09-10 Section 3AAA Preview

This is the 16th preview in my season preview series. In this edition, a look at section 3AAA. If you missed any of the previews, you can find links to all of them on the Section & Conference Previews page.

Out with the defending champ (Spring Lake Park moves to section 5AAAA) and the bottom feeders of the section (Chisago Lakes and North Branch move to section 7AAA). Replacing them are Central and Como Park who are upgrades and then De La Salle's arrival from section 6 more than replaces Spring Lake Park. Is it just me or wherever DLS goes, they get a tough section. No easy games here as 3 teams would be worthy champions.

Defending Champion: Spring Lake Park

Predicted Seeding:

1. De La Salle
   
2. Columbia Heights
   
3. Minneapolis Henry
   
4. St. Anthony
5. St. Paul Central
6. Totino-Grace
7. Fridley
8. Como Park
   

DLS is the favorite with their depth and defense. Columbia Heights gets the nod over Henry due to a tougher league. St. Anthony over Central for winning their half of the Tri-Metro. Totino-Grace over Fridley by conference pick and Como Park has to be last for not beating up on the weak St. Paul City. I really like the prospects of a Columbia Heights/Henry semifinal. Dynamite guard play and helter-skelter pace in that one. Have a spare scoreboard on hand. Then you get the contrast of DLS and their slow defensive style vs either in the final. That could mean ugliness either way. DLS plays at Henry on March 2nd in an early preview.

Section Winner: De La Salle. With their defense I think they match up very well against the other 2 elite teams (Henry and Heights). They more athletes and scoring punch than in years past so I think they get it done. That St. Anthony vs Central 4 vs 5 game could be one of the better 4 vs 5 games. Central's LeDarian Horton could be the difference maker.