2023-24 MCAA Preview

This is the second preview in my 2023-24 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 (2022-23 season 5-23, 2-12 Conference, 7th)
Coach Kris Babler has to replace 1 starting senior from his lineup.  Senior guard Teddy Relan is the lone returning double figure scorer at 16 PPG.  Junior Oliver Kelash anchors the inside at 8.7 PPG.  There is a young group that the staff is excited about.

Heritage Christian Academy Eagles (2022-23 season 18-7, 10-4 Conference, 3rd)
Coach Tim Herman has to replace 1 starter and 1 other senior from his rotation.  He'll build around 4 his talented juniors.  Forward Abu Tarawallie is really physical inside.  His 14.7 PPG was tops on the roster.  3 other perimeter players also averaged double figures.  PG Josh Sokeye (11.3 PPG) and 2 wings Owen Haag (13.1 PPG) and Jonah Moulton (11.3 PPG) are those 3.  Soph Griffin Booms and junior Lucas Hultgren return to back them up.

Legacy Christian Academy Lions (2022-23 season 23-6, 12-2 Conference, 2nd)
Coach Nate Bellefeuille has 3 major pieces to replace.  That starts with league MVP Aiden Johnson inside and his 18.7 PPG with 13 RPG.  Wing Ben Tschida (14.5 PPG) and their engine at PG, Jestin Wuollet (4.1 PPG), also graduated.  Wings Dominic Zoa (15.7 PPG) and Micah Strand (11.4 PPG) are the returning double figure scorers.  Zoa does it as a slasher while Strand does it as a shooter.  Junior Carson Anderson is a candidate to fill in Johnson's spot up front.  Juniors Andrew Mulvihill, Solomon Kardell and Evan Bovee should see time on the perimeter with soph Hudson Strand.

North Lakes Academy Huskies (2022-23 season 10-18, 1-13 Conference, 8th)
Senior forward Jonathan Ozment (20.1 PPG) and guard Caleb Jensen (24.7 PPG in 9 games) are major pieces to replace.  Soph PG Jayden Dillard (9.2 PPG) will pick up some of that.  Senior guard Aiden Zenkic (8.5 PPG) will be the other main option.  After that no other returnee put up more than 4.5 PPG.

PACT Charter Panthers (2022-23 season 11-17, 4-10 Conference, 6th)
Senior Victor Nyabuto (17.2 PPG) is the leading returnee for the Panthers.  He's also the lone returning starter.  Junior Tim Cherenkevich (11.4 PPG) is another top offensive option.  Evan Karlan will step into a starting guard role.

Spectrum Sting (2022-23 season 18-9, 14-0 Conference, 1st)
The defending league champs can still sting with 2 of their top 3 scorers coming back.  Wing Blake Femrite (20.3 PPG) and forward Ethan Mielke (8.6 PPG) will provide the scoring punch.  Will Lawrence (5.7 PPG) returns to the starting lineup at a guard spot.  Junior Braden Nelson and frosh Cody Benson should be other guard options.  Junior Jordan Williams provides another size option.  Senior Lance Siegel also returns to the rotation on the wing.

United Christian Academy Thunder (2022-23 season 10-15, 5-9 Conference, 5th)
The Thunder jumped from 2 wins to 10 last season and look to continue their rise.  They need to replace forward Mitch Jensen (7.8 PPG) and Abe Hilgenberg (14.5 PPG).  Senior Braylon Kerr led the team in scoring at 18.3 PPG.  Sophs Sam Rich (6.8 PPG) and Josiah Hendley (13.8 PPG) also return to the starting lineup.  Senior PG Ezra Webster (7.1 PPG) provides stability.

West Lutheran Warriors (2022-23 season 16-12, 8-6 Conference, 4th)
The Warriors return 4 starters and most of their rotation.  That includes guard Isaiah Ronning and his 18.5 PPG.  Senior wings Jack Nelson (9.9 PPG) and Micah Davis (7 PPG) also return.  Junior Kolten Miller returns up front.  Aaron Schuler returns to the starting lineup at a guard spot.  He's a candidate to take over ball handling duties now that Thomas Bursch (10.2 PPG) has graduated.

Predicted Order of Finish

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

Conference Overview
I see the league breaking into 4 sections.  Spectrum and Heritage to me is the top tier.  West Lutheran and United Christian return a lot and Legacy loses a ton in tier 2.  PACT and Eagle Ridge battle for 6th while North Lakes rebuilds.  Mayer Lutheran enters the league next year.  Will we see a 10th member in time to join them?

Conference MVP: Blake Femrite - Spectrum

Underclassmen to watch: 

• Griffin Booms - Heritage
  
• Hudson Strand - Legacy
• Jayden Dillard - North Lakes
  
• Cody Benson - Spectrum
• Josiah Hendley, Sam Rich - United Christian
  

Conference Games to Watch

• Heritage at Spectrum - Jan 5th
  
• Spectrum at Heritage - Feb 2nd
  

Non-Conference Games to Watch

• Avail at Heritage - Dec 5th
• Spectrum at Annandale - Jan 2nd
• New Life at Heritage - Feb 20th
  
• St. Paul Academy at Heritage - Mar 4th