DuPage County: Scouting Class 3A girls basketball regionals
Class 3A Burlington Central regional
Teams (seeds): Burlington Central (2), Glenbard South (3), St. Francis (6), Plano (8), Hinsdale South (9).
Sectional host: Hampshire.
Outlook: Glenbard South has been downstate the past two seasons, placing third and second. Making it three straight state trophies will not be easy, but the Raiders are playing very well, they have been tested all season against Class 4A schools, and their state experience shows. St. Francis is capable of the upset, however. Burlington Central has a lot of talent and just missed being ranked in the most recent AP state rankings. Playing on their home court should help the Rockets also.
Class 3A IMSA regional
Teams (seeds): Montini (1), Kaneland (4), Sandwich (5), Lemont (7), IMSA (10).
Sectional host: Hampshire.
Outlook: Montini is ranked No. 2 in the AP state poll for a reason. It has beaten many of the best teams in the state regardless of class and taken on some of the best in Florida and Kentucky also. The Broncos can swarm teams with their defense, scoring often in transition. They can also hit several 3-pointers in their half-court offense. The Broncos might be too young to win a state championship, especially with so much talent in Class 3A this year, but they are capable.
Class 3A Antioch regional
Teams (seeds): Vernon Hills (2), St. Viator (7), Antioch (10), Fenton (15), North Chicago (18).
Sectional host: Crystal Lake South.
Outlook: Vernon Hills has earned favorite status in this regional with its play this season, but don't overlook St. Viator. It has been tested against bigger schools and some of the best talent in the state in the East Suburban Catholic Conference. Fenton is a rebuilding team that would celebrate a regional victory as a building block for future success. The Bison play a helter-skelter style that is unique in Illinois and will cause problems for whoever they meet.
- Orrin Schwarz