2025-26 Minneapolis City Conference Preview

This is the 9th preview in my 2025-2026 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 (2024-25 season 8-19, 5-7 Conference, 6th)
The front line will be strong with the freshman duo of Lamar McBride and Malik Martin.  McBride was the starting big man last year and Martin played up with the Howard Pulley top 15s this spring as a top 2029 prospect.  Juniors Vincent Burks, Karlin Thomas and Lavon Jordan all saw time at guard spots last season so there's plenty of experience there.  

Edison Tommies (2024-25 season 4-21, 0-12 Conference, 7th)
Junior wing Nico Luitjens-Weatherspoon was primed to be a top option but he's now at Columbia Heights.  Top scorer Sam Young (8.3 PPG) has graduated.  Wing Jashawn Scott (8.2 PPG) will be the top option.  Walter Lish and PG Malakai Fernades return to the starting lineup as well.  Another year where the Tommies will struggle to find a league win.

North Polars (2024-25 season 18-10, 9-3 Conference, 2nd)
The Polars need to replace 3 senior starters and leading scorer Marcus Marshall who is now at Maranatha.  Senior guards J'Marion Sanders (17.1 PPG) and Cordae Williams (10.5 PPG) return as double figure scorers.  Seniors Ronell Willis, Quantayvious Roberts and Jeremiah Johnson all saw perimeter rotation time last year.  Senior forward Cortez Wright will be the interior guy with junior Elijah Harvey being another option with him.

Roosevelt Teddies (2024-25 season 16-10, 6-6 Conference, Tie 3rd)
Roosevelt finished over the 500 mark for the 1st time since 2017-18.  Leading scorer Calvin Peterson (18 PPG) returns on the wing.  Senior Kieran Quinlan joins him as as returning perimeter starter.  Guards Steven Hunter and Obie Esparza (17.2 PPG) along with forward Jason Wind are starters that need to be replaced.  Josiah Alexander returns inside. 

South Tigers (2024-25 season 11-16, 6-6 Conference, Tie 3rd)
South has to replace leading scorer Eugene Brown (16.5 PPG).  The perimeter play will be a strength with the next 4 scorers coming back.  Guards Jumair Wright (14.7 PPG) and Ramadan Ibrahim (11.7 PPG) lead the offense.  Senior Ridwan Ibrahim (8.7 PPG) joins them in the starting lineup.  The leadership of graduated Greg Johnson at the point will be missed.

Southwest Lakers (2024-25 season 10-16, 6-6 Conference, Tie 3rd)
The Lakers played about as big a rotation as anyone last season.  They lose their only double figure scorer, Henry Wolfe (10.1 PPG) but return plenty of experience and will again be balanced.  Forward Dashiell Erickson is a top threat.  They have a nice junior group to go with him.  Riley Kelley returns at the the point.  Niko Case, Owen Boarman and Leif Kranz are all good experienced fits in their 5 out look.

Washburn Millers (2024-25 season 13-15, 10-2 Conference, 1st)
The 2-time defending Minneapolis champs have to replace both double figure scorers from last season.  Guards Cooper Carlson (17.9 PPG) and Armoni Dischinger-Harris (15.6 PPG) are significant losses.  The front line will be this year's strength with forwards Brayden Gorton (9.3 PPG) and Ryker Van Nostrand (5.7 PPG) being this year's go-to players.  Both can step out and shoot it as well as work inside.  Finley Carlson and Alexander Young are the top returning guards.  Freshman Quianny Christian should see minutes as a shooter.

Predicted Order of Finish

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

Conference Overview
I see Washburn being the class of the league again.  North losing Marcus Marshall is huge but they have enough guard play to stay above the rest.  The middle will be a jumble again with the next 4 being easily set in any order.  Camden loses quite a bit and was 6th last year so I leave them there but adding Malik Martin is a big deal.  Southwest and South return more than Roosevelt so I'll give them the nod.  Edison will again struggle.

Conference MVP: Brayden Gorton - Washburn

Underclassmen to watch:  

• Malik Martin, Lamar McBride - Camden
• Landen Knox, Lucas Larsen - Roosevelt
• Jumair Wright - South 
• Quianny Christian, Morris Matthews - Washburn 

Conference Games to Watch

• North at Washburn - Jan 13th
• Washburn at North - Feb 19th
• Twin Cities Game - Feb 28th (St. Paul Champion)
  

Non-Conference Games to Watch

• Hiawatha at North - Dec 4th 
• Wayzata at Washburn - Dec 5th
• Washburn vs Waconia - Dec 6th (Big Stage at Hopkins) 
• St. Paul Central at Minneapolis North - Jan 17th 
• North at Maranatha - Jan 29th 
• Minnehaha at Washburn - Feb 17th

2025-26 St. Paul City Conference Preview

This is the 8th preview in my 2025-2026 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 (2024-25 season 21-7, 11-1 Conference, 1st)
New coach Cam Jones comes in from Hill-Murray.  He replaces the Scott Howell who finishes his run at Central with 238 City wins.  That's 2nd all time trailing only Dan Brink.  The Minutemen lose guard Allan Lankfard (16.2 PPG) who graduated as the all time leading scorer in St. Paul City Conference history with 1885 career points.  The rest of a senior laden rotation returns.  SG Eli Moseman (18.1 PPG) leads the way with wings Sefi Whittington (13.4 PPG) and Tesfa Sturm (11.3 PPG).  Finnegan Bloedel (7.0 PPG) is an experienced banger inside.  Etienne Reyes and Kaidyn Blakey also return.  Finding someone to replace Lankfard as a ball handler will be key.  Moseman will definitely handle it some, but you'd like to see him get loose off the ball as a shooter.

