2021-22 Season In A Nutshell

The Czar's 2021-2022 Season Preview series concludes with the traditional Season In A Nutshell preview.  This is a higher level season overview for casual fans who don't eat, sleep and breathe hoops.  Its who and what you need to see and when and where to see it.  If you missed any of the 13 conferences or 125 teams covered in the previews, a full list of them can be found here.

New Coaches
Jeremy Hable - Andover
Jesse Jefferson - Anoka
Lance Pettis - Blaine
Spencer Waldvogel - Centennial
Aaron Kloeppner - Champlin Park
Kris Babler - Eagle Ridge Academy
Kyle McDonald - Forest Lake
Trent Davis - Irondale
John Towle - Liberty Classical Academy
Mario Reese - Mounds Park Academy
Robbie Whitney - New Life Academy
Rob Ware - Robbinsdale Armstrong
Chris Pierce - St. Agnes
Saladin Wright - St. Paul Highland Park
Khalid El-Amin - St. Thomas Academy
Matt Hendley - United Christian
Dan Rubischko - Waconia
Greg Burke - White Bear Lake

The NW Suburban sees almost half of its members turn the page with 6 new coaches this season.  3 new coaches in the Suburban East as well.  A majority of the new hires stayed with in-house connections.  St. Thomas Academy and Forest Lake swung for the fences with the 2 highest profile hires.  17 of the 64 coaches in class AAAA have 1 year experience or are new this season.  That's over 25% of the class.

10 Notable Local Events (excluding holiday tourneys)

• Southside Showcase - Dec 11th (Minnehaha)
  
• Breakdown Tipoff Classic - Dec 11th (Hopkins)
• Breakdown Big 12 Classic - Dec 18th (Totino-Grace)
• Rumble on the River - Dec 18th (Hiawatha Collegiate) 
• Hall of Fame Winter Classic - Jan 15th (Anoka-Ramsey)
  
• MBBCA MLK Cultural Games - Jan 17th (Macalester)
• Dream Classic - Jan 17th (Minneapolis Roosevelt)
• Border Battle - Jan 22nd (Minneapolis North)
• South Metro Showcase - Jan 22nd (Burnsville)
• Breakdown Community Clash - Jan 29th (STMA)

10 Non-Conference Games to Watch (single game events only)

• Shakopee at Wayzata - Dec 14th
• Minnehaha at Park Center - Dec 18th 
• De La Salle at Benilde-St. Margaret's - Dec 21st
  
• De La Salle at Minneapolis North - Jan 8th 
• Chicago Whitney Young at Totino-Grace - Jan 8th
  
• Minnehaha at Wayzata - Jan 11th
• Hopkins at Minneapolis North - Jan 25th
  
• Cretin-Derham Hall at De La Salle - Feb 19th
• Columbia Heights at Minnehaha - Feb 24th
  
• Wayzata at Minneapolis North - Feb 28th
  

10 Conference Games to Watch

• De La Salle at Columbia Heights - Jan 11th
• Wayzata at Hopkins - Jan 18th
  
• Park Center at Totino-Grace - Jan 21st 
• Cretin-Derham Hall at East Ridge - Jan 28th
  
• Central at Johnson - Feb 1st
  
• Columbia Heights at De La Salle - Feb 4th 
• Hopkins at Wayzata - Feb 11th
  
• Totino-Grace at Park Center - Feb 18th
• Shakopee at Eastview - Feb 24th
• Robbinsdale Cooper at Benilde-St. Margaret's - Mar 1st
  

10 Impact Transfers

• Donavhan Cain - Beloit Turner (WI) to Cretin-Derham Hall
• Cam Holter - Holy Angels to Minneapolis Southwest
• Aiden Johnson - Heritage Christian to Legacy Christian
  
• Cohen Kellogg - Minnetonka to Orono
  
• Ahjany Lee - Byron to Totino-Grace
  
• Brandon Melchior - Elk River to Cretin-Derham Hall
  
• Payton Mogire - Maple Grove to Robbinsdale Armstrong
• CJ O'Hara - Totino-Grace to Hopkins
  
• Cody Pennebaker - St. Francis to Park Center
• Gani Stevens - St. Anthony to Minneapolis North

Also note that 2 local high-major recruits, Camden Heide (Wayzata) and Josh Ola-Joseph (Osseo), have left the state for prep school. They are at Wasatch Academy (UT) and Compass Prep (AZ) respectively. 

10 Upperclassmen to Watch

• Carter Bjerke - Wayzata (U of St. Thomas)
  
• Kendall Blue - East Ridge (U of St. Thomas)
• Braeden Carrington - Park Center (Minnesota)
• Taison Chatman - Totino-Grace
  
• Alonzo Dodd - South St. Paul
  
• Tre Holloman - Cretin-Derham Hall (Michigan St)
  
• Ahjany Lee - Totino-Grace (U of St. Thomas)
  
• Pharrel Payne - Park of Cottage Grove (Minnesota)
• Demarion Watson - Totino-Grace (Iowa St)
• Nolan Winter - Lakeville North
  

10 Underclassmen to Watch

• Casmir Chavis - De La Salle
• Daniel Freitag - Bloomington Jefferson
• Randy McClendon - De La Salle
• Mercy Miller - Minnehaha
• Grayson Okoronkwo - Blake
• Chiang Ring - Minneapolis South
• Jack Robison - Lakeville North
• Andy Stefonowicz - Minnetonka
• Jerome Williams - Minneapolis South
• Max Woods - Chanhassen

10 Local Teams to Watch

• Columbia Heights
  
• Cretin-Derham Hall
  
• Eastview
  
• Minneapolis North
  
• Minnehaha Academy
• Park Center
  
• Shakopee
  
• South St. Paul
  
• Totino-Grace
  
• Wayzata
  

Active Streaks of 20 Games Or More In Conference Play

• Minneapolis North - 60 wins
• 36 home wins.  Last loss was 2/6/15 vs South
• 30 road wins.  Last loss was 2/5/16 at Minneapolis Washburn
• Minnehaha - 37 wins.  Last loss was 2/6/15 at St. Paul Academy
• 22-0 home record all-time in IMAC play
• St. Croix Prep - 34 wins including last 8 wins in the MCAA.
• 20 home wins.  Last home loss was 2/9/18 vs New Life Academy
• Hill-Murray - 33 road losses.  Last road win was 2/10/17 at South St. Paul.
• Minneapolis Roosevelt - 27 losses.  Last win was 2/1/19 vs Washburn
  
• Anoka - 25 losses.  Last win was 1/21/20 vs Rogers
  
• Nova Classical Academy - 25 losses
• 0-25 all-time in Skyline play
  
• Mounds Park Academy - 23 losses.  Last win was 2/9/18 at home.
• 65 road losses including their years in the Tri-Metro.  Last road conference win was at St. Paul Academy 2/1/2008
• Chaska - 20 home wins.  Last home loss was 2/13/18 vs Bloomington Jefferson
  
• St. Paul Central - 20 road wins.  Last road loss was 2/5/18 at St. Paul Johnson

Section Winners

We gave thoughts on 13 conferences plus independents.  I'll match that here with predictions for the winners of 14 metro area sections.  That includes all the 6 local A,AA and AAA sections and all 8 AAAA sections.

4A: The story here is current and former MCAA.  Legacy holds the current MCAA and section crown.  Former MCAA members New Life (dropping down from 4AA) and Trinity will also make noise here.  CHOF is always a potential threat.  Hope and Kaleidoscope will fill up the scoreboard.  It should be a very competitive section.  Most of those competitors play each other so things will be more clear late in the season.  Give me Legacy to repeat here.

4AA: Minnehaha moves back to their usual section.  With high-major talents Mercy Miller and Prince Aligbe leading the way, they are the heavy favorites in a very weak section. Don't be surprised to see double-digit teams with a below .500 record here.

5AA: Minneapolis North returns a strong guard group led by Willie Wilson.  Plus they add Gani Stevens inside.  They remain the heavy favorite here.  Maranatha and Blake look to be other contenders here.  Hiawatha has plenty of experience back and a quality PG in Jessye Lewis but their EMAC schedule will hurt them here.

3AAA: A real contrast in this section looms in the section final.  On 1 side, you have traditional power De La Salle (last year's section 6 winner) and their defensive minded style.  On the other, you have upstart South St. Paul and their high powered offensive system.  PG Alonzo Dodd is the head of the snake for South St. Paul.  Devin Newsome and Shawn West-Zimpel are wings who can fill it up.  De La Salle can counter with their own strong perimeter trio.  Junior Nasir Whitlock had a breakout summer and will lead the offense.  Sophomores Randy McClendon and Casmir Chavis join him.  Give me South St. Paul here.
4AAA: A heavyweight matchup between neighbors Totino-Grace and Columbia Heights looms in the section final.  Totino-Grace is arguably the state favorite so I take them here.  Despite graduating a ton of depth and losing CJ O'Hara, the addition of Ahjany Lee from Byron keeps them loaded.  Remember they had the lead with 6 min left vs Minnehaha in the section final last year.  PG Tommy Chatman looks poised for a big season.  Heights returns basically everybody from a team that was in the top 3 of the polls all year.  Their wing duo of Muja Burton and Hassan Kamara leads the way and they have size to try to match the big Totino-Grace front line.

6AAA: This is the deepest section top to bottom of the group listed here.  Wright County reps Mound-Westonka and Hutchinson will both make noise here and Delano isn't anything to sneeze at.  Hutch's Sam Rensch could put a team on his back.  From the Tri-Metro, you have last year's section 3AAA state qualifier, Richfield, returning a couple of quality pieces.  Holy Angels is no slouch here either.  From the Metro West, you have a talented Orono squad plus my pick to win the league and this section Benilde-St. Margaret's.  Their duo of Maddox Alipate and Daniel Ijadimbola should carry the day.

1AAAA:  Owatonna is the pick to repeat here.  Their strong guard duo of Brayden Williams and Ty Creger plus forward Evan Dushek all return to the lineup.  Lakeville North returns to the section that they've won the last 8 times they've played in it but they're a year away from doing it again.  Lakeville South will also contend here.

2AAAA: Shakopee returns almost everybody from last year's state semifinalist team that knocked out Owatonna.  They have to be the pick here with Nick Katona leading the way.  Chaska plus the strong Lake Conference group of Eden Prairie, Edina and Minnetonka make it a difficult section.

3AAAA: I'm taking Eastview here with their reloaded roster and the experience of Kenji Scales.  But last year's teams in the section final can make plenty of noise here too.  Minnesota commit Pharrel Payne looks to lead Park back to the final.  Caleb Siwek put Rosemount on his back last year and should do the same again this year.

4AAAA: Cretin-Derham Hall made the state final last year with Tre Holloman playing a do everything role.  The Raiders have reloaded around him and are the heavy favorite here.  East Ridge has a strong backcourt of Kendall Blue and Alex Mattes.  If they can find front court play, they can be dangerous here.

