The first game of the 2010 Breakdown Tip-Off Classic features Providence Academy versus Braham -- two teams with hopes that a rematch of this game will take place at Target Center on March 19th. Class AA state tournament section pairings are already set, so if these teams were to play at state it would in fact be for the title.

This intriguing matchup pits heavily-recruited Becca Dahlman and the high flying Braham offense against methodical, team-oriented Providence Academy.

Providence Academy enjoys a preseason top-10 ranking for the first time in recent memory. Veteran coach Ray Finley leads a talented team that plays great team basketball and has a core group of kids
who played together during the summer circuit. They are the favorite to win the MCAA and represent Section 5AA in the state tournament.  Providence returns its top six scorers from last year’s team and is led by junior wing Ann Marie Healy, who led the team with 9.3 ppg last season.

Braham is fresh off a state tournament appearance last season where the Bombers lost in the final to Minnehaha Academy. They are led by sophomore standout Becca Dahlman, who was named first-team
all-state and all-metro by multiple publications as a freshman last season. Braham also brings back most of its scoring from last year’s team and is picked to repeat as Section 7AA champions.

Becca Dahlman vs. Providence team defense

Providence has superior length and size, which helps cut off passing lanes, clog the lane and play great team defense. But Braham's Becca Dahlman is one of the most dynamic scorers in the state. For Providence to win this matchup, it needs to slow down the tempo and keep it a half-court game, where team defense can stop Dahlman. If you give Dahlman space in transition she is down-right unstoppable.

Why Providence Academy will win:
The Lions are already battle tested, having played AAAA Osseo to a one-point game on Friday. They use their superior length and size to cut off passing lanes and control the boards

Why Braham will win:
The Bombers will play an up-tempo style and not allow Providence to set up its half-court defense.  Becca Dahlman will score 30+ on the big stage and show everyone just how good she is.

Our prediction: Providence Academy