Section 8A 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 8 has been one of the best in Class A in…
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Continue ReadingThe 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 8 has been one of the best in Class A in recent years as traditionally strong programs like Cass Lake-Bena and Ada-Borup have occupied spots in the rankings consistently from season to season. That’s been the case again this year, as both teams are strong again. But those aren’t the only two – there are a number of talented teams that appear poised to jump into the challenger rings.
Here’s a look at Section 8A
Favorite: Ada-Borup
The reigning section champs, the Cougars have been one of the five best teams in Class A all year and they not only have excellent experience in the form of key returners from last year’s success, but also have enjoyed the fruit of emergence from several newcomers in the lineup. Mason Miller is one of the best big men in the state regardless of class size and he’s taken his game to another level as a senior, delivering consistent big scoring to go with his already awesome defense. Verdis Barber has excelled in an elevated role. Preston Gwin is an experienced lead guard who can shoot and make plays. Chase Bucholz has developed into an excellent wing. And guys like Jennings Lee, Avery Okroi and eighth-grader Cameron Spaeth have filled in well in complementary fashion. This team has the experience, size, depth and plays a smart, ball-control style that makes them dangerous to not only win the section, but win multiple games in the state tournament.
Contender: Cass Lake-Bena
The Panthers have improved in a big way after a slow start to the season. Jarell Jacobs is one of the best pure scorers in Class A and leads a team that averages nearly 80 points per game. Cass Lake-Bena doesn’t have great size and isn’t going to be stifling defensively, but if the Panthers can get out and play fast, they can stress teams with their shooting and scoring ability. Junior guard Timmy Smith is a solid facilitator who can break down primary defenders. Miguel Reyes and Dominic Fairbanks have seemingly limitless range. LeRoy Fairbanks and Brent Fowler are solid in the frontcourt despite not having great height. The Panthers will go as far as Jacobs takes them, as he’s a terrific scorer who can shoot you into (or out of if he’s off) a game.
In The Mix: Fertile-Beltrami, Red Lake
The Falcons are going to be the No. 2 seed in the west subsection and if there’s a team that can simultaneously score and grind out a win, it is them. Fertile-Beltrami has terrific balance offensively and depth with guys like Adison McCollum, Cole Christianson, Grant Wilson and Caleb Swenby plus a top reserve in Everett Balstad who averages double-figures in scoring. They use pressure defense, and feast on turning teams over and getting to the rim.
Red Lake doesn’t have a great record but the Warriors have a terrific big man in Delwyn Holthusen and a really nice crop of complementary perimeter guys including Riley Chaboyea, Gerald Kingbird Jr. and Aaron Chaboyea. Holthusen puts up monster numbers, averaging 25 points and 16 rebounds per game while shooting better than 60 percent from the field.
Watch Out For: Blackduck, Badger/Greenbush-Middle River, Red Lake County
Blackduck has 17 wins on the year and looks like a legitimate threat to advance fairly deep into the east subsection thanks to a terrific trio led by senior swingman Dylan Moen and juniors Ethan Merrill and Quinn McKeeman. The Drakes can really shoot and can stress teams with their ability to space the floor and play a quick tempo.
Red Lake County has a shot at eclipsing the 20-win mark before the postseason and has the kind of upperclass backcourt talent that you see from teams that make extended runs in the postseason. Derek Peterson, Eric Gieseke and Bailey Hince form a big, strong perimeter trio and all three guys are capable of taking over stretches of a game. Hayden Cardinal is a strong, solid forward who can score and rebound.
Badger/Greenbush-Middle River started the year 9-5 but has since rattled off 11 straight wins and will head into the postseason with some serious positive energy. The Gators defend at a high level, allowing just 51 points per game and junior Adam Benke, senior forward Kaden Opdahl and senior guard Gage Creekmore give the team rock-solid, experienced high-end performers.