As I suspected IHSA has shifted Sectionals and Supersectional Assignments around after being the same the last two years. Seems like this is a two year cycle for this. Here's my take:
DEKALB (NIU) Supersectional:
Elgin Sectional:
This one I would say is pretty open at this time. Favorite is Rolling Meadows who's in this Sectional a year too late. This is a better geographical and less competition sectional. Stevenson (Lincolnshire) is a big threat, as is Prospect (Mount Prospect), Palatine, and Fremd (Palatine). Lake Zurich is a dark horse here.
Rockford (Guilford) Sectional:
Warren (Gurnee) is the heavy favorite here. I want to a Warren football game in August and ran into the basketball players (who surprisingly recognized me). They told me in no uncertain terms they would meet me in Champaign. I didn't know the breakdowns at the time, but looks like it could happen for them. Jaxson Davis in Champaign as a freshman? Would be very entertaining. Threats are the host Guilford (Rockford), Auburn (Rockford), and DeKalb.
NORMAL (ISU) Supersectional:
Aurora (East) Sectional:
Loaded Sectional with North (Downers Grove) being the favorite but a shaky one. Bolingbrook, a young Benet Academy (Lisle) team, Neuqua Valley (Naperville), and Waubonsie Valley (Aurora) lurking. Dark horse Metea Valley (Aurora). Whomever survives it will likely have a tall and talented Normal Community waiting and playing in their hometown.
Pekin Sectional:
Normal Community is the heavy favorite here. Could get a challenge from West (Normal), Bradley Bourbonnais, Rock Island, Collinsville and O'Fallon.
CHICAGO (UIC) Supersectional:
Richton Park (Rich Township):
Loaded sectional with South Suburban powerhouses here. Homewood Flossmoor will be the favorite, but look out for host Rich Township (Richton Park), Bloom Township (Chicago Heights), young Lincoln Way East (Frankfort) team could surprise. Dark horses are Romeoville (why were they sent way out here?), and West (Joliet) (same why were they sent way out here?).
Riverside Brookfield Sectional:
Most loaded Sectional in Class 4A. Kenwood Academy (Chicago), Curie (Chicago), Lincoln Park (Chicago), Simeon Career Academy (Chicago), Whitney Young (Chicago). See a theme here? Seems like the entire Chicago Public League Red Division is out here. Other strong teams are the host Riverside Brookfield, St Ignatius College Prep (Chicago). Some tough regional finals are on tap and the survivor likely to get Homewood Flossmoor in Supersectional. SHEESH!!!!!!!
HOFFMAN ESTATES (NOW Arena) Supersectional:
Addison (Addison Trail) Sectional:
Not the strongest Sectional but a few quality teams. By my rankings Glenbard North (Carol Stream) would be favored, but a lot of teams could come out of here. Batavia, York (Elmhurst), Lake Park (Roselle), Warrenville South (Wheaton) come to mind.
Park Ridge (Maine South) Sectional:
Central Suburban Conference anyone? Glenbrook North (Northbrook), and New Trier (Winnetka) and Loyola Academy (Wilmette) would be favorites. Lane Tech (Chicago) one of only two Chicago Public League Red Division teams in this Sectional. How is Oak Park River Forest over here? Glenbrook South (Glenview) and Niles North (Skokie) are dark horses, and Central Suburban Conference teams.
Comments