2022-23 Metro East Conference Preview

This is the 9th preview in my 2022-2023 season preview series.  This preview is for the Metro East Conference.  For a list of all the season previews and an explanation of how the previews are generated, click here.

Hastings Raiders (2021-22 season 5-22, 4-12 Conference, 7th)
Hastings is looking at another year of building toward the future.  Senior Kelvin Maher and junior guard Owen Bernatz (13.2 PPG) are the top returnees.  Junior forward Kellen Nuytten will also be an offensive option. 

Hill-Murray Pioneers (2021-22 season 2-25, 0-16 Conference, 9th)
The Pioneers rebuild continues as they have to replace 4 starters.  That includes 12 PPG from center Eddie Reece.  Soph wing Xavier Daniels (11.7 PPG) will be the focus of the offense.  Guards Bennett Nicholson and Joe McGurran will also be counted upon for scoring.  Junior Gavin Berg also returns to the rotation.

Mahtomedi Zephyrs (2021-22 season 18-8, 11-5 Conference, tie 2nd)
Mahtomedi is poised to make some noise this season.  They return their top 5 scorers from last season.  That includes Owen Carlson (23 PPG) and Cole Armitage (13.5 PPG).  Plus PG Will Underwood (23.6 PPG in 20-21) returns from injury after he basically missed all of last season.  They are loaded at the perimeter spots with shooting and experience.  Size would be the 1 question for this roster.

North Polars (2021-22 season 4-23, 3-13 Conference, 8th)
NSP has to replace most of the roster after a down season.  That includes 6 top scorers led by Jevon Jackson's 10.8 PPG.  Junior Aidan Hammond is part of that list after transferring to Stillwater.  Junior Jazayah Gate (3.9 PPG) is about the only piece remaining.  Doreon Ceaser will be an interior option.

St. Thomas Academy Cadets (2021-22 season 16-12, 9-7 Conference, 5th)
Big man Nathan Johnson and his team high 16.4 PPG is the lone loss.  There are guards upon guards upon guards for coach Khalid El-Amin.  Michael Kirchner (15.1 PPG) and Jack Chamberlain (11.7 PPG) are the 2 who averaged double digits last year.  Michael Thompson is the 3rd of that group of senior guards who will be seeing their 4th year on varsity.  Soph guard Isa El-Amin came up huge in their playoff game vs arch rival Two Rivers.  Junior guard Luke Dobbs averaged 8.7 PPG.  Tate Hinkemeyer is the lone returnee with size.

Simley Spartans (2021-22 season 18-8, 10-6 Conference, 4th)
The Spartans have to replace guards RJ Jioklow (17.3 PPG) and Devin Robinson plus their top interior forward Kevin Wormer (10.3 PPG).  Senior lefty Kayden Reid (13.5 PPG) and junior Deoviez Williams (10.7 PPG) are the top returnees.  Connor Binley and Dezmond Smith saw reserve roles with JV time last year.  They'll have increased roles this season.  Justin Klint gives them a shooter in the rotation.

South St. Paul Packers (2021-22 season 28-1, 16-0 Conference, 1st)
Assistant Darren Edwards took over the program midway thru last season and he keeps the job.  That's after the in-season resignation and then offseason death of former coach Matt McCollister.  So its with a very heavy heart that the Packers replace almost their entire rotation.  Forward America Fitch returns along with a talented and young JV squad.  Junior Gavin Pendergast leads that group.  They also pickup Elonzo and De'Vaun Simmons who were double figure scorers at St. Agnes last season.

Tartan Titans (2021-22 season 21-7, 11-5 Conference, tie 2nd)
The Titans have to replace all 5 starters including 3 double figure scorers.  That means a trio of juniors will lead the way.  Forwards Brody Radtke and Elijah Barrett will be the main scoring threats.  Radtke is a stretch 4 while Barrett is more of an interior threat.  Marino Porter will run the show and be the typical Tartan defensive pest on the ball.

Two Rivers Warriors (2021-22 season 16-10, 8-8 Conference, 6th)
The double figures perimeter duo of Jaden Morgan (14.4 PPG) and Tre Michaels (11 PPG) needs to be replaced.  Morgan is now at De La Salle.  Junior forward Max Mogelson (9.8 PPG) and wing Carson Christiansen (8.5 PPG) return to the starting lineup.  Thomas Lutz and Keesaun Powell were rotation players last year as well.  Center Davion Long provides length and a defensive presence inside.  Soph Ramzi Rislove will see plenty of time at the point guard spot.

Predicted Order of Finish

1. Mahtomedi   
   
2. Tartan 
   
3. St. Thomas Academy
   
4. South St. Paul 
   
5. Simley  
6. Two Rivers 
   
7. North 
   
8. Hastings  
   
9. Hill-Murray 

Conference Overview
Mahtomedi is the heavy favorite here with a ton coming back and getting Will Underwood back for a full season.  Tartan gets my nod for 2nd with 3 solid juniors coming back and their tradition.  St. Thomas Academy will give them a run with their experience.  South St. Paul is talented enough, but will experience be an issue for them?  Adding the Simmons brothers is a huge boost to that question plus their perimeter defense.  Simley will be a solid middle team.  Then Two Rivers needs to find scoring with the loss of Jaden Morgan.  The bottom 3 are in rebuild mode.

Conference MVP: Will Underwood - Mahtomedi

Underclassmen to watch: 

• Kyan Esterby, Lukas Foss - Hastings 
• Xavier Daniels - Hill-Murray
  
• Jerror Borsay - North St. Paul
  
• Terry Carter, Devin Sutherland, Keishon Jarman, Sincere McCampbell - South St. Paul
  
• Isa El-Amin - St. Thomas Academy
  
• Ramzi Rislove, Mason Boyken - Two Rivers

Conference Games to Watch

• St. Thomas Academy at Mahtomedi - Jan 10th
• Tartan at Mahtomedi - Jan 31st
• Mahtomedi at St. Thomas Academy - Feb 7th
• Mahtomedi at Tartan - Feb 28th
  

Non-Conference Games to Watch

• Tartan at Richfield - Dec 9th
• Mahtomedi vs Stewartville - Dec 10th (Tipoff Classic at Hopkins)
• Mahtomedi at Stillwater - Dec 20th
• Mahtomedi at Minnehaha - Jan 14th

2022-23 Minneapolis City Conference Preview

This is the 8th preview in my 2022-2023 season preview series.  In this preview, its a look at the Minneapolis City Conference.  For a list of all the season previews, click here.

Edison Tommies (2021-22 season 13-12, 3-9 Conference, 5th)
Edison has to replace almost 20 PPG from guard Liban Tushar.  Senior forward Micah Young (20.6 PPG) returns and looks to be one of the top scorers in the metro this season.  PG Deidrick Taylor and his 10.2 PPG returns to run the show.  Guard Damari Lalley and forward Ahmed Hassan are experienced returnees.  Guard Eli Jones also is back in the rotation.

North Polars (2021-22 season 27-7, 12-0 Conference, 1st)
Legendary coach Larry McKenzie has retired from North.  Former NBA star Ricky Davis takes over the storied program.  While he has to replace all 5 starters and 9 seniors, he still has plenty to work with.  Zashon Rich  (8.4 PPG) and AuVon Sager (7 PPG) return in the front court.  Lefty PG Datrell McCrimmon has been the PG in waiting.  He now gets his opportunity to run the team after being a valuable reserve last season.  Wing Jakari Miamen also saw minutes last season.  Max Wilson joins the roster from Hopkins.  He'll fill both guard slots and provide valuable shooting.

Patrick Henry Patriots (2021-22 season 9-15, 2-9 Conference, 6th)
Henry needs to replace their top duo of Karon Abdullah and Ajani McRae.  Soph Eban Moua returns at the point guard spot.  Juzavious Dickerson will be the main inside threat.  Zatayvion Hawkins and Josh Murff will be other rotation options.

Roosevelt Teddies (2021-22 season 2-20, 0-10 Conference, 7th)
Junior wing Avery Wells was the top scoring threat and only double figure scorer for the Teddies.  He's now at Richfield.  The rest of the starting lineup needs to be replaced too.  Not much scoring punch from the rest of the roster.  Looks like another long year for the Teddies.

South Tigers (2021-22 season 18-7, 9-2 Conference, 2nd)
The AAU bug has bitten the Tigers as their MN Spartans laden roster has now spread out to a bunch of places.  Cretin-Derham Hall, Minnehaha, Park Center and Osseo are the recipients.  Junior wing Poet Davis appears to be the only piece remaining.  He averaged 11.7 PPG last season.  That average should increase dramatically as he'll have to create the Tigers offense.  Last year those points were largely catch and shoot corner 3s.  Christian Henderson is an interior option.

Southwest Lakers (2021-22 season 14-12, 7-5 Conference, tie 3rd)
Coach Keenan Shelton has to replace 10 seniors and most of his scoring from last season.  He'll rebuild the rotation around junior Liam Farniok.  He averaged 10.1 PPG last season and is one of the top shooters in the league.  Caden Sullivan returns as a swiss army knife wing.  Dillon Engen returns at a guard spot.  They'll need to step up their offensive roles.  No other experience returns.

Washburn Millers (2021-22 season 13-11, 7-5 Conference, tie 3rd)
Alumnus Myles Sheppard takes over the program.  He has to replace 7 of the top 8 scorers from last season.  Big man Cass Ramberg (11.5 PPG) along with guards Jake Husaby (10.8 PPG) and Donnavan Smith (10.2 PPG) are the 3 double figure scorers that have graduated.  The Millers will build around junior forward Kyle Jorgensen and his 11.2 PPG.  He's one of better bigs in Minnesota's 2024 class and can play inside along with range at the 3 point line.  Cade Heinemann and Blake Bergren will be solid replacements for the lost seniors.  Evan Young, Aiden Jacobson and Charlie Gustafson look to see guard minutes.  Calvin Gilhoi should see front court minutes.

Predicted Order of Finish

1. North
2. Washburn   
   
3. Edison 
4. Southwest 
5. South 
6. Henry
   
7. Roosevelt

Conference Overview
Just about every team in the league has a major retooling of the roster to do.  I'll still take Minneapolis North here until their 72 game league winning streak ends.  I think Henry has enough to stay out of the cellar from Roosevelt.  In the middle, you have a jumble of teams.  Those teams all have 1 notable scorer and lots of questions behind that.  Despite a new coach, I think Washburn puts it together with just enough pieces.  South goes to the bottom of that list due to the lack of experience and a totally different system.

Conference MVP: Max Wilson - North

Underclassmen to watch:  

• Eban Moua - Henry
• Steven Hunter, Obie Esperaza - Roosevelt
  

Conference Games to Watch

• North at Washburn - Jan 23rd
• Washburn at North - Feb 15th
  

Non-Conference Games to Watch

• North vs Lake City - Dec 10th (Tipoff Classic at Hopkins)
• North at De La Salle - Dec 22nd
• North at East Ridge - Feb 7th
• Wayzata at North - Feb 25th
  

2022-23 St. Paul City Conference Preview

This is the 7th preview in my 2022-2023 season preview series.  Now that the private schools are mostly covered, its on to public schools.  We start with the city leagues and St. Paul goes first.  For a list of all the season previews and how they are generated, click here.

Central Minutemen (2021-22 season 11-15, 8-4 Conference, 3rd)
The Minutemen need to replace most of their rotation from last season.  Soph guard Allen Lankfard (12.9 PPG) is one of the league's top returning players.  Senior Jack Augustine gives them a solid option inside.  PJ Blakey and Eliezer Lopez-Henriquez are rotation options as well.  The JV squad won the league last year and will provide solid options.

Como Park Cougars (2021-22 season 16-10, 10-2 Conference, 2nd)
Como Park has a big task ahead replacing their dynamic forward duo of Donavan Clinton and Amir Plair.  They were 1st and 3rd respectively in league scoring last season. They'll build around junior forward Mason Aarness (8 PPG) and Levi Nichols.  Lots of inexperience behind those 2 as 10 seniors have graduated.

Harding Knights (2021-22 season 6-21, 4-8 Conference, 5th)
The Knights return 4 of 5 starters and a couple of reserves.  Forward Paul Walker (10.2 PPG) is the lone double figure scorer.  Soph PG Ai'jhon Douglas, Vell Benjamin and Robert Htoo return at the guard spots.  They'll be other top offensive options.

Highland Park Scots (2021-22 season 8-19, 6-6 Conference, 4th)
Highland Park returns just about everybody from last year's roster.  Junior forward Xavier May leads the way as the top returning scorer in the league.  He averaged 18.1 PPG in league play last year.  Senior wing Ishmael Powell is another double figure scoring threat.  Juniors Andrew Bacigalupi and Quintice Combs also return to the starting lineup.  Seniors Dillon Foster and Terez McDaniel-Vaughn also return to the rotation.

