Ted’s Takes: 1A-4A State Championship Picks

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Championship Saturday is just hours away. I picked eight different games for the state semifinals and went 4-4 overall. So when I make my championship predictions, my goal is to go 4-0. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Before I get into each game, I want to express my displeasure in the new state series format that's been in place the past three years. It makes no sense to have 3rd place games happen in the primetime slate. Especially on the same day as their semifinal games. Additionally, no one deserves to play a state semifinal game at 9:30 in the morning. Maybe 11. But no way at 9:30. If you want to have a third place game, put it at that time slot. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>1A Championship - Meridian vs Winchester</strong>: Meridian was led by an 18-year old freshman (yes, that's true) named Antonio Flenoid. Who finished with 24 points and 12 boards. On the other side, 6'4" Sr [player_tooltip player_id='2374533' first='Chance' last='Little'] finished with 33 points in a double-OT classic vs Aurora Christian. with the 3rd place game also being competitve, I expect this one to be, too. But I was more impressed with Meridian taking care of business in a game I thought Hope would easily take advantage of. <strong>THE PICK: Meridian</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2A Championship - Phillips vs Benton: </strong>I thought Phillips would easily take care of business on Thursday. 6'2" Jr Lawrence Horton notched a double-double with seven assists in the state semifinal. [player_tooltip player_id='2217980' first='Phoenix' last='Childs'], another junior, led the team with 21 points. But Benton looked far more complete. Big man [player_tooltip player_id='1545126' first='Docker' last='Tedeschi'] notched another double-double to go along with six blocks. [player_tooltip player_id='1970913' first='Isaac' last='Billington'] and Evan Munoz also had significant contributions. Benton's opponent, Byron took advantage of Phillips opponent, Williamsville in the third place game. I know what's the safer pick here. <strong>THE PICK: Benton</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>3A Championship - DePaul Prep vs Mt. Carmel: </strong>It's the first time ever two Catholic League foes will square off in the State Championship. I picked both teams to lose in the semifinals, so there's a lot of pressure to get this one right. DePaul won 40-37 a couple weeks ago for the CCL championship. While that game was at DePaul, this one will be neutral. The key for the Caravan isto keep [player_tooltip player_id='1373436' first='Angelo' last='Ciaravino'] out of foul trouble. Which killed them in their previous matchup. This game will also be tight. Don't be surprised if neither team scores 40 points. No team in the four-class system has ever won a championship in a lower class, moved up a class, and won it again in the higher class. I think that will finally happen. <strong>THE PICK: DePaul Prep</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>4A Championship - Normal vs Homewood-Flossmor:</strong> The season will end with a game that I think will be a classic. Both programs are looking for their first ever state championships. It will also be the toughest game to predict. [player_tooltip player_id='1157233' first='Jaheem' last='Webber'] had a monster game in the semifinal to help Normal pull away late against Palatine. Eventually winning by 20. On the other side, [player_tooltip player_id='1385293' first='Bryce' last='Heard'] led H-F with 16 points in a super tight 40-35 contest. It's also important to know that Homewood-Flossmor has a 5-0 advantage vs common opponents while Normal has a 3-2 record. It will be a close game. But to me, that's the dealbreaker. <strong>THE PICK: Homewood-Flossmor</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->