Como Park Cougars (2024-25 season 11-15, 5-7 Conference, 5th)
Former Tartan and Iowa State standout Jake Sullivan takes over the Cougars program.  He has to replace all 3 double figure scorers at almost 49 PPG from last year.  That includes forwards Ja'Hari Hill and DeJuan Jones.  Senior guards Contrell Jenkins, Hezekiah Bradshaw, Jereiah Ranson and Jonas Tetevi will lead the offense.  Jenkins led all returnees with 8.8 PPG last season.  Size will be a question mark.

Harding Knights (2024-25 season 18-12, 7-5 Conference, 3rd)
The Knights parlayed their first postseason win since 2003 into their first ever trip to state.  Now they lose 13 seniors and the 2 main returnees have both transferred.  That's soph David Addai to Johnson and senior wing Salman Hussein (10.1 PPG) to East Ridge.  A JV squad that went 9-3 in the league last year will need to develop quickly.

Highland Park Scots (2024-25 season 12-15, 6-6 Conference, 4th)
Highland Park has to replace their double figure wing duo of Yared Yohannes and Isaac Hooper.  Junior Isaiah Davis is the top returnee at just under 10 a night and leads the forwards.  But he'll need to stay out of foul trouble.  Otahl Webb (8.7 PPG) returns to the lineup at a guard spot.  Teagan Miller will join him in the backcourt.

Humboldt Hawks (2024-25 season 14-15, 3-9 Conference, 6th)
The Hawks have to replace 22 PPG from PG Pharroh Holliman.  Senior wing Jakar Rice is poised for a big year after breaking out with 17.1 PPG last season.  The junior inside out duo of SG Fadil Alabi (12.7 PPG) and forward Taurean Williams  (7.9 PPG) will carry the scoring with Rice.  Juniors Luke Hobday and Keith Whitlow also return to the rotation after seeing major time last season.

Johnson Governors (2024-25 season 20-7, 10-2 Conference, 2nd)
Tyrel Pride and his team high 15.4 PPG returns to Tartan.  But the Govs return everybody else as they look for another 20 win season and the league crown.  Kenny Turner (11.3 PPG) anchors the interior.  D'Mari McMillan will spell him inside.  Junior Colin Moore (8.4 PPG) will run the show again.  They have a ton of experienced perimeter pieces that they can mix and match.  Whether its smaller guards in Tavi Johnson and Kaiden Elphage or bigger wing types like Jermaine Curtis, Garnino Kamp or Paris Pollard, they all get after you in the classic Johnson pressure style.

Washington Eagles (2024-25 season 11-17, 0-12 Conference, 7th)
Washington has gone winless the last 3 seasons in league play.  They have to replace the league's top scorer in guard Shawn Huberty (25.2 PPG) along with wing Leon Andrewin.  Senior Jimale Ahmed (8.3 PPG) returns at the point.  Fellow senior Aburahman Hassan joins him in the backcourt as another scoring option.  Juniors Noah Rieger and Lesean Andrewin return on the front line.  Not much depth or offensive punch for this roster.  Defensively they'll need to improve as they had 10 losses where they gave up more than 80 points.  

Predicted Order of Finish

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

Conference Overview:
For 21 straight years Central or Johnson has been the St. Paul representative in the Twin Cities Game.  The more things change, the more they stay the same.  Johnson is loaded as they lose only 1 guard from a deep guard corps.  Add in Kenny Turner in the middle and the Govs are too much.  Central with a ton back isn't far behind.  In the next tier, Highland Park and Como Park will battle it out for the rest of the top half.  I suggest any ties be broken by a 3 point shooting contest between the two head coaches since they combined for over 5500 career points in their local high school playing days.  Humboldt will look to jump into that group with more returning, but Harding had a much better JV last year.  Washington still trying to find a league win.

Conference MVP: Eli Moseman - Central

Underclassmen to watch: 

• Tyler Mortellaro - Central
• David Addai - Johnson 
• Styleson Vang - Washington 

Conference Games to Watch

• Johnson at Central - Jan 15th
• Central at Johnson - Feb 10th
• Twin Cities Game - Feb 28th (St. Paul Champion)
  

Non-Conference Games to Watch

• Johnson vs Mankato East - Dec 13th (Tipoff Classic at Edina) 
• Central at Minnehaha - Dec 19th
• Johnson vs Alexandria - Dec 27th (Concordia-St. Paul holiday tourney)
• Central at Minneapolis North - Jan 17th
• St Paul Johnson hosting MLK Showcase - Jan 19th 
• Johnson vs Orono - Jan 24th (The Collision at Cretin-Derham Hall) 

2025-26 Tri-Metro Conference Preview

This is the 7th preview in my 2025-2026 season preview series.  Week 2 of the previews continues with a look at the Tri-Metro Conference.  For a list of all the season previews and how they are generated, click here.

Academy of Holy Angels Stars (2024-25 season 12-15, 10-6 Conference, Tie 3rd)
The Stars return a pair of double figure scoring wings led by Blake Nixon (20.1 PPG) and shooter Arjun Jain (11.2 PPG).  Kenzo Lee (9.1 PPG) returns as a ballhandler.  Danny Kelly also returns to that perimeter rotation.  Daniel Devine and Jake Winston are forward options.

