The league reverts back to its old name and 1 division as it closes the 2 or 3 division TCAC era. 10 teams now make up the EMAC with many of the others going independent. In this preview, I'll look at newly revamped league plus those local independents with apologies to MSAD and Shattuck-St. Mary's who won't appear here. For a list of all the season previews and how they are done, click here.
Independents
Chesterton Academy Knights (2018-19 season 14-8)
Most of the roster returns. Junior posts Mitch Laxen and Landon Ahlquist give the Knights a couple of pieces to build around. Kolbe Lelemsis returns at a guard spot as well.
CHOF Lions (2018-19 season 23-7)
The Lions lose 2 double figure scorers from last year's state qualifier. That includes star forward McCaleb Alleman and 17.1 PPG. Expect returning wing Isaac Collins to fill that role this year after putting up 12.4 PPG last season. As their biggest player, he'll have to have a big year rebounding as well. Guards Clay Bluhm and Preston Alleman (13.6 PPG) also return to the starting lineup. Junior Drake Eckman also returns to the rotation.
High School for Recording Arts Falcons (2018-19 season 14-7)
HSRA loses a ton of high powered offense. That includes guard Lewis McCaleb and a bunch of other seniors. Sherman Powell and Cole Foss look to pick up the slack.
Hope Academy Lions (2018-19 season 15-16, 5-7 TCAC D1, 3rd)
Hope lost the section title game last year but the Lions return everybody except for grinder forward Samuel Ojebode. He was their dirty work guy inside. 6'5" Caleb Hoilien and his 24.9 PPG return to the lineup. He's a triple-double threat on any given night for this small roster. They have a bunch of small talented guards to go with him. That includes soph Elijah Wade (16.5 PPG) and freshman Nehemiah Davis (7.5 PPG).
Kaleidoscope Comets (2018-19 season 8-15)
The Comets return the high scoring duo of senior forward Jacob Donnett and sophomore guard AJ Kargel They both went for 40+ in the playoff opener at Groves last season. They return the entire rotation but its young and a major dropoff. That rotation included 3 8th graders last year.
Lakes International Language Academy Dragons (2018-19 season 12-14)
LILA moves into its 2nd year of varsity play. The Dragons return their top player Strom Norcross and post Ethan Maring.
Lincoln International Eagles (2018-19 season 2-7)
No information available
Metro Schools College Prep (2018-19 season 4-10)
No information available
Minnesota Transitions Wolves (2018-19 season 17-7)
Michael Emery-Minor and Kyriaun Christian combined for over 30 points a game for MTS last year and need to be replaced. They'll still have firepower with senior guard Lashone Patterson (17.1 PPG) leading the way. Expect junior Malachi Wilson (8.3 PPG) to have a much bigger role to help replace the losses. Linday Brown (7.3 PPG) gives them an option on the front line.
Prairie Seeds Academy Lycans (2018-19 season cancelled)
Prairie Seeds had a late coaching resignation last year and couldn't find anyone to replace in time. That caused the season to be cancelled. Many of the top players ended up at other locations and had to sit out. Will they return and will they be eligible are major questions.
EMAC
Academy for Sciences and Agriculture Eagles (2018-19 season 1-18)
The AFSA roster was young again last year so they'll have plenty coming back. Senior forward Jake Colestock is a piece they'll look to.
Avail Academy Valor (2018-19 season 15-7)
Starting center Hans Dykstra has to be replaced inside but the Valor return everybody else. Plus the rhino mascot is one of the best around. Soph wing Josiah Schaap leads the way. Junior Joey Ritzema also provides scoring. Junior Josh Kroeze returns to run the point. The Valor will now play their home games at the National Sports Center in Blaine.
Community of Peace Academy Tigers (2018-19 season 4-22, 2-10 TCAC D1, 6th)
Junior guard Tyrell Green returns after leading the team in scoring at 18.8 PPG. He can play both guard spots. The scoring punch from wing GeanCarlos Pujols (17.6 PPG) is the biggest loss. Soph Osasumwen Ero (5.9 PPG) returns to the front line along with Chris Williams. Junior Angel Sanchez returns on the wing (7.7 PPG)
Groves Academy Griffins (2018-19 season 5-18)
Groves loses their 2 double figure scorers in guard Larry Mohamed and forward Sam Goldstein to graduation. That's almost 32 PPG that has to be replaced. Senior Gabe Gordon is the top returning scorer at 9 PPG. Nick Maiers (7.1 PPG) gives the Griffins a big option inside. Guard Robert Hall returns to the tiny backcourt as well.
