The interesting match-ups just keep coming, as Henry Sibley takes on No. 7 A Maranatha Christian in the Breakdown Sports Tip Off Classic at Minnetonka. Let’s call it two teams with a chip on their shoulders. 

Maranatha Christian (8-1) has had the misfortune of playing in the same section as powerful Minnesota Transitions the past few years, or the Mustangs might be coming off a state title. Meanwhile, the Warriors (3-6) nearly ended Hopkins’ title run last year, but now must face a season in which they have to replace much of their starting lineup with a new coach in Lernell James.

James is in an unenviable position. The new coach at Henry Sibley inherits a program that has qualified for three straight state tournaments and last year nearly knocked off giant Hopkins in the state semifinals, finally losing 90-82 in two overtimes after virtually the entire starting lineup fouled out. Still, the Warriors had the fire to come back and beat Eden Prairie in the third place game the next day.

But the Warriors lost coach Tom Dasovich to Minnetonka and also graduated starters Jordan Jackson, Mike Rostampour, Jake Kreuser and Jimmy Ryan, who were among the best players in the state. 

Junior guard Dante Grant (13.1 ppg) can handle the spot Jackson vacates, and will put up some strong scoring numbers that some people may not have expected. He’s shown some eye-opening improvement in the off-season as a scorer. Reserves Bobby Wills, Chris Bultena and Jake Golberg will be counted on, as will Alex Stafford (7.3 ppg) and Adam Heussner (9.7 ppg). Goldberg is a good face-up talent who attacks the glass hard and has learned how to absorb contact and finish, while Bultena will stick his nose into anything on the floor as the hard working 6-foot-3 wing rebounds, defends, and can stick jumpers that make you take twice.

Maranatha's depth begins with junior Darian Pittman (10.1 ppg) and senior SaVaughn Jordan (13.9 ppg). They finished 1-2 on the team in scoring last winter and comprise an almost impossible to defend duo. Add in great depth with 6-foot-2 sophomore Isaiah Hanson (9.8 ppg), junior Jamey Hammond (10.4 ppg) and freshman Josh Goldschmidt (10.4 ppg) and the Mustangs are loaded with veterans. Senior center Philip Eickman (10.0 ppg) adds a fifth player who averaged in double figure scoring.

Grant made the three that was heard around the state when he put Sibley into overtime against Hopkins in the state semis. Dante is a tough kid from all angles. Grant showed some eye-opening talent as a scorer last winter, averaging 10 points per game as a 6-foot-1 sophomore guard. Now the only returning starter, the All-Classic Suburban honorable mention pick will be the man.

Pittman, a 5-foot-11 junior, finished second on the Mustangs in scoring last winter (14.4 ppg) and was a first-team All-MCAA choice. Pittman might be the most underappreciated player in this class. Darian is coming off a season that saw him score 15 points a game while leading MCA to 25 wins.