Bloomington Kennedy Eagles (2024-25 season 7-20, 5-11 Conference, 7th)
The Eagles have to replace 4 significant scorers.  Delannie Bush and Keymarey Jackson will provide the scoring punch this season.  They'll also get a boost from soph transfer Judah Mitchell.  He comes in from Cretin-Derham Hall and should get plenty of opportunity to be the point guard.  Junior Aaron Buchanan should expand his role on the frontline.

Brooklyn Center Centaurs (2024-25 season 4-23, 1-15 Conference, 9th)
The Centaurs went with a young lineup last year.  Looks like they lost 2029 PG Rashad Smith (12.6 PPG) to DeLaSalle.  Senior guard Alan Moore (14.2 PPG) is now at Columbia Heights.  That leaves Key'shon Alexander (10.4 PPG) as the top returner.  Aloysius Vah (6.4 PPG) will see minutes as a forward but he's undersized there.

Columbia Heights Hylanders (2024-25 season 6-21, 3-13 Conference, 8th)
A pair of double figure scorers need to be replaced.  Senior guard Kahlil Mkali (12.6 PPG) leads the returning lineup.  Seniors Judah Caine (8.4 PPG) and Dair Armstrong also return to the starting lineup.  Nico Luitjens Weatherspoon (8.3 PPG) comes over from Edison after being a key piece for the Tommies last season.

DeLaSalle Islanders (2024-25 season 24-7, 15-1 Conference, 1st)
The Islanders look to once again be one of the teams in AAA with 3 double figure scorers returning.  The wing play of juniors Jaeden Udean (17.9 PPG) and Kamar Thomas (14.3 PPG) is dynamic.  Forward Evan Miller (10.4 PPG) gives them ability to stretch the floor.  Junior Deon Wallace-Johnson is a classic DLS role guy who will defend and move the ball.  Sophomores Ichima Idoko and Taaj Whitlock are 2 of the top players in 2028.

Fridley Tigers (2024-25 season 13-14, 10-6 Conference, Tie 3rd)
Fridley needs to replace the high-powered backcourt duo of Trenton Woodall Jones (25.1 PPG) and PG Jamichael Breauxsaus-Ollie (21.2 PPG).  Senior wing Brevon Robinson (8.4 PPG) is the top returnee and should be the breakout lead scorer for the Tigers.  Junior Jenovic Kadindula  (5.8 PPG) is the top returning forward.  Alex Johnson will join him there.

Richfield Spartans (2024-25 season 22-6, 14-2 Conference, 2nd)
Richfield has to replace one of the top scorers in the state in CJ Armstrong at 31.4 PPG.  Normally that would be a major problem but the Spartans are still loaded.  Juniors Dre Collins (16.6 PPG) and Tyrece Hagler (15.1 PPG) return to the starting lineup.  Guard Adin India provides experience with them.  Transfers Waleed Muhammed of Breck and Gideon Horne of Hope Academy add to a stacked lineup.  Horne should be their main interior guy. He'll be a great guy to run and finish with their talented guards.

Robbinsdale Cooper Hawks (2024-25 season 7-17, 6-10 Conference, 6th)
Ron Howard takes over the program.  He has previously spent time at Anoka-Ramsey and 1 year leading the Westonka girls program.  Forward Jahnail Jones is a major piece to return inside.  Forwards Tavorian Thompson and Anthony Byrd will be top options.  Senior Ajavion-Wiley-Hunt leads the guard group.

St. Anthony Huskies (2024-25 season 12-15, 8-8 Conference, 5th)
Coach Josh Pratt returns his 2 double figure scorers from last season.  Wing Brett Siroin (21.2 PPG) provides shooting while Isaan Kitila (13.6 PPG) works inside.  The other 3 starters need to be replaced.  Juniors Galatan Kitila (9.5 PPG) and Logan Buck return to the rotation.  Junior Ahmed Ahmod looks to be the next point guard.

Predicted Order of Finish

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

Conference MVP: Jaeden Udean - DeLaSalle

Conference Overview:
DeLaSalle and Richfield will be 2 of the best teams in AAA this season and a level above the rest of the league.  Richfield has given the Islanders fits recently by winning 3 of the last 4 meetings.  DeLaSalle is the champ until beaten though. Holy Angels with Blake Nixon is the best of the rest.  Fridley and St. Anthony should be the rest of the top half.  Then a drop off to the bottom 4 who all won 7 games or less last season and are rebuilding.  Columbia Heights guards give them my nod for the top of that group.  Brooklyn Center goes to the bottom with the other 3 being in any order.

Underclassmen to watch: 

• Tristan Duggan, Keegan Spence, Bishop Froehle - Academy of Holy Angels
  
• Judah Mitchell - Bloomington Kennedy
• Ichima Idoko, Taaj Whitlock - DeLaSalle 
• Keshawn Bartuah - Fridley 
• Eric Buhl - Richfield 

Conference Games to Watch

• DeLaSalle at Richfield - Jan 3rd 
• Richfield at DeLaSalle - Feb 4th

Non-Conference Games to Watch

• DeLaSalle vs Maple Grove - Dec 6th (Big Stage at Hopkins) 
• Richfield at Orono - Dec 11th 
• Richfield vs St. Paul Johnson - Dec 26th (Capitol City Classic at Hamline)
• Richfield vs Minnehaha - Dec 27th (Capitol City Classic at Hamline)
• Richfield at St. Paul Johnson MLK Event - Jan 19th 
• Cretin-Derham Hall at DeLaSalle - Jan 31st 
• DeLaSalle vs Superior (WI) - Feb 7th (Border Battle at Hamline) 
• Hopkins at DeLaSalle - Feb 24th  

2025-26 IMAC Preview

This is the 6th preview in my 2025-2026 season preview series.  Week 2 begins with this look at the Independent Metro Athletic Conference (IMAC).  For a list of all the season previews and how they are done, click here.

