2017-18 TCAC Division A and Independents Preview

This is the first preview in the 2017-2018 season preview series.  This is 11th annual edition of this series and we'll go for 6 weeks leading up to the start of practice November 20th .  The previews will be done starting with small schools and working up to the big schools.  That means the Twin Cities Athletic Conference (TCAC) goes first.  Since the league is 21 teams and 3 divisions, we'll break it into 2 previews.  In this preview a look at the top division of the league plus the small local independents.  Then in tomorrow's preview, we'll do the other 2 divisions of the league.  For a list of all the season previews and how they are done, click here.

Independents

CHOF Lions (2016-17 season 15-12)
The Lions have to replace 3 starters including their top 2 scorers, Jacob Bluhm and Dillon Alleman.  They combined for over 33 points a night.  Junior McCaleb Alleman averaged just over 10 PPG.  He returns along with senior Jackson Rohlf.  Rohlf averaged just under 10 PPG and is the only notable size on the roster.  Dawson Eckman also provides returning experience.  Junior Eric Strandlund should see an increased role.

Minnesota Transitions Wolves 
The Wolves cancelled their season due to lack of numbers and did not play last season.  No idea if they'll have a team this year or what that team would have.

TCAC Division A

Charter Stars (2016-17 season 8-19, 2-9 Conference, 7th)
Last year's lineup was a junior laden lineup.  That means the Stars lose only 1 notable senior from the rotation.  That should lead to an improved season.  Taye Carter and Brett McNeal are the top returnees.  They are still looking for a head coach at the time of this writing.

Community of Peace Academy Tigers (2016-17 season 10-16, 5-6 Conference, 5th)
CPA has to replace their top 4 scorers from last season.  That includes the all-conference duo of forward Ontario Chapman (18.5 PPG) and guard Edward Milton (13.7 PPG).  Soph Zaveon Smith and junior Geancarlos Pujols are the top returning scorers and will man the guard spots.  Alex Baker returns inside.
 
Cristo Rey Jesuit Pumas (2016-17 season 21-8, 11-1 Conference, Tie 1st)
All everything forward Jericho Sims and his 25 PPG are off to Texas.  Forward Karlton Gregory's 11 PPG also needs to be replaced.  But coach Stan Clay's cupboard isn't bare.  Senior forward Franklin Doyle figures to see a big jump in his 13.3 PPG.  Soph PG James Sommer returns to the starting lineup after putting up 8.3 PPG.  Juniors Victory George and post John Williams also saw major minutes last season.

Hope Academy Lions (2016-17 season 18-10, 7-5 Conference, 3rd)
The Lions have to replace the 2000+ career points of guard Johnny Erickson.  In addition to his 26.5 PPG, forward Nate Elifson and his 20+ PPG also graduated.  Elifson was their interior defensive stopper plus a top long ranger bomber.  Junior Joey Erickson returns after averaging 14.3 PPG, expect him to have a huge year.  Soph Caleb Hoilien returns as a shooting threat.  Simon Gray provides returning experience to the rotation.

International School of Minnesota Huskies (2016-17 season 8-13, 3-9 Conference, 6th)
Coach Shun Tillman has a couple of nice pieces to work with this season.  Junior guard Preston Dahlen leads the way.  Micah Hjelle and Zach Breen also return to the rotation.  With most of the roster back expect the Huskies to be improved.

Prairie Seeds Academy Lycans (2016-17 season 24-5, 11-1 Conference, Tie 1st)
The Lycans made a repeat run to the section 4A final last year.  They have to replace a ton of firepower as their top 3 scorers depart.  That was on all levels as Brian Robinson averaged 22.5 at the point guard slot.  Daveon Gibson averaged 16 on the wing and AJ Abara put up 20+ a night as the post.  Starters Jamar Robinson (11 PPG) and junior AiMonti Booth return.  Brian Bohanon also returns and will see minutes inside.  Soph Isaiah Jones should see a much increased role.  Depth is a concern.

St. Paul Prep/High School for Recording Arts Falcons (2016-17 season 15-7, 6-5 Conference, 4th)
Aaron Gill returns to Jump City and once again should put up monster numbers.  He's arguably the most athletic player in the state and can put on a dunking exhibition.  What help he'll have is the big question mark.

Predicted Order of Finish

1. Cristo Rey
2. Prairie Seeds Academy
3. Hope Academy
4. St. Paul Prep/HSRA 
5. International School 
6. Community of Peace
7. Charter Stars

Conference Overview
Last year's league schedule was turned on its head when St. Paul Prep/HSRA was moved up to the top division late.  This year we're back to the intended 3 groups of 7.  That means St. Paul Prep/HSRA will stay up in the top division.  MN State Academy for the Deaf moves down to the 2nd division.  The league was at an all-time high last year but no way you can replace all the talent that was lost.  Depth in this league is always a question mark.  I see the deepest team as Cristo Rey and that's why I take them to win the league.  Prairie Seeds has a style that suits the league well so I like them with Hope Academy and St. Paul Prep/HSRA to also be very competitive at the top.  Then a drop off to the bottom 3.  International School gets the nod as I see Preston Dahlen as one of the top scorers in the league. But Charter Stars knocked them off late last season.  Community of Peace has a ton to replace.  Overall the league will be more balanced top to bottom.

Conference MVP: Joey Erickson - Hope Academy


Underclassmen to watch: 

• Isaiah Long, Akpevwe Avwonuma - Charter Stars
• Zaveon Smith - Community of Peace 
• James Sommer, Eric Burgess - Cristo Rey Jesuit 
• Caleb Hoilien - Hope Academy
• Isaiah Jones - Prairie Seeds Academy

Conference Games to Watch

• Cristo Rey at Prairie Seeds - Jan 5th 
• Prairie Seeds at Cristo Rey - Jan 30th
• TCAC Tournament Championships - Mar 3rd

Non-Conference Games to Watch

• Hibbing at Cristo Rey - Dec 1st