This is the 8th preview in my 2021-2022 season preview series. We stay in city boundaries with the
Minneapolis City Conference. For a list of all the season previews, click here.
Edison Tommies (2020-21 season 9-3, 7-2 Conference, 2nd)
The Tommies have to replace the top 2 scorers in the league in wings Jabari Langley (24.7 PPG) and Johnny Spencer (18.1 PPG). Liban Tushar (10.5 PPG) and junior forward Micah Young (7.2 PPG) lead the returning roster. Junior guard Damari Lalley and senior Alie Donzo will also see plenty of time.
North Polars (2020-21 season 15-2, 9-0 Conference, 1st)
Larry McKenzie's program has won 60 straight league games and that doesn't figure to stop this season. PG Willie Wilson (16.1 PPG) returns after leading the team in scoring last season. Meiko Anderson (9.5 PPG), Mario Sanders and Jacob Butler all return on the wings. The interior size of Marcus Owens and league MVP Davon Townley (15.2 PPG) will be greatly missed. St. Anthony transfer Gani Stevens should step right into that center spot after averaging double figures last year.
Patrick Henry Patriots (2020-21 season 4-8, 4-6 Conference, 5th)
The Patriots return Karon Abdullah and Ajani Mcrae at guard spots. Tay Hawkins also returns on the wing. Forward Denzil Walker's scoring punch will be missed.
Roosevelt Teddies (2020-21 season 1-12, 0-11 Conference, 7th)
The Teddies struggles figure to continue this season. They lose much of the minimal scoring punch that they had last season. Guard Quinton Brown (6.7 PPG) will be one of the primary options. Soph Avery Wells will also see time.
South Tigers (2020-21 season 7-8, 6-5 Conference, 4th)
Sophs Jerome Williams (16.4 PPG) and De'Mari Larkins (8.1 PPG) return at the guard spots to lead the offense. Junior DeWayne Givens (7.2 PPG) will join them. Camren Smith (7.4 PPG) is another wing option. Forward Chiang Ring (9.1 PPG) is the top front court option and a shot blocker inside. Soph Christian Henderson will also see time inside.
Southwest Lakers (2020-21 season 9-8, 7-5 Conference, 3rd)
Wing Cam Holter returns after spending a year at Holy Angels. The Lakers also return 5 of their top 6 scorers from last season. Hakeem Ford (8.6 PPG) and Gabe Senseman-Cassidy (12.1 PPG) comprise a strong front line. Preston Engen (10.3 PPG), Andrew Gregerson and Caden Sullivan are the core of experienced guards.
Washburn Millers (2020-21 season 3-9, 3-7 Conference, 6th)
Washburn returns their top 5 scorers from last season so there will be plenty of experience. Soph post Kyle Jorgensen was the team leader in scoring at 8.1 PPG last season. Jake Husaby, Rein Maegi, Cass Ramberg and Donovan Smith all averaged between 6 and 7 PPG last season.
Predicted Order of Finish
- North
- Southwest
- South
- Washburn
- Henry
- Edison
- Roosevelt
Conference Overview
North is still loaded and the heavy favorite. Southwest and South should be a good battle for 2nd. They played 2 close games last season. I'll take seniors over sophomores there. Washburn also returns a ton so I'll take them as the best of the rest. Henry and Edison have significant losses in the next tier. Roosevelt's big league losing streak figures to continue.
Conference MVP: Willie Wilson - North
Underclassmen to watch:
- Datrell McCrimmon - North
- Avery Wells - Roosevelt
- Jerome Williams, Chiang Ring, De'Mari Larkins, Camren Smith, Christian Henderson, Temi Omotoyinbo - South
- Kyle Jorgenson - Washburn
- Southwest at South - Jan 27th
- North at Southwest - Feb 8th
- North at South - Feb 17th
- South at Southwest - Mar 1st
- South vs De La Salle - Dec 11th (Tipoff Classic)
- South vs Park of Cottage Grove - Dec 29th (Capitol City Classic)
- South vs South St. Paul - Dec 30th (Capitol City Classic)
- De La Salle at North - Jan 8th
- Brookfield East (WI) at North - Jan 22nd (Border Battle)
- Hopkins at North - Jan 25th
- East Ridge at North - Feb 19th
- Wayzata at North - Feb 28th
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