Division 5 Sectional 1: Preview and Prediction

Brady Peterson October 28, 2022 @ 10:51 AM

<p>After working on rankings content for close to a month, we can preview Division 5. The small schools have the tallest task getting to the state tournament because 128 schools are vying for four spots at the Resch Center. McDonnel Catholic has popped out of this sectional the past two seasons but will fave a challenge to earn another sectional title plaque.</p>   <h2>State Contenders</h2>   <p><strong>McDonell Catholic</strong></p>   <p>The Macks have appeared at back-to-back state tournaments, ultimately losing to Assumption in the semifinals each time. However, they return one of the most dynamic players in D5, [player_tooltip player_id='209585' first='Emily' last='Cooper']. Cooper has quietly been one of the best perimeter defenders in her class and shot the ball well over the summer. Rising senior Marley Hughes is also back. Hughes was a significant contributor in the second half of the Macks state semifinal game. The guard picked apart the Assumption defense, scored at every level, and defended at a high level to help her team take a late lead.</p>   <p><strong>South Shore</strong></p>   <p>When you look at kid stat lines at the end of the year, you won't find many more impressive lines than [player_tooltip player_id='206731' first='Lily' last='Truchon']'s. It wasn't uncommon to see Truchon post a triple-double and lead her team to a win. She's a do-it-all kid that will be one of the best players in D5. [player_tooltip player_id='444792' first='Emily' last='Montgomery'] is also an under-the-radar kid in her class. The junior was slightly overshadowed at South Shore, especially when Truchon would get a 25-10-10 triple-double because usually, Montgomery had herself a 20-point double-double. She's an athletic wing who can knock down shots, get to the basket, and defend well on the perimeter.</p>   <h2>Sectional Teams</h2>   <p><strong>Turtle Lake</strong></p>   <p>The Lakers return [player_tooltip player_id='521879' first='Mackenzie' last='Tarman'], and that's critical. The rising 2024 is someone I learned about late in the AAU season. The 6-footer is a skilled wing comfortable with the ball in her hands. She led the Lakeland-West in scoring as a sophomore and only improved over the summer. If you're looking for a breakout candidate in D5, Tarman is the kid.</p>   <p><strong>Prairie Farm </strong></p>   <p>After you return your three top scorers who played in a sectional-semifinal last year, you're in good shape. That's just what the Panthers did this season with [player_tooltip player_id='264958' first='Marnie' last='Kahl'], Sydney Junkans, and Avery Hansen. I expect this group of seniors to be a threat in March.</p>   <p><strong>Siren</strong></p>   <p>The Dragons got back one of their two double-digit scorers last season. They only lost three kids to graduation, and that continuity will be crucial for a team whose ready to compete.</p>   <h2>Frisky Regional Teams</h2>   <p><strong>Northwood</strong></p>   <p>After Northwood lost their two 6-foot posts, it's hard to guess what they'll be this season. However, teams who have a winning pedigree are challenging to beat, so I would still expect them to be a tough out.</p>   <h2>My Sectional Prediction</h2>   <ol><li>McDonell Catholic</li><li>South Shore</li><li>Siren</li><li>Prairie Farm</li></ol>

After working on rankings content for close to a month, we can preview Division 5. The small schools have the tallest task getting to the state tournament because 128 schools are vying for four spots at the Resch Center. McDonnel Catholic has popped out of this sectional the past two seasons but will fave a challenge to earn another sectional title plaque.