Blake Bears (2024-25 season 22-5, 7-2 Conference, 2nd)
Coach Tyler Biwan has to replace his forward duo of Omar Kaba and Ian Schnabel.  They combined for over 34 PPG.  The offense will focus around senior guards Carson McMichael (18.6 PPG) and Aiden Wilson (8.2 PPG).  McMichael is one of the top shooters in the metro while Wilson returns at the point guard spot.  Juniors Micah Wagoner and Benji Dillon will see bigger rotation roles.  Particularly Dillon as he'll be the replacement up front.  Caden Johnson will join Wagoner in the perimeter rotation.

Breck Mustangs (2024-25 season 21-11, 8-0 Conference, 1st)
The Mustangs have won 17 league games in a row and are the 2 time defending champs.  They'll be hard pressed to repeat that with only 2 of their top 12 scorers returning.  League MVP Miles Newton (20.9 PPG) has graduated.  Fellow wing DeAngelo Dungey (14.1 PPG) would have been the top guy but he's now at Totino-Grace.  Guards Waleed Muhammed (8.8 PPG) and Ayden Green (7.1 PPG) have also transferred out.  PG Mu Muhammed (10.6 PPG) and forward JP Musoke (10.3 PPG).  Edina transfer Oliver Flick figures to contribute up front as well.

Minnehaha Academy Redhawks (2024-25 season 20-11, 5-4 Conference, 3rd)
Minnehaha loses 5 of their top 6 scorers from a senior heavy lineup.  Their 4 graduated double-figure scorers combined for almost 52 PPG.  The Redhawks have impressive youth though and should reload.  8th grader Carter Cupito can run the show and shoot it.  Senior Malachi Snell (3.2 PPG) and Ayden Green from Breck join him in an experienced backcourt.  Junior forward Kellen Troup (9.8 PPG) is a breakout candidate.  Freshman Mekhi Abner transfers in from Osseo and should see plenty of frontcourt minutes.

Mounds Park Academy Panthers (2024-25 season 5-22, 1-6 Conference, 6th)
Coach Brendan Connolly has to replace top guard Wyatt Srsen (21.5 PPG).  Srsen surpassed Connolly as the school's all-time leading scorer.  Junior guard Omar Said averaged 13.7 PPG and will lead this season's offense.  They'll need to figure out who helps him on that end.  Its a small lineup with guard experience.  Senior guards Alex Larson, Soren Springer and Ethan Simonson all return to the starting lineup.

Providence Academy Lions (2024-25 season 7-20, 2-7 Conference, 5th)
Providence has to replace 3 of their top 4 scorers with only 1 of those in double figures.  Wing George Jacobson (13.8 PPG) is the top option that needs to be replaced.  Juniors Matthew Schaffer (10.5 PPG) and Noah Boro (8.2 PPG) return as perimeter starters.  Getting junior PG Leo Giwa back from injury (DNP in 24-25) would be a huge boost there too.  Junior forward Henry Willihganz (4.4 PPG) will lead the front line.

St. Paul Academy Spartans (2024-25 season 10-17, 3-7 Conference, 4th)
Head coach Kevin Keto returns to the bench after a 1 year leave of absence. Forward Nathan Rock (11.4 PPG) has graduated and leaves a hole up front.  The perimeter play will be a strength.  Wing Ezra Cunningham (19.4 PPG) is the league's top returning scorer.  The guard trio of senior Ben Sieben (11 PPG) with juniors Miles Vogenthaler (10.1 PPG) and John Grimsrud (9.9 PPG) is solid.  3 other role guys from last season also return so there's plenty of experience.

Predicted Order of Finish

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

Conference Overview
Significant losses around the league.  Minnehaha reloads and battles Blake for the top spot.  Breck loses too much and SPA has the league's top scorer coming back in a battle for 3rd.  Providence clearly next.  Mounds Park broke a league road losing streak in conference games that dated back to 2008 and their days in the Tri-Metro.  But losing their all-time leading scorer is too much to overcome.

