2026-27 Tri-Metro Conference Preview

This is the 7th preview in my 2026-2027 season preview series.  Week 2 of the previews continues 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 (2025-26 season 15-13, 7-9 Conference, 5th)
AHA needs to replace star wing and leading scorer Blake Nixon (15.7 PPG).  Shooter Arjun Jain (12.2 PPG) and Ike DePoint (11.7 PPG) will lead the offense.  Peter Koenig and Keegan Spence also return to the guard rotation.  Replacing the ball handling of Rhikenzo Lee and the size of Daniel Devine and Jake Winston are questions to answer.

Bloomington Kennedy Eagles (2025-26 season 12-15, 6-10 Conference, Tie 6th)
Kennedy returns 2 starters including junior point guard Judah Mithell (22.8 PPG).  But interior star Mus Mwenentanda (22.8 PPG) moving to Omaha leaves a huge hole inside.   Junior Jackson Giles will have to step into that interior role. Mitchell loses a pick and roll partner but I wouldn't be shocked to see him average 25-30 PPG with a perpetual green light.  Khalil Wertz Copeland and Parker Redmon are 2 more juniors returning to the lineup.  Add in a couple of freshman guards, Xander Bain and Jerrell Washington, that saw a ton of time last year.  

Brooklyn Center Centaurs (2025-26 season 3-22, 0-15 Conference, 9th)
Aloysius Vah is the top returnee.  Te'Shaun Thomas will be the man inside.  CJ Jones would have been a top option but he's another member of the long list of transfers to Minneapolis North.  The JV was very young last year so experience will be limited.  On the bright side, the Centaurs will have home games once again.  That's after playing all of last season on the road due to their home gym being unplayable.

Columbia Heights Hylanders (2025-26 season 14-12, 8-7 Conference, 4th)
Leading scorer Jayvion Gardner (16.4 PPG) is also now at Minneapolis North.  They also graduate top guards Judah Caine, Kahlil Mkali and Alan Moore in a group of 10 seniors.  That leaves guard Nico Luitjens Weatherspoon and Demarcus Whitmore as the top returning players.  

DeLaSalle Islanders (2025-26 season 25-4, 15-1 Conference, Tie 1st, AAA State Runner-Up)
Leading scorer and 6th man Kamar Thomas (16.1 PPG) is off to prep school but the Islanders still have plenty of firepower.  Lefty Jaeden Udean (15.1 PPG) can go for 30 at anytime with deep range.  Forward Ichima Idoko is a top junior in the state.  South Dakota State commit Deon Wallace-Johnson is an elite role guy who doesn't need to score.  Taaj Whitlock can also be a ballhandler for them.  Omar Ali can give them a true big guy and he has range too.  The junior class is loaded with depth options too such as Jonas McCreary and Max Winston.

Fridley Tigers (2025-26 season 10-15, 6-10 Conference, Tie 6th)
The Tigers need to replace guards Brein Robinson and Tyler Osell and wing Shamarion Evans.  Forward Jenovic Kandinula leads the front line.  Avion Johnson, Ta'marjay Hicks and soph Dee Lacy-Martin will lead the backcourt along with leading returning scorer Tyrone Washington (14.7 PPG).

Richfield Spartans (2025-26 season 29-3, 14-2 Conference, Tie 1st)
The transfer of Waleed Muhammed (13.5 PPG) to Hopkins leaves a big hole at the lead guard spot.  The Spartans will still be one of the most high octane offenses in the state though.  Dre Collins thrives in the running game.  Tyrece Hagler can score in a hurry from the wing.  Gideon Horne returns as the primary forward.  Ben Heidgerken gives them an experienced guard who can be a handler.  Juniors Ian Nelson and Oscar Peterson provide guard depth.

Robbinsdale Cooper Hawks (2025-26 season 7-20, 4-12 Conference, 8th)
Guard Desmond Goines was breakout player last year for the Hawks.  He's just 1 of 3 primary scoring options that needs to be replaced.  Junior Daviion Ellison returns to run the point guard position.  Soph Elijah Thomas will be a scoring threat on the wing.  Senior wings Henry Larsen and Yanni Brown return to the starting lineup along with guard Joel Sherman.

St. Anthony Huskies (2025-26 season 14-11, 10-6 Conference, 3rd)
The Huskies have to replace their top inside and outside threats of Isaan Kitila and Brett Siroin. That's 37.5 PPG gone from the lineup.  Forward Logan Buck (13.6 PPG) is the lone double figure scorer coming back.  Ian Page and lefty wing Myles Falkner join him in the starting lineup.  Ahmed Ahmod and Cameron Lesinski provide guard depth.

