2021-22 IMAC Preview

This is the 5th preview in my 2021-2022 season preview series.  Week 1 of the 2021-22 Season Preview Series ends with a 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 (2020-21 season 15-3, 6-1 Conference, 2nd)
The 3 amigos for Blake have graduated.  But the Bears should be able to replace much of that 30+ PPG.  The ball-handling duties become the question mark.  Soph Grayson Okoronkwo was the team leader in scoring at 16.2 PPG.  Lefty wing Theo Liu was second at 14.6 PPG.  Soph Dane Borene provides an option on the front line.

Breck Mustangs (2020-21 season 9-9, 3-4 Conference, 4th)
PG Jaren Morton (11.2 PPG) needs to be replaced.  Wing Jimmy Koch averaged 12.8 PPG to lead the team.  Juniors Waziri Lawal (10.5 PPG) and Will Walker (11.6 PPG) also return after averaging double-figures. Losing freshman Jalen Wilson to Benilde-St. Margaret's leaves a hole in the middle.  They'll have experienced depth with seniors Tommy Hofer and Danny Suggs.  Freshmen Teddy Koch and Kris Baker should also see time.

Minnehaha Academy Redhawks (2020-21 season 20-1, 2-0 Conference, 1st)
Minnehaha starts to return to earth with the graduations of Chet Holmgren, Hercy Miller and Isaiah Davis.  Add in the departure of Donovan Smith to prep school and possible early departure of Chase Carter to Michigan St for football.  That leaves the cupboard as bare as its been in a long time for the Redhawks.  But don't feel too bad for them.  High major recruits Mercy Miller at the point and wing Prince Aligbe (11.2 PPG) lead the returnees.  Juniors Leroy Barnes and Rolyns Aligbe are options to fill the rotation.

Mounds Park Academy Panthers (2020-21 season 1-14, 0-6 Conference, 6th)
Mario Reese comes over from an assistant gig at Nova Classical Academy to lead the program.  The top 2 scorers have graduated.  That leaves only 1 player who averaged more than 4.3 PPG last year.  That's sophomore guard Trey Kent-Landrum.  Soph Jay Green (4.1 PPG) will see minutes at the point guard spot.

Providence Academy Lions (2020-21 season 13-8, 5-4 Conference, 3rd)
Shooter Sam Schroeder and his team high 13.9 PPG need to be replaced.  The guard duo of Liam Carney and Jimmy Fafinski will lead the way.  Depth behind them is a question.  Mark McCarthy (8.9 PPG) returns to lead the front line.  He can also step out and shoot the 3.  Dylan Perrill and Alvin Mokua also return up front

St. Paul Academy Spartans (2020-21 season 9-8, 2-3 Conference, 5th)
The Spartans need to replace the league's top scorer in shooter Adam Holod (22.8 PPG) The rest of the starting lineup returns.  Senior guards Brandt Baskerville (11.5 PPG) and Clarke Baskerville (11.1 PPG) will lead the offense.  Charlie Johnson and Greg Forsberg man the front line.  Soph Tyson Hayes may be another offensive option.

Predicted Order of Finish

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

Conference Overview
I'll take Minnehaha as they still have 2 stars to take over games in the league.  Blake and Providence should be a good battle for 2nd.  Neither team will be terribly deep but both will execute their offense. Breck could very easily jump into that top group with plenty returning as well.  St. Paul Academy losing the top scorer in the league has to drop.  Mounds Park Academy continues a rebuild.

Conference MVP: Prince Aligbe - Minnehaha

Underclassmen to watch:  

• Grayson Okoronkwo, Dane Borene - Blake
• Teddy Koch, Kris Baker - Breck
• Mercy Miller - Minnehaha
  
• Trey Kent-Landrum, Jay Green - Mounds Park Academy
  
• Tyson Hayes - St. Paul Academy
  

Conference Games to Watch

• Minnehaha at Blake - Feb 3rd
  

 Non-Conference Games to Watch

• Minnehaha vs Minneapolis North - Dec 11th (Tipoff Classic)
• Eastview at Minnehaha - Dec 14th
  
• Minnehaha at Park Center - Dec 18th
  
• Blake vs Morris - Dec 11th (Tipoff Classic) 
• Minnehaha at Wayzata - Jan 11th
  
• Blake at Mound-Westonka - Jan 18th
  
• Minnehaha vs WI Lutheran - Jan 22nd (Border Battle)
• Twin Cities Academy at Blake - Feb 16th
  
• Park at Minnehaha - Feb 19th
• Holy Family at Minnehaha - Feb 22nd
• Columbia Heights at Minnehaha - Feb 24th
• Duluth East at Minnehaha - Mar 4th