Conference MVP: Carson McMichael - Blake

Underclassmen to watch: 

• Garrick Bennett - Blake
• Max Munsell - Breck
• Carter Cupito, Mekhi Abner - Minnehaha 
• Zamin Ali - Mounds Park Academy 
• Colton Perrill - Providence 
• Margarsaa Mullataa - St. Paul Academy 

Conference Games to Watch

• Blake at Minnehaha- Jan 9th
  
• Minnehaha at Blake - Feb 3rd

 Non-Conference Games to Watch

• Minnehaha at Orono - Dec 2nd
• Blake at Annandale - Dec 5th 
• Blake at Holy Family - Dec 9th
• Holy Family at Minnehaha - Dec 12th 
• Minnehaha vs Jackson County Central - Dec 13th (Tipoff Classic at Edina)
• St. Paul Central at Minnehaha - Dec 19th
• Minnehaha vs Richfield - Dec 27th (Capitol City Classic at Hamline)
• Central Minnesota Christian at Minnehaha - Jan 10th (Southside Super Showcase)
• Belle Plaine at Blake - Feb 5th
• Minnehaha vs Manitowoc Roncalli (WI) - Feb 7th (Border Battle at Hamline) 
• Blake at Maranatha - Feb 10th
• Minnehaha at Minneapolis Washburn - Feb 17th
• SW Christian at Minnehaha - Feb 18th 
• St. Paul Johnson at Minnehaha - Feb 23rd
• SW Christian at Blake - Feb 24th

2025-26 Skyline Conference Preview

This is the 5th preview in my 2025-26 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 (2024-25 season 16-11, 11-5 Conference, 3rd)
The best dressed coach in the metro has downgraded his wardrobe much to my disappointment.  He also has to replace 4 of his top 5 scorers.  That includes guard Gage Green and forward Noah Quiggle who both averaged over 14 PPG.  Junior guard Logan Duis is the top returning scorer 9 PPG.  He's joined in the backcourt by junior Langston Huffman (7 PPG) and junior Jake Smith (4.1 PPG).  Soph forward Zeid Ndiaye is a breakout candidate with significant upside.  Judah Shepp (5.5 PPG) will join him on the frontline trying to replace Quiggle's production.

Legacy Christian Academy Lions (2024-25 season 17-10, 7-1 MCAA, Tie 1st North)
Coach Nate Bellefeuille moves his Lions to the Skyline from the MCAA.  He loses top scorer Andrew Mulvihill (14.6 PPG) but returns 3 other double figure starters.  Hudson Strand (14.3 PPG) and Ty Nelson (12.8 PPG) provide returning perimeter firepower.  Forward Max Leifker (10.9 PPG) is the main big man but on offense plays as a stretch 5.  Junior guard Ryan Wald joins those 3 seniors as main rotation guys coming back.  

Maranatha Christian Academy Mustangs (2024-25 season 14-14, 13-3 Conference, 2nd)
Al Harris takes over the program.  He has to replace leading scorer JoJo Bartolomeos (17.3 PPG) and 2 other role guys but still has a ton coming back.  Junior guard Marcus Marshall (22.1 PPG) transfers in from Minneapolis North so that will easily replace the scoring.  He's joined in the backcourt by Daijor McCrimmon (14 PPG), Jaidyn Rennie (8.2 PPG), Nate Williams (4.8 PPG) and Chris Daniel (2.9 PPG).  Eli Ahrends (10 PPG) and Teni Phillips (9.2 PPG) are experienced inside.  Its a roster that fits coach Harris and his style very well.  Expect them to play a high intensity defensive style with fast pace.

New Life Academy Eagles (2024-25 season 9-18, 4-12 Conference, 7th)
The Eagles return everybody except 1 senior.  Guards Grant Clausen (13.1 PPG) and Evan Seaton (12.7 PPG) lead the offense.  Seaton is one of the better shooters in the league.  Senior point guard Ezekiel Lindahl returns to run the offense.  Seniors Dylan Wall and Joshua Greene join them in the perimeter rotation.  Senior Cameron Karasek mans the front line along with juniors James Hudson and Kaden Place.

Nova Classical Academy Knights (2024-25 season 11-16, 3-13 Conference, 8th)
The Knights broke thru and got their first Skyline win ever last season.  Can they make another jump this season?  The 16.8 PPG from guard Mason Engelking will be hard to replace.  But they do return leading scorer Caleb Taylor at 18.5 PPG.  Kincaid Gerber (5.4 PPG) and Abe Brady (4.2 PPG) will look to pick up some of the lost scoring on the wings.  Finn Penniman, Cole Rydberg and frosh Elias Taylor all return at guard spots as well.  Size is a problem for them.

St. Agnes Aggies (2024-25 season 13-14, 10-6 Conference, 4th)
Former head coach Chris Pierce took an assistant job at North St. Paul.  Former Cooper coach Bo Powell temporarily had the job.  Now Malique McCoy comes in from St. Paul Academy to be the new head coach.   He has a major task ahead of him.  The Aggies will have to replace 10 seniors and that included their entire rotation.  Undersized junior guard Thomas Plasch (1.3 PPG) is the only player with any varsity experience.

St. Croix Lutheran Crusaders (2024-25 season 25-4, 16-0 Conference, 1st)
The Crusaders have to replace their entire starting lineup and top reserve forward after making the section final last year.  That includes league MVP Riccardo Marzetti (21.1 PPG) and 2 other double figure scorers.  The backcourt will still be solid and undersized with seniors Colin Avery, Isaac Garcia and Thomas Hermann joining junior Noah Little.  All saw a ton of time off the bench.  Who mans the front court is a huge question as there's no experienced candidate.  But the Crusaders do seem to just reload every season.

St. Croix Prep Lions (2024-25 season 17-12, 9-7 Conference, 5th)
Leading scorer William Weeldreyer (12.3 PPG) needs to be replaced after anchoring the interior for the last 2 seasons.  Logan Eiselt (11.7 PPG) paired with him up front last season and should lead the Lions offense this season.  Junior wing Ali Akram (11.2 PPG) returns to lead the perimeter offense.  Cooper Beckmann returns with him in the backcourt.  Patrick McGurran, Henry Canfield and Linden Taylor will be JV options from last year looking for bigger roles.

