Class AAAA State Tournament X-Factors

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Class AAAA State Tournament tips off Wednesday at Target Center. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Here are some players that could help tip things in their respective teams’ favor:</span></p> <p><strong>Tate Machacek, Eastview</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">East Ridge isn’t easy to matchup with for anybody given its insane amount of size from top to bottom but Eastview has no shortage of able bodies as well. Machacek is going to be a big key given his blend of size, length and athleticism. He’ll likely get a full dose of Courtney Brown, which means he’ll have to be engaged on that end at all times given Brown’s propensity for hunting his shot. And on the offensive end, the only way Eastview stays in this game is if it avoids turnovers and pounds the ball into the paint. Machacek will have to produce some points.</span></p> <p><strong>Tate Staloch, Lakeville North</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Staloch is one of the really solid two way players in this tournament and he’ll need to be up to task for the Panthers to realize success. At 6-foot-7, he’s capable of guarding up or down a lineup. He will likely spend time on Austin Andrews and Connor Christiansen. He’ll also have opportunities to knock down shots with all the attention likely being paid to Tyler Wahl, Tommy Jensen and Jack Rusch.</span></p> <p><strong>John Henry, Eden Prairie</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Henry is actually the Eagles’ second leading scorer thus far on the season and his shooting and defense will be critical factors in whatever kind of run his team will be able to make this week. At 6-foot-6, he’s arguably the team’s best defender. He’ll play a big part in the effort to slow down Wahl and Rusch and with how well the Panthers shut down the paint, his shooting is going to be a huge factor. </span></p> <p><strong>Lovell Williams, Maple Grove</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Maple Grove gets most of its offense from a talented senior trio but the Crimson will need complementary guys to step up in a big way if it is going to beat Park Center. The Pirates play terrific defense and apply constant pressure. If Maple Grove can slow the game down and get something from the guys like Williams, Rashaun Parker and Sean Bergstrom, there’s a chance in this one. </span></p> <p><strong>Emmanuel Tamba, Park Center</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Tamba averages less than six points per game but he’s a key piece for the Pirates given his defensive ability on the perimeter. He’s as good as it gets from an on-ball defense standpoint and his energy is a big key for a team that borderline relies on being able to the turn up the pace. </span></p>