2019-20 Section 4AAA Preview

This is the 18th preview in my 2019-2020 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: Mahtomedi

Tournament Schedule:
Quarterfinals: Wednesday, March 4th
Semifinals: Saturday, March 7th at Woodbury
Finals: Thursday, March 12th at Woodbury
 
Predicted Seeding

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

Minnehaha joins the section as the clear state favorite in AAA.  Mahtomedi and St. Paul Johnson get the next 2 seeds thanks to weak conferences.  Totino-Grace wins enough games in their half to stay in the top half.  Columbia Heights and St. Anthony battle for the next 2 spots.  Como Park and Hill-Murray have new coaches and will struggle.  Of course, I recall Mahtomedi as a 1 seed being knocked off by 8 seed Hill-Murray not too long ago so be prepared!

Minnehaha moving in to the section bumps former section member Fridley to section 5AAA.  That's a better draw for Fridley than this section but I still see the Tigers losing a 1st round road game.

Sleeper: Totino-Grace.  There is young talent for the Eagles that will be battle tested by the tough NW Suburban schedule.  That goes with an experienced duo of junior guards who both get after it defensively.

Section Winner: Minnehaha.  The roster has as much talent as we've seen in Minnesota in a long time.  A heavy favorite to win their 4th straight state championship.