Trinity Tri-Hawks (2024-25 season 13-15, 6-10 Conference, 6th)
Athletic director Pat Buchanan stays home as the new head coach.  He's bounced around from Mayer Lutheran, Apple Valley and Kennedy in the past.  He has to replace all 5 starters.  Senior guard Tobias Berge (4.8 PPG) is the most experienced returnee.  Brian Maloy returns on the wing.  A group of sophomores who started on JV last year will look to step into bigger roles.

Predicted Order of Finish

1. Maranatha  
2. Legacy
3. Concordia
   
4. St. Croix Lutheran  
   
5. St. Croix Prep 
6. New Life    
7. Trinity 
8. Nova Classical  
9. St. Agnes 
   

Conference Overview
The league membership change looks like soccer relegation.  Legacy moves up from the MCAA.  Cristo Rey departs for the EMAC.  Maranatha is the heavy favorite here with most everybody back and adding Marcus Marshall.  Legacy also has plenty coming back so I'll pick them to make a push for the next spot in their inaugural season in the league.  After that, most everybody has major pieces to replace.  Concordia and St. Croix Lutheran should battle for the 3rd spot.  St. Croix Prep is the best of the rest and it drops off after that.  Nova, Trinity and New Life should be a fun battle for 6th.  I'll give New Life the nod here as they return the most.  Trinity and St. Agnes have entire lineups to replace.

Conference MVP: Marcus Marshall Jr - Maranatha

Underclassmen to watch: 

• Zeid Ndiaye, Jake Smith - Concordia
• Silas Kardell - Legacy 
• Colin Michaelis, Jeremiah Rupp - New Life
• Elias Taylor - Nova 
• Henry Canfield - St. Croix Prep 
• Jacob Bowden, Declan Cudd, Samuel Ekholm - Trinity

Conference Games to Watch

• Legacy at Maranatha - Dec 19th
• Maranatha at Concordia - Jan 26th 
• Maranatha at Legacy - Feb 3rd 

Non-Conference Games to Watch

• Legacy at Becker - Dec 2nd  
• Maranatha at Lake City - Dec 6th 
• Maranatha vs Twin Cities Academy - Dec 26th (Capitol City Classic at UNW-SP) 
• Maranatha vs SW Christian - Dec 27th (Capitol City Classic at Bethel) 
• Minneapolis North at Maranatha - Jan 29th
• Blake at Maranatha - Feb 10th 
• Legacy at Spectrum - Feb 12th 
• Breck at Maranatha - Feb 24th 
• St. Paul Highland Park at Concordia - Feb 24th (Concordia all-time leading scorer Zach Towle returns home as Highland Park coach)

2025-26 MCAA Preview

This is the 4th preview in my 2025-26 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 (2024-25 season 11-17, Independent)
CHOF moves into the MCAA for basketball only after being an independent.  4 seniors need to be replaced.  They will return Sawyer Okerstrom inside.  Guard Elias Bratzel also returns to the starting lineup.  Soph guard Nolan Sarbacker is poised to have a breakout season.  8th grade guard Chase Sarbacker should also see plenty of minutes.

Eagle Ridge Academy Gryphons (2024-25 season 13-14, 4-4 Conference, Tie 2nd South)
The Gryphons program has a new leader this year in Kalvin O'Neal.  Leading scorer Nils Johansson (16.8 PPG) is the biggest lost.  The junior guard duo of King Davis and Mo Moassaquoi combined for over 25 PPG last season and will be the catalyst this season.  Seniors Andrew Brakel and Braxton Ray return to the perimeter rotation as well.  Forwards Evan Hansen and Oliver Kelash will have to be replaced inside.  Seniors Hamza Said (5.3 PPG) and Chris Asuma (5.4 PPG) are the main options there.

Heritage Christian Academy Eagles (2024-25 season 25-7, 8-0 Conference, 1st South)
Heritage's outstanding 2025 class carried them all the way to the state tournament where they lost in the quarters to state champion Dawson-Boyd.  It was only the 2nd class ever to have 4 1000 point scorers.  Now coach Tim Herman has to replace 6 seniors and rebuild the roster.  Wing Griffin Booms (5 PPG) is the only returning starter.  Junior forward Aaron Palmer averaged 11 PPG last season backing up Minnesota football recruit Abu Tarawallie inside.  He'll be the top option this season.  Senior wing Jesper Synstelien will also see a much expanded role.

Lakes International Language Academy Dragons (2024-25 season 0-26, 0-8 Conference, 5th North)
Soph PG Jackson Dowd (9.9 PPG) returns to lead a roster that took its lumps last season.  Senior guard Matthew Deimer joins him in the backcourt.  Soph Zakariya Ndiaye and Henry Selby lead the front line.

Liberty Classical Academy Lions (2024-25 season 25-4, 8-1 EMAC, 2nd)
The Lions move into the MCAA after back to back trips to the EMAC championship game.  Coach John Towle returns his entire roster and looks to make a big run in the north division.  That includes EMAC MVP Sam Rupnow (26.6 PPG) and Ethan Richter (20.5 PPG) on the wing.  Those seniors combine with junior PG Cruz Triana (11.1 PPG) to form a formidable perimeter trio.  William Gilbert and Eric Kneen are the top front line options.

