Class AAA Title Contender Series: Minnehaha Academy
Minnehaha Academy has been on a dynasty run. It was previously led by Jalen Suggs Jalen Suggs 6'5" | SG Minnehaha Academy | 2020 State #6 Nation MN who is now at Gonzaga. However, a host of talent returns for…
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Continue ReadingMinnehaha Academy has been on a dynasty run. It was previously led by Jalen Suggs Jalen Suggs 6'5" | SG Minnehaha Academy | 2020 State #6 Nation MN who is now at Gonzaga. However, a host of talent returns for the Redhawks including 5-star Chet Holmgren Chet Holmgren 7'0" | C Minnehaha Academy | 2021 State #1 Nation MN , and they are ready to move the program forward.
Key Wins in 19-20: Onalaska (WI), East Ridge, Park Center, Sierra Canyon (CA), Edina, Waseca, Caledonia, La Crosse Central (WI), DeLaSalle, Minneapolis North, Columbia Heights, Totino-Grace.
Oops: The three losses last year were to Cretin-Derham Hall, Hopkins, and Eden Prairie.
Moving On: The Redhawks lost three mainstays to their program that played 5-6 years on varsity bringing home basketball and football titles: Jalen Suggs Jalen Suggs 6'5" | SG Minnehaha Academy | 2020 State #6 Nation MN (Gonzaga), Kaden Johnson Kaden Johnson 6'4" | SF Minnehaha Academy | 2020 State MN (Wisconsin Football), and Terry Lockett Terry Lockett 6'1" | PG Minnehaha Academy | 2020 State MN (Michigan State Football). A trio that certainly left a lasting legacy that will be long remembered. Also, Demarion Watson Demarion Watson 6'8" | SF Totino-Grace | 2022 State #150 Nation MN transferred to Totino-Grace.
Returning Starters: The Redhawks have three returning starters from last year’s 25-3 team: 5-star senior center Chet Holmgren Chet Holmgren 7'0" | C Minnehaha Academy | 2021 State #1 Nation MN (nation’s top recruit), 4-star junior wing Prince Aligbe Prince Aligbe 6'6" | SF Minnehaha Academy | 2022 State #167 Nation MN (top 50-100 level player nationally), and Hercy Miller Hercy Miller 6'3" | PG Minnehaha Academy | 2021 State MN (top point guard prospect in Minnesota’s senior class). Each of these players is going to step into a much bigger position to show their true range of ability. We’ve always been able to see Chet board and contest/block shots, but now the amount of 6-7-8 shot games will be diminished and we get to see what he can do both inside and out with at least double the scoring chances. Aligbe moves into the role of reliant top two scorer as opposed to being the 3rd option which will be fun, and now Hercy Miller Hercy Miller 6'3" | PG Minnehaha Academy | 2021 State MN will have the ball in his hands at lead guard all the time as opposed to when Jalen didn’t. Another golden opportunity for a player.
Reserves Playing a Bigger Role: Junior Donovan Smith Donovan Smith 5'10" | PG Minnehaha Academy | 2022 OH likely moves into the starting role, and will be both a shooter and a ball handler for the team. With Terry Lockett Terry Lockett 6'1" | PG Minnehaha Academy | 2020 State MN on the floor there was often two catch and shoot guys but this season the main catch and shoot guy, is Donovan Smith Donovan Smith 5'10" | PG Minnehaha Academy | 2022 OH (in terms of guards, Chet of course is a catch and shoot guy wherever too). Plus Smith will get his chance to run the offense as well. Then you have Isaiah Davis Isaiah Davis 6'3" | SF Minnehaha Academy | 2021 State MN , the athletic and aggressive active scoring wing who got about 4-5-6 high percentage chances a game, and most often completed them. Davis will be either the 5th starter of the 6th Man.
When you look at the three returning starters of Miller (guard), Aligbe (big wing), and Holmgren (the five), and then add another guard in Smith, my guess is that 6-foot-7 Chase Carter Chase Carter 6'7" | PF Minnehaha Academy | 2022 MN moves into the role of starting power forward. Carter was the Redhawks 9th man last year, and he played junior varsity too. Carter’s back to the basket ability and skills facing will pair nicely with Holmgren who of course can play inside and out. Chase and Chet will make one of the more feared high-low combos in the state.
Potentials from the JV: Another big for the rotation is Trent Finney Trent Finney 6'4" | PF Minneahaha Academy | 2021 State MN , a 6-foot-3 strong framed four man with a nice touch. Finney adds depth to the frontcourt. As far as backcourt depth, Mercy Miller is a 9th grader that could step into key a reserve role. Mercy is the brother of Hercy and considered by many to be one of the top, if not the top freshman in the state. Then you have Dewayne Givens who is now a sophomore. You will remember Givens having a tremendous 8th grade year at St. Paul Johnson two seasons ago. He had to sit out varsity last year as a transfer but is certainly ready to go now.