This is the 7th preview in my 2025-2026 season preview series. Week 2 of the previews continues with a look at the Tri-Metro Conference. For a list of all the season previews and how they are generated, click here.
Academy of Holy Angels Stars (2024-25 season 12-15, 10-6 Conference, Tie 3rd)
The Stars return a pair of double figure scoring wings led by Blake Nixon (20.1 PPG) and shooter Arjun Jain (11.2 PPG). Kenzo Lee (9.1 PPG) returns as a ballhandler. Danny Kelly also returns to that perimeter rotation. Daniel Devine and Jake Winston are forward options.
Bloomington Kennedy Eagles (2024-25 season 7-20, 5-11 Conference, 7th)
The Eagles have to replace 4 significant scorers. Delannie Bush and Keymarey Jackson will provide the scoring punch this season. They'll also get a boost from soph transfer Judah Mitchell. He comes in from Cretin-Derham Hall and should get plenty of opportunity to be the point guard. Junior Aaron Buchanan should expand his role on the frontline.
Brooklyn Center Centaurs (2024-25 season 4-23, 1-15 Conference, 9th)
The Centaurs went with a young lineup last year. Looks like they lost 2029 PG Rashad Smith (12.6 PPG) to DeLaSalle. Senior guard Alan Moore (14.2 PPG) is now at Columbia Heights. That leaves Key'shon Alexander (10.4 PPG) as the top returner. Aloysius Vah (6.4 PPG) will see minutes as a forward but he's undersized there.
Columbia Heights Hylanders (2024-25 season 6-21, 3-13 Conference, 8th)
A pair of double figure scorers need to be replaced. Senior guard Kahlil Mkali (12.6 PPG) leads the returning lineup. Seniors Judah Caine (8.4 PPG) and Dair Armstrong also return to the starting lineup. Nico Luitjens Weatherspoon (8.3 PPG) comes over from Edison after being a key piece for the Tommies last season.
DeLaSalle Islanders (2024-25 season 24-7, 15-1 Conference, 1st)
The Islanders look to once again be one of the teams in AAA with 3 double figure scorers returning. The wing play of juniors Jaeden Udean (17.9 PPG) and Kamar Thomas (14.3 PPG) is dynamic. Forward Evan Miller (10.4 PPG) gives them ability to stretch the floor. Junior Deon Wallace-Johnson is a classic DLS role guy who will defend and move the ball. Sophomores Ichima Idoko and Taaj Whitlock are 2 of the top players in 2028.
Fridley Tigers (2024-25 season 13-14, 10-6 Conference, Tie 3rd)
Fridley needs to replace the high-powered backcourt duo of Trenton Woodall Jones (25.1 PPG) and PG Jamichael Breauxsaus-Ollie (21.2 PPG). Senior wing Brevon Robinson (8.4 PPG) is the top returnee and should be the breakout lead scorer for the Tigers. Junior Jenovic Kadindula (5.8 PPG) is the top returning forward. Alex Johnson will join him there.
Richfield Spartans (2024-25 season 22-6, 14-2 Conference, 2nd)
Richfield has to replace one of the top scorers in the state in CJ Armstrong at 31.4 PPG. Normally that would be a major problem but the Spartans are still loaded. Juniors Dre Collins (16.6 PPG) and Tyrece Hagler (15.1 PPG) return to the starting lineup. Guard Adin India provides experience with them. Transfers Waleed Muhammed of Breck and Gideon Horne of Hope Academy add to a stacked lineup. Horne should be their main interior guy. He'll be a great guy to run and finish with their talented guards.
Robbinsdale Cooper Hawks (2024-25 season 7-17, 6-10 Conference, 6th)
Ron Howard takes over the program. He has previously spent time at Anoka-Ramsey and 1 year leading the Westonka girls program. Forward Jahnail Jones is a major piece to return inside. Forwards Tavorian Thompson and Anthony Byrd will be top options. Senior Ajavion-Wiley-Hunt leads the guard group.
St. Anthony Huskies (2024-25 season 12-15, 8-8 Conference, 5th)
Coach Josh Pratt returns his 2 double figure scorers from last season. Wing Brett Siroin (21.2 PPG) provides shooting while Isaan Kitila (13.6 PPG) works inside. The other 3 starters need to be replaced. Juniors Galatan Kitila (9.5 PPG) and Logan Buck return to the rotation. Junior Ahmed Ahmod looks to be the next point guard.
Predicted Order of Finish
- DeLaSalle
- Richfield
- Holy Angels
- Fridley
- St. Anthony
- Columbia Heights
- Robbinsdale Cooper
- Bloomington Kennedy
- Brooklyn Center
Conference Overview:
DeLaSalle and Richfield will be 2 of the best teams in AAA this season and a level above the rest of the league. Richfield has given the Islanders fits recently by winning 3 of the last 4 meetings. DeLaSalle is the champ until beaten though. Holy Angels with Blake Nixon is the best of the rest. Fridley and St. Anthony should be the rest of the top half. Then a drop off to the bottom 4 who all won 7 games or less last season and are rebuilding. Columbia Heights guards give them my nod for the top of that group. Brooklyn Center goes to the bottom with the other 3 being in any order.
Underclassmen to watch:
- Tristan Duggan, Keegan Spence, Bishop Froehle - Academy of Holy Angels
- Judah Mitchell - Bloomington Kennedy
- Ichima Idoko, Taaj Whitlock - DeLaSalle
- Keshawn Bartuah - Fridley
- Eric Buhl - Richfield
- DeLaSalle at Richfield - Jan 3rd
- Richfield at DeLaSalle - Feb 4th
- DeLaSalle vs Maple Grove - Dec 6th (Big Stage at Hopkins)
- Richfield at Orono - Dec 11th
- Richfield vs St. Paul Johnson - Dec 26th (Capitol City Classic at Hamline)
- Richfield vs Minnehaha - Dec 27th (Capitol City Classic at Hamline)
- Richfield at St. Paul Johnson MLK Event - Jan 19th
- Cretin-Derham Hall at DeLaSalle - Jan 31st
- DeLaSalle vs Superior (WI) - Feb 7th (Border Battle at Hamline)
- Hopkins at DeLaSalle - Feb 24th
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