This is the 3rd preview in the 2024-2025 season preview series. Note that it appears that Lakes International Language Academy is now playing with the MCAA. They're playing a full MCAA schedule this season. Therefore, they'll be part of the MCAA preview. For a list of all the season previews and how they are done, click here.
Czar's Editorial Note 10/24/24: After posting this, I found out that Twin Cities Academy is playing an EMAC schedule this season. Their preview is part of the Independents preview.
Academy for Sciences and Agriculture Eagles (2023-24 season 2-9, 2-8 Conference, 6th)
Senior guard Tim Williams and almost the entire roster return for AFSA. They did beat Hmong Academy in 2 out of 3 meetings last season.
Avail Academy Valor (2023-24 season 21-7, 10-0 Conference, 1st)
The Valor have to replace 3 starters including Zachariah Schaap, Justin Kroeze and Parker Borchardt. That's over 35 PPG lost. Senior wing Isaac Aune should have a big season as a 20+ PPG picking up that slack. Jacob Ritzema will factor in that too as he also averaged double figures. Lincoln Bock will see more time after being a rotation guy last year.
Community of Peace Academy Tigers (2023-24 season 7-21, 3-7 Conference, 5th)
A couple of top guys transferred out just before the holidays last season and things spiraled downward from there. Soph guard Pierre Glass-McCoy returns as the top scorer. He leads a group of smallish guards. Amir Hampton gives them size inside. Junior Jonviere Moore is another option there.
Groves Academy Griffins (2023-24 season, No Team)
Did not field a team in 2023-24
Hmong Academy Warriors (2023-24 season 2-17, 1-9 Conference, 7th)
The Warriors went with mostly underclassmen last season. Junior Kaleb Vang was the lone double figure scorer last season. Not much size to work with here either.
Liberty Classical Academy Lions (2023-24 season 19-9, 7-3 Conference, 2nd)
Liberty was very young last year with only 3 juniors and no seniors for coach John Towle. The guard trio of Sam Rupnow (18.9 PPG), Ethan Richter (15.8 PPG) and soph PG Cruz Triana (12 PPG) leads the way. Senior Jens Christensen does the work up front with 11.2 PPG. They can get beat up inside but could be a late season sleeper in section 4A.
Math and Science Academy Dragons (2023-24 season 13-12, 5-3 Conference, 3rd)
Do everything wing Josh Balami (29.3 PPG) is one of 3 starters that need to be replaced. No double figure scorers return. Guard Izzy Girma (7.6 PPG) and wing Tomi Taiwo (5.8 PPG) are the top guys coming back. Michael Curtice will get time on the front line.
Predicted Order of Finish
- Liberty Classical
- Avail
- Math & Science
- Community of Peace
- AFSA
- Hmong Academy
- Groves
Conference Overview
The EMAC appears to be on its last legs with talk of other members following LILA to the MCAA. That may be for the better as the top and bottom of the league continue become more and more separated. Its a down year in the league with heavy losses at Avail and Math & Science. Liberty definitely looks to take advantage after going young last year. Avail will still be there with Isaac Aune filling it up. Rest of the league is basically unchanged.
Conference MVP: Isaac Aune - Avail
Underclassmen to watch:
- Cruz Triana - Liberty
- Pierre Glass-McCoy - Community of Peace
- Avail at Liberty - Jan 13th
- Liberty at Avail - Feb 7th
- EMAC Championship - Feb 14th
- Spectrum at Liberty- Dec 5th
- Highland Park at Liberty - Dec 31st
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