Updated State Tournament Watch: Teams That Could Make The Trip

<!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading"><em>A couple of weeks before the season kicked off, I took a look at some teams across the state and put together a list of some programs that have the potential to make a deep postseason run. Below, I'll highlight two teams from 1A and 2A that could make their way downstate by the end of the season.</em><br></h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":1} --> <h1 class="wp-block-heading">1A</h1> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Lutheran (Rockford) -</strong> Though they're ranked outside the top 5 for 1A (MaxPreps.com), Lutheran is home to one of the best players, if not the best player, in that class ([player_tooltip player_id='615355' first='Soraya' last='Parker']). Having strong support around your star is critical, and with the Crusaders currently sitting 3rd in their conference with no losses, I can see this team keeping that momentum going and making their way downstate when the playoffs come to an end.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://twitter.com/rlutherangbb/status/1873118611147243711?s=61">https://twitter.com/rlutherangbb/status/1873118611147243711</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Pecatonica -</strong> Coming off a hot streak in December, this Pecatonica team has shown the ability to stay locked in and consistent. As far as conference play goes, they haven't lost a game and currently sit at the number one spot. [player_tooltip player_id='386578' first='Elaina' last='Rager'] has been key to a majority of their success, but the supporting cast is just as dangerous. Players like [player_tooltip player_id='876101' first='Ryleigh' last='Alexander'], Kora Noud, and Kianna Degner are not to be overlooked, and they've proven to be crucial contributors to the team's overall performance.<br><br></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://twitter.com/pecatonicagbb/status/1872779934797902191?s=61">https://twitter.com/pecatonicagbb/status/1872779934797902191</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">2A</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Peoria Notre Dame -</strong> PND took home the title last year in a wild finish, and even though they've lost a couple key players due to graduation and one this year due to injury, it's hard to count out this squad. Each player on this team brings something valuable to the table, and they play so well together that sometimes you forget that a sophomore, [player_tooltip player_id='732518' first='Emy' last='Wardle'], is leading the way. They're currently first in their conference, with only three losses on the board, all to very tough competition. Given their chemistry and resilience, it wouldn't surprise me if they repeat this year.<br><br></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://twitter.com/pndladyirish/status/1873241033519321101?s=61">https://twitter.com/pndladyirish/status/1873241033519321101</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Nashville</strong> - Last year, this team went downstate and almost secured a state final, until a last-shot attempt sealed the win for their opponent. This year, they return with their Big 3—Emma Behrman, [player_tooltip player_id='863112' first='Summer' last='Brinkmann'], and [player_tooltip player_id='863111' first='Samantha' last='Brinkmann']—and they're already off to a strong start. With no losses in their conference record (1st place), I have no doubt they'll find their way back to Redbird Arena. The tools and player personnel are all there for another deep run.<br></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:embed /-->