So with players back in school who are the favorites this upcoming season

4A
Marist: They only graduated a couple of starters and the majority of the team is back. Senior heavy D1 talent makes them the favorite. Elite pitcher in the circle with some depth. One on the street, parents aren’t too happy with the coaching. St. Laurence about to become the Bandit hub.

Lincolnway East: They have some bats back and pitching. Seems to always reload the line-up. Could this be the year?

Barrington: Undefeated till Supers, where they ran into a legit team. Returns the IF and their D1 talent. Questions in the circle after the workhorse of a pitcher graduated. Perry’s last year, will he finally win one? With Ken Grams retired, will there be a new Godfather of IHSA Softball?

Glenbard North: They have an ace, but is there enough else where to make a run at state?

Naperville Central: Some elite talent in the right spots but like GBN do they have enough around them to make a run.

3A
The classic 2 horse race, a few years ago it was Lemont and Antioch and now it's Glenwood and Antioch.

Glenwood: loses a D1 leadoff hitter and pitcher, but brings back 5 D1 commits including a pitcher. 2 Top 2 finishes in the last 2 seasons and a Hall of Fame coach, they should make it 3. GC is really pumping out athletes regardless of sport or season. Despite losing at state like Marist should be the top pick to win 3A.

Antioch: 2 walk off wins going into state, the Queens of the North made it look easy. Graduated 3 D1 bats, but returned the 4 frosh starters, including a pitcher who went undefeated. 4 trips in the last 5 years, referred constantly as the state final regulars by the media.

2A
With all the top teams graduating the pitching there might 2 new teams running the table

North Boone: Multiple state appearances and dangerous line-up with young pitching could be a long term favorite.

Stillman Valley: Bandit pitcher with depth in the circle. The young team missed it by one game last season.