Humboldt Hawks (2021-22 season 2-23, 0-12 Conference, 7th)
Sam Esboldt takes over the Humboldt program.  Guard Jorge Irizarry (15.3 PPG) returns to leads the Hawks attack.  Angelo Wilson and Endale Witt also return to the rotation.  Kuyu Mohammed rereturns inside.

Johnson Governors (2021-22 season 16-6, 12-0 Conference, 1st)
Johnson has to replace their top 3 scorers.  Wing Ishmael David was the 4th leading scorer in the league last year at 14.6 PPG in conference games.  Junior forward Daejohn Thomas was a top 5 returning scorer in the conference and arguably the league's top inside threat.  He's now at East Ridge.  Guard Christian Jones and forward Rickhi Graham also need to be replaced.  Dhimani Tucker and Ka'jon Jordan return at the guard spots. 

Washington Eagles (2021-22 season 5-20, 2-10 Conference, 6th)
The Eagles return 3 of their top 4 scorers from last season that includes Ty Allen and Chris Birdsong at the guard spots.  Both averaged double figures last season.  Not much size but there is experience.

Predicted Order of Finish

1. Highland Park    
   
2. Johnson
   
3. Central 
4. Harding  
5. Humboldt 
6. Como Park 
   
7. Washington

Conference Overview:
Highland Park gets my nod here with most of the roster coming back.  Johnson will still be there but the loss of Daejohn Thomas inside takes them out of the top spot.  Central loses most of their rotation but their JVs won the league last year and they traditionally reload.  Harding has the most coming back of the rest but they aren't at that level.  Sam Esboldt will keep Humboldt out of another trip to the cellar.  Como Park loses a ton and will battle Washington to stay out of the basement.

Conference MVP: Xavier May - Highland Park

Underclassmen to watch: 

• Allan Lankford - Central
• Ai'john Douglas - Harding
• Danny Hobday, Tes Sturm - Humboldt
  
• Kenneth Turner - Johnson
• Malakhi Bergman - Washington
  

Conference Games to Watch

• Johnson at Highland Park - Jan 12th
  
• Central at Highland Park - Jan 24th
  
• Central at Johnson - Jan 26th
  
• Highland Park at Johnson - Feb 7th
  
• Highland Park at Central - Feb 17th
  
• Johnson at Central - Feb 22nd
  

Non-Conference Games to Watch

• Johnson at Hiawatha - Dec 10th
• Hiawatha at Central - Dec 16th
  
• Central vs Bloomington Jefferson - Dec 20th (at Hamline)
  
• Highland Park at South St. Paul - Dec 21st
  
• Minnehaha at Johnson - Feb 4th
  
• Central at South St. Paul - Feb 4th
  

2022-23 Tri-Metro Conference Preview

This is the 6th preview in my 2022-2023 season preview series.  Week 2 of this season's preview series begins with a look at the Tri-Metro Conference.  For a list of all the season previews and how they are generated, click here.

Academy of Holy Angels Stars (2021-22 season 10-17, 5-7 Conference, Tie 4th)
The Stars have to replace their top 2 scorers in forward Rob Issa (18.8 PPG) and guard Emmett Johnson (11.9 PPG, Nebraska football).  AJ Boarman (9.4 PPG) is the top returning scorer and inside presence.  Jaylen Peterson (7.3 PPG) returns on the wing.  Mason Scroggins returns at a guard spot.  George Dittman, Adam Akerson and Damian Devine also return to the rotation.

Bloomington Kennedy Eagles (2021-22 season 6-19, 3-15 Metro West Conference, tie 9th)
The Eagles join the Tri-Metro with big holes to fill.  They lose most of their firepower from last season.  That includes forwards Chris Martin and Dalton Smazal.  The senior trio of PG Tajon Pearson plus forwards Ramone Walker and Marques Monroe should lead the way.  Forward Rayzjon Walker and soph Larmarrius Starr should also see rotation time.  Former Mayer Lutheran and Apple Valley head coach Pat Buchanan takes over the program.  He gets a late start after being hired in early October.

Brooklyn Center Centaurs (2021-22 season 3-19, 0-12 Conference, 7th)
Senior wing Quayvant Douglas (25 PPG) should have another huge season.  But the help around him remains the question.  Forward CJ Taylor and Antoine Jones are also scoring options for the Centaurs.  DeShawn Pongsak and Steven Nzimi will see interior minutes.  Tayvionte Powell will run the show.

Columbia Heights Hylanders (2021-22 season 23-1, 11-0 Conference, 1st)
The Hylanders had the unfortunate draw of having state champ Totino-Grace in their section.  That was their only loss of the season.  Now they have to replace most of the rotation.   Wing Muja Burton and PG Terrence Brown need to be replaced after averaging over 22 PPG each.  Donnavin Hinsz (11.2 PPG) also needs to be replaced inside.  Junior PG Jency Davis (9.8 PPG) will run the show as the top returnee. Martez Wise and Leavale Hicks are other top options.  Boona Morke will be in the interior option.  Wing Randy McClendon joins the lineup after playing at De La Salle last season.

De La Salle Islanders (2021-22 season 22-8, 10-1 Conference, 2nd, Class AAA runner up)
Long time assistant Todd Anderson takes over the program after Travis Beldsoe took the head coaching job at Anoka-Ramsey Community College.  He'll have Lehigh commit Nasir Whitlock (22.9 PPG) to run the show.  Wing Israel Moses (7.2 PPG), forward PJ Pounds, Riley Blaylark, Ray James and Myles Dillon-Parks also return to the rotation.  They'll miss the shooting of Kyle Johnson (12.5 PPG).  Junior Justin Johnson could step right into that role.  Junior wing Jaden Morgan transfers in after he averaged 14.4 PPG at Two Rivers last season.

Fridley Tigers (2021-22 season 10-16, 5-7 Conference, Tie 4th)
Fridley has to replace their inside out duo of guard Eli Nelsen (12.3 PPG) and forward Devin Williams (11.9 PPG).  Guards Antwan Smith (10.6 PPG) and MJ Newton will lead the offense.  Bronell Marcus, CJ Powell and Gideon Cooper also return to the rotation.

Richfield Spartans (2021-22 season 13-13, 7-5 Conference, 3rd)
Coach Omar McMillan has to replace 4 starters who combined for 60 PPG last season.  That includes the inside out duo of PG Jaden Wollmuth and PG Mitchell January who both averaged over 18 PPG.  Soph guard CJ Armstrong (7.9 PPG) is the top returning option.  Seniors Tyler Jake, Jaylen Hollins and Kaleb Olson return to the rotation.  They also get Mankato East transfers Jalen and Zavier Hayes.  Jalen Hayes was a significant part of the Mankato East trip to state last year so expect him to be a major factor for the Spartans.  Wing Avery Wells also joins the roster after being the top scorer at Minneapolis Roosevelt last season.

Robbinsdale Cooper Hawks (2021-22 season 15-10, 11-7 Metro West Conference, 5th)
Cooper is the other former Metro West member to join the Tri-Metro this season.  Coach Bo Powell has to replace his top 2 options in all everything guard Davion Evans (24.2 PPG) and forward Prince Appiah (9.7 PPG).  Guard Sam Massaquoi (8.4 PPG) and forward Michael Cooper (7.2 PPG) look to step into those roles.  Jamin Cook and Chance Wicks will be guard options.  DeShawn Ricks and Andre Woods are interior options.

St. Anthony Huskies (2021-22 season 8-19, 3-9 Conference, 6th)
Former Huskies star Josh Pratt takes over the program.  He has a pair solid guards to build around in seniors Nathan Lucas (12.2 PPG) and Caydin Hauser (11.7 PPG).  Kenji Asai (8.5 PPG) returns on a wing.  Joe Randle (6.1 PPG) returns as the top interior option.  Caden Rodkewich, Alex Igherighe and soph G Braden Siroin all return to the rotation as well.  It will be a guard laden lineup which should fit coach Pratt's style of play well.

Predicted Order of Finish

1. De La Salle 
   
2. Richfield 
3. Robbinsdale Cooper 
   
4. Columbia Heights  
   
5. St. Anthony   
   
6. Holy Angels
7. Fridley 
8. Bloomington Kennedy
   
9. Brooklyn Center    

Conference MVP: Nasir Whitlock - De La Salle

Conference Overview:
Bloomington Kennedy and Robbinsdale Cooper move into the conference from the Metro West.  I'm looking forward to the Cooper vs Columbia Heights games.  De La Salle may have a new coach but otherwise don't expect much to change.  They are my favorite here with Nasir Whitlock poised for a monster season.  Heavy losses behind them.  Richfield, Heights and Cooper will all have athletes and cause havoc for the rest of the league.  Richfield has the most experience and a good duo of Armstrong and Hayes.  Cooper and Heights battle for the next spot.  Cooper gets the nod with their experience but Heights will be right there.  St. Anthony jumps up with most everybody coming back and the rest of the league having heavy losses.  Holy Angels best of the rest.  Then it drops off to the bottom 3.

Underclassmen to watch: 

• Damian Devine - Holy Angels
• Lamarrius Starr - Kennedy 
• Quaylin Hardrict, Julian Manjo - Columbia Heights
• Darius Irvin, De'von Irvin, Dorian Pruitt, Marcus Anderson - De La Salle
  
• CJ Armstrong - Richfield
• Braden Siroin - St. Anthony
  

Conference Games to Watch

• De La Salle at Richfield - Jan 26th
  

Non-Conference Games to Watch

• Park Center at De La Salle - Dec 8th 
• De La Salle vs Minnetonka - Dec 10th at Hopkins (Tipoff Classic)
• De La Salle vs Stillwater - Dec 17th at Osseo (Breakdown Big Stage)
• Benilde-St. Margaret's at De La Salle - Dec 20th
• De La Salle at Wayzata - Feb 28th
  

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
  

 

2022-23 Skyline Conference Preview

This is the fourth preview in my 2022-23 season preview series.  Now we move up to a league that is mostly AA.  Let's start with a look at the Skyline Conference.  For a list of all the season previews and how they are done, click here.

Concordia Academy Beacons (2021-22 season 16-13, 9-6 Conference, tie 3rd)
The Beacons return the league's leading scorer AJ Greene (23.6 PPG).  He'll take on an even bigger load with the league's 2nd leading scorer Lorenzo Levy (20.3 PPG) transferring to Minnehaha.  So expect the lefty Greene to have the ball in his hands most of the time like he did 2 years ago.  Who becomes the 2nd scorer?  There are plenty of experienced guard candidates in Luc Swanson (8.8 PPG), Ben Raymond (8.6 PPG) and junior Luke Olson.  Josh Ortiz returns inside.

Cristo Rey Jesuit Pumas (2021-22 season 2-25, 1-14 Conference, 8th)
Coach Stan Clay had a very young roster last year that took it lumps due to injury and inexperience.  Leading scorer BJ Hollowell (12.6 PPG) needs to be replaced.  But after that there's a talented junior class.  Corey Dotson (11.7 PPG) and Patrick Akoussan (10.8 PPG) are athletic wing types who will be their biggest players.  Miles Nelson (7.8 PPG) will run the show.  Add in soph Omar Whitaker (6.3 PPG) and senior Dashoune Campbell (5.4 PPG) to the rotation as well.  They won't be big and not much depth, but definitely a group that can take a big step forward.

Maranatha Christian Academy Mustangs (2021-22 season 23-7, 14-1 Conference, tie 1st)
Former Eagan assistant Ervin Bryant takes over the program.  He has to replace the shooting and scoring of Jeremiah LaVelle (20.2 PPG).  Plenty of experience returns.  Guard Bailey McDonald (14.2 PPG) will take over the offense as lone returning double figure scorer.  They have interchangeable athletic worker forward types in JaRory Purnell (7 PPG) and Nick Anderson (5.5 PPG).  Guards Matthew (6.4 PPG) and Isaiah Bluford (4.5 PPG) return along with Drew Balentine (6.3 PPG).

New Life Academy Eagles (2021-22 season 28-4, 14-1 Conference, Tie 1st)
The Eagles return all but 1 player from last year's state qualifier.  That 1 player lost is an important one in shooter Kollin Kaemingk (15.9 PPG).  Its a very experienced group of seniors.  Forward Erick Reader (13.5 PPG) and PG Max Briggs (12.1 PPG) will lead the offense.  Austin Woolf (10.7 PPG) and Tyler Huebsch (6 PPG) also return to the starting lineup.  Colton Hendricks, Tyler Wall and Gavin Bertram also return to the rotation.

