Section 1AAA Preview
***Photo Credit: Eric Johnson/Austin Daily Herald*** Playoffs?!? The playoffs are right around the corner. With small-school section tournaments already under and big school section tournaments set to start in the next week, it’s time to turn our attention to the…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue Reading***Photo Credit: Eric Johnson/Austin Daily Herald***
Playoffs?!? The playoffs are right around the corner. With small-school section tournaments already under and big school section tournaments set to start in the next week, it’s time to turn our attention to the postseason.
See Previous Section Previews Here
Here’s what you need to know about Section 1AAA
Section 1AAA has been owned by Austin here in recent years and the Packers look like the favorites heading into postseason play again this year as they’ve reloaded from their previous run of really good play. The usual suspects are in the mix as Northfield and Winona both look like threats and beyond that, it’s a lean section.
Favorite: Austin
The Packers have been one of the best teams in Class AAA again this year despite losing a number of core guys from the last few years where the team went to state twice.
Austin has a terrific coach in Kris Fadness and the Packers have a cupboard full of long, athletic kids who excel in that wonky 2-2-1 zone press. They are hard to prepare for because of their collective length and they’ve got a number of guys who can step up and take over a game. Medi Obang’s turned in an awesome senior year. Ngor Deng has been solid in his senior season and Agwa Nywesh has been a breakout star as a junior.
Austin has two wins over both Northfield and Winona and they’ll have a much easier road to a section final than the second and third seeds because there appears to be a significant drop off after the top three teams. The Packers are already the favorites for what they’ve done on the floor, but that part of things helps them as well.
Contending: Northfield
The Raiders seem to always be in the mix come section tournament time and this year should be no different. Northfield is well-coached and has the athletes that can hang with the Packers. Mason Zick is one of the best players in the section and he’s had a monster senior season. He’s a guy that can abuse teams inside if he can get to the right spots on the floor. His versatility is important as well because he can handle the ball and shoot from the perimeter just as well as he can get to the rim and finish.
Mitchell Stanchina’s been a defensive stalwart for the Raiders since his sophomore year and he’s picked up other areas of his game as a senior. Kip Schetnan and Blake Christensen provide solid play at the guard spots. Northfield has been right there with Austin for a number of years now. The Raiders won’t be intimidated by Austin’s length and athleticism (dealing with that shock factor is important) should they meet again in the finals – it’s just a matter of being able to execute.
Watch Out For: Winona
Winona was a potential breakout team in Class AAA and the Winhawks have been about as good as expected. The Winhawks exceeded 15 wins and have been competitive in a deep Big 9 Conference.
Jake Reeck is one of the best wing players in the area and he’s got a ton of experience. Bradley Winter gives the team an interior presence on both ends of the floor and Jackson Nibbelink, Matt Rhinehart and Terrell Hall give the Winhawks some athleticism on the perimeter. Ethan Prodzinksi is another strong body inside who can control the paint.
The Winhawks have played Austin tough and have a win over Northfield already. There isn’t a lot of separation between these teams and given Winona’s collective talent level and experience, they can absolutely make a run here.