After examining the eight Class A sections, the eight Class AA sections get their turn to be examined.
In Section 1, the Lakeville North Panthers are the top seed, the Rochester Mayo Spartans are second and the defending section champion Lakeville South Cougars are third. Can North wrest the section crown from its South rival or will Rochester Mayo hold the Lakeville buses in the garage from a return trip to St. Paul?
The Edina Hornets are the top seed in Section 2. The Hornets got off to a hot 9-0 start before they got stung by St. Thomas Academy and Duluth East. Look out for a couple of South Suburban Conference rivals that could spoil Edina's return, the second seeded Prior Lake Lakers and the third seeded Burnsville Blaze.
In Section 3, the top seeded Eagan Wildcats are red hot, winning 11 straight games. Mike Taylor has built a solid program that could return to the X. But first, they have to get by the second seeded Cretin-Derham Hall Raiders and possibly avenge a regular season loss to the third seeded Eastview Lightning.
Going to Section 4, the top seeded and top ranked Class AA team the Hill-Murray Pioneers have the talent for a return trip to state. But look out for the second season White Bear Lake Bears and the up and coming third seeded Tartan Titans.
In Section 5, the Blaine Bengals are the top seed. But like their female counterparts, anything could happen where a low seeded team like Irondale can beat a powerhouse like Blaine?
The best section in the state, without any doubt is Section 6. There are four teams that have a chance to secure a state tournament berth. The op seeded and defending state champion Benilde-St. Margaret's Red Knights, the second seeded Minnetonka Skippers, the third seeded Wayzata Trojans and the fourth seeded Eden Prairie Eagles. It's likely that Mariucci arena will be packed for this section's championship game. Who will play for the title? Take your pick. It should be very interesting.
Moving to Section 7, the top seeded Duluth East Greyhounds may be the best outstate team in Class AA, playing an independent schedule against many Twin Cities area teams. The only outstate loss was to city rival Denfeld. Watch out for the second seeded Grand Rapids Thunderhawks and the third seeded Elk River Elks.
Wrapping up the section preview is section 8, where the Moorhead Spuds are the top seed. The second seeded Brainerd Warriors are looking for their first trip to state but it's likely that they will have to face the perennial power Roseau rams, the third seed. Another interesting section to watch.
There are the section previews as the Road to St. Paul begins.
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