2019-20 MCAA Preview

This is the second preview in my 2019-20 season preview series.  Week 1 of the 6 week series moves on with a look at the slightly renamed Minnesota Classic Athletic Association (MCAA).  For a list of all the season previews and how they are done, click here.

Eagle Ridge Academy Gryphons (2018-19 season 3-22)
The Gryphons join the MCAA after splitting off from their co-op with International School of Minnesota.  Not sure which kids were at which school so we'll treat this all as one though ISM may now be with Chesterton Academy.  Regardless, 2 double figure scorers will have to be replaced including long time offensive spark Preston Dahlen.  Senior Charles Wilkowske is the top returner at just over 9 PPG.  Sophomores Tommy Chevalier and Soren Habel will see expanded roles.

Heritage Christian Academy Eagles (2018-19 season 9-19, 3-11 Conference, 3rd in Division)
Senior TJ Guggenberger is top returning scorer at 10.8 PPG.  Most of the rest of the starting lineup, including 2 other double figure scorers have to be replaced.  Juniors Ethan Virshek and Steph Sawtelle will make up a small backcourt.  Senior Evan Jacobson provides experience in the backcourt as well.  Junior Jack Wicht gives the Eagles a banger in the post.

Legacy Christian Academy Lions (2018-19 season 9-18, 2-12 Conference, 5th in Division)
Most of last year's roster was underclassmen.  That development project continues this season.  Leading scorer Jordan Sperl is now at Cambridge-Isanti.  Guard Harley Kendall is the top returnee from last year at 8.2 PPG.  Junior guard Jake Wald transfers in from St. Francis after averaging 6.4 PPG there last season.  Seniors Carson Sharp and Primeau Hill are a pair of experienced ball handlers.

Lester Prairie/Holy Trinity Bulldogs (2018-19 season 13-13, 7-7 Conference, 2nd in Division)
Last year's season was torpedoed by an early shoulder injury to star Michael Ziermann.  That experience should help them this year.  Leading scorer Evan Lee returns as a double figure scorer.  Dylan Ruzicka will be another primary offensive option.  Alex Heimerl gives the Bulldogs size in the middle.  Frosh Tanner Scheevel will see plenty of time as well.

North Lakes Academy Huskies (2018-19 season 16-11)
North Lakes won 15 of 19 after losing their first 5.  The Huskies have to replace their star forward Cole Donelan.  He was one of the top players in the 2nd division of the TCAC last season.  The rest of the starting lineup returns.  Point guard Ethan Crandell should be a primary option this year.  Alex Ten Napel is another scoring option.  Forward Stephan Ndirangu also returns to the starting lineup along with guard Asher Luebke.

PACT Charter Panthers (2018-19 season 5-22, 2-12 Conference, 5th in Division)
The Panthers return 3 juniors to the starting lineup.  That features 11.9 PPG from wing Jordan Stone.  Tyler Cowden and Gio Santiago return to the backcourt.  Calvin Churchill provides interior size.  Parker Maahs and Matt Johnson are important losses.  Most of the roster will be juniors so look for a year to progress forward toward next year.

Spectrum Sting (2018-19 season 24-5, 12-2 Conference, 1st in Division)
Assistant Justin Femrite takes over after a banner year for the Sting.  He has a big task to replace 4 starters including the high scoring perimeter duo of Matt Kruse and Cole Elrod.  They combined for almost 38 PPG.  Guard Max Lawrence and his 15.8 PPG lead the returnees.  Soph Titus Skistad will see a much expanded role.  Jonathan Gertz is the lone other returner to the rotation.

West Lutheran Warriors (2018-19 season 14-13, 4-10 Conference, 4th in Division)
Bruising power forward Brett Vollrath is a big loss as the 2nd double figure scorer and 2nd best rebounder.  Forward Troy Kokkinen appears poised for a big year after putting up 14.7 PPG and 6.7 PPG last year.  Not much firepower around him though.  Lefty guard Sam Bjorlin appears to be next best option.  Joe Paul provides a size option.  Soph Christian Schmidt saw time in 25 games last year.

Predicted Order of Finish

1. Lester Prairie/Holy Trinity 
2. Spectrum
3. West Lutheran
4. Legacy
5. PACT
6. Heritage
7. North Lakes
8. Eagle Ridge

Conference Overview
Its a new look in the MCAA this year.  Now that private schools no longer make up a majority of the league (4 charters, 1 public, 3 private), the C in MCAA now is Classic rather Christian.  North Lakes and Eagle Ridge join the league from the TCAC.  Long time members New Life, Trinity and Maranatha plus St. Croix Prep have all departed for the new Skyline Conference.  That at least makes for easier travel with the exception of the long trip to North Lakes in Forest Lake.

Overall its a down year in the league with many teams losing star players.  Despite that being good for the TCAC teams moving in, it won't help them in the standings.  Eagle Ridge and North Lakes have to replace high scoring wings.  Lester Prairie/Holy Trinity has plenty of options coming back so I like them there.  Spectrum with Max Lawrence being my league player of the year takes second.  The next 4 spots I think will be very competitive.  Troy Kokkinen is the best player in the group so West Lutheran gets my pick.  Legacy's guard play gives them the last spot in the top half with a strong push from PACT.  The new members will struggle in their inaugural season in the league.

Conference MVP: Max Lawrence - Spectrum

Underclassmen to watch: 

• Soren Habel, Tommy Chevalier - Eagle Ridge
• Tanner Scheevel - LP/HT 
• Josh Schmidt - North Lakes
• Titus Skistad - Spectrum
• Christian Schmidt - West Lutheran

Conference Games to Watch

• Lester Prairie/Holy Trinity at Spectrum - Jan 21st
• Spectrum at Lester Prairie/Holy Trinity - Feb 14th

Non-Conference Games to Watch

• Eden Valley-Watkins at Spectrum - Dec 17th
• Spectrum at St. Croix Prep - Jan 3rd
• Lester Prairie/Holy Trinity at Mayer Lutheran - Feb 8th
• Maranatha at Spectrum - Feb 20th