2026-27 Minneapolis City Conference Preview

This is the 9th preview in my 2026-2027 season preview series.  Week 2 ends with a look at the Minneapolis City Conference.  For a list of all the season previews, click here.

Camden Patriots (2025-26 season 9-18, 3-9 Conference, 6th)
The Patriots are coming off a very dysfunctional season.  Star forward Malik Martin has transferred to arch rival North.  Forwards Lamar McBride and Traequan White lead the offense along with point guard Lavon Jordan.  There are young guards such as Dupree Smith and Damien Barnes who will see time too.

Edison Tommies (2025-26 season 8-18, 0-12 Conference, 7th)
The rebuild continues for Edison.  Most of the rotation was seniors so there won't be much experience.  The main loss is guard Malakai Fernandes who was their top 3 point threat.  Zion Morgan-Young and Marcellus Williams lead the small crew of returnees.

North Polars (2025-26 season 15-13, 7-5 Conference, Tie 3rd)
Jerome Williams takes over the Polars program.  Losing 9 seniors won't be a problem though. Along with a JV squad that won the league, it will be a roster rebuilt with transfers.  Malik Martin from Camden, Kristian Ward and Harrison Weisneth from Hiawatha and in a bit of irony, Marcus Marshall returns after a year at Maranatha.  There are others too.  Watching how this roster comes together will be very interesting.  They will be as talented as any team in AA.

Roosevelt Teddies (2025-26 season 11-16 5-7 Conference, 5th)
The Teddies have to replace 40 PPG from their standout backcourt duo of Calvin Peterson and Cam Sundeen.  Nobody else averaged double figures and no starters return.  Danny Soucek provides an inside option.  Senior wings Daevion Stampley (7.4 PPG) and Mohamed Abib are the top returnees.  Juniors Landon Knox and Lucas Larson will see backcourt time.         

South Tigers (2025-26 season 21-10, 10-2 Conference, Tie 1st)
Long time coach Joe Hyser has stepped down.  Assistant Ray McCollough takes over for him.  South was poised to make another run in section 3AAA but an old tale of a bunch of guys leaving strikes again. Their leading backcourt duo of Jumair Wright and Ramadan Ibrahim is gone.  Wright to prep school and Ibrahim is now at Washburn.  Big man LA Gales is now in Detroit.  He was one of the top bigs in the league.  Wing Chad Robertson and mobile shot blocking forward Jake Dixon do return though.  Reshawn Jones will be another front line option.

Southwest Lakers (2025-26 season 11-16, 7-5 Conference, Tie 3rd)
Leading scorer Dashiell Erickson (13.7 PPG) needs to be replaced.  Wing Niko Case (10 PPG) should step into that role nicely as the top returning scorer.  Guard Adnan Mohamed and wing Owen Boarman also provide perimeter scoring.  Senior Riley Kelley returns to run the point.  As in past years, I wouldn't be shocked to see them find a group of juniors to join all those seniors in a rotation that plays 9 or 10 guys.

Washburn Millers (2025-26 season 15-12, 10-2 Conference, Tie 1st)
Coach Myles Shepherd has to replace his entire front line group of Ryker Van Nostrand, Brayden Gorton and Michael Stevens.  That's 35 PPG to replace with 6 of the top 7 scorers graduating.  South transfer Ramadan Ibraham (17.9 PPG) will step into that top offensive option role nicely.  Wing Amir Bobmanuel had a very productive summer and looks to have a much expanded role.  Senior guard Finley Carlson is the top returning scorer at 7.8 PPG.  Soph guard Lamarr Knighten should also see major minutes.  Hope Academy transfer Jacob Samuel is an interior candidate.  Expect them to be more perimeter oriented but still be a hard-nosed defensive squad.

Predicted Order of Finish

1. North
2. Washburn     
3. Southwest 
   
4. Camden 
5. South  
6. Roosevelt 
7. Edison 

Conference Overview
North is too talented to not pick to win the league.  But seeing Washburn get a piece of a 4th straight title could happen if there aren't enough basketballs to go around at North.  Southwest is too consistent and has enough returning to keep in the 3 slot.  Camden by default of their talent gets the 4 spot but after a 6th place finish last year and losing their top guy plus their youth, I could see that falling too.  Roosevelt loses even more than South.  Edison again tries to see if they can win a league game.

Conference MVP: Marcus Marshall - North

Underclassmen to watch:  

• Damien Barnes, Juke Gregory, Dupree Smith, Lamar McBride - Camden
• Jemierre Davis - North 
• Lamarr Knighten - Washburn 

Conference Games to Watch

• Washburn at North - Jan 12th
• North at Washburn - Feb 23th
• Twin Cities Game - Mar 6th (Minneapolis Champion)

Non-Conference Games to Watch

• North vs Montevideo - Dec 12th (Tipoff Classic at SW Christian)
• North at SW Christian - Dec 18th 
• Washburn at Buffalo - Jan 2nd 
• Holy Family at North - Jan 7th 
• North vs Minnehaha - Jan 18th (MLK Showcase at St. Paul Johnson)
• Washburn at Tartan - Jan 19th  
• Maranatha at North - Feb 16th 
• Washburn at Minnehaha - Feb 19th 

2026-27 St. Paul City Conference Preview

This is the 8th preview in my 2026-2027 season preview series.  Now its time to look at 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 (2025-26 season 25-4, 12-0 Conference, 1st)
After winning a school record 25 games, the Minutemen have to replace 11 seniors and their entire starting lineup.  That includes league co-MVPs Eli Moseman (17.7 PPG) and Sefi Whittington.  Once again they'll reload from their 1st place JV squad.  A pair of juniors from that group will be this year's leaders.  Guard Mack Phillips will lead the backcourt group and be the top offensive threat.  Forward Tyler Mortellaro anchors the inside.  Seniors Tristan Geraets and Dominick Parker will also see significant minutes.

Como Park Cougars (2025-26 season 7-20, 6-6 Conference, Tie 3rd)
Como Park has to replace 5 starters and their top 6 scorers.  Juniors Marcel Bolden and Frankie Leary should be top options.  Freshman Landon Williams-Newirk should also see plenty of minutes for a small lineup.

Harding Knights (2025-26 season 4-23, 0-12 Conference, 7th)
From a 1st state trip in forever to a school record 23 losses.  That's the price of losing a big senior class.  The Knights took their lumps and a large chunk of the roster.  Junior guard Derek Green is the lone double figure scorer.  Fellow juniors Demonte Gibson and Aiden Jordan join him as returnees to the wing rotation.  Point guard Pierre Glass returns along with impossible to move big man Joe Myatt inside.  Those 2 seniors will be the leaders.  Sophs Jarell Fung-A-Fatt and Javaughn Moffett also saw plenty of time last season.

Highland Park Scots (2025-26 season 15-12, 6-6 Conference, Tie 3rd)
The Scots look to make another jump in year 2 for coach Zach Towle.  He has a nice inside duo to build around.  Combo guard Leo Clifford (20 PPG) will be one of the best players in the league.  Forward Izaiah Davis (13.9 PPG) looks to have another good year inside.  They were the top 2 scorers last season.  Cooper Johnson and senior Will Walter return on the wings.  They'll miss the toughness of Romello Horton inside.  Tartan transfer Kenny Brown could be an answer for that.

Humboldt Hawks (2025-26 season 16-11, 6-6 Conference, Tie 3rd)
Former Anoka assistant Cornelius Hollingsworth takes over after the best Humboldt season this century and since possibly their last league title in 1978.  That was before the league consolidated into what is essentially the current structure.  He needs to replace 3 of the top 4 scorers.  Wing Jakar Rice (17.3 PPG) graduated and forward Taurean Williams (15.4 PPG) followed coach Sam Esboldt to South St. Paul.  Senior guard Fadil Alabi (15.6 PPG) is a career 1000 point scorer.  He'll lead the offense with wing Keith Whitlow.  Luke Hobday and Calvin Hoenisch also return to the rotation.

Johnson Governors (2025-26 season 20-7, 10-2 Conference, 2nd)
The Govs have to replace their 2 top scorers in athletic wing Jermaine Curtis-Thomas (13 PPG) and center Kenny Turner (12.6 PPG). Plenty of firepower and experience return though.  Colin Moore Jr (10.8 PPG) runs the show at the point and is the top returning scorer.  He leads a deep guard lineup that also includes Guarino Kamp, AJ Howard and Kaiden Elphage.  David Addai and Elijah Benepe will be the interior rotation.  Addai is coming off a productive summer for Hoop Habits Elite.

Washington Eagles (2025-26 season 9-17, 2-10 Conference, 6th)
Senior forward Noah Rieger (17.7 PPG) is the top returning scorer.  He's the top forward for the front line strength of this roster.  Lesean Andrewin also averaged double figures inside with 11 PPG.  Junior Jonathon Gibson is the top returning guard.  The rest of the backcourt crew will be very inexperienced.

Predicted Order of Finish

1. Johnson 
   
2. Highland Park 
3. Central  
4. Harding  
5. Como Park     
6. Humboldt
7. Washington

Conference Overview:
Can Highland Park break the lock that Central and Johnson have had on the Twin Cities Game?  I think they're neck and neck with Johnson for the top spot.  Johnson slightly deeper and the tradition gives them the nod.  The Scots lost by 1 to Johnson at home last year but got smacked by 47 in the road game.  Central will just reload and be the best of the rest.  Then it drops off to the bottom 4.  In a league full of guards, being weakest at guard puts Washington at the bottom.  Harding with everything they have coming back should move up but they were winless in league play last year.  Como Park and Humboldt have a ton to replace.

Conference MVP: Leo Clifford - Highland Park

Underclassmen to watch: 

• Landon Williams-Newirk - Como Park 
• Jarell Fung-A-Fatt, Javaughn Moffett - Harding 
• Charlie Egbert - Highland Park
• Jamir White - Humboldt 

Conference Games to Watch

• Highland Park at Johnson - Jan 22nd 
• Johnson at Highland Park - Feb 17th
• Twin Cities Game - Mar 6th (Minneapolis Champion)
  

Non-Conference Games to Watch

• Johnson vs Hibbing - Dec 12th (Southside Showcase at Benilde-St. Margaret's)
• Johnson vs Richfield - Dec 29th (Capital City Classic)
• Highland Park vs Maranatha - Jan 18th (MLK Showcase at Johnson)
• Minnehaha at Johnson - Feb 23rd

2026-27 Tri-Metro Conference Preview

This is the 7th preview in my 2026-2027 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 (2025-26 season 15-13, 7-9 Conference, 5th)
AHA needs to replace star wing and leading scorer Blake Nixon (15.7 PPG).  Shooter Arjun Jain (12.2 PPG) and Ike DePoint (11.7 PPG) will lead the offense.  Peter Koenig and Keegan Spence also return to the guard rotation.  Replacing the ball handling of Rhikenzo Lee and the size of Daniel Devine and Jake Winston are questions to answer.

