Ted’s Takes: State Semifinal Bold Predictions

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With state semifinals beginning this Thursday, I've decided to make a few bold predictions on what I think happens over the next couple days. 1A and 2A will begin their state semifinals tomorrow. While 3A and 4A will begin on Friday. Third place games will also be held Thursday and Friday evenings for each class (which I strongly disagree with)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Peoria Manual-Tolono the Best Game Thursday</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This is a mix of two programs in the midst of incredible runs to the state semifinals. After two losses to Teutopolis earlier this season, Tolono finally came through against them in the sectional championship. They also have solid wins over bigger programs like Belvidere, Mt. Zion, Rochester, and Joliet Catholic. Seniors Tyler Henry, Tre Hoggard, and Colton Langendorf lead the charge for Tolono. But Manual has steamrolled past their super-sectional to get to this point. They're a team that wins with grit and pace. But they'll have a battle on their hands with a well-coached opponent. Top 150 senior Joshua Humbles is a name to watch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Marshawn Cocroft Makes the Difference for Kaneland</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The matchup between elite forwards Jake Pollack and Jeffrey Hassan will be incredibly exciting. I expect both guys to make it a challenge for the other one in this case. So if there will be a difference-maker in this game, it will come from guard play. Averaging more than 20 points per game, Cocroft has been an elite scorer and can find the bucket from all three levels. I expect that to be the same case scenario against Deerfield. More importantly, Kaneland finally broke through and showed they could be a legit force with their win over Morton. I'm picking them to continue their unbeaten run into the state championship on Saturday led by Marshawn Cocroft.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>York keeps it close</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Marist will be the favorite in this game for good reason. The RedHawks have picked up dominant wins in an effort by their trio of seniors with three years of starting varsity experience. All plus several others will play at the next level. But I cannot rule out York. They were not even on my radar before the regular season. But that changed dramatically once they started racking up wins. The OT win over Ignatius gave me full confidence that they can make this a contest. Jr Wing Joseph Lubbe is the leading scorer for the Dukes with 14 points per game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Under 90 Points Between Depaul Prep and Benet</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The headliner matchup of the semifinals will be Depaul Prep and Benet. Each team has been ranked #1 and #2 respectively almost the entire season. But unfortunately, they were drawn to face each other in the semifinals. The two combined for just 95 points when they faced each other at the Pontiac championship earlier this season. But given that it's a state semifinal, defenses should tighten up even more. It's two programs that have played each other many times over the years. Some games have reached the 110 and 120 totals. Others see neither team score 40 points. That could very well happen again. I would set the game total lower than 95.5 if I was a bookie.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->