Section 6AA 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 6 has traditionally been one of the toughest and deepest in Class AA and that is the case again this year. There are teams that have spent time in the top-10 and several others that could fit into that top-20 range. There’s no shortage of experienced guard, talented bigs, quality coaching, high-powered offenses and juggernaut defenses. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Here’s a look at Section 6AA</span></p> <p><strong>Favorite: Osakis</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Silverstreaks have been one of the best teams in the state the last two years, taking a combined four losses between this year and last year. Osakis does it on both ends of the floor, averaging nearly 70 points per game while also holding teams to less than 50 points per game. <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/daniel-savageau/">Daniel Savageau</a> is one of the best lead guards in the state regardless of class and he’s delivered a terrific senior season, averaging better than 21 points per game. He’s the offensive engine - he gets into the paint, he can finish, score from the perimeter and make plays - but he’s also excellent on the defensive end of the floor with his ability to get into people and defend the passing lanes. After Savageau, the Silverstreaks have a solid collection of complementary pieces in Kobia Lara, Bauer Klimek, Luke Staloch and Luke Imdieke. The Silverstreaks aren’t a heavy favorite if only because the section is so tough, but they are good enough to win multiple games in the state tournament. </span></p> <p><strong>Contender: Eden Valley-Watkins, Melrose, Albany</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">EVW is traditionally strong year in and year out and the Eagles are right up there again this year. Defense is the big key as this team allows just 42 points per game. Since a season-opening loss to Osakis, they’ve won 23 straight games. <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/joshua-streit/">Joshua Streit</a> is arguably the best big man in the section. The 6-foot-7 junior can be dominant on both ends of the floor, as he’s a monster in and out of his area as a rebounder, he can protect the rim, keep up on the perimeter, score in the paint and create his own shot in short areas. Kobe Beattie, Luke Jansen, Dylan Utecht and Adam Stommes give the Eagles solid depth and balance. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Melrose won the section title last year and the Dutchmen are right in the mix again this year. The formula is the same, as the team needs to defend at a high level and control the tempo on offense. <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/rowan-nelson/">Rowan Nelson</a> has taken another step as a junior and <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/grant-moscho/">Grant Moscho</a> is one of the best perimeter guys in the section. Those two have been through a lot of big games and they provide the stability for the rest of the core. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Albany is another strong group year to year and the Huskies are good again. Defense is solid again but they can also score thanks in large part to terrific balance. <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/nolan-rueter/">Nolan Rueter</a> is an excellent senior guard and six other guys average at least five points. </span></p> <p><strong>In The Mix: Pine City</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Pine City has piled up impressive win numbers in recent years and this year is no different. The Dragons have 23 wins and average better than 75 points per game while blowing out a bunch of people. They haven’t been tested much by their schedule or in their conference, so their QRF rating isn’t as high as some of the other teams, but they are dangerous because of their experience and depth. <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/seth-logan/">Seth Logan</a> and Koleman Lind are all-conference type guys. Christian Fromm is solid inside. Caleb Fromm and sophomore swingman Kameron Jusczak give them solid depth. They won’t have a great seed, but they are capable of going on a run. </span></p> <p><strong>Watch Out For: Annandale</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">After a down season a year ago, the Cardinals have bounced back nicely. The offense can be a bit of a slog at times and when they lose, it’s because they don’t score. But their defense is solid and they’ve got an excellent big man in <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/logan-purcell/">Logan Purcell</a>. <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/paul-meyer/">Paul Meyer</a>’s been solid as a senior. And sophomore guard Carson Gagnon has developed into a nice player. Annandale isn’t going to be a favorite by any stretch, but don’t be surprised if this group can make a run. </span></p>