Predicted Order of Finish

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

Conference MVP: Jaeden Udean - DeLaSalle

Conference Overview:
DeLaSalle and Richfield will once again be the top tier of the league and contenders to make a state run. Kennedy loses their inside threat but their guards still make them best of the rest.  The middle tier is a toss up a couple guys returning for each roster.  I'll take Holy Angels with Arjun Jain leading the way.  The bottom 3 are all rebuilding.  Heights is the best of those.

Underclassmen to watch: 

• Henry Strand - Academy of Holy Angels
• Xander Bain, Jerrell Washington - Bloomington Kennedy 
• Rashad Smith - DeLaSalle
• Elijah Thomas - Robbinsdale Cooper 
• Dee Lacy-Martin - Fridley 

Conference Games to Watch

• DeLaSalle at Richfield - Jan 19th  
• Richfield at DeLaSalle - Feb 19th   

Non-Conference Games to Watch

• Richfield vs Maple Grove - Dec 12th (Tipoff Classic at Edina)
• DeLaSalle vs Maple Grove - Dec 19th (Big Stage at Bloomington Jefferson)
• Richfield vs St. Paul Johnson - Dec 29th (Capital City Classic)
• Orono at Richfield - Jan 14th 
• DeLaSalle at Prior Lake - Feb 27th
• DeLaSalle at Buffalo - Mar 3rd

2026-27 IMAC Preview

This is the 6th preview in my 2026-2027 season preview series.  Week 2 begins with this 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 (2025-26 season 19-14, 2-7 Conference, 4th)
After a Cinderella run to the state tournament, Blake fired Tyler Biwan.  The new administration selected former Benilde-St. Margaret's head coach Damien Johnson.  He'll have to replace one of the league's top players in guard Carson McMichael (22.6 PPG) along with 3 other starters.  Soph wing Trameill White (10.5 PPG) had a terrific freshman campaign and is the top returning scorer.  Frosh guard Niles Bennett was a major rotation piece as well.  Senior forward Benji Dillon (9.9 PPG) provides size and experience and will see a bigger scoring role.

Breck Mustangs (2025-26 season 11-17, 7-2 Conference, 2nd)
Breck's season took a major hit in game 1 when star guard Mu Muhammed blew out a knee.  On the interior 20.4 PPG from wing/forward JP Musoke also needs to be replaced along with 2 other productive big men.  Lots of youth from last season will get a chance to contribute this season.. Soph Peter Kiedrowski (10.2 PPG) is the top returning scorer and will fill a wing spot.  Soph Cobe Blakes and junior Max Munsell (10.1 PPG) return to lead the backcourt.  Senior Zach Lerner and junior Ryan Adey provide depth there.  Replacing the lost size is a major question.

Minnehaha Academy Redhawks (2025-26 season 26-5, 9-0 Conference, 1st, AA State Champion)
The defending state champs reloaded last year with youth and look to defend their state title with most of the roster coming back.  Forward Kellen Troup had a breakout season with 19.7 PPG and was a dominant force.  The backcourt is loaded with senior Ayden Green (17.3 PPG) and top freshman Carter Cupito (12.4 PPG) returning.  Soph Mekhi Abner (9.7 PPG) developed into a very productive complement to Troup up front.  Former CDH player Donovin Diaz returns from Florida and joins the roster on the wing.  Masen Thao and Joffrey Wilson provide experience as backup guards along with Kamar Sandifer Howze as another option up front.

Mounds Park Academy Panthers (2025-26 season 10-16, 1-6 Conference, 6th)
The Panthers return their top 2 scorers.  Wing Omar Said (19.3 PPG) will be one of the league's top scorers.  Soph guard Owen Johnston also averaged double figures at 13.6 PPG.  Junior guard Zamin Ali would have been an option but he's now at Edina.  Soph Logan Metcalf will provide backcourt depth.  Not much size on the roster.

Providence Academy Lions (2025-26 season 7-22, 2-8 Conference, 5th)
Providence went with a significant youth movement last season.  Seniors Matthew Schaffer and Noah Boro (8.2 PPG) return as the top offensive options along with point guard Leo Giwa.  Colton Perrill and soph Sachin Bloch provide further options in the backcourt.  Soph Dexter Seelen is the top interior option.  Senior Jack Servi is another experienced front court option.