Nova Classical Academy Knights (2021-22 season 7-21, 0-9 Conference, 9th)
Coach John Carrier's rebuilding effort continues as he has to replace 3 senior starters.  That includes top 2 scorers Liam Borrell (13.6 PPG) and Spencer Frost (9.8 PPG).  Juniors Silas Revenaugh (8.5 PPG at center) and Alex Ehlerbracht (6.8 PPG) are the top returning offensive options.  Mason Engelking, Manny Deroos, Omeed Tabrizi and Henry Peklo will be other rotation pieces.

St. Agnes Aggies (2021-22 season 18-10, 8-7 Conference, 5th)
The Aggies looked to have their entire starting lineup returning.  But De'Vaun Simmons (19.6 PPG) and Elonzo Simmons (14.1 PPG) have transferred to South St. Paul.  They were the top 2 scorers and the point of the Aggies pressure defense.  So expect a different look this season.  An experienced bench clan also needs to be replaced.  Junior SG Andrew Weber (11.2 PPG) is the lone returning double figure scorer.  Wing Paul Plasch (8.9 PPG) and soph forward Nolan Davis (8.4 PPG) are the other returnees to the starting lineup.  Daniel Koontz is returning depth inside.

St. Croix Lutheran Crusaders (2021-22 season 7-21, 5-10 Conference, 6th)
Leading scorer Omarion Miller (13.9 PPG) needs to be replaced.  Junior PG Jaden Neish (12.5 PPG) is the top returning scorer.  The rest of the rotation is a bunch of experienced seniors plus junior Elias Blumer.  Blumer along with seniors Matej Brugos and Si Gawrisch are the options for who becomes the top secondary scorer.  Evan Valleau returns to the starting lineup in a forward spot.

St. Croix Prep Lions (2021-22 season 14-13, 9-6 Conference, tie 3rd)
The Lions have to replace their lone double figure scorer from last year.  That's guard Peyton Gremmels who averaged 14.5 PPG.  Senior PG Bjorn Benson is the top returning scorer at 9.6 PPG.  Most of the rest of the rotation returns as well.  Seniors Christian Nelson (7.9 PPG) and Cade Hanson (7.5 PPG) lead that group.  Guards Ben Myers and Patrick Brown also saw significant minutes as underclassmen last season.

Trinity Tri-Hawks (2021-22 season 13-15, 5-11 Conference, 7th)
Trinity has to replace all of their main firepower from last season with 3 double figure scorers and their top defender all graduating.  Senior James Oberg and junior Justin Groppel are the top returnees.  The rest of the lineup will be inexperienced. 

Predicted Order of Finish

1. New Life
   
2. Maranatha   
   
3. Concordia 
4. St. Croix Prep   
   
5. Cristo Rey 
   
6. St. Agnes 
   
7. St. Croix Lutheran 
   
8. Trinity   
   
9. Nova Classical

Conference Overview
New Life is the favorite as they look to make a class A state title run.  Remember they knocked off Cherry and Isaac Asuma (MN offered) by 25 last year in the class A 3rd place game.  Maranatha and Concordia will battle for 2nd.  Then a drop to the experience of St. Croix Prep for 4th.  Cristo Rey could make a run for that spot.  St. Agnes has heavy losses but I think they have more offense than St. Croix Lutheran for the next spot.  Trinity and Nova will battle for the last spot.  Nova will once again only play everybody one time in league play while everybody else is the standard home and home schedule. 

Conference MVP: AJ Greene - Concordia

Underclassmen to watch: 

• Omar Whitaker - Cristo Rey
• Mason Engelking - Nova
  
• Nolan Davis - St. Agnes
  
• Ben Myers - St. Croix Prep
  

Conference Games to Watch

• Concordia at New Life - Dec 13th 
• Maranatha at New Life - Jan 3rd
• Maranatha at Concordia - Jan 23rd
  
• New Life at Concordia - Jan 27th
• New Life at Maranatha - Feb 3rd
• Concordia at Maranatha - Feb 24th
  

Non-Conference Games to Watch

• Maranatha vs Maple River - Dec 10th at Hopkins (Tipoff Classic)
• Concordia vs Lake Crystal Wellcome Memorial - Dec 10th at Hopkins (Tipoff Classic)
  
• New Life vs Legacy Christian - Dec 20 at Hamline
• New Life vs West Lutheran - Dec 21 at Hamline
• New Life vs Minnehaha - Jan 21st at Hiawatha
• Holy Family at Maranatha - Feb 21st
  

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

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
  

 

2022-23 Independents and City Conference Preview

Welcome to the Czar's 16th annual season preview series.  This is the first preview in the 3 week 2022-2023 series.  The previews will once again be done starting with small schools and working up to the big schools.  When its all done, a final high-level preview will complete the series.  That means the we'll start with the tiny independent charter schools.  For a list of all the season previews and how they are done, click here.   

INDEPENDENTS
Chesterton Academy Knights  (2021-22 season 2-10)
The Knights look to have another rebuilding year ahead.

Christ's Household of Faith Lions (2021-22 season 7-15)
The Lions need to replace leading scorer Jared Harms.  But they'll have a couple of returning pieces that can step in.  Wing Sloan Eckman and junior guard Henry Bluhm should lead the offense.  Landon Strandlund returns inside and Skyler Alleman returns on the wing.  That means 4 starters return.  Juniors Jestin Bluhm and Erro Harms return to the rotation as well.

Hiawatha Colliegiate Wolves (2021-22 season 20-7, 10-1 EMAC, 1st)
This is the season the Wolves have built towards.  The reigning EMAC champs upgrade the schedule and move to the independent ranks this season.  PG Jessye Lewis and his 19.9 PPG once again is the engine that drives them.  Romelle Bell (16.1 PPG) does the dirty work as an undersized forward.  Nehemiah Davis (12.2 PPG) is another scoring guard.  They'll need to replace the shooting of MD Daud (15 PPG and 70 3s).  Size is a major question as they look to be a factor in tough section 5AA.

Hope Academy Lions (2021-22 season 13-14)
Hope needs to replace the high-powered guard duo of Elijah Wade (21.1 PPG) and Jordan Brown (20.2 PPG).  A couple of double figure options do remain with guard Dez Jones (14.2 PPG) and Zak Ruhland (12.5 PPG).  Junior Kieran Dietsche and soph Guta Temesgen should see much expanded roles in their return to the rotation.

Kaleidoscope Comets (2021-22 season 11-15)
The Comets will have a new coach this season with Chris Buerman taking the Coon Rapids girls job.  Forward Matthew Aasen (17 PPG/15 RPG and wing AJ Kargel (14.2 PPG) need to be replaced from this high-tempo squad.  Aasen is just 1 member of the crew lost due to the breakup of the Kaleidoscope basketball co-op with Holy Spirit Academy of Monticello.  Holy Spirit is now with Maple Lake for basketball.  PG Michael Jude (23.3 PPG) was last year's engine.  He may also be lost due to the co-op change.

Twin Cities Academy/Great River Tigers (2020-21 season 11-6)
Minnesota Magic director and former Eagan assistant Cornell Pillow takes over the program.  He has the tall task of replacing Carmelo and Carrington McNeal who combined for 40 PPG last season.  Those 2 were the main offense in the program for years.  Now a couple of young pieces will have to step up into bigger roles.  Soph Jamal Randle averaged 12.2 PPG and is the leading returning scorer.  Frosh Jacob Stiele should see a bigger role after seeing bench minutes last season.  Giovanni Alonso and Andrew Emelife return as interior players.  Kensen Yang  (7 PPG) returns on a wing.

Ubah Medical Academy (2021-22 season 3-6)
No information available

CITY CONFERENCE
This is a new conference of metro charter schools.  Five of them are in Minneapolis. Two are in St. Paul with Prairie Seeds Academy in Brooklyn Park.  The league will be similar to the EMAC but I think you'll see a slightly higher level of play.

Exploration (2021-22 Season, no varsity team)
This charter school in northeast Minneapolis joins the varsity ranks this season.

High School for Recording Arts Falcons (2021-22 season 2-2)
No information available

Lincoln International Eagles (2021-22 season 0-3)
No information available

Metro Deaf School Cheetahs
Did not play in 2021-22 season.  They've recently moved to a new location in St. Paul.  That ruined the shortest road trip on record from the days when they were right next door to Hmong Academy.  They had the rare 2nd floor gym in their old building.

Metro Schools College Prep Lions (2021-22 season 6-7)
They will press and play fast.  Very dependent on turnovers to produce offense. Streaky shooting team.

Minnesota Transitions Wolves (2021-22 season 3-3)
No information available

Prairie Seeds Academy Lycans (2021-22 0-0)
No information available

Venture Academy (2021-22 season 1-5)
They will have some athletes but are still developing the program.

Overview
A couple of new coaches in the independent ranks plus a new conference.  Don't confuse this City Conference with the St. Paul City or Minneapolis City.  While these are city schools, they are small charter schools.  Quality wise I'd evaluate it as being between the EMAC and the MCAA.  Hiawatha is the class of the teams listed with their core coming back for yet another season.  Twin Cities Academy has some nice young pieces as well.

MVP: Jessye Lewis - Hiawatha

Underclassmen to watch: 

• Jamal Randle, Jacob Stiele - Twin Cities Academy
  

Games to Watch

• Minneapolis Washburn at Hiawatha - Dec 2nd
• Hiawatha at Maranatha - Dec 5th
  
• St. Paul Johnson at Hiawatha - Dec 10th
• Hiawatha at St. Paul Central - Dec 16th
• Hiawatha at Minnehaha - Jan 17th

Welcome to Czar Season 16

After celebrating my 15th year online, I came home a winner from Vegas after a semi-normal late July hoops visit.  August is a recovery period.  Now another new school year is here and that means its time to turn the page to the 2022-23 season.  I plan to continue with the analytics style game posts on twitter this year.  I'll also add in posts on issues of the day as needed.

The usual list of all fall events is now posted on the Fall Hoops page.  If I missed yours, please pass it along.

I will be once again doing my annual season previews (see page here).  That 3 week series will start October 31st and run thru the 3 weeks before practice starts.

The list of class of 2023 players that have committed is now posted.  That list can be found here.

The annual holiday tournament schedule is always a great part of my season.  Here's a list of the ones I know about currently.  Schedules will be added as we get closer to the games themselves.

I've updated the current recruiting rankings from all the major services.  See that on my Players page.

For those of you on a mobile device, don't forget about the Resources page (always 1st in the main menu too).  That includes links to anything and everything you may want to know about Minnesota hoops during the high school or grassroots seasons.  It includes national sites, recruiting calendars, signing dates, records and award winners just to name a few useful things that can be found there.

2022 PH Hard Work Region Finals 16U thoughts

I was able to take in some action from this weekend's Prep Hoops Hard Work Region Finals.  I decided to mostly take in 16U games at Bloomington Kennedy.  Here are some notes from what I saw

In the Silver bracket.  MN Rise had a nice outing from JWP gaurd Memphis James as they beat Dubuque Intensity in their opener.  Nice workman effort from New Ulm's James Osborne in that win as well.  Dubuque forward Jacob Williams with a nice effort in the loss.

Heat Dedina knocked out 212 Degree Basketball Academy 59-45 in an early round game.  Fun game for me with a bunch of small school metro kids playing.  Cristo Rey's Patrick Akoussan with 13 points to lead a balanced Heat attack in that one.  Fun to see the improvement from Josh Balami of Math and Science as well.  He looks poised for a breakout high school season in the EMAC.  We all know I can't resist a chance to mention the EMAC if possible.

Now to the main bracket.  Fury Zurn got off to a very slow start vs Waterloo Salvation trailing by 8 midway thru the 1st half of their 1st game.  But a 1-2-2 press generated turnover after turnover.  Fury would use that to finish the game on a 59-10 run in their blowout win.  East Ridge teammates Parker Wellman and Charlie Bern combine for an off the backboard assist and dunk for a highlight moment off one of those turnovers.  Charlie Theis 14 points with 6 others scoring between 8 and 11 points in a balanced offensive attack.  Coach Zurn's group would come from behind to win a tough round of 8 game vs an Omaha Elite crew that had been blowing people out as well.

Eastview's Jonathan Mekonnen continues to be a dominant force for Heat PBJ.  That Heat crew blew thru the bracket with all running time wins to setup a championship showdown with Fury Zurn.