5AAAA:  Sneaky tough section here with Park Center as the favorite. The Pirates return Minnesota commit Braeden Carrington to lead a very talented roster.  Their rival Osseo returns plenty of experience and talent.  Mounds View has a pair of talented guards coming back.  Spring Lake Park and Maple Grove are sleepers here.

6AAAA: Wayzata and Hopkins are again the favorites here.  Very strong perimeter play for both squads.  I'll take the defending state champs Wayzata.  The 2 Robbinsdale schools will look to give them a run. 

7AAAA:  There are 5 new coaches in this section including a 3rd member of the McDonald family with Kyle taking over at Forest Lake.  Duluth East loses 2 stars but they get Will Van Scoy back from injury.  They'll feature experienced guard play plus major breakout candidate Isaac Nyakundi inside replacing Noah Paulson.  That's more than enough to win this section of rebuilding teams.

8AAAA: Maple Grove has owned this section in recent years but they've moved to section 5.  That leaves the section for Buffalo's taking.  The trio of Antonio Bluiett at the point, Zach Zrust up front and Will Pool on the wing carries the Bison to the state tourney.

Season Thoughts

After 5 straight season, it looks like Minnesota won't have a McDonald's All-American representative.  Despite that, the class of 2022 is as deep as we've seen.  8 high-major kids from the state as of now.  Minnesota and St. Thomas with 3 local commits each.  That should make for a very entertaining season with lots for the local fan to follow.  Quality depth at the top of AA, AAA and AAAA should make for some very exciting state games.  Note that the state tourney site is yet to be determined as Target Center is booked with the Timberwolves.  Sounds like everything will be at held at the U of Minnesota this season.

As to individual conferences, the EMAC, MCAA and Metro East will be in down years.  More tough seasons ahead in the Metro West, NW Suburban and Lake.  The Minneapolis and St. Paul city leagues see their traditional recent powers continue to thrive.

Great to see the local events back.  The Breakdown has its usual loaded Big 12 and Tipoff Classic events.  Plus they now have the Capitol Classic over the holidays which takes over the old U of St. Thomas holiday tourney spot.  The Southside Showcase and Hall of Fame Winter Classic are also back on the schedule.  Plus you have the Border Battle at Minneapolis North this year. 

The predictions and off season work are in, bulletin board material has been put up.  Let's get to it.  Time to #ShockTheCzar.

2021-22 Lake Conference Preview

This is the 14th preview in my 2021-2022 season preview series.  In this preview, I finish my look at my normal list of conferences with a look at the Lake Conference.  For a list of all the season previews and how they are done, click here.

Buffalo Bison (2020-21 season 7-9, 4-8 Conference, Tie 4th)
Buffalo returns 4 of their top 5 scorers to the starting lineup this season.  Antonio Bluett (18.1 PPG) and defensive pest Carter Jackson (7.3 PPG) take care of the perimeter spots.  Forward Zach Zrust (13.7 PPG) can play inside and out.  Will Pool (8.5 PPG) returns on the wing.  Carson Giddings provides guard depth.  No real size behind Zrust in the lineup.

Eden Prairie Eagles (2020-21 season 12-7, 6-6 Conference, 3rd)
Coach David Flom returns 2 double figure scorers from last season.  That includes matchup nightmare Chiddi Obiazor (16.1 PPG) at a forward spot.  The junior forward had a breakout season last year.  He's took quick for bigs and too powerful for wings.  Senior lefty Miles Smith (10.3 PPG) provides a major shooting threat.  Junior Jermell Taylor also returns to the starting lineup.  Dalal Gaarhaye provides experienced size inside.  Matt Kelley will see time at a guard spot.

Edina Hornets (2020-21 season 7-10, 4-8 Conference, Tie 4th)
The Hornets return 3 significant pieces from last season.  Forward Brady Helgren (17.2 PPG) can score inside and shoot it.  The guard spots are strong with PG Sammy Presthus (10.7 PPG) and lefty SG Gabe Jobe (20.5 PPG).  Jobe was the league's top scorer last season.  Seniors Noah Deets, Dane Lusty and Jack Dickey will be the depth.  A strong youth movement awaits behind them.

Hopkins Royals (2020-21 season 12-5, 9-3 Conference, 2nd)
Elvis Nnaji returns to the front line after averaging 10.8 PPG.  Max Wilson and Tyrell Sappington return in the backcourt.  The Royals add CJ O'Hara from Totino-Grace and frosh Jaleel Donley who saw big varsity minutes at Bloomington Kennedy last year.  8th grader Jayden Moore figures to be in the strong perimeter rotation as well.

Minnetonka Skippers (2020-21 season 6-12, 4-8 Conference, Tie 4th)
Coach Bryce Tesdahl returns 3 double figure scorers to a young lineup.  Junior Jalen Cain (17.7 PPG), senior Vlad Ciubotaru (14.3 PPG) and soph PG Andy Stefoniwicz (10.5 PPG) all return.  They also add reinforcements in junior transfers Ibo El-Amin and Alex Jones.  Soph Will Koeppen also saw major minutes.  All of them are perimeter players so keeping that group happy with enough shots is a major question.  They struggled with interior play on both ends last season and their 2 main post players have graduated.

St. Michael-Albertville Knights (2020-21 season 6-13, 4-8 Conference, Tie 4th)
Three starters return for STMA.  Leading scorer Johnny Tennyson (15.3 PPG) returns to lead the perimeter group.  Fellow guard Riley Purcell (7.5 PPG) and forward Carson Radke also return to the lineup.  The 11.7 PPG from forward Wyatt Blakstvedt will be missed.

Wayzata Trojans (2020-21 season 19-2, 11-1 Conference, 1st)
The defending state champs have to replace 3 of their top 5 scorers.  That includes 2 graduations and top scorer Camden Heide (17.9 PPG) to Wasatch Academy (UT).  With Heide back, they were still the state AAAA favorite.  But the Trojans are still very talented.  Forward Carter Bjerke (14 PPG) and Drew Berkland (9 PPG) are the top 2 returning scorers and deadly from 3.  Juniors Hayden Tibbits and Spencer Hall figure to play bigger roles at the guard spots after seeing major minutes last season.

Predicted Order of Finish

1. Wayzata 
2. Hopkins
3. Eden Prairie
4. Edina
5. Buffalo
6. Minnetonka   
7. St. Michael-Albertville

Conference Overview
Wayzata still comes in as a favorite.  Hopkins and Eden Prairie will battle for 2nd behind them.  Then the next group of 3 could finish anywhere.  Edina and Buffalo both feature strong returning backcourts along with a talented inside forward.  Minnetonka has plenty of scorers but can they get stops?  That leaves only the last spot for STMA.  There's plenty of talent returning across the entire league.  That's after every team won at least 4 league games last year.  So expect each night to be a slugfest and another tight grouping in the standings.

Conference MVP: Carter Bjerke - Wayzata

Underclassmen to watch:  

• Brody Wishart - Buffalo
• JJ Sullivan - Eden Prairie
• Daniel Molhoek, Nick Presthus, Kole Hanson - Edina
• Jayden Moore, Jaleel Donley - Hopkins
• Andy Stefonowicz, Jordan Cain, Will Koeppen - Minnetonka
  
• Jackson McAndrew, Drep Nepstad - Wayzata

Conference Games to Watch

• Wayzata at Hopkins - Jan 18th
• Hopkins at Eden Prairie - Feb 8th
• Hopkins at Wayzata - Feb 11th
• Wayzata at Eden Prairie - Feb 18th

 Non-Conference Games to Watch

• Wayzata vs Totino-Grace - Dec 11th (Tipoff Classic)
• Shakopee at Wayzata - Dec 14th
• Wayzata vs Cretin-Derham Hall - Dec 18th (Big 12 Classic)
• Hopkins vs Osseo - Dec 18th (Big 12 Classic)
• Wayzata vs Osseo - Dec 29th (Capitol City Classic)
• Hopkins at Minneapolis North - Jan 25th
• Wayzata at De La Salle - Feb 24th
• Hopkins at De La Salle - Mar 1st

 

2021-22 South Suburban Conference Preview

This is the 13th preview in my 2021-22 Season Preview Series.  In this preview, we head south for a look at the South Suburban Conference.  For a list of all the season previews and how they are generated, click here.

Apple Valley Eagles (2020-21 season 4-15, 4-14 Conference, Tie 8th)
Apple Valley once again has to replace their top 3 scorers.  That includes Dylan Omweno (11.2 PPG) who is now at crosstown rival Eastview.  Junior forward Khalif Bettis (8.9 PPG) will lead the offense.  Quinn Ewald (6.6 PPG) also returns to the starting lineup as a hard working wing.  Mileo Patterson will see time on the front line as well.

Burnsville Blaze (2020-21 season 0-19, 0-18 Conference, 10th)
Burnsville loses 3 of their top 4 scorers from last year's squad.  Junior guard Henry Saykeo (9.1 PPG) leads the returning unit.  Nobody else averaged more than 3.7 PPG last season.  Brendan Affana-Shanks returns in the center spot.  Sterling Brown and Abdihamid Jama return at perimeter spots.

Eagan Wildcats (2020-21 season 6-13, 6-12 Conference, 7th)
Coach Kevin McKenzie returns 3 of his top 4 scorers from last season.  The junior duo of double figure scorers Oscar Khazon (13.7 PPG) and Emmanuel Schmitter (13.2 PPG) returns on the wings.  Khazon is a knock down shooter and Schmitter is a solid all around wing.  Logan Schmidt (6.6 PPG) returns to anchor the middle.  The experience of 8 seniors who all saw significant minutes will be missed.  Olana Mitoro and Mason Amann are main candidates to fill those minutes.

Eastview Lightning (2020-21 season 17-3, 16-2 Conference, 1st)
Eastview replaced all 5 starters last season and won the league outright.  Now they lose 6 of their top 7 scorers.  But the Lightning once again will reload and be a threat to win the league.  Kenji Scales (14.7 PPG) returns at the PG spot.  They also add Dylan Omweno from Apple Valley as another guard.  Juniors Mario and Myles Adams look to fill wing spots.  The front line is loaded with Jamal Ambrose and Chet Kloss.  Both are in the classic Eastview mold of bigs who can step away from the basket and shoot it.

Farmington Tigers (2020-21 season 12-8, 11-7 Conference, 6th)
The Tigers have to replace 4 of their top 6 scorers from last season.  Leading scorer Kyle Hrncir (13.8 PPG) returns to the lineup after a nice summer with WOTN.  Guard Sam Hoffman (6.9 PPG) and forward Zach Cochnauer (5.7 PPG) also return to the rotation.  Rod Finley and Connor Weed will also see major minutes.

