Section 8AAA Preview

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The‌ ‌Playoffs‌ ‌are‌ ‌right‌ ‌around‌ ‌the‌ ‌corner.‌ ‌With‌ ‌small-school‌ ‌section‌ ‌tournaments‌ ‌set‌ ‌to‌ ‌begin‌ ‌in‌ ‌</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">the‌ ‌next‌ ‌few‌ ‌weeks,‌ ‌it’s‌ ‌time‌ ‌to‌ ‌turn‌ ‌our‌ ‌attention‌ ‌to‌ ‌the‌ ‌postseason.‌ ‌</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Section 8 has been wide open in recent years, with Bemidji, Sauk Rapids-Rice and Fergus Falls winning it the last three seasons. There’s a chance a new team could be the state tournament representative this year, as there are four teams that all look like legitimate challengers for the section title. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Here’s a look at Section 8AAA</span></p> <p><strong>Favorite: St. Cloud Apollo</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Eagles have been tough to figure out this year. They got off to a terrific start, going 9-1 in their first 10 games. They followed that with a stretch that included four losses by five points or less. They’ve got the firepower that few teams can match, as they average 75 points per game. But they also allow 70 points per game. So they are going to find themselves in some barnburners. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Senior guard <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/mike-gravelle/">[player_tooltip player_id="846153" first="Mike" last="Gravelle"]</a> is one of the best lead guards in the section and while he hasn’t shot the ball all that well throughout the year, he’s excellent at controlling the game, defending his position and creating shots for his teammates. Chang Hoth has enjoyed a breakout season, averaging 21 points while knocking down 43 percent of his 3-pointers. <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/puoch-dobuol/">[player_tooltip player_id="846132" first="Puoch" last="Dobuol"]</a> has turned tools into productivity as a senior, averaging more than 13 points and nearly 10 rebounds. And sophomore forward Thomas Diew has been strong, averaging 13 points and six rebounds. The Eagles have the size, athleticism and high-end talent to win the section and make noise at state. But they’ve been inconsistent, which gives this section intrigue.</span></p> <p><strong>Contender: Bemidji, Alexandria</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Bemidji won the section title a year ago and despite graduating a huge chunk of that core, the Lumberjacks have been competitive again this winter. Senior big man <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/colten-jensen/">[player_tooltip player_id="846264" first="Colten" last="Jensen"]</a> has been a force, averaging 20 points per game while providing a physical presence in the paint. <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/quincy-wilson/">[player_tooltip player_id="721992" first="Quincy" last="Wilson"]</a> has taken on a bigger role and flourished and sophomore forward Gavin Luksik has been productive all season. Silas Hess and Nick Snell give the Lumberjacks two dependable senior guards, who have experience in big games. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Alexandria has the talent and style of play that can win in the postseason because the Cardinals execute at a high level offensively. They are patient and their continuity motion offense is built to feast on undisciplined defenders. <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/colton-roderick/">[player_tooltip player_id="774753" first="Colton" last="Roderick"]</a> is a matchup nightmare because he handles it and shoots like a guard but has the length and toughness to bully smaller guys inside. Kristen Hoskins and <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/carrson-jones/">[player_tooltip player_id="846262" first="Carrson" last="Jones"]</a> form a rock-solid backcourt, as both guys are adept shot-makers, creative passers and reliable decision-makers. Sophomore forward <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/erik-hedstrom/">[player_tooltip player_id="850732" first="Erik" last="Hedstrom"]</a> is a tough cover because of his ability to screen and space the floor. And Ethan Patience is a solid glue guy who does a little bit of everything on both ends. The Cardinals don’t have great depth, and they don’t have great size, but they shoot it and share it and have guys who can take over in a tight game when called upon. </span></p> <p><strong>Watch Out For: Sartell-St. Stephen</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Sartell-St. Stephen won 16 games in the regular season and are playing well heading into the postseason. The Sabres have balance on both ends of the floor, winning with solid defense while also showing they can put up points against anybody. Dominic Hagy and Gustav Gunderson and Mason Lund form a terrific perimeter trio that can control the game and produce points on a consistent basis. The Sabres have experience and skill - don’t sleep on them.  </span></p>