St. Paul Academy Spartans (2025-26 season 2-8, 6-4 Conference, 3rd)
SPA has 2 major threats to replace in their lineup.  The graduation of wing Ezra Cunningham (22.2 PPG) and shooter Ben Sieben (16.2 PPG).  That leaves senior guard John Grinsrud (15.4 PPG) as the top remaining option.  Junior Magarsaa Mullataa will join him in the backcourt and should bump his scoring into double figures.  Fellow junior Palmer Olson will also be in the perimeter rotation.  The Spartans also have questions about how the interior will look.  Elliot Pierach is one option there.

Predicted Order of Finish

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

Conference Overview
Minnehaha is the runaway favorite here with most everything returning.  Blake and Breck should battle for 2nd.  I'll give Breck the nod as I think they're deeper and don't have to adjust to a new head coach.  St. Paul Academy's guard play should make them the best of the rest.  Providence and Mounds Park continue to build.

Conference MVP: Kellen Troup - Minnehaha

Underclassmen to watch: 

• Niles Bennett, Trameill White - Blake
• Cobe Blades, Peter Kiedrowski - Breck 
• Carter Cupito, Mekhi Abner - Minnehaha 
• Owen Johnston, Logan Metcalf - Mounds Park Academy 
• Sachin Bloch, Dexter Seelen, Tommy Willihnganz - Providence 

Conference Games to Watch

• Minnehaha at Breck - Jan 22nd
• Minnehaha at Blake - Feb 2nd

 Non-Conference Games to Watch

• Orono at Minnehaha- Dec 4th
• Minnehaha vs Maple Grove - Dec 30th (Capital City Classic at Hamline)
• Minnehaha vs Minneapolis North - Jan 18th (MLK Showcase at St. Paul Johnson) 
• Minnehaha at SW Christian - Feb 9th
• Minnehaha at St. Paul Johnson - Feb 23rd

2026-27 Skyline Conference Preview

This is the 5th preview in my 2026-27 season preview series.  Week 1 concludes 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 (2025-26 season 17-12, 11-5 Conference, Tie 3rd)
Concordia went with a younger roster last season and that should pay off for the Beacons in 2026-27.  The top 6 rotation guys return including 3 double figures scorers.  Senior guards Langston Huffman (22.3 PPG), Logan Duis (14.7 PPG) and Dejon Scott (14.4 PPG) lead the offense.  Junior PG Jake Smith runs the show as a pass first point guard.  Junior forward Zeid Ndiaye (7 PPG) is a high upside guy with senior Judah Shepp (8.7 PPG) on the front line.

Legacy Christian Academy Lions (2025-26 season 17-11, 11-5 Conference, Tie 3rd)
The Lions have to replace all 3 double figure scorers and 4 of their top 5.  Forward Max Leifker (20.6 PPG) graduated along with guards Ty Nelson, Hudson Strand and Josh Held.  That's 62 PPG a game that needs to be replaced.  The scoring should be replaced by senior Braylon Ylkanen (7.1 PPG) and soph Silas Kardell (5.9 PPG).  Junior Henry Canfield (12.7 PPG) transferring across the league from St. Croix Prep will add a big boost to the offense.  Seniors Dallas Berry and Matthew Mulvihill will see plenty of time at guard spots as well.  The replacement for Leifker's size is a major question mark

Maranatha Christian Academy Mustangs (2025-26 season 25-4, 16-0 Conference, 1st)
Maranatha swept the league last year and looks to do the same this season.  Marcus Marshall has returned to Minneapolis North but transfer Lincoln Busse should step right into replace the 21.3 PPG lost.  Busse averaged 26.3 PPG at Glencoe-Silver Lake last season.  He's part of a deep guard rotation that will also include Ira Thomas (11.3 PPG), Chris Daniels (7.4 PPG) and soph Timmy Thomas (7.2 PPG).  Junior forward Erik Bakke  (4.5 PPG) is a breakout candidate inside with the graduation of Teni  Phillips (12.5 PPG).  Who backs him up will be a question mark. Senior Noah Schirmers is one of those options.

New Life Academy Eagles (2025-26 season 14-14, 5-11 Conference, 6th)
New Life returns their top 2 double figure scorers.  Lefty John Norring (15.1 PPG) and shooter Evan Seaton (17.9 PPG) aren't big but the seniors can both score it.  Soph Collin Michaelis joins them as a top offensive option.  Senior forward James Hudson (6.9 PPG) is the top interior guy returning.  Seniors Dylan Wall and Jayden DeBoer also return to the rotation.

St. Agnes Aggies (2025-26 season 9-18, 4-12 Conference, 7th)
The Aggies once again have a new head coach as Ian Mahler takes over the program.  He stays in the league and along Dale St as he was previously on the Concordia staff.  The roster is mostly intact after losing just 1 senior.  Senior guards Benett Davis and Thomas Plasch both averaged double figures last season.  Sam Ekholm and Declan Cudd are the returning forwards.  Its a small and not terribly athletic roster but they are experienced.

