Minnesota College Athletic Conference 

South Division Men's Basketball Preview 

Preseason Coaches' Poll - #1

Riverland Community College

Head Coach: Derek Hahn, 11th year as head coach at Riverland

Overall Coaching Record at Riverland: 224-70

Assistant Coaching Staff: Paul Anderson

2024-25 Record: 10-2 in the MCAC, 30-4 overall, 2nd in the MCAC South Division, NJCAA National Tournament qualifier

Top returning players:

Joe Poyser, F, Wildwood, FL

Lubab Kambalo, G, Sioux Falls, SD

Nick Edland, F, Rose Creek, MN

Top incoming/new players:

Tristan Coleman, F, Maywood, IL

Tyson Helms, G, Tucson, AZ

Elhadji Thiam, C, Dakar, Senegal

Camden Fearon, G, Margate, FL

Coach Hahn on his team:  "Solid mix of key returning pieces and new faces who will be relied upon heavily to contribute. For this team to be successful, we will need to learn to value defense and rebound at a high level on both ends of the floor!"

Preseason Coaches' Poll - #2

Ridgewater College

Head Coach: Nathan Thooft, 9th year as head coach at Ridgewater

Overall Coaching Record at Ridgewater: 86-90

Assistant Coaching Staff:  Ethan Moat

2024-25 Record: 6-6 in the MCAC, 15-11 overall, 3rd in the MCAC South Division

Top returning players:

Tyrese Mayo, G, Winter Haven, FL

DeAndre Holloway, F, Kerkhoven, MN

Jovohn Davis, F, Davenport, IA

Connor Whittet, G, St. Clair, MN

Steven Nzimi, F, Brooklyn Center, MN

Top incoming/new players:

John Hooker, F, Pensacola, FL

BJ McKinney, G, Winter Haven, FL

Ryan Bakke, C, Blaine, MN

Kyler Pickle, G, Grove City, MN

Coach Thooft on his team:  "We are excited to compete with this group in the MCAC this season! The group has worked really hard to build purpose, action, and discipline into our approach each day."

Preseason Coaches' Poll - #3

Rochester Community & Technical College

Head Coach: Brian LaPlante, 30th year as head coach at RCTC

Overall Coaching Record at Rochester: 571-251

Assistant Coaching Staff: Sean LaPlante

2024-25 Record: 6-6 in the MCAC, 17-11 overall, 4th in the MCAC South Division

Top returning players:

Charlie Morning, G, Menomonee, WI

Aidan Flaten, G, Ulen, MN

Josh Fiecke, G, Glencoe, MN

Grant Adams, G, Le Suer, MN

Top incoming/new players:

Armoni Dischinger-Harris, Minneapolis, MN

Brandon Wilson, Green Bay, WI

Tycen Vig, Collbran, CO

Carson Brown, Hibbing, MN

Coach LaPlante on his team:  "Very inexperienced team, which does not bode well in our league. We hope to improve gradually and see where we are at in February." 

Preseason Coaches' Poll - #4

Minnesota State Community and Technical College

Head Coach: Dave Cresap, 3rd year as head coach at M State

Overall Coaching Record at M State: 46-18

Assistant Coaching Staff: Brian Schwantz

2024-25 Record: 11-1 in the MCAC, 30-4 overall, MCAC South Division Champions

Top returning players:

Braylon Baldwin, G, Grafton, ND

Carter Clark, F, Mahnomen, MN

Brody Beaver, G, North Branch, MN

Leng Akol, F, Fargo, ND

Hayden Knick, G, Fergus Falls, MN

Top incoming/new players:

Ty Vig, P, Hallock, MN

Akeem Moko, P, Sioux Falls, SD

Drew Overby, G, Thompson, ND

Ali Shahid, G, Fargo, ND

Seth Hamilton, G, Spearfish, SD

Coach Cresap on his team:  "We are optimistic going into this season. A lot of new faces, but guys that are hungry and passionate about the game. We see this group taking big steps as the season goes along." 

Noteworthy Information: M State has many nice upgrades to the gym. All new backboards, rims, and pads were added, along with fresh paint throughout the gym. 

