2021-22 MCAA Preview

This is the third preview in my 2021-22 season preview series.  We continue the conference previews  with a look at the Minnesota Classic Athletic Association (MCAA).  For a list of all the season previews and how they are done, click here.

Eagle Ridge Academy Gryphons (2020-21 season 3-13, 1-9 Conference, 7th)
Kris Babler returns to the sidelines as the new head coach.  His entire lineup returns.  Seniors Cade LaFavor (12.3 PPG), Hunter LaFavor and Soren Habel (9.8 PPG) lead the offense.  Mason Howard returns inside.  Youngsters Aidaen Musoke and Charles Dawson are also options to keep watch on.

Heritage Christian Academy Eagles (2020-21 season 12-7, 9-5 Conference, 3rd)
The Eagles have the task of replacing guards Ethan Virshek and Steph Sawtelle.  They combined for almost 37 PPG.  Heritage does return last year's breakout star Aiden Johnson.  The junior forward averaged 19.5 PPG and 13.3 RPG.  Beyond that no other returning player averaged more than 3.3 PPG.  Junior Drew Pitzner and frosh Jonah Moulton are the top other returnees to the rotation who look to pickup that slack.

Legacy Christian Academy Lions (2020-21 season 20-2, 11-1 Conference, Tie 1st)
Legacy has to replace 7 seniors and their 4 top double figure scorers from last year's state qualifying team.  The cupboard isn't bare though.  Soph Micah Strand averaged 9 PPG and was the team leader in 3 pt attempts and made 2.7 per game.  Forward Charlie Bovee also returns after averaging 8.3 PPG.  Junior guard Jesten Wuollet also returns to the rotation.

North Lakes Academy Huskies (2020-21 season 3-15, 1-13 Conference, 8th)
Junior forward Jonathan Ozment (16.1 PPG) leads the Huskies offense. Junior Caleb Jensen (13.8 PPG) also returns as the other double figure scorer.  Its still a youthful roster as North Lakes used mostly freshman and sophomores last season.

PACT Charter Panthers (2020-21 season 10-10, 6-7 Conference, 5th)
PACT has to replace 7 seniors including 6 of their top 7 scorers.  Wing Jordan Stone (15.2 PPG) is the biggest loss.  Soph wing Victor Nyabuto (6.2 PPG) is the top returnee and poised for a big season.  Soph guard Micah Givand and senior forward Sidney Idowu also return to the rotation.

Spectrum Sting (2020-21 season 10-9, 8-6 Conference, 4th)
Spectrum returns its entire roster.  Senior guard Titus Skistad averaged 17.9 PPG last year.  Carter Femrite (16.9 PPG) and Landon Siegel (12.3 PPG/11.2 RPG) joined him in double figures.  Soph guard Blake Femrite averaged 5.8 PPG off the bench.

United Christian Academy Thunder (2020-21 season 12-5, 6-1 EMAC Conference, 1st)
United Christian loses almost the entire roster from last year.  That includes 3 double figure scorers.  They also have a new head coach, Matt Hendley.  Soph Danny King averaged 5.3 PPG last season.  Junior Abe Hilgenberg averaged 2.2 PPG in end of rotation duty.  They are the only 2 returning players.

West Lutheran Warriors (2020-21 season 8-10, 4-9 Conference, 6th)
Guards Christian Schmidt and sophomore Isaiah Ronning return to lead the offense.  Junior Matthew Koosman also returns to the rotation.  Cole Veach and Wyatt Valleau return as a center pairing.  There's no star scorer on the roster so they'll rely on balance.

Predicted Order of Finish

1. Spectrum
   
2. Legacy
3. Heritage
4. West Lutheran 
5. PACT
   
6. United Christian
   
7. Eagle Ridge
8. North Lakes

Conference Overview
In a reminder of its previous days as Bethany Academy, United Christian returns to the MCAA.  They replace Lester Prairie who is off to the Minnesota River Conference.  The league as a whole will be down this year with heavy losses for many teams in the league.  Spectrum returns everybody so I'll take them to overtake Legacy who will still be dangerous.  I can't move Heritage down with Johnson inside.  West Lutheran is the best of the rest.  The bottom half starts figures to struggle.  PACT and United Christian have to replace most of their rosters.  Eagle Ridge and North Lakes struggled last year but with lots returning will try to move up.

Conference MVP: Titus Skistad - Spectrum

Underclassmen to watch: 

• Charles Dawson, Aidaen Musoke - Eagle Ridge 
• Jonah Moulton - Heritage 
• Micah Strand - Legacy
  
• Aidin Zenkic - North Lakes
• Victor Nyabuto - PACT
  
• Blake Femrite - Spectrum
  
• Danny King - United Christian
  
• Isaiah Ronning- West Lutheran

Conference Games to Watch

• Legacy at Spectrum - Jan 7th
  
• Spectrum at Legacy - Feb 4th

Non-Conference Games to Watch

• Trinity at Legacy - Dec 10th
  
• CHOF at Legacy - Dec 21st
• Legacy vs New Life - Feb 26th at UNW-SP