Bloomington Kennedy Eagles (2025-26 season 12-15, 6-10 Conference, Tie 6th)
Kennedy returns 2 starters including junior point guard Judah Mithell (22.8 PPG).  But interior star Mus Mwenentanda (22.8 PPG) moving to Omaha leaves a huge hole inside.   Junior Jackson Giles will have to step into that interior role. Mitchell loses a pick and roll partner but I wouldn't be shocked to see him average 25-30 PPG with a perpetual green light.  Khalil Wertz Copeland and Parker Redmon are 2 more juniors returning to the lineup.  Add in a couple of freshman guards, Xander Bain and Jerrell Washington, that saw a ton of time last year.  

Brooklyn Center Centaurs (2025-26 season 3-22, 0-15 Conference, 9th)
Aloysius Vah is the top returnee.  Te'Shaun Thomas will be the man inside.  CJ Jones would have been a top option but he's another member of the long list of transfers to Minneapolis North.  The JV was very young last year so experience will be limited.  On the bright side, the Centaurs will have home games once again.  That's after playing all of last season on the road due to their home gym being unplayable.

Columbia Heights Hylanders (2025-26 season 14-12, 8-7 Conference, 4th)
Leading scorer Jayvion Gardner (16.4 PPG) is also now at Minneapolis North.  They also graduate top guards Judah Caine, Kahlil Mkali and Alan Moore in a group of 10 seniors.  That leaves guard Nico Luitjens Weatherspoon and Demarcus Whitmore as the top returning players.  

DeLaSalle Islanders (2025-26 season 25-4, 15-1 Conference, Tie 1st, AAA State Runner-Up)
Leading scorer and 6th man Kamar Thomas (16.1 PPG) is off to prep school but the Islanders still have plenty of firepower.  Lefty Jaeden Udean (15.1 PPG) can go for 30 at anytime with deep range.  Forward Ichima Idoko is a top junior in the state.  South Dakota State commit Deon Wallace-Johnson is an elite role guy who doesn't need to score.  Taaj Whitlock can also be a ballhandler for them.  Omar Ali can give them a true big guy and he has range too.  The junior class is loaded with depth options too such as Jonas McCreary and Max Winston.

Fridley Tigers (2025-26 season 10-15, 6-10 Conference, Tie 6th)
The Tigers need to replace guards Brein Robinson and Tyler Osell and wing Shamarion Evans.  Forward Jenovic Kandinula leads the front line.  Avion Johnson, Ta'marjay Hicks and soph Dee Lacy-Martin will lead the backcourt along with leading returning scorer Tyrone Washington (14.7 PPG).

Richfield Spartans (2025-26 season 29-3, 14-2 Conference, Tie 1st)
The transfer of Waleed Muhammed (13.5 PPG) to Hopkins leaves a big hole at the lead guard spot.  The Spartans will still be one of the most high octane offenses in the state though.  Dre Collins thrives in the running game.  Tyrece Hagler can score in a hurry from the wing.  Gideon Horne returns as the primary forward.  Ben Heidgerken gives them an experienced guard who can be a handler.  Juniors Ian Nelson and Oscar Peterson provide guard depth.

Robbinsdale Cooper Hawks (2025-26 season 7-20, 4-12 Conference, 8th)
Guard Desmond Goines was breakout player last year for the Hawks.  He's just 1 of 3 primary scoring options that needs to be replaced.  Junior Daviion Ellison returns to run the point guard position.  Soph Elijah Thomas will be a scoring threat on the wing.  Senior wings Henry Larsen and Yanni Brown return to the starting lineup along with guard Joel Sherman.

St. Anthony Huskies (2025-26 season 14-11, 10-6 Conference, 3rd)
The Huskies have to replace their top inside and outside threats of Isaan Kitila and Brett Siroin. That's 37.5 PPG gone from the lineup.  Forward Logan Buck (13.6 PPG) is the lone double figure scorer coming back.  Ian Page and lefty wing Myles Falkner join him in the starting lineup.  Ahmed Ahmod and Cameron Lesinski provide guard depth.

Predicted Order of Finish

1. DeLaSalle 
   
2. Richfield
3. Bloomington Kennedy 
4. Holy Angels 
5. St. Anthony
6. Fridley  
7. Columbia Heights      
8. Robbinsdale Cooper  
9. Brooklyn Center    

Conference MVP: Jaeden Udean - DeLaSalle

Conference Overview:
DeLaSalle and Richfield will once again be the top tier of the league and contenders to make a state run. Kennedy loses their inside threat but their guards still make them best of the rest.  The middle tier is a toss up a couple guys returning for each roster.  I'll take Holy Angels with Arjun Jain leading the way.  The bottom 3 are all rebuilding.  Heights is the best of those.

Underclassmen to watch: 

• Henry Strand - Academy of Holy Angels
• Xander Bain, Jerrell Washington - Bloomington Kennedy 
• Rashad Smith - DeLaSalle
• Elijah Thomas - Robbinsdale Cooper 
• Dee Lacy-Martin - Fridley 

Conference Games to Watch

• DeLaSalle at Richfield - Jan 19th  
• Richfield at DeLaSalle - Feb 19th   

Non-Conference Games to Watch

• Richfield vs Maple Grove - Dec 12th (Tipoff Classic at Edina)
• DeLaSalle vs Maple Grove - Dec 19th (Big Stage at Bloomington Jefferson)
• Richfield vs St. Paul Johnson - Dec 29th (Capital City Classic)
• Orono at Richfield - Jan 14th 
• DeLaSalle at Prior Lake - Feb 27th
• DeLaSalle at Buffalo - Mar 3rd

2026-27 IMAC Preview

This is the 6th preview in my 2026-2027 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 (2025-26 season 19-14, 2-7 Conference, 4th)
After a Cinderella run to the state tournament, Blake fired Tyler Biwan.  The new administration selected former Benilde-St. Margaret's head coach Damien Johnson.  He'll have to replace one of the league's top players in guard Carson McMichael (22.6 PPG) along with 3 other starters.  Soph wing Trameill White (10.5 PPG) had a terrific freshman campaign and is the top returning scorer.  Frosh guard Niles Bennett was a major rotation piece as well.  Senior forward Benji Dillon (9.9 PPG) provides size and experience and will see a bigger scoring role.

Breck Mustangs (2025-26 season 11-17, 7-2 Conference, 2nd)
Breck's season took a major hit in game 1 when star guard Mu Muhammed blew out a knee.  On the interior 20.4 PPG from wing/forward JP Musoke also needs to be replaced along with 2 other productive big men.  Lots of youth from last season will get a chance to contribute this season.. Soph Peter Kiedrowski (10.2 PPG) is the top returning scorer and will fill a wing spot.  Soph Cobe Blakes and junior Max Munsell (10.1 PPG) return to lead the backcourt.  Senior Zach Lerner and junior Ryan Adey provide depth there.  Replacing the lost size is a major question.

Minnehaha Academy Redhawks (2025-26 season 26-5, 9-0 Conference, 1st, AA State Champion)
The defending state champs reloaded last year with youth and look to defend their state title with most of the roster coming back.  Forward Kellen Troup had a breakout season with 19.7 PPG and was a dominant force.  The backcourt is loaded with senior Ayden Green (17.3 PPG) and top freshman Carter Cupito (12.4 PPG) returning.  Soph Mekhi Abner (9.7 PPG) developed into a very productive complement to Troup up front.  Former CDH player Donovin Diaz returns from Florida and joins the roster on the wing.  Masen Thao and Joffrey Wilson provide experience as backup guards along with Kamar Sandifer Howze as another option up front.

Mounds Park Academy Panthers (2025-26 season 10-16, 1-6 Conference, 6th)
The Panthers return their top 2 scorers.  Wing Omar Said (19.3 PPG) will be one of the league's top scorers.  Soph guard Owen Johnston also averaged double figures at 13.6 PPG.  Junior guard Zamin Ali would have been an option but he's now at Edina.  Soph Logan Metcalf will provide backcourt depth.  Not much size on the roster.

Providence Academy Lions (2025-26 season 7-22, 2-8 Conference, 5th)
Providence went with a significant youth movement last season.  Seniors Matthew Schaffer and Noah Boro (8.2 PPG) return as the top offensive options along with point guard Leo Giwa.  Colton Perrill and soph Sachin Bloch provide further options in the backcourt.  Soph Dexter Seelen is the top interior option.  Senior Jack Servi is another experienced front court option.

St. Paul Academy Spartans (2025-26 season 2-8, 6-4 Conference, 3rd)
SPA has 2 major threats to replace in their lineup.  The graduation of wing Ezra Cunningham (22.2 PPG) and shooter Ben Sieben (16.2 PPG).  That leaves senior guard John Grinsrud (15.4 PPG) as the top remaining option.  Junior Magarsaa Mullataa will join him in the backcourt and should bump his scoring into double figures.  Fellow junior Palmer Olson will also be in the perimeter rotation.  The Spartans also have questions about how the interior will look.  Elliot Pierach is one option there.

Predicted Order of Finish

1. Minnehaha
2. Breck 
3. Blake 
   
4. St. Paul Academy  
   
5. Providence   
6. Mounds Park Academy 

Conference Overview
Minnehaha is the runaway favorite here with most everything returning.  Blake and Breck should battle for 2nd.  I'll give Breck the nod as I think they're deeper and don't have to adjust to a new head coach.  St. Paul Academy's guard play should make them the best of the rest.  Providence and Mounds Park continue to build.

Conference MVP: Kellen Troup - Minnehaha

Underclassmen to watch: 

• Niles Bennett, Trameill White - Blake
• Cobe Blades, Peter Kiedrowski - Breck 
• Carter Cupito, Mekhi Abner - Minnehaha 
• Owen Johnston, Logan Metcalf - Mounds Park Academy 
• Sachin Bloch, Dexter Seelen, Tommy Willihnganz - Providence 

Conference Games to Watch

• Minnehaha at Breck - Jan 22nd
• Minnehaha at Blake - Feb 2nd

 Non-Conference Games to Watch

• Orono at Minnehaha- Dec 4th
• Minnehaha vs Maple Grove - Dec 30th (Capital City Classic at Hamline)
• Minnehaha vs Minneapolis North - Jan 18th (MLK Showcase at St. Paul Johnson) 
• Minnehaha at SW Christian - Feb 9th
• Minnehaha at St. Paul Johnson - Feb 23rd

2026-27 Skyline Conference Preview

This is the 5th preview in my 2026-27 season preview series.  Week 1 concludes with a look at the Skyline Conference.  For a list of all the season previews and how they are done, click here.

Concordia Academy Beacons (2025-26 season 17-12, 11-5 Conference, Tie 3rd)
Concordia went with a younger roster last season and that should pay off for the Beacons in 2026-27.  The top 6 rotation guys return including 3 double figures scorers.  Senior guards Langston Huffman (22.3 PPG), Logan Duis (14.7 PPG) and Dejon Scott (14.4 PPG) lead the offense.  Junior PG Jake Smith runs the show as a pass first point guard.  Junior forward Zeid Ndiaye (7 PPG) is a high upside guy with senior Judah Shepp (8.7 PPG) on the front line.

