High School Section Tournament Previews: Class A

With week 14 of the regular season concluded, we are now heading full steam ahead towards the highly anticipated high school State Tournament. The event will take place on March 11th through the 14th at Williams Arena and Maturi Pavilion at the University of Minnesota. Eight teams from each class will compete for the coveted state championship, but in order to get there, the section winners must be determined first. Over the next two weeks, section tournaments will be held all over the state in an effort to determine which 32 teams will head to the Barn.    For this week's coverage, we'll be looking at who the top seeds are in each section, one class at a time. I have listed out each section, the top contenders for the section title, their overall records, as well as a bit of information about the strongest contenders. It should be noted that some sections feature multiple divisions, such as North and South or East and West. For these, there are separate tournaments played, with the winner of each division going on to play in the section final, where the winner goes to state. Because these sections tend to be quite large, I have broken the top seeds down by division. All that being said, let's take a look at who the top seeds are in Class A.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/09/998-Kylie-Olson-crop-3952x2595-1771967236.jpeg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-1778398" /></figure>   Section 1   #1 New Richland-Hartland-Ellendale-Geneva (NRHEG), 25-3   While the Panthers are without standout junior forward [player_tooltip player_id='911448' first='Kylie' last='Olson'] (pictured above), who suffered an ACL injury this fall, New Richland-Hartland-Ellendale-Geneva still has a strong chance at winning their section. Senior guards [player_tooltip player_id='1174708' first='Quinn' last='VanMaldeghem'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1174706' first='Camryn' last='VanMaldeghem'] lead the team averaging 11.2 and 30.3 points a game, respectively. Having won the state title in 2013 and 2014, the Panthers are looking to pick up a third this year.   #2 Hayfield, 20-7   #3 Southland, 22-4   #4 Lewiston-Altura, 19-9   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2023/09/Morgan-Mathiowetz-crop-665x437-1694455141.jpg?w=664" alt="" class="wp-image-760115" /></figure>   Section 2   #1 Sleepy Eye Saint Mary's, 26-1   Led by one of the state's leading scorers averaging 33.2 points per game, junior [player_tooltip player_id='498658' first='Morgan' last='Mathiowetz'] (pictured above), Sleepy Eye St. Mary's is looking to get to the state tournament for the second year in a row. With the North Dakota State commit at the helm, plus forwards [player_tooltip player_id='1216140' first='Olivia' last='Schieffert'] and Brynne Ibberson holding down the paint, the Knights are strong favorites to win their section, as well as contenders for what would be their first state title.    #2 BOLD, 22-5   While the odds are in favor of SESM, BOLD certainly still stands a chance to win the Section 2 title. Sophomore guard [player_tooltip player_id='835982' first='Lilly' last='Henriksen'] leads the Warriors, averaging just over 23 points per contest. Other key contributors include sophomore guard [player_tooltip player_id='1260237' first='Erika' last='Martinson'], freshman Ema Flann, and senior forward Kya Elfering, all averaging in double figures. Coach Brian Kingery's squad last made it to Williams Arena in 2023.    #3 Cedar Mountain, 22-5   #4 Nicollet, 20-7   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/01/Brielle-Janssen-1000-crop-993x652-1771967065.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-1778396" /></figure>   Section 3 North   #1 Central MN Christian, 23-3   With junior guard [player_tooltip player_id='766677' first='Sienna' last='Duininck'] leading the charge, Central Minnesota Christian has a chance to get to the State Tournament for the first time in 25 years. A top 30 ranked prospect in the 2027 class, Sienna averages over 23 points per contest. Senior forwards Addie Taatjes and Emmi Braem also average in double figures. With a record of 15-0 against teams in their section, the Bluejays have shown just what they're capable of.   #2 MACCRAY, 19-7   After suffering a heartbreaking loss to West Central Area in last year's state championship game, the Wolverines are looking for redemption in this year's postseason run. MACCRAY is led by MSU-Mankato commit [player_tooltip player_id='515673' first='Brielle' last='Janssen'] (pictured above) and senior post [player_tooltip player_id='1737074' first='Emma' last='Thein'], who combine for just over 46 points per game. Despite not taking the top seed in their section, the Wolverines are certainly still in the running.   #3 Lakeview, 21-7   #4 Minneota, 19-8   Section 3 South   #1 Hills-Beaver Creek, 24-3   After making it to last year's section final but falling just short, Hills-Beaver Creek is looking to make their first trip to the State Tournament after a strong 24-3 season. While we were unable to find stats for the Patriots squad, we know they are led by an experienced group. Seniors Ella Sammons and Abbie Harris make up the backcourt, while juniors Brynn Bakken and [player_tooltip player_id='1323606' first='Olivia' last='Deelstra'] make up the frontcourt.   #2 Adrian/Ellsworth, 18-9   #3 Murray County Central, 14-10   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2026/01/Clara-Keaveny-week-8-record-crop-695x456-1768251938.jpg?w=694" alt="" class="wp-image-1648527" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: <a href="https://x.com/Clara_Keaveny" target="_blank">X.com</a></figcaption></figure>   Section 4   #1 Mayer Lutheran, 22-5   With one of the deeper rosters in Class A, Mayer Lutheran have been heavy favorites to win their section all season long. The Crusaders, who have made four State Tournament trips in the last five years, are led by seniors [player_tooltip player_id='1048130' first='Izabelle' last='Keaveny'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1048125' first='Clara' last='Keaveny'], as well as junior forward [player_tooltip player_id='764198' first='Hallie' last='Hunter']. Clara (pictured above) leads the team in scoring this season, averaging 15.7 points a contest.   #2 West Lutheran, 18-8   #3 Hope Academy, 15-7   #4 United Christian Academy, 12-12   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/11/Morgan-Rysdam_Braham-crop-3301x2168-1763934231-crop-653x429-1771966959.jpg?w=652" alt="" class="wp-image-1778394" /></figure>   Section 5 East   #1 Braham, 20-6   The Bombers have not made the trip to the state tournament since the days of former state all-time leading scorer Rebekah Dahlman. Now led by uber-athletic junior guard [player_tooltip player_id='1175103' first='Morgan' last='Rysdam'] (pictured above), who is averaging 22.2 points per game, the Braham squad looks to make their return to Williams Arena. Other key contributors for the Bombers include senior guards [player_tooltip player_id='1324256' first='Emily' last='Davis'] and Avery Shockman, as well as senior post Jenna Beck.   #2 Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa, 18-8   #3 Swanville, 14-11   Section 5 West   #1 Pine River-Backus, 22-4   Having never made a trip to the state tournament, Pine River-Backus is entering the playoffs as somewhat of a dark horse. With a 22-4 record in the regular season, and a 14-1 record against teams in their section, the Tigers have picked up key wins against Walker-Hackensack-Akeley, Cass Lake-Bena and Cromwell-Wright. They are led by seniors Mimi Bueckers and Sawyer Tulenchik.   #2 Cass Lake-Bena, 13-13   #3 Walker-Hackensack-Akeley, 12-14   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/09/811-Elsa-Retzlaff-crop-3682x2418-1771966904.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-1778393" /></figure>   Section 6   #1 Hillcrest Lutheran, 24-2   Despite having never made a trip to the state tournament, the Hillcrest Lutheran squad is one of the strongest teams in all of Class A. The Comets are led by senior forward [player_tooltip player_id='653851' first='Ella' last='Knutson'], 8th grader [player_tooltip player_id='1110548' first='Elin' last='Retzlaff'], and sophomore guard [player_tooltip player_id='565313' first='Elsa' last='Retzlaff'] (pictured above). One of the top prospects in the class of 2028, Elsa is a high-level competitor with multiple Division 1 offers. Her younger sister is not far behind.   #2 Breckenridge, 19-7   With a record of 19 wins and 7 losses in the regular season, the Cowgirls of Breckenridge have earned themselves the #2 seed in their section. The Breckenridge squad is led by top 100 ranked seniors [player_tooltip player_id='482833' first='Johnica' last='Bernotas'] and [player_tooltip player_id='589274' first='Parker' last='Yaggie']. Sisters Piper Jaehning and [player_tooltip player_id='1090100' first='Ava' last='Jaehning'] are also key contributors along with newcomer [player_tooltip player_id='929128' first='Sienna' last='Fobb']. If the Cowgirls can get through their section, they would earn their first ever trip to Williams Arena.   #3 Underwood, 19-7   #4 Rothsay, 20-6   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/09/406-Anna-Neyens-crop-4283x2812-1771966794.jpeg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-1778392" /></figure>   Section 7   #1 Mountain Iron-Buhl, 24-1   One of the favorites to take home this year's Class A state title, the Rangers are led by junior guard [player_tooltip player_id='659121' first='Anna' last='Neyens'] (pictured above) who averages 17.3 points per game, as well as sophomore guard [player_tooltip player_id='991034' first='Izzy' last='Wiita'] (16.3 ppg), freshman guard [player_tooltip player_id='1265103' first='Farrah' last='Thomas'] (11.8 ppg), and UW-Superior commit [player_tooltip player_id='560398' first='Aniyah' last='Thomas'] (9.1 ppg). With only one loss this season to AAA powerhouse Rock Ridge, Mountain Iron looks poised to make their 5th consecutive trip to the State Tournament.   #2 Deer River, 22-3   Led by top 30 ranked sophomore prospect [player_tooltip player_id='897052' first='Tatum' last='Morrison'], Deer River has had a strong season, boasting a record of 22 wins and 3 losses. Morrison, who averages 23 points a game, will need to put on another big performance in order for the Warriors to get past the top ranked team in Class A, Mountain Iron-Buhl. If they can accomplish the task, Deer River would make their first trip to state in program history.   #3 Chisholm, 22-4   #4 Cromwell-Wright, 16-9   #5 Floodwood, 19-4   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2026/02/Kate-Thayer-crop-998x656-1770071295.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-1712052" /></figure>   Section 8 East   #1 Kelliher/Northome, 25-1   With just a single loss on the season, Kelliher/Northome is another heavyweight contender for the Class A state title. The Mustangs are led by senior point guard [player_tooltip player_id='782558' first='Kate' last='Thayer'] (pictured above), who averages 27 points, 9 rebounds, and 4.6 assists a game. Last month she crossed the 3,000 career point mark. Thayer is joined by senior forward and NIACC commit [player_tooltip player_id='502577' first='Kylee' last='Binkley']. She averages just over 23 points. 6 boards, and 5 assists per game.   #2 Lake of the Woods, 16-8   #3 Blackduck, 14-11   Section 8 West   #1 Sacred Heart, 22-4   Looking for their second consecutive trip to the State Tournament, Sacred Heart enters the postseason as the top seed in section 8's Western division. The Eagles are led by the 35th ranked prospect in the class of 2027, 6'0 forward [player_tooltip player_id='918612' first='Lexi' last='Lawrence']. Lexi is a high-level athlete with size and strength that most teams in class A are unable to match.    #2 Warren-Alvarado-Oslo, 23-3   #3 Kittson County Central, 16-9   #4 Fertile-Beltrami, 18-8

With week 14 of the regular season concluded, we are now heading full steam ahead towards the highly anticipated high school State Tournament. The event will take place on March 11th through the 14th at Williams Arena and Maturi Pavilion at the University of Minnesota. Eight teams from each class will compete for the coveted state championship, but in order to get there, the section winners must be determined first. Over the next two weeks, section tournaments will be held all over the state in an effort to determine which 32 teams will head to the Barn.