Section 2AA Preview

The Playoffs are right around the corner. With small-school section tournaments set to begin in the next few weeks, it’s time to turn our attention to the postseason. Section 2AA got quite a boost in overall talent when classes were reorganized, as Waseca moved down from Class AAA and Minnesota Valley Lutheran moved up from Class A. Both teams were top-5 caliber teams at the previous level and both have been awesome this year. Jordan’s been among the better teams in Class AA for years and the Hubmen are strong again too, creating an intriguing three-team race. Here’s a look at Section 2AA Favorite: Waseca The Bluejays went into the year as the No. 1 team in Class AA and after a slow start to the year (where they were playing Class AAA and AAAA outfits), they’ve been about what you’d expect. They finished the regular season 22-5 with losses to Caledonia, Minnehaha, DeLaSalle, Marshall and Champlin Park and wins over top teams like Lake City, Minneapolis North, Marshall and Stewartville. There might not be a better trio in Class AA than <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/andrew-morgan/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/andrew-morgan/">Andrew Morgan</a></a>, <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/kyreese-willingham/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/kyreese-willingham/">Kyreese Willingham</a></a> and <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/ryan-dufault/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/ryan-dufault/">Ryan Dufault</a></a>. Those three average 60-plus points per game combined and give the Bluejays an upper-echelon player at all three positions. Morgan is the fulcrum around which the operation needs to orbit, as his ability to dominate both ends of the floor is rare around the state. He’s a monster on the glass, a terrific finisher around the rim and has the skill to create his own shot when he gets consistent touches. Willingham has taken his game to another level as a junior, emerging as a key ballhandler and shot-creator. He’s got the size, athleticism and skill to not only score 20-plus points, but also create easy shots for his teammates and shut down opposing top guys. And Dufault is a terrific lead guard who can orchestrate an offense and fill it up in a hurry. Waseca should be considered the heavy favorite to win this section not only because the Bluejays are one of the two or three best teams in Class AA, but also because they play in the south subsection which doesn’t include a team that has shown any sort of ability to challenge them. Next Up: Minnesota Valley Lutheran The Chargers don’t rank very well by the QRF metrics because a lot of their wins are against Class A competition, but don’t let assume that means this team isn’t one of the 10 best in Class AA. MVL won 24 games and beat multiple top-10 Class A teams including Waterville-Elysian-Morristown and New Ulm Cathedral during the season and has the requisite component pieces you look for in a team that can win a section title. They’ve got a stud point guard in <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/dunwa-omot/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/dunwa-omot/">Dunwa Omot</a></a>, who is averaging 22 points, 4.2 rebounds and 3.4 assists. He knocks down 3-pointers, he gets to the rim, he can score from the mid-range and he’s a terrific defender capable of checking multiple guys. Jace Marotz is a three-year starter on the wing and is having an awesome senior year, averaging 14 points, 5.5 rebounds and 3.2 assists. He’s another guy who can really defend. You know what you are getting from him. Maxon Cox isn’t the biggest guy, but he’s had another excellent year. He’s another three-year starter and he’s taken his game to another level as a senior, averaging 13.8 points and 8.0 rebounds. In The Mix: Jordan The Hubmen have consistently been one of the quality teams in Class AA and here they are at 17-7 with a Minnesota River Conference title and the No. 2 seed in the north subsection. Jordan has high-end guards in <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/ryan-samuelson/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/ryan-samuelson/">Ryan Samuelson</a></a> and <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/reagan-koch/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/reagan-koch/">Reagan Koch</a></a>. Samuelson has been one of the best players in Class AA, averaging 19 points per game while routinely defending multiple guys, rebounding and playmaking. He’s played in a ton of huge games throughout his career and come up big in a lot of wins over the years. Koch averages 15 points per game and has taken his game to another level as the clear No. 2 guy. After those two, the Hubmen have solid balance, with five guys averaging at least five points per game. Watch Out For: Belle Plaine The Tigers have been inconsistent all year, enjoying multiple five-game winning streaks and two three-game losing streaks while alternating wins and losses over the last six games. This team won’t be favored to make a deep run in the postseason as they’ll head into the subsection tournament as the No. 4 seed, but they’ve got experience, size, depth and top-notch talent to give anybody a game. <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/josh-gregory/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/josh-gregory/">Josh Gregory</a></a> is one of the better forwards in the section and he’s joined by a solid cast including Mychal Fisel, Cade Morrison and Dylan Kahle.