Section 3AA Preview

Matt Bigelow

October 26, 2017 @ 04:08 PM

Postseason play is right around the corner. With sections set to start in less than two weeks, PrepDig is breaking down each section with teams and players to watch. Section 3AA looks like Marshall's to lose as the Tigers have been one of the top three teams in the state practically from the outset. There are several other talented clubs though as Jackson County Central, Luverne and Morris/Chokio-Alberta look talented enough to contend. Favorite: Marshall The Tigers look like one of the best in the state and one of the few capable of potentially keeping Maple Lake from defending its state title from a year ago. Marshall isn't incredibly old but the Tigers have a whole lot of talent starting with sophomore setter and middle hitter Logan Sherman and Paige Andries. Erica Jones is a top-notch outside hitter as well. The Tigers are battle-tested as well, as they've played in a number of high-quality tournaments throughout the season. In the Hunt: Jackson County Central, Luverne, Morris/Chokio-Alberta Morris/Chokio-Alberta heads into postseason play ranked No. 9 in the Coaches Poll and looks like the clear favorite in the north subsection. A solid showing in the Class AA Showcase tournament in September helps the Tigers' cause and they've played well against top competition throughout the season. Karly Fehr is a terrific setter and Riley Decker is one of the top liberos in the state. Luverne and Jackson County Central earned the Nos. 2 and 3 seeds in the south subsection and will likely meet up in the subsection semifinal round. The Cardinals beat the Huskies both times the teams met this season though both matchups were in more than a month ago. Outside hitter Alexis Ferrell is a player to watch for the Cards, who have been tested throughout the season. The Huskies have a handful of terrific talent as well with sophomore Alaina Wolff and senior Lauren Murphy leading the way. They own wins over quality clubs like Caledonia, Jordan and Pipestone. In the Mix: Pipestone Pipestone has it tough as the Arrows earned the No. 4 seed in the south subsection which likely means they'll get a second round date with Marshall assuming they defeat Worthington. Pipestone won 18 games this year and beat good teams like Sauk Centre, Braham and Luverne so the Arrows certainly could give the Tigers a good fight if they indeed meet up in the second round.