2016-17 Section 6AAAA Preview

This is the 24th preview in my 2016-2017 season preview series.  We continue our look at the class AAAA sections with a look at section 6AAAA.  For a list of all the season previews and how they are generated, click here.

Section 6AAAA (8 teams)
Defending Champion: Hopkins

Predicted Seeding

1. Hopkins
2. Wayzata
3. St. Louis Park
4. Robbinsdale Armstrong 
5. Robbinsdale Cooper
6. Minneapolis Washburn
7. Minneapolis Southwest
8. Minneapolis South

Hopkins is the clear favorite here with Simon Wright and Ishmael El-Amin leading the way.  After that its very interesting.  The next 4 teams I could see in any order.  Wayzata still has plenty of talent with Ryan Lindberg and Gavin Baumgartner.  St. Louis Park won 20 games the last time they had this much talent coming back so they expect to make a run.  Armstrong has Race Thompson who can take over most games.  Since they don't play each other in the regular season, I'm rooting for and picking the very underrated rivalry game to happen in the 1st round.  Armstrong will have their chance to make a case with games at St. Louis Park and hosting Wayzata.  Cooper also has plenty returning after winning 17 games.  Beijan Newbern looks to have a big season for the Hawks.  As usual its a tough go for the city squads in this section and this year is no different as they'll again take the last 3 seeds.

Sleeper: Robbinsdale Armstrong.  See above with Race Thompson.  Plus the Falcons have an experienced backcourt with DaVonte Said and Isaiah Rollins.  Coach Greg Miller known for having a trick or 2 up his sleeve with time to prepare as well.

Section Winner: Hopkins. Too deep and too talented.  I just don't see anybody else with the combination of firepower and defense to keep up.