Hiawatha Colliegiate Wolves (2018-19 season 14-8)
The Wolves had a breakout year behind 2 very talented 8th graders. PG Jessye Lewis averaged 23.2 PPG. Wing Jaheim Houts averaged 15.6 PPG and still plenty of upside in his game. Junior Jose Amigon also returns to the starting lineup. They'll need to find size and replace the scoring of Talib Taylor-Bey (15.1 PPG).
Hmong Academy Warriors (2018-19 season 4-18)
Hmong Academy opened their brand new gym last year. Minimal wins followed that but they do have a few pieces coming back.
Liberty Classical Academy Lions (2018-19 season 17-7)
Liberty features one of the best 1-2 punches in the league with guard Ben Horn and center Thomas Conroy. Horn averaged 15.1 PPG and Conroy put up video game numbers of 36 PPG and 10 RPG inside. 2 starters have to be replaced. The Lions will have to find somebody outside of the big 2 to be a scoring threat.
Math and Science Academy Dragons (2018-19 season 10-14)
Math and Science returns 3 starters and a bunch of reserves. Seniors Charlie Eng and Jagar Hansen man the front line. Guard Nate Stephen and soph Dylan Goff return to the backcourt. Kaden Demer is also a key returner to the rotation.
Twin Cities Academy/Great River Tigers (2018-19 season 12-16, 6-6 TCAC D1, 5th)
Another team with almost everything coming back. Senior F Akpevwe Avwunuma should have a big year for the Tigers as the top post player in the league. He's really developed over the last 2 years. Sophs Carmello and Carrington McNeal return in the backcourt with junior Tre-Vionne Allen.
United Christian Academy Thunder (2018-19 season 24-27 combined, 7-5 TCAC D1, 4th for Christian Life)
This is the program formed by the merger of Bethany Academy and Christian Life Academy. They will play out of the Bethany Academy gym Shooting guard Jacob Kyllo should be the go to guy for the roster after averaging 12 PPG last year. Junior Zach Corley gives them a big body inside. Chase Bixel is the top returner from the Bethany side. Drew Adamek and soph Canyon Johnson provide depth from that group as well.
Predicted Order of Finish
- Twin Cities Academy/Great River
- Avail Academy
- Liberty Christian Academy
- Hiawatha Academy
- Community of Peace
- United Christian Academy
- Math and Science
- Groves Academy
- Hmong Academy
- AFSA
This could be one of the most competitive conference races around. With everybody back and playing in the upper division last year, I give TCA/GR the edge. I've bet against TCA in the past, I'm not doing it again. Having an experienced backcourt, tougher schedule and the top player in the league in my estimation gives them the nod. Avail, Liberty and Hiawatha all have major pieces back as well and are very evenly matched. Hiawatha's young guys could push them up the list but they lost to both Avail and Liberty last year. Community of Peace is the most talented team remaining and will look to jump up into the top 4. Then a notable drop off to the bottom half. United Christian and Math and Science are the best of the rest. The bottom 3 is another drop and will all really struggle.
Conference MVP: Akpevwe Avwunuma - Twin Cities Academy/Great River
Underclassmen to watch:
- Josiah Schapp. Josiah Loge - Avail
- Osasumwen Ero - Community of Peace
- Jessye Lewis, Jaheim Houts - Hiawatha
- Elijah Wade, Nehemiah Davis - Hope Academy
- AJ Kargel - Kaleidoscope
- Dylan Goff - Math and Science
- Carmello McNeal, Carrington McNeal - Twin Cities Academy/Great River
- Canyon Johnson - United Christian Academy
- Liberty at TCA/GR - Dec 10th
- Hiawatha at Avail - Dec 19th
- TCA/GR at Avail - Jan 14th
- Liberty at Hiawatha - Jan 14th
- Liberty at Avail - Jan 16th
- Hiawatha at TCA/GR - Jan 21st
- TCA/GR at Liberty - Jan 28th
- Avail at TCA/GR - Jan 30th
- Hiawatha at Liberty - Jan 31st
- TCA/GR at Hiawatha - Feb 17th
- Avail at Liberty - Feb 20th
- Rockford at TCA/GR - Dec 5th
- Hope vs Rushford-Peterson - Dec 14th (Southside Showcase at Hiawatha)
- Liberty at Hope - Feb 24th
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