2024-25 MCAA Preview

This is the 4th preview in my 2024-25 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 (2023-24 season 10-17, 6-8 Conference, 5th)
The Gryphons started a youth movement later in the season with PG Mo Massaquoi (8.3 PPG) and F King Davis (14.9 PPG).  They'll expand their roles to replace the scoring of guard Teddy Relan.  Oliver Kelash returns inside.  Guard Nils Johannson also returns to the rotation.

Heritage Christian Academy Eagles (2023-24 season 23-8, 10-4 Conference, 3rd)
The Eagles are looking to repeat as section 4A champs.  With all 5 starters and most of the roster coming back, I expect nothing less.  Lead guard Josh Sokeye (18.7 PPG) and Gopher football commit Abu Tarawallie (13.7 PPG) are a quality 1-2 punch.  Add in Owen Haag and Jonah Moulton as wings who can knock down shots.  They both averaged double figures last season too.   Soph Aaron Palmer provides front court depth.

Lakes International Language Academy Dragons (2023-24 season 13-15, 7-5 Conference, 4th)
LILA needs to replace 4 starters as they make the jump from the EMAC to the MCAA.  Star wing Connor Severson (29.8 PPG) and forward Carter Moore are the 2 double figures scorers that need to be replaced.  Undersized forward Maxwel Sandstrom (7.7 PPG) is the leading returning scorer.  Guards Joseph Dolphy and Mac Maring should step into starting roles after seeing rotation time last season.

Legacy Christian Academy Lions (2023-24 season 24-5, 13-1 Conference, 1st)
The Lions would like nothing better than to leave the league with another title.  They'll need to replace a good chunk of the lineup.  Shooter Micah Strand and wing slasher Dominic Zoa (20.1 PPG) have graduated.  Freshman star Daniel Zoa saw time last year but is now at Totino-Grace.  Senior guards Drew Mulvihill (12.1 PPG), Solomon Kardell, Carson Anderson and Evan Bovee all return to the rotation.  Juniors Hudson Strand, Max Liefker and Josh Held should see greatly expanded roles.  Size is the main question.

Mayer Lutheran Crusaders (2023-24 Season 9-18, 4-8 MN River Conference, 7th)
The Crusaders record is deceptive and I think they make a run in the league this season.  Nate and Ben Lindesmith are a quality guard duo.  Nolan Hoese joins them on the perimeter.  Josh Clark and Zach Robbins return at interior spots. Levi Hahn is a double figure scorer that needs to be replaced.

North Lakes Academy Huskies (2023-24 season 6-21, 0-14 Conference, 8th)
4 seniors need to be replaced in the starting lineup.  That includes double figure scoring guards Aidin Zenkic (13 PPG) and Marcus Dukuly (12.4 PPG).  Senior Damarion Dillard and junior Carlos Marquez are the top returning scorers and rebounders.  Guards Levi Molitor and Marquise Poncelet will see major guard minutes.

PACT Charter Panthers (2023-24 season 11-17, 3-11 Conference, tie 6th)
Coach Joel Hedberg also has to replace 4 starters.  Do everything guard Victor Nyabuto (19.7 PPG) is the biggest loss.  Tim Cherenkevich (10.2 PPG) is lone returning starter. Junior forward Jayden Busch and soph Bryce Gaustad (7 PPG) should jump right into the lineup after being top reserves last season.

Spectrum Sting (2023-24 season 24-5, 13-2 Conference, 2nd)
Coach Tom Terhaar needs to replace 4 starters in star guard Blake Femrite (20.9 PPG), forward Ethan Mielke (10.2 PPG) and PG Will Lawrence.  But the hive isn't empty.  Soph guard Cody Benson should be one of lead scoring options.  Junior guard Eli Miller also returns to the rotation.  Braden Nelson averaged 13.3 PPG off the bench as a front line guy.  Jordan Williams (11.5 PPG) also returns up front.

United Christian Academy Thunder (2023-24 season 11-16, 3-11 Conference, tie 6th)
Guard Braylon Kerr has graduated after leading the team in scoring the last 2 seasons.  But there are a couple pieces to build around.  Juniors Josiah Hendley (18.6 PPG) and Sam Rich look to be the main options this season.  Josiah Rich will be another guard piece.  Forward Ashton Trenz and guard Jeremiah McDougal are seniors that return to the starting lineup.

West Lutheran Warriors (2023-24 season 19-10, 9-5 Conference, 4th)
West Lutheran needs to replace 4 starters.  Wing Jack Nelson (10.6 PPG) and star guard Isaiah Ronning (20.5 PPG) are the major pieces to replace.  Forward Karsten Kromschroeder is the lone starter returning. Forward Brandon Knebel and guard Kolten Miller are juniors who should see expanded roles.  Jacob Pfotenhauer looks to take over the point guard spot.

Predicted Order of Finish

North Division

1. Legacy   
   
2. Spectrum 
   
3. PACT
4. Lakes International
   
5. North Lakes
   

South Division 

1. Heritage
   
2. Mayer Lutheran
   
3. Eagle Ridge 
   
4. United Christian
   
5. West Lutheran

Conference Overview
Its the start of turnover for the MCAA.  Mayer Lutheran joins the league after the Minnesota River Conference disbanded.  This will be Legacy's final year in the league before they move to the Skyline.  Lakes International is playing in the North division to balance schedules.  The schedule is also strange as the league will split into 5 team north and south divisions but those divisions won't play each other in league play except for 1 conference showcase day at the end of the season.

In the north, there's Legacy and Spectrum battling there but Legacy has too much coming back and Spectrum loses too much.  Then a massive dropoff to the bottom 3 who all have to replace most of their lineups and will likely struggle.  I'll give PACT a slight edge over Lakes International.  North Lakes losing a ton from a rough season has to stay in the last pick.

In the south, its a little more balanced.  Heritage is clearly the pick here with everybody coming back.  Mayer Lutheran and Eagle Ridge with their returning rosters are in the next spots.  Mayer Lutheran's guard play and experience is there so they get the nod.  United Christian has 2 major pieces coming back and West Lutheran has to replace 4 starters so they get the last 2 spots.

Conference MVP: Josh Sokeye - Heritage

Underclassmen to watch: 

• King Davis, Mo Massaquoi - Eagle Ridge
  
• Aaron Palmer - Heritage
  
• Ben Lindesmith - Mayer Lutheran
• Marquise Poncelet - North Lakes 
• Bryce Gaustad - PACT
  
• Cody Benson - Spectrum
  

Conference Games to Watch

• Legacy at Spectrum - Dec 10th
• Mayer Lutheran at Heritage - Jan 7th
  
• Spectrum at Legacy - Jan 25th
  
• Heritage at Mayer Lutheran - Jan 28th
  
• Conference Showcase Day - Feb 22nd (cross-division games)
  

Non-Conference Games to Watch

• Legacy vs Minnehaha - Jan 18th (West Metro Clash at Southwest Christian)
• Southwest Christian at Legacy - Feb 18th