Ted’s Takes: State Championship Predictions

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's some of my takes on who wins tomorrows state championship games. I have some family obligations during the daytime. But I'll do my best to cover some late afternoon and evening action.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>1A: Hope Academy vs Eastland</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Neither team has played each other in recent memory and are from different areas of the state. So this won't necessary be an easy pick. But I love what one team is capable of. They have more losses on their resume, but have picked some some gritty wins and stayed in games against several solid 3A and 4A programs in the area. Junior PG Tyjuan Hunter has been a baller on this team averaging 23 points per game. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>THE PICK: Hope Academy</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2A: Althoff vs Dyett (Chicago)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This is a very intriguing contest that shouldn't be overlooked. Althoff has been ranked for quite a while and has a very strong group. One guy I like a lot is 6'2" jr [player_tooltip player_id='1977254' first='Luke' last='Smith']. Someone I've covered quite a few times on the PH circuit for IL Bears. Seniors Braden Gryzmala, [player_tooltip player_id='2105165' first='Dierre' last='Hill'] Jr, and Zach WInkeler are three guys averaging double digits this season. On the other hand, Dyett has stayed competitive with lots of opponents inside the top 40, including Curie and Whitney Young. they don't have a superstar. But all five starters are seniors with tons of experience. It'll be closer than you think. But I think the better team wins. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>THE PICK: Althoff</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>3A: Brother Rice vs DePaul Prep</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This will be a tremendous game between two top notch catholic league programs. Earlier in the season, Brother Rice went to DePaul (ranked #1 at the time) and beat them on their home court 53-52. But DePaul has been here before. Winning two straight state championships and are looking for a third with a highly experienced group. In fact, four of their five starters were rostered on both state championships. The only exception being [player_tooltip player_id='1435692' first='Rykan' last='Woo'], who's arguably been the biggest difference-maker for the Rams this season. I can't recall a time Tom Kleinschmidt lost to a team twice in one season. I'm predicting revenge and a three-peat.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>THE PICK: DePaul Prep</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>4A: Benet vs Warren</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Gene Heidkamp has put together some top notch teams over the years. But he's never won the state championship at Benet. He's got arguably the best opportunity to do that tomorrow with the group he has. 7'0" C [player_tooltip player_id='2105376' first='Colin' last='Stack'] will be an absolute nightmare against much smaller Warren side. And despite the Blue Devils having an elite prospect in Sophomore PG [player_tooltip player_id='2323571' first='Jaxson' last='Davis'], their opponents backcourt is much more experienced. [player_tooltip player_id='1598658' first='Blake' last='Fagbemi'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2105390' first='Jayden' last='Wright'] are a pair of elite ball-handlers that know how to win a the highest levels. Warren can definitely get it done. They might be playing their best basketball at the moment. But I'm backing the team with the better coaching and most experience. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>THE PICK: Benet</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>MOCK Spreads:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Hope Academy -9.5 vs Eastland</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Althoff -4.5 vs Dyett</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>DePaul Prep -1.5 vs Brother Rice</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Benet -9.5 vs Warren</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list -->