This is the 7th preview in my 2023-2024 season preview series. Now
that the private schools are mostly covered, its on to public schools.
We start with the city leagues and St. Paul goes first. For a list of
all the season previews and how they are
generated, click here.
Central Minutemen (2022-23 season 15-9, 9-3 Conference, 3rd)
Central needs to replace their strong frontline group of PJ Blakey (15.1 PPG) and Henry Acker (10 PPG). Junior guard Allan Lankfard (15.3 PPG) is one of the league's top offensive threats. Soph wing Eli Moseman (11.2 PPG) is also a primary option. Eliezer Henriquez-Lopez (5.4 PPG) is the other main rotation returnee. Kaiden Theirs and Kurohn Davis will be options to step into a rotation role.
Como Park Cougars (2022-23 season 6-18, 4-8 Conference, 5th)
The Cougars return their top 4 scorers and most of the rotation from last season. Senior forward Mason Aarness (17 PPG) will be their go to guy. Junior Jahari Hill (9.8 PPG) joins him up front. DeJuan Jones (12 PPG) leads the backcourt. Lefty soph (7.7 PPG) Jonah Tetevi will be another perimeter option. Sophs Kavaughn Lissimore and Contrell Jenkins along with senior Zaleen MacCallum are other rotation options.
Harding Knights (2022-23 season 12-12, 6-6 Conference, 4th)
Junior PG Ai'jhon
Douglas (15.1 PPG) leads the Knights. Junior wing Neyo Chea (7.8 PPG) will be another top outside option. They'll have to replace Paul Walker (12.6 PPG) on the front line.
Highland Park Scots (2022-23 season 15-8, 10-2 Conference, 2nd)
The Scots return 3 double-figure scorers from last season. Forward Xavier May (15.6 PPG) leads the way inside. Guards Yared Yohannes (14.1 PPG) and Andrew Bacigalupi (10 PPG) provide the perimeter offense. Forward Charles Duncan returns to the starting lineup as well. Melvin Menah and Evan Jones return to the rotation too.
Humboldt Hawks (2022-23 season 7-21, 2-10 Conference, 6th)
Guard Albert Wellington (13.5 PPG) leads the offense. Endale Witt is another experienced guard option. Lots of youth as 4 8th graders saw time last year. Forward Taurean Williams leads that group. He might be the biggest guy on the roster at 6'1". That goes with a bunch of tiny guards.
Johnson Governors (2022-23 season 17-9, 11-1 Conference, 1st)
The Govs have to replace a quality perimeter trio of DeWayne Givens, Kajon Jordan and Jay Tinsley. All averaged double figures last year. But they have plenty ready to step in to those roles. Senior Dhimani Tucker should move up to double figures after a 8.8 PPG season. Jalani Mayes also returns on a wing. Frosh Colin Moore with sophs Michael Jett and Guarino Kemp should see plenty of time as well. Soph forward Kenny Turner (12.4 PPG) was the top option last season. They also get Daejohn Thomas back on the front line after he spent last year at East Ridge.
Washington Eagles (2022-23 season 9-19, 0-12 Conference, 7th)
2 top options for the Eagles are gone with the graduation of Chris Birdsong and Tyquan Allen. Both of those guards averaged over 15 PPG last year. Senior guard Jonathan Santiago (11.1 PPG) will be the main offensive option. Outside of him, there's not much offensive firepower.
Predicted Order of Finish
- Johnson
- Highland Park
- Central
- Harding
- Como Park
- Humboldt
- Washington
Conference Overview:
Johnson loses some very valuable pieces but I won't bet against the defending champs this season. Too much on the front line especially with Daejohn Thomas coming back. Highland Park will give them a run. Central is still going to be a factor in the race with Allan Lankfard and Eli Moseman but I still see them 3rd in this group. After that it drops off to Harding and Como Park for the middle spot. Humboldt is still awfully young. Washington remains in a rebuilding state.
Conference MVP: Xavier May - Highland Park
Underclassmen to watch:
- Eli Moseman, Etienne Reyes - Central
- Jonas Tetevi, Contrell Jenkins, Kavaughn Lissimore - Como Park
- Guarino Kemp, Colin Moore, Kenny Turner, Michael Jett, Octavius Davis - Johnson
- Taurean Williams - Humboldt
- Highland Park at Johnson - Jan 11th
- Highland Park at Central - Jan 23rd
- Johnson at Central - Jan 25th
- Johnson at Highland Park - Feb 6th
- Central at Highland Park - Feb 15th
- Central at Johnson - Feb 21st
- Johnson at Minnehaha - Feb 3rd
- Esko at Johnson - Feb 9th
- Johnson at South St. Paul - Feb 26th
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