Conference Predictions: MIAC and NEWMAC
Taking a look at two high-profile leagues as I continue my "Conference Predictions" series
We’ve got two of the more well-known conferences today as the “Conference Predictions” series continues in anticipation of the upcoming season. Both the MIAC and NEWMAC have multiple teams that will be in the national conversation, and are leagues you’ll want to be paying attention to throughout January and February when conference play really ramps up.
Yesterday’s post » Top 10 Games to Watch within the first two weeks of the 2024-25 season
MIAC
Pick to Win: Gustavus Adolphus
There won’t be much room for error in the MIAC this year, as both Gustavus Adolphus and Concordia Moorhead bring back at least four starters from teams that reached the NCAA Tournament last March. Not to mention the fact that outside contenders such as Bethel and St. Kate’s are never programs to be overlooked. But Gustavus, with its six seniors, appears to be a step ahead of the rest, bringing back the main contributors to last year’s 25-3 record. In total, five of the Gusties’ returners started at least 27 games, with four starting all 28. That level of returning production isn’t something too many Top 25-caliber teams have, especially when three of those returners are back as fifth-year seniors. Gustavus is so balanced offensively, seen by the fact that Emma Kniefel, Syd Hauger, and Rachel Kawiecki each averaged 11.0 PPG, and three others finished the season averaging above 7.0 PPG. The ability to beat teams in several different ways, with multiple players accounting for the scoring was a major key for Gustavus last season, and I expect that will continue. You can’t overlook the defense, either. Allowing just 50.7 PPG and dominating in rebounding margin (10.6 last season) are the main reasons I’m picking Gustavus to repeat as MIAC champs in addition to the Gusties’ returning production. Returning this specific group, which includes Kniefel, the 2024 MIAC Defensive Player of the Year, means a team with a strong defensive identity that doesn’t give an inch and typically defends on the perimeter especially well.
It should be noted that Concordia (MN) is poised for another big year as well, after getting back to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2014. Four starters return, led by senior forward Makayla Anderson, who put up an 18-point, 13-rebound double-double in Concordia’s opening round game against Illinois Wesleyan. The Cobbers beat Gustavus once last season, and are undoubtedly the top contender behind the Gusties in the MIAC title race.
Preseason Offensive Player of the Year: Makayla Anderson, Concordia Moorhead
Preseason Defensive Player of the Year: Emma Kniefel, Gustavus Adolphus
NEWMAC
Pick to Win: Springfield
Talk about a tight conference race. Smith, Springfield, MIT, and Babson are all in the mix for the title from a preseason standpoint. Coast Guard doesn’t appear to be far behind. Smith returns after finishing as national runners-up last season, but lost over 50% of its scoring and rebounding with the graduations of Sofia Rosa, Ally Yamada, and Jessie Ruffner. Babson brings back all three players who made 20+ starts in 2023-24, five who averaged above 15 min/game, and Occidental transfer Toni Thompson. Coast Guard and MIT each have about 75% of their production from last season back on the floor.
And how about Springfield? Springfield finished tied with Smith atop the NEWMAC at 10-1, the only team in the league to have beaten the Pioneers. The Pride went 22-6 last season and while they don’t bring back everyone, it’s a significant amount. 68.6% of Springfield’s scoring returners, as does 77% of their rebounds, and much of that is a credit to the presence of senior forward Angela Czeremcha. A 28-game starter, she averaged a double-double, with 13.5 PPG and 11.6 RPG, while also earning NEWMAC Defensive Player of the Year honors. Springfield’s post play will be strengthened even more with Lindsey Laughlan, who averaged 22.6 min/game and led Springfield in blocks, with 18. Amanda Leary will anchor the backcourt and her play will be key, considering Springfield lost multiple guards to graduation, including Rachel Vinton, who led the team in assists. Interestingly, while Smith is strong in the backcourt, the Pioneers seem to significantly lack depth in the post. And the same could be said for Springfield, with their two high-level post players, yet less returning experience with its guards. It’s hard to know just how much that will affect both Smith and Springfield, and it potentially opens the door for an MIT or Babson or Coast Guard to surprise us. With the single round-robin conference schedule, anything can happen with so many Top 100 teams in contention. Ultimately, I’m leaning Springfield because of its returners and the strength the Pride have in the post, but only time will tell with how the NEWMAC actually ends up playing out.
Preseason Offensive Player of the Year: Angie Choi, MIT
Preseason Defensive Player of the Year: Angela Czeremcha, Springfield
Picks so far → AMCC: PSU Behrend, A-R-C: Wartburg, ASC: ETBU, AEC: Marymount, Centennial: Johns Hopkins, CUNYAC: Baruch, C2C: Christopher Newport, CCIW: Illinois Wesleyan, CCS: LaGrange, CNE: Western New England, MACC: Messiah, E8: Nazareth, MACF: Stevens, GNAC: Albertus Magnus, HCAC: Berea, Landmark: Catholic, Liberty: Vassar, LEC: UMass Dartmouth, MASCAC: Bridgewater State, MIAA: Trine, MWC: Ripon, MIAC: Gustavus Adolphus, NEWMAC: Springfield
Up Next: NESCAC and NJAC