Ted’s Takes: Analyzing a Loaded 4A Playoff Field

Teddy Bahu February 3, 2026 @ 11:38 AM

In this article, I've decided to analyze the field in this year's loaded 4A playoffs. With the additions of numerous high-level programs, this field will be the strongest it's ever been. In fact, 29 of the top 40 teams in this week's rankings are competing in that class. Remember that these are my takes only.   The Favorites: Benet, DePaul Prep   These teams have been the top 2 teams in our rankings since the start of the year. With just one in-state loss all season between the two (that wasn't H2H), it's no surprise that they're a slight step above everyone else. The size, experience, athleticism, and coaching amongst both programs is why both teams could be on a trajectory to meet in the 4A championship game next month.   Top Contenders: Warren, Curie   The two closest contenders to these two would undoubtedly be Warren and Curie. The Blue Devils lost by one point to Benet in the 4A championship. And of course, they brought back the top prospect in 2027 with [player_tooltip player_id='2323571' first='Jaxson' last='Davis']. On the other hand, Curie has been the most stable, consistent CPS power over the past decade. It's another well-coached group   As Exciting as Anyone: Neuqua Valley, St. Patrick   If I had to make a pick right now on who would win next season, it would be Neuqua Valley. I already discussed them a bit not that long ago, and they've yet to lose a game since November 28th. Sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='2531981' first='Cole' last='Kelly'] has continued to dominate on both ends. [player_tooltip player_id='2839878' first='Mason' last='Martin'] is a 30-pt scoring threat on any given night. Another Junior, Luke Balgro, has been a key factor on the interior. Meanwhile, St. Patrick is having their best season in quite some time. Their 72-63 win at Marist was arguably their best result of the year. As of now, they're the #1 threat to DePaul in the Loyola SuperSectional   Can go on a run: Loyola, St. Ignatius, Evanston, Homewood-Flossmor, Bolingbrook   These teams are not the favorites to win their sectionals right now. But all of them are more than capable of becoming cinderella stories this March. St. Ignatius is the lone team to knock off Benet this season. Loyola, hosting their sectional, also has a track record of coming through and beating big time teams under Tom Livatino. The same can be said about Bolingbrook and Evanston.   Sectional Favorites: Fremd, Marist, Peoria Richwoods, Glenbard East   These three programs will probably be the top seeds in their sectionals this season. But like the teams above, they are all more than capable of surprising the world and making a run to Champaign. Marist has built their program for this season with key seniors taking charge. Fremd also gets the chance to host a sectional on their home floor this season. This group has undoubtedly been the most efficient in their pairing. Both Peoria Richwoods and Glenbard East have been strong in our rankings.   Cinderella Hopefuls: Lockport, Alton, Rock Island, York, New Trier, Rockford Auburn   Southern Illinois is wide open right now. Peoria Richwoods is the favorite to come out pop that sectional. but Alton and Rock Island are more than capable of pulling off an upset with their resumes. Rockford Auburn was a team we ranked highly to start the season. Although there's been some inconsistencies, this team is more experienced than ever and could shock the world. York, Lockport, and New Trier are always scary, and have established themselves firmly in our rankings.

In this article, I've decided to analyze the field in this year's loaded 4A playoffs. With the additions of numerous high-level programs, this field will be the strongest it's ever been. In fact, 29 of the top 40 teams in this week's rankings are competing in that class. Remember that these are my takes only.