This is the 14th preview in the 2026-2027 season preview series. Week 3 of the series ends with a look at the 9 non-metro class AAAA schools. That means the AAAA schools that aren't otherwise included in the previews. For a list of all the season previews and how they are done, click here.
Alexandria Cardinals (2025-26 season 21-9, 15-1 Conference, 1st Central Lakes)
Alexandria will have to replace their entire starting lineup. That includes the high powered D2 committed guard duo of Mason Witt and Talan Witt. Grady Starzl gives them a front line option. Juniors Ty Miller and Berant Amborn will take over in the backcourt. Blake Scholl will be a major offensive option.
Bemidji Lumberjacks (2025-26 season 19-9)
The Lumberjacks have to replace 5 top scorers including Bemidji St commit Jaxon Boschee. He scored over 2000 career points and is the school's all-time leading scorer. They also lose Austin Riewer and Rhys Sneide. Wyatt Tverstol returns inside as the top option. Matthew Haack and Landon Riewer join him as the front court strength of the team. The guard play will be inexperienced.
Brainerd Warriors (2025-26 season 8-19, 6-10 Conference, Tie 7th Central Lakes)
Brainerd loses top wing Grant Johnson (14.4 PPG) but returns their other 4 starters. 3 of them averaged double figures. That includes forward Aiden Gilbert (14.7 PPG), point guard Preston Bernander (12.3 PPG) and wing Luke Merseth (13.8 PPG). Guards Michael Beliveau and Dewayne Sims are small but experienced. Junior Brady Oseland reutrns to the rotation as well.
Duluth East Greyhounds (2025-26 season 11-17)
Duluth East loses 2 top guards in Ty Nyberg and LaDanian Bowman. But they have a ton of small guards ready to go in the lineup. Junior guard Ty Schingen returns to the starting lineup. Caleb Sykes and Kaden Meyer return to the perimeter rotation. Senior Simon Winkels is a top forward who can play inside but can also shoot it.
Moorhead Spuds (2025-26 season 17-10)
The football squad was one of Minnesota's best with 2 basketball stars. I'll write this assuming they play and not leave early for the next level. Seniors Jett Feeney and David Mack are star guards from that team. Even if those 2 aren't playing the Spuds still have juniors Romeo Kromah and Micah Zimmerman as qualified scorers. They'll miss the size of Austin Dryburgh who transferred out of state. Junior Reace Boll is an option inside.
Owatonna Huskies (2025-26 season 16-12, 14-7 Conference, 4th Big 9)
The Huskies return 3 starters. Senior point guard Willie Moore leads the roster. Junior Cooper Routh and Jackson Holder are both big wings who can shoot it. Brendan Klecker will see minutes there too. Ben Sackett looks to step in for the graduation of William Halverson inside. Junior Arik Tackmann returns to a guard spot.
Rochester Century Panthers (2025-26 season 11-16, 10-9 Conference, 6th Big 9)
Century returns 7 of their top 8 scorers in a senior laden lineup. Nate Long and Ben Martin lead the offense. Landon Moore and Levi Deadrick return inside. Colin Norgaard is the top returning guard. Max Elliot also returns to the guard rotation.
Rochester John Marshall Rockets (2025-26 season 4-23, 3-17 Conference, 12th Big 9)
Guard Jackson Daly (10.4 PPG) is the lone returning starter for a team that struggled to score last season. Junior Will Ruzek will be the primary interior scorer. Akit'J Williams should see wing minutes.
Rochester Mayo Spartans (2025-26 season 23-5, 18-1 Conference, 1st Big 9)
The Spartans have to replace most of their size and scoring from last year. They can build around leading scorer Elliot Myszkowski (15.6 PPG) at the point guard spot. He's committed to D2 Jamestown. Junior Aguer Akech is a breakout candidate with the graduation of Reggie Parker and Logan Shimek up front. Seniors Nico Berry, Carson Deyoung and Sage Markham are options to join Myszkowski in the backcourt.
Overview
In the north, Moorhead has the chance to have a great year if they have everybody and stay healthy. Injuries were an issue last year and David Mack missed the end of the football season injured. Brainerd will be improved. Alexandria will be down from their high standard but they won't fall too far with their strong system and good guard play. In the south, Century has the chance to make a jump. Owatonna should also be in the running for the Big 9 title. John Marshall will struggle. Mayo will be down but with 2 quality pieces they should still be a mid-tier team in the Big 9.
- Jacob Sykes, Jordy Wieck - Duluth East
Games to Watch
- Farmington at Rochester Century - Dec 18th
- Brainerd at Moorhead - Dec 22nd
- Moorhead at SW Christian - Jan 8th
- Monticello at Moorhead - Jan 23rd
- Tartan at Rochester Century - Feb 1st
- Rochester Century at Owatonna - Feb 5th
- DeLaSalle at Moorhead - Feb 12th
- Moorhead at Buffalo - Feb 19th
- Moorhead at Totino-Grace - Feb 27th
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