2018-19 Section 6AAA Preview

This is the 19th preview in my 2018-2019 season preview series.  The penultimate week of the season preview series begins with a glance at the final metro area section in class AAA, section 6.  For a list of all the season previews and how they are generated, click here.

Section 6AAA (8 teams)
Defending Champion: De La Salle

Tournament Schedule:
Quarterfinals: Tuesday, March 5th
Semifinals: Saturday, March 9th
Finals: Thursday, March 14th at Chanhassen

Predicted Seeding

1. De La Salle
2. Robbinsdale Cooper
3. Minneapolis Roosevelt  
4. Minneapolis Henry   
5. Waconia
6. Benilde-St. Margaret's 
7. Orono 
8. Mound-Westonka

While the section isn't ridiculously loaded like past years, its still no picnic.  De La Salle remains the favorite behind their dynamic perimeter duo of Tyrell Terry and Jamison Battle.  I see Cooper and Roosevelt battling for the next 2 slots.  Dynamic perimeter play for both of those teams as well with Jalen Justice and Jalen Miller for Cooper and Deszi Sims for Roosevelt.  Then the battle for the last home game.  Henry gets the nod with a solid group returning.  Waconia with leading scorer SG PJ Hayes coming back will also contend there.  But they have to replace 2 top guys in PG Charlie Gove and F Nick Fulford.  Benilde-St. Margaret's could also make a run for that spot with Dylan Drees and Walker Johnson.  Despite losing F Jarvis Omersa and most of the rotation, I won't discount Barry Wohler's ability to have Orono make a run.  Blake O'Connor leads the returnees for the Spartans.  Mound-Westonka has to replace their leading scorer as they continue to build.

Sleeper: Orono.  In a section that is very perimeter oriented shooting will be at a premium.  Orono always seems to have shooters.  Plus you have coach Wohler with time to prepare a team that is better than most 7 seeds.  That gives them as good a chance as anybody to surprise.

Section Winner: De La Salle.  The Islanders will be on a mission to get the AAA title back.  The road still isn't easy but its not nearly as tough in past years and they still have 2 of the top players in the section.