The postseason for Minnesota high school girls basketball has kicked off. We have compiled predictions for eight section champions across all four classes.
Predictions for Minnesota high school girls basketball section tournaments
CLASS 1A
Section 1
The reigning champions are the No. 1 seed in Section 1A, aiming to defend their state title. The Wildcats have maintained their position as the top-ranked team in Class A for most of the season. Interestingly, all five of their losses have come from teams outside of Class A, predominantly against Bryon and Stewartville, both of whom have received recognition in Class AAA rankings.
Goodhue should capture this section with relative ease.
Section 2
The section belongs to Sleepy Eye St. Mary’s this time around. While Section 2A typically boasts a competitive field, this year feels slightly less intense than usual. With Morgan Mathiowetz leading the charge, expect the Knights to claim the Section 2A championship decisively.
Section 3
As the section tournament progresses, only four teams remain in Section 3A. Central MN Christian has consistently performed well this season, remaining ranked throughout. With just two additional wins, they will secure a return to the state tournament.
Section 4
Section 4A has shaped up as a contest between Mayer Lutheran and Lester Prairie, though the seeding might not reflect that. The Crusaders have claimed the top seed, while the Bulldogs find themselves as the No. 5 seed due to the QRF. These two teams are the strongest in the section and will face off in the semifinals rather than the championship this time. After narrowly losing to Mayer Lutheran in overtime earlier this season, I believe the Bulldogs will not only overcome the Crusaders but will also seize the section championship as the underdog.
Section 5
This section is highly competitive, with a number of teams on even footing. Braham has garnered attention with a strong 20-5 record, positioning the Bombers well for a run at the state tournament. I’m predicting Braham to take home the Section 5A title.
Section 6
Leading the tournament is Hillcrest Lutheran Academy, who currently ranks No. 10 in Class A. Underwood has also had a strong performance this season, boasting a record of 20-4. After facing Hillcrest twice with defeats, the third match could favor the Rockets, making them my pick to advance to state.
Section 7
Mt. Iron-Buhl has consistently showcased their prowess this season, entering as the No. 2 team in Class A and holding the top seed in Section 7A. There’s no need to second-guess this prediction; the Rangers are perennial contenders for the state title and will undoubtedly return to state once again this year.
Section 8
The Class A Top 10 polls have been well distributed across the section tournaments. As the No. 6 team in Class A and the top seed in Section 8A, Kelliher/Northome stands out as the team to beat. While Kittson County Central and Cass Lake-Bena may put up a challenge, the Mustangs are predicted to secure the section title this year.
CLASS 2A
Section 1
Caledonia has emerged as the standout in Section 1AA. With a remarkable 25-3 record, the Warriors are on track to continue their impressive season with a section title.
Section 2
This section presents a wide open field of talented teams. The straightforward choice would be to back top-seeded Janesville-Waldorf-Pemberton, who boasts a commendable 23-3 record. However, I’m predicting that fourth-seeded Glencoe-Silver Lake will surprise many and clinch the section title. Despite dealing with injuries last year, they reached the section title game, and they certainly have the potential to create an impact once again this year.
Section 3
For this section, don’t overthink the situation. Backing New London-Spicer during this time of year typically yields positive results. Their impressive 27-1 record has made them a formidable presence once again at the state tournament. They may not be quite as strong as in previous years, but they still remain a tough contender.
Section 4
Minnehaha Academy enters the tournament as the frontrunner, and rightfully so. With a standout player like Addi Mack, opposing teams are likely to struggle in slowing her down. As a result, the Redhawks are poised for a return to the state tournament.
Section 5
This may be the most straightforward pick of the bunch. While many strong teams are competing in the section, none match the caliber of Providence Academy. The Lions have demonstrated not just their strength in Class AA but potentially their superiority statewide, regardless of class. Love it or hate it, Providence Academy is set to make their mark at the state tournament once again.
Section 6
Sauk Centre appears to have once again asserted their dominance in this section. A team that has consistently performed at the state tournament level over the past few years, they’ve established themselves as a formidable force this season.
