Class AA Title Contender: Minneapolis North
In this article:
Another top contender for the Class AA title will be Minneapolis North. The Polars have a star, they have experience on the court and on the bench, they will have depth, size, talent, and speed. A certain contender. Key Wins…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingAnother top contender for the Class AA title will be Minneapolis North. The Polars have a star, they have experience on the court and on the bench, they will have depth, size, talent, and speed. A certain contender.
Key Wins in 20-21 (15-2): DeLaSalle, Hopkins, Minneapolis South, Litchfield, Holy Family, MLWR
Oops: Caledonia, Minnehaha Academy
Moving On: The Polars lost four key players from last year’s run. The size up front was Davon Townley Jr Davon Townley Jr 6'6" | PF Minneapolis North | 2021 State MN and Marcus Owens Marcus Owens 6'8" | C Minneapolis North | 2021 State MN . Both gave the Polars an extra element in the paint with Townley being one of the best seniors in the state. Strong wings Clifford Brown III Clifford Brown III 6'2" | SG Minneapolis North | 2021 State MN and Andre Gray Andre Gray 6'4" | SG Mpls North | 2021 State MN also graduated. Both could score, both were strong, each could play a few spots in the North offense.
Returning Starters (1): The Polars bring back one starter but it’s a big one, senior guard Willie Wilson Willie Wilson 6'2" | CG Minneapolis North | 2022 State MN . Willie is a four year veteran that the Polars can use pushing the ball at point or at either wing spot. He’s a transition dynamo with a lot of defensive potential. With all of that talent that North has, Wilson was the team’s leading scorer and will likely be again this year.
Reserves Playing a Bigger Role: Jacob Butler Jacob Butler 6'3" | SF Minneapolis North | 2022 State MN has at times started in his career, and at times he’s been a 6th Man. Whatever he’s done I think Butler is in for a huge year. Butler is a 6’5 versatile wing with a stroke and a playmaking feel. He was outstanding for the Minnesota Heat this past summer and should be excellent for the Polars this winter.
DeMeiko Anderson is another that should have a big season. Anderson is the team’s second leading returning scorer at just under ten a game and this is a guard that can speed past just about anybody. Excellent scoring feel. Anderson’s long time running mate in the backcourt has been Mario Anderson. The pair should be playing a lot together joining Wilson as one of the toughest groups to keep in front in the state.
Potentials from the JV: One key name from the JV (and he played some varsity last year too) is Tim’Avion Ryan Tim’Avion Ryan 6'6" | C Minneapolis North | 2022 MN , a 6’4/6’5 big. Ryan moves well but is also quite strong which will allow him to be an agile five for this team. Sophomore guard Datrell McCrimmon played some off the bench last year but mostly JV. McCrimmon is a 5’7 lead guard. Junior Auvon Sager is another from the JV that could see some time in the backcourt.
New to the Program: Transfer wise the Polars added a very important center and that’s Gani Stevens Gani Stevens 6'7" | C Saint Anthony Village | 2022 State MN from Saint Anthony. Stevens scored 13 a game last year and is coming off a great summer with the Minnesota Heat. Stevens is about 6’7, strong, gets great position, and is improving daily. He will be a big piece for them. Also, senior guard Jaylon Washington could provide depth if he plays basketball. Washington is an excellent football player that transferred from Tartan. He was likely to be the Titans starting PG this year so if he hoops he will make this team even deeper.
There is talent coming up front the younger levels as well. Six-foot-6 Jordan Hurd Jordan Hurd 6'6" | C Minneapolis North | 2024 MN is a third player that North could use in the post. He’s a top 40 level sophomore prospect entering the season. Another player to keep an eye on is Elijah Billingsley Elijah Billingsley 6'7" | C Minneapolis North | 2023 MN .
Final Thoughts: North looks to be the deepest team in Class AA basketball. As we said before all the pieces are there to make a run for a title and win a title. A few obstacles they must overcome are Caledonia (who has had their number for a few years now) and then of course Minnehaha Academy who is back in Class AA. That said, this team has the pieces and potential to beat those squad and earn a championship. Certainly a top contender.