District Predictions (Regional %):
Jackson (70%)
GlenOak (30%)
Hoover
New Philadelphia

Sectionals: A pair of the sectional games, or rather potential sectional games are going to be really good. McKinley and Hoover will be a treat. The two teams have taken turns going on the road and getting wins against each other. McKinley most recently stole one at Hoover by a point, back in December hoover took it to the Pups at the Fieldhouse. This matchup will make for one of the best sectional games in recent memory. Both teams have sputtered some this year and may not have met their own expectations, but one will get a chance to reverse that fortune.

How fitting that Louisville and New Philadelphia squared off in the first game of the year, and the Leps won in an OT thriller, that both teams could be matched up again for a birth in the districts on the line. Louisville has played a tougher schedule since then, but both teams are playing really solid.

Final 4: Jackson and GlenOak are the obvious choices. Jackson is 11-0 against the rest of the district, they went undefeated in the Federal League. They are the deepest team in the district, they have excellent coaching, they prepare as well as any team, and they have the momentum and confidence right now. GlenOak is an easy pick as well. Even though all the change and adversity they compete. They still have great wins against Medina and Eastlake North, and a solid win over Tusky Valley. They will not be an easy out for anyone that they play. I like Hoover to advance to the District. I think they have been improving as the season has went on. They play with a little more consistency and toughness than most teams. New Philly will have a tough test with Louisville but I believe their experience with getting not only to districts but through districts in the last few years will be a huge benefit to them.

My Pick: For the first time in many years, this district will be determined more by the best team than the most superstar power. I think the Polar Bears have excellent leadership out top with Diese and Stran, they have shooters all over the floor with Diese, Scroggs and McMullen, and young stars in Dretke, Padibandla and Pallotta who have been sharpened all year and make huge contributions. Their schedule isn’t the greatest, but it won’t catch up to them here. The Polar Bears are my pick to move on to the Civic Center.