2017-18 Section 5AAAA Preview

This is the 24th preview in my 2017-2018 season preview series.  In this final week of previews, we finish our look at class AAAA and then finish up with our annual season overview on Friday.  Today its section 5AAAA.  For a list of all the season previews and how they are generated, click here.

Section 5AAAA (8 teams)
Defending Champion: Champlin Park

Tournament Schedule:
Quarterfinals: Wednesday, March 7th
Semifinals: Tuesday, March 13th at Maple Grove
Finals: Friday, March 16th at Rogers

Predicted Seeding

1. Park Center
2. Champlin Park
3. Osseo
4. Roseville
5. Centennial
6. Mounds View
7. Spring Lake Park
8. Irondale

No new teams in the section for this 2 year cycle. Park Center is the favorite with most of their 21 win team returning.  Champlin Park isn't very experienced but as the projected North division champs in the NW Suburban they have to slot here.  Osseo and Roseville are clearly the next tier of teams.  Then it drops off for the non-home teams.  Irondale draws the last straw with the remaining 3 being very close.  Spring Lake Park's youth took some lumps last year but they are always a tough out and will look to move up in that group.  They'll get their chance with an early season meeting vs Mounds View and a end of season trip to Centennial.

Sleeper: Roseville.  They finished strong last year and have some productive pieces returning.  Add in Gary Smith from St. Agnes and the Raiders could surprise here.

Section Winner: Park Center. The Pirates have all the ingredients and their depth is a major difference.  They won 10 straight before a 1 point loss to Osseo in sections.  They should battle to be in the 2nd tier of teams behind Apple Valley this season.