High School Section Tournament Previews: Class AAA

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With week 14 of the regular season concluded, we are now heading full steam ahead towards the highly anticipated State Tournament. The event will take place on March 11th through the 14th, with games being held 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.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>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 regular season records, as well as a bit of information about the strongest contenders. All that being said, let's take a look at who the top seeds are in Class AAA.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1784316,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/12/Madison-Ohm_122625-crop-4841x3179-1772126362.jpeg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-1784316" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Section 1</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#1 Stewartville, 25-1</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Having won their last 24 games in a row, the Tigers are on fire heading into the postseason. Senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='458305' first='Audrey' last='Shindelar'] leads the team in scoring, averaging over 20 points per contest. In addition to the South Dakota State commit, seniors [player_tooltip player_id='339214' first='Jayci' last='Rath'] (St. Thomas) and [player_tooltip player_id='1234522' first='Addison' last='Ruffridge'] (St. Olaf) play crucial roles, along with sophomore guard [player_tooltip player_id='991231' first='Danika' last='Shindelar']. The top seed in their section for another year, Stewartville looks to make their fourth consecutive State Tournament trip.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#2 Byron, 18-8</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Looking to make their first trip to the State Tournament since the days of <strong>Ayoka Lee</strong> in 2018, Byron is entering the playoffs with a record of 18 wins and 8 losses. Marist commit [player_tooltip player_id='498663' first='Madison' last='Ohm'] (pictured above) controls the stat sheet for the Bears, averaging just over 22 points per contest. Also averaging in double figures is standout freshman point guard [player_tooltip player_id='1095939' first='Raegan' last='Kelm']. Junior [player_tooltip player_id='654990' first='Kayla' last='Stork'] is always a difference maker. Sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='992387' first='Avery' last='Rossow'] could be, as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#3 Northfield, 21-5</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Making significant improvements from last season, Northfield enters the playoffs as the third seed in their section. The Raiders are led in scoring by senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='1655259' first='Grace' last='Mostad'], who averages just over 13 points per contest. Sophomore guard [player_tooltip player_id='991212' first='Callie' last='Lynch'] also averages in doubles figures, at just over 10 points a game. Other key contributors include seniors [player_tooltip player_id='1737092' first='Kate' last='Sand'], [player_tooltip player_id='502559' first='Amber' last='Mahal'], <strong>Tatum Sawyer</strong>, and 5'11 freshman [player_tooltip player_id='994863' first='Siri' last='Richardson'].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1227217,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/03/Taleigha-Bigler-crop-1170x769-1743718439.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-1227217" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: <a href="https://x.com/TaleighaBigler" target="_blank">X.com</a></figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Section 2</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#1 Marshall, 22-4</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A perennial fixture of the State Tournament, Coach Dan Westby's Marshall squad is looking to make their 16th appearance in program history. The Tigers are led by a strong backcourt duo; senior guards [player_tooltip player_id='589276' first='Taleigha' last='Bigler'] (pictured above) and [player_tooltip player_id='1194474' first='Reese' last='Drake']. Both will play at Southwest Minnesota State next year, with Bigler playing basketball and Drake playing Volleyball. Junior forward <strong>Avery Schneekloth</strong> is also certain to be a difference maker in the postseason.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#2 Jordan, 18-8</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Having moved from Class AA to Class AAA this season, the Jaguars are looking to shake things up in their section, which has been dominated by Marshall for a number of years. Jordan's core group consists of a healthy mix of experienced veterans and talented young prospects, with sister [player_tooltip player_id='502602' first='Morgan' last='Staloch'] (St. Thomas) and [player_tooltip player_id='925046' first='Jordan' last='Staloch'] at the forefront. With key contributions from [player_tooltip player_id='815110' first='Olivia' last='Fynboh'] and [player_tooltip player_id='939014' first='Addison' last='Campion'], the Jaguars certainly have a chance to make it to the Barn this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#3 New Ulm, 18-8</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#4 Mankato West, 14-12</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1784320,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2026/01/268-Madeleine-Hamiel-crop-5607x3682-1772126543.