2018-19 Section 5AA Preview

This is the 16th preview in my 2018-2019 season preview series.  In this preview, a look at section 5AA.  For a list of all the season previews and how they are generated, click here.

Section 5AA (14 teams)
Defending Champion: Brooklyn Center

Tournament Schedule:
Round of 16: Thursday, March 7th
Quarterfinals: Saturday, March 9th at St. Michael-Albertville
Semifinals: Tuesday, March 12th at St. Michael-Albertville
Finals: Friday, March 15th 6 PM at St. Cloud State

Predicted Seeding

1. Minneapolis North
2. Maranatha
3. Breck
4. Litchfield
5. Providence  
6. Rockford  
7. Blake
8. Southwest Christian
9. Holy Family
10. Watertown-Mayer
11. Brooklyn Center 
12. HLWW
13. PACT
14. International School

This section had Brooklyn Center repeating written all over it.  Then all their stars ended up at prep school changing the entire dynamic.  That means Minneapolis North despite their youth is the favorite.  Maranatha and Breck with David Roddy will be handfuls again in this section.  Litchfield is poised to make a big jump with Owen Boerema leading a group of returnees.  The next group is very competitive with Providence, Rockford, Blake and SW Christian having solid returnees as well.  Beyond that, teams with plenty to replace.

In 6AA, I see Spectrum winning a 1st round home game before bowing out.

Sleeper: Holy Family.  Yes they lose a ton but playing in the tough Wright County East division always serves them well come tourney time.  With Nick Hendler and Jacob Zay returning that gives them a couple experienced pieces in a very disciplined system.

Section Winner: Litchfield.  Great tradition for the Dragons and tons of experience coming back with a go to guy in Boerema.  David Roddy is a handful for Breck but how much help he gets is a question.  North and Maranatha need to generate offense from the their defense and can be vulnerable in the halfcourt.  Very balanced section where the quarterfinal round on could see anything happen.  Therefore, I'll make another pick outside the predicted seedings