2012-13 Section 4A Preview

This is the 14th preview in my 2012-2013 season preview series.  In the first set of previews, we took a look at 12 metro area conferences and some independents.  In this second set of previews, its time to predict the 11 metro area sections.  We'll begin with a look at Section 4A.  For a list of all the season previews, click here.

Section 4A
Defending Champion: Prairie Seeds Academy

Predicted Seeding

1. Maranatha
2. Heritage
3. West Lutheran
4. St. Croix Prep

Charter schools have made a run in this section with the likes of Oh Day Aki, Minnesota Transitions and Prairie Seeds qualifying for state in recent years.  Maranatha has been the other section powerhouse.  Home court advantage in the section semis loomed large last year for Heritage.  They shot the lights out in the 2nd half to knock off Maranatha.  Expect those teams to rematch in the section final.  The next tier also has 2 teams.  I expect West Lutheran and St. Croix Prep will battle for the 3rd spot.  St. Croix Prep could have a conference title and better record but the Metro Charter will get no love from the MCAA coaches in the seeding meeting.  St. Croix Prep's non-conference games at St. Croix Lutheran (last year's 4AA qualifier) in December and Concordia in February will make or break their chances at that 3 seed.    I see those 4 teams at another level from the rest of the section.  Minnesota Transitions, Metro Tech and Four Directions will contend for first round home games.  Prairie Seeds and FAIR are wildcards as you never know who will show up.  The EMAC will get even less love in the seeding meeting.

Sleeper:  Metro Tech Academy.  Metro Tech is new on the scene but as a city school and with a couple of players from Prairie Seeds I think they can play with many in the section.  Their schedule of only 3 home games along with games at Minnetonka and Wayzata means they will take their lumps.  They'll get voted down in the seeding meeting but are a top candidate to pull at least 1 upset (at least in terms of seed).  They're as good a candidate as anybody to be that 5th best team.

Section Winner: Maranatha.  The Mustangs return plenty of experience and have tons of firepower.  Add in the best player in the section in Isaiah Hanson.  That's enough to be picked at the top.