Math and Science Academy Dragons (2024-25 season 11-15, 3-8 EMAC, 5th)
Rich Berkley takes over the program.  He was previously on the Eagle Ridge Academy staff.  Math and Science also moves to the MCAA from the EMAC.  They'll join CHOF in the south division.  It'll be a transition year with a new coach and 4 new starters.  The front line of Tomi Taiwo and Adam Olaoye has graduated along with guards David Musherure and Noah Gebe.  The top 2 scorers do return though.  Junior Jacob Balami (9.7 PPG) and soph Elisee Voumadi (8.8 PPG) are a guard duo that the Dragons can build around.

Mayer Lutheran Crusaders (2024-25 Season 13-14, 4-4 Conference, Tie 2nd South)
Mayer Lutheran has to replace a big chunk of their rotation.  They lose leading scorer Nate Lindesmith along with 5 other seniors.  They also lose soph star Chase Maetzold who has transferred to Chaska.  Junior guard Ben Lindesmith and soph wing Carter Neitzel are the top returnees.  Size will be a question mark. Frosh guard Dylan Sunde could move up from JV and contribute.

North Lakes Academy Huskies (2024-25 season 7-20, 2-6 Conference, 4th North)
New head coach Brian Schlief lost the last game of last season at Maple Lake to North Lakes.  If you can't beat them, join them! I kid, I kid.  (Czar's Correction: Maple Lake actually won that game)  He has to replace the top 2 scorers including 13.4 PPG from lone double figure scorer DJ Dillard.  Senior guards Levi Molitor (7.5 PPG, top returning scorer) and Micah Schlock will be top options.  Very little scoring punch or size to go with them.

PACT Charter Panthers (2024-25 season 14-13, 4-4 Conference, 3rd North)
The Panthers lose leading scorer Tim Cherenkevich (15.2 PPG) but have a nice duo to build around.  Soph guard Fred Onyinkwa (12.1 PPG) and senior forward Jayden Busch (11.5 PPG) will be their inside/out duo.  Wing Caleb Engelhart (7.6 PPG) also returns to the starting lineup.  Depth will need to step up as the entire bench rotation graduated.  That could come from soph forward Lucas Novitsky who averaged 3.9 PPG last season.

Spectrum Sting (2024-25 season 22-8, 7-1 Conference, Tie 1st North)
Assistant CJ Maternoski takes over the program after Tom Terhaar took the Chisago Lakes job.  In an innovative move (expected from a UW guy), my sources tell me that he's also added a "Get Back" coach to the staff to make sure no game winners are called off.  Spectrum graduates 2 starters from a roster where all 5 starters averaged double figures.  The Sting also lose star forward Bryce Gaustad (16 PPG) who is now at Anoka.  Guards Eli Miller (10.3 PPG) and Cody Benson (12.9 PPG) return in the starting lineup.  This is another roster where the bench was all seniors so the depth will not be experienced.  Big question on how they retool the front court.

United Christian Academy Thunder (2024-25 season 16-12, 2-6 Conference, Tie 4th South)
2013 Bethany Academy grad Roy Mould returns to his alma mater as new head coach.  Senior guards Josiah Hendley and Sam Rich will be the top offensive options.  Weston Trenz, Thomas Serafin and Andrew Rich join them in the backcourt.  They'll need to find an option to replace forward Ashton Trenz on the front line.

West Lutheran Warriors (2024-25 season 8-21, 2-6 Conference, Tie 4th South)
Leading scorer Brandon Knebel (15.7 PPG) returns to lead the Warriors.  Junior forward Bennett DeRoiser returns with him on the front line.  Three other double figure scorers need to be replaced. Seniors Micah Schroeder, Seth Pfotenhauer, Brady Klatt, Jack Nelson and Magnus Nelson all saw time last season with Schroeder being the main rotation guy of those.

Predicted Order of Finish

North Division 

1. Liberty Classical 
2. Spectrum  
3. Heritage Christian
4. PACT
5. North Lakes
6. Lakes International

South Division 

1. Mayer Lutheran
2. CHOF
3. West Lutheran 
4. Eagle Ridge 
5. United Christian
6. Math & Science 

Conference Overview
Legacy Christian departs for the Skyline.  The league adds CHOF (basketball only), Math & Science and Liberty Classical.  The league will stay with North and South Divisions.  CHOF and Math & Science join the south division while Liberty will play in the north division.  Defending champion Heritage will flip from the south to north to make up the 2 divisions of 6 teams each.  Once again there are no league crossover games until the 1 day conference showcase in late February.

As to the divisions, the north is the much stronger division with 2 heavyweights at the top in Spectrum and Liberty.  Spectrum is the defending champ which is hard to ignore. However, they have a new coach and lost their bench and top forward.  Liberty beat them in last year's season opener and has everybody back.  Give me the new kids on the block to win it.  Heritage and PACT will battle for the 3rd spot.  North Lakes and LILA are both rebuilding.

In the south, I think its really balanced with no team that sticks out at the top or bottom.  Mayer Lutheran has a couple nice pieces returning.  CHOF has the best balance but plenty to replace.  United Christian and East Ridge are strong at the guard spots.  West Lutheran's front line may be the best.  Math & Science may take a year to adjust to the league but their guard play is solid.  