Forward Asher Wade and star wing Caden Wilkins carried the Iowa Barnstormers in their games.  Wilkins with a 20 point game in their round of 32 blowout win over Titans Brodeur.  Point guard Kyler Gerardy is also a player I continue to like for the Barnstormers.  

Mounds View forward Joey Fretheim carried the Titans Brodeur offense in that loss with 22 points.

Minnesota Select Altenhofen and Minnesota Rush played a classic in the round of 16.  Select took a 14 point lead in the 1st half.  Rush would come from behind thanks to their pressure defense and take the lead.  15 seconds left and Rush missed a free throw that would have extended their lead to 4.  Lakeville South's Damarcus Burks buried a straight away 3 to tie with 10 seconds left.  Rush pushes it back the other way and turns it over.  St. Thomas Academy's Luke Dobbs takes it the other and his layup just beats the buzzer.  Select dead and buried after blowing the lead comes out with a 60-58 win.  Fun to watch Osseo guard Timmy Denedo lead that Rush team.

A fun matchup that turned wild ends our list.  Minnesota HS hoops legend Joel Pryzbilla was in town coaching his son's Milwaukee Trail Blazers team.  Yes they used the old Portland Trail Blazers logo as you'll remember Joel had his best years there.  They took out Minnesota Chill in the round of 32 67-65 in overtime.  Crazy game with an official being replaced during the 1st half.  

Officiating
It not something that one wants to talk about but it was a big storyline of the weekend so it needs to be mentioned.  The group of officials doing the 16U games I saw was frankly brutal.  Guys not moving, not understanding basic officiating mechanics and no ability to manage the game.  This wasn't 1 court or a small group of officials.  This was the norm for all 8 courts I saw over 2 days most of the time.   And it wasn't isolated to just the games I saw.  I heard similar stories from the 15U and 17U brackets.  At the end of the day it was embarrassing and paints a wonderful event in a bad light.

It would be easy to point fingers at Prep Hoops.  Once upon a time, I probably would have done that.  However, the harsh truth of this is that we as fans and coaches have now reaped what we've sown.  Considering all the stupid and senseless yelling and screaming that goes on at these refs, can we really wonder why we're running into a major shortage of officials at all levels?  Who wants the job any more?  In events like this, and I've seen it in Las Vegas during the old open periods as well, there are too many games and simply not enough qualified refs to go around. 

This is entirely on the crazy fans and coaches and players and media pinheads like me for how we treat officials.  Yes we need better training for handling situations.  Would it also help with not scheduling these refs for 8 straight games and by paying them better?  Absolutely, but you can't pay these people enough for the abuse and that is entirely understandable.  Until that happens, we're going to continue to see situations where we have refs who are working games that they aren't ready to work.

Frank Martin's perspective on all of this hits it right on the head (watch it here)

Let the Players Play
Let the Coaches Coach
Let the Officials Officiate

 

2022 1st July Open Period Thoughts

Its July and that means its time for our local teams to hit the road.  This year we have a 2nd open period as well but next year we'll revert back to this being the only true July open period.  The 2nd period will once again go back to being those stupid NCAA camps.

Most of our teams were in the southeast, specifically the Atlanta area.  Adidas had its teams in suburban Charlotte, NC.  Many of those kids will stay this week for the Adidas camp as well.  Nike took its teams to Kansas City for the final session of EYBL play.  We also had Minnesota teams sprinkled in Kansas City, Council Bluffs, Sioux Falls and Chicago.

I didn't see a ton this weekend but here are some highlights from the handful of games that I did see and events that I followed.

• Pulley 16s were 4-2 in E116 play in KC.  They finished in a 3 way tie at 2-1 in their pool but fell to 3rd place on tiebreaks.  They then went 2-1 in bracket play losing to Phenom U in the Silver Bracket (3rd place finishers) championship game.  Daniel Freitag had an outstanding week.  That included a 30 point outburst in the opener vs CP3 with 18-18 free throws.  Only 5-17 from 3 during the week but he got to the rim at will.  Big coaches crowd for his games as well with Minnesota and Wisconsin closely following.  Jackson McAndrew with 5 critical 3s in that game as well.  Andy Stefonowicz provided a great stabilizing presence as another ball handler when Freitag wasn't running the show.
• In Atlanta, MN Chill 17s finished 2-2 but their 2 wins stuck out.  Their 2 wins were over OWE and WI Crusaders Premier.  OWE knocked off Fury Antl in this same event.  The Crusaders are coming off a championship at the GPA.  The McNeal twins combined for 39 points in the win over the Crusaders.  Chet Kloss double digit points based almost entirely on moving without the ball to get himself layups.
• Speaking of Fury Antl, I did watch their loss to OWE.  Hayden Tibbits continues his solid play.   While his size may scare off some, he's tough and makes plays.  Matt Bothun also continues to play well.  He had a couple of 3 point plays in the 2nd half to help a Fury comeback.  Turnovers and cold shooting against a more athletic opponent ultimately did them in.
  
• Heat MacDonald took a tough 2 OT loss to Oklahoma Impact on a halfcourt buzzer beater.  Eastview's Henry Eliason heated up to help the Heat to 10 point lead.  Nice moments from Prior Lake forward Josh Ofori as well.  I also liked what I saw from Holy Family C Collin Mulholland.  10 points plus a handful of blocks including a critical one in the 2nd OT.
• A fun 16s matchup between Heat PBJ and the top Iowa Barnstormers was also on my schedule.  The Barnstormers feature 2 of the top 3 2024s in Iowa.  Heat PBJ would ultimately fall in this one.  Heat's Jonathan Mekonnen was the best guy on the floor in my opinion with his 20 points. The lefty forward looks to be another one of the many very skilled forwards to come thru the Eastview program.
  
• D1 Minnesota 17s won their 1st 2 games.  But then they lost Taison Chatman to injury and lost 2 of their last 3.
  
• In the Elite 32 event in Atlanta, Real Phenom Nick ran the table at 6-0 with a revamped roster.  Impressive stuff

Next up for most of our teams is the Prep Hoops region finals locally.  Then the final open period with many teams headed to Chicago (Prep Hoops) or to Sioux Falls (Sanford Pentagon Tournament Series finals)

2022 MBCA Showcase Observations

Father's Day Weekend means the 3rd annual MBCA Showcase.  Another fantastic year with just about every notable player in attendance from Minnesota plus the top players from North and South Dakota as well.  Only 14 teams this year rather than the 16 we had last year but still over 125 kids.  With so many kids and that number of teams in a short timeframe, its always a fun challenge to determine who and what to watch.  I took the philosophy of trying to see as many of the teams as possible.  I was able to see 12 of the 14 teams play a full game, 4 of those 12 teams I got to see play twice.  That's 8 games out of 28 possible games.  Such is the challenge for a college coach and for the kids in addition to fans like me.  It can very easily happen that you don't play well when the college coach is watching or vice versa.  So with that in mind, here are some thoughts from those games. 

Friday night had the showcase game of the weekend with the 1st 2 teams playing each other.  That gave us 3 top notch matchups.  Boden Kapke vs JT Rock, Daniel Freitag vs Taison Chatman and Cash Chavis vs Nas Whitlock.  Kapke and Freitag both won their matchups and played very well in both Friday games.  Freitag with a clutch floater that would have won their other game if not for an Owen Carlson buzzer beater.  Freitag's hustle was great to see in a setting that is very offensive oriented.  Kapke continued his improved play from May into this month with a strong 20+ point game against the highly touted Rock.  Isaac Asuma very solid in his battle with Daniel Freitag on Friday night.  That included 3 triples

Need perimeter play, no problem  South Dakota's Joe Sayler (S Dakota St commit), North Dakota's Isaiah Schafer along with local AAU teammates Max Shikenjanski and Ben Kopetzki stood out with hot shooting from deep on Friday night.  Hayden Tibbits, Soren Richardson and Ibo El-Amin added to that shooting list on Saturday.  Youth in North Dakota showed well as 2025 Mason Klabo had a late 3 and a sudden death 3 in 1 Saturday game to lead his team to a win.  Myles Barnette was productive in the game that I saw him.  Jeremiah Sem may be young and sometimes a bit wild but he's one of the more entertaining players in the open floor in the midwest due to his great athleticism.  2024 Jackson Fowlkes has been behind lots of talent at Park Center but showed he's worth keeping an eye on going forward.

As for front line players, Isaac Nyakundi showed well in both his Friday night games.  Matt Bothun also with a couple solid games on Friday.  Carter Zeller from Fargo was solid on the glass on Saturday.  I also liked the activity from Owen Waldoch.  Patrick Bath had a solid Friday night outing in the 1 game I saw him and reportedly was even better on Saturday.  Saw nice upside from Molley Kamara and Aeron Stevens as well.  Grayson Grove had a quite 1st game on Friday night but came on strong in the big showcase game.

2022 Open Period Number 2 Viewing Schedule

The 2nd open period of the 2022 Grassroots season is upon us.  After taking in the Twins with Crown Prince on opening weekend, I'm back to work with a full weekend of online viewing planned.  Teams all over the place this week.

• Kansas City area has Prep Hoops, Under Armour and Recruit Look.  A ton of I-35 traffic from here for that.
  
• Omaha/Council Bluffs is hosting a few low level teams.
• Sioux Falls has their annual Spring Jam with some MN teams
• Comets and Gain Elite are in Louisville for NY2LA.
• Howard Pulley has their teams in Indianapolis.  The 16s are in EYBL play, 15s and 17s in the Hardwood Invitational.
• Adidas is in Spartanburg, South Carolina with D1 Minnesota and J Sizzle playing.

There are some Minnesota vs Minnesota matchups out there.  The 7 AM Central time start on Sunday in South Carolina for J Sizzle vs  D1 Minnesota is the notable one.  Rise and Grind for that game.

Here's some of what I currently plan to watch.  All of this is of course depending upon technology cooperating.  Fishbowl TV is now on the clock.  And as Mike Tyson said, everybody has a plan until they get punched in the mouth so this could change.  While its rare to focus on 16s, I'm looking forward to getting in the 16U shoe teams as its not often they appear on my schedule.  My 17U focus will be on teams that I didn't already see in St. Cloud.  So teams like MN Chill and Fury Antl, you know what happens when I didn't see you already?  You just made the list!

Friday Night
5 PM: D1 16s vs Dream Vision
6 PM: MN Spartans 16s vs West Coast Elite
8:30 PM: Sizzle UA vs Philly Pride
9:45 PM: Sizzle 16s UA vs Team Thrill

Saturday
8:30 AM Howard Pulley 16s vs NY Lightning
10:15 AM Howard Pulley vs The Process
11:15 AM Fury Antl vs Iowa Barnstormers
12:20 PM Starks Elite vs WI Crusaders Elite
1:25 PM MN Chill vs Illinois Bears Parr
2:30 PM WOTN Bertsch vs NEBC
3:50 PM Real Phenom Silas vs TNT White

Sunday
7 AM: J Sizzle vs D1

2022 Better Than Chalk Section Predictions

A full regular season of viewing is in the books.  149 games later and now the playoffs begin.  With that in mind, here are the 2022 Better Than Chalk Predictions

Once again here are the rules.  Any fool can pick nothing but top seeds (aka chalk) and claim they were something like 306-13 on their picks.  My mission is to do better than that bracket.  I also pick all games at the start of the playoffs rather than going round by round to increase the challenge.  I don't get any chance to make up for my mistakes by picking day by day.

Not happy with how I picked your team?  Use the hashtag #ShockTheCzar on twitter and on your locker room/virtual whiteboards to express your outrage.  So without delay, here we go 

Section 4A
Only 16 teams playing but we still get the ladder format.  Top 4 seeds get a double bye to the quarters, next 4 seeds get an opening round bye.

Tuesday Round of 16 pigtails:  CHOF, Heritage, PACT, Metro Schools College Prep
Th Round of 12: Eagle Ridge over CHOF, Avail over MSCP, Trniity over PACT, Hope over Heritage
Sat Qtrs: New Life over Eagle Ridge, Liberty over Avail, Legacy over Trinity, W Lutheran over Hope
Tue Semis: New Life over Liberty, Legacy over W Lutheran
Fri Final (at ARCC): New Life over Legacy

Rule 1 of Pigtails, always take the home team so I take high seeds here.  Fun contrast of styles in the 12/13 game but I'll take Metro Schools College Prep over North Lakes in that one.  CHOF and Eagle Ridge played OT in their regular season meeting so look for a very good 8/9 matchup there.  Hope handled MCAA champ West Lutheran in the regular season, but give me West Lutheran in the home rematch in the quarters.  Expect that 2/7 game to be more interesting than the numbers indicate.  Liberty makes it 3 wins over Avail.  Legacy handled Trinity in the regular season, I see that happening again.  West Lutheran beat a young Legacy team twice in MCAA play but I'm going to pick the upset here.  New Life just beat Legacy big a week ago.  Give me New Life to be the last team standing.

