The Minnesota Preparatory Academy basketball team held its annual media day last weekend at the Jerry Gambles Boys & Girls Club.
Players, who include senior point guards Lu’Cye Patterson, son of athletic director and coach Lucas Patterson, and Bilal Rainey, son of Minneapolis North football and basketball legend Chris Rainey, posed for individual and team pictures and participated in a Blue vs. Grey scrimmage between the high schoolers and postgraduates, who play a junior college
schedule.
In addition to Lucas Patterson, who starred at Robbinsdale Cooper and has established himself as a coach in the AAU circles, former Minneapolis North player Tedkye Bellfield serves as coach of the postgraduates.
Holy Angels alum and Boston College Hall of Famer Troy Bell is also helping out.
Minnesota preparatory is starting its second season. They play a national schedule. “Last year was a challenge, it being our first year, but we had some success,” said Lucas Patterson said. “We’re looking forward to this season.”
Support Black local news
Help amplify Black voices by donating to the MSR. Your contribution enables critical coverage of issues affecting the community and empowers authentic storytelling.