Section 8AAA Preview
Playoffs?!? The playoffs are right around the corner. With small-school section tournaments already under and big school section tournaments set to start this week, it’s time to turn our attention to the postseason. See Previous Section Previews Here Class A…
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Continue ReadingPlayoffs?!? The playoffs are right around the corner. With small-school section tournaments already under and big school section tournaments set to start this week, it’s time to turn our attention to the postseason.
See Previous Section Previews Here
Here’s what you need to know about Section 8AAA:
Favorite: Bemidji
The Lumberjacks put together a terrific regular season, going 20-4 with wins over good teams like Willmar, Hermatown, Sartell and Moorhead. It’s an upperclass-laden team with experienced guards in Kade Peterson, Quincy Wilson and Ryan Bieberdorf.
Bemidji’s strength is in its frontcourt as the Lumberjacks have two solid bigs in senior Spencer Konecne and junior Colten Jensen. The Lumberjacks’ ability to score efficiently and defend on the interior makes them a threat to not only win this section, but also compete in the state tournament.
Next Up: Sartell, Alexandria
One of the best turnaround seasons in the state, Sartell went from 4-23 last season to 18-8 this year. The Sabres slowed down over the second half of the year, going 5-5 in their last 10 games but they’ve got one of the best players in the section in senior forward Thomas Geiske, who is good for 20-plus points on any given night. Luke Tillotson and Matt Sieben have both been excellent throughout the year as well.
Alexandria went into the year as one of the favorites to win the section and the Cardinals look like a legitimate threat to do exactly that. Upperclass guards Trey Hoepner, Anders Hedstrom and Carrson Jones give the Cardinals quality, experienced ball handlers who can all make shots and make plays for others.
Sophomore center Treyton Thompson has emerged as one of the best players in the state. At 6-foot-10, Thompson’s ability to score inside and outside plus defend the paint is something no other team in the section can match with any individual player.
Keep an Eye on: Fergus Falls, St. Cloud Apollo
St. Cloud Apollo has alternated wins and losses since mid-January but the Eagles have a good crop of talent and have done well against the top teams in the section. Mike Gravelle is one of the best guards in the section and the Eagles have several athletic big men including Deng Diew and Nasruden Mohamed.
Fergus Falls earned the No. 5 seed in the section and will face Apollo in the first round of the section tournament. The two teams split in the regular season with the Eagles winning the most recent game at home. But the Otters certainly have the experience and talent to not only win a game but make an extended run. Matt Johnson is one of the best all-around players in the section and he’s got a steady supporting cast.