Legacy Christian Academy Lions (2025-26 season 17-11, 11-5 Conference, Tie 3rd)
The Lions have to replace all 3 double figure scorers and 4 of their top 5.  Forward Max Leifker (20.6 PPG) graduated along with guards Ty Nelson, Hudson Strand and Josh Held.  That's 62 PPG a game that needs to be replaced.  The scoring should be replaced by senior Braylon Ylkanen (7.1 PPG) and soph Silas Kardell (5.9 PPG).  Junior Henry Canfield (12.7 PPG) transferring across the league from St. Croix Prep will add a big boost to the offense.  Seniors Dallas Berry and Matthew Mulvihill will see plenty of time at guard spots as well.  The replacement for Leifker's size is a major question mark

Maranatha Christian Academy Mustangs (2025-26 season 25-4, 16-0 Conference, 1st)
Maranatha swept the league last year and looks to do the same this season.  Marcus Marshall has returned to Minneapolis North but transfer Lincoln Busse should step right into replace the 21.3 PPG lost.  Busse averaged 26.3 PPG at Glencoe-Silver Lake last season.  He's part of a deep guard rotation that will also include Ira Thomas (11.3 PPG), Chris Daniels (7.4 PPG) and soph Timmy Thomas (7.2 PPG).  Junior forward Erik Bakke  (4.5 PPG) is a breakout candidate inside with the graduation of Teni  Phillips (12.5 PPG).  Who backs him up will be a question mark. Senior Noah Schirmers is one of those options.

New Life Academy Eagles (2025-26 season 14-14, 5-11 Conference, 6th)
New Life returns their top 2 double figure scorers.  Lefty John Norring (15.1 PPG) and shooter Evan Seaton (17.9 PPG) aren't big but the seniors can both score it.  Soph Collin Michaelis joins them as a top offensive option.  Senior forward James Hudson (6.9 PPG) is the top interior guy returning.  Seniors Dylan Wall and Jayden DeBoer also return to the rotation.

St. Agnes Aggies (2025-26 season 9-18, 4-12 Conference, 7th)
The Aggies once again have a new head coach as Ian Mahler takes over the program.  He stays in the league and along Dale St as he was previously on the Concordia staff.  The roster is mostly intact after losing just 1 senior.  Senior guards Benett Davis and Thomas Plasch both averaged double figures last season.  Sam Ekholm and Declan Cudd are the returning forwards.  Its a small and not terribly athletic roster but they are experienced.

St. Croix Lutheran Crusaders (2025-26 season 19-10, 14-2 Conference, 2nd)
The Crusaders were a major surprise last year after losing their top 6 players but then they swept everybody in the league except Maranatha.  Can they do it again having to replace 4 starters and 8 of the top 9?  Senior guard Noah Little is the lone returnee after leading the team in scoring last season at 13.7 PPG.  Cameron Oakland looks to be the main interior threat.  Evan Fry, Grady Peterson and Filippo Depaoli look to be next up to fill out the rotation.

St. Croix Prep Lions (2025-26 season 16-12, 8-8 Conference, 5th)
Former Spring Lake Park assistant Karl Haynus takes over the program.  He has to replace top interior threat Logan Eiselt (13.3 PPG) and Henry Canfield.  Senior wing Ali Akram (15.2 PPG) will have to carry a big load on offense.  Senior Patrick McGurran joins them as a returning starter.  Junior guards Graham Beckmann and Owen Schrader should provide the perimeter depth.  Junior Bennett Eiselt looks to be the main replacement for the interior production.

Predicted Order of Finish

1. Maranatha  
2. Concordia  
3. Legacy  
4. St. Croix Prep  
5. St. Croix Lutheran      
6. New Life   
7. St. Agnes 
   

Conference Overview
Its a year of change in the Skyline with Nova Classical and Trinity departing for smaller leagues and a chance to be more competitive.  That's just a year after Cristo Rey did the same.  Maranatha enters the season with a 21 game league winning streak and I see that extending.  Along with Concordia, that is the clear top tier of the league.  The middle is jumbled.  St. Croix Lutheran and Legacy have a ton to replace but they do tend to plug guys in to their system very well.  St. Croix Prep also has a couple major holes to fill.  New Life has enough returning to contend with those teams for the top half.  St. Agnes with a new coach and system looks ahead to the future.

Conference MVP: Lincoln Busse - Maranatha

Underclassmen to watch: 

• Silas Kardell - Legacy 
• Timmy Thomas - Maranatha
• Collin Michaelis - New Life 
• Cannon Chapman - St. Croix Prep 

Conference Games to Watch

• Maranatha at Concordia - Dec 18th
• Concordia at Maranatha - Feb 2nd

Non-Conference Games to Watch

• Concordia at SW Christian - Dec 12 (Tipoff Classic)
• Hope Academy at Concordia - Jan 5th  
• Hopkins at Maranatha - Jan 6th 
• Concordia at Goodhue -  Jan 9th
• Maranatha vs St. Paul Highland Park - Jan 18th (MLK at St. Paul Johnson) 
• Holy Family at Concordia - Jan 19th
• Maranatha at Minneapolis North - Feb 16th 
• St. Paul Highland Park at Concordia - Feb 26th

2026-27 MCAA Preview

This is the 4th preview in my 2026-27 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.

Christ's Household of Faith Lions (2025-26 season 10-14, 3-6 Conference, Tie 4th South)
The Lions will not field a varsity roster this season.

Eagle Ridge Academy Gryphons (2025-26 season 10-18, 2-8 Conference, 6th South)
Eagle Ridge has a new head  coach in former SW Christian assistant Issac Williams.  He has to replace 4 starters including forwards Chris Asuma and Hamza Said.  In the backcourt, guard Braxton Ray needs to be replaced.  Juniors Noah Woodlee and Demetric Wleh look to be top offensive options along with senior Sam Crowley.  

Heritage Christian Academy Eagles (2025-26 season 21-8, 6-4 Conference, Tie 2nd North)
Coach Tim Herman took a totally rebuilt roster to the section final last season.  This season he returns 3 major pieces who are all seniors.  Forward Aaron Palmer missed most of the season before returning late. He'll be one of the top forwards in the league.  Logan Comfort (10.5 PPG) and Isaiah Coyle (13.3 PPG) return as double figure scorers who can play inside or out.  Juniors Max Voelker, Judah Ormiston and Eli Olk provide quality depth.  That should offset the loss of wing Jesper Synstelien and guard Griffin Booms who combined for almost 25 PPG last season

Lakes International Language Academy Dragons (2025-26 season 9-19, 2-7 Conference, 5th North)
Junior PG Jackson Dowd (20.5 PPG) is a triple double threat on any night and will be one of the top scorers in the league.  3 other juniors return to the starting lineup with him.  Guards Blayne Pledeman and Brevick Gunderson join Dowd in the backcourt.  Pledeman gives the Dragons another shooter.  Malaki Dorschner returns to the front line.  Rest of the roster is underclassmen as the Dragons had no juniors last year.  Sophs Jagger Dowd and frosh Aksel Gunderson round out the top 5 returning scorers at the guard spots

Liberty Classical Academy Lions (2025-26 season 29-3, 10-0 Conference, 1st North)
Liberty has to replace almost 50 PPG from league MVP Sam Rupnow and Ethan Richter on the wings.  But the cupboard isn't bare for coach John Towle.  Point guard Cruz Triana (13.7 PPG) and athletic forward Jimmy Youtsey (11.5 PPG) are top options.  William Gilbert provides another front court option.  Caleb Schmidt is a returning wing starter.

Math and Science Academy Dragons (2025-26 season 9-17, 3-6 Conference, Tie 4th South)
The Dragons open their new facility this season.  Its right next door to East Ridge.  The perimeter duo of junior Elisse Voumadi  (17.2 PPG) and senior Jacob Balami (14.7 PPG) returns and is one of the best combos in the league. What the rest of the roster can do to help them is a major concern.  Juniors Hao Tan and Nathan Bekele provide rotation experience.  Beyond that there's very limited experience.

Mayer Lutheran Crusaders (2025-26 Season 19-9, 9-1 Conference, 1st South)
The Crusaders look to expand on last year's division title with their entire rotation coming back.  Guard Ben Lindesmith and wing Carter Neitzel lead the returning starters.  Both are solid 3 point shooters.  Wyatt Sunde is a quality forward who can play inside or out.  3 sophomores also return to the rotation with them.  

North Lakes Academy Huskies (2025-26 season 6-22, 0-10 Conference, 6th North)
North Lakes has to replace 3 starters including double figure scorer Levi Molitor and his 11.9 PPG.  The lineup has no size.  Mason Owen and sophomore Owen Culp will be undersized forwards.  The top 3 returning scorers are guards Camilo Ironshell (11.8 PPG) and junior Micah Molitor. Sophomore Dimitry Morgan will see time on the wing.

Nova Classical Academy Knights (2025-26 season 8-19, 2-14 Skyline Conference, 8th)
Nova Classical moves into the MCAA from the Skyline.  The starting lineup loses leading scorer Caleb Taylor (14.9 PPG) and wing Kincaid Gerber.  Senior wing Abe Brady (10.1 PPG) will be this season's top offensive option.  Caleb Swecker is a developing lanky forward.  Will Shephard is undersized as another member of the inside rotation.  Senior Finn Penniman is a returning starter in the backcourt.  Junior Owen Lohse joins that perimeter crew along with Hazen Hintz.

PACT Charter Panthers (2025-26 season 19-8, 6-4 Conference, Tie 2nd North)
2018 alum Bennett Allan takes over the Panthers program.  Leading scorer Fred Onyinkwa (17.1 PPG) is now at Anoka.  Jayden Busch and his 13.2 PPG graduated.  That leaves major holes inside and at point guard.  Caleb Engelhart (13.6 PPG) and junior forward Lucas Novitsky (7.7 PPG) look to pick up that slack.  Junior guard Jacob Johnson looks to have a bigger role.  Seniors Jeremiah Maangi and Colten Podlasek return to the rotation.

Spectrum Sting (2025-26 season 17-11, 5-4 Conference, 4th North)
Spectrum returns 3 starters.  Wing Cody Benson (23.8 PPG) is one of the league's top scorers.  Expect him to get even more chances with guard Eli Miller's 20 PPG graduating.  Julian Peterson returns on a wing with Teddy Huberty inside.  Junior Hayden Christianson is another option in the interior rotation.  Gavin Oblinger, Aiden Velsor and Tanner Meneley are other options in the guard rotation.

