 12th
• Legacy at West Lutheran - Jan 31st
  

Non-Conference Games to Watch

• Cass Lake-Bena at Legacy - Dec 5th
• Mountain Iron-Buhl at Legacy - Dec 17th
  
• Legacy vs New Life Academy - Dec 20th at Hamline
• West Lutheran vs New Life Academy - Dec 21st at Hamline