cardzfan1234
Well-known member
We enter 2020 and several teams are about halfway done with the regular season. The voting will start next month. There is a clear difference between the top three teams and the rest of the teams. The battle for the top seed is incredibly significant. The top seed has to win one big game. The 2/3 seeds have to win two to get out of districts. Some big games over the next 5 weeks will help determine how the coaches vote. Here are the top four teams in alphabetical order:
Benedictine (5-4): Four losses were to St Eds, Lake Catholic, Fairview, and Rhodes - teams that are all going to be one of the top seeds at their respected district. The best win for the Bengals is against VASJ in a down season. They look like the clear #4 team in a three team district. Big drop off after #3 seed. But also a pretty big drop off after Benedictine.
Brush (8-2): Got hammered by Eds and just recently lost to Cleveland Heights. That loss to the Tigers will be working against Brush's hope for a top seed. The Arcs should cruise through their league (which happens to have most of the voting presence at the district), but will need to beat both Lutheran East and SVSM this month in order to win over the coaches to get the top seed.
Cleveland Heights (9-4): The Tigers are coming off their biggest win of the season against Brush, a win that goes a long way. They also beat St Ignatius, Garfield Heights, and Richmond Heights. The Tigers lost a close one to Lorain, one of the top teams in NEO. Of the top three teams at Euclid, they have the most losses - but they also have the most significant wins.
Mentor (4-3): A disappointing end to the Arby's Classic tournament over Christmas time was surprising. Their best in state opponent by far was a loss at Medina. Mentor lacks anything resembling a big win. They have their chances this month with a game against Shaker and rematch with Medina. Mentor always seems to have the backing and respect of area coaches (North, South, Madison, Riverside, etc.) when it comes to the voting process. They have the reputation, but currently lack the resume for the top seed.
Others: Mayfield, South, Harvey, Lakeside, Madison, University, North, Riverside
Benedictine (5-4): Four losses were to St Eds, Lake Catholic, Fairview, and Rhodes - teams that are all going to be one of the top seeds at their respected district. The best win for the Bengals is against VASJ in a down season. They look like the clear #4 team in a three team district. Big drop off after #3 seed. But also a pretty big drop off after Benedictine.
Brush (8-2): Got hammered by Eds and just recently lost to Cleveland Heights. That loss to the Tigers will be working against Brush's hope for a top seed. The Arcs should cruise through their league (which happens to have most of the voting presence at the district), but will need to beat both Lutheran East and SVSM this month in order to win over the coaches to get the top seed.
Cleveland Heights (9-4): The Tigers are coming off their biggest win of the season against Brush, a win that goes a long way. They also beat St Ignatius, Garfield Heights, and Richmond Heights. The Tigers lost a close one to Lorain, one of the top teams in NEO. Of the top three teams at Euclid, they have the most losses - but they also have the most significant wins.
Mentor (4-3): A disappointing end to the Arby's Classic tournament over Christmas time was surprising. Their best in state opponent by far was a loss at Medina. Mentor lacks anything resembling a big win. They have their chances this month with a game against Shaker and rematch with Medina. Mentor always seems to have the backing and respect of area coaches (North, South, Madison, Riverside, etc.) when it comes to the voting process. They have the reputation, but currently lack the resume for the top seed.
Others: Mayfield, South, Harvey, Lakeside, Madison, University, North, Riverside