Section 5A (Bonus selection)
3 seed in the east Kaleidoscope barely survives 6 seed Braham on Thursday before falling to Cromwell.

Section 4AA
This section will also use the ladder format to avoid the dreaded 100-16 1 seed over 16 seed situation.

Monday Pigtails: Nova over Hmong Academy, Washington over Humboldt
Th Round of 12: St. Croix Lutheran over Roosevelt, TCA over LILA, Math and Science over Nova,     SPA over Washington
Sat Qtrs: Minnehaha over SCL, SCPA over TCA, Concordia over M&S, St Agnes over SPA
Tues Semis: Minnehaha over St. Agnes, Concordia over SCPA
Fri Final (at ARCC): Minnehaha over Concordia

Both pigtail games look like blowouts.  Nova then gets a rubber match against Math and Science, great draw there.  Rest of the Thursday games look very ugly.  Example being a SPA/Washington rematch from a game SPA won by 60 in the Harding holiday tourney.  St Agnes just got a big win over SPA, I see that again in the quarters.  St. Agnes guards are a major defensive problem for SPA.  SCPA holds off TCA in another quarter.  Minnehaha and Concordia advance easily.  Minnehaha over St. Agnes with no matchup for Prince Aligbe.  Concordia and SCPA split the regular season and tied in the Skyline.  Lorenzo Levy and AJ Greene are a dangerous duo, give me Beacons in that one.  Minnehaha over Concordia in the final as the size of the Aligbe brothers will be a problem.

Section 5AA
Th Round of 16: Minneapolis North over Ubah, Rockford over Cristo Rey, MCA over HLWW, Providence over BC, Blake over Dassel-Cokato, SW Christian over Breck, Holy Family over Edison, Watertown-Mayer over Hiawatha
Sat Qtrs: Minneapolis North over Watertown Mayer, Rockford over Holy Family, SW Christian over Maranatha, Providence over Blake
Tues Semis (at STMA): Minneapolis North over Providence, Rockford over SW Christian
Fri Final (at Augsburg): Minneapolis North over Rockford.

Minneapolis North rolls thru the bracket.  Too much defense from the Polars gets them too much easy offense.  Edison beat Holy Family in December but give me the Fire's size here.  Watertown-Mayer a bad draw for Hiawatha in round 1.  SW Christian won a close neutral site game over Maranatha, give me the road upset here at MCA.  Providence got Blake twice in IMAC play, they get the 3rd win as well.  Rockford gets another win over SWC in the semis.  Pepin/Zilmer vs Zimmerman/Burke worth watching there.

Section 6AA (Bonus selection)
6 seed Spectrum wins a rematch with 11 seed Melrose.  Sting knocked off Melrose in the St. Cloud Cathedral tourney by 10.  3 seed Albany takes them out in the Saturday quarters at St. John's.

Section 3AAA
Wed Qtrs: South St. Paul over Harding, De La Salle over Highland Park, Simley over Como Park, St. Thomas Academy over Two Rivers
Sat Semis:  South St. Paul over St. Thomas, De La Salle over Simley
Th Final: De La Salle over South St. Paul

St. Thomas Academy should have gotten the 4 seed for the rival playoff game vs Two Rivers (1 game better in Metro East).  The teams split the regular season.  Give me St. Thomas Academy here.  Simley holds off Como Park.  In the semis, top 2 seeds move on.  Then a dynamite section final.   Pace will be key in that game and its easier to slow the pace than to speed it up.  De La Salle's style will frustrate the Packers.  I'll take the upset here.

Section 4AAA
Wed Qtrs: Columbia Heights over Hill-Murray, Johnson over Henry, Totino-Grace over St. Anthony, Mahtomedi over Fridley
Sat semis: Columbia Heights over Johnson, Totino-Grace over Mahtomedi
Th final (hopefully moved to somewhere big): Columbia Heights over Totino-Grace

1st round is pretty straight forward.  Semis no end surprise but each team will pull away in the 2nd half.  Then the final that will be called the real state championship game as its the top 2 teams in AAA.  Columbia Heights will be geared up for this game but TG has played many big games this season.  With Hinsz and Scoggins, Heights has some size to match TG. TG has been very up and down this season.  Heights more consistent.  Muja Burton vs Demarion Watson is a big matchup on the wing.  Terrence Brown vs Taison Chatman at the PG spot is another important spot to watch.  Depth is a problem for both sides.  Flip the coin and give me Heights in a classic thanks to home court here.

Section 6AAA
Wed Qtrs: Orono over Kennedy, Hutchinson over Richfield, BSM over Delano, Mound-Westonka over AHA
Sat Semis:Orono over Hutch, BSM over Mound
Th Final (at Chanhassen): Orono over BSM

Hutch beat Richfield (w/o Mitchell January) to secure this home game.  Sam Rensch was big in that game.  That and home court enough to move the 4 seed thru.  Orono takes them out in the semis.  BSM beat Mound-Westonka very early in the year.  They'll host the rematch in the semis.  Just too much firepower but a very competitive game.  Orono beat BSM twice but finished 1 game behind them in the Metro West.  I got burned on an Orono over BSM pick last year.  Only fitting to try again here.

Section 1AAAA
Tues Qtrs: Farmington over JM, Owatonna over Mayo, Lakeville N over Century, Lakeville S over Northfield.
Sat Semis: Farmington over Lakeville S, Lakeville N over Owatonna
Fri Final (at Rochester Civic Arena): Farmington over Lakeville North

No surprises in the 1st round.  Farmington beat Lakeville South twice but only by 3 points in each game.  An Avery Mast vs Kyle Hrncir matchup there is very appealing.  Tigers are coming off big wins over Lakeville N and Eastview to earn the 1 seed, they survive and advance.  The other game will be a defensive struggle.  Lakeville North battle tested and 2 tough matchups in Jack Robison and Nolan Winter.  North advances.  Farmington beat Lakeville North twice in the regular season.  Its a tough matchup for the Panthers so give me Farmington again.

Section 2AAAA
Wed Qtrs: Shakopee over Chaska, Eden Prairie over Waconia, Tonka over Prior Lake, Edina over Chanhassen
Sat Semis:Shakopee over Edina, Eden Prairie over Tonka
Fri Final: Shakopee over Eden Prairie

Top 4 move on with no trouble in round 1.  Malcolm Jones may go for 35 and 15 for Prior Lake vs Tonka.  But Tonka outscores them.  Eden Prairie has had Tonka's number this season and they do it again in semis.  Shakopee's press took out Edina in the regular season, Sabers win again.  Shakopee too much fire power for Eden Prairie in the final.  Nick Katona and Sam West give Shako a couple of options to defend Chiddi Obiazor.

Section 3AAAA
Wed Qtrs: Eastview over Hastings, Park over Apple Valley, Jefferson over Burnsville, Rosemount over Eagan.
Sat Semis:Eastview over Rosemount, Park over Jefferson
Th Final:Eastview over Park

No first round surprises.  Caleb Siwek carries Rosemount to a tough lower scoring win over Eagan in the 4 vs 5 game.  Too much Pharrel Payne in the semis for Park as they beat Jefferson.  They a Payne vs Jamal Ambrose matchup in the final, YES PLEASE!  Eastview too deep and they advance.

Section 4AAAA
Wed Qtrs: East Ridge over NSP, CDH over Central, Stillwater over Tartan, White Bear Lake over Woodbury
Sat Semis: East Ridge over White Bear Lake, CDH over Stillwater
Th Final (at Hastings): CDH over East Ridge

4 seed Woodbury was 2 games back of White Bear Lake in the Suburban East but got the home game due to 2 close head to head wins.  Woodbury has limped home.  Jack Janicki leads the Bears to the road upset.  3 seed Tartan got a tough draw in Max Shikenjanski and Stillwater.  Our own coach K has 3 days to prep for the Princeton point action.  Let's take this upset as well.  Biggest key there will be the 2nd guy for each team.  Shikenjanski is going to get his, but what role guys step up.  Top seeds advance in the semis.  Then a classic final.  Each team won their home game, but CDH dominated the home game.  Give me CDH to move on.

Section 5AAAA
Wed Qtrs: Park Center over Champlin Park, Osseo over Roseville, Spring Lake Park over Maple Grove, Irondale over Mounds View
Tues Semis: PC over Irondale, Osseo over Spring Lake Park
Th Final (at Rogers): PC over Osseo

Irondale should have gotten the home game over Mounds View.  But they won the road regular season meeting, they do it again.  Spring Lake Park gets the perfect draw vs a Maple Grove team that they pounded at MG during the regular season.  No matchup for Logan Kinsey here.  Panthers win again. Semis the luck runs out.  Park Center gets a game from rival Osseo in the final, PC moves on.  Their defense just too much for the Orioles to handle.

Section 6AAAA
Tues Qtrs: Wayzata over Washburn, Hopkins over St. Louis Park, South over Southwest, Cooper over Armstrong
Fri Semis: Wayzata over Cooper, Hopkins over South
Tues Final: Wayzata over Hopkins

No surprises in round 1.  South knocked off Southwest twice in Mpls City place, they get win number 3.  The 4/5 game gives us the Armstrong vs Cooper rivalry in a repeat of last year's 1st round game.  I don't see another Cooper blowout, but the Hawks do get a home win.  No surprises in the semis but South will give Hopkins all they want.  Wayzata gets a close 3rd win over Hopkins in the final.

Section 7AAAA
Th Qtrs: Andover over Cambridge-Isanti, Coon Rapids over Anoka, Centennial over Forest Lake, Duluth East over Blaine.
Tues Semis: Andover over Duluth East, Coon Rapids over Centennial
Th Final (at Chisago Lakes): Andover over Coon Rapids

Andover might put up 100 on Cambridge.  Centennial got the 3 seed based partly on a big road win at Forest Lake, Cougars win again.  Coon Rapids moves on.  Duluth East beat Blaine by 2 in regular season.  They win a struggle in the 4 vs 5 game.  Andover beat Duluth East in Duluth, they do it again at home.  Coon Rapids wins their 3rd game vs Centennial.  Andover gets their 3rd win over Coon Rapids in the final.

Section 8AAAA
Tues Qtrs: Buffalo over STMA, Rogers over Sartell, Bemidji over Moorhead, Brainerd over Elk River
Sat Semis: Buffalo over Brainerd, Bemidji over Rogers
Th Final (at Neutral Site): Buffalo over Bemidji

Brainerd was 2 games better than Sartell in the Central Lakes and beat them head to head twice in the regular season.  But because this section decided to go QRF only (they used to use their own formula but rules dictate that they must use QRF or coaches seed), they drop to the 4 seed.  This is why we shouldn't use ANY computer as a sole seeding method.  

This section will make or break your bracket.  All 4 opening round games should be very competitive.  STMA and Rogers split their 2 games so if you had to pick 1 single 8 seed to pull an upset over a 1 seed, STMA would be it.  Rogers is battle tested in the NW Suburban and Sartell has stumbled home, yes I'm calling the 7 seed to pull the upset.  Bemidji won 2 close games vs Moorhead and they get a 3rd vs a huge Moorhead lineup.  Brainerd won a close home game vs Elk River in January, that happens again here.  Top seeds move on the semis.  Buffalo takes out Bemidji in the final with too much Antonio Blueitt.

March 4th, 2022 CzarPI

This is the 8th CzarPI of the 2021-22 season (see CzarPI Explained Here). It includes most games through Friday, March 4th 2022 (6 missing games as of midnight 3/5/22). The value in () after the CzarPI value is the team's strength of schedule ranking within their class.