Lakeville North Panthers (2020-21 season 13-7, 12-6 Conference, Tie 3rd)
It will be a youthful Lakeville North roster after graduating 3 of their top 4 scorers.  That includes a combined 26.5 PPG from Will Blascziek and Cooper Laufenburger.  3 juniors will lead the way.  That group features a pair of talented wings in Nolan Winter (11 PPG) and Hudson Vaith (5.6 PPG).  Add in soph lefty Jack Robison (4.1 PPG) and you have a nice core for the next 2 seasons. Seniors R'Moni Warner (5.9 PPG), Brayden Manning and Michael McDonald will see rotation time.

Lakeville South Cougars (2020-21 season 13-7, 12-6 Conference, Tie 3rd)
The Cougars have to replace 2 double figure scorers including star guard Reid Patterson (18.2 PPG) and Trystan Ressler (10.4 PPG).  The wing position will be deep with Avery Mast (12.2 PPG), Sam Fliehe (7.5 PPG) and lefty Connor Beauchamp.  Chase Androff returns to man the interior.  Junior Jackson Ressler is an option to run the show.

Prior Lake Lakers (2020-21 season 4-15, 4-14 Conference, Tie 8th)
Senior forward Malcolm Jones led the league in scoring at 20.2 PPG last season.  Expect that to happen again this season.  Kellan Miller (8.3 PPG) and PG Kyle Haas also return to the starting lineup.  Emmett McKush and Tommy Hjerpe are experienced guards in the rotation.

Rosemount Irish (2020-21 season 15-7, 12-6 Conference, Tie 3rd)
The Irish are coming off a state tournament season.  They gave Cretin-Derham Hall all they wanted in a 41-40 loss in the state quarters. Senior Caleb Siwek (20.1 PPG) is the top sniper in the league along with being a clutch player in crunch time.  I expect a monster season from him.  The next 3 scorers behind him need to be replaced.  That includes the 10.8 PPG, defense and leadership of guard Sean Sullivan.  Junior guard Anish Ramlall (6.1 PPG) should pick up much of that.  Carter Theisen and Sam Kuseske return to man in the interior.

Shakopee Sabers (2020-21 season 17-6, 13-5 Conference, 2nd)
Shakopee returns most of their balanced rotation from last season.  Forward Mick Wherley and his 10.8 PPG will be the hardest thing to replace.  The main key will be keeping leading scorer Cade McGraw (12 PPG) healthy at the point guard spot.  UMD commit Nick Katona (11.7 PPG) and Sam West are versatile forwards. Yonis Mohamud (7 PPG) can score in bunches from the shooting guard spot.

Predicted Order of Finish

1. Shakopee 
   
2. Eastview  
   
3. Rosemount
   
4. Lakeville North  
   
5. Lakeville South 
   
6. Eagan
   
7. Farmington 
8. Prior Lake 
   
9. Apple Valley
10. Burnsville 
    

Conference Overview:
Shakopee made the state tourney last year and has most of the roster back.  That makes them the pick here.  Eastview will reload and give them a stiff challenge.  The next 3 all tied for 3rd last season and that seems very plausible again as all return multiple pieces.  I'll put Rosemount at the top of the group thanks to their state qualification and return of Caleb Siwek.  Eagan loses experience but returns 2 top scorers and an experienced big. Combined with Farmington's losses, I'll flip-flop them in this year's standings.  Prior Lake has the best player of the rest. Apple Valley and Burnsville are in major rebuilds.

Conference MVP: Caleb Siwek - Rosemount

Underclassmen to watch:

• Jeremy Sherlock - Burnsville
  
• Jack Robison - Lakeville North
  
• Isaac Snell - Shakopee
  

Conference Games to Watch

• Eastview at Shakopee - Jan 28th
  
• Shakopee at Eastview - Feb 24th
  

Non-Conference Games to Watch

• Eastview at Chaska - Dec 3rd
• Eastview vs Maple Grove - Dec 11th (Tipoff Classic)
• Shakopee at Wayzata - Dec 14th
• Eastview at Minnehaha - Dec 14th
  
• Eastview vs Cretin-Derham Hall - Dec 30th (East Ridge Holiday Tourney)

2021-22 NW Suburban Conference Preview

This is the 11th preview in my 2021-2022 season preview series.  In this preview, a look at the Northwest Suburban Conference. For a list of all the season previews and how they are done, click here.

Andover Huskies (2020-21 season 13-6, 9-4 Conference, Tie 3rd)
Assistant Jeremy Hable takes over the Husky program.  He has to replace double figure scorer Calvin Foy (13.4 PPG).  Juniors Sam Musungu (16.1 PPG) and Ben Kopetzki (14.6) have plenty of experience to build around on the perimeter.  Kopetzki is a tough as nails point guard, Musungu is a defender and slasher.  Sam Angell returns to man the inside.  Joey Mallet is another possible option there.  Very limited experience and firepower beyond the top 3.

Anoka Tornadoes (2020-21 season 0-19, 0-13 Conference, 14th)
Former Bethel assistant Jesse Jefferson is the new head coach.  He returns most of the roster including the 2 double figure scorers.  Guards Keenan Rodriguez (12.9 PPG) and Jaypheth Nyamari (11.5 PPG) will lead the offense.  Jacob Duetschman and Grant Chapman provide size inside.

Blaine Bengals (2020-21 season 6-12, 4-8 Conference, 9th)
Assistant Lance Pettis takes the reins of the program.  Top scorer Sam Olson (12.2 PPG) graduated but the next 3 scorers return.  Senior forward AJ Kaul (12.1 PPG), soph SG Ethan Pettis (8.9 PPG) and senior Isaac Moin (7.2 PPG) lead the returning roster.  Seniors Jack Pelkey and Joe Beckman also return to the rotation.

Centennial Cougars (2020-21 season 2-17, 1-12 Conference, 13th)
Continuing the assistants take over theme, Spencer Valdvogel is the new Centennial head coach.  Leading scorer Mason Lindsay (10.9 PPG) has graduated after being the only double figure scorer last season.  Soph guard Ty Burgoon averaged 8.9 PPG after moving up to varsity.  Reese Neudahl (6.4 PPG) returns on a wing.  Kevin Jansa returns to provide size inside.

Champlin Park Rebels (2020-21 season 21-1, 13-0 Conference, 1st)
Former Rebel Aaron Kloeppner takes over the program.  He has to replace the league's top 2 scorers and the top 6 Rebels scorers from last season.  Center Francis Nwaokorie and PG Josh Strong combined for over 40 PPG last season.  Wing Ayo Taki (2.8 PPG) is the top returnee.  Ethan Lukandwa is the only other member of the rotation coming back.  Seniors Lorenzo Andrews, Laju Denedo, Branden Shaffa, Leo Juusola and Alex Gamber along with soph Luke Graff should comprise most of the rest of the lineup.

Coon Rapids Cardinals (2020-21 season 9-12, 4-9 Conference, 10th)
The Cardinals have to replace a pair of double figure scorers from last season including PG Jordan Doe (11.2 PPG).  They have 3 double figure scorers returning from a balanced lineup.  Wing MJ Galimah (17 PPG), forwards Elijah Smith (14.8 PPG) and Matt Ellingson (11.2 PPG) all return to the rotation.  Griffin Thom and forward Alex Beck also return to the experienced rotation.  Plenty of length to deploy in their 1-3-1 zone.

Elk River Elks (2020-21 season 6-12, 3-8 Conference, 11th)
Elk River returns 3 starters.  Cade Osterman (14.7 PPG) and PG Parker Behne (11.5 PG) lead the offense.  PF Caleb Gillquist (8.2 PPG) returns as the leader of the front line.  He'll see more interior touches with Brandon Melchior (13.1 PPG) transferring to Cretin-Derham Hall.  Mason Mattingly is the only other experience returnee to the rotation.

Maple Grove Crimson (2020-21 season 13-10, 9-4 Conference, Tie 3rd)
The Crimson have to replace the solid wing duo of Morgan Moore (13 PPG) and Terence Anthony-Larmouth (9.3 PPG) plus versatile forward Caden Boettcher (11.6 PPG).  They also lose center Payton Mogire to Robbinsdale Armstrong.  PG Jon Haakenson returns after leading the team in scoring last year with 13.2 PPG.  His recovery from a fall injury will be a big item to watch.  Junior center Lincoln Palbicki (6.9 PPG) also returns to the starting lineup.  Junior guard Raoul Vaidya returns to the rotation and can also handle PG duties.  The rest of the rotation will be inexperienced due to 7 seniors graduating.

Osseo Orioles (2020-21 season 11-9, 8-5 Conference, Tie 7th)
Coach Tim Theisen has to replace 2 of his top 3 scorers.  That includes Minnesota commit Josh Ola-Joseph (16.7 PPG) who was the leading scorer last season.  The uber athletic forward is off to prep school for his senior season.  Benard Omooria (10.3 PPG) and Tyriece Waits (8.4 PPG) return at the guard spots.  Blessed Barhayiga (7.4 PPG) returns at center.  Seniors Lewis Cargeor and Owen Dukowitz are experienced role guys that Osseo plugs in every year.  Trey Smith and soph Isaiah Johnson could also jump into the rotation.

Park Center Pirates (2020-21 season 15-6, 9-4 Conference, Tie 3rd)
The beat goes on for coach James Ware and the Pirates.  They have the top returning scorer in the league, Minnesota commit Braedon Carrington (18.1 PPG), at a guard spot.  Ayouba Berthe and Leo Torbor are athletic wings that return.  They also pick up wing Cody Pennebaker who scored 22.8 PPG at St. Francis last season.  James Spencer will do the dirty work in the middle.  Junior JJ Ware is the other experienced returnee.

Robbinsdale Armstrong Falcons (2020-21 season 12-8, 8-4 Conference, 6th)
Former Maranatha and Totino-Grace head coach Rob Ware has been given the reins of the program.  He needs to replace the 2 double-figure scorers from last season.  Guard D'sean Larkins and shooter Dylan Inniger combined for over 35 PPG last season.  Seniors Jamez Garner (7.4 PPG) and Peyton Newburn (8.2 PPG) return as top guards.  Devin Jones, junior Owen Skram (6.9 PPG) and soph Seth Newburn also return to the rotation.  Maple Grove transfer Payton Mogire takes over in the middle.

Rogers Royals (2020-21 season 5-14, 2-11 Conference, 12th)
Wing Michael Olowo (10.9 PPG) is the biggest lost from the rotation.  Guards Peyton Belka (17.9 PPG) and junior Easton Whitcomb (8.3 PPG) return to lead the offense.  Alex Bowman and Mitchell Jezierski return to the starting lineup.  Lefty Nick Gleason returns to the rotation and can provide some shooting.  They'll need to find size to replace Carter Daun (4.8 PPG) inside.

Spring Lake Park Panthers (2020-21 season 12-7, 8-5 Conference, Tie 7th)
The top 3 scorers from last season need to be replaced.  They combined for 39 PPG last season.  Breakout forward Logan Kinsey (9.4 PPG) will lead the way this season.  He'll play his college ball at Minnesota-Moorhead.  Nick Ojile (5.5 PPG) and Stephen Kesti will join him on the front line.  In the backcourt, Payton Thomsen (8.1 PPG) is a quality shooter.  Senior Jackson Weier will see time at the point guard spot.