United Christian Academy Thunder (2025-26 season 16-12, 7-3 Conference, 2nd South)
The Thunder have 3 returning starters to build around.  Senior forward Simon Charlton (11.5 PPG) was a revelation as he was a productive big man.  He'll be one of the top big men in the league this season.  There's plenty of guard experience returning despite the graduation of leading scorer Sam Rich (16.1 PPG).  Juniors Evan Grover (10.5 PPG) and Thomas Serafin (6.5 PPG) return to the starting lineup in the backcourt.  Fellow juniors Colin Gryskiewicz and Andrew Rich should see expanded roles.

West Lutheran Warriors (2025-26 season 14-13, 5-5 Conference, 3rd South)
The Warriors have 4 senior starters coming back.  Guards Connor Rouen and Hayden Kiecker lead the offense.  Brenner Cahow returns at the point guard spot.  Bennett DeRosier returns to lead the interior play.  Beyond them depth and size are questions.

Predicted Order of Finish

1. Mayer Lutheran 
2. Heritage Christian 
3. Liberty Classical  
4. Spectrum   
5. United Christian
6. West Lutheran
7. PACT 
8. Math & Science 
9. Nova Classical
10. Eagle Ridge  
11. Lakes International 
12. North Lakes
    
    Note: CHOF has no varsity roster this season

Conference Overview
Nova Classical moves from the Skyline to the MCAA this season.  That leads to a schedule change where the league will now play just a single round-robin schedule rather than having 2 divisions.  I like Mayer Lutheran with the deepest roster in the league.  They've got guard play, size, scoring, experience and depth.  After last season, I can't discount Heritage here.  They're deeper than people think and I see another 20 win season.  Liberty loses a ton but I don't expect much drop off there as I think coach John Towle will plug guys in.  Spectrum has one of the top players in the league in Cody Benson so they can't be discounted.  United Christian had a nice run last season and could jump into that top group.  West Lutheran also has a lot coming back and will look to make a run there as well.  Then you have the bottom half of the league.  PACT with 2 major pieces gone and a new coach.  Math & Science has 2 talented guards but limited help for them has shown up in the results.  They're a wild card that could jump higher.  Nova lost their top scorer for the 2nd straight season so they'll have to find offense.  Rest of the league is building for the future.  There will be many nights of good guard matchups to watch during league play.

Conference MVP: Cody Benson - Spectrum

Underclassmen to watch: 

• Vincent Evans, Dylan Sunde, Chase Zupke - Mayer Lutheran
• Owen Culp, Dimitry Morgan - North Lakes
• Camdan Bawek - United Christian 
• Per Madson, Cody Oppitz - West Lutheran 

Conference Games to Watch

• Heritage at Liberty Classical - Jan 5th 
• Mayer Lutheran at Liberty Classical - Jan 15th 
• Heritage at Mayer Lutheran - Jan 26th 

Non-Conference Games to Watch

• Liberty Classical vs Madelia -  Dec 12th (Tipoff Classic at SW Christian)
• Liberty Classical vs Lanesboro - Jan 9th (Southern MN Hoopfest at Goodhue)
• SW Christian at Mayer Lutheran - Jan 21st
• St. Paul Highland Park at Heritage - Feb 9th
• Heritage at Hope Academy -  Feb 26th 

2026-27 EMAC Preview

This is the 3rd preview in the 2026-2027 season preview series.  We continue on with the small local schools and a look at the Eastern Minnesota Athletic Conference.  For a list of all the season previews and how they are done, click here.

Academy for Sciences and Agriculture Eagles (2025-26 season No Varsity Team)
AFSA did not play a varsity schedule last season.  Unknown if they will play a varsity schedule this season.  (Czar update 10/29/26: School closed at the end of the 25-26 school year)

Avail Academy Valor (2025-26 season 11-12, 5-4 Conference, 4th)
Avail returns 3 starters including top forward Carsten Bruin.  Senior Eli Brockmeier and junior Ezra Aune also return on the wings.  Junior guard Andon Vande Glind also returns to the rotation.  A group of 4 sophs looks to provide depth.

Community of Peace Academy Tigers (2025-26 season 3-18, 2-6 Conference, Tie 7th)
The Tigers didn't win a game last year against an opponent that was outside the league.  4 starters return including 3 that were underclassmen last year.  Junior guard Zach Dimmich-Shaw (12.6 PPG) led the team in scoring last season.  Sophomores Jaylen Phipps and Centrell Green join him on the wings along with Sincere Bradley.  Senior Achilles Madison (9.5 PPG) leads the front court.  Jiar Walker is another interior option.

Cristo Rey Jesuit Pumas (2025-26 season 3-20, 2-6 Conference, Tie 7th)
The Pumas have a lot to replace.  Guard Genric Lenoir is 1 of 3 or 4 top scorers that needs to be replaced.  Guard Marnelle Moore is a top returnee for a small lineup.  Sophs Anthony Porter and Eli Sears are undersized guards who will see lots of minutes.  Senior Tristan Fields will be the big man with soph Nemo Gutierrez backing him up.

Great Oaks Academy Royals (2025-26 season, No Varsity Team) 
Great Oaks is a new Eagan based charter school that will be playing their 1st year of a varsity schedule.

Groves Academy Griffins (2025-26 season, No Varsity Team)
Once again it appears that Groves will not play a varsity schedule

Hiawatha Colliegiate Wolves (2025-26 season 21-6, 7-0 Conference, 1st)
After last season ended it looked like this was a year for Hiawatha to be a major threat not just to win the league but to be the team representing section 5AA at state.  Then star forward and league MVP King James left for prep school and 3 other significant pieces led by Kristian Ward (12.4 PPG) also left via transfer.  2 of those to section rival Minneapolis North.  So now the season looks totally different for the Wolves.  Jaden Hollowell, Montez Brown, Myshawn Washington should make up a solid backcourt.  Tim Holmes (15.7 PPG) is the top big man in the league. Ay'veon Taylor joins him up front.

Hmong Academy Warriors (2025-26 season 10-19, 4-4 Conference, 5th)
Nate Robinson takes over the Warriors program this season.  Lone double figure scorer Xavier Yang is one of 10 seniors that needs to be replaced.  That decimates the rotation leaving limited experience and size.  Guard Houston Thao (5.9 PPG) is the top returning option.

Hope Academy Lions (2025-26 season 15-13, 7-1 Conference, 2nd)
The Lions look to make a run for the league title and maybe a section crown as they return most of their rotation. Lefty wing Jordan Moss leads the team with 17.7 PPG.  Junior point guard Tyriek Martin was the other double figure scorer at 12.4 PPG.  Senior Braylon Peterson provides shooting.  Senior Eli Samuel returns to man the paint.

International School of Minnesota/Chesterton Academy Huskies (2025-26 season 5-18, 3-4 Conference, 6th)
The Huskies have to replace the entire starting lineup  That includes top scoring option Greg Hovey inside and their single season record holder for total 3s made Vance Sabers.  It will be a very inexperienced roster with 9 seniors graduating and no juniors on last year's roster.  Note: I write this assuming they'll have a team.  Its possible their scholastic team has been replaced by their prep school academy team run by Chris Carr.

Prairie Seeds Academy Lycans (2025-26 season 2-15, 0-8 Conference, 9th)
Charles Anderson and Reed Thanadabout return on the wings.  Top offensive option Maceo Moua returns at the point guard spot for another season.  Wing Jeremy Mannah is the biggest loss.

Twin Cities Academy/Great River Tigers (2025-26 season 14-12, 6-2 Conference, 3rd)
The Tigers return 3 starters but have to replace do everything forward Jake Stiele and his 28.4 PPG.  Senior guard Jamarrion Atkins just missed double figures last season but could double that this year.  Jahlil Martin and junior Randy Carter join him as returning starters.  Germany Garcia, Jamie Tossey and Elijah Carter are also part of that perimeter rotation.  Replacing the size of Prince Normil and King Normal inside is a big question for a very small lineup.  Don't be shocked to see Atkins guard bigs on 1 end and play point guard on the other.

Trinity Tri-Hawks (2025-26 season 6-23, 1-15 Skyline Conference, 9th)
Trinity joins from the Skyline Conference and with a new coach.  Max Bohrer takes over the program.  Interesting that they dropped all the way to the EMAC rather than go back to their old home in the MCAA.  3 junior starters return.  That includes forward Teagan Nammeh and lefty point guard Jacob Bowden who both averaged just over 10 PPG.  Kenneth Kaluza, Benoit Gjengdahl and Jonathan Adbebe also return to the backcourt crew.  Nammeh is poised for a breakout type of season as a raw big man who has developed quickly.  Who backs him up is a question.

Predicted Order of Finish 

1. Hope Academy
2. Hiawatha 
3. Twin Cities Academy
4. Trinity 
5. Avail Academy
6. Community of Peace Academy 
7. Prairie Seeds 
8. Cristo Rey Jesuit 
9. Hmong Academy
10. Great Oaks
11. ISM/Chesterton 
12. AFSA
13. Groves 

Conference Overview
Great Oaks moves up to varsity status and Trinity joins from the Skyline Conference.  Expect another single round-robin schedule and don't be surprised if its not a full schedule.  Hope with most everybody back is my favorite.  Hiawatha loses a ton but they have enough talent back to make a run at the title again.  I expect the Hope vs Hiawatha game to once again decide the league title.  Twin Cities Academy and Trinity will battle for the next spot with Avail looking to jump in that group as well.  Things drop off significantly from there.  Community of Peace has the most back of the rest so I'll take them.  Rest of the league has major losses and is rebuilding.

Conference MVP: Jordan Moss - Hope Academy

Underclassmen to watch: 

• Jaylen Phipps, Centrell Green - Community of Peace 
• Anthony Porter, Eli Belyeu-Sears - Cristo Rey
• Jonathan Adbebe - Trinity 

Conference Games to Watch

• Hope at Hiawatha - Jan 11th

Non-Conference Games to Watch 

• Hiawatha at Maple Grove - December 8th 
• Hope at Concordia - Jan 5th
• Heritage at Hope -  Feb 26th

2026-27 City Conference Preview

This is the 2nd preview in the 2026-2027 season preview series.  For the first conference on the list, I start with a look at the City Conference made of of small local charter schools.  Its not exactly clear who is in the league as there are different lists.  This group is not to be confused with the Minneapolis City Conference or the St. Paul City Conference.  For a list of all the season previews and how they are done, click here.

Exploration Explorers (2025-26 Season, 9-14)
Exploration looks to improve on last season's record with a young cast coming back.  This year may not be the year but they look to be building for later seasons.

High School for Recording Arts Falcons (2025-26 season 0-8)
The Falcons have 1 win combined over 2 seasons.  Last season was a season of blowouts. 

Higher Ground Academy Panthers (2025-26 season 21-9)
The league champions have to replace 7 seniors.  That includes top forward Abdiaziz Abdi and PG Sakariya Ahmed.  Both scored over 1000 points in their careers.  Seniors Heysan Nure, Asif Bashir and Hanad Moalim will step into significant roles.  Soph guard Abdullahi Guled will also see rotation minutes.

Lincoln International Eagles (2025-26 season 1-1)
Lincoln's season appears to have ended early as they played a couple of games in week 1 and then no results.