CzarPI Record: 4220-828 (83.6%)

Class AAAA

1. Wayzata - 61.42 (2) 0-0 vs higher, 22-3 vs lower
2. Park Center - 60.97 (19) 1-0 vs higher, 23-1 vs lower
3. Shakopee - 59.63 (26) 1-0 vs higher, 22-3 vs lower
4. Owatonna - 59.09 (47) 0-0 vs higher, 23-2 vs lower
5. East Ridge - 57.68 (28) 0-1 vs higher, 21-4 vs lower
6. Minnetonka - 56.46 (4) 0-3 vs higher, 18-5 vs lower
7. Hopkins - 56.14 (1) 0-7 vs higher, 17-1 vs lower
8. Osseo - 55.84 (12) 2-6 vs higher, 18-0 vs lower
9. Minneapolis South - 55.73 (14) 0-3 vs higher, 16-3 vs lower
10. Farmington - 54.97 (27) 1-3 vs higher, 18-4 vs lower
11. Eastview - 54.95 (29) 1-4 vs higher, 18-2 vs lower
12. Bemidji - 54.84 (20) 1-2 vs higher, 14-5 vs lower
13. Bloomington Jefferson - 54.48 (53) 2-1 vs higher, 16-5 vs lower
14. Eden Prairie - 54.09 (7) 4-7 vs higher, 12-3 vs lower
15. Sartell-St. Stephen - 53.71 (51) 2-2 vs higher, 17-5 vs lower
16. Lakeville North - 53.69 (16) 4-6 vs higher, 14-2 vs lower
17. Park of Cottage Grove - 53.67 (40) 1-5 vs higher, 17-3 vs lower
18. Buffalo - 53.43 (8) 2-8 vs higher, 13-3 vs lower
19. Tartan - 52.79 (58) 0-3 vs higher, 20-3 vs lower
20. Brainerd - 52.57 (45) 5-4 vs higher, 11-6 vs lower
21. Cretin-Derham Hall - 52.46 (24) 3-6 vs higher, 13-4 vs lower
22. Robbinsdale Cooper - 52.03 (41) 3-6 vs higher, 12-3 vs lower
23. Edina - 51.55 (3) 5-11 vs higher, 9-1 vs lower
24. White Bear Lake - 51.27 (46) 2-6 vs higher, 12-6 vs lower
25. Lakeville South - 51.17 (22) 2-9 vs higher, 14-1 vs lower
26. Rosemount - 50.85 (34) 4-9 vs higher, 12-1 vs lower
27. Moorhead - 50.64 (10) 4-8 vs higher, 6-1 vs lower
28. Chanhassen - 49.97 (42) 4-10 vs higher, 11-1 vs lower
29. Duluth East - 49.84 (56) 5-4 vs higher, 9-6 vs lower
30. Minneapolis Washburn - 49.77 (33) 3-7 vs higher, 10-3 vs lower
31. Andover - 49.68 (59) 1-7 vs higher, 15-3 vs lower
32. Mounds View - 49.43 (60) 3-7 vs higher, 11-4 vs lower
33. Robbinsdale Armstrong - 49.36 (9) 3-9 vs higher, 9-4 vs lower
34. Maple Grove - 49.14 (36) 3-9 vs higher, 10-4 vs lower
35. Irondale - 47.94 (62) 4-8 vs higher, 10-3 vs lower
36. Minneapolis Southwest - 47.73 (48) 2-10 vs higher, 12-1 vs lower
37. Elk River - 47.72 (38) 2-12 vs higher, 12-0 vs lower
38. Rochester Century - 47.71 (31) 4-11 vs higher, 10-1 vs lower
39. Northfield - 47.68 (50) 5-10 vs higher, 9-1 vs lower
40. Rochester Mayo - 47.16 (37) 6-13 vs higher, 7-0 vs lower
41. St. Louis Park - 46.86 (43) 7-10 vs higher, 3-6 vs lower
42. Waconia - 46.57 (35) 4-13 vs higher, 8-1 vs lower
43. Coon Rapids - 46.22 (64) 1-9 vs higher, 16-0 vs lower
44. Chaska - 45.33 (21) 6-14 vs higher, 4-2 vs lower
45. Woodbury - 45.16 (44) 4-12 vs higher, 6-2 vs lower
46. Stillwater Area - 44.55 (63) 4-11 vs higher, 8-2 vs lower
47. Prior Lake - 43.85 (13) 4-14 vs higher, 6-2 vs lower
48. Spring Lake Park - 43.63 (15) 4-14 vs higher, 6-2 vs lower
49. Rogers - 43.43 (18) 5-15 vs higher, 4-1 vs lower
50. St. Michael-Albertville - 41.79 (6) 5-19 vs higher, 1-1 vs lower
51. St. Paul Central - 41.73 (61) 2-12 vs higher, 9-1 vs lower
52. Forest Lake - 41.16 (39) 5-16 vs higher, 0-5 vs lower
53. Cambridge-Isanti - 40.86 (49) 4-16 vs higher, 4-2 vs lower
54. Eagan - 39.95 (11) 4-18 vs higher, 3-1 vs lower
55. Centennial - 39.05 (55) 4-16 vs higher, 3-3 vs lower
56. Champlin Park - 37.56 (32) 3-18 vs higher, 3-1 vs lower
57. Roseville - 37.19 (52) 4-18 vs higher, 2-2 vs lower
58. Anoka - 36.49 (54) 5-18 vs higher, 0-2 vs lower
59. Rochester John Marshall - 35.8 (25) 2-18 vs higher, 4-0 vs lower
60. Blaine - 35.79 (57) 7-19 vs higher, 0-0 vs lower
61. Apple Valley - 35.14 (23) 3-20 vs higher, 2-1 vs lower
62. Burnsville - 34.62 (5) 3-21 vs higher, 0-0 vs lower
63. Hastings - 33.87 (30) 2-18 vs higher, 3-1 vs lower
64. North St. Paul - 27.63 (17) 2-22 vs higher, 2-0 vs lower

Class AAA

1. Columbia Heights - 60.17 (40) 0-0 vs higher, 20-0 vs lower
2. South St. Paul - 60.16 (41) 0-0 vs higher, 26-0 vs lower
3. Totino-Grace - 57.36 (24) 1-2 vs higher, 19-1 vs lower
4. Princeton - 56.95 (58) 0-0 vs higher, 24-1 vs lower
5. Alexandria - 56.76 (19) 0-1 vs higher, 20-4 vs lower
6. Orono - 55.3 (38) 1-1 vs higher, 18-6 vs lower
7. New Ulm - 54.9 (48) 0-1 vs higher, 20-5 vs lower
8. Jordan - 54.32 (32) 0-1 vs higher, 17-7 vs lower
9. Mound Westonka - 54.25 (23) 1-3 vs higher, 17-5 vs lower
10. DeLaSalle - 54.14 (1) 1-7 vs higher, 15-0 vs lower
11. Mankato West - 54.13 (20) 0-3 vs higher, 19-4 vs lower
12. Hutchinson - 54.11 (29) 3-3 vs higher, 13-7 vs lower
13. Stewartville - 54.1 (28) 2-3 vs higher, 16-4 vs lower
14. Hibbing - 53.63 (46) 1-3 vs higher, 17-3 vs lower
15. Mankato East - 53.54 (22) 2-3 vs higher, 16-5 vs lower
16. St. Cloud Tech - 53.41 (3) 3-6 vs higher, 13-3 vs lower
17. Benilde-St. Margaret's - 52.2 (47) 2-5 vs higher, 14-4 vs lower
18. Marshall - 52.02 (7) 2-8 vs higher, 12-1 vs lower
19. Hermantown - 52.02 (45) 2-5 vs higher, 15-3 vs lower
20. Simley - 51.47 (55) 1-3 vs higher, 17-4 vs lower
21. Winona - 51.42 (36) 2-4 vs higher, 14-5 vs lower
22. Kasson-Mantorville - 51.34 (37) 3-7 vs higher, 14-2 vs lower
23. St. Paul Johnson - 51.18 (61) 0-2 vs higher, 16-2 vs lower
24. North Branch - 51.03 (51) 3-3 vs higher, 13-7 vs lower
25. Mahtomedi - 50.99 (50) 3-4 vs higher, 13-3 vs lower
26. Cloquet - 50.56 (27) 2-8 vs higher, 13-2 vs lower
27. Sauk Rapids-Rice - 50.22 (35) 3-7 vs higher, 11-5 vs lower
28. Austin - 49.69 (16) 5-6 vs higher, 9-6 vs lower
29. Detroit Lakes - 49.61 (12) 4-9 vs higher, 7-5 vs lower
30. Two Rivers - 49.44 (53) 4-6 vs higher, 12-3 vs lower
31. St. Peter - 49.02 (18) 4-10 vs higher, 8-4 vs lower
32. Becker - 48.99 (44) 2-7 vs higher, 13-3 vs lower
33. Red Wing - 48.76 (21) 4-9 vs higher, 10-3 vs lower
34. Richfield - 48.72 (14) 2-9 vs higher, 11-2 vs lower
35. Byron - 48.23 (33) 3-9 vs higher, 10-3 vs lower
36. St. Thomas Academy - 48.15 (39) 4-10 vs higher, 11-1 vs lower
37. Big Lake - 47.01 (56) 3-8 vs higher, 11-4 vs lower
38. Rocori - 46.22 (25) 3-12 vs higher, 7-4 vs lower
39. Holy Angels - 45.97 (4) 5-13 vs higher, 5-3 vs lower
40. Monticello - 45.9 (43) 3-12 vs higher, 10-1 vs lower
41. St. Paul Como Park - 44.82 (59) 1-9 vs higher, 14-0 vs lower
42. Delano - 43.45 (5) 5-18 vs higher, 3-0 vs lower
43. Minneapolis Henry - 43.16 (31) 2-13 vs higher, 6-1 vs lower
44. Worthington - 42.74 (8) 7-15 vs higher, 0-1 vs lower
45. St. Cloud Apollo - 41.97 (15) 5-16 vs higher, 2-3 vs lower
46. Willmar - 41.42 (11) 5-19 vs higher, 2-0 vs lower
47. Fridley - 40.69 (49) 2-13 vs higher, 8-1 vs lower
48. Little Falls - 40.25 (34) 5-16 vs higher, 3-2 vs lower
49. St. Francis - 40.19 (30) 4-18 vs higher, 2-2 vs lower
50. Chisago Lakes Area - 39.3 (26) 4-18 vs higher, 1-2 vs lower
51. Grand Rapids - 38.01 (2) 4-18 vs higher, 3-0 vs lower
52. Bloomington Kennedy - 37.47 (42) 2-17 vs higher, 4-1 vs lower
53. New Prague - 36.48 (13) 4-22 vs higher, 0-0 vs lower
54. St. Anthony Village - 36.05 (52) 1-18 vs higher, 7-0 vs lower
55. Zimmerman - 36.01 (54) 4-18 vs higher, 2-1 vs lower
56. St. Paul Highland Park - 33.58 (60) 1-16 vs higher, 7-1 vs lower
57. St. Paul Harding - 30.73 (57) 1-20 vs higher, 5-0 vs lower
58. Duluth Denfeld - 29.91 (6) 2-21 vs higher, 1-0 vs lower
59. Faribault - 28.48 (10) 1-22 vs higher, 2-0 vs lower
60. Hill-Murray - 26.35 (9) 2-24 vs higher, 0-0 vs lower
61. Albert Lea - 24.25 (17) 1-24 vs higher, 1-0 vs lower

