Class AAA Title Contender Series: Minnehaha Academy

<p>Minnehaha Academy has been on a dynasty run.  It was previously led by [player_tooltip player_id="532350" first="Jalen" last="Suggs"] who is now at Gonzaga.  However, a host of talent returns for the Redhawks including 5-star [player_tooltip player_id="532574" first="Chet" last="Holmgren"], and they are ready to move the program forward. </p> <p><strong>Key Wins in 19-20</strong>:  Onalaska (WI), East Ridge, Park Center, Sierra Canyon (CA), Edina, Waseca, Caledonia, La Crosse Central (WI), DeLaSalle, Minneapolis North, Columbia Heights, Totino-Grace.</p> <p><strong>Oops</strong>: The three losses last year were to Cretin-Derham Hall, Hopkins, and Eden Prairie.</p> <p><strong>Moving On</strong>:  The Redhawks lost three mainstays to their program that played 5-6 years on varsity bringing home basketball and football titles: [player_tooltip player_id="532350" first="Jalen" last="Suggs"] (Gonzaga), [player_tooltip player_id="721838" first="Kaden" last="Johnson"] (Wisconsin Football), and [player_tooltip player_id="846113" first="Terry" last="Lockett"] (Michigan State Football).   A trio that certainly left a lasting legacy that will be long remembered.  Also, [player_tooltip player_id="958638" first="Demarion" last="Watson-Saulsberry"] transferred to Totino-Grace.</p> <p><strong>Returning Starters</strong>:  The Redhawks have three returning starters from last year’s 25-3 team: 5-star senior center [player_tooltip player_id="532574" first="Chet" last="Holmgren"] (nation’s top recruit), 4-star junior wing [player_tooltip player_id="850702" first="Prince" last="Aligbe"] (top 50-100 level player nationally), and [player_tooltip player_id="680229" first="Hercy" last="Miller"] (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 [player_tooltip player_id="680229" first="Hercy" last="Miller"] 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.  </p> <p><strong>Reserves Playing a Bigger Role:  </strong>Junior [player_tooltip player_id="850724" first="Donovan" last="Smith"] likely moves into the starting role, and will be both a shooter and a ball handler for the team. With [player_tooltip player_id="846113" first="Terry" last="Lockett"] on the floor there was often two catch and shoot guys but this season the main catch and shoot guy, is [player_tooltip player_id="850724" first="Donovan" last="Smith"] (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 [player_tooltip player_id="957130" first="Isaiah" last="Davis"], 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.   </p> <p>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 [player_tooltip player_id="850707" first="Chase" last="Carter"] 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. </p> <p><strong>Potentials from the JV:  </strong>Another big for the rotation is <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="774902" first="Trent" last="Finney"]</strong>, a 6-foot-3 strong framed four man with a nice touch.  Finney adds depth to the frontcourt.  As far as backcourt depth, <strong>Mercy Miller</strong> 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 <strong>Dewayne Givens</strong> 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. </p>