Instant analysis: Breaking down state basketball assignments

The IHSA released its state basketball assignments Monday night, and the City/Suburban Hoops Report didn’t waste any time breaking them down.

While there is a ton of basketball to be played before regional play tips off a little over two months from now, here is what the Class 4A and Class 3A super-sectionals could look like in March.

These matchups are based on team’s current records, rankings and starts to their season.

CLASS 4A

Hoffman Estates Super-Sectional: Niles North Sectional vs. Waukegan Sectional

▪︎ Evanston vs. Waukegan

Quick thought: Evanston will likely have to get through a CSL South rival or two to win another sectional. Waukegan gets to play on its home floor in the sectional.

DeKalb Super-Sectional:Bartlett Sectional vs. Rockford Sectional

▪︎ Benet vs. Rockford East

Quick thought: Unbeaten Geneva could have a thing to say about things in the Bartlett Sectional, while Rockford East is off to a perfect 10-0 start this season.

Normal Super-Sectional:East Aurora Sectional vs. United Twp. Sectional

▪︎ Bolingbrook vs. Belleville West

Quick thought: Can an upstart like Oswego East knock off Bolingbrook in the sectional? Belleville West, the defending state champs, will have its hands full in a sectional that could include Bloomington and Danville.

Evanston Super-Sectional:Eisenhower Sectional vs. Proviso West Sectional

▪︎ Bloom vs. Curie

Quick thought: The two deepest sectionals will feed into one another as a lengthy list of teams like Simeon, St. Rita, Marian Catholic, H-F, Fenwick, Young, Riverside-Brookfield, Oak Park, Kenwood, York and Lincoln Park are all a part of these two sectionals.

And the thought of a south suburban team playing a city team from the South Side in Evanston leaves you scratching your head.

CLASS 3A

Hoffman Estates Super-Sectional: North Lawndale Sectional vs. Grayslake Central Sectional

▪︎ Farragut vs. DePaul Prep

Quick thought: Farragut would be the favorite right now in one of the weakest sectionals in the Chicago area. DePaul Prep is on a gigantic 3A collision course with talented St. Viator in the sectional.

Joliet Central Super-Sectional: TBA Sectional vs. Rich South Sectional

▪︎ Morgan Park vs. Hillcrest

Quick thought: Morgan Park vs. Bogan, a legit 3A title contender, in the sectional sure would be fun. Hillcrest’s road looks smooth.

Springfield Super-Sectional: Mascoutah Sectional vs. Springfield Southeast Sectional

▪︎ East St. Louis vs. Springfield Southeast

Quick thought: Last year Southeast had a tough sectional road. This year not so much. East St. Louis has lost two tough ones to two talented, unbeaten teams in Curie (88-81) and Belleville West (54-50).

DeKalb Super-Sectional: Marengo Sectional vs. Peoria Sectional

▪︎ Burlington Central vs. Rock Falls

Quick thought: The single softest road to Peoria. Take advantage of it. Rock Falls is unbeaten.