Preseason Coaches' Poll - #5

Minnesota West Community & Technical College

Head Coach: Dan Tharp, 3rd year as head coach at Minnesota West

Overall Coaching Record at MN West: 25-31

Assistant Coaching Staff: Jordan Sinclair

2024-25 Record: 5-7 in the MCAC, 19-10 overall, 5th in the MCAC South Division

Top returning players:

Zach Hayenga, G, Worthington, MN

Calvin Flood, G, West Des Moines, IA

Keion Irvin, F, Beaumont, TX

Top incoming/new players:

Kewone Jones, F, Waterloo, IA

Rilpuou Machol, F, Sioux Falls, SD

Austin Florence, G, Fayetteville, GA

Owen Beilke, F, Phoenix, AZ

Permeye Okony, F, Worthington, MN

Coach Tharp on his team:  "We lose six rotations, but have great experience returning. With those returners, along with the incoming players, we expect to compete in the ever-difficult South." 

Preseason Coaches' Poll - #6

Anoka-Ramsey Community College

Head Coach: Reed Caouette, 1st year as the head coach at ARCC

Overall Coaching Record at ARCC: 0-0

Assistant Coaching Staff: Jamin Cook

2024-25 Record: 1-11 in the MCAC, 10-17 overall, 7th in the MCAC South Division

Top returning players: 

Jamal Woods, G, Fridley, MN

Akeem Nelson, G, Minneapolis, MN

Stewart Jones, G/F, Anaheim, CA

Top incoming/new players:  

TJ Caouette, G, Elk River, MN

Dwayne Bryant, G, Mankato, MN

Jamin Cook, G, Brooklyn Center, MN

MJ Omot, F, Mankato, MN

Coach Caouette on his team: "We have set a team goal this season of competing for a spot in the regional tournament."

Preseason Coaches' Poll - #7

St. Cloud Technical and Community College

Head Coach: Andrew Cone, 15th year as head coach at SCTCC

Overall Coaching Record at St. Cloud Tech: 206-129

Assistant Coaching Staff: Dillon Haider

2024-25 Record: 3-9 in the MCAC, 12-12 overall, 6th in the MCAC South Division

Top returning players:

Jack Boos, G, Cold Spring, MN

R'moni Warner, G, Apple Valley, MN

Romero Walker, Minneapolis, MN

Carter Jackson, G, Buffalo, MN

Uzozie Egwim, F, Woodbury, MN

Top incoming/new players:

Malachi Gant, G, Lakeville, MN

Tommy Cronin, G, Seward, AK

Andrew Nelson, F, Sartell, MN

Coach Cone on his team:  "We like the potential we have shown so far in the pre-season. If we can keep working hard and build chemistry, we are hopeful that we can be a competitive group."

Minnesota College Athletic Conference

North Division Men's Basketball Preview

Preseason Coaches' Poll - #1 

Central Lakes College

Head Coach: James Russell, 28th year as head coach at CLC

Overall Coaching Record at Central Lakes: 539-223

Assistant Coaching Staff: George Washington II, David Flexis, and Ben Aeits

2024-25 Record: 11-1 in the MCAC, 20-10 overall, MCAC North Division Champions

Top returning players:

Wylee Dauenbaugh, G, Grand Rapids, MN

Lake DeJongh, F, Stillwater, MN

Top incoming/new players:

Marnaries Ferguson, G, Duluth, MN

Max Wilson, G, Minneapolis, MN

Korde Roseman, G, Brainerd, MN

Delbert Hardin, F, Minneapolis, MN

Coach Russell on his team:  "Well-balanced team, very inexperienced team." 

Preseason Coaches' Poll - #2

Minnesota North College - Rainy River

Head Coach: Blake Peterson, 1st year as head coach at Rainy River

Overall Coaching Record at Rainy River:  0-0

Assistant Coaching Staff: N/A

2024-25 Record: 10-2 in the MCAC, 17-10 overall, 2nd in the MCAC North Division

Top returning players:

Rodney Mozard, F, Broward County, FL

Austin Howe, Fort Lauderdale, FL

Sam Jideofor, Holleywood, FL

Top incoming/new players:

Carter Smith, Williston, ND

John Berry, Waco, TX

Coach Peterson on his team: "Expectation is to compete at a high level every day, trust and believe in the culture, and take advantage of every opportunity we have to get better."

