Section 8AAAA Tournament Players to Watch

The postseason is underway. With big-school section tournaments down to the semifinals, it’s time for the big-knockers to knock. Section 8AAAA has been dominated by Maple Grove the last handful of years and the Crimson are once again the favorite to represent the section in the state tournament. Can Buffalo, Moorhead or St. Michael-Albertville unseat them them? Here are some of the top players to keep an eye on: [player_tooltip player_id="721976" first="Lovell" last="Williams"], Maple Grove Assemble a list of breakout players in Class AAAA and Williams will be on every one of them. The senior guard has taken his game to another level with more responsibility and has been the catalyst in the Crimson’s 21-win season. He’s a stat-stuffing machine, averaging 16 points, five rebounds and five assists. He leads the team in all three categories plus gets after it on the defensive end of the floor. He can get to gaps and finish in the paint, he can shoot, he draws fouls, he makes his teammates better and he takes on challenging assignments defensively. The kid is a stud. [player_tooltip player_id="549379" first="Drew" last="Hagen"], Moorhead The Spuds are working on another awesome season and have legitimate state-tournament aspirations with Hagen leading the way. The 6-foot-6 swingman does it all. He’s an adept scorer, averaging 16.6 points and can shoot from deep, get to the paint, finish at the rim and make plays. He’s a solid passer. He guards anybody and he can rebound and push it. rebounds [player_tooltip player_id="846116" first="Matt" last="Willert"], Buffalo Perhaps the best pure shooter in the state, Willert is a volume scorer who can get hot and fill it up unlike anybody in the state. The 6-foot-6 shooting guard is a foul-drawing machine, runs off screens constantly and can create his own shot. He’s the ultimate heat-check guy who will either shoot his team into or out of the game - and a lot more often, it’s into. He can legitimately go off for 40 points if teams aren’t careful. [player_tooltip player_id="846171" first="Kale" last="Hoselton"], STMA Hoselton is one of the best forwards in this section. His explosiveness and ability to finish around the rim, create his own shots in the mid-range and the paint allow him to do damage against anybody and he’s capable of defending up or down the lineup. He brings a physicality and toughness to the court that few teams can match and if the Knights are going to have a chance against Maple Grove, he’s got to be a beast. [player_tooltip player_id="567055" first="Brady" last="Walthall"], Moorhead On a team with a bunch of guys who have enjoyed breakout years at Moorhead, Walthall has been a cut above. The junior lead guard has been steady offensively, averaging 12 points and three assists per game. He’s a strong 3-point shooter, makes good decisions off the dribble and his ability to defend and make intangible winning plays set him apart. Antonio Blueitt, Buffalo Blueitt is really putting things together this year and looks like a guy who will be a force for the next couple years. The sophomore guard plays beyond his years when it comes to decision making, has a smoothness with the ball and can create his own shot or shots for his teammates. He’s a big, strong lead guard who can defend all over the floor, rebound his position and he’s probably the Bison’s best guy when it comes to breaking down a defender and creating a look for his teammates. Rayshaun Parker, Maple Grove Parker has taken his game to another level as a senior, averaging 14 points per game and excelling in the backcourt with [player_tooltip player_id="721976" first="Lovell" last="Williams"]. Parker is the Crimson’s best 3-point shooter and can get hot in a hurry, plus has the burst to break down defenders and get to the rim. He’s a rock-solid perimeter defender who does a great job applying ball pressure and getting in the passing lanes. [player_tooltip player_id="846151" first="Evan" last="Wieker"], STMA STMA struggled in the Lake Conference but a guy who has proven he can play with anybody is Wieker. The senior swingman averages 13 points per game and was the catalyst in the Knights’ opening-round win over Rogers, scoring 17 points. He’s a big, athletic kid who can guard multiple spots on the floor, knock down shots and get to the rim. It’s going to be tough for STMA to beat Maple Grove, but Wieker is a guy that gives them a chance. [player_tooltip player_id="846180" first="Brandon" last="Maatz"], Buffalo Maatz has always been underrated and he’s had a rock-solid senior year. He’s not going to wow you in the warmups or with his athleticism or outward antics, but he’s reliable on both ends of the floor, knocks down shots, makes good decisions and just does what it takes for his team to win.