Totino-Grace Eagles (2020-21 season 16-5, 11-2 Conference, 2nd)
Leading scorer CJ O'Hara (13.4 PPG) is now at Hopkins.  Another double figure scorer Devin Burger (10.7 PPG) has graduated along with plenty of quality depth.  Still plenty of riches for coach Nick Carroll.  Iowa St commit Demarion Watson (12.6 PPG) and Tommy Humphries (9.8 PPG) man the wings.  Junior Taison Chatman (12.6 PPG) returns at the point.  Byron transfer Ahjany Lee will man the inside along with Patrick Bath.  Bath can play a stretch 4 with both on the floor.  RJ Spencer and PJ Ebeling are options in the rotation as well.

Predicted Order of Finish

North Division

1. Maple Grove
   
2. Andover    
   
3. Coon Rapids 
4. Champlin Park 
   
5. Blaine
6. Centennial
7. Anoka
   

West Division

1. Totino-Grace 
   
2. Park Center
3. Osseo 
4. Robbinsdale Armstrong  
   
5. Spring Lake Park 
6. Rogers
7. Elk River 
   

Conference Overview:
After using a single round-robin schedule last season, the league reverts to its usual 2 division North and West format.  The league features 6 new head coaches this season.  As has been the case in recent memory, the North division is far weaker than the West division.  Division powers Champlin Park and Maple Grove have plenty of holes to fill but annually seem to reload.  Maple Grove with 2 solid guards and a tough matchup inside coming back makes them my favorite.  I'll move Andover up to second after their finish last season and 2 top guys returning.  Coon Rapids also moves up with most of their roster returning.  Champlin Park is a major wildcard here with a new coach and rebuilt roster.  Blaine has a couple of pieces to work with so I'll put them ahead of rebuilding Centennial and Anoka.

In the West, Totino-Grace and Park Center are state championship contenders in the top 2 classes and have to be the favorites.  I see Osseo having different chemistry and a redemption season after 2 straight seasons that weren't up to Osseo standards.  They'll get a stiff test from Armstrong and Spring Lake Park.  Spring Lake Park is strong up front and always tough at home, they'll be dangerous.  Elk River and Rogers are a notch below and will battle to stay out of the cellar.

Conference MVP: Braeden Carrington - Park Center   

Underclassmen to watch: 

• Anthony Howze - Anoka 
• Ethan Pettis - Blaine
• Ty Burgoon - Centennial
  
• Luke Graff - Champlin Park
  
• Isaiah Johnson - Osseo
• Seth Newburn - Robbinsdale Armstrong
  
• Zy'lierre Stewart- Totino-Grace

Conference Games to Watch

• Andover at Maple Grove - Jan 11th
  
• Park Center at Totino-Grace - Jan 21st
• Maple Grove at Toino-Grace - Jan 27th
  
• Maple Grove at Andover - Feb 4th
  
• Totino-Grace at Park Center - Feb 18th
• Park Center at Maple Grove - Feb 24th
  

Non-Conference Games to Watch

• Hopkins at Maple Grove - Dec 7th
  
• De La Salle at Park Center - Dec 9th
  
• Totino-Grace vs Cretin-Derham Hall - Dec 11th (Tipoff Classic)
• Park Center vs Wayzata - Dec 11th (Tipoff Classic) 
• Maple Grove vs Eastview - Dec 11th (Tipoff Classic)
  
• De La Salle at Totino-Grace - Dec 18th (Big 12 Classic)
  
• Minnehaha at Park Center - Dec 18th 
• Chicago Whitney Young (IL) at Totino-Grace - Jan 8th
  

2021-22 Metro West Conference Preview

This is the 10th preview in my 2021-2022 season preview series.  Its now time for the big schools with the mostly class AAAA leagues are now on the list of previews.  In this preview, a look at the expanded Metro West Conference.  For a list of all the season previews and how they are done, click here.

Benilde St. Margaret's Red Knights (2020-21 season 8-9, 4-7 Conference, 4th)
Coach Damien Johnson has a strong perimeter group.  Bemidji State commit Daniel Ijadimbola (12.7 PPG) and Sam Best return on the wings.  PG Maddox Alipate (11.6 PPG) returns to run the show.  They were the top 3 scorers a season ago.  That group also adds transfer Ryan Warren from Eden Prairie.  On the inside, freshman Jalen Wilson comes over from Breck to be the top interior option.

Bloomington Jefferson Jaguars (2020-21 season 11-9, 7-5 Conference, 3rd)
Jefferson loses most of their thin rotation including 2 of their 3 double figure scorers.  Soph Daniel Freitag (10.2 PPG) leads the offense.  He picked up offers from Minnesota and Wisconsin in the offseason.  Senior Aidan Atkins (8.2 PPG) is the only other returnee of note.  They again rely on slow tempo and execution.

Bloomington Kennedy Eagles (2020-21 season 2-16, 1-11 Conference, 7th)
PG Amarion Hanspard  (13.5 PPG) is a big loss from last season.  They also lose freshman Jaleel Donley (7.1 PPG) to Hopkins.  Senior post Christopher Martin (8.9 PPG) returns to lead the offense.  Juniors Marques Monroe and  Tajon Pearson returns to the lineup.  Seniors Ramone Walker and Dalton Smazal will also see significant minutes.

Chanhassen Storm (2020-21 season 3-10, 3-7 Conference, 5th)
Soph PG Max Woods leads the returning roster with 10.3 PPG last season.  Seniors Will Schleicher, Patrick Brick, Jaxon McDonald and Eli Sweeney return to the rotation.  Juniors wings Grant Muffenbier and Braden Barger also return and should be other main scoring options.  Eden Prairie transfer Christian Batchlor could also see minutes.

Chaska Hawks (2020-21 season 14-4, 11-1 Conference, Tie 1st)
Chaska has to replace the league's top scorer Luke Strazzanti (14.2 PPG) and 2 other double figure scorers.  The Hawks will be strong up front with center Brady Nicholson (9.2 PPG) and forward Jakobe Lyles (7.2 PPG) as the top returning scorers.  Matt Kallman and Cameron Walle figure to see time as the perimeter replacements.  But there is no real experience returning there.

New Prague Trojans (2020-21 season 5-14, 3-11 Wright County East Conference, 8th)
Leading scorer Andrew Nerud (14.1 PPG) graduated taking away the top scorer and main interior option.  Guards Ethan Chromy (11.4 PPG) and Matthew Kudrle man the guard spots.  Soph Carter Wilson backs them up.  Jaxon Short figures to take over Nerud's duties inside.

Orono Spartans (2020-21 season 9-9, 7-6 Wright County East Conference, Tie 3rd)
The Spartans lose their leading scorer Graham Beltrand (12.6 PPG) and a couple of solid interior options in Connor Chappell and Andrew Mandel.  They still have a strong core coming back though.  Senior shooter Sebastian Loder (8.6 PPG) is the top returning scorer.  Senior PG Cohen Kellogg also joins that strong group transferring in from Minnetonka.  Juniors Isaiah Hagen (8.5 PPG), Kyle Kallenbach and Grant Gunderson add to the strong perimeter group.  Seniors Jack Kopesky and Jake Farrell also return to the rotation.  Size is a question mark.

Robbinsdale Cooper Hawks (2020-21 season 15-3, 11-1 Conference, Tie 1st)
Cooper loses 3 important pieces from last year's roster including PG Bo Powell (10.2 PPG).  Davion Evans (13.3 PPG) was the team leader in scoring last season.  He leads a strong group coming back.  Prince Appiah, Joseph Russell and David Connors all also return as athletic forwards.  Point guard play and outside shooting are questions.  But they'll use their pressure defense to generate offense.

St. Louis Park Orioles (2020-21 season 3-13, 3-8 Conference, 6th)
Wing Paris Johnson (14 PPG) is the league's top returning scorer.  Blake Anderson and Will Dvorak also return to the starting lineup.  Evan Donesky and junior Stefano Giovannelli also return to the rotation.  Last year's 2 primary ballhandlers have graduated so keep an eye on point guard play.

Waconia Wildcats (2020-21 season 12-7, 8-5 Wright County East Conference, 2nd)
Former De La Salle assistant Dan Rubischko gets another crack at running a program.  Forward Spencer Swanson (20.1 PPG) and his interior presence will be sorely missed.  Joe Meath looks to be a primary candidate to replace his spot.  The scoring will be picked up by a solid group of perimeter returnees.  Noah Bonick (9.9 PPG), junior Ty Miller (8.2 PPG) and Wally Wisniewski (6.8 PPG) all return to the starting lineup with the ability to knock down shots.

Predicted Order of Finish

1. Benilde-St. Margaret's  
   
2. Robbinsdale Cooper  
   
3. Chaska
4. Orono
5. Waconia
6. Bloomington Jefferson
7. Chanhassen  
   
8. St. Louis Park
   
9. New Prague
10. Bloomington Kennedy 

Conference Overview
The largest set of league changes in the metro happens here.  New Prague, Orono and Waconia all join from the Wright County with dominoes falling from there.   I think Benilde St. Margaret's guards plus the addition inside of Jalen Wilson give them the most complete package in the league so I'll take them at the top.  That breaks the streak of Hawks winning the league every year which is only fitting with the new era of the league being ushered in.

Behind them you have a large group of quality teams with Chaska, Cooper, Orono and Waconia.  Chaska on the strength of their bigs.  Cooper on the strength of their athletes.  Orono has experience and can score it.  Waconia has to figure out inside play too but their strong perimeter play keeps them in the top half.  Then a drop off to everybody else.  Jefferson has the system and a star in Daniel Freitag so I'll take them next.  Chanhassen and St. Louis Park will battle them for that spot.  Then New Prague and Kennedy fight to stay out of the cellar.
 
Conference MVP: Maddox Alipate - Benilde-St. Margaret's

Underclassmen to watch:  

• Jalen Wilson, Xavier Lumpkin, Jayden Daisy - Benilde-St. Margaret's
• Daniel Freitag - Bloomington Jefferson
• Max Woods -  Chanhassen 
• Carter Wilson - New Prague
  
• Anthony Jones - Robbinsdale Cooper
  

Conference Games to Watch

• Chaska at Robbinsdale Cooper - Jan 4th
• Chaska at Benilde-St. Margaret's - Jan 11th
• Benilde-St. Margaret's at Robbinsdale Cooper - Jan 27th
• Robbinsdale Cooper at Chaska - Feb 4th
  
• Benilde-St. Margaret's at Chaska - Feb 11th
• Robbinsdale Cooper at Benilde-St. Margaret's - Mar 1st
  

Non-Conference Games to Watch

• Mound-Westonka at Benilde-St. Margaret's - Dec 7th
• De La Salle at Benilde-St. Margaret's - Dec 21st
  
• Benilde-St. Margaret's vs Richfield - Dec 30th (Capitol City Classic)
  

2021-22 Metro East Conference Preview

This is the 9th preview in my 2021-2022 season preview series.  This preview is for the Metro East Conference.  For a list of all the season previews and an explanation of how the previews are generated, click here.

