Welcome to the 20th annual season preview series! This is the 1st preview in the 2026-2027 season preview series. As usual, I'll start from the small class A schools and move all the way up to the class AAAA schools. The previews will once again span 4 weeks leading right up to the start of practice. 16 local conferences, independents, the rest of class AAAA all included. It all ends November 20th with season overview for the casual fan. That will also include my preseason picks for the winners of the 15 sections that I follow. Let's get started with a look at the small local independents. For a list of all the season previews and how they are done, click here.
Aim Academy Arctic (2025-2026 2-10)
The Arctic were 2-10 last season with their only wins over Community School of Excellence. Every other game was a major blowout. Another long season ahead in midtown Minneapolis
Community School of Excellence Mighty Ones
Besides the 2 losses to Aim Academy, no other info on this program. Like Aim they are in their very early stages of starting a program. Fear the Pachyderm!
Minnesota Math and Science Academy Mustangs
Continuing the theme of programs that are almost new, let's stay in St. Paul. The Mustangs will jump into the fray this season after starting last season. No other information available.
Parnassus Prep Olympians (2025-26 season 12-11)
The Olympians have to replace 4 valuable seniors including Ayoub Komara and Dylan Ntutu. Junior forward Mekhi Madden leads the interior. Senior point guard Sam Salapeh will handle a heavy load on the perimeter. Junior wing Alex Kochendorfer returns to the starting lineup on the wing. Junior guard Elliot Bush provides guard depth.
Overview
Come for the mascots because there's not much info out there for anything else. New programs mean some rough losses for the first 3 programs. Parnassus has a few pieces back but being above the 500 mark is going to be tough. While the Olympians were a 500 team last season, one of those losses was to Medford which broke a 65 game long losing streak for them.
Games to Watch
- Parnassus at LeSueur-Henderson - Feb 4th
