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IHSA Contenders

Posted by Heavy D on April 13, 2026, 12:19 pm

Mother Nature hasn't helped but check out the favorites

4A
Marist: Its a runaway train beating the other favorite STCE 4-0, LWE 3-0, and beating #1 ranked #3A Glenwood. Only way they lose is to some out of state power. Elite offensive weapons and quality depth can carry the team. Playing a tough schedule will have them ready for the postseason run. Don't see anyone knocking them off the tracks.
LWE: Another offensive deep team with elite players. Hung with Marist and beat STCE. If they can capitalize early could they beat Marist when it counts. Another good start for this group can they make it to the promise land. Tough conference and nonconference schedule should have them ready as well
STCE: Playing a tough schedule, so far they are a another contender. Depth is being tested on the weekends but the play of the pitcher and catcher on any given day can make them the toughest team to beat in a single game.
STCN: Beat 2 3A ranked teams, CLC, Antioch even though they didn't face either team's ace. deep line-up and depth in the circle can make them a contender. They have a history of taking care of Marist late post season. Athletes and top level coaching make them dangerous.
Lake Park: They have elite depth in the circle, can they back the pitchers up with some defense and offense. Tripped up by Conant this weekend. Tough conference schedule should prepare them for the playoffs.
LWW: Tough schedule to start the season and 12-4 isn't anything to sneeze at. Big win over lockport but some struggles vs teams with talent in the circle. Very balanced team.
Locport: Can they make a run again. Beat several ranked teams so far. Hall of Fame coach finds a way.

3A
This might be a two horse show
Glenwood: The top team in 3A only has 1 loss to Marist and hung with them. Elite players in the circle and as well as in the field. Hall of Fame coach and defending state champs. Everything looking good in Glenwood
Antioch: Playing another tough schedule, 9-2 record. They have elite depth like Glenwood. One of the top coaches, especially with his use of the intentional walk
Waterloo: Gleaning record, haven't been tested but they have the post season experience in recent years.
Providence Catholic: Early season favorite after returning 9 starters, 12-2 but struggling vs the elites.
2A
This might have become a 3 horse race, all 3 have elite talent in the circle
Carterville: Taking care of business, favorite right now.
Seneca: 17-0 with some quality wins so far
Beecher: Also undefeated but haven't been tested yet. Can they get by on one arm.

Re: IHSA Contenders

Posted by LWE on April 17, 2026, 9:14 am, in reply to "IHSA Contenders"

I like your in depth post on this. Looks like you took some time and research to put it together.
However the review of LWE.... Offensive Deep team and "elite players"? Are these Elite players in the room with us right now? Also I don't consider getting only 1 hit and zero runs against Marist, "hanging in" with them or "offensively deep". They also just lost to a Lockport team with less talent than they have......again. They are another underachieving LWE team, as they always are, and the coaching will always be their undoing.

Re: IHSA Contenders

Posted by @Heavy D from The Messenger on April 14, 2026, 8:04 am, in reply to "IHSA Contenders"

I think this was stated very well. Over the next 2 weeks there are some good games. We will have to see.

Lockport just beat LWE.

Marist has a lighter schedule then most, besides a few tough game. YES they are good and YES they won all the tough games too. I just think they are beatable.

Regionals/Sectionals/State 2026 will be GREAT!!

Re: IHSA Contenders

Posted by PC Dad on April 13, 2026, 5:59 pm, in reply to "IHSA Contenders"

3A Champs Providence

Re: IHSA Contenders

Posted by Tough Sectional on April 13, 2026, 3:41 pm, in reply to "IHSA Contenders"

Marist, STCN, STCE, Lake Park all in same super-sectional.

Re: IHSA Contenders

Posted by Beecher on April 13, 2026, 3:25 pm, in reply to "IHSA Contenders"

The FSU Commit isn't playing this spring. Still have solid pitching but it's not at that level anymore so they will have to be creative in the playoffs.

Re: IHSA Contenders

Posted by @Heavy D on April 13, 2026, 3:08 pm, in reply to "IHSA Contenders"

Who are all of these elite players?

Re: IHSA Contenders

Posted by Fan on April 14, 2026, 9:47 pm, in reply to "Re: IHSA Contenders"

Providence lost today I believe

Re: IHSA Contenders

Posted by PC Dad on April 15, 2026, 7:23 pm, in reply to "Re: IHSA Contenders"

Yes, they lost the St. Lawrence a very good St. Lawrence team. Will probably be 4A state champ.

Re: IHSA Contenders

Posted by Wanna bet? on April 16, 2026, 8:00 pm, in reply to "Re: IHSA Contenders"

I will take that bet that St. Lawrence will be the 4A State Champ.

Guaranteed money!

Re: IHSA Contenders

Posted by STL? on April 17, 2026, 9:09 am, in reply to "Re: IHSA Contenders"

Yea, St. Laurence is nothing special. A few good players, but they beat up on a weak conference, and they are not there yet as far as competing for anything significant.

Re: IHSA Contenders

Posted by No Chance on April 17, 2026, 10:21 am, in reply to "Re: IHSA Contenders"

If St LaWrence makes it down to the final 4, they will be run ruled and not allowed back down state for 6 years. Not a top 10 team.

Re: IHSA Contenders

Posted by swside fan on April 17, 2026, 10:09 am, in reply to "Re: IHSA Contenders"

STL just walked off Providence who is very good, but not sure they are ready to make a bunch of noise at 4A

Re: IHSA Contenders

Posted by Wake me up on April 17, 2026, 3:13 pm, in reply to "Re: IHSA Contenders"

When either Providence or St Laurence plays anyone good. They would be below .500 in DuKane

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