2019-20 Section 3AAAA Preview

This is the 22nd preview in my 2019-2020 season preview series.  Continuing our look at the class AAAA sections, we move on to section 3.  For a list of all the season previews and how they are generated, click here.

Section 3AAAA (8 teams)
Defending Champion: Eastview

Tournament Schedule:
Quarterfinals: Thursday, March 5th
Semifinals: Monday, March 9th at Farmington
Finals: Friday, March 13th at Farmington

Predicted Seeding

1. Eastview
2. Lakeville North
3. Eagan  
4. Apple Valley 
5. Hastings 
6. Burnsville
7. Park
8. Rosemount

After an 8 year hiatus and sweep in Section 1AAAA, business has picked up with Lakeville North returning to section 3AAAA.  They replace Henry Sibley who dropped down to section 3AAA.  Lakeville South is the last team to beat Lakeville North in both sections.  Its a weak section with only 1 team projected above 5th in their league.  So Lakeville North's chances are still reasonable to reload and keep their 8 year streak of state trips alive.  Don't expect John Oxton's crew to fall far as they'll fill in with some nice JV pieces from last year.  Eagan has lots of shooting coming back and Apple Valley has experience back.  Hastings loses their size but they have a quality guard in Devon Haraldson coming back from injury and a couple other returning guards.  They should battle for the final home game.  Burnsville will  try to jump in that mix as well.  Park has to replace a ton of talent from last year's team.  Rosemount continues to rebuild.

Sleeper: Burnsville.  Daniel Rosenbur gives Burnsville a chance to move up but not much help for him.

Section Winner: Eastview. They are deeper and bigger than everybody in the section.  Star Steven Crowl in the middle, Ryan Thissen on the wing and Jaylen James at the point are solid and they have plenty of pieces to go around them.