Class AA Title Contender: Minneapolis North

<p>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. </p> <p><strong>Key Wins in 20-21 (15-2)</strong><strong>:  </strong> DeLaSalle, Hopkins, Minneapolis South, Litchfield, Holy Family, MLWR</p> <p><strong>Oops</strong>: Caledonia, Minnehaha Academy</p> <p><strong>Moving On: </strong> The Polars lost four key players from last year’s run.  The size up front was [player_tooltip player_id="774735" first="Davon" last="Townley Jr"] and [player_tooltip player_id="774808" first="Marcus" last="Owens"].  Both gave the Polars an extra element in the paint with Townley being one of the best seniors in the state.  Strong wings [player_tooltip player_id="774741" first="Clifford" last="Brown III"] and [player_tooltip player_id="532569" first="Andre" last="Gray"] also graduated.  Both could score, both were strong, each could play a few spots in the North offense.  </p> <p><strong>Returning Starters (1):   </strong>The Polars bring back one starter but it’s a big one, senior guard [player_tooltip player_id="850709" first="Willie" last="Wilson"].  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. </p> <p><strong>Reserves Playing a Bigger Role:  </strong>[player_tooltip player_id="958665" first="Jacob" last="Butler"] 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. </p> <p>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.  </p> <p><strong>Potentials from the JV:  </strong>One key name from the JV (and he played some varsity last year too) is [player_tooltip player_id="958696" first="Tim’Avion" last="Ryan"], 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. </p> <p><strong>New to the Program</strong>: Transfer wise the Polars added a very important center and that’s [player_tooltip player_id="1268467" first="Gani" last="Stevens"] 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.  </p> <p>There is talent coming up front the younger levels as well.  Six-foot-6 [player_tooltip player_id="1293943" first="Jordan" last="Hurd"] 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 [player_tooltip player_id="962219" first="Elijah" last="Billingsley"].  </p> <p><strong>Final Thoughts</strong>:  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. </p>