Section 1AAAA Preview: A Changing of the Guard

<p>The last eight seasons, big-school southern Minnesota has been represented by Lakeville North in the State Tournament. That will not be the case in 2020 as the Panthers left for Section 3. Here's the new-look Section 1 and a tiered list of who to watch for:</p> <p><em><strong>Seeding</strong></em></p> <ol> <li><strong>Lakeville South</strong></li> <li><strong>Rochester Mayo</strong></li> <li><strong>Rochester Century</strong></li> <li><strong>Owatonna</strong></li> <li><strong>Farmington</strong></li> <li><strong>Rochester John Marshall</strong></li> <li><strong>Northfield</strong></li> <li><strong>New Prague</strong></li> </ol> <p><strong>Contenders: Lakeville South, Rochester Mayo</strong></p> <p>The Cougars finally get free of their crosstown rival and have timed it up with a core group of young players that are making impressive strides this year. They finished the regular season 19-7 and competed with the top of the SSC. <strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/reid-patterson/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/reid-patterson/">Reid Patterson</a></a> </strong>is leading the way scoring 17 a game in the backcourt and sophomore <strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/avery-mast/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/avery-mast/">Avery Mast</a></a> </strong>has come on quickly as a double-figure option on the wing. No other team in the section can match with the size and strength of 6-foot-8 <strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/riley-mahlman/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/riley-mahlman/">Riley Mahlman</a></a> </strong>inside either, making the Cougars a height and skill mismatch for whoever they'll face. Their non-conference schedule also built up big-game experience, which will come in handy this week.</p> <p>For Mayo (20-6 on the season), it's all about who's hot shooting the ball. The Spartans give up the third-most points per game among AAAA teams with winning records, right around 69 per contest; twin guard combo <strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/mason-madsen/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/mason-madsen/">Mason Madsen</a></a> </strong>and <strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/gabe-madsen/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/gabe-madsen/">Gabe Madsen</a></a> </strong>have been stellar offensively this year and they've received quality depth from <strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/michael-sharp/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/michael-sharp/">Michael Sharp</a></a> </strong>and stretch big <strong>Riek Riek</strong>. We saw them execute a terrific defensive gameplan at the MBCA Showcase against East Ridge and almost succeed. Can they do the same for an extended period of win-or-go-home hoops? The scoring production is a no-brainer.</p> <p><strong>In The Hunt: Rochester Century</strong></p> <p>Century is 18-8 this year, a testament to the journey of the senior class — their freshman season, the varsity team won three games. No longer are the Panthers a rollover in round one; they are right in the mix behind the contenders. Century knocked off Mayo in their second meeting showing there's no single dominating force in the city of Rochester. <strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/jack-fisher/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/jack-fisher/">Jack Fisher</a></a> </strong>runs the show averaging near 15 points per game and a slew of supporting pieces like <strong>Stephen Olander</strong>, <strong>Mark Leonard </strong>and <strong>Canon Tweed </strong>have shined in big moments this year too. A Mayo/Century semifinal would draw lots of excitement, something that hasn't been said in quite some time.</p> <p><strong>Watch Out For:</strong> <strong>Owatonna</strong></p> <p>Playing a rugged Big Nine schedule is exactly how Owatonna likes it, and they have proved themselves as a worthy opponent: a 16-10 record, a win over Century and a two-point loss to Mayo point to this team not giving up under any circumstances. They might miss out on a home game in the first round but I'd pick them to win that anyway. Sophomore big man <strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/evan-dushek/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/evan-dushek/">Evan Dushek</a></a> </strong>scores at will inside and out and is a physical advantage for the Huskies. Sophomore <strong>Brayden Williams </strong>adds a perimeter threat. They only allow 61 points per game; could be a fight in round two should they advance.</p>