Section 5A Preview

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">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.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Section 5 might not have a team that is considered to be one of the frontrunners to win a state title, but there’s no question that there are some highly-talented teams that are capable of making a run. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Here’s a look at Section 5A</span></p> <p><strong>Favorite: Cromwell-Wright</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Cardinals won the section title a year ago on their way to the state tournament and while the team isn’t as deep or as experienced this year, it’s got arguably the best individual player in the section in senior guard <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/micah-pocernich/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/micah-pocernich/">Micah Pocernich</a></a> and a terrific defense. Pocernich has been ridiculous, averaging 25 points, 8.5 rebounds and 5.1 assists. He knocks down better than 40 percent of his 3-pointers and is an impact defender. Senior guard Gage Zoeller has enjoyed a breakout season, averaging nearly 18 points and eight rebounds. The Cardinals don’t have great size, but they rebound well collectively, defend at a high level and have two go-to guys late in games. </span></p> <p><strong>Contender: Nevis, Pine River-Backus</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Nevis is the highest ranked team by the QRF metric and tracking towards the No. 1 seed in the west subsection thanks to an explosive offense and stout defense. The Tigers have already hit 20 wins on the year and the backcourt tandem of Derek Lindow and Eddie Kramer is a big reason why. Both guys excel at scoring from all levels on the floor, making plays for their teammates and getting after people on the defensive end. Sophomore guard Matthias Warrington gives the Tigers another dynamic piece and senior forward <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/luke-dewulf/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/luke-dewulf/">Luke DeWulf</a></a> is the definition of solid. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">PRB currently has 15 wins with three games to go and has a great shot at hitting the 20-win mark if it can win a couple of games in the subsection tournament. The Tigers have an elite lead guard in <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/brady-raph/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/brady-raph/">Brady Raph</a></a> and a terrific running mate in the frontcourt in Louis Bueckers. Raph stuffs the stat sheet on a regular basis, averaging 21 points, 6.1 rebounds and 4.6 assists. He gets to the free throw line, he can knock down 3-pointers and he’s solid on the defensive end. Bueckers is an efficient faceup forward, averaging 13 points and nearly seven boards while knocking down 39 percent of his 3-pointers. Junior guard Champ Howard has had a solid year providing the Tigers with another solid playmaker, averaging 10 points and four assists. </span></p> <p><strong>Next Up: East Central</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">East Central hasnt played some of hte contenders in the section, but has shown throughout the year that it is capable of taking care of business against the teams in the middle and at the bottom. At 16-7, the Eagles don’t have an explosive offense, but they win with excellent balance offensively, ball control and a strong defense. They aren’t going to blow anybody out, but they also play a style that’ll keep them in games and they have proven to be solid in hotly-contested outings. Junior forward Wesley Watrin and junior guard Tyler Thorvig are guys to watch. </span></p> <p><strong>Watch Out For: Walker-Hackensack-Akeley</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Wolves are tracking towards a No. 5 or No. 6 seed in the west subsection, but don’t take them lightly. Walker-Hackensack-Akeley has size, toughness, experience and skill. The Wolves are upperclass-laden with multi-year starters and contributors throughout the lineup. The depth is strong and guys like Cole Rasmussen, Clay Nelson and Ethan Anderson can make life extremely difficult for the opposition. It is one of the better defensive teams in the section as well, and when the pace inevitably slows down in the postseason, this team has the defensive toughness and ability to execute in a halfcourt setting. Don’t be surprised if they make a run. </span></p>