Previewing the Illinois 3A girls tournament
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Barrington (22-2) vs. Evanston (19-1-1): 5:00 pm The only team to return to state from last season is Barrington. Junior midfielder Brooke Brown Brooke Brown M Barrington (IL) | 2023 IL is an all-around midfielder who leads the way. A…
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Continue ReadingBarrington (22-2) vs. Evanston (19-1-1): 5:00 pm
The only team to return to state from last season is Barrington. Junior midfielder Brooke Brown Brooke Brown M Barrington (IL) | 2023 IL is an all-around midfielder who leads the way. A bright young superstar is emerging in freshman forward Piper Lucier Piper Lucier null | F Barrington | 2025 State #158 Nation IL . She’s been electric all season. The Fillies have only two losses to Naperville North on their record. Since their second loss on April 30, they’ve outscored opponents 40-1. They’ve held a clean sheet in five playoff games too.
Evanston has been somewhat of a surprise this season. I expected fellow conference opponents like New Trier, Glenbrook North, Glenbrook South, and Deerfield to do better. But that wasn’t the case. Sophomore Jocelyn Leigh cannot be talked about enough. She’s gone on a tear all season and has come through big when they’ve needed it. The Wildkits also have 14 seniors who have contributed to this year’s success. Like Barrington, they also have one loss to Naperville North on the year. That was also back in April.
I expect this game to be really close. This is honestly super tough to pick. Barrington has been here before, so I’m gonna go with them. THE PICK: Barrington 2, Evanston 1
Lincoln-Way Central (24-1) vs Metea Valley (20-2-1): 7:00 pm
Lincoln-Way Central was a very hard team to evaluate this season. They started the year off with a bang, winning the Windy City Ram Classic. On defense, they’ve only conceded five goals. That might be the lowest number in the state. Their lone loss on the year came against Warren at a tournament, who play a much difficult schedule. That might be the only thing holding Lincoln-Way Central back.
The Knights will undoubtedly play their toughest match yet in Metea Valley. They’ve gone unbeaten in Illinois all season and cruised through an extremely challenging Supersectional to get here. Some of their top wins include Naperville North (twice), Naperville Central, Benet, Neuqua Valley, Edwardsville and Plainfield North. All of whom are capable of playing at this stage (Benet competing in 2A finals). Junior forward Tyra King Tyra King F IL has been sensational up top and is a Player of the Year candidate. Jordan Lange controls a strong midfield that will look to create some problems.
The strength of schedule is the biggest problem I have with Lincoln-Way Central. But even then, I think Metea is the better team. THE PICK: Metea Valley 2, Lincoln-Way Central 0
State Championship Prediction
METEA VALLEY 1, BARRINGTON 0: Before this school year, Metea Valley had zero state championships in their schools history. Their volleyball program finally won a title for the school in the fall, and I say they do it again this spring for girls soccer.