Star Tribune girls' basketball top teams to watch
December 6, 2016 at 2:38AM
1. Eastview (4A): The Lightning has size, athleticism and experience back from last year's 4A third-place team.
2. Hopkins (4A): Losing 10 seniors from a state runner-up would wipe out most teams; not Hopkins.
3. Edina (4A): With 6-5 Bailey Helgren and 6-3 Annika Jank, will anyone score in the paint against the Hornets?
4. Centennial (4A): The return of coach Jill Becken after five years means a return to up-tempo, ball-hawking defense.
5. St. Michael-Albertville (4A): Senior do-everything guard Rae Johnson is an early candidate for Metro Player of the Year.
6. Park Center (4A): The Pirates' inside-out game, with Mikayla Hayes in the middle and sharpshooters everywhere, can be devastating.
7. Lakeville North (4A): Where Temi Carda leads, the Panthers will follow.
8. Holy Angels (3A): Much more than just Destinee Oberg, with guards Megan Meyer, Megan Thompson and Riley Thalhuber
9. Hutchinson (3A): The Tigers sent a message with season-opening routs of Marshall and Kasson-Mantorville.
10. East Ridge (4A): Senior forward Mariah Sexe led the Raptors to an early 55-51 victory over Park Center.
Others: Apple Valley (4A), Roseville (4A), Anoka (4A). Lakeville South (4A)
JIM PAULSEN
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Minnesota protected its playoff position and moved closer to the third-place spot in the Central that Colorado swiped last week.