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-1784320" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Section 3</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#1 Cretin-Derham Hall, 18-8</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There's no question that Cretin-Derham Hall made a strong impression at last year's State Tournament, upsetting Monticello in the first round and making it all the way to the semifinals. With most of their core group returning, the Raiders are looking to make another deep postseason run. Leading the charge for CDH are guards [player_tooltip player_id='897060' first='Madeleine' last='Hamiel'] (pictured above) and [player_tooltip player_id='939003' first='Isabella' last='Deleeuw'], both top 10 prospects in Minnesota's freshman class, plus 9th grader [player_tooltip player_id='1279505' first='Teagan' last='Jacobs']. Seniors [player_tooltip player_id='1164957' first='Sage' last='Gilbert'], [player_tooltip player_id='1048328' first='Joey' last='Hover'], [player_tooltip player_id='1048330' first='Gabby' last='Hoban'], and junior forward [player_tooltip player_id='1681732' first='Leila' last='Colvin'] are all key contributors as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#2 Tartan, 15-11</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#3 St. Paul Como Park, 10-12</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":759171,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2023/09/Mya-Wilson-crop-993x652-1694391654.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-759171" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Prep Girls Hoops</a></figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Section 4</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#1 Hill-Murray, 23-3</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Led by one of the most well known sister-acts in the state, coach Betty Trull's Hill-Murray squad is looking to make their 16th trip to the state tournament in program history. Junior guard [player_tooltip player_id='377583' first='Mya' last='Wilson'] (pictured above) averages 25.5 points per game, while 8th grader [player_tooltip player_id='923286' first='Ashlee' last='Wilson'] averages 19.6. Upperclassmen [player_tooltip player_id='639702' first='Ellie' last='Drange'], [player_tooltip player_id='764215' first='Mariko' last='Lang'], and [player_tooltip player_id='932015' first='Kennedy' last='Nicholson'] are sure to be difference makers in the playoffs. Ditto for Mahtomedi transfer [player_tooltip player_id='772240' first='Sarah' last='Poepard'].&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#2 DeLaSalle, 18-7</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Having won 14 of their last 15 games, DeLaSalle has been gaining momentum at just the right time. Averaging in double figures for the Islanders are juniors [player_tooltip player_id='667778' first='Laila' last='Moses'] (15.5 ppg) and [player_tooltip player_id='529334' first='Isa' last='Griefenhagen'] (10.1 ppg), and sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='992385' first='Anaya' last='Shaffa'] (13.2 ppg). Senior [player_tooltip player_id='478363' first='Maddy' last='Blaylark'] has been holding things down in the point guard position after returning from injury earlier this season. She announced her commitment to Northern State earlier this week.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#3 St. Anthony Village, 15-11</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#4 Blake, 13-13</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1445562,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/11/Changamires-at-Tip-Off-crop-927x609-1764109127.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-1445562" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Section 5</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#1 Totino-Grace, 13-12</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Despite finishing the regular season just a hair above .500, the Eagles are the top seed in their section heading into the playoffs. Totino-Grace is led by senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='502586' first='Maria' last='Radabaugh'], who is averaging 22.2 points per contest. Along with the Concordia-St. Paul commit, major contributors include junior guards [player_tooltip player_id='764182' first='Ava' last='Litecky'] when she's healthy and [player_tooltip player_id='764177' first='Amelia' last='Saylor']. The Eagles will take on Zimmerman in the section semifinals on Saturday, February 28th.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#2 Becker, 19-7</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Becker is one of the youngest teams vying for a spot in this year's State Tournament. Freshman guard [player_tooltip player_id='884449' first='Andie' last='Changamire'] (pictured above, right) leads the team in scoring, averaging 18.6 points per game. Not far behind her is her sister, sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='630285' first='Adele' last='Changamire'] (pictured above, left), who averages 16.9. After taking down Annandale in the first round, the Bulldogs will play St. Francis this weekend in the section semifinal. They're hoping to make their first trip to the Barn since 2023.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#3 St. Francis, 18-8</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#4 Zimmerman, 13-11</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1582109,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/12/Mya-Moore_122725-crop-4912x3225-1767040806.jpeg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-1582109" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Section 6</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#1 Orono, 22-3</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After finishing the regular season with a record of 22 wins and 3 losses, the Spartans top the standings in one of the most competitive sections in Class AAA. Led by an experienced core group, they hope to earn their first trip to State since winning it all in 2017. Creighton commit [player_tooltip player_id='471360' first='Mya' last='Moore'] (pictured above) leads the team in scoring with 27 points a game. The performance of seniors [player_tooltip player_id='717668' first='Evelyn' last='Miller'] and [player_tooltip player_id='782553' first='Amelia' last='Schwendimann'], plus sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='644898' first='Ally' last='Moore'] will be just as important. [player_tooltip player_id='764216' first='Maryn' last='Prenevost'] is their X factor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#2 Benilde-St. Margaret's, 20-6</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Looking to claim their fourth consecutive State Championship, Benilde-St. Margaret's is entering the postseason as the #2 seed in their section. On Wednesday night the Red Knights took down Bloomington Kennedy, sending themselves to the section semifinal on Saturday, February 28th. Junior guard [player_tooltip player_id='498661' first='Pressley' last='Watkins'] leads the team in scoring, averaging just under 14 points a game. Also averaging in double figures are [player_tooltip player_id='567389' first='Sydney' last='Friedly'], [player_tooltip player_id='659118' first='Alivia' last='Bell'], and [player_tooltip player_id='786398' first='Zaida' last='Jenkins'].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#3 Delano, 20-6</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With four of their five starters averaging in double figures, Delano's varsity squad has been sharing the scoring load so far this season. Senior point guard [player_tooltip player_id='458302' first='Abbie' last='Pietila'] leads the way, averaging just shy of 19 points per contest. Joining the Michigan Tech commit are senior [player_tooltip player_id='927238' first='Lexi' last='Champeau'] (11.2 ppg) and junior forward [player_tooltip player_id='866100' first='Addie' last='Iversen'] (16.3 ppg). Despite being the third seed in their section, the Tigers certainly have a chance to make their first ever trip to the State Tournament.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#4 Holy Angels, 18-7</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1263246,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2023/06/Lamppa-sisters-crop-2643x1735-1750889845.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-1263246" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Section 7</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#1 Rock Ridge, 17-9</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Wolverines sit atop their section coming into the playoffs, finishing the regular season with a record of 17 wins and 9 losses. Hoping to earn their third consecutive trip to the State Tournament, Rock Ridge is led by twin senior guards [player_tooltip player_id='927231' first='Maija' last='Lamppa'] (pictured above, left) and [player_tooltip player_id='927235' first='Lexi' last='Lamppa'] (pictured above, right) (Minnesota Crookston). After securing a demonstrative win over North Branch in the first round of sections, the Wolverines will play Chisago Lakes in the semifinals on Saturday, February 28th.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#2 Hermantown, 17-9</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#3 Cloquet, 14-12</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1784335,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/09/827-Malin-Youngberg-crop-5844x3837-1772127126.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-1784335" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Section 8</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#1 Little Falls, 20-6</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Little Falls last made it to the State Tournament 35 years ago, back in 1991. This season the Flyers achieved their best regular season record in years, finishing with 20 wins and 6 losses. Led by sophomore South Dakota State commit [player_tooltip player_id='904190' first='Malin' last='Youngberg'] (pictured above) and her 8th grade sister [player_tooltip player_id='1239229' first='Ehlin' last='Youngberg'], they picked up key wins over Fergus Falls, Willmar, and Sartell in recent weeks. They will play their first section tournament matchup against Sauk Rapids-Rice today, Thursday February 26th.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#2 Fergus Falls, 18-8</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Otters wrapped up their regular season last week with a win over St. Cloud, finishing with a 18-8 record. The veteran squad has been led all season by senior guards [player_tooltip player_id='502589' first='Hattie' last='Fullhart'] (Jamestown) and <strong>Ruby Ellison</strong>, who reached 1,000 career points earlier this month. Junior forward [player_tooltip player_id='1778315' first='Carlee' last='Hirst'] and sophomore point guard <strong>Pressley Warren</strong> have also been crucial for Fergus Falls this season. They last made the trip to State in 2022.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#3 Willmar, 15-11</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#4 Sartell, 11-15</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->