2019-20 Minneapolis City Preview

This is the 7th preview in my 2019-2020 season preview series.  The Minneapolis City Conference is up next as we move west across the metro.  For a list of all the season previews, click here.

Edison Tommies (2018-19 season 15-10, 8-4 Conference, 3rd)
The Tommies were a great story last year jumping all the way up to third in the city.  Forward Jackson Rusnacko, guard Tenzin Oden and Antonio Simmons graduate from that roster.  Jermaine Cornell, Jabari Langley and Jeremiah Thompson lead the returnees.  8th grade guard Hanif Muhammed also returns to the rotation.  No dynamic scorer with lots of interchangeable parts

North Polars (2018-19 season 23-10, 12-0 Conference, 1st, Class AA Runner-Up)
The leadership of guards Eli Campbell (18.4 PPG) and Nasir El-Amin (12.1 PPG) will be missed in addition to their scoring.  Sophomore Willie Wilson and junior Clifford Brown are next up to fill those spots.  Junior center Davon Townley will man the middle after putting up 12 PPG last year.   Its a young group but all 3 levels won the Twin Cities game last year so don't expect much decline.

Patrick Henry Patriots (2018-19 season 16-12, 9-3 Conference, 2nd)
Coach Jamil Jackson returns most of his roster.  He has a talented guard group led by seniors Glentrell Carter (14.9 PPG), Mark Cambell, Jamar Gardner and Yusuf Abdullah.  Anton Barr gives them an effective option inside.  Biggest loss is guard Rashaud Rollins and his 13.8 PPG.

Roosevelt Teddies (2018-19 season 10-14, 4-7  Conference, 4th)
All the starters depart and only a couple of reserves return.  High scoring wing Deszi Sims and forward Luke Barnes are the major losses from the roster.  Montgomery Booth and Nelson Ladd are the returnees at the perimeter slots.  The JV roster was tiny last year so expect very little size to be available.

South Tigers (2018-19 season 8-17, 4-8 Conference, 5th)
PG Jaylen Blakley (11.5 PPG) and Deshawn McArthur lead the returning starters.  Soph Lukas Johnson returns at a power forward spot.  Junior Demetrius Seay will see time at a guard spot.  Soph guard James Misterek will also see minutes.

Southwest Lakers (2018-19 season 4-22, 3-8 Conference, 6th)
Former Rosemount coach Keenan Shelton takes over the program.  Leading scorer Christo Polydorou is back to lead the offense.  Kentrell Gaulden and soph Camden Holter are other offensive options.  Guard Ben Elias also returns to the starting lineup.

Washburn Millers (2018-19 season 3-23, 1-11 Conference, 7th)
Washburn had to go young last year and now most of the roster returns.  Wing Josh Rogers is a league MVP candidate after averaging 15.1 PPG last year.  Guards Jamar Nelson and Sir'vell Miller also averaged double figures.  David Worman returns in the post.

Predicted Order of Finish
  1. North
  2. Henry
  3. Edison
  4. Washburn 
  5. South 
  6. Southwest  
  7. Roosevelt
Conference Overview
North is still the favorite.  Henry and Edison will be a fun battle for second.  Then it drops off to Washburn and South fighting to stay out of the bottom 3.  Southwest will try to jump up into that group but I think they're just a step behind the previous 2.  Roosevelt looks like they'll struggle.

Conference MVP: Davon Townley - North

Underclassmen to watch:  
  • Hanif Muhammed - Edison
  • Willie Wilson, Mario Sanders - North
  • Lukas Peterson, James Misterik - South
  • Camden Holder - Southwest
Conference Games to Watch
  • Henry at North - Dec 14th
  • North at Henry - Jan 25th
  • Twin Cities Game - Feb 29th (at St. Paul champion)
Non-Conference Games to Watch
  • North vs Lake City - Dec 7th (Breakdown Tipoff Classic at Hopkins)
  • North at St. Croix Prep - Dec 13th
  • De La Salle at North - Jan 7th
  • Mound-Westonka at Henry - Feb 3rd
  • Hopkins at North - Feb 24th
  • North at Minnehaha - Feb 27th

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