Conference MVP: Sam Rupnow - Liberty Classical

Underclassmen to watch: 

• Chase Sarbacker, Nolan Sarbacker - CHOF 
• Max Voelker - Heritage Christian 
• Gunner Hegseth, Jude Brennan - Liberty Classical 
• Elisee Voumadi - Math & Science
• Carter Neitzel, Dylan Sunde - Mayer Lutheran 
• Micah Molitor - North Lakes 
• Fred Onyinkwa, Lucas Novitsky - PACT 
• Thomas Serafin, Andrew Rich - United Christian 

Conference Games to Watch

• Liberty at Spectrum - Jan 6th
• Spectrum at Liberty - Jan 27th 
• Conference Showcase Day - Feb 21st (cross-division games)
  

Non-Conference Games to Watch

• Spectrum at Blake - Dec 2nd
• Liberty Classical vs Madelia - Dec 13th (Tipoff Classic at Edina) 
• Western Christian (IA) at Spectrum - Jan 2nd
• Hiawatha at Spectrum - Feb 5th
• Legacy Christian at Spectrum - Feb 12th 

2025-26 EMAC Preview

This is the 3rd preview in the 2025-2026 season preview series.  For a list of all the season previews and how they are done, click here.

Academy for Sciences and Agriculture Eagles (2024-25 season 2-13, 2-8 Conference, 6th)
Guard Tim Williams has graduated leaving a major hole in the lineup.  Junior center Dakota Bergerson and junior guard James Aung return to the starting lineup.  Soph guard Jordan Thao also returns to the starting lineup.

Avail Academy Valor (2024-25 season 20-5, 11-1 Conference, 1st)
It looks like a rebuilding season at The Crash Pad.  5 seniors graduate from the rotation.  Junior wings Carsten Bruin and Elijah Brockmeier look to the guys to build around.  Seniors Noah Bandstra and Carter Gray look to man inside and guard spots respectively.

Community of Peace Academy Tigers (2024-25 season 7-18, 4-6 Conference, 4th)
Youth will lead the Tigers this season.  Juniors Kahriel Taylor (10.1 PPG) and Pierre Glass-McCoy (8.5 PPG) join soph Zachary Dimmick-Shaw (7.2 PPG) as a guard trio that will lead them.  Junior center Joey Myatt is a big body inside that is tough to guard.  Only 2 seniors return so this group will continue to be the main guys.

Cristo Rey Jesuit Pumas (2025-25 season 2-25, 0-16 Skyline, 9th)
Former Twin Cities Academy head coach Darrell Moffit takes over the Pumas program.  He'll return most of last year's roster.  Lefty guard Genric Lenoir leads the guard returnees.  Junior forward DeAaron Garner returns as the top option up front.

Groves Academy Griffins (2024-25 season, No Team)
Appears they played a JV only schedule last season. This season it looks like they will do the same.

Hmong Academy Warriors (2024-25 season 3-14, 0-5 Conference, 7th)
The record is misleading as the Warriors found out midway thru the season that they had to forfeit games due to an ineligible player.  Insert your own punish Cleveland St because Kentucky cheated joke here.  They'll have plenty of experience with a handful of seniors returning.  Minimal size though.  Guard Kaleb Vang will be one of the leaders of the offense.

Twin Cities Academy/Great River Tigers (2024-25 season 12-14, 6-5 Conference, 3rd)
Guard Jamal Randle has graduated leaving a 27.6 PPG hole in the lineup.  Wing Harper O'Dowd also needs to be replaced in the starting lineup.  Senior guard Jacob Stiele (23.8 PPG) is poised for a monster sesaon and on the short list of league MVP candidates.  Seniors Kingston Normil and Princeton Normil return at the center spot.  Juniors Jamarrion Atkins (8.3 PPG) and Jahlil Martin (5.3 PPG) are the top guys to replace Randle's scoring.  Soph wing Randy Carter also returns to the starting lineup.

Predicted Order of Finish

1. Twin Cities Academy
2. Avail Academy
3. Cristo Rey Jesuit
4. Community of Peace Academy
5. Hmong Academy
6. AFSA

Conference Overview
More changes in the EMAC this season.  League champion Liberty Classical Academy and Math & Science Academy have departed for the MCAA.  Cristo Rey moves in from the Skyline.  Looks like Hope Academy, Prairie Seeds and The International School of Minnesota/Chesterton co-op may be members now too but not sure of that so I left them out for now.  All of them would be in the top half of the league.  Hiawatha has been a member but has also played a independent schedule the last couple of years so I'm leaving them out but they'd be right at the top if included. 

I think there's a definite divide between the top half and bottom half of the league.  Twin Cities Academy becomes the favorite with a ton coming back.  Cristo Rey and Community of Peace also have a lot back but struggled.  Avail is a league powerhouse but they have so much to replace.  So the race for 2-4 should be very interesting.  Hmong Academy is definitely the best of the rest.  AFSA still building.  Groves not ranked as they appear to be JV only again.

Conference MVP: Jacob Stiele - Twin Cities Academy

Underclassmen to watch: 

• Jordan Thao - AFSA
• Ezra Aune, Andon Vande Glind - Avail Academy
• Zachary Dimmick-Shaw, Lucky Yang, Antuan Garcia - Community of Peace Academy 
• Randy Carter - Twin Cities Academy

Conference Games to Watch

• Twin Cities Academy vs Avail (no date available)
• EMAC Conference Championship (TBD) 

Non-Conference Games to Watch

• Twin Cities Academy vs Maranatha - Dec 26th (Capitol City Classic at UNW-SP) 
• Twin Cities Academy at Hiawatha - Jan 22nd