St. Croix Lutheran Crusaders (2025-26 season 19-10, 14-2 Conference, 2nd)
The Crusaders were a major surprise last year after losing their top 6 players but then they swept everybody in the league except Maranatha.  Can they do it again having to replace 4 starters and 8 of the top 9?  Senior guard Noah Little is the lone returnee after leading the team in scoring last season at 13.7 PPG.  Cameron Oakland looks to be the main interior threat.  Evan Fry, Grady Peterson and Filippo Depaoli look to be next up to fill out the rotation.

St. Croix Prep Lions (2025-26 season 16-12, 8-8 Conference, 5th)
Former Spring Lake Park assistant Karl Haynus takes over the program.  He has to replace top interior threat Logan Eiselt (13.3 PPG) and Henry Canfield.  Senior wing Ali Akram (15.2 PPG) will have to carry a big load on offense.  Senior Patrick McGurran joins them as a returning starter.  Junior guards Graham Beckmann and Owen Schrader should provide the perimeter depth.  Junior Bennett Eiselt looks to be the main replacement for the interior production.

Predicted Order of Finish

1. Maranatha  
2. Concordia  
3. Legacy  
4. St. Croix Prep  
5. St. Croix Lutheran      
6. New Life   
7. St. Agnes 
   

Conference Overview
Its a year of change in the Skyline with Nova Classical and Trinity departing for smaller leagues and a chance to be more competitive.  That's just a year after Cristo Rey did the same.  Maranatha enters the season with a 21 game league winning streak and I see that extending.  Along with Concordia, that is the clear top tier of the league.  The middle is jumbled.  St. Croix Lutheran and Legacy have a ton to replace but they do tend to plug guys in to their system very well.  St. Croix Prep also has a couple major holes to fill.  New Life has enough returning to contend with those teams for the top half.  St. Agnes with a new coach and system looks ahead to the future.

Conference MVP: Lincoln Busse - Maranatha

Underclassmen to watch: 

• Silas Kardell - Legacy 
• Timmy Thomas - Maranatha
• Collin Michaelis - New Life 
• Cannon Chapman - St. Croix Prep 

Conference Games to Watch

• Maranatha at Concordia - Dec 18th
• Concordia at Maranatha - Feb 2nd

Non-Conference Games to Watch

• Concordia at SW Christian - Dec 12 (Tipoff Classic)
• Hope Academy at Concordia - Jan 5th  
• Hopkins at Maranatha - Jan 6th 
• Concordia at Goodhue -  Jan 9th
• Maranatha vs St. Paul Highland Park - Jan 18th (MLK at St. Paul Johnson) 
• Holy Family at Concordia - Jan 19th
• Maranatha at Minneapolis North - Feb 16th 
• St. Paul Highland Park at Concordia - Feb 26th

2026-27 MCAA Preview

This is the 4th preview in my 2026-27 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.

Christ's Household of Faith Lions (2025-26 season 10-14, 3-6 Conference, Tie 4th South)
The Lions will not field a varsity roster this season.

Eagle Ridge Academy Gryphons (2025-26 season 10-18, 2-8 Conference, 6th South)
Eagle Ridge has a new head  coach in former SW Christian assistant Issac Williams.  He has to replace 4 starters including forwards Chris Asuma and Hamza Said.  In the backcourt, guard Braxton Ray needs to be replaced.  Juniors Noah Woodlee and Demetric Wleh look to be top offensive options along with senior Sam Crowley.  

Heritage Christian Academy Eagles (2025-26 season 21-8, 6-4 Conference, Tie 2nd North)
Coach Tim Herman took a totally rebuilt roster to the section final last season.  This season he returns 3 major pieces who are all seniors.  Forward Aaron Palmer missed most of the season before returning late. He'll be one of the top forwards in the league.  Logan Comfort (10.5 PPG) and Isaiah Coyle (13.3 PPG) return as double figure scorers who can play inside or out.  Juniors Max Voelker, Judah Ormiston and Eli Olk provide quality depth.  That should offset the loss of wing Jesper Synstelien and guard Griffin Booms who combined for almost 25 PPG last season

Lakes International Language Academy Dragons (2025-26 season 9-19, 2-7 Conference, 5th North)
Junior PG Jackson Dowd (20.5 PPG) is a triple double threat on any night and will be one of the top scorers in the league.  3 other juniors return to the starting lineup with him.  Guards Blayne Pledeman and Brevick Gunderson join Dowd in the backcourt.  Pledeman gives the Dragons another shooter.  Malaki Dorschner returns to the front line.  Rest of the roster is underclassmen as the Dragons had no juniors last year.  Sophs Jagger Dowd and frosh Aksel Gunderson round out the top 5 returning scorers at the guard spots

