The IHSA Class 4A boys hoops pairings just came out.
Sure enough, there are some interesting pairings in the Oswego East Sectional.
and, surprisingly, the Daily Dose wasn't too far off in its predictions...
First, Neuqua Valley has been sent to Batavia as the top seed. Bolingbrook is the top draw in the Glenbard West Regional (2-for-2)
East Aurora Regional:
Predicted
18-Marmion vs. 21-Wheaton North
Winner vs. 4-East Aurora
7. West Aurora vs. 12. Waubonsie Valley
Actual
13-Oswego East vs. 20-West Chicago
Winner vs. 4-East Aurora
21-Wheaton North vs. 12-Waubonsie Valley
Winner vs. 5-Plainfield North
Judgment: Well, getting 3 of the teams right is a good start - Two of these regionals were going to have two play-in games...so it's nearly impossible to predict which one would get those games. East Aurora pounded Oswego East earlier this season, but if they continue to play shorthanded the Wolves could be an issue. And Plainfield North is a very good team with excellent height and strong guard play. EA and Plain. North make this the toughest regional to come out of.
Naperville Central Regional:
Predicted
16-Naperville North vs. 17-Benet Academy
Winner plays 2-Naperville Central
10-Wheaton Warrenville South vs. 13-Oswego East
Winner plays 5-Painfield North
Actual
14-Willowbrook vs. 18-Marmion Academy
Winner vs. 2-Naperville Central
7-West Aurora vs. 10-Wheaton Warrenville South
Judgment: Well, I got 2 right here. What is Willowbrook doing in this regional, especially with better options available in Batavia and Lombard. That's a head-scratcher. I'm sure the DVC coaches love the fact they get to see each other again. Central is clearly the most talented team, but to play West again in a regional final I'm sure is not what the Redhawks were hoping for.
Batavia Regional:
Predicted
22-Lake Park vs. 20-West Chicago
winner plays 1-Neuqua Valley
14-Willowbrook vs. 9-Batavia
Winner plays 8-Geneva
Actual
16-Naperville North vs. 17-Benet Academy
Winner vs. 1-Neuqua Valley
8-Geneva vs. 9-Batavia
Judgment: Got another 3 teams right here, and I think I would've been right on with this had Willowbrook gone where it made more sense. I initially had Batavia-Geneva in the first round. I can't imagine Neuqua is happy with this. They either get Batavia on its home court or a very tough Geneva team that is close enough to Batavia that it'll be like a home game for them too.
Glenbard West Regional:
Predicted:
15-Glenbard West vs 19-Glenbard North
Winner plays 3-Bolingbrook
11-Bartlett vs. 6-Glenbard East
Actual
15-Glenbard West vs. 19-Glenbard North
Winner vs. 3-Bolingbrook
11-Bartlett vs. 22-Lake Park
Winner vs. 6-Glenbard East
Judgment: Again, two of these regionals were going to have two play in games, so I was pretty close on this oone with 4 teams. Glenbard East is OK, but the Raiders should walk through this Regional in the easiest bracket in the sectional.
Read on for my sectional predictions
Winner of the Naperville Central Regional: 7-West Aurora
I believe the Blackhawks will have the Redhawks' number in yet another contest between the DVC rivals. I feel this will be Juwan Starks' coming-of-age game as a Division I-caliber player.
Winner of the Glenbard West Regional: 3-Bolingbrook
The Raiders won't be challenged in this bracket.
Winner of the Batavia Regional: 1-Neuqua Valley
But it won't be easy. I feel they'll get Batavia at home, and the Bulldogs will give them everything they've got and more - perhaps even overtime.
Winner of the East Aurora Regional: 5-Plainfield North
East, naturally, has the most talent. But you just can't predict which players will actually play for the Tomcats. I know who will be playing for Plainfield North, and they are solid enough to win this regional.
Sectional Final prediction:
Neuqua Valley vs. Bolingbrook
Neuqua is too experienced for Plainfield North in these situations, and I feel West won't have the firepower to hang with the 'Brook.
And your sectional champion will be:
Bolingbrook - in a tight one. I really like Neuqua Valley, and this game will probably go to the final seconds or overtime as well.
Rick Armstrong 
Jim Owczarski 
Mike Knapp 
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