Sections Preview – 2nd weekend 2020

As predicted, sections weekend 1 did not disappoint for amazing performances and game changing results.  Congratulations to all of our state newcomers who made it this year.  This weekend looks to have some exciting drama of its own, so check out the schedules page for all of your favorite events.  Speaking of schedules – the State 2020 tournament page is live with all kinds of information you need to plan your visit.  One of the things I can’t encourage enough is pre-purchasing tickets via the online link if you won’t have reserved seats from your school.  The lines can be slow to say the least. More about that next week, first – Its’ sections round 2! 

Section 1A: Lake City High School

The southeast small teams have been making some moves in recent years to be a stronger representation at state tournament time.  A technically sound Zumbrota Mazeppa jazz team and a well-rounded program at St. Charles lead the way.   Lake City and Wabasha Kellogg will try to make an impression, especially in kick.  Houston is also looking good to qualify in the jazz division unless someone else is ready to make a move up we didn’t see in January. 

Section 2A: Bloomington Kennedy High School  

The morning session of super-sections will feature 2A and 3AAA going back to back as Cannon Falls, PACT Charter, and Atwater CGC will try to hold back the newcomers from Holy Family (Victoria).  Holy Family has largely been in the driver’s seat for jazz this year, but in a late development Cannon Falls took top honors at their last pre-sections meeting.  With only 2 jazz trophies to go around, it’s going to be tight. Kick should be less surprising, and it’s pretty even between ACGC, PACT, and Holy Family for the 2^nd and 3^rd spots. 

Section 3A: Montevideo High School

The ultra-competitive section 3A will not disappoint as double state champs LqPV-DB will try to defend their title.  Top names from BOLD, Yellow Medicine East, and Montevideo will be in the picture again, but this time they have outsiders challenging.  Minnewaska, Canby, or Worthington could all have something to say about who those state tickets belong to.  Minnewaska especially has some momentum on their side this year after some highly visible placements during the season. 

Section 1AA: Faribault High School

The only AA event this week will showcase the Emeralds at home against annual rivals from Austin and Simley.  Sneaky good Cretin Derham Hall will try to upset the status quo, as will the wild card team from Albert Lea who might come up for a surprise finish.  Both of those teams fall into the “they have it coming one of these years” groups, so who knows, it could just be now.  South St. Paul didn’t end up a standout on the leaderboards this year, but as perennial qualifiers here would be worth watching out for. 

Section 1AAA: Bloomington Kennedy High School

The evening event at Bloomington is worth catching the contest between Eastview, Prior Lake and Lakeville North who all have scores in the mid-80s or 90s.  Lakeville South and Burnsville will be in the hunt, but with a season finale loss by Burnsville to Farmington in kick, things could be interesting.  Rochester Mayo also quietly had a good year and should be on the watch list for moving up in the standings from last year.  If you’re not sure what to go watch this weekend, this is an easy recommendation.  (Parking isn’t the best here, so plan ahead)

Section 3AAA: Bloomington Kennedy High School

Going on the flip side with 2A, this group will be looking to catch Centennial in one of their better seasons on record.  Spring Lake Park is close behind, especially in jazz, and tends to show up for this big event with their best.  Henry Sibley and Mounds View will be closely ranked and will want their qualifying spots locked down after their performances.  Dark horses here are Eagan, Roseville, and Bloomington who might need a few things to go their way; but will be ready for the challenge come Saturday.