Liberty Classical Academy Lions (2025-26 season 29-3, 10-0 Conference, 1st North)
Liberty has to replace almost 50 PPG from league MVP Sam Rupnow and Ethan Richter on the wings.  But the cupboard isn't bare for coach John Towle.  Point guard Cruz Triana (13.7 PPG) and athletic forward Jimmy Youtsey (11.5 PPG) are top options.  William Gilbert provides another front court option.  Caleb Schmidt is a returning wing starter.

Math and Science Academy Dragons (2025-26 season 9-17, 3-6 Conference, Tie 4th South)
The Dragons open their new facility this season.  Its right next door to East Ridge.  The perimeter duo of junior Elisse Voumadi  (17.2 PPG) and senior Jacob Balami (14.7 PPG) returns and is one of the best combos in the league. What the rest of the roster can do to help them is a major concern.  Juniors Hao Tan and Nathan Bekele provide rotation experience.  Beyond that there's very limited experience.

Mayer Lutheran Crusaders (2025-26 Season 19-9, 9-1 Conference, 1st South)
The Crusaders look to expand on last year's division title with their entire rotation coming back.  Guard Ben Lindesmith and wing Carter Neitzel lead the returning starters.  Both are solid 3 point shooters.  Wyatt Sunde is a quality forward who can play inside or out.  3 sophomores also return to the rotation with them.  

North Lakes Academy Huskies (2025-26 season 6-22, 0-10 Conference, 6th North)
North Lakes has to replace 3 starters including double figure scorer Levi Molitor and his 11.9 PPG.  The lineup has no size.  Mason Owen and sophomore Owen Culp will be undersized forwards.  The top 3 returning scorers are guards Camilo Ironshell (11.8 PPG) and junior Micah Molitor. Sophomore Dimitry Morgan will see time on the wing.

Nova Classical Academy Knights (2025-26 season 8-19, 2-14 Skyline Conference, 8th)
Nova Classical moves into the MCAA from the Skyline.  The starting lineup loses leading scorer Caleb Taylor (14.9 PPG) and wing Kincaid Gerber.  Senior wing Abe Brady (10.1 PPG) will be this season's top offensive option.  Caleb Swecker is a developing lanky forward.  Will Shephard is undersized as another member of the inside rotation.  Senior Finn Penniman is a returning starter in the backcourt.  Junior Owen Lohse joins that perimeter crew along with Hazen Hintz.

PACT Charter Panthers (2025-26 season 19-8, 6-4 Conference, Tie 2nd North)
2018 alum Bennett Allan takes over the Panthers program.  Leading scorer Fred Onyinkwa (17.1 PPG) is now at Anoka.  Jayden Busch and his 13.2 PPG graduated.  That leaves major holes inside and at point guard.  Caleb Engelhart (13.6 PPG) and junior forward Lucas Novitsky (7.7 PPG) look to pick up that slack.  Junior guard Jacob Johnson looks to have a bigger role.  Seniors Jeremiah Maangi and Colten Podlasek return to the rotation.

Spectrum Sting (2025-26 season 17-11, 5-4 Conference, 4th North)
Spectrum returns 3 starters.  Wing Cody Benson (23.8 PPG) is one of the league's top scorers.  Expect him to get even more chances with guard Eli Miller's 20 PPG graduating.  Julian Peterson returns on a wing with Teddy Huberty inside.  Junior Hayden Christianson is another option in the interior rotation.  Gavin Oblinger, Aiden Velsor and Tanner Meneley are other options in the guard rotation.

United Christian Academy Thunder (2025-26 season 16-12, 7-3 Conference, 2nd South)
The Thunder have 3 returning starters to build around.  Senior forward Simon Charlton (11.5 PPG) was a revelation as he was a productive big man.  He'll be one of the top big men in the league this season.  There's plenty of guard experience returning despite the graduation of leading scorer Sam Rich (16.1 PPG).  Juniors Evan Grover (10.5 PPG) and Thomas Serafin (6.5 PPG) return to the starting lineup in the backcourt.  Fellow juniors Colin Gryskiewicz and Andrew Rich should see expanded roles.

West Lutheran Warriors (2025-26 season 14-13, 5-5 Conference, 3rd South)
The Warriors have 4 senior starters coming back.  Guards Connor Rouen and Hayden Kiecker lead the offense.  Brenner Cahow returns at the point guard spot.  Bennett DeRosier returns to lead the interior play.  Beyond them depth and size are questions.

