by Get Lynned » Mon Apr 11, 2016 12:32 pm
I think others would agree that in previous, recent years, the toughest region has almost always been North Coast/the former NE Region. That region is going to be wicked tough again with Solon and, as Bob alluded to, the potential logjam for second with BBH & Westlake, but I think this year's toughest region is definitely West Central.
WC - between the fact we're in the post-Sam (and teammates) era, and with the return of Beavercreek, that region's state-qualifying spots appear to be as open as it has been in a long time - similarly, it appears to be the deepest region. Sidney looks like the bettor's favorite to punch one of the tickets to State, most likely the Regional Champion. Then we have Northmont, Tipp, Beavercreek, Centerville, and MVS. In total, six teams that, by estimation, that all have a good chance to advance. I'll predict Sidney as champ, and Northmont as runner-up (experience wins at the end of the day, right?) - but it wouldn't surprise me if we see Tipp get that second spot. Or another GWOC school mentioned above. Or... the fifth-smallest school in the tournament, Miami Valley.
NC - Solon, as long as they play on their A game as usual, should win the NC. Brecksville-Broadview Heights won Copley's OAC, yeah? They'll probably be playing Westlake in the loser's bracket final. I won't rule out Harding, but those first three are obviously strong in recent history (last year/this year) @ the OAC format.
NE - Copley, Lexington (no real justification for picking Lexington over Cloverleaf, this is more of an expression that "regional runner-up may be up for grabs".)
NW - Toledo School for the Arts, Hicksville; this may be the region where some of the better teams aren't playing @ Regionals (Sylvania Southview, MVCDS, Ottawa Hills, Toledo de Sales). Regardless, TS4TA should be good enough to get one of the two spots. My guess is Hicksville / Swanton will play in the losers' bracket final.
SW - Walnut Hills, St. X / CHCA - not to put this region down, but like the NW, this is pretty much an unknown. Walnut Hills we know is always good; for the second spot... St. X & CHCA sound like good, safe bets. But then again, there's also Indian Hill, Seven Hills, and SCOL Champ Clinton-Massie.
SE - St. Charles, Fisher - IMO, St. Charles > Fisher; that much I know. I have Fisher taking the second spot, but they could get eliminated before loser's bracket final (ugh). Watch out for Minford! I don't remember what team I read for @ the Golden Shamrock, but they were from Minford, and they looked like the caliber of team that could play with Jerome & Liberty, as well as a team that could give Fisher fits. Also look out for Olentangy High School (not Liberty). St. Charles will win this region, will give a slight edge to Fisher to take the second spot but Jerome, Minford, and the two Olentangy's should round out the top six (don't know what order, though, in spots 2-6).
Thomas Moore
Ohio Wesleyan '18
Retired from online, for good.