2014-15 Section 3AAAA Preview

This is the 20th preview in my 2014-2015 season preview series.  The previews of class AAAA continue with a look at Section 3.  For a list of all the season previews and how they are generated, click here.

Defending Champion: Cretin-Derham Hall

Predicted Seeding

1. Apple Valley
2. Cretin-Derham Hall
3. East Ridge
4. Eagan
5. Eastview
6. Rosemount
7. Henry Sibley
8. Park

Another stacked year in section 3.  Apple Valley and Cretin-Derham Hall are 2 of the favorites to win the AAAA championship.  This will be the biggest game of all the local section finals if those 2 end up in rematch of last year's epic section final.  The letter E teams all have a ton coming back.  The rest of are rebuilding.  An Eagan vs Eastview rivalry matchup in the 4 vs 5 game sticks out as one of the best 1st round games in AAAA.  

Sleeper: Eastview.  They have a ton of experience, lots of shooters, enough athletes and an experienced coach. 

Section Winner: Cretin-Derham Hall.  I think the Raiders experience vs the Apple Valley youth is a difference maker here.  Also, with no Robert Tobroxen to guard Sam Neumann, the Eagles have to find an answer.  A big chess match to watch in that game will be the management of Brock Bertram.  Will his size and interior play offset a difficult matchup on the defensive end.  Don't underestimate the impact of the Raiders win last year either.  That gives CDH the confidence to know they can win that big game and gives Apple Valley an extra bit of motivation.