2014-15 Section 5AAAA Preview

This is the 22nd preview in my 2014-2015 season preview series.  This final week of previews continues with a look at section 5AAAA.  For a list of all the season previews and how they are generated, click here.

Defending Champion: Osseo

Predicted Seeding

1. Champlin Park
2. Maple Grove
3. Osseo
4. Robbinsdale Cooper  
5. Wayzata 
6. Centennial 
7. Park Center
8. Irondale

Champlin Park is absolutely loaded.  They fall into my group of 4 teams that could win the Gold Ball in March.  McKinley Wright has enough experience to fill Ian Smith's shoes.  How sophomore Theo John replaces Brennan Witt will determine just how dangerous the Rebels are.  Maple Grove is a rough and tumble team that should make for a great matchup.  Soph PG Brad Davison and Junior C Reed Nikko are D1 caliber stars and there's plenty to go with them.  Osseo is rebuilding but they're so good at reloading that I won't shove them too far down.  Cooper's transfers give the Hawks some extra scoring punch.  Wayzata has 4 starters returning and the addition of Austin Slater to their junior filled lineup.  Their strength of schedule will help them but their win/loss record will suffer in the brutally tough Lake Conference.  Centennial and Park Center are trying to learn new systems with new coaches.  Irondale is in complete overhaul mode.

Sleeper: Wayzata.  Battle tested in the Lake, lots of experience and pieces at every position.

Section Winner: Champlin Park.  A 2nd game vs Maple Grove in the section final would be electric.  The Crimson have the physical play and a star in Davison to pull the upset.  But I think next year is their year.  Champlin Park is still smarting after falling to Osseo in last year's title game.  That experience puts the Rebels in the big show this year.