2016-17 Section 4A Preview

This is the 14th preview in my 2016-2017 season preview series.  120 teams and 13 conferences have been previewed.  Now its time to move on to section previews.  I'll take a look at 12 metro area sections plus a couple of out-state class AAAA sections that have local teams.  As is tradition, we do these from small to big.  That means this 1st section preview is a look at Section 4A.  For a list of all the season previews and how they are generated, click here.

Section 4A (21 Teams)
Defending Champion: Minneapolis North (2016 state champion)

Predicted Seeding

1. Minneapolis North
2. Prairie Seeds
3. Heritage
4. Cristo Rey
5. Legacy
6. Hope Academy
7. Maranatha
8. CHOF

Minneapolis North is the clear top seed again.  Prairie Seeds gets the nod over Heritage for second.  The winner of Cristo Rey at Heritage on December 20th is in line for 3rd.  The 3rd level of teams also sees an important regular season non-conference matchup with Legacy vs Hope Academy on January 28th.  That could determine the next spot in the seeds.  Maranatha and CHOF round out the round of 16 home games.  It will be very interesting to see how the rest of the seeding goes down.  On 1 hand, you have a bottom team from Division A with a bad record against a better division.  On the other hand, you have the winner of Division C who's going to have an inflated record against a lesser division.  That could make for some interesting seeding debates.

Sleeper:  Hope Academy.  The schedule is tougher this year which I think helps them come tourney time.  If they get going with all the 3s they shoot, they can be a tough out.  Question will be can they get enough stops in those games.

Section Winner: Minneapolis North.  The defending champs are still the favorite despite heavy losses.  Their athleticism will create too many turnovers and easy buckets.