After enduring several competitive years, the Mainstreeters are gearing up for challenges against teams such as Royalton, Milaca, and Annandale, but it seems Sauk Centre will ultimately prove too formidable.
Section 7
Crosby-Ironton, spearheaded by Tori Orheim, is on the verge of a state tournament appearance. With an impressive record of 27-0 this season, they are the heavy favorites to advance to state. With one of the top players in the state leading the charge, it’s difficult to foresee anyone preventing Crosby-Ironton from clinching victory in this section. Duluth Marshall poses a significant challenge, but the Rangers are expected to find a way through.
Section 8
With no teams appearing in the Top 10 rankings within this section, the outcome is uncertain. Nevertheless, there are notable teams, and I predict Pelican Rapids to emerge as the No. 3 seed and secure a place in the state tournament.
CLASS 3A
Section 1
Entering the tournament as the No. 1 seed, the Byron Bears bring a solid 23-3 overall record, boasting several significant victories. Ranked No. 8 in Class 3A, Byron faces a tough test from Stewartville, but I believe they can clear this hurdle.
Section 2
With a consistent presence in the rankings throughout the year, the Marshall Tigers enter as the No. 1 seed. Undefeated at 8-0 against section rivals, Marshall has demonstrated their status as the top team and is poised to make a run in the state tournament.
Section 3
In Class 3A, Section 3, it appears to be a close contest between Cretin-Derham Hall and Two Rivers. The teams seem quite well-matched overall. I’m predicting Two Rivers to seize the section title as the No. 2 seed.
Section 4
DeLaSalle appears to have a firm grasp on this section, and I believe the Islanders will handle their business efficiently. I don’t foresee any team being able to challenge DeLaSalle as they make their return to the state tournament.
Section 5
The Monticello Magic are experiencing one of their finest seasons in history. Currently boasting an impressive 26-0 record, I believe Monticello will maintain their momentum. While Totino-Grace could pose a challenge, Monticello has successfully navigated every challenge this season.
Section 6
This section stands out as the most competitive in Class 3A, featuring numerous teams worthy of a state tournament appearance. Orono holds the top seed, and despite defeating Benilde-St. Margaret’s earlier this season, I’m opting for the Red Knights to clinch another section title and have a shot at defending their championship.
Section 7
Rock Ridge steps in as the favorite and holds the No. 1 seed. I do not anticipate any other teams making a significant push as they aim to claim the section crown.
Section 8
This one seems straightforward as Alexandria is undisputedly one of the top teams in the state, regardless of classification. They’re skilled, deep, and effectively coached, which sets the stage for their return to the state tournament this year.
CLASS 4A
Section 1
Lakeville North has claimed the top seed and appears well-positioned for a slot in the state tournament. Their contender, Rochester Mayo at No. 2, has also had an impressive season. It looks likely that the championship will be decided between these two teams, and I’m betting on Rochester Mayo to come out on top.
Section 2
This matchup is expected to be exciting, with Eden Prairie and Prior Lake being evenly matched. It’s a tough call between the two, but I’m leaning toward Eden Prairie to emerge victorious.
Section 3
Eastview enters the scene as the favorite. While there are squads that could potentially challenge them for the title, the Lightning have displayed such dominance this season that it’s hard to bet against them.
Section 4
Within what seems to be a wide-open section, I’m going with Stillwater to come out as the winner.
Section 5
Maple Grove has consistently been ranked among the top teams in the state this season, regardless of classification. There’s no reason not to back the Crimson in this tournament.
Section 6
Being a very competitive section in Class 3A, there are numerous teams that could realistically claim the title, making any prediction a challenge. Though it’s a bit arbitrary, I’m favoring Hopkins to take the championship.
Section 7
It looks like Anoka holds the upper hand in this section with several teams hovering around a .500 record. While Centennial might put up some resistance, I believe Anoka will ultimately find a way to advance to state.
Section 8
I tend to favor teams with a proven track record of success, and St. Michael-Albertville fits that bill. Though the path may not be simple, I’m confident in the Knights’ ability to triumph in this section.
