<p><strong>Section 5AAA</strong></p>
<p>Zimmerman is the obvious favorite here, but the recent loss of power forward Naomi Hagstrom to a knee injury and the fairly decisive loss to Hermantown, 68-53, are reasons for concern. Still, guards Alyssa Daugherty and Danielle Williams are a dynamic duo. But, if not Zimmerman, then Big Lake and Willmar are the threats. Big Lake had a rough stretch but they’ve been better since getting Paige Domyahn back from an injury. Willmar served notice by beating Alexandria 40-33 the other night. <strong>Our pick: Willmar 52 Zimmerman 50.</strong></p>
<p><strong>Section 6AAA</strong></p>
<p>Hutch and Orono. Orono and Hutch. Orono won their first matchup at Hutch 86-76. Hutch won a month later at Orono 58-51. Tori Andrew, Maddie Loder and Natalie Smaron are a dynamic trio for Orono. Hutch can’t match up 3-on-3 but basketball is played 5-on-5 usually and Hutch is better at 4 and 5 and on up through the rest of the rotation. <strong>Our pick: Hutch 65 Orono 64.</strong></p>
<p><strong>Section 7AAA</strong></p>
<p>Another 2-team race. I don’t see anybody keeping up with Grand Rapids and Hermantown. Hermantown’s four 6-footers are an intimidating group but Grand Rapids, led by point guard Heaven Hamling, was not intimidated and beat the Hawks at Hermantown 62-56. That was a while ago. I saw Grand Rapids lose to Cooper, and Hermantown manhandle Zimmerman, and I have no idea how this one is going to go. But we gotta choose, so we’ll chose <strong>our pick: Grand Rapids 69 Hermantown 61.</strong></p>
<p><strong>Section 8AAA</strong></p>
<p>Here’s another one where an injury could be decisive. Macy Hatlestad, Alexandria senior point guard, suffered a knee injury that sounded serious. Well, she’s already been back playing, but on the other had Alex has already lost to Willmar in a game in which Hatlestad scored 3 points. So, who knows? But, Willmar is in Section 5AAA. Who in 8AAA can beat Alex, even if Hatlestad is playing with one knee tied behind her back?</p>
<p>Well, Sartell-St. Stephen has the 2nd best record at 14-10 while Fergus and Thief are 14-11 and 13-11, and Thief knocked off Grand Rapids the other night. Detroit Lakes (11-12) could also sneak in with a 4th seed. But, I think Thief River Falls gets to the finals vs. Alex. Thief and Fergus play Thursday night with the 3rd and maybe the 2nd seed at stake. <strong>Our pick: Thief 50 Alex 49.</strong></p>
<p><strong>Seeds and State</strong></p>
<p>Among this second set of sections, the seeds would be 1) Hutch, 2) Grand Rapids, 3) Thief River Falls, 4) Willmar.</p>
<p>And among all 8 of our section favorites in AAA, the seeds would be 1) Holy Angels, 2) Hutch, 3) KM, 4) Como and 5) Grand Rapids. Your state tournament matchups will be:</p>
<p>Holy Angels vs. New Ulm</p>
<p>Como vs. Grand Rapids</p>
<p>Hutchinson vs. Thief</p>
<p>Kasson-Mantorville vs. Willmar</p>
<p>You’ll note that we’ve cleverly matched up Hutch and Thief, a replay of last year’s dramatic state tournament game. Como and Grand Rapids is a matchup of 1st round losers from last year. Both now have a better idea of what it takes to win here, so that could be a doozy.</p>
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