Predicted Order of Finish

1. Mayer Lutheran 
2. Heritage Christian 
3. Liberty Classical  
4. Spectrum   
5. United Christian
6. West Lutheran
7. PACT 
8. Math & Science 
9. Nova Classical
10. Eagle Ridge  
11. Lakes International 
12. North Lakes
    
    Note: CHOF has no varsity roster this season

Conference Overview
Nova Classical moves from the Skyline to the MCAA this season.  That leads to a schedule change where the league will now play just a single round-robin schedule rather than having 2 divisions.  I like Mayer Lutheran with the deepest roster in the league.  They've got guard play, size, scoring, experience and depth.  After last season, I can't discount Heritage here.  They're deeper than people think and I see another 20 win season.  Liberty loses a ton but I don't expect much drop off there as I think coach John Towle will plug guys in.  Spectrum has one of the top players in the league in Cody Benson so they can't be discounted.  United Christian had a nice run last season and could jump into that top group.  West Lutheran also has a lot coming back and will look to make a run there as well.  Then you have the bottom half of the league.  PACT with 2 major pieces gone and a new coach.  Math & Science has 2 talented guards but limited help for them has shown up in the results.  They're a wild card that could jump higher.  Nova lost their top scorer for the 2nd straight season so they'll have to find offense.  Rest of the league is building for the future.  There will be many nights of good guard matchups to watch during league play.

Conference MVP: Cody Benson - Spectrum

Underclassmen to watch: 

• Vincent Evans, Dylan Sunde, Chase Zupke - Mayer Lutheran
• Owen Culp, Dimitry Morgan - North Lakes
• Camdan Bawek - United Christian 
• Per Madson, Cody Oppitz - West Lutheran 

Conference Games to Watch

• Heritage at Liberty Classical - Jan 5th 
• Mayer Lutheran at Liberty Classical - Jan 15th 
• Heritage at Mayer Lutheran - Jan 26th 

Non-Conference Games to Watch

• Liberty Classical vs Madelia -  Dec 12th (Tipoff Classic at SW Christian)
• Liberty Classical vs Lanesboro - Jan 9th (Southern MN Hoopfest at Goodhue)
• SW Christian at Mayer Lutheran - Jan 21st
• St. Paul Highland Park at Heritage - Feb 9th
• Heritage at Hope Academy -  Feb 26th 

2026-27 EMAC Preview

This is the 3rd preview in the 2026-2027 season preview series.  We continue on with the small local schools and 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 (2025-26 season No Varsity Team)
AFSA did not play a varsity schedule last season.  Unknown if they will play a varsity schedule this season.  (Czar update 10/29/26: School closed at the end of the 25-26 school year)

Avail Academy Valor (2025-26 season 11-12, 5-4 Conference, 4th)
Avail returns 3 starters including top forward Carsten Bruin.  Senior Eli Brockmeier and junior Ezra Aune also return on the wings.  Junior guard Andon Vande Glind also returns to the rotation.  A group of 4 sophs looks to provide depth.

Community of Peace Academy Tigers (2025-26 season 3-18, 2-6 Conference, Tie 7th)
The Tigers didn't win a game last year against an opponent that was outside the league.  4 starters return including 3 that were underclassmen last year.  Junior guard Zach Dimmich-Shaw (12.6 PPG) led the team in scoring last season.  Sophomores Jaylen Phipps and Centrell Green join him on the wings along with Sincere Bradley.  Senior Achilles Madison (9.5 PPG) leads the front court.  Jiar Walker is another interior option.

Cristo Rey Jesuit Pumas (2025-26 season 3-20, 2-6 Conference, Tie 7th)
The Pumas have a lot to replace.  Guard Genric Lenoir is 1 of 3 or 4 top scorers that needs to be replaced.  Guard Marnelle Moore is a top returnee for a small lineup.  Sophs Anthony Porter and Eli Sears are undersized guards who will see lots of minutes.  Senior Tristan Fields will be the big man with soph Nemo Gutierrez backing him up.

Great Oaks Academy Royals (2025-26 season, No Varsity Team) 
Great Oaks is a new Eagan based charter school that will be playing their 1st year of a varsity schedule.