Class AA

1. Caledonia - 60.9 (36) 0-0 vs higher, 19-0 vs lower
2. Annandale - 60.12 (10) 0-0 vs higher, 24-2 vs lower
3. Morris Area/Chokio-Alberta - 58.62 (50) 0-0 vs higher, 22-2 vs lower
4. Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton - 57.94 (45) 0-0 vs higher, 18-3 vs lower
5. Rockford - 57.93 (33) 0-2 vs higher, 23-1 vs lower
6. Pipestone Area - 57.62 (47) 0-0 vs higher, 20-4 vs lower
7. Minneapolis North - 57.36 (6) 0-3 vs higher, 17-1 vs lower
8. Plainview-Elgin-Millville - 57.05 (100) 0-1 vs higher, 26-0 vs lower
9. Osakis - 56.9 (69) 1-1 vs higher, 22-2 vs lower
10. Maple River - 56.9 (49) 2-2 vs higher, 21-2 vs lower
11. Lake City - 56.24 (58) 0-1 vs higher, 21-3 vs lower
12. Esko - 56.21 (74) 0-0 vs higher, 20-3 vs lower
13. Pequot Lakes - 56.14 (38) 0-2 vs higher, 20-4 vs lower
14. Pelican Rapids - 55.85 (26) 0-2 vs higher, 18-3 vs lower
15. Mora - 55.52 (94) 0-1 vs higher, 23-2 vs lower
16. Minnehaha Academy - 54.86 (1) 1-7 vs higher, 13-2 vs lower
17. Redwood Valley - 54.73 (27) 2-4 vs higher, 17-3 vs lower
18. Albany - 54.56 (66) 1-3 vs higher, 20-2 vs lower
19. Thief River Falls - 54.43 (39) 2-4 vs higher, 15-2 vs lower
20. West Central Area - 54.07 (75) 2-4 vs higher, 18-0 vs lower
21. Perham - 53.79 (3) 4-6 vs higher, 10-4 vs lower
22. Sauk Centre - 53.63 (55) 2-4 vs higher, 17-3 vs lower
23. Hiawatha Collegiate - 53.54 (101) 1-2 vs higher, 19-4 vs lower
24. Maranatha Christian - 53.44 (73) 1-3 vs higher, 18-3 vs lower
25. Warroad - 53.11 (119) 0-2 vs higher, 21-1 vs lower
26. Providence Academy - 53.08 (30) 1-6 vs higher, 17-2 vs lower
27. Spectrum - 52.87 (83) 0-2 vs higher, 20-4 vs lower
28. Lake Crystal-Wellcome Memorial - 52.65 (99) 2-2 vs higher, 18-4 vs lower
29. Watertown-Mayer - 52.06 (41) 1-5 vs higher, 17-3 vs lower
30. Rush City - 51.95 (120) 1-1 vs higher, 19-3 vs lower
31. Hawley - 51.84 (51) 2-7 vs higher, 14-0 vs lower
32. Blake - 51.73 (89) 1-6 vs higher, 18-0 vs lower
33. St. Clair - 51.65 (97) 3-6 vs higher, 17-0 vs lower
34. Moose Lake-Willow River - 51.52 (65) 1-4 vs higher, 16-4 vs lower
35. La Crescent-Hokah - 51.43 (61) 1-5 vs higher, 15-1 vs lower
36. Glencoe-Silver Lake - 51.33 (29) 1-7 vs higher, 16-2 vs lower
37. Southwest Christian - 51.14 (12) 5-8 vs higher, 9-3 vs lower
38. Crosby-Ironton - 50.98 (91) 2-3 vs higher, 16-5 vs lower
39. Holy Family Catholic - 50.42 (14) 6-9 vs higher, 7-4 vs lower
40. New London-Spicer - 50.16 (4) 4-8 vs higher, 9-4 vs lower
41. Milaca - 49.72 (52) 2-6 vs higher, 13-5 vs lower
42. St. Cloud Cathedral - 49.46 (37) 3-10 vs higher, 13-0 vs lower
43. Barnesville - 49.29 (23) 2-10 vs higher, 12-0 vs lower
44. Fairmont - 49.07 (54) 2-6 vs higher, 10-5 vs lower
45. Montevideo - 48.69 (24) 4-6 vs higher, 7-5 vs lower
46. Pine City - 48.39 (114) 2-7 vs higher, 16-1 vs lower
47. Eden Valley-Watkins - 48.39 (63) 3-7 vs higher, 12-4 vs lower
48. Jackson County Central - 47.68 (46) 2-9 vs higher, 9-4 vs lower
49. Triton - 47.65 (62) 1-7 vs higher, 15-4 vs lower
50. Lewiston-Altura - 47.62 (93) 1-7 vs higher, 17-1 vs lower
51. Two Harbors - 47.56 (122) 2-4 vs higher, 15-5 vs lower
52. Melrose - 47.28 (18) 4-11 vs higher, 9-2 vs lower
53. Math and Science Academy - 47.23 (124) 2-5 vs higher, 18-1 vs lower
54. St. Agnes - 47.16 (115) 1-5 vs higher, 16-4 vs lower
55. St. Croix Prep - 47.15 (109) 2-6 vs higher, 12-4 vs lower
56. Park Rapids Area - 47.14 (90) 2-8 vs higher, 12-1 vs lower
57. Belle Plaine - 47.01 (72) 2-10 vs higher, 11-2 vs lower
58. Paynesville Area - 46.92 (105) 3-8 vs higher, 13-2 vs lower
59. Pine Island - 46.91 (48) 3-12 vs higher, 11-1 vs lower
60. Luverne - 46.77 (59) 3-10 vs higher, 7-3 vs lower
61. St. James Area - 46.15 (68) 4-9 vs higher, 8-5 vs lower
62. New Richland-H-E-G - 46.09 (88) 2-9 vs higher, 13-1 vs lower
63. Windom Area - 45.75 (35) 5-13 vs higher, 5-3 vs lower
64. Blue Earth Area - 45.62 (96) 6-10 vs higher, 6-2 vs lower
65. St. Paul Academy - 45.56 (118) 2-6 vs higher, 13-3 vs lower
66. Norwood-Young America - 45.55 (67) 6-11 vs higher, 6-3 vs lower
67. Breck - 45.54 (5) 4-15 vs higher, 7-0 vs lower
68. Concordia Academy - 45.54 (71) 3-11 vs higher, 11-1 vs lower
69. East Grand Forks - 45.23 (53) 2-10 vs higher, 10-2 vs lower
70. Litchfield - 45.21 (7) 5-14 vs higher, 6-1 vs lower
71. Chatfield - 45.16 (81) 2-10 vs higher, 14-0 vs lower
72. Greenway - 44.92 (86) 1-10 vs higher, 11-3 vs lower
73. Minneapolis Edison - 44.42 (95) 3-10 vs higher, 10-1 vs lower
74. Kimball Area - 44.42 (102) 3-9 vs higher, 11-3 vs lower
75. Wadena-Deer Creek - 44.37 (103) 2-7 vs higher, 12-5 vs lower
76. Fergus Falls - 44.05 (19) 5-15 vs higher, 4-1 vs lower
77. Waseca - 44.04 (15) 7-15 vs higher, 2-2 vs lower
78. Menahga - 43.61 (98) 2-10 vs higher, 11-1 vs lower
79. Aitkin - 43.22 (57) 3-12 vs higher, 7-2 vs lower
80. Pierz - 42.11 (78) 4-11 vs higher, 5-5 vs lower
81. Eveleth-Gilbert - 42.07 (106) 2-12 vs higher, 10-1 vs lower
82. Royalton - 41.97 (112) 3-12 vs higher, 9-1 vs lower
83. LeSueur-Henderson - 41.54 (121) 4-10 vs higher, 9-2 vs lower
84. Dassel-Cokato - 41.26 (11) 5-17 vs higher, 4-0 vs lower
85. Hinckley-Finlayson - 40.64 (111) 1-12 vs higher, 11-2 vs lower
86. Twin Cities Academy/Great River - 40.32 (104) 3-12 vs higher, 6-1 vs lower
87. Virginia - 39.88 (22) 4-16 vs higher, 3-3 vs lower
88. Pillager - 39.71 (44) 3-15 vs higher, 6-0 vs lower
89. Waterville-Elysian-Morristown - 39.61 (80) 4-14 vs higher, 3-3 vs lower
90. High School for the Recording Arts - 39.27 (125) 0-2 vs higher, 2-0 vs lower
91. Red Lake - 38.29 (92) 1-12 vs higher, 8-3 vs lower
92. Staples-Motley - 38.01 (31) 3-19 vs higher, 3-0 vs lower
93. Rochester Lourdes - 37.79 (13) 2-17 vs higher, 6-1 vs lower
94. Proctor - 37.53 (42) 4-18 vs higher, 2-1 vs lower
95. Mesabi East - 36.62 (85) 3-17 vs higher, 4-1 vs lower
96. Minnesota Valley Lutheran - 36.23 (87) 2-18 vs higher, 4-2 vs lower
97. Atwater-Cosmos-Grove City - 36.08 (107) 2-16 vs higher, 7-0 vs lower
98. Zumbrota-Mazeppa - 36.06 (9) 2-21 vs higher, 4-0 vs lower
99. Nova Classical Academy - 35.98 (117) 2-14 vs higher, 4-6 vs lower
100. St. Croix Lutheran - 35.12 (40) 4-19 vs higher, 2-1 vs lower
101. Lakes International Language Academy - 34.44 (113) 1-14 vs higher, 7-2 vs lower
102. Brooklyn Center - 34.24 (17) 2-18 vs higher, 1-0 vs lower
103. Winona Cotter/Hope Lutheran - 34.21 (60) 3-17 vs higher, 4-2 vs lower
104. Dover-Eyota - 34.14 (16) 4-20 vs higher, 2-1 vs lower
105. Foley - 33.74 (34) 3-21 vs higher, 2-0 vs lower
106. Cannon Falls - 32.85 (28) 4-21 vs higher, 2-0 vs lower
107. Minnewaska Area - 32.8 (2) 2-22 vs higher, 2-0 vs lower
108. Frazee - 30.54 (8) 3-20 vs higher, 1-0 vs lower
109. Sibley East - 30.21 (84) 2-19 vs higher, 1-2 vs lower
110. Hmong Academy - 29.77 (123) 0-12 vs higher, 5-2 vs lower
111. Blooming Prairie - 29.3 (20) 2-22 vs higher, 2-0 vs lower
112. Minneapolis Roosevelt - 29.22 (43) 1-19 vs higher, 1-0 vs lower
113. Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted - 29.21 (21) 3-22 vs higher, 1-0 vs lower
114. Mounds Park Academy - 28.87 (70) 3-18 vs higher, 0-1 vs lower
115. International Falls - 28.84 (110) 2-19 vs higher, 2-1 vs lower
116. Ubah Medical Academy - 28.82 (126) 1-5 vs higher, 1-0 vs lower
117. Roseau - 27.97 (108) 2-19 vs higher, 3-2 vs lower
118. St. Paul Washington - 26.99 (116) 2-19 vs higher, 2-0 vs lower
119. Crookston - 25.81 (25) 2-21 vs higher, 3-0 vs lower
120. Tri-City United - 25.64 (77) 2-22 vs higher, 1-0 vs lower
121. Cristo Rey Jesuit - 23.86 (32) 2-22 vs higher, 0-1 vs lower
122. St. Paul Humboldt - 22.7 (82) 2-22 vs higher, 0-0 vs lower
123. Holdingford - 21.34 (76) 1-23 vs higher, 2-0 vs lower
124. Medford - 17.9 (79) 0-25 vs higher, 1-0 vs lower
125. St. Charles - 14.19 (56) 0-25 vs higher, 1-0 vs lower
126. Maple Lake - 0 (64) 0-23 vs higher, 0-0 vs lower

