This is the 6th preview in my 2025-2026 season preview series. Week 2 begins with this look at the Independent Metro Athletic Conference (IMAC). For a list of all the season previews and how they are done, click here.
Blake Bears (2024-25 season 22-5, 7-2 Conference, 2nd)
Coach Tyler Biwan has to replace his forward duo of Omar Kaba and Ian Schnabel. They combined for over 34 PPG. The offense will focus around senior guards Carson McMichael (18.6 PPG) and Aiden Wilson (8.2 PPG). McMichael is one of the top shooters in the metro while Wilson returns at the point guard spot. Juniors Micah Wagoner and Benji Dillon will see bigger rotation roles. Particularly Dillon as he'll be the replacement up front. Caden Johnson will join Wagoner in the perimeter rotation.
Breck Mustangs (2024-25 season 21-11, 8-0 Conference, 1st)
The Mustangs have won 17 league games in a row and are the 2 time defending champs. They'll be hard pressed to repeat that with only 2 of their top 12 scorers returning. League MVP Miles Newton (20.9 PPG) has graduated. Fellow wing DeAngelo Dungey (14.1 PPG) would have been the top guy but he's now at Totino-Grace. Guards Waleed Muhammed (8.8 PPG) and Ayden Green (7.1 PPG) have also transferred out. PG Mu Muhammed (10.6 PPG) and forward JP Musoke (10.3 PPG). Edina transfer Oliver Flick figures to contribute up front as well.
Minnehaha Academy Redhawks (2024-25 season 20-11, 5-4 Conference, 3rd)
Minnehaha loses 5 of their top 6 scorers from a senior heavy lineup. Their 4 graduated double-figure scorers combined for almost 52 PPG. The Redhawks have impressive youth though and should reload. 8th grader Carter Cupito can run the show and shoot it. Senior Malachi Snell (3.2 PPG) and Ayden Green from Breck join him in an experienced backcourt. Junior forward Kellen Troup (9.8 PPG) is a breakout candidate. Freshman Mekhi Abner transfers in from Osseo and should see plenty of frontcourt minutes.
Mounds Park Academy Panthers (2024-25 season 5-22, 1-6 Conference, 6th)
Coach Brendan Connolly has to replace top guard Wyatt Srsen (21.5 PPG). Srsen surpassed Connolly as the school's all-time leading scorer. Junior guard Omar Said averaged 13.7 PPG and will lead this season's offense. They'll need to figure out who helps him on that end. Its a small lineup with guard experience. Senior guards Alex Larson, Soren Springer and Ethan Simonson all return to the starting lineup.
Providence Academy Lions (2024-25 season 7-20, 2-7 Conference, 5th)
Providence has to replace 3 of their top 4 scorers with only 1 of those in double figures. Wing George Jacobson (13.8 PPG) is the top option that needs to be replaced. Juniors Matthew Schaffer (10.5 PPG) and Noah Boro (8.2 PPG) return as perimeter starters. Getting junior PG Leo Giwa back from injury (DNP in 24-25) would be a huge boost there too. Junior forward Henry Willihganz (4.4 PPG) will lead the front line.
St. Paul Academy Spartans (2024-25 season 10-17, 3-7 Conference, 4th)
Head coach Kevin Keto returns to the bench after a 1 year leave of absence. Forward Nathan Rock (11.4 PPG) has graduated and leaves a hole up front. The perimeter play will be a strength. Wing Ezra Cunningham (19.4 PPG) is the league's top returning scorer. The guard trio of senior Ben Sieben (11 PPG) with juniors Miles Vogenthaler (10.1 PPG) and John Grimsrud (9.9 PPG) is solid. 3 other role guys from last season also return so there's plenty of experience.
Predicted Order of Finish
- Minnehaha
- Blake
- Breck
- St. Paul Academy
- Providence
- Mounds Park Academy
Significant losses around the league. Minnehaha reloads and battles Blake for the top spot. Breck loses too much and SPA has the league's top scorer coming back in a battle for 3rd. Providence clearly next. Mounds Park broke a league road losing streak in conference games that dated back to 2008 and their days in the Tri-Metro. But losing their all-time leading scorer is too much to overcome.
Conference MVP: Carson McMichael - Blake
Underclassmen to watch:
- Garrick Bennett - Blake
- Max Munsell - Breck
- Carter Cupito, Mekhi Abner - Minnehaha
- Zamin Ali - Mounds Park Academy
- Colton Perrill - Providence
- Margarsaa Mullataa - St. Paul Academy
- Blake at Minnehaha- Jan 9th
- Minnehaha at Blake - Feb 3rd
- Minnehaha at Orono - Dec 2nd
- Blake at Annandale - Dec 5th
- Blake at Holy Family - Dec 9th
- Holy Family at Minnehaha - Dec 12th
- Minnehaha vs Jackson County Central - Dec 13th (Tipoff Classic at Edina)
- St. Paul Central at Minnehaha - Dec 19th
- Minnehaha vs Richfield - Dec 27th (Capitol City Classic at Hamline)
- Central Minnesota Christian at Minnehaha - Jan 10th (Southside Super Showcase)
- Belle Plaine at Blake - Feb 5th
- Minnehaha vs Manitowoc Roncalli (WI) - Feb 7th (Border Battle at Hamline)
- Blake at Maranatha - Feb 10th
- Minnehaha at Minneapolis Washburn - Feb 17th
- SW Christian at Minnehaha - Feb 18th
- St. Paul Johnson at Minnehaha - Feb 23rd
- SW Christian at Blake - Feb 24th
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