The Girls Basketball Section playoffs have started all over the state of Minnesota this past week, and most sections have reached the Final 4. We will be previewing all the Sections with Wright County teams in them. Don’t worry we didn’t forget Dassel-Cokato, and Annandale, but they are only in the second round, if they win we will have a preview of their final four matchups next week. Below is a preview for Section 5AAA. Good luck to all the teams and hope to see you at state!
The Final 4:
#1 Seed: Becker Bulldogs, 19-8.
How they got here: As #1 seed had a bye into semifinals.
Key Players: Alexis Rose(23 ppg.), Adele Changamire(11 ppg.), Madison Bass(9 ppg.)
About the Bulldogs: After a slow start the Bulldogs have caught fire, winning 7 of 8 heading into the section’s. Alexis Rose had elevated her game to such a high level this season, that she could will Becker back to the state tournament.
Alexis Rose, above, has been a thorn in the side of Monti this year, avg. 26 ppg in their two wins over Monti.
#2 Seed: Monticello Magic, 23-4.
How they got here: Defeated Big Lake 63-28 in the first round.
Key Players: Samantha Voll(22 ppg.), Abby Ruda(9 ppg.), Parker Hafferman(9 ppg.)
About the Magic: Voll has had a great year and is a magician with the ball, but the Magic also have really found themselves this year with many players contributing to a “magical” year so far….sorry. Magic are also playing well, winning 6 of 7 coming into the semifinals.
Samantha Voll, above, avg. 16 ppg in the Magic’s two matchups with Becker so far this year.
#3 Seed: Fridley Tigers, 16-11.
How they got here: Defeated Coon Rapids 80-53 in the first round.
Key Players: Brandi Washington(18 ppg.), Aubrey Cochran Starr(16 ppg.), Daeserae Williamson(10 ppg.)
About the Tigers: Fridley at one point lost five straight games, but late in the year won five straight as Ashley Cochran Starr scored 31 in their first round win. Dangerous team.
Aubrey Cochran Starr, above, has been a problem for opponents this year, including 31 in the first round of the sections.
#4 Seed: Totino-Grace Eagles, 15-11.
How they got here: Defeated Princeton 78-62 in the first round.
Key Players: Chloe Nuss(19 ppg.), Adele Maria Radabaugh(17 ppg.), and Ava Rieger(9 ppg.)
About the Eagles: Totino got off to a great start winning their first eight games, but have struggled down the stretch, losing seven of their last eight. The Eagles do have enough scoring to be a threat in the Section.
Chloe Nuss, above, is the leading scorer for the Eagles.
Bottom Line: Should be a great section. If it comes down to Monticello and Becker it should come down to Monticello being over to close the game. These two teams played twice this year. Becker won both games, 68-63, and 62-59. Monti lead the first game by 9 at the half and the second game by 8 at the half before losing late in both games. The matchup of Alexis Rose vs. Samantha Voll is always fun to watch, but the best team will advance to state and it’s close.