Metro Deaf School Cheetahs
No information available.

Metro Schools College Prep Lions (2025-26 season 8-11)
Forward Aiman Hassan needs to be replaced.  Forward Shakur Musse and lefty wing Najmudiin Abdi return as the top offensive threats.  Junior forward Omar Abdirahman also returns to the rotation.  Sahal Aden and Sharmarke Ali will also see rotation minutes.

Minnesota Transitions Wolves (2025-26 season 10-9)
They were competitive with the top teams in the league last season, Higher Ground and Ubah.  Unknown what they have back but they usually have good guard play.

St. Paul City School Wolves (2025-26 season 0-4)
This is another team that played early in December and then wasn't around after that.

Ubah Academy (2025-26 season 16-8)
Star center Omar Omar is a major loss inside.  In league play he was capable of a triple double every night.  A pair of double figure scorers on the wing are also gone.  Guard Abdullahi Mahamoud is the top returning scorer.  Abdullahi Warsome returns to the rotation on the wing.  Ayub Hersi and Guled Farah are options to replace Omar inside.

Venture Academy Tigers (2025-26 season 1-3)
They split with Exploration and lost big to Higher Ground and Ubah.

Overview
As always, there's very little to go on here.  Heavy losses at Higher Ground, mean I'm picking Ubah to win the league.  Higher Ground will still be right there.  Minnesota Transitions and Metro Schools College Prep make up a middle tier.  Exploration looks to jump into that group.  Long seasons ahead for everybody else.

2026-27 Independents Preview

Welcome to the 20th annual season preview series!  This is the 1st preview in the 2026-2027 season preview series.  As usual, I'll start from the small class A schools and move all the way up to the class AAAA schools.  The previews will once again span 4 weeks leading right up to the start of practice.  16 local conferences, independents, the rest of class AAAA all included.  It all ends November 20th with season overview for the casual fan.  That will also include my preseason picks for the winners of the 15 sections that I follow.  Let's get started with a look at the small local independents.  For a list of all the season previews and how they are done, click here.

Aim Academy Arctic (2025-2026 2-10)
The Arctic were 2-10 last season with their only wins over Community School of Excellence.  Every other game was a major blowout.  Another long season ahead in midtown Minneapolis

Community School of Excellence Mighty Ones
Besides the 2 losses to Aim Academy, no other info on this program.  Like Aim they are in their very early stages of starting a program.  Fear the Pachyderm!

Minnesota Math and Science Academy Mustangs 
Continuing the theme of programs that are almost new, let's stay in St. Paul.  The Mustangs will jump into the fray this season after starting last season.  No other information available.

Parnassus Prep Olympians (2025-26 season 12-11)
The Olympians have to replace 4 valuable seniors including Ayoub Komara and Dylan Ntutu.  Junior forward Mekhi Madden leads the interior.  Senior point guard Sam Salapeh will handle a heavy load on the perimeter.  Junior wing Alex Kochendorfer returns to the starting lineup on the wing.  Junior guard Elliot Bush provides guard depth.

Overview
Come for the mascots because there's not much info out there for anything else.  New programs mean some rough losses for the first 3 programs.  Parnassus has a few pieces back but being above the 500 mark is going to be tough.  While the Olympians were a 500 team last season, one of those losses was to Medford which broke a 65 game long losing streak for them.

Games to Watch

• Parnassus at LeSueur-Henderson - Feb 4th

Welcome to Czar Season 20

Welcome to Czar Season 20!  Another new school year means another season in cyberspace.  That includes the standard updates to flip the site forward to the 2026-27 season.

The usual list of fall leagues and camps is now posted on the Fall Hoops page.  If I missed yours, please pass it along.

My notorious season preview series returns for another season (see the schedule here).  Need #ShockTheCzar material?  Its all there.  4 weeks of nothing but hoops starting on October 26th until the start of practice on November 23th.  It will include all teams in class AAAA and 16 metro area conferences.

The list of class of 2027 players that have committed is now its own page.  That list can be found here.

The annual holiday tournament schedule is also posted.  Here's a list of the ones I know about currently.  Schedules will be added as we get closer to the games themselves.  If you have info on any local tourneys or teams that I didn't post, please feel free to reach out so I can get it added.

I've updated the current national recruiting rankings from all the major services.  See that on my Players page.

Once the college and NBA seasons get started, I'll be filling out the pages for Minnesotans that are playing D1 or in the NBA.  I did this last year for the first time and it was a fun project as I don't get to follow the next level very much.  Those links will be added once the NBA and college seasons get underway.

To long time readers and those of you who may be newer, don't forget about the Links page.  Its always the 1st option in the menus.  There is no more complete list of Minnesota high school resources than what you'll find there.  You can find links to anything and everything you may want to know about Minnesota hoops during the high school or grassroots seasons.  For the Minnesota high school season, you can find state records, section assignments and maps, along with history of the big awards.  For grassroots info, it includes national recruiting sites, recruiting calendars and links to national leagues just to name a few of the useful things that can be found there.  It also has historical links to previous seasons of my writings including old season previews, CzarPI values and polls.

A way to bring some magic back to July.

It was 15 years ago that I made my 1st trip to Las Vegas and it was for the last open period of the season.  That season had the Adidas Super 64 with the likes of Andre Drummond, Kris Dunn and the top ranked "17U" player Shabazz Muhammed.  The entire court at Rancho was decked out in silver trim along with the backboards and a custom center court logo.  1 full side of bleachers dedicated to the college coaches with that entire sideline filled with tables for the media.

Then came the Fab 48 and Bigfoot Hoops followed later by the Under Armour championships.  Finally you had popup tournaments that built their schedules around the big 3.  Need a game on Thursday or Friday, they set you up.  Heck, even NY2LA had a tourney out there 1 year and it included a memorable Minnesota matchup.  You had star power, big games and as the last tourney of the season it was a celebration.  Who was watching that kid?  Duke had full staff there and blue bloods X,Y,Z were also there.  There was a magic to it in the 2010s.

Fast forward to today.  The shoe companies dominate the 3 AAU open periods and our local High School open period is setup like a camp.  That's not a bad thing, but for the non-shoe teams what is there?  My personal level of interest for July was as low as its ever been.  When was the last time we writers actually were focused on what coaches were in the stands watching?  Certainly doesn't help that just about anything below 17U is meaningless these days.  Even then, high school kids are being recruited less than ever.  Thank you transfer portal.  Kids just have games that have no meaning or you play a full bracket, lose 1st game and then are playing out the string.  Indianapolis had the final 4 of all Minnesota teams in just a regular 16 team bracket with no pool play.  16U final was an all Minnesota affair.  That's demoralizing.  The lack of interest that players had this July was shockingly bad.  Then you have the highlight dunk by Gideon Horne from this summer and the aftermath of that. I'll just say Thank You to the video vultures for that.

But this isn't a media member group text chat (Hi Jared, Hi RJ, Hi Alex).   Time for some solutions to try and bring back some buzz to the local scene in July.  The concept here is simple.  Small, limited travel but still exposure for all.  Plus the idea of new matchups and a new format.  So here goes.  All of these ideas by my decree

First of all, the spring period is already loaded and many of the Sanford league teams already have matchups at BATL, the GPA and the Comets Shootout.  Therefore, the Scheels League week in May is moved and left open as a badly needed off week between the TC Takedown, BATL and the spring open period.  Instead, we move it to the final week of July right after the last open period.  We'll still treat it like an open period though as we'll go Thursday thru Sunday.  My version is only 32 teams and just 17U, all under 1 roof.  None of this 330 teams in 17U and 6 gazillion teams in other divisions and every gym between Juneau, AK and Albuquerque, NM in use.  Also these teams are from Wisconsin, Iowa, Minnesota, the Dakotas and I'm inviting Huestis Elite from Montana too as their kids get NSIC interest.  Like the days of the Adidas Super 64 at Rancho HS and its 3 courts, we'll do everything in 1 location.  We'll do 1 of those as a main gym show court where the games are given full treatment.  None of this 3 courts crowded together and whistles everywhere because 700 courts are going like any other week.  There will be coaches/media reserved seating on 1 side and like the Super 64 give me public address like a real game.  Sorry to those coaches who don't put in rosters, you'll need them here.  We'll start at 9 AM with final game at 7:30 PM on the 1st 3 days.  90 min game windows so you have time to move around a bit and maybe catch the end of the other games.  So that means 8 games a day (6 Sunday).  Then championship day starts at 8 AM with semifinals in the consolation bracket, semis in the championship bracket and then the title games.  Top final at 3:30 PM so its not insanely late.  All games will also be online. I'll even make a major concession and allow video vultures, but they will be caged in a specific area of the bleachers where they don't block fan viewing.  None will be allowed in the court area for safety reasons.  All rights to the event are reserved and your access is dependent on paying a nominal fee.

32 of the best teams in the region are invited with the idea to have top teams from as many states that recruit our area as possible.  That means shoe teams too, not just Scheels league with a few extras.  D1 MN 3SSB, Hoop Habits UA Rise, Power 5 3SSB, Team Herro EYBL, Howard Pulley, Kingdom Hoops EYCL etc.  You're invited.  Now in an effort to add some spice to it, remove politics and to avoid many same region matchups that may have already occurred, I'm doing this like the World Cup Soccer draw.  The 32 teams will be divided into 4 pots.  Teams will be placed into the pots largely by region with a sample distribution that might look something like this.  And for sake of discussion, spare me the politics of we won't come or we won't play so and so etc etc.  Focus on the concept and structure and play along.

West Pot: Huestis Elite, Team Warwick, Sanford SD UA Rise, SW MN Stars, MN Comets, ND Phenom, Sanford ND, MN Rise

South Pot: Kingdom Hoops EYCL, Martin Brothers UA, All Iowa Attack, Murray Elite, Howard Pulley EYCL, Real Phenom, Sizzle MHC, Minnesota Heat GVR

Central Pot: MN Fury Zurn, MN Fury Goring, MN Select Fuerte, MN Lightning, Gain Elite P32, Hoop Habits UA Rise, D1 Minnesota 3SSB, Northstar Titans

East Pot: WI Academy, Team Herro EYBL, Team 1848, Power 5 3SSB, Playmakers P32, WI Swing, Chapman Basketballl Academy, 24: UP

From these 4 pots, we'll generate 8 pools of 4 and we do it like soccer where each pool gets 1 team from each of the 4 pots. This is also how we generate new matchups, avoid early rematches and give teams their shot at shoe teams.  We'll use pool play to make those games more meaningful. Top 2 in each pool go on to the 16 team championship bracket.  Bottom 2 in each pool play a 16 team consolation bracket.  Lose and go home in both.  Just like the old Vegas days, you might be done early Saturday.  Pool play on Th/Fri with bracket on the weekend.  Round of 16 and quarters on Saturday.  Semis and finals on Sunday.