Groves Academy Griffins (2025-26 season, No Varsity Team)
Once again it appears that Groves will not play a varsity schedule

Hiawatha Colliegiate Wolves (2025-26 season 21-6, 7-0 Conference, 1st)
After last season ended it looked like this was a year for Hiawatha to be a major threat not just to win the league but to be the team representing section 5AA at state.  Then star forward and league MVP King James left for prep school and 3 other significant pieces led by Kristian Ward (12.4 PPG) also left via transfer.  2 of those to section rival Minneapolis North.  So now the season looks totally different for the Wolves.  Jaden Hollowell, Montez Brown, Myshawn Washington should make up a solid backcourt.  Tim Holmes (15.7 PPG) is the top big man in the league. Ay'veon Taylor joins him up front.

Hmong Academy Warriors (2025-26 season 10-19, 4-4 Conference, 5th)
Nate Robinson takes over the Warriors program this season.  Lone double figure scorer Xavier Yang is one of 10 seniors that needs to be replaced.  That decimates the rotation leaving limited experience and size.  Guard Houston Thao (5.9 PPG) is the top returning option.

Hope Academy Lions (2025-26 season 15-13, 7-1 Conference, 2nd)
The Lions look to make a run for the league title and maybe a section crown as they return most of their rotation. Lefty wing Jordan Moss leads the team with 17.7 PPG.  Junior point guard Tyriek Martin was the other double figure scorer at 12.4 PPG.  Senior Braylon Peterson provides shooting.  Senior Eli Samuel returns to man the paint.

International School of Minnesota/Chesterton Academy Huskies (2025-26 season 5-18, 3-4 Conference, 6th)
The Huskies have to replace the entire starting lineup  That includes top scoring option Greg Hovey inside and their single season record holder for total 3s made Vance Sabers.  It will be a very inexperienced roster with 9 seniors graduating and no juniors on last year's roster.  Note: I write this assuming they'll have a team.  Its possible their scholastic team has been replaced by their prep school academy team run by Chris Carr.

Prairie Seeds Academy Lycans (2025-26 season 2-15, 0-8 Conference, 9th)
Charles Anderson and Reed Thanadabout return on the wings.  Top offensive option Maceo Moua returns at the point guard spot for another season.  Wing Jeremy Mannah is the biggest loss.

Twin Cities Academy/Great River Tigers (2025-26 season 14-12, 6-2 Conference, 3rd)
The Tigers return 3 starters but have to replace do everything forward Jake Stiele and his 28.4 PPG.  Senior guard Jamarrion Atkins just missed double figures last season but could double that this year.  Jahlil Martin and junior Randy Carter join him as returning starters.  Germany Garcia, Jamie Tossey and Elijah Carter are also part of that perimeter rotation.  Replacing the size of Prince Normil and King Normal inside is a big question for a very small lineup.  Don't be shocked to see Atkins guard bigs on 1 end and play point guard on the other.

Trinity Tri-Hawks (2025-26 season 6-23, 1-15 Skyline Conference, 9th)
Trinity joins from the Skyline Conference and with a new coach.  Max Bohrer takes over the program.  Interesting that they dropped all the way to the EMAC rather than go back to their old home in the MCAA.  3 junior starters return.  That includes forward Teagan Nammeh and lefty point guard Jacob Bowden who both averaged just over 10 PPG.  Kenneth Kaluza, Benoit Gjengdahl and Jonathan Adbebe also return to the backcourt crew.  Nammeh is poised for a breakout type of season as a raw big man who has developed quickly.  Who backs him up is a question.

Predicted Order of Finish 

1. Hope Academy
2. Hiawatha 
3. Twin Cities Academy
4. Trinity 
5. Avail Academy
6. Community of Peace Academy 
7. Prairie Seeds 
8. Cristo Rey Jesuit 
9. Hmong Academy
10. Great Oaks
11. ISM/Chesterton 
12. AFSA
13. Groves 

Conference Overview
Great Oaks moves up to varsity status and Trinity joins from the Skyline Conference.  Expect another single round-robin schedule and don't be surprised if its not a full schedule.  Hope with most everybody back is my favorite.  Hiawatha loses a ton but they have enough talent back to make a run at the title again.  I expect the Hope vs Hiawatha game to once again decide the league title.  Twin Cities Academy and Trinity will battle for the next spot with Avail looking to jump in that group as well.  Things drop off significantly from there.  Community of Peace has the most back of the rest so I'll take them.  Rest of the league has major losses and is rebuilding.

Conference MVP: Jordan Moss - Hope Academy

Underclassmen to watch: 

• Jaylen Phipps, Centrell Green - Community of Peace 
• Anthony Porter, Eli Belyeu-Sears - Cristo Rey
• Jonathan Adbebe - Trinity 

Conference Games to Watch

• Hope at Hiawatha - Jan 11th

Non-Conference Games to Watch 

• Hiawatha at Maple Grove - December 8th 
• Hope at Concordia - Jan 5th
• Heritage at Hope -  Feb 26th

2026-27 City Conference Preview

This is the 2nd preview in the 2026-2027 season preview series.  For the first conference on the list, I start with a look at the City Conference made of of small local charter schools.  Its not exactly clear who is in the league as there are different lists.  This group is not to be confused with the Minneapolis City Conference or the St. Paul City Conference.  For a list of all the season previews and how they are done, click here.