Preseason Coaches' Poll - #3

Minnesota North College - Mesabi Range

Head Coach: Matt Breeden, 2nd year as the head coach at Mesabi Range

Overall Coaching Record at Mesabi Range: 11-14

Assistant Coaching Staff: William Howard, Zah Davis, and Quan Wilson

2024-25 Record: 5-7 in the MCAC, 11-17 overall, 4th in the MCAC North Division

Top returning players: 

Gideon Hulse, PF, Miami, FL

Tajhje Johnson, SF, Milwaukee, WI

Damon Ramos, SG, Miami, FL

Shamond Davis, PG, Milwaukee, WI

Paul Chandler, SG, Indianapolis, IN

Top incoming/new players:  

Richard Russel, G, Brooklyn Park, MN

Allen Hill, PG, Minneapolis, MN

Barry Simmons, G, Rosemount, MN

Jamil Aziz, F, Milwaukee, WI

Coach Breeden on his team: "We will fall in love with the struggle and grow through it."

Noteworthy Information: New scoreboards were installed in the gym.

Preseason Coaches' Poll - Tied #4

Minnesota North College - Hibbing

Head Coach: Mackenzie Krowiorz, 4th year as head coach at Hibbing

Overall Coaching Record at Hibbing: 19-65

Assistant Coaching Staff: Kayden Palmi

2024-25 Record: 4-8 in the MCAC, 8-21 overall, 5th in the MCAC North Division

Top returning players:

Graden Mork, G, Osceola, WI

Adam Neumann, G, Sturgeon Lake, MN

Tristin Scripture, G, Rockford, MN

Top incoming/new players:

RJ Walker, G, Houston, TX

David Nelson, G, Palm Beach, FL

Ruot Rang, W, Lincoln, NE

Nate Schiavo, W, Seattle, WA

Coach Krowiorz on his team: "Excited to build upon our returners' progress last season, along with our incoming pieces - looking forward to continued growth."

Noteworthy Information: Hibbing added a turf facility and improved the athletic training room and weight room.

Preseason Coaches' Poll - Tied #4

Minnesota North College - Itasca

Head Coach: Shannon Roberts, 13th year as head coach at Itasca

Overall Coaching Record at Itasca: 

Assistant Coaching Staff: JaJuan Hall

2024-25 Record: 4-8 in the MCAC, 9-21 overall, 6th in the MCAC North Division

Top returning players:

Dmareon Manning, G, Ocala, FL

Gohan Sawyer, G, Bloomington, MN

Victor Chandocha Estevao, F, Lantana, FL

Top incoming/new players:

Travis Campbell

Lamarcus Kemone Preston

Ricardo Gonzalez

Ronald Flenoy

Coach Roberts on his team: "I expect this team to play fast, creating off our defense."

Preseason Coaches' Poll - #6

Northland Community and Technical College

Head Coach: Rick Nikunen, 34th year as head coach at NCTC

Overall Coaching Record at Northland: 436-419

Assistant Coaching Staff: Jon Lund

2024-25 Record: 4-14 in the MCAC, 8-18 overall, 7th in the MCAC North Division

Top returning players:

Zion Donnell, G, Nanakuli, HI

Lewis Jones, G, Gatzke, MN

Top incoming/new players:

Esron Simeon, G, Ft. Lauderdale, FL

Alex Loomis, F, Racine, WI

Coach Nikunen on his team: "We hope to be competitive in the North Division."

Preseason Coaches' Poll - #7

Minnesota North College - Vermilion

Head Coach: Matthew Shonder, 1st year as head coach at Vermilion

Overall Coaching Record at Vermilion: 0-0

Assistant Coaching Staff: Lincoln Kantola

2024-25 Record: 5-7 in the MCAC, 6-19 overall, 4th in the MCAC North Division

Top returning players:

Natorrius Truitt, G, LaGrange, GA

Mudia Gbowa, G, Baltimore, MD

Rashad Parms, F, Miami, FL

Desmond Olatunji, C, Abuja, Nigeria

Top incoming/new players:

Dorian Jackman, F, Lithia Springs, GA

Izu Nkwocha, F, Richmond, TX

Jeremiah Costello, G, Thornton, CO

Cashton White, G, Miami, FL

Coach Shonder on his team: "With the 2025-2026 season on the horizon, my expectations are clear: to play with passion, dedication, and enthusiasm. We will aim for excellence, resilience, and teamwork because greatness is earned through dedication and grit."

Noteworthy Information: Along with a new coaching staff, Vermilion added new scoreboards in the gym.