Class A

1. Hayfield - 58.94 (10) 0-0 vs higher, 26-2 vs lower
2. Central MN Christian - 57.7 (14) 0-0 vs higher, 22-3 vs lower
3. Cass Lake-Bena - 57.69 (13) 0-0 vs higher, 23-3 vs lower
4. New York Mills - 57.22 (82) 0-0 vs higher, 25-1 vs lower
5. Nevis - 56.75 (23) 1-1 vs higher, 22-2 vs lower
6. Ashby - 56.56 (26) 0-1 vs higher, 22-2 vs lower
7. Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa - 56.14 (27) 2-1 vs higher, 20-3 vs lower
8. Sleepy Eye Saint Mary's - 55.65 (125) 0-0 vs higher, 24-2 vs lower
9. Rushford-Peterson - 55.54 (33) 1-2 vs higher, 19-1 vs lower
10. Martin County West - 55.52 (46) 0-1 vs higher, 22-3 vs lower
11. Fertile-Beltrami - 54.93 (63) 0-1 vs higher, 23-3 vs lower
12. Sacred Heart - 54.92 (80) 0-1 vs higher, 21-2 vs lower
13. Cherry - 54.88 (29) 0-4 vs higher, 22-0 vs lower
14. New Life Academy - 54.72 (106) 0-1 vs higher, 23-2 vs lower
15. North Woods - 54.69 (67) 1-2 vs higher, 21-2 vs lower
16. Hancock - 54.49 (21) 3-3 vs higher, 18-2 vs lower
17. Spring Grove - 53.91 (120) 0-2 vs higher, 21-1 vs lower
18. Southwest MN Christian - 53.43 (103) 0-3 vs higher, 22-1 vs lower
19. Mahnomen/Waubun - 53.18 (2) 2-7 vs higher, 16-1 vs lower
20. Deer River - 52.96 (38) 0-4 vs higher, 20-2 vs lower
21. Henning - 52.7 (71) 0-4 vs higher, 21-1 vs lower
22. Goodhue - 52.52 (57) 0-4 vs higher, 20-2 vs lower
23. Hillcrest Lutheran Academy - 52.41 (75) 2-4 vs higher, 17-2 vs lower
24. Kenyon-Wanamingo - 52.41 (65) 0-4 vs higher, 21-2 vs lower
25. Fosston - 52.4 (58) 1-4 vs higher, 18-2 vs lower
26. Mankato Loyola - 51.8 (61) 3-2 vs higher, 15-6 vs lower
27. West Lutheran - 51.74 (119) 1-1 vs higher, 18-6 vs lower
28. Lakeview - 51.48 (145) 1-0 vs higher, 20-5 vs lower
29. Lyle/Austin Pacelli - 51.47 (141) 0-3 vs higher, 22-1 vs lower
30. Mountain Iron-Buhl - 51.4 (70) 1-5 vs higher, 18-2 vs lower
31. Southland - 50.93 (59) 1-6 vs higher, 17-0 vs lower
32. Tracy-Milroy-Balaton - 50.59 (48) 1-5 vs higher, 18-3 vs lower
33. Mountain Lake Area/Comfrey - 50.58 (121) 0-3 vs higher, 20-3 vs lower
34. Warren-Alvarado-Oslo - 50.33 (107) 1-4 vs higher, 18-2 vs lower
35. BOLD - 50.24 (44) 1-5 vs higher, 17-3 vs lower
36. Barnum - 50.1 (86) 1-5 vs higher, 17-3 vs lower
37. Chisholm - 49.9 (132) 0-4 vs higher, 18-1 vs lower
38. Liberty Classical Academy - 49.78 (143) 1-3 vs higher, 19-3 vs lower
39. Russell-Tyler-Ruthton - 49.71 (94) 2-6 vs higher, 17-1 vs lower
40. Ada-Borup-West - 49.66 (7) 2-8 vs higher, 12-1 vs lower
41. Springfield - 49.37 (95) 2-5 vs higher, 16-3 vs lower
42. Kerkhoven-Murdock-Sunburg - 49.2 (53) 3-5 vs higher, 12-4 vs lower
43. Duluth Marshall - 49.1 (50) 3-6 vs higher, 12-3 vs lower
44. Northland - 48.96 (140) 1-5 vs higher, 19-1 vs lower
45. Browerville-Eagle Valley - 48.53 (28) 1-6 vs higher, 13-3 vs lower
46. Mayer Lutheran - 48.47 (40) 1-6 vs higher, 14-5 vs lower
47. Lester Prairie - 48.31 (147) 2-4 vs higher, 16-4 vs lower
48. Blackduck - 48.09 (81) 2-7 vs higher, 16-1 vs lower
49. New Ulm Cathedral - 47.98 (111) 3-6 vs higher, 14-3 vs lower
50. Avail Academy - 47.95 (144) 0-5 vs higher, 19-2 vs lower
51. Dawson-Boyd - 47.82 (60) 2-8 vs higher, 13-0 vs lower
52. Northern Freeze - 47.81 (54) 1-7 vs higher, 14-2 vs lower
53. Wheaton/Herman-Norcross - 47.54 (68) 2-6 vs higher, 12-2 vs lower
54. Legacy Christian - 47.25 (104) 1-7 vs higher, 16-2 vs lower
55. Janesville-Waldorf-Pemberton - 47.21 (77) 1-7 vs higher, 14-4 vs lower
56. South Ridge - 46.53 (62) 1-9 vs higher, 13-0 vs lower
57. Goodridge/Grygla - 46.41 (84) 1-8 vs higher, 15-2 vs lower
58. Brandon/Evansville - 45.6 (22) 2-10 vs higher, 12-2 vs lower
59. Randolph - 45.07 (35) 2-10 vs higher, 12-3 vs lower
60. Lac qui Parle Valley - 44.94 (12) 3-11 vs higher, 8-2 vs lower
61. Upsala - 44.94 (122) 1-5 vs higher, 12-7 vs lower
62. Pine River-Backus - 44.7 (9) 2-12 vs higher, 11-1 vs lower
63. Westbrook-Walnut Grove - 44.51 (108) 2-8 vs higher, 12-4 vs lower
64. Murray County Central - 44.1 (83) 1-10 vs higher, 13-1 vs lower
65. Verndale - 44.08 (93) 4-6 vs higher, 9-6 vs lower
66. Trinity School - 43.94 (52) 2-12 vs higher, 10-2 vs lower
67. LeRoy-Ostrander - 43.79 (129) 0-8 vs higher, 15-3 vs lower
68. Parkers Prairie - 43.45 (8) 4-12 vs higher, 8-2 vs lower
69. Lanesboro - 43.43 (138) 2-8 vs higher, 13-3 vs lower
70. Ely - 43.32 (135) 1-9 vs higher, 14-2 vs lower
71. Swanville - 43.23 (142) 3-8 vs higher, 10-2 vs lower
72. Buffalo Lake-Hector-Stewart - 43.13 (69) 1-8 vs higher, 9-4 vs lower
73. Nashwauk-Keewatin - 43.02 (97) 1-12 vs higher, 12-1 vs lower
74. Cromwell-Wright - 42.58 (116) 1-10 vs higher, 11-2 vs lower
75. Hope Academy - 42.57 (41) 1-11 vs higher, 10-2 vs lower
76. Wrenshall - 42.19 (153) 2-7 vs higher, 10-5 vs lower
77. MACCRAY - 42.19 (72) 2-12 vs higher, 8-4 vs lower
78. Eagle Ridge Academy - 41.49 (150) 0-10 vs higher, 15-1 vs lower
79. Kaleidoscope Charter - 41.44 (146) 1-9 vs higher, 9-5 vs lower
80. Badger/Greenbush-Middle River - 41.27 (5) 1-14 vs higher, 10-1 vs lower
81. Hills-Beaver Creek - 41.02 (118) 1-10 vs higher, 9-0 vs lower
82. Red Lake County - 40.85 (16) 2-13 vs higher, 8-2 vs lower
83. Battle Lake - 40.83 (30) 2-12 vs higher, 9-2 vs lower
84. Wabasso - 40.75 (113) 0-12 vs higher, 12-2 vs lower
85. United South Central - 40.63 (110) 2-12 vs higher, 10-3 vs lower
86. Lake Park-Audubon - 40.55 (43) 1-12 vs higher, 9-2 vs lower
87. Cedar Mountain - 40.36 (114) 3-11 vs higher, 7-4 vs lower
88. Heron Lake-Okabena/Fulda - 40.35 (136) 3-13 vs higher, 10-1 vs lower
89. Renville County West - 40.1 (36) 4-16 vs higher, 6-0 vs lower
90. CHOF - 40.05 (24) 1-13 vs higher, 5-1 vs lower
91. Fillmore Central - 39.91 (4) 1-14 vs higher, 8-3 vs lower
92. Madelia - 39.79 (101) 3-12 vs higher, 10-2 vs lower
93. Breckenridge - 39.62 (1) 3-15 vs higher, 2-3 vs lower
94. Win-E-Mac - 39.41 (139) 2-11 vs higher, 12-1 vs lower
95. Kingsland - 38.92 (88) 2-12 vs higher, 9-4 vs lower
96. Metro Schools College Prep - 38.88 (91) 1-6 vs higher, 3-0 vs lower
97. NCE/U-H - 38.62 (20) 2-14 vs higher, 7-1 vs lower
98. East Central - 38.58 (56) 2-13 vs higher, 6-4 vs lower
99. Ogilvie - 38.36 (128) 1-13 vs higher, 9-3 vs lower
100. Lakeview Christian - 38.34 (117) 1-12 vs higher, 7-3 vs lower
101. T/ML/GHEC - 38.15 (64) 3-15 vs higher, 7-1 vs lower
102. Grand Meadow - 38.03 (45) 3-15 vs higher, 7-1 vs lower
103. Clearbrook-Gonvick - 36.72 (19) 1-17 vs higher, 5-2 vs lower
104. Hill City - 35.94 (149) 2-13 vs higher, 7-4 vs lower
105. Stephen-Argyle - 35.83 (25) 1-15 vs higher, 6-0 vs lower
106. Schaeffer Academy - 35.68 (90) 2-15 vs higher, 9-1 vs lower
107. Braham - 35.67 (137) 3-15 vs higher, 6-1 vs lower
108. North Lakes Academy - 35.65 (102) 2-15 vs higher, 6-3 vs lower
109. Bethlehem Academy - 35.64 (66) 2-15 vs higher, 8-1 vs lower
110. Minnesota Transitions Charter - 35.48 (160) 0-2 vs higher, 3-1 vs lower
111. McGregor - 35.14 (152) 2-14 vs higher, 6-1 vs lower
112. Fond du Lac Ojibwe - 34.97 (76) 3-16 vs higher, 4-0 vs lower
113. Silver Bay - 34.93 (155) 2-15 vs higher, 7-2 vs lower
114. Park Christian - 34.89 (92) 3-14 vs higher, 4-3 vs lower
115. Wabasha-Kellogg - 34.38 (15) 2-17 vs higher, 6-2 vs lower
116. PACT Charter - 34.32 (105) 3-15 vs higher, 4-3 vs lower
117. Heritage Christian - 34.23 (87) 3-14 vs higher, 3-0 vs lower
118. St. John's Prep - 34.15 (98) 3-16 vs higher, 3-3 vs lower
119. Sleepy Eye - 33.74 (109) 3-17 vs higher, 3-4 vs lower
120. Northome/Kelliher - 33.73 (112) 1-15 vs higher, 9-0 vs lower
121. Community of Peace Academy - 33.58 (115) 2-13 vs higher, 3-3 vs lower
122. Nicollet - 33.19 (89) 3-17 vs higher, 5-2 vs lower
123. Minneota - 33.09 (32) 1-20 vs higher, 5-1 vs lower
124. Rothsay - 32.69 (3) 2-20 vs higher, 4-0 vs lower
125. Kittson County Central - 31.91 (37) 1-17 vs higher, 5-0 vs lower
126. Canby - 31.78 (55) 2-20 vs higher, 3-1 vs lower
127. Carlton - 31.63 (123) 2-19 vs higher, 2-1 vs lower
128. Gibbon-Fairfax-Winthrop - 31.31 (100) 4-21 vs higher, 1-1 vs lower
129. Venture Academy - 31.23 (157) 0-3 vs higher, 1-1 vs lower
130. Benson - 30.55 (6) 2-21 vs higher, 1-2 vs lower
131. Chesterton Academy - 30.22 (133) 1-9 vs higher, 1-1 vs lower
132. Bigfork - 29.49 (131) 1-19 vs higher, 4-1 vs lower
133. Academy for Sciences & Ag - 28.41 (154) 1-9 vs higher, 2-1 vs lower
134. Yellow Medicine East - 28.39 (47) 3-20 vs higher, 1-0 vs lower
135. Long Prairie-Grey Eagle - 28.39 (34) 2-21 vs higher, 2-0 vs lower
136. Cook County - 27.55 (130) 1-16 vs higher, 2-1 vs lower
137. Red Rock Central - 27.5 (79) 1-20 vs higher, 2-3 vs lower
138. Underwood - 25 (39) 0-19 vs higher, 3-1 vs lower
139. Walker-Hackensack-Akeley - 24.5 (51) 1-21 vs higher, 3-0 vs lower
140. United Christian Academy - 24.27 (85) 0-19 vs higher, 2-0 vs lower
141. Adrian/Ellsworth - 24.16 (78) 2-18 vs higher, 2-0 vs lower
142. Groves Academy - 23.75 (159) 1-9 vs higher, 2-0 vs lower
143. Clinton-Graceville-Beardsley - 23.63 (42) 2-18 vs higher, 1-2 vs lower
144. Sebeka - 23.62 (99) 1-18 vs higher, 1-3 vs lower
145. Floodwood - 23.23 (151) 2-18 vs higher, 0-2 vs lower
146. Bertha-Hewitt - 23.11 (49) 3-21 vs higher, 1-0 vs lower
147. Mabel-Canton - 23.05 (126) 0-18 vs higher, 5-0 vs lower
148. Lake of the Woods - 22.32 (156) 1-15 vs higher, 2-1 vs lower
149. Ortonville - 20.34 (11) 1-19 vs higher, 0-0 vs lower
150. Mille Lacs - 19.86 (134) 2-23 vs higher, 0-0 vs lower
151. Littlefork-Big Falls - 19.5 (148) 1-20 vs higher, 2-0 vs lower
152. Edgerton - 18.5 (73) 1-22 vs higher, 0-0 vs lower
153. Houston - 14.33 (18) 0-24 vs higher, 1-0 vs lower
154. Alden-Conger - 14.06 (96) 0-24 vs higher, 3-0 vs lower
155. Bagley - 0 (17) 0-25 vs higher, 0-0 vs lower
156. Cleveland - 0 (31) 0-24 vs higher, 0-0 vs lower
157. Climax/Fisher - 0 (74) 0-22 vs higher, 0-0 vs lower
158. Glenville-Emmons - 0 (124) 0-23 vs higher, 0-0 vs lower
159. Laporte - 0 (127) 0-19 vs higher, 0-0 vs lower
160. Lincoln International - 0 (158) 0-2 vs higher, 0-0 vs lower
161. MN Academy for the Deaf - 0 (161) 0-4 vs higher, 0-0 vs lower