Hastings Raiders (2020-21 season 8-10, 7-8 Conference, 5th)
Another year of heavy losses for the Raiders as 5 of the 6 scorers have graduated.  That includes 4 double figure scorers led by PG Japhe Gudissa (13.8 PPG).  Guard Michael Mitchell is the top returnee at 13.4 PPG.  Nobody else averaged more than 4 PPG last season.  Senior Axel Arnold and junior guard Kelvin Maher are the remaining experience.

Hill-Murray Pioneers (2020-21 season 2-14, 1-11 Conference, 9th)
Sam Yanz (13 PPG) was the main offensive option last season.  He has transferred to Tartan.  Center Eddie Reece (6.1 PPG) and lefty Rashad McKinley (5.9 PPG) will lead the offense.  Fellow senior Max Nicholson provides another scoring option.  Jack Schoenecker and Joseph Koch also return to the rotation.

Mahtomedi Zephyrs (2020-21 season 13-5, 10-4 Conference, 3rd)
Mahtomedi has juniors Will Underwood and Owen Carlson back to anchor the offense.  Underwood led the league in scoring last season at 23.6 PPG from his PG spot.  Carlson chipped in with 12.9 PPG on the wing.  Kole McKeown also returns after seeing major minutes.  The rest of the lineup is inexperienced.

North Polars (2020-21 season 6-10, 6-7 Conference, 6th)
The Polars have to replace 2 significant scorers in Murl Smith (16.6 PPG) and LaRon Thomas (12.6 PPG).  Forward Kendarius Daily will be a top option for the offense this season.  Plenty of interchangeable options for the rest of the roster.  Nino Johnson and D'Marion Suttles are 2 senior options there.  Juniors Javon Jackson and Ishmael Powell also return.

St. Thomas Academy Cadets (2020-21 season 3-11, 2-9 Conference, 7th)
Minnesota hoops legend Khalid El-Amin takes over the program. He has to replace his leading scorer and top big man Ryan Chamberlain (13.1 PPG).  Senior Nathan Johnson (8.8 PPG) should fill that role nicely.  The rest of the lineup is experienced perimeter players.  Juniors Michael Kirchner (10.6 PPG), Michael Thompson (8.2 PPG), Jack Chamberlain (8.2 PPG) aren't the biggest or most athletic guards but they've played 2 years and can shoot it.  Junior wing Anthony Bickford also returns with 2 years of experience.

Simley Spartans (2020-21 season 8-6, 7-5 Conference, 4th)
Guard Breyton Buysman (18.5 PPG) has graduated after being one of the league's top scorers.  Versatile wing RJ Jioklow (12.6 PPG) will be relied on to carry the offense.  Seniors Devin Robinson and Kevin Wormer return to the starting lineup at the SG and PF spots respectively.  Matt Kuefler also returns to the rotation.  Sophs Connor Binley and Tapio Niemioja should be rotation contributors too.

South St. Paul Packers (2020-21 season 19-2, 15-1 Conference, 1st)
The defending league champs are the front runner again.  As one of the top teams in AAA, they'll look to improve on last year's loss in the section final.  Forward Marquise Gleb (12.2 PPG) is the only notable loss from that roster.  PG Alonzo Dodd is a triple double waiting to happen every night and is the super charged engine to the explosive SSP offense.  Wings Devin Newsome (17 PPG) and Shawn West-Zimpel (15 PPG) can fill it up too.  Who mans the interior is the main question.

Tartan Titans (2020-21 season 13-5, 11-4 Conference, 2nd)
Coach Mark Klingsporn has to replace his inside out duo of Dewayne Thompson and Curtis Favors.  They combined for almost 25 PPG last season.  Forward D'Marco Chelley (9.2 PPG) leads the remaining roster.  Seniors Marko Vuckomanovich and AJ Burns provide solid wing options along with Hill-Murray transfer Sam Yanz.  This season will be the biggest question mark at point guard that the Titans have had in a long time.

Two Rivers Warriors (2020-21 season 3-14, 2-12 Conference, 8th)
Two Rivers is the new name for the former Henry Sibley high school.  Leading scorer Ethan Russell (10.4 PPG) graduated.  Soph wing Jaden Morgan (9.4 PPG) leads the returning cast.  Tre Michaels slots in at a guard spot.  Adam Lail and soph Max Mogelson provide interior options.  Eric Lail also returns to the lineup.

Predicted Order of Finish

1. South St. Paul 
   
2. Tartan
   
3. Mahtomedi  
   
4. Simley  
5. North 
   
6. St. Thomas Academy     
7. Two Rivers
   
8. Hastings  
   
9. Hill-Murray 

Conference Overview
South St. Paul stands alone at the top.  Tartan and Mahtomedi will be a good battle for 2nd.  Both will grind you out but Tartan does it on defense while Mahtomedi will do it with offensive execution.  Simley and North should battle behind them for the next 2 spots with their returnees.  The bottom half is going to struggle.  St. Thomas, Hastings and Henry Sibley Two Rivers could finish in any configuration.  Hill-Murray just doesn't have the firepower so I don't see them moving up.

Conference MVP: Alonzo Dodd - South St. Paul

Underclassmen to watch: 

• Aiden Hammond - North St. Paul 
• Luke Dobbs - St. Thomas Academy
  
• Connor Binley, Tapio Niemioja - Simley 
• Gavin Pendergast - South St. Paul
  
• Jaden Morgan, Max Mogelson - Two Rivers

Conference Games to Watch

• Mahtomedi at South St. Paul - Jan 4th
  
• Tartan at South St. Paul - Jan 18th
  
• South St. Paul at Tartan - Feb 18th
• South St. Paul at Mahtomedi - Mar 4th
  

Non-Conference Games to Watch

• Mahtomedi at Mounds View - Dec 3rd
  
• Richfield at Tartan - Dec 7th
  
• South St. Paul vs Mankato East - Dec 11th (Tipoff Classic)
• South St. Paul at Park of Cottage Grove - Dec 21st
  
• Tartan at Hopkins - Dec 21st
  
• South St. Paul vs Richfield - Dec 29th (Capitol City Classic)
• South St. Paul vs Minneapolis South - Dec 30th (Capitol City Classic)
  
• Mound-Westonka at South St. Paul - Jan 15th
  

2021-22 Minneapolis City Conference Preview

This is the 8th preview in my 2021-2022 season preview series.  We stay in city boundaries with the Minneapolis City Conference.  For a list of all the season previews, click here.

Edison Tommies (2020-21 season 9-3, 7-2 Conference, 2nd)
The Tommies have to replace the top 2 scorers in the league in wings Jabari Langley (24.7 PPG) and Johnny Spencer (18.1 PPG).  Liban Tushar (10.5 PPG) and junior forward Micah Young (7.2 PPG) lead the returning roster.  Junior guard Damari Lalley and senior Alie Donzo will also see plenty of time.

North Polars (2020-21 season 15-2, 9-0 Conference, 1st)
Larry McKenzie's program has won 60 straight league games and that doesn't figure to stop this season.  PG Willie Wilson (16.1 PPG) returns after leading the team in scoring last season.  Meiko Anderson (9.5 PPG), Mario Sanders and Jacob Butler all return on the wings.  The interior size of Marcus Owens and league MVP Davon Townley (15.2 PPG) will be greatly missed.  St. Anthony transfer Gani Stevens should step right into that center spot after averaging double figures last year.

Patrick Henry Patriots (2020-21 season 4-8, 4-6 Conference, 5th)
The Patriots return Karon Abdullah and Ajani Mcrae at guard spots.  Tay Hawkins also returns on the wing.  Forward Denzil Walker's scoring punch will be missed.

Roosevelt Teddies (2020-21 season 1-12, 0-11 Conference, 7th)
The Teddies struggles figure to continue this season.  They lose much of the minimal scoring punch that they had last season. Guard Quinton Brown (6.7 PPG) will be one of the primary options.  Soph Avery Wells will also see time.

South Tigers (2020-21 season 7-8, 6-5 Conference, 4th)
Sophs Jerome Williams (16.4 PPG) and De'Mari Larkins (8.1 PPG) return at the guard spots to lead the offense.  Junior DeWayne Givens (7.2 PPG) will join them.  Camren Smith (7.4 PPG) is another wing option.  Forward Chiang Ring (9.1 PPG) is the top front court option and a shot blocker inside.  Soph Christian Henderson will also see time inside.

Southwest Lakers (2020-21 season 9-8, 7-5 Conference, 3rd)
Wing Cam Holter returns after spending a year at Holy Angels.  The Lakers also return 5 of their top 6 scorers from last season.  Hakeem Ford (8.6 PPG) and Gabe Senseman-Cassidy (12.1 PPG) comprise a strong front line.  Preston Engen (10.3 PPG), Andrew Gregerson and Caden Sullivan are the core of experienced guards.

Washburn Millers (2020-21 season 3-9, 3-7 Conference, 6th)
Washburn returns their top 5 scorers from last season so there will be plenty of experience.  Soph post Kyle Jorgensen was the team leader in scoring at 8.1 PPG last season.  Jake Husaby, Rein Maegi, Cass Ramberg and Donovan Smith all averaged between 6 and 7 PPG last season.

Predicted Order of Finish

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

Conference Overview
North is still loaded and the heavy favorite.  Southwest and South should be a good battle for 2nd. They played 2 close games last season.  I'll take seniors over sophomores there.  Washburn also returns a ton so I'll take them as the best of the rest.  Henry and Edison have significant losses in the next tier.  Roosevelt's big league losing streak figures to continue.

Conference MVP: Willie Wilson - North

Underclassmen to watch:  

• Datrell McCrimmon - North
  
• Avery Wells - Roosevelt
• Jerome Williams, Chiang Ring, De'Mari Larkins, Camren Smith, Christian Henderson, Temi Omotoyinbo - South
  
• Kyle Jorgenson - Washburn
  

Conference Games to Watch

• Southwest at South - Jan 27th
  
• North at Southwest - Feb 8th
• North at South - Feb 17th
• South at Southwest - Mar 1st
  

Non-Conference Games to Watch

• South vs De La Salle - Dec 11th (Tipoff Classic) 
• South vs Park of Cottage Grove - Dec 29th (Capitol City Classic)
• South vs South St. Paul - Dec 30th (Capitol City Classic)
  
• De La Salle at North - Jan 8th
• Brookfield East (WI) at North - Jan 22nd (Border Battle) 
• Hopkins at North - Jan 25th
• East Ridge at North - Feb 19th
• Wayzata at North - Feb 28th
  

2021-22 St. Paul City Conference Preview

This is the 7th preview in my 2021-2022 season preview series.  Now that the private schools are mostly covered, its on to public schools.  We start with 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 (2020-21 season 11-3, 10-2 Conference, Tie 1st)
Central needs to replace 3 double figure scorers.  That includes wings Kaden Doram (13.1 PPG) and Gavin Gothard (10.6 PPG).  Senior PG Gideon Musabyimana (14.7 PPG) returns after leading the team in scoring.  Wing Jaylen Cardenas and Jakobe Baer-Taki are also seniors returning to the rotation.  Freshman Allan Lankford (4.4 PPG) and junior Ka'jon Jordan provide quality depth.