Every team gets exactly 1 pool game on the main court and its their only game that day so no excuses about being tired or less rest than another team.  Everybody gets their moment in the sun.  The other 2 pool games will be on the other day (1 Th/2 Fri or vice versa).  Half of the round of 16 is on other courts but all the quarters (Sat PM), semis and finals for the top bracket are on the main show court to get the special treatment.  In a perfect world, this would be at the Pentagon, but that's too far away and too big and expensive for what we're after here.  Plus Minneapolis is well suited for travel access and entertainment.  The other fun location I'd consider is the JAG Fieldhouse in Wisconsin Dells where they have a wonderful show court along with 4 adjacent courts  How about Noah's Ark for the teams on the day they play on the show court?

With my proposal, you'd have one of the biggest events of our AAU season even without it being open.  Consider it a smaller summer version of Battle At The Lakes but in tourney form not just pre-defined matchups.  A chance for a defacto regional championship to end the season too as the top programs from 6 states are invited.  You'd have the most talent, better matchups and everything close under 1 roof.  I propose a place like Eastview which has a nice cozy main gym and 2 very suitable side courts adjacent.  D2 kids could show out against D1 kids.  Kids at the back end of a shoe roster would get their shot in front of the D2 guys which is rare since they're always on the road.  Not to mention you could get some very fun cross shoe matchups (D1 vs Team Herro?  Yes please).  Its just a hard fact that recruiting is as regional as ever and where kids attend college show that.  A thread on X from today shows numbers on that for Wisconsin and Indiana (click here).  If you look at Minnesota numbers over the years, we may get 1 kid who goes D2 outside of the region.  For far too many teams in this event, they'd get more exposure in this 1 weekend than in the rest of their travel season.

So in conclusion, you'd have a final regional event that would have a definite champion.  That's how you end a season.  It'd be in front of the audience that the kids need to playing in front of.  That means maximum exposure.  Plus it comes without all the fluff and extra-curricular activity of Las Vegas.  What are your thoughts?  Discuss in the post on X.

 https://x.com/MammothBB/status/2079738200843603977?s=20   

The Czar's Grassroots 2026 Stockrisers

The 2026 Grassroots season has reached its conclusion.  While the Grassroots game has changed a ton in recent years, the end objectives are still the same.  Let's take a look at some players who I feel helped their recruiting stock the most.

Biggest Stockriser: Matthew Johnson (St. Louis Park) - Minnesota Fury Zurn
Johnson is the 1 name on this list that wasn't a known scholarship guy before the summer season.  He got off to a great start at the Comets Shootout and made himself one of the most coveted D2 prospects in the Minnesota 2027 class.  Made his mark attacking the rim, shoots it well enough and has prototype size and athleticism on the wing.

Other Top Stockrisers:
Malachi Hill (Totino-Grace) - D1 Minnesota.  The state champion point guard was D1 Minnesota's most consistent player during the season.  He was very productive in their 3rd place run at the Adidas 3SSB Palmetto Road championships.  That included 26 points in the 3rd place game.  He picked up a handful of division 1 offers from his play.  The latest being a mid-major offer from Northern Iowa.

Bryce Gaustad (Anoka) - Northstar Titans.  The skilled big man was on a bunch of D2 radars and played his way into a major target for the NSIC.  Then he took it up a notch in July.  That resulted in an offer from North Dakota. 

Kobby Sambrew (Prior Lake) - Minnesota Fury Goring.  The athletic forward has long had the physical gifts.  This summer his productivity made him a major NSIC target.  Too big and strong for guards, too quick for many bigs at the high school level.  Reminds me of former Osseo star Josh Ola-Joseph.

Luke Schroeder (Shakopee) - Hoop Habits UA Rise.   The Sabers guard was the top guy for Hoop Habits all season.  He's sneaky athletic and one of best shooters in the class with deep range.  That allows him to be a guy who can score in bunches.  Also has a competitive edge to him.  Another priority target for the NSIC.

Nick Taylor (Lanesboro) - Minnesota Lightning Ellerbusch. Taylor really broke out at the Great Plains Alliance in June.  Thanks to being a small school he's a bit a hybrid at about 6'8.  Plays a ton of wing on offense but has to be an interior guy defensively.  Add in his bounce and he's a major matchup problem during the high school season which leads to huge numbers.  But it was the defensive presence blocking shots at the GPA that really stuck out.  St. Cloud State jumped in quickly and got him to commit.

Honorable Mentions:
Gavyn Lorenson (Lake City) - WI Playmakers P32  (Committed to MN-Duluth)
Asher Wieberdink (Central Minnesota Christian) - SW Minnesota Stars
Ayden Green (Minnehaha) - Sizzle MHC
Owen Counce (Osseo) -  Gain Elite
Shay Jackson (Totino-Grace) - Minnesota Select Fuerte  (Committed to Concordia-St. Paul)

2026 GPA Preview

The summer section of the 2026 grassroots season is set to fire up this weekend with the annual Great Plains Alliance tournament in St. Cloud.   Games begin on Friday afternoon with bracket play on Saturday.  This is one of the top D2 and D3 showcases of the entire season with most of the top players from the Dakotas attending and many of the tier 2 Minnesota squads.  Plus you never know what ringers will show up.  I'll be in attendance and here's what I'll be watching.

17U
This is a 48 team bracket setup.  8 play-in "pool" games to begin Friday.  Then the standard 32 team bracket tipping off at 3:35.  2nd game of the bracket is late night.  Then 3 games starting late Saturday  leading up to the 6:50 championship game.

The top 5 2027s from South Dakota will be in attendance.  Sanford South Dakota Black features 3 D2 commits in F Davis Chase (Augustana), PG Connor Mebius (Sioux Falls) and W Deondre Painter (Northern St).  Team Warwick features the top rated 2027 Brant Wassenaar who is committed to Drake.  You also have 2028 David Walter playing up with Sacred Hoops and the return of Kent Mueller to the sidelines.  Mueller was the longtime coach for the old Dakota Schoolers program.  Can we bring in Paul Seville to ref that just to make the reunion complete?  On the North Dakota side, 15 top hoops prospects from there are expected.  F Kyson Keller is also with that Team Warwick squad with multiple D2 offers.  North Dakota Phenom has D2 talents Oakley Trueblood and Owen Terras (Jamestown commit) on the wings with a pair of good point guards in Weston Scott and Najeh Boyd

Minnesota 2027s to watch
Isaiah Asuma (Montana St FB commit), Ray Brau - Comets
De'Anthony Sells - D1 MN Gold
AJ Taban - Elevate Skills
Hunter Vinkemeier (Augustana commit), Kobby Sambrew - Fury Goring
Matthew Johnson, Max Beeninga (Moorhead commit), Owen Brezinski - Fury Zurn
Nick Taylor - Lightning Ellerbusch
Bryce Gaustad - Northstar Titans Stone
Carter Brown - Playmakers North
Asher Wieberdink - SW MN Stars

Best Games of Each Friday Round (projected)
Round of 32: Comets Hondl vs Elevate Skills 5:45 Fri 
Round of 16: North Dakota Phenom Symens vs Buffalo Legacy 9:00 Fri

Bracket Predictions
Quarterfinals: Comets Elite over Titans Stone, Fury Zurn over Team Warwick Warner, Fury Goring over Lightning Ellerbusch, North Dakota Phenom Symens over Sanford South Dakota Black

Semifinals: Fury Zurn over Comets Elite, North Dakota Phenom over Fury Goring

Championship: North Dakota Phenom over Fury Zurn to replicate similar results to this year's Scheels Series that ND Phenom won over Fury Goring.

16U
The 16s are divided into 8 top pools of 3 with 2 more stray pools.  The winners of those 8 top pools advance to the championship bracket.   2 pool games on Friday with the 8 team bracket on Saturday.  The host Comets and loaded top Team Warwick crews get Whitney Rec games on Friday to start the tourney.  Those will begin my viewing.

Plenty of talent to watch here too.  17 of the top 18 players in the South Dakota 2028 Prep Hoop rankings are coming.  16 of them in this division with 1 playing up in the 17s.  Team Warwick stars Ryan Dieleman and Sully Felberg lead that list. Both have offers from South Dakota and South Dakota St.  North Dakota Phenom 16s have 3 of the top North Dakota 2028s.  The top 2029 in the Dakotas is Noah Woods.  He'll be playing with the D1 Minnesota 15s.

3 Minnesota kids at 16U playing up in the 17s
Thomas Jordan and Eli Hegle - Buffalo Legacy
Moussa Dukuly - D1 MN Gold

Other Minnesota names to watch in the 16s
Brady Molenaar, Nolan Greene, Brooks Rechtzigel, Gavin Bauer, Ben Koch - Fury Wilde
Zeid Ndiaye - Heat Dedina
Ben Banwart - Team Hudson
Romeo Kromah - West Central United
Kolden Johnson, Dexter Simmons, Mal Jock  (all 2029s) - D1 Minnesota 15s

Best pool game is Sanford South Dakota Black vs Heat Dedina.  That's 1:25 on Friday at Sauk Rapids.

Pool Winner Predictions
Comets Elite
West Central United
Team Hudson
Heat Dedina
Team Warwick Shane
North Dakota Phenom
D1 Minnesota 15s
Fury Wilde

Bracket Predictions
Love the 16s bracket.  You have a really good Team Warwick squad with the most talent and they're huge plus skilled.  Not to mention their sets are as good as any you'll see in summer ball anywhere.  Then you have Fury Wilde who won the Scheels and the NHR State Tourneys in May.  West Central United won the Prep Hoops Region tournament in between that.

Quarterfinals: West Central United over Comets, Team Hudson over Heat Dedina, Team Warwick over ND Phenom, Fury Wilde over D1 15s.

Semis: West Central United over Team Hudson, Team Warwick over Fury Wilde

Championship: Team Warwick over West Central United.

2026 Section Finals Preview

15 metro area section finals between tonight and tomorrow.  Let's take a quick look at each.

4A: 1 Liberty vs 2 Heritage.  Sam Rupnow 2 big games in 2 Liberty wins over Heritage this season in MCAA play.  But Aaron Palmer is back for Heritage and that's a big difference.  But don't sleep on Liberty's Jimmy Youtsey, he's overshadowed by the Liberty backcourt but is a factor on their front line. Liberty moves on.

4AA: 1 Minnehaha vs 2 St. Croix Lutheran.  Minnehaha won the regular season meeting easily on President's Day. Too much Kellen Troup in this one for Minnehaha.  Redhawks move on for the 10th straight year.

5AA: 3 Maranatha vs 9 Blake.  Blake knocked off top seed Holy Family and then won at Minneapolis North in the semis.  Maranatha avenged a regular season loss to SW Christian by thumping them in the semis.  Maranatha has won 19 in a row and beat Blake by 10 a month ago. The Carson McMichael vs Marcus Marshall matchup fun to watch.  Blake will hang around but not sure they have enough firepower to win.

