Illinois High School Basketball: Sectional Seeds Set, Road to State Begins
The stage is set for the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) boys basketball state tournament. Sectional seeding is complete, laying out the paths for teams across the state to reach the State Farm Center in Champaign for the final rounds of March Madness. This year’s tournament, held March 12–14, 2026, promises intense competition and thrilling matchups.
Chicago Area Sectional Breakdowns: A Deep Dive
Coaches across Illinois have meticulously seeded the sectionals, considering win totals, quality of opponents, head-to-head results, current form, and even the “look test.” Here’s a breakdown of the top seeds in several key Chicago-area sectionals, along with insights into the rationale behind the selections.
Bartlett Sectional: Glenbard East Leads the Pack
Glenbard East (24-3) earned the top seed, despite a recent upset loss. York (24-4) follows closely, with Batavia (18-8) securing the third spot. The sectional features a competitive field, with teams like Glenbard North (19-6) and Wheaton-Warrenville South (17-9) vying for contention.
Mount Carmel Sectional: Curie Claims the Top Spot
Curie (22