Exploration Explorers (2025-26 Season, 9-14)
Exploration looks to improve on last season's record with a young cast coming back.  This year may not be the year but they look to be building for later seasons.

High School for Recording Arts Falcons (2025-26 season 0-8)
The Falcons have 1 win combined over 2 seasons.  Last season was a season of blowouts. 

Higher Ground Academy Panthers (2025-26 season 21-9)
The league champions have to replace 7 seniors.  That includes top forward Abdiaziz Abdi and PG Sakariya Ahmed.  Both scored over 1000 points in their careers.  Seniors Heysan Nure, Asif Bashir and Hanad Moalim will step into significant roles.  Soph guard Abdullahi Guled will also see rotation minutes.

Lincoln International Eagles (2025-26 season 1-1)
Lincoln's season appears to have ended early as they played a couple of games in week 1 and then no results.

Metro Deaf School Cheetahs
No information available.

Metro Schools College Prep Lions (2025-26 season 8-11)
Forward Aiman Hassan needs to be replaced.  Forward Shakur Musse and lefty wing Najmudiin Abdi return as the top offensive threats.  Junior forward Omar Abdirahman also returns to the rotation.  Sahal Aden and Sharmarke Ali will also see rotation minutes.

Minnesota Transitions Wolves (2025-26 season 10-9)
They were competitive with the top teams in the league last season, Higher Ground and Ubah.  Unknown what they have back but they usually have good guard play.

St. Paul City School Wolves (2025-26 season 0-4)
This is another team that played early in December and then wasn't around after that.

Ubah Academy (2025-26 season 16-8)
Star center Omar Omar is a major loss inside.  In league play he was capable of a triple double every night.  A pair of double figure scorers on the wing are also gone.  Guard Abdullahi Mahamoud is the top returning scorer.  Abdullahi Warsome returns to the rotation on the wing.  Ayub Hersi and Guled Farah are options to replace Omar inside.

Venture Academy Tigers (2025-26 season 1-3)
They split with Exploration and lost big to Higher Ground and Ubah.

Overview
As always, there's very little to go on here.  Heavy losses at Higher Ground, mean I'm picking Ubah to win the league.  Higher Ground will still be right there.  Minnesota Transitions and Metro Schools College Prep make up a middle tier.  Exploration looks to jump into that group.  Long seasons ahead for everybody else.

2026-27 Independents Preview

Welcome to the 20th annual season preview series!  This is the 1st preview in the 2026-2027 season preview series.  As usual, I'll start from the small class A schools and move all the way up to the class AAAA schools.  The previews will once again span 4 weeks leading right up to the start of practice.  16 local conferences, independents, the rest of class AAAA all included.  It all ends November 20th with season overview for the casual fan.  That will also include my preseason picks for the winners of the 15 sections that I follow.  Let's get started with a look at the small local independents.  For a list of all the season previews and how they are done, click here.

Aim Academy Arctic (2025-2026 2-10)
The Arctic were 2-10 last season with their only wins over Community School of Excellence.  Every other game was a major blowout.  Another long season ahead in midtown Minneapolis

Community School of Excellence Mighty Ones
Besides the 2 losses to Aim Academy, no other info on this program.  Like Aim they are in their very early stages of starting a program.  Fear the Pachyderm!

Minnesota Math and Science Academy Mustangs 
Continuing the theme of programs that are almost new, let's stay in St. Paul.  The Mustangs will jump into the fray this season after starting last season.  No other information available.

Parnassus Prep Olympians (2025-26 season 12-11)
The Olympians have to replace 4 valuable seniors including Ayoub Komara and Dylan Ntutu.  Junior forward Mekhi Madden leads the interior.  Senior point guard Sam Salapeh will handle a heavy load on the perimeter.  Junior wing Alex Kochendorfer returns to the starting lineup on the wing.  Junior guard Elliot Bush provides guard depth.

Overview
Come for the mascots because there's not much info out there for anything else.  New programs mean some rough losses for the first 3 programs.  Parnassus has a few pieces back but being above the 500 mark is going to be tough.  While the Olympians were a 500 team last season, one of those losses was to Medford which broke a 65 game long losing streak for them.

Games to Watch

• Parnassus at LeSueur-Henderson - Feb 4th