3AAA: 1 Minneapolis South vs 2 South St. Paul.  LA Gales has been a revelation on the South frontline.  South St. Paul has struggled vs size all year.  South wins behind a big night from Gales.

4AAA: 1 De La Salle vs 2 Mahtomedi.  Too much De La Salle defense here and the game is on the island.

5AAA: 1 Totino-Grace vs 2 Becker.  TG rolls.

6AAA: 1 Richfield vs 2 Orono.  Richfield won at Orono in December by 23, but it was 27 at the half.  Orono needs to keep this one slow and make a bunch of 3s to have a chance.

1AAAA: 1 Lakeville South vs 2 Farmington.  These teams split the regular season with road wins.  Lakeville South won the last meeting and lost the 1st meeting at home by 4.  South will rely on their balanced attack.  Farmington got 28 pts from Briggs Sheridan in the win and 12 in the loss.  I think Farmington's the tougher team and that gets them thru.

2AAAA: 1 Prior Lake vs 2 Chaska.  Chaska has won 21 in a row since losing to Prior Lake 69-66 in the Shakopee holiday classic.  Tyler Forrest 4-15 in that game, Eli Herzog 0-7.  I can see Prior Lake trying Kobby Sambrew on him.  Prior Lake's size is an advantage for them.  Chaska's perimeter play is their advantage.  Role guys like Cole Brinkman and Jed Keenan will be key.  Prior Lake wins another classic.

3AAAA: 1 Eagan vs 3 Apple Valley.  Finishing up the trio of South Suburban sections, this should be another classic.  The teams split with Apple Valley winning by 7 at Eagan but losing by 1 at home.  Great matchup of do everything point forwards Alex Schroepfer and Camare Young.  Those 2 will get theirs.  Which supporting cast steps up here?  Kevin Kemp 2 total points in the 2 games.  Eagan needs him to be a factor.  Eagan moves on.

4AAAA: 1 Tartan vs 3 CDH.  This one should be a classic.  Jason Johnson defending KJ Wilson is a great matchup, but can CDH keep Tartan from ignoring Johnson on the other end.  Neither team gets much from their bench.  Tartan will need to keep Dre Frierson-Hollie off the offensive glass.  Emannuel Oyesanmi vs Ty Schlagel is a fun wing matchup.  Tartan moves on.

5AAAA: 1 Maple Grove vs 2 Osseo.  Great rivalry game here.  Osseo has won 14 of their last 15 over the last 2 months.  Maple Grove has won 11 of 12.  Max Iversen has been terrific in that stretch.  Maple Grove wins.

6AAAA: 1 Wayzata vs 2 Hopkins.  Speaking of rivalries, this one should be electric.  Wayzata won both regular season meetings (4 and 15 pt games).  Isaac Olmstead is back for Wayzata which is a major addition.  Jayden Moore will get his, but how the Hopkins supporting cast does will be key.

7AAAA: 1 Blaine vs 2 Andover.  Background is very interesting here.  Blaine won the 1st game of the year at Andover by 22, then Andover won the rematch at Blaine a month ago by 28 and scored 102.  Joey Mapson 30 in the win, 9 in the loss for Andover.  Andover very reliant on the 3 point shot.  If they make 14 like they did in the win, then its a game.  Blaine at home and a better ability to get to the rim.  Coin flip goes to the home team.

8AAAA: 1 Alexandria vs 3 Elk River.  Elk River went up to Alexandria and took them to OT back in December losing 70-68 but Talan Witt didn't play for Alexandria in that one.  Alex with too much firepower here.  They move on.

2026 Better Than Chalk Section Predictions

The 2025-26 regular season is in the books.  Now the playoffs are here and its time for the best 2 weeks in basketball, section play.  That means its time for the 2026 Better Than Chalk Section Predictions.  Last year was a rough year as high seeds dominated and I finished way underwater.

A reminder on the rules of this friendly and for entertainment purposes only game.  Any fool can pick nothing but top seeds (aka chalk) and then claim they were something like 306-13 on their picks.  My mission is to do better than that bracket.  I also pick all games at the start of the playoffs rather than going round by round to increase the challenge.  I don't get any chance to make up for my mistakes by picking day by day.

Not happy with how I picked your team?  Use the hashtag #ShockTheCzar on X and on your locker room/virtual whiteboards to express your outrage.  I'll pick games for every metro team that I previewed.  That means 15 full sections plus bonus selected games from 5 other sections.  So without delay, here we go. 

Section 2A (Bonus Pick)
Mayer Lutheran wins their 4 vs 13 game over BOLD on Tuesday.  Then they bow out late Thursday to 5 seed Nicollet.

Section 4A
Tuesday Pigtail Round 1:  10 Metro Schools College Prep over 15 Aim Academy, 11 Trinity over 14 Community of Peace, 12 Exploration over 13 International School
Thursday Pigtail Round 2 (Seeds 5-9 enter): 5 Ubah over Exploration, 6 West Lutheran over Trinity, 7 CHOF over MSCP, 8 Avail over MN Transitions
Saturday Quarterfinals (Seeds 1-4 enter): 1 Liberty over Avail, 2 Heritage over CHOF, 3 United Christian over W Lutheran, 4 Hope over 5 Ubah.
Tuesday Semis: Liberty over Hope, Heritage over United Christian
Friday Final (5:30 PM St. Thomas Academy): Liberty over Heritage

9 of the 24 teams are not playing sections, but we will have the Aim Academy Arctic as they go across town to be eliminated by MSCP in round 1.  Pigtail rules of always pick home team apply there.  Keep an eye on the 6/11 game on Thursday.  Trinity only had 4 wins but 1 of them was over West Lutheran to start the season.  I like West Lutheran at home in a tight one.  Rest of those 2nd round games aren't competitive.

The heavy hitters enter on Saturday and its all chalk from there.  Liberty steamrolls their way thru as there's no answer for Sam Rupnow.  Heritage survived United Christian in an early season close win but they have Aaron Palmer back now.  They'll make the final but had no answers for Liberty in the regular season.

Section 5A (Bonus Pick)
North Lakes handles Ogilvie in the 8/9 Monday pigtail.   But they'll bow out to top seed Braham on Thursday.

Section 4AA
Mon Pigtail Round 1: 16 LILA over 17 Hmong
Tues Pigtail Round 2: 9 Higher Ground over LILA, 10 Twin Cities Academy over 15 Math & Science, 11 Mounds Park Academy over 14 Nova Classical, 12 St. Agnes over 13 St. Paul Harding
Th Pigtail Round 3: 8 Washington over 9 Higher Ground, 7 New Life over 10 Twin Cities Academy, 6 St. Croix Prep over Mounds Park, 5 Concordia over 12 St. Agnes
Sat Quarterfinals:  1 Minnehaha over St. Paul Washington, 2 St. Croix Lutheran over New Life, 3 St. Paul Academy over 6 St. Croix Prep, 5 Concordia over 4 Humboldt
Tues Semis:  Minnehaha over Concordia, St. Croix Lutheran over St. Paul Academy
Fri Final (8 PM St. Thomas Academy): Minnehaha over St. Croix Lutheran

The opening Tuesday games are the most interesting set of games.  The 13-15 seeds all have a good shot of being lower seeds moving on but I don't have the courage to pick any of them. Then on Saturday, St Croix Prep just beat Humboldt and Concordia beat Prep twice so give me Concordia there.  Rest is chalk.  St. Croix Lutheran matches up well with SPA in a battle of guard laden teams.  SCL got the regular season win and do so again in the semi.  Minnehaha handled St. Croix Lutheran in the regular season and I think they do it again in the final.

Section 5AA
Monday Pigtail Round 1: 16 Eagle Ridge over 17 Cristo Rey
Tuesday Pigtail Round 2: 9 Blake over Eagle Ridge, 10 Dassel-Cokato over Brooklyn Center, 11 Rockford over 14 Providence, 13 Jordan over 12 Parnassus
Thursday Pigtail Round 3: 5 Hiawatha over Jordan, 6 Howard Lake-Waverly-Winstead over Rockford, 7 Breck over Dassel-Cokato, Blake over 8 Watertown-Mayer
Saturday Quarterfinals: 1 Holy Family over Blake, 2 SW Christian over Breck, 3 Maranatha over HLWW, 5 Hiawatha over 4 Minneapolis North
Tuesday Semis: Holy Family over Hiawatha, SW Christian over Maranatha
Friday Final (Augsburg): Holy Family over SW Christian

Keep an eye on the Tuesday 11 vs 14 game.  Rockford won the regular season meeting by 2. Also give me Jordan to win on the road with a big game from Mitchell Schmidt.  Blake beat Belle Plaine while Watertown-Mayer got blown out.  Blake better win at Jordan and W-M has lost 6 in a row.  Give me the Bears on the road.  On Saturday I love the 4 vs 5 game.  Hiawatha lost at North big in their season opener but they've won 15 of their last 16.  King James and the Hiawatha size is a major problem for North.  But the North guards (J'Marion Sanders, Cordae Williams) and pressure is something Hiawatha needs to figure out.  Give me Hiawatha here in a high intensity game.  

Then a couple of very close semifinals.  Hiawatha beat Holy Family by 1 in the regular seaon but that was at Hiawatha.  King James with 27 and 15 in that game.  Holy Family squeaks out a win on home court.  SW Christian beat Maranatha over the Christmas holiday thanks to big games from Jed Streed and Jameson McCarthy and foul trouble from Marcus Marshall. The Mustangs haven't lost since that game.  SW Christian survives at home.  The championship should be a classic.  You have 2 terrific coaches who have battled for years going back to their Lake Conference days.  Holy Family won 2 very close games in the regular season to win the Wright County East.  Can we move the game to Chanhassen?  Stops very hard to come by for both teams.  Holy Family's shooting vs SW Christian's front line is a story to watch.  Holy Family finds a way and moves on.
     
Section 6AA (Bonus Picks)
Legacy goes on the road and beats PACT in the 8 vs 9 game on Thursday.  Then top seed Albany beats them on Super Saturday at St. John's.  Spectrum takes over Royalton in the 5 vs 12 game.  They'll bow out in the next game at St. John's against 4 seed St. Cloud Cathedral.

Section 2AAA (Bonus Pick)
For the 2nd straight year, Hutchinson opens the playoffs at St. Peter in a rematch of a regular season game.  For the 2nd straight year, Hutch is eliminated in that game.

Section 3AAA
Wed Qtrs: 5 St. Paul Highland Park at 4 Simley, 7 St. Paul Como Park at 2 South St. Paul, 6 Roosevelt at 3 St. Thomas Academy
Sat Semis:  1 South over Highland Park, South St. Paul over St. Thomas Academy
Th Final: South over South St. Paul

Highland Park gets Simley again to move on.  SSP no problems with Como Park.  St. Thomas Academy gets a scare at home before moving on.  South St. Paul won both meetings with the Cadets during the regular season and they'll win the 3rd at home.  South continues a magical season taking out SSP in the final.