Como Park Cougars (2020-21 season 2-11, 2-10 Conference, 6th)
The Cougars return the league's top scorer in forward Donavan Clinton (21.1 PPG) along with just about everybody else from last year.  Amir Plair (12.9 PPG), Dylan Aarness and soph Mason Aarness provide the size.  The guards are small but quick led by Donnell Gibson and Jountay Kibble.

Harding Knights (2020-21 season 5-8, 5-7 Conference, 5th)
Harding has to replace their entire starting lineup.  That includes wing Salmen Ahmed (13.8 PPG) and power forward Alex Addai (13.4 PPG).  Adnaan Mohamed is the top returning scorer at 5.2 PPG.  Junior guards Veli Benjamin (5.2 PPG) and Robert Htoo also return to the rotation.  Jahaud Brown is the top returning option inside.

Highland Park Scots (2020-21 season 10-3, 10-2 Conference, Tie 1st)
Highland Park has to replace almost everyone from last year's conference champions.  That was a very successful group that won the Twin Cities freshman game and then finished with a league title.  They'll also have a new coach with Jesse McCann moving on to be the AD at Washington.  Junior Dillon Foster and senior Aden Langer are the 2 players returning.

Humboldt Hawks (2020-21 season 7-7, 6-6 Conference, 4th)
It looks to be a rebuilding year for Humboldt.  Guard Xavier Garcia (19.9 PPG) and wing Brian Williams (15.2 PPG) were the 2 big scoring threats.  They've both graduated along with most of the roster.  Unknown what they have returning but it looks like experience will be a major concern.

Johnson Governors (2020-21 season 9-4, 9-3 Conference, 3rd)
The Govs lose their top 2 scorers including guard Julian Hodges (12.9 PPG).  Seniors Ishmael David (10.9 PPG) and Christian Jones (10.5 PPG) are the top returnees.  Guard Rickhi Graham also returns.  Soph forward Daejohn Thomas provides an option inside.  Fellow sophomore Jalani Mays will also see rotation time.

Washington Eagles (2020-21 season 1-13, 0-12 Conference, 7th)
Washington loses 2 of their 3 double figure scorers.  That includes center La'Kendrick Reed (13.8 PPG) and guard Ka'von Trotter (11.8 PPG).  Junior guard Tyquan Allen (12.5 PPG) leads the returning roster.  Hamza Kadir (7.3 PPG) will see time on a wing.  Soph guard Jonathan Santiago will see an expanded role.

Predicted Order of Finish

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

Conference Overview:
Central has won or shared the last 3 league titles.  Johnson dominated the league before that.  These 2 are far and away the top 2 in the league.  Then a significant dropoff to the rest of the league.  Como Park has the most talent coming back out of the rest of the teams.  But the only team they've beaten the last 2 season was last year's Washington team that was winless in the regular season.  Then the graduation losses hit everybody else and make the bottom of the league really ugly.  The next group of 3 could go in any order.  I'll pick Humboldt at the bottom as they have the least returning. 

Conference MVP: Gideon Musabyimana - Central

Underclassmen to watch: 

• Allan Lankford - Central
• Mason Aarness - Como Park
  
• Daejohn Thomas, Jalani Mays - Johnson
• Johnathan Santiago - Washington
  

Conference Games to Watch

• Johnson at Central - Jan 7th
  
• Central at Johnson - Feb 1st
  

Non-Conference Games to Watch

• Park at Central - Dec 3rd
• Twin Cities Academy at Johnson - Dec 14th 
• Minneapolis South at Central - Dec 21st
  
• Central vs Mound-Westonka - Dec 29th (Capitol City Classic)
• Twin Cities Academy at Central - Jan 20th
  

 

2021-22 Tri-Metro Conference Preview

This is the 6th preview in my 2021-2022 season preview series.  Week 2 of this season's preview series begins 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 (2020-21 season 8-11, 5-9 Conference, 5th)
Senior guard Emmett Johnson averaged 11.7 PPG.  He's the lone returning double-figure scorer.  Terrance Roberts also returns at a guard spot.  Rob Issa and Aiden Smith are returning forward options.  Junior PF Joe Miller should see expanded time as the inside threat.  Cam Holter (8.6 PPG) has returned to Minneapolis Southwest plus Bryce Boyd (12.3 PPG) graduated.  Those were 2 of the top 3 scorers from last season and both played on the wing.

Brooklyn Center Centaurs (2020-21 season 1-16, 0-14 Conference, 8th)
Junior guard Quayvant Douglas had a monster season averaging 28.1 PPG.  But with minimal help around him, the Centaurs only won 1 game.  The only other double figure scorer, Ben Weyhee (16.4 PPG), has graduated  Forward Christopher Taylor is the top option up front.  Terryon Rogers and Michael Albertson are perimeter options .

Columbia Heights Hylanders (2020-21 season 12-3, 10-2 Conference, 1st)
Coach Willie Braziel is primed for another top notch season with his Hylanders.  He returns just about everybody from his rotation.  That includes the dynamic wing duo of Hassan Kamara (17.1 PPG) and Muja Burton (17 PPG).  Inside they return Donnavin Hinsz (14.9 PPG) and hopefully get Spencer Alvarez back from injury.  Terrence Brown (7.3 PPG) returns to run the show. 
 
De La Salle Islanders (2020-21 season 15-6, 10-4 Conference, 4th)
Last season was the worst De La Salle conference season since 2008-2009.  Coach Travis Bledsoe has to replace 2 of his 3 double-figure scorers from last season plus a top wing.  But he still has a strong perimeter group to work with.  Junior Nasir Whitlock (13.9 PPG) provides the most scoring punch and is coming off a strong summer.  Sophomores Casmir Chavis (6.9 PPG) and Randy McClendon (5.3 PPG) will be anchors of the rotation as well.  Seniors Amir Everett (6.1 PPG) and Kyle Johnson will also see plenty of time.  Losing the 16.3 PPG of Dartmouth signee Cade Haskins will hurt as much defensively as he was the only semblance of any size in the lineup last season.

Fridley Tigers (2020-21 season 8-10, 4-9 Conference, 5th)
Fridley loses 4 starters and 2 double figure scorers from last season.  Senior shooting guard Eli Nelsen (13.2 PPG) was the leading scorer last season.  Senior forward Devin Williams (8 PPG) emerged as an inside threat last season.  I expect his numbers to go up noticeably this season.  Limited options behind them.  Guard MJ Newton and forward Daniel Pobupa will also see rotation time.

Richfield Spartans (2020-21 season 16-5, 11-3 Conference, 2nd)
The star perimeter duo of Lamar Grayson (23.2 PPG) and Ryan Miles (13.4 PPG) needs to be replaced from last season's state semifinal team.  Bruising PF Jaden Wollmuth (14 PPG) and PG Mitchell January (11.2 PPG) return to anchor the lineup.  They provide a formidable inside out duo.  Senior Jaedyn Patterson will be a wing option.  Very limited experience after those players.

St. Anthony Huskies (2020-21 season 5-14, 4-10 Conference, 7th)
St. Anthony has to replace its top 3 scorers.  That includes leader Max Kachman (12.4 PPG) who graduated and breakout forward Gani Stevens (11.2 PPG).  Stevens is now at Minneapolis North.  Junior guards Nathan Lucas (7.2 PPG) and Caydin Hauser (6.2 PPG) are the top returning players in the rotation.  Fellow juniors Caden Rodkewich and Joe Randle will see significant rotation minutes as well.  

Predicted Order of Finish

1. Columbia Heights 
2. De La Salle
   
3. Richfield
4. Holy Angels
5. Fridley 
   
6. St. Anthony 
7. Brooklyn Center    

Conference MVP: Muja Burton - Columbia Heights

Conference Overview:
St. Croix Lutheran departs for the Skyline Conference leaving only 7 teams in the Tri-Metro.  Columbia Heights should be near the top of the AAA poll all season and are the clear favorite.  De La Salle and Richfield will be a quality battle for second.  De La Salle with more experience returning so I'll take the Islanders to rebound a bit from last season.  Holy Angels is the clear best of the rest.  Fridley and St. Anthony battle for the next spot.  I'm going to pick the Tigers since I got these 2 flipped last season and St. Anthony is young.  Brooklyn Center continues to rebuild.

Underclassmen to watch: 

• Jency Davis, Quaylin Hardrict - Columbia Heights
• Casmir Chavis, Randy McClendon- De La Salle

Conference Games to Watch

• De La Salle at Columbia Heights - Jan 11th 
• Richfield at Columbia Heights - Jan 18th
  
• Columbia Heights at De La Salle - Feb 4th
• Columbia Heights at Richfield - Feb 10th
  

Non-Conference Games to Watch

• De La Salle at Park Center - Dec 9th 
• Minneapolis South at  De La Salle - Dec 11th (Tipoff Classic)
  
• Maranatha at Columbia Heights - Dec 13th 
• Robbinsdale Cooper at De La Salle - Dec 14th
  
• De La Salle at Totino-Grace - Dec 18th (Big 12 Classic)
• De La Salle at Benilde-St. Margaret's - Dec 21st
  
• Richfield vs South St. Paul - Dec 29th (Capitol City Classic)
• De La Salle at Minneapolis North - Jan 8th 
• Columbia Heights vs Minneapolis South - Jan 22nd (at Burnsville)
  
• Cretin-Derham Hall at De La Salle - Feb 19th
  
• Columbia Heights at Minnehaha - Feb 24th
• Wayzata at De La Salle - Feb 24th
• Hopkins at De La Salle - Mar 1st
  

2021-22 IMAC Preview

This is the 5th preview in my 2021-2022 season preview series.  Week 1 of the 2021-22 Season Preview Series ends with a 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 (2020-21 season 15-3, 6-1 Conference, 2nd)
The 3 amigos for Blake have graduated.  But the Bears should be able to replace much of that 30+ PPG.  The ball-handling duties become the question mark.  Soph Grayson Okoronkwo was the team leader in scoring at 16.2 PPG.  Lefty wing Theo Liu was second at 14.6 PPG.  Soph Dane Borene provides an option on the front line.

Breck Mustangs (2020-21 season 9-9, 3-4 Conference, 4th)
PG Jaren Morton (11.2 PPG) needs to be replaced.  Wing Jimmy Koch averaged 12.8 PPG to lead the team.  Juniors Waziri Lawal (10.5 PPG) and Will Walker (11.6 PPG) also return after averaging double-figures. Losing freshman Jalen Wilson to Benilde-St. Margaret's leaves a hole in the middle.  They'll have experienced depth with seniors Tommy Hofer and Danny Suggs.  Freshmen Teddy Koch and Kris Baker should also see time.

