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
- Minnehaha
- Breck
- Blake
- St. Paul Academy
- Providence
- Mounds Park Academy
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
- Minnehaha at Breck - Jan 22nd
- Minnehaha at Blake - Feb 2nd
- 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