Section 4AAA
Monday Pigtail: 9 North St. Paul at 8 Minneapolis Edison
Wed Qtrs: 1 De La Salle over Edison, 4 St. Anthony over 5 Columbia Heights, 2 Mahtomedi over 7 Minneapolis Camden, 3 St. Paul Johnson over 6 Hill-Murray
Sat semis: De La Salle over St. Anthony, Mahtomedi over St. Paul Johnson
Th Final: De La Salle over Mahtomedi.

By default rule of pick home team in the pigtail, give me Edison to be the sacrificial lamb for De La Salle.  Mahtomedi and Johnson win their openers easily.  Great constrast between old Metro Alliance rivals in the 4 vs 5 game.  These teams split the season series.  St. Anthony has won 9 of their last 10 starting with a win over Heights and a good win to end the regular season against St. Croix Lutheran.  WOOF!  Give me the Huskies to advance.  De La Salle beats them soundly for a 3rd time in the semis.  Mahtomedi out executes Johnson at home to move on before losing on the island in the final.

Section 5AAA
Wed Qtrs: 5 Princeton over 4 Big Lake, 2 Becker over 7 St. Francis, 3 Zimmerman over 6 Fridley
Fri Semis: 1 Totino-Grace over Princeton, Becker over Zimmerman
Th Final (Neutral): Totino-Grace over Becker

Princeton lost 2 close games to Big Lake in the regular season.  Princeton wins the important one in another game that is in the 80s.  Becker and Zimmerman move on to clash in a close semi before Becker moves on.  Totino-Grace steamrolls everybody here.

Section 6AAA
Mon Pigtail: 9 Westonka over 8 Cooper
Wed Qtrs: 1 Richfield over Westonka, 5 Delano over 4 Holy Angels, 3 Benilde-St. Margaret's over  6 Minneapolis Southwest, 2 Orono over 7 Bloomington Kennedy
Sat Semis (2 PM): Richfield over Delano, Orono over Benilde-St. Margaret's
Th Final: Richfield over Orono

In the pigtail, Westonka can struggle to score but I think Mika James and Marcus Lessor give them enough to move on.  The reward is getting blown out by Richfield.  BSM and Orono move on but Southwest gives Benilde a game.  I love the Delano vs AHA game.  Delano is hot right now and Blake Nixon is still out for Holy Angels.  Give me Delano here.  Richfield no problem in the semis.  Orono gets a 3rd close win over BSM.  Richfield too much again for Orono in the final.

Section 7AAA (Bonus Picks)
Grand Rapids takes out 8 seed North Branch in round 1.  Then the Thunder-Thunder-Thunder-Hawks take out 4 seed Chisago Lakes in the semis.  Chisago Lakes no problems in their home rematch with Hermantown in the 1st round.

Section 1AAAA
Wed Qtrs: 1 Lakeville South over 8 Rochester John Marshall, 4 Lakeville North over Owatonna, 3 Rochester Mayo over 6 Rochester Century, 2 Farmington over 7 New Prague.
Sat Semis: Lakeville South over Lakeville North, Rochester Mayo over Farmington
Fri Final (Mayo Arena): Rochester Mayo over Lakeville South

Opening round is chalk with not much debate.  The battle of Lakeville in 1 semi is an attention getter.  North won both meetings against South this year, but I'm going with South to win the one that matters.  Farmington beat Mayo over the holidays but Mayo was without Reggie Parker and Logan Shimek for that game.  Mayo is now back to full strength and those 2 give them the necessary physical presence. They've lost only once since that Farmington game and that was a 2 point game at Apple Valley.  They take out both South Suburban foes to move on to state.

Section 2AAAA
Wed Qtrs: 4 Waconia over 5 Chan, 2 Chaska over 7 Shakopee, 3 Eden Prairie over 6 Minnetonka
Sat Semis (noon): 1 Prior Lake over Waconia, Chaska over Eden Prairie
Fri Final: Prior Lake over Chaska

Are you not entertained?!  The section of doom won't disappoint this year either.  Waconia wins again over Chanhassen.  Chaska too much for Shakopee.  Keep an eye on this 3 vs 6 game.  Minnetonka just beat Eden Prairie on Friday.  Bryce Tesdahl coaching his tail off with this group.  The Skippers can struggle offensively which makes you wonder if they have enough to keep up with the high powered EP offense.  I like Eden Prairie here but its a battle.  Prior Lake wins a revenge match with Waconia.  Ditto that for Chaska and EP.  I was surprised the head to head win didn't move EP up.  Great point guard matchup there of Hamze Yusuf and Tyler Forrest.  I think Chaska's defense is just a bit better and that moves them on.  Prior Lake's size is too much in the final

Section 3AAAA
Tues Qtrs: 1 Eagan over 8 Bloomington Jefferson at 1 Eagan, 5 Eastview over 4 Park, 2 Rosemount over 7 Burnsville, 3 Apple Valley over 6 Hastings
Fri Semis: Eagan over Eastview, Apple Valley over Rosemount  
Th Final: Eagan over Apple Valley

Top 3 seeds no problem in round 1.  Park isn't deep and not sure they can score enough.  Give me Eastview in that game as I don't like chalk everywhere.   In the semis, Eastview will keep it interesting for a while but Eagan will pull away.  Yes Rosemount just won at Apple Valley by 2, but Apple Valley won by 15 in the 1st meeting.  I like Apple Valley's big game experience and Camare Young here.  Then another rubber match where Apple Valley won on the road.  Eagan at home and their depth makes a difference.  I think they do enough to slow Apple Valley down and Kevin Kemp is a difference maker in that game. Eagan moves on.

Section 4AAAA
Wed Qtrs: 1 Tartan over 8 Two Rivers, 4 St. Paul Central over 5 Stillwater, 2 East Ridge over 7 White Bear Lake, 3 Cretin-Derham Hall over 6 Woodbury
Sat Semis: Tartan over Central, Cretin-Derham Hall over East Ridge
Th Final: Tartan over Cretin-Derham Hall

Top 3 seeds in big fashion in the 1st round.  Central and Stillwater meet in round 1 for the 4th straight year.  Central wins a close one. CDH has arguably done the best job defending Cedric Tomes of anybody.  They can throw a bunch of guys at him and still have plenty of offense.  I like CDH here in that rubber match.  Tartan no problems in their semi.  Then you get KJ Wilson vs JoJo Mitchell and Emmanuel Oyesanmi vs Ty Schlagel in a section final.  Yes Please!  No Tommy Ahneman type problem for Tartan to deal with.  Tartan squeaks by on home court.

Section 5AAAA
Tues Qtrs: 1 Maple Grove over 8 Park Center, 2 Osseo over 7 Irondale, 3 Champlin Park over Spring Lake Park, 4 Mounds View over 5 Roseville.
Fri Semis: Maple Grove over Mounds View, Champlin Park over Osseo
Fri Final: Maple Grove over Champlin Park

Tuesday quarters see the top 2 seeds move on without trouble.  I'm surprised Roseville is on the road considering they split with Mounds View and were 1 game better in the Suburban East.  Splitting hairs with these 2 teams and home court is the difference.  1 meeting was 48-44.  That's a Mounds View style game and they can control pace.  They advance before losing to Maple Grove in the semis.  Champlin Park is night and day different with Gavin Walter back.  They should have fought for the 2 seed and got it.  They move on over Osseo in the semis.  But not after a severe test from Spring Lake Park in the 3 vs 6 quarterfinal.  Get your popcorn battle there between Walter and Nolan Myren there.  Maple Grove has Max Iversen playing too well right now.  Maple Grove moves on to state.

Section 6AAAA
Tues Qtrs: 4 Edina over 5 St. Louis Park, 2 Hopkins over 7 Armstrong, 3 Buffalo over 6 Washburn 
Tues Semis: 1 Wayzata over Edina, Hopkins over Buffalo
Fri Final:  Wayzata over Hopkins

No surprises in the quarters.  In the semis, Hopkins had a great week winning at De La Salle and at Buffalo.  I think that translates into winning the rubber match at home against Buffalo.  Then the dynamite rematch, again, in the section finals.  Hopkins sent Phil Ward to his head coaching retirement.  Would only be fitting that coach Novak goes out against Wayzata. Wayzata wins another instant classic.
    
Section 7AAAA
Wed Qtrs: 1 Blaine over 8 Cambridge-Isanti, 2 Andover over 7 Centennial, 3 Anoka over 6 Duluth East, 5 Coon Rapids over 4 Forest Lake (7 PM start)
Sat Semis (highest seed 1/3 PM): Blaine over Coon Rapids, Anoka over Andover
Th Final: Anoka over Blaine

Top 3 seeds too much firepower in the opening round.  Tons of little guards on display in the Coon Rapids game.  Let's go Coon Rapids here as I like their recent results better.  Then the north river Anoka-Hennepin district championships.  The East division semi Blaine no problem with Coon Rapids.  The west division one is a great rivalry.  Andover has 2 close head to head wins in the matchups.  Anoka after a rough start has won 10 of 12 with 1 of those being an Andover loss.  I'm going with my preseason stubbornness and the theory that its hard to beat a team 3 times.  Anoka too much size here and it pays off in a high scoring game (both games were in the 80s).  Give me the same theory in the final.  Blaine was the other loss late for Anoka but this isn't the same Blaine team we saw early.  Anoka gets it done on the road.

Section 8AAAA
Tues Qtrs: 1 Alexandria over 8 STMA, 4 Monticello over 5 Moorhead, 2 Bemidji over 7 Rogers, 3 Elk River over 6 Brainerd
Fri Semis: Alexandria over Monticello, Elk River over Bemidji
Th Final: Alexandria over Elk River

On Tuesday, give me chalk.  Moorhead at Monticello is too good for a 4 vs 5 game.  Moorhead hasn't been the same without David Mack though and Monticello should be motivated in this rematch (lost in December) after getting shafted out of the 3 seed.  In the semis, Elk River takes their 3 seed and proves it as they just beat Bemidji at home.  Give me metro bias and a repeat with Elk River winning that semi.  Then another rematch in the final.  Elk River took Alexandria to the limit in OT at Alexandria already this season.  But that was without Talan Witt.  Alexandria at full strength moves on.

STORYLINES
3 major pieces return from injury in these playoffs.  Jamestown commit Reggie Parker is back on the front line for Rochester Mayo.  Aaron Palmer returns for Heritage. PG Malachi Hill is back for Totino-Grace.  Not that Totino-Grace needed the help but a difference maker like that can't be ignored.

On the other side, we have the injured.  Will Minneapolis South have Jake Dixon back?  Will Isaac Olmstead be able to return for Wayzata?  Wayzata though is as well-suited as anybody to take on a guard injury with the deep bench they have.  Will Blake Nixon be back for Holy Angels?

Then there's the Hopkins opener against Armstrong.  A win would give coach Ken Novak the all-time wins record passing Bob McDonald and a chance that it might be his last win ever if they go out in a tough semifinal and he chooses to retire.