2018-19 Section 4AAA Preview

This is the 18th preview in my 2018-2019 season preview series.  To end week 4 of this 6 week series, I take a look at section 4AAA.  For a list of all the season previews and how they are generated, click here.

Section 4AAA (8 teams)
Defending Champion: Columbia Heights (state runner-up)

Tournament Schedule:
Quarterfinals: Wednesday, March 6th
Semifinals: Saturday, March 9th at St. Paul Washington
Finals: Thursday, March 14th at St. Paul Washington
 
Predicted Seeding

1. Mahtomedi 
2. St. Paul Johnson 
3. Fridley
4. St. Anthony 
5. Columbia Heights 
6. Totino-Grace 
7. St. Paul Como Park
8. Hill-Murray

Mahtomedi with most of their roster coming back and a solid Johnson squad are the 2 clear top teams here.  Then a big drop as the rest of the section has a ton to replace.  Fridley and St. Anthony should battle for the next 2 slots.  How Totino-Grace gets seeded by the coaches in this section is always entertaining if not often very suspect.  Como Park and Hill-Murray have very long seasons ahead.

Sleeper: Totino-Grace.  There is young talent for the Eagles that will be battle tested by the tough NW Suburban schedule.

Section Winner: Mahtomedi.  The Zephyrs vs the hectic trapping of Johnson and being played in Johnson's backyard makes this an interesting matchup.  Mahtomedi runs great stuff and if they don't turn it over they have to be the favorite.  But Johnson can find ways to get to you.