Minnehaha Academy Redhawks (2020-21 season 20-1, 2-0 Conference, 1st)
Minnehaha starts to return to earth with the graduations of Chet Holmgren, Hercy Miller and Isaiah Davis.  Add in the departure of Donovan Smith to prep school and possible early departure of Chase Carter to Michigan St for football.  That leaves the cupboard as bare as its been in a long time for the Redhawks.  But don't feel too bad for them.  High major recruits Mercy Miller at the point and wing Prince Aligbe (11.2 PPG) lead the returnees.  Juniors Leroy Barnes and Rolyns Aligbe are options to fill the rotation.

Mounds Park Academy Panthers (2020-21 season 1-14, 0-6 Conference, 6th)
Mario Reese comes over from an assistant gig at Nova Classical Academy to lead the program.  The top 2 scorers have graduated.  That leaves only 1 player who averaged more than 4.3 PPG last year.  That's sophomore guard Trey Kent-Landrum.  Soph Jay Green (4.1 PPG) will see minutes at the point guard spot.

Providence Academy Lions (2020-21 season 13-8, 5-4 Conference, 3rd)
Shooter Sam Schroeder and his team high 13.9 PPG need to be replaced.  The guard duo of Liam Carney and Jimmy Fafinski will lead the way.  Depth behind them is a question.  Mark McCarthy (8.9 PPG) returns to lead the front line.  He can also step out and shoot the 3.  Dylan Perrill and Alvin Mokua also return up front

St. Paul Academy Spartans (2020-21 season 9-8, 2-3 Conference, 5th)
The Spartans need to replace the league's top scorer in shooter Adam Holod (22.8 PPG) The rest of the starting lineup returns.  Senior guards Brandt Baskerville (11.5 PPG) and Clarke Baskerville (11.1 PPG) will lead the offense.  Charlie Johnson and Greg Forsberg man the front line.  Soph Tyson Hayes may be another offensive option.

Predicted Order of Finish

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

Conference Overview
I'll take Minnehaha as they still have 2 stars to take over games in the league.  Blake and Providence should be a good battle for 2nd.  Neither team will be terribly deep but both will execute their offense. Breck could very easily jump into that top group with plenty returning as well.  St. Paul Academy losing the top scorer in the league has to drop.  Mounds Park Academy continues a rebuild.

Conference MVP: Prince Aligbe - Minnehaha

Underclassmen to watch:  

• Grayson Okoronkwo, Dane Borene - Blake
• Teddy Koch, Kris Baker - Breck
• Mercy Miller - Minnehaha
  
• Trey Kent-Landrum, Jay Green - Mounds Park Academy
  
• Tyson Hayes - St. Paul Academy
  

Conference Games to Watch

• Minnehaha at Blake - Feb 3rd
  

 Non-Conference Games to Watch

• Minnehaha vs Minneapolis North - Dec 11th (Tipoff Classic)
• Eastview at Minnehaha - Dec 14th
  
• Minnehaha at Park Center - Dec 18th
  
• Blake vs Morris - Dec 11th (Tipoff Classic) 
• Minnehaha at Wayzata - Jan 11th
  
• Blake at Mound-Westonka - Jan 18th
  
• Minnehaha vs WI Lutheran - Jan 22nd (Border Battle)
• Twin Cities Academy at Blake - Feb 16th
  
• Park at Minnehaha - Feb 19th
• Holy Family at Minnehaha - Feb 22nd
• Columbia Heights at Minnehaha - Feb 24th
• Duluth East at Minnehaha - Mar 4th
  

2021-22 Skyline Conference Preview

This is the fourth preview in my 2021-22 season preview series.  Moving up to largely class AA schools now.  Let's start 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 (2020-21 season 4-14, 3-8 Conference, 7th)
The best dressed coach in the league returns his top 3 scorers.  That includes 20.3 PPG from junior lefty AJ Greene who is the top returning scorer in the league.  Soph Luke Olson (8 PPG) and junior Luc Swanson (6.5 PPG) provide a couple of shooters around Greene.  That will provide a solid perimeter trio for the next 2 seasons.

Cristo Rey Jesuit Pumas (2020-21 season 6-11, 4-7 Conference, 6th)
Twins Erick and Derek Burgess have graduated after combining for 28.5 PPG.  BJ Hollowell leads the returnees with 10.7 PPG.  Senior Dashone Campbell (5.2 PPG) and guard Cayden Whitmore (4.7 PPG) also return to the rotation.  They have a group of sophomores looking to step in.  Miles Nelson tops that group averaging 4.9 PPG last season.  The other sophomores Corey Dotson and Patrick Akoussan will have to provide their size.

Maranatha Christian Academy Mustangs (2020-21 season 12-6, 9-2 Conference, 2nd)
The Mustangs return all but 1 player from their rotation last season.  Senior shooter Jeremiah LaVelle averaged 20.2 PPG and is the #2 returning scorer in the league.  The riches on the wing continue with juniors Bailey McDonald (12 PPG), Matthew Bluford (10.3 PPG), Isaiah Bluford (6.1 PPG) and Tori Legesse (5.6 PPG).  Junior Nick Anderson gives them an athletic forward to play the middle.

New Life Academy Eagles (2020-21 season 8-12, 5-7 Conference, Tie 4th)
Robbie Whitney takes over as the 5th head coach in 6 years for New Life.  He has one of the more talented rosters in the league to work with.  Senior sharpshooter Kollin Kaemingk leads the offense after averaging 18.8 PPG last season. He was the only upperclassman on the roster last season.  Juniors Max Briggs (12.4 PPG) and Erick Reader (6 PPG in limited action) return at the PG and big man spots respectively. 

Nova Classical Academy Knights (2020-21 season 1-17, 0-11 Conference, 8th)
The Knights return wing Liam Borrell (8.6 PPG) and soph center Silas Revenaugh (3.6 PPG).  Losing PG Rayan Taha (10.2 PPG) hurts as he was their main offensive option and ball handler.  Coach John Carrier continues to develop the youth movement.

St. Agnes Aggies (2020-21 season 6-13, 5-7 Conference, Tie 4th)
Assistant and St. Agnes alumnus Chris Pierce takes over the program. He has a small lineup but 4 starters returning.  Soph Andrew Weber (10.7 PPG) and senior Caleb Flood (10.6 PPG) are the returning double figure scorers.  Junior Paul Plasch (8.5 PPG) also returns to a perimeter spot.  Not much scoring beyond that.

St. Croix Lutheran Crusaders (2020-21 season 13-6, 10-3 Tri-Metro Conference, 3rd)
St. Croix Lutheran joins the league this season having to replace 6 of its top 7 scorers.  The lefty guard duo of Zach Longueville and Owen Bushaw combined for over 35 PPG last season.  Soph point guard Jaden Niesh (5.6 PPG) leads the returning roster.  Omarion Miller is the only other returnee with significant experience.

St. Croix Prep Lions (2020-21 season 20-2, 12-0 Conference, 1st)
The Lions have to replace all 3 double figure scorers from last season.  That includes the high scoring guard duo of Addison Metcalf and Andrew Howard.  Metcalf led the league in scoring at 22.7 PPG while Howard was 5th at 18.4 PPG.  Senior Peyton Gremmels (6.5 PPG) leads the returning scorers.  The bench was very thin last year.  Juniors Bjorn Benson and Cade Hanson look to step into primary roles.

Trinity Tri-Hawks (2020-21 season 10-10, 8-4 Conference, 3rd)
In a league with plenty of teams that push the pace, Trinity is a defend and execute, first one to 40 type of team.  4 senior starters from last year's surprise 3rd place finish.  That's all the guards from the lineup including Zach Martin, Sam Bormann, Joe Rudquist and Kip Knippel.  They provide almost all of the offense.  They'll miss the size of Ben Erickson. 

Predicted Order of Finish

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

Conference Overview
St. Croix Lutheran makes the jump from the Tri-Metro and moves back to class AA.  Very logical move to be with its former east metro Tri-Metro members.  Maranatha returns everybody and finished 2nd last year.  They have to be the pick at the top.  New Life and Trinity will battle for the 2nd spot with both returning a ton.  Trinity has continuity in their favor.  New Life is more talented but can they put it together?  After the former MCAA members, there's a dropoff to the middle of the league.  I'll take Concordia with AJ Greene coming back to be the best of the rest.  Saint Croix is the patron saint for "we need to replace outstanding guard play".  Cristo Rey will need their youth movement to lead the way.  St. Agnes has the experience to give all of them a run.  Nova Classical continues to rebuild.  One scheduling quirk for the league this season is that Nova will only play league opponents 1 time.

Conference MVP: Jeremiah LaVelle - Maranatha

Underclassmen to watch: 

• Luke Olson - Concordia 
• Colter Stone, Parker Moseman - New Life
• Silas Revenaugh - Nova
  
• Andrew Weber - St. Agnes
  
• Jaden Neish - St. Croix Lutheran
  

Conference Games to Watch

• Maranatha at New Life - Jan 4th
  
• New Life at Maranatha- Feb 4th
  

Non-Conference Games to Watch

• Maranatha at Holy Family - Dec 9th
• Maranatha at Columbia Heights - Dec 13th
  
• Twin Cities Academy/Great River at Maranatha - Dec 17th
• CHOF at New Life - Jan 11th
  
• Minneapolis South at Maranatha - Feb 1st
• New Life vs Legacy Christian - Feb 26th (UNWSP)

2021-22 MCAA Preview

This is the third preview in my 2021-22 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.

Eagle Ridge Academy Gryphons (2020-21 season 3-13, 1-9 Conference, 7th)
Kris Babler returns to the sidelines as the new head coach.  His entire lineup returns.  Seniors Cade LaFavor (12.3 PPG), Hunter LaFavor and Soren Habel (9.8 PPG) lead the offense.  Mason Howard returns inside.  Youngsters Aidaen Musoke and Charles Dawson are also options to keep watch on.

Heritage Christian Academy Eagles (2020-21 season 12-7, 9-5 Conference, 3rd)
The Eagles have the task of replacing guards Ethan Virshek and Steph Sawtelle.  They combined for almost 37 PPG.  Heritage does return last year's breakout star Aiden Johnson.  The junior forward averaged 19.5 PPG and 13.3 RPG.  Beyond that no other returning player averaged more than 3.3 PPG.  Junior Drew Pitzner and frosh Jonah Moulton are the top other returnees to the rotation who look to pickup that slack.

Legacy Christian Academy Lions (2020-21 season 20-2, 11-1 Conference, Tie 1st)
Legacy has to replace 7 seniors and their 4 top double figure scorers from last year's state qualifying team.  The cupboard isn't bare though.  Soph Micah Strand averaged 9 PPG and was the team leader in 3 pt attempts and made 2.7 per game.  Forward Charlie Bovee also returns after averaging 8.3 PPG.  Junior guard Jesten Wuollet also returns to the rotation.

