Talk about two opposite teams in this matchup at the Breakdown Sports Tip Off Classic. Sauk Centre is an outstate, Class AA team that is used to being in the preseason rankings and is looking to make a return trip to the state tournament. Bloomington Jefferson, on the other hand, has a preseason ranking for the first time in years, led by a talented group of players poised to play deep into March.

Bloomington Jefferson is another member of the new South Suburban Conference led by veteran coach Andy Meinhardt. The Jaguars are powered by junior guard Britney Scherber, who is on the Class AAAA preseason All-Breakdown team. In order to get to state, they will have to get past Section 2AAAA favorite Eden Prairie, but at the very least will improve on their 11-15 record from last season.

The Mainstreeters come into this match-up with one of the top forwards in the state in Kali Peschel and the second-best nickname in the state (Blooming Prairie Awesome Blossoms maintain the No. 1 spot
in that category). Sauk Centre went to the Class AA state tournament last year out of Section 6AA and are the favorite to do so again. They were winners in last year’s Breakdown Tip Off Classic with a win over
Maranatha.

Kali Peschel vs Anna Smith:
Both players are athletic, multi-faceted 6-foot wing players who are leaders
on their team. Smith is a quick footed player who really attacks the rim well, and makes her living by drawing bigger post players out to the perimeter to guard her.  Peschel is a more polished player with a wider array of offensive skills.

Why Bloomington Jefferson will win:
Sauk Centre will have no answer for the dominating guard play of Britney Scherber.  The Jaguars' players are battle tested, having all played varsity for two years in the tough Lake Conference.

Why Sauk Centre will win:
Kali Peschel will go to work on the block, where Jefferson will not have an answer.  The Mainstreeters will have a chip on their shoulder and something to prove playing against the much bigger school.

Our prediction: Bloomington Jefferson