Sub-Sections Matches vs. State Shutdown - Class A

There was a lot of talk amongst coaches, athletic directors, and committee members the hours before our state’s governor made announcement for stricter Covid guidelines; announcing a pause of all high school and prep sports. People across the state were scrambling to piece together a impromptu sub-section/section tournament. But like many things this year, as quickly as those ideas were formed, they dispelled even faster. It got us thinking, analyzing and wondering: "If only they could have played....." "What if the coaches ranked their section’s teams? "Is there a way? Would it be fair? Who will play? Who can’t play?" The roundabout of excitement, confusion and disappointment was felt by all, likely playing in a part to cancel any notion of a tournament. And while some teams will play out a few remaining games, here are the sub-section matches that nearly took place. <img class="alignright wp-image-116332 size-medium" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pd/uploads/2020/11/section-1-a-244x300.jpg" alt="" width="244" height="300" />Section 1A East & West The East and West are stacked with growing programs. There was a high probability of Chatfield taking the #2 seed in the east right behind the guaranteed #1 seed Mabel Canton. The Chatfield Gophers went from the bottom three in the Three Rivers Conference to 5-1 in conference play. This included a long awaited win over powerhouse Fillmore Central. The two did play a second time, but only the first match was counted toward their conference record. Also, they earn the high seed because they played a much harder schedule including wins over Rochester John Marshall (3A) and Pine Island (2A.) Also worth noting, Fillmore Central had cancelled all matches for the past two weeks whereas Chatfield was still competing. <del></del>. Mabel was sure to secure the top position in the tournament having played 12 matches, compared to most (average of 7), all while remaining undefeated. Many of their players are accustomed to the pressure and high stakes that come with playoffs. The team is comprised of an All-State Kennedy McCabe and other well known athletes Jordyn Newgard, Sophie Morken, and [player_tooltip player_id="72806" first="Molly" last="Lee"]. Some might argue they haven’t played as tough of competition since their schedule consisted of only teams in the Southeast Conference, their class and their sub-section. They hadn’t faced off with some of the toughest in the East: Kingsland, Fillmore Central, or Winona Cotter. Lanesboro proved to be their toughest competition challenging the Canton Cougars on two separate occasions losing 3-0 and 3-2. So it seems they had their chance at Mabel and came as close as any this year. Lanesboro is also under newer coaching direction and have an up an coming team; they finish with a section record of 8-2.   <img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-116338" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pd/uploads/2020/11/north-211x300.jpg" alt="" width="211" height="300" />Section 2A North & South In the North there is less guessing as these programs have long been securing their place as top programs in the state. Mayer Lutheran has a history as strong as their biggest hitters: the Wachholz sister’s Lilly and Gabby. Their setter Emma Lade has an unbelievable 296 assists in their 10 matches. They are known for size at the net and youth on the sidelines creating a culture of excellence. It would have been a challenge for anyone they may have faced in a sub section match but New Ulm has been making improvements all year and strides towards a top seed. Nearly all of New Ulm’s victories have come through long rallies and extended sets. They have overcome and been challenge perhaps more than others. This included an early win over conference rival St Peter. In the south we see a similar storyline. WEM is 10-0 against Gopher Valley teams. They have not dropped a single set all year. [player_tooltip player_id="72056" first="Ellie" last="Ready"] is a top-notch setter who distributes the ball perfectly. She connects with her top hitters [player_tooltip player_id="71956" first="Toryn" last="Richards"] and [player_tooltip player_id="72080" first="Kylie" last="Pittman"]. If the season would have continued, they likely would find themselves in a state championship match. It would have been a great battle if Alden Conger and WEM got the opportunity to face off. They had a similar regular season and only dropped one set early on, likely due to subbing. They are scrappy and have a balanced offense but might have been under-sized when faced with WEM. Either way, if things had lasted another week or two, we bet they would have found each other in the finals. Other top teams out of class A include: Section 3A North Minneota (10-0) vs. Canby (9-1) section record Section 3A South Heron Lake (8-0) vs. Russell Tyler Ruthon (9-2) Section 4A Legacy Christian (5-0) vs. Avail Academy (8-1) Section 5A North Onamia (7-1) vs. Rush City (5-1) / Walker Hackensack (2-0) Section 5A South BBE (3-0) vs. Browerville-Eagle Valley(6-0)