Section 5AAAA 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.‌ ‌ Here's a look at Section 5AAAA Favorite: Park Center Park Center will head into the section tournament eyeing a return trip to the state tournament. The pieces are there, starting with senior big man <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/dain-dainja/">Dain Dainja</a>. Few guys in the state are as difficult to defend with one player than Dainja, and his footwork, short-area explosiveness and strength are unmatched inside. He draws a ton of attention from opposing teams but if he doesn't settle, gets to the offensive glass and plays with high activity, he's the best player in the section and capable of completely dominating a game. Detavius Freierson is one of the most well-rounded players in the state. He's taken over as the primary ballhandler for the Pirates and his ability to break down defenses, control the offense and lock up on defense make him a big key for Park Center's title hopes. Joshua Brown is one of the elite shooters in the state. David Ijadimbola is a terrific utility wing who impacts the game in a lot of ways. And the Pirates have excellent depth with guys like <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/josh-lewis/">Josh Lewis</a>, <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/braeden-carrington/">Braeden Carrington</a> and <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/john-grigsby/">John Grigsby</a>. Park Center has the most talent in the section and if they get to state, they've got a great shot to win multiple games and contend for a title. Contender: Spring Lake Park, Champlin Park Spring Lake Park has the experience and talent to beat anybody. The Panthers have a fantastic senior duo in <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/gabe-myren/">Gabe Myren</a> and <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/blake-remme/">Blake Remme</a>. Myren is one of the best perimeter scorers in the section and his ability to knock down shots, get to the paint and lock up on defense makes him one of the best two-way players in the area. Remme is an athletic combo forward who can finish at the rim, make plays for himself, rebound in and out of his area and make plays. <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/jacob-say/">Jacob Say</a> is a strong facilitator who can score in complementary fashion. <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/daydor-phillips/">Daydor Phillips</a> is the team's No. 3 scorer who can rebound, make plays and guard up or down the lineup. <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/kaleb-skelly/">Kaleb Skelly</a> is solid inside and junior guard <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/trey-johnston/">Trey Johnston</a> has been a productive role-player. The Panthers have serious firepower and won't be intimidated by anybody. Champlin Park is another dangerous team because of its experience, toughness and balance. Francis Nwaokorie is an ox inside and even though he doesn't have great height, he's as strong and skilled in the paint as anybody. His combination of strength, motor and skill add up to a consistently productive kid. The Rebels have six more guys averaging 6-10 points per game including <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/joshua-strong/">Joshua Strong</a> on the perimeter and <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/cooper-olson/">Cooper Olson</a> up front. The Rebels aren't going to wow you in the warmups, but they've got toughness, defensive credibility and the combination of size and shooting ability to make life miserable for whoever is in their path. Watch Out For: Mounds View, Irondale After an 11-0 start to the season, the Mustangs went 8-7 down the stretch. They've played some high-quality teams competitively and get after people on the defensive end of the floor. Junior guard <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/evan-kim/">Evan Kim</a> has emerged as a really solid primary option. Sophomore guard <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/dylan-wheeler/">Dylan Wheeler</a> is another guy who can get his own shot and create for his teammates. Senior big man <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/thomas-gebhardt/">Thomas Gebhardt</a> has been productive. And the Mustangs have solid depth with guys like John Montgomery and <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/cole-sorensen/">Cole Sorenson</a>. Mounds View will face Irondale in the first round matchup. Irondale will face Mounds View in the first round looking to extend the best season it's had in a decade. The Knights haven't won a section game since 2011 - so this is a great opportunity. Senior guard Kwame Herzog and senior forward Iggy Ejiofor form an outstanding one-two punch.