The IHSA released its state basketball assignments Monday night, and the City/Suburban Hoops Report didn’t waste any time breaking them down.
While there is a ton of basketball to be played before regional play tips off a little over two months from now, here is what the Class 4A and Class 3A super-sectionals could look like in March.
These matchups are based on team’s current records, rankings and starts to their season.
CLASS 4A
Hoffman Estates Super-Sectional: Niles North Sectional vs. Waukegan Sectional
▪︎ Evanston vs. Waukegan
Quick thought: Evanston will likely have to get through a CSL South rival or two to win another sectional. Waukegan gets to play on its home floor in the sectional.
DeKalb Super-Sectional:Bartlett Sectional vs. Rockford Sectional
▪︎ Benet vs. Rockford East
Quick thought: Unbeaten Geneva could have a thing to say about things in the Bartlett Sectional, while Rockford East is off to a perfect 10-0 start this season.
Normal Super-Sectional:East Aurora Sectional vs. United Twp. Sectional
▪︎ Bolingbrook vs. Belleville West
Quick thought: Can an upstart like Oswego East knock off Bolingbrook in the sectional? Belleville West, the defending state champs, will have its hands full in a sectional that could include Bloomington and Danville.
Evanston Super-Sectional:Eisenhower Sectional vs. Proviso West Sectional
▪︎ Bloom vs. Curie
Quick thought: The two deepest sectionals will feed into one another as a lengthy list of teams like Simeon, St. Rita, Marian Catholic, H-F, Fenwick, Young, Riverside-Brookfield, Oak Park, Kenwood, York and Lincoln Park are all a part of these two sectionals.
And the thought of a south suburban team playing a city team from the South Side in Evanston leaves you scratching your head.
CLASS 3A
Hoffman Estates Super-Sectional: North Lawndale Sectional vs. Grayslake Central Sectional
▪︎ Farragut vs. DePaul Prep
Quick thought: Farragut would be the favorite right now in one of the weakest sectionals in the Chicago area. DePaul Prep is on a gigantic 3A collision course with talented St. Viator in the sectional.
Joliet Central Super-Sectional: TBA Sectional vs. Rich South Sectional
▪︎ Morgan Park vs. Hillcrest
Quick thought: Morgan Park vs. Bogan, a legit 3A title contender, in the sectional sure would be fun. Hillcrest’s road looks smooth.
Springfield Super-Sectional: Mascoutah Sectional vs. Springfield Southeast Sectional
▪︎ East St. Louis vs. Springfield Southeast
Quick thought: Last year Southeast had a tough sectional road. This year not so much. East St. Louis has lost two tough ones to two talented, unbeaten teams in Curie (88-81) and Belleville West (54-50).
DeKalb Super-Sectional: Marengo Sectional vs. Peoria Sectional
▪︎ Burlington Central vs. Rock Falls
Quick thought: The single softest road to Peoria. Take advantage of it. Rock Falls is unbeaten.
