This is the 8th preview in my 2022-2023 season preview series. In this preview, its a look at the Minneapolis City Conference. For a list of all the season previews, click here.
Edison Tommies (2021-22 season 13-12, 3-9 Conference, 5th)
Edison has to replace almost 20 PPG from guard Liban Tushar. Senior forward Micah Young (20.6 PPG) returns and looks to be one of the top scorers in the metro this season. PG Deidrick Taylor and his 10.2 PPG returns to run the show. Guard Damari Lalley and forward Ahmed Hassan are experienced returnees. Guard Eli Jones also is back in the rotation.
North Polars (2021-22 season 27-7, 12-0 Conference, 1st)
Legendary coach Larry McKenzie has retired from North. Former NBA star Ricky Davis takes over the storied program. While he has to replace all 5 starters and 9 seniors, he still has plenty to work with. Zashon Rich (8.4 PPG) and AuVon Sager (7 PPG) return in the front court. Lefty PG Datrell McCrimmon has been the PG in waiting. He now gets his opportunity to run the team after being a valuable reserve last season. Wing Jakari Miamen also saw minutes last season. Max Wilson joins the roster from Hopkins. He'll fill both guard slots and provide valuable shooting.
Patrick Henry Patriots (2021-22 season 9-15, 2-9 Conference, 6th)
Henry needs to replace their top duo of Karon Abdullah and Ajani McRae. Soph Eban Moua returns at the point guard spot. Juzavious Dickerson will be the main inside threat. Zatayvion Hawkins and Josh Murff will be other rotation options.
Roosevelt Teddies (2021-22 season 2-20, 0-10 Conference, 7th)
Junior wing Avery Wells was the top scoring threat and only double figure scorer for the Teddies. He's now at Richfield. The rest of the starting lineup needs to be replaced too. Not much scoring punch from the rest of the roster. Looks like another long year for the Teddies.
South Tigers (2021-22 season 18-7, 9-2 Conference, 2nd)
The AAU bug has bitten the Tigers as their MN Spartans laden roster has now spread out to a bunch of places. Cretin-Derham Hall, Minnehaha, Park Center and Osseo are the recipients. Junior wing Poet Davis appears to be the only piece remaining. He averaged 11.7 PPG last season. That average should increase dramatically as he'll have to create the Tigers offense. Last year those points were largely catch and shoot corner 3s. Christian Henderson is an interior option.
Southwest Lakers (2021-22 season 14-12, 7-5 Conference, tie 3rd)
Coach Keenan Shelton has to replace 10 seniors and most of his scoring from last season. He'll rebuild the rotation around junior Liam Farniok. He averaged 10.1 PPG last season and is one of the top shooters in the league. Caden Sullivan returns as a swiss army knife wing. Dillon Engen returns at a guard spot. They'll need to step up their offensive roles. No other experience returns.
Washburn Millers (2021-22 season 13-11, 7-5 Conference, tie 3rd)
Alumnus Myles Sheppard takes over the program. He has to replace 7 of the top 8 scorers from last season. Big man Cass Ramberg (11.5 PPG) along with guards Jake Husaby (10.8 PPG) and Donnavan Smith (10.2 PPG) are the 3 double figure scorers that have graduated. The Millers will build around junior forward Kyle Jorgensen and his 11.2 PPG. He's one of better bigs in Minnesota's 2024 class and can play inside along with range at the 3 point line. Cade Heinemann and Blake Bergren will be solid replacements for the lost seniors. Evan Young, Aiden Jacobson and Charlie Gustafson look to see guard minutes. Calvin Gilhoi should see front court minutes.
Predicted Order of Finish
- North
- Washburn
- Edison
- Southwest
- South
- Henry
- Roosevelt
Conference Overview
Just about every team in the league has a major retooling of the roster to do. I'll still take Minneapolis North here until their 72 game league winning streak ends. I think Henry has enough to stay out of the cellar from Roosevelt. In the middle, you have a jumble of teams. Those teams all have 1 notable scorer and lots of questions behind that. Despite a new coach, I think Washburn puts it together with just enough pieces. South goes to the bottom of that list due to the lack of experience and a totally different system.
Conference MVP: Max Wilson - North
Underclassmen to watch:
- Eban Moua - Henry
- Steven Hunter, Obie Esperaza - Roosevelt
- North at Washburn - Jan 23rd
- Washburn at North - Feb 15th
- North vs Lake City - Dec 10th (Tipoff Classic at Hopkins)
- North at De La Salle - Dec 22nd
- North at East Ridge - Feb 7th
- Wayzata at North - Feb 25th
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