Section 5AAA Preview
Playoffs?!? The playoffs are right around the corner. With small-school section tournaments already under and big school section tournaments set to start in the next week, it’s time to turn our attention to the postseason. See Previous Section Previews Here…
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Continue ReadingPlayoffs?!? The playoffs are right around the corner. With small-school section tournaments already under and big school section tournaments set to start in the next week, it’s time to turn our attention to the postseason.
See Previous Section Previews Here
Here’s what you need to know about Section 5AAA:
Favorite: Delano
Delano has been one of the surprise teams in Class AAA this year. After winning the state title last season, the Tigers had to replace all-everything senior guard Calvin Wishart along with a really solid big man in Keegan O’Neill. So far, so good as Derek Techam has had an absolutely monster senior season. Once, more of a spot-up shooter and bit guy, Techam has become the go-to guy and he’s averaging better than 24 points per game.
Trey Longstreet is one of the more promising underclassmen in the state and at 6-foot-4, he’s a tough matchup because he’s got guard skills. Junior forward Keagen Smith and Max Otto do a good job holding down the interior.
Delano isn’t a runaway favorite in this section by any stretch, but to this point, the Tigers have been the best team if only because they’ve been the most consistent team. With guards like Techam and Longstreet leading the way, Delano can feel good about where it sits.
Contending: Willmar
Willmar has several head-scratching losses this season but the Cardinals have picked things up over the course of the second half of the season. Adjusting to life without Noah Slagter may have taken longer than we anticipated; or maybe this team has taken advantage of a soft portion of the schedule.
The Cardinals have the athletes that can run with anybody in this section and experienced multi-year starters in Drey Dirksen, Ty Roelofs and Ryan Slette. Offense hasn’t always been consistent with this team but those three guys have been a part of a lot of wins for Willmar. They won’t be an easy out for anybody.
In the Mix: Monticello, Big Lake
Big Lake might have the best individual player in the section in Logan Nagorski. The 6-foot-5 senior swingman has been awesome this year, averaging 21 points and eight rebounds. Secondary scoring hasn’t been great for the Hornets but DeVonne Harris is a solid defensive big man, averaging 10 rebounds per game and Jake Ireland, Spencer Hinrichs and Trey Teige are all experienced perimeter players.
Monticello’s struggled over the second half of the year after a promising start but the Magic are still dangerous because it’s got a bevy of talented long-range shooters.
Austin Wetter has emerged as one of the best players in the section. He’s a name to know as he’s one of the best juniors in the state, averaging 17 points, five rebounds and three assists while knocking down 40 percent of his 3-pointers. Blake Thompson, Carson Sawatzke, Shawn Sellner and Austin Puppe can all shoot the ball well from distance too, making the Magic dangerous.