North Lakes Academy Huskies (2020-21 season 3-15, 1-13 Conference, 8th)
Junior forward Jonathan Ozment (16.1 PPG) leads the Huskies offense. Junior Caleb Jensen (13.8 PPG) also returns as the other double figure scorer.  Its still a youthful roster as North Lakes used mostly freshman and sophomores last season.

PACT Charter Panthers (2020-21 season 10-10, 6-7 Conference, 5th)
PACT has to replace 7 seniors including 6 of their top 7 scorers.  Wing Jordan Stone (15.2 PPG) is the biggest loss.  Soph wing Victor Nyabuto (6.2 PPG) is the top returnee and poised for a big season.  Soph guard Micah Givand and senior forward Sidney Idowu also return to the rotation.

Spectrum Sting (2020-21 season 10-9, 8-6 Conference, 4th)
Spectrum returns its entire roster.  Senior guard Titus Skistad averaged 17.9 PPG last year.  Carter Femrite (16.9 PPG) and Landon Siegel (12.3 PPG/11.2 RPG) joined him in double figures.  Soph guard Blake Femrite averaged 5.8 PPG off the bench.

United Christian Academy Thunder (2020-21 season 12-5, 6-1 EMAC Conference, 1st)
United Christian loses almost the entire roster from last year.  That includes 3 double figure scorers.  They also have a new head coach, Matt Hendley.  Soph Danny King averaged 5.3 PPG last season.  Junior Abe Hilgenberg averaged 2.2 PPG in end of rotation duty.  They are the only 2 returning players.

West Lutheran Warriors (2020-21 season 8-10, 4-9 Conference, 6th)
Guards Christian Schmidt and sophomore Isaiah Ronning return to lead the offense.  Junior Matthew Koosman also returns to the rotation.  Cole Veach and Wyatt Valleau return as a center pairing.  There's no star scorer on the roster so they'll rely on balance.

Predicted Order of Finish

1. Spectrum
   
2. Legacy
3. Heritage
4. West Lutheran 
5. PACT
   
6. United Christian
   
7. Eagle Ridge
8. North Lakes

Conference Overview
In a reminder of its previous days as Bethany Academy, United Christian returns to the MCAA.  They replace Lester Prairie who is off to the Minnesota River Conference.  The league as a whole will be down this year with heavy losses for many teams in the league.  Spectrum returns everybody so I'll take them to overtake Legacy who will still be dangerous.  I can't move Heritage down with Johnson inside.  West Lutheran is the best of the rest.  The bottom half starts figures to struggle.  PACT and United Christian have to replace most of their rosters.  Eagle Ridge and North Lakes struggled last year but with lots returning will try to move up.

Conference MVP: Titus Skistad - Spectrum

Underclassmen to watch: 

• Charles Dawson, Aidaen Musoke - Eagle Ridge 
• Jonah Moulton - Heritage 
• Micah Strand - Legacy
  
• Aidin Zenkic - North Lakes
• Victor Nyabuto - PACT
  
• Blake Femrite - Spectrum
  
• Danny King - United Christian
  
• Isaiah Ronning- West Lutheran

Conference Games to Watch

• Legacy at Spectrum - Jan 7th
  
• Spectrum at Legacy - Feb 4th

Non-Conference Games to Watch

• Trinity at Legacy - Dec 10th
  
• CHOF at Legacy - Dec 21st
• Legacy vs New Life - Feb 26th at UNW-SP
  

2021-22 EMAC Preview

This is the second preview in the 2021-2022 season preview series.  I continue the opening week of previews with small schools.  In this preview, 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 (2020-21 season 0-0, 0-0 Conference, 6th)
Did not play in 2020-21 season.

Avail Academy Valor (2020-21 season 11-9, 3-3 Conference, 3rd)
FEAR THE RHINO!  The Rhino needs to be aware of poachers this season.  4 starters have graduated from a very balanced lineup.  Senior wing Josiah Schaap (15.6 PPG) should be poised for a big season.  Senior guard Josiah Loge (16.1 PPG) will also be a major offensive option.  The rest of the roster will be very young and inexperienced.

Community of Peace Academy Tigers (2020-21 season 0-0, 0-0 Conference, 6th)
Did not play in 2020-21 season.

Groves Academy Griffins (2020-21 season 0-0, 0-0 Conference, 6th)
Did not play in 2020-21 season.

Hiawatha Colliegiate Wolves (2020-21 season 10-7, 5-2 Conference, 2nd)
Hiawatha returns their core of 4 juniors plus a senior to the starting lineup.  PG Jessye Lewis (21.2 PPG) runs the show and creates the offense.  Romelle Bell (15.6 PPG) is a versatile forward.  Guard Mohamud Doud (15.2 PPG) gives them a 3 point threat.  Jaheim Houts moving to Minneapolis South costs them a bouncy option on the front line.  Plenty of depth experience returns too.

Hmong Academy Warriors (2020-21 season 0-0, 0-0 Conference, 6th)
Did not play in 2020-21 season.

Liberty Classical Academy Lions (2020-21 season 5-13, 1-7 Conference, 5th)
John Towle moves up the street from an assistant gig at White Bear Lake to take over the program.  Senior guard Cameron Lacy (12.6 PPG) and junior forward Trent Verbeek (15.3 PPG) are the main offensive options.  Juniors Joshua Louis, Sam Buum, John Pedro and Lucian Miles all saw time last season along with seniors Daniel Kneen and Joe Mandell.

Math and Science Academy Dragons (2020-21 season 3-7, 1-3 Conference, 4th)
The Dragons got a late start to last season but still got in 10 games.  Senior guards Brady Sahr and Dylan Goff return to lead the offense.  Soph wing Josh Balami is another threat on that end.  Ayman Elhassan returns as the most experienced interior player.

Predicted Order of Finish

1. Hiawatha Academy
2. Avail Academy
3. Math and Science 
4. Liberty Christian Academy
5. Community of Peace 
   
6. Hmong Academy
7. Groves Academy
8. AFSA

Conference Overview
Defending champion United Christian returns to the MCAA.  Twin Cities Academy remains an independent.  That leaves Hiawatha as the overwhelming favorite here.  They would have won the league title last season if not for a home buzzer beater loss to United Christian in a winner take all game.  Is this the year where they take the next step?  Behind them, I see a group of 3 or 4 teams in any order.  Avail, M&S and Liberty all have a couple of players but questions beyond that.  The other 4 teams by default go to the bottom.  Community of Peace had some young players coming up so we'll take them next by default.  The other 3 stay at the bottom until otherwise proven.

Conference MVP: Jessye Lewis - Hiawatha

Underclassmen to watch: 

• Josh Balami - Math & Science
• Zachariah Schaap, Alvin Karngar - Avail
  

Conference Games to Watch

• Hiawatha at Avail - Dec 6th
• Avail at Hiawatha - Jan 20th

Non-Conference Games to Watch

• Kaleidoscope at Avail - Dec 17th
  
• Hope at Avail - Jan 21st

2021-22 Independents Preview

Welcome to the Czar's 15th annual season preview series.  This is the first preview in the 2021-2022 series.  The previews will once again be done starting with small schools and working up to the big schools.  When its all done, a final high-level preview will complete the series.  That means the we'll start with the tiny independent charter schools.  For a list of all the season previews and how they are done, click here.   

Chesterton Academy Knights  (2020-21 season 0-5)
4 starters return from last season.  Michael Hornecker and Dominic Lememis are primary offensive options.

CHOF Lions (2020-21 season 10-6)
CHOF had to play their entire schedule on the road last season.  They'll have to replace 4 top scorers including 3 that averaged double figures.  Guards Skyler Alleman, Jared Harms and Henry Blum will lead the way.  Size is a question mark.

High School for Recording Arts Falcons (2020-21 season 0-0)
Did not play in 2020-21 season.

Hope Academy Lions (2020-21 season 6-12)
Hope loses 1 senior in forward Kaleb Dube.  He was their 1 interior option as the dump off guy in their dribble drive system.  Everybody else returns including the high-scoring guard duo of Elijah Wade (26.7 PPG) and Jordan Brown (18.6 PPG).  Wade is a triple-double threat on any given night.  Once again it will be a small group that will get up and down and shoot a ton of 3s.

Kaleidoscope Comets (2020-21 season 10-8)
The Comets return almost everybody from their rotation.  Junior PG Michael Jude pushes the pace along with his 24 PPG.  Lefty wing AJ Kargel (15.7 PPG) provides a shooting threat.  They are the main 2 offensive threats.  Undersized forward Matt Aasen averaged a double double of 11/11.  Its a group that has played together for a couple of years so tons of experience.  They too are heavily reliant on the 3 point shot.

Lakes International Language Academy Dragons (2020-21 season 3-15)
Lakes International loses most of their roster.  The notable loss is forward Strom Norcross who did everything for them the last 2 seasons.  2 starters returning will lead the offense.  That includes forward Jake Fakler inside.

Lincoln International Eagles (2020-21 season 0-0)
Did not play in 2020-21 season.

Metro Schools College Prep Lions (2020-21 season 4-7)
They will press and play fast.  Very dependent on turnovers to produce offense.

Minnesota Transitions Wolves (2020-21 season 0-0)
Did not play in 2020-21 season.  Unknown if they'll return for this season.

Prairie Seeds Academy Lycans (2020-21 0-0)
Did not play in 2020-21 season.

Twin Cities Academy/Great River Tigers (2020-21 season 11-6)
Senior guards Carrington and Carmello McNeal once again lead the way for the Tigers.  The twin guards averaged 20.9 and 16.6 PPG respectively.  Look for them to be triple double threats this season.  Junior guard Kensen Yang (6.2 PPG) is the only other returnee from last season.  Replacing the 7 seniors is a question mark.

Ubah Medical Academy (2020-21 season 0-0)
Did not play in 2020-21 season.

Venture Academy (2020-21 season 0-0)
Did not play in 2020-21 season.

Independents Overview
Hope and Kaleidoscope will be very similar teams with strong perimeter play, fast pace and undersized front lines.  If they make 3s, they're dangerous. But can they get stops and win a half-court game?  Similar questions for Twin Cities Academy.  CHOF just seems to reload every year and their usual AA schedule preps them for tourney time.

Independents MVP: Carrington McNeal - Twin Cities Academy
 
Underclassmen to watch: 

• Henry Bluhm - CHOF

Games to Watch

• Hope at New Life - Dec 7th
• Twin Cities Academy at St. Paul Johnson - Dec 14th
• Twin Cities Academy at Maranatha - Dec 17th
• CHOF at Legacy - Dec 21st
  
• CHOF at New Life - Jan 11th
• Kaleidoscope at Hope - Jan 13th 
• Hiawatha at Twin Cities Academy - Jan 18th
  
• Twin Cities Academy at St. Paul Central - Jan 20th
• Twin Cities Academy at Blake - Feb 16th