Way Too Early Predictions: 3A/4A State Tournament Attendees

<!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"fontSize":"medium"} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size">Over the years, there's always been a clear choice about which programs will make it to the state tournament, but this season I can confidently say... almost every class is up in the air. In my opinion, the playing field is almost even across the board. High level talent and overall depth seem about the same per program, so these predictions are solid guesses with some reasoning behind them. Below are my selections for some teams in both the 3A and 4A classes that could be there in March.</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"56px"}}} --> <p class="has-text-align-center" style="font-size:56px"><strong>3A</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TRINITY </strong>- <em>With a 25-10 record, Trinity worked for their spot in the final four last year, and though they were only 12 points shy of being in the final two, a third place win still held value. The coaching staff has done a strong job developing the players, and though a key starter graduated last season, the team is still full of young talent that can help them with another deep playoff run. Players like [player_tooltip player_id='874655' first='Keyera' last='Gamble'], [player_tooltip player_id='1215054' first='Nayana' last='Harper'], and Destiny Salcuti will set the tone this season, but the young players like [player_tooltip player_id='874663' first='Destinie' last='Roe'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1219952' first='Jazmyn' last='Ratliff'] will provide the youthful spark that could push the needle. Overall, this team is poised for another strong postseason.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>FENWICK</strong> -<em> Fenwick will put strong talent on the floor this upcoming season, and Avanni Williams will lead the charge. She's a dynamic scoring guard who can impact the defensive end as well, and if her offensive consistency takes a leap, you're looking at a matchup problem. Adding players like [player_tooltip player_id='874665' first='Katara' last='Watson'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1226043' first='Eden' last='Bruno'] also adds another layer to the offense, with both being outside snipers. Though they won't have one of their big young talents on the floor this season due to injury, another post presence, [player_tooltip player_id='973153' first='Lucy' last='McAllister'], will provide depth in the frontcourt. This team has the complete makeup of a program that should be competing in March.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>GLENWOOD</strong> - <em>This program is made of a strong culture, and the coaching staff has their hands all over that. They're coached tough but with intention, and we've seen that more than once in the state tournament. [player_tooltip player_id='852625' first='Alexis' last='Neumann'] is the head of the hammer for this squad, and she has been for some time, but last year we saw [player_tooltip player_id='1798267' first='Jemma' last='Lamb'] emerge, and she's going to be their X factor again this year. Ava Bobb will be another player who will help out for another successful season. She's a key playmaker and could definitely fill the role of another scorer if needed.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"56px"}}} --> <p class="has-text-align-center" style="font-size:56px"><strong>4A</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>NAZARETH -</strong> <em>Every year, this program has one of the most talented and deep teams in the state, let alone their class, and this year we'll see the same. It starts with [player_tooltip player_id='728004' first='Sophia' last='Towne'], [player_tooltip player_id='884801' first='Mia' last='Gage'], and Sam Austin. You've got a point guard, a two guard, and a post threat who bring different elements to the offense, with complementary games that work well together. But the supporting players will help take things to another level. [player_tooltip player_id='1796676' first='Addison' last='Brown'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1251933' first='Ainslie' last='Haunty'] can carve out meaningful minutes this season and help win games, and if players like [player_tooltip player_id='892967' first='Hillary' last='Whorlow'] and [player_tooltip player_id='974058' first='Macy' last='Polito'] have taken a leap in their skillsets, you're looking at another potential state champion.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>BELLEVILLE EAST</strong> - <em>This team is all hustle, grit, and energy, and the best part about it is that their coaches don't try to reel that in. Their main talent is still young, and after last year's successful run, changing their style of play might not be the best option. But if they can slow things down when needed, play in the halfcourt, and stay just as effective without relying on their pace, then all bets are off. [player_tooltip player_id='1798409' first='Ramiyah' last='Young'], [player_tooltip player_id='1225856' first='Hailey' last=''] Gray, and <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/denaya-bartelheim/">[player_tooltip player_id='1304142' first='Denaya' last='Bartelheim']</a> are all back, and guarding any of them is already tough, especially when they're playing up tempo. Adding a piece like [player_tooltip player_id='1810837' first='Symone' last='Bynum'], who is a bruiser and board grabber, will only help them create extra possessions. If this group can balance playing fast without losing fire when the game slows down, they'll be a tough team to beat come March. Big fan of what they bring to the table.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>BENET</strong> - <em>Will be one of the fun teams to watch this year, largely because any of their main players could be the best on the floor that night. There is a ton of depth. [player_tooltip player_id='626814' first='Ava' last='Mersinger'] is likely number one on opponents' scouting sheets because she's so fast, and that speed lets her win most of her matchups. If she can add more pace, consistency, and fluidity to her shooting, she'll open up her game even more. [player_tooltip player_id='1246083' first='Hadley' last='Engler'] and [player_tooltip player_id='882110' first='Lucy' last='Tierney'], as their wing players, bring defense and shooting, plus their ability to playmake when the play or possession calls for it. But their three X factors this year could push them over the edge. [player_tooltip player_id='1227877' first='Megan' last='Sedillo'] as a potential backup guard, Taylor Kravarik as a defensive stopper, and [player_tooltip player_id='1225657' first='Avery' last='Babarskis'] as a post threat who can extend her game to the perimeter if needed. The new coach has been responsible for developing a lot of their young talent for quite some time, and having success in year one as the head coach isn't far fetched.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->