11-12 Section 6AAA Preview

This is the 20th preview in my 2011-2012 season preview series.  In this preview, we move down a class and start looking at class AAA.  We'll start with section 6.  For a list of all the season previews, click here.

Defending Champion: Waconia

Predicted Seeding

1. Benilde-St. Margaret's
2. Washburn
3. Richfield
4. Holy Family
5. Blake
6. Chaska
7. Holy Angels
8. Roosevelt

Big changes in 6AAA with Blake and Minneapolis Roosevelt moving up from section 4AA (though I see Roosevelt still in 4AA elsewhere on MSHSL site so stay tuned).  But we still get 6 conference represented (depending on how you want to count Holy Family).  Chaska moves down from 2AAAA after playing in the title game there last year.  No surprise there as the move almost happened last year when Chanhassen was moved out.  Defending champion Waconia leaves for section 2AAA and Mound-Westonka moves west to section 5.  Benilde-St. Margaret's is the no brainer favorite on paper even without Kyle Washington but as last year upset in the section final vs Waconia showed, that's why they play the games.  Washburn wins the Minneapolis City and takes the 2 seed.  The Holy Family and Richfield debate will once again rage with Richfield winning it, but at least they won't have a 1st round game at Richfield.  Big Ryan Dahl will a handful for anybody in the section.  Remember he went off for 36 last year in the Breakdown Tipoff Classic against a very good Braham team.  On the same theme, Blake gets knocked down due to the weak Tri-Metro but they would have had a real chance to win 4AA.  The Bears will get their chance to move up with road games at Holy Family and Richfield in February or to move down with post new year's games against Chaska and at Roosevelt.  Bottom 3 teams figure to struggle but Holy Angels is never an easy out at tourney time.  Forward Danny Sullivan is solid and guards Jordan Dembley and Delshawn Strickland are sound as well.  Their annual rivalry game with Richfield moves back from its annual last game before Christmas slot to the last day of February and should be a great preview for how the Stars will do in section play.

Sleeper: Blake. As mentioned, I think they would have been a real contender in 4AA.  Junior forward Kebu Johnson is back for what seems like his 700th season as the goto guy.  Soph point guard John Veil is under the radar now but won't be for long.

Section Winner: Benilde-St. Margaret's. I like the matchup against Washburn or Richfield so that's a part of it.  Main reason is to make up for last year's loss in the section final.  There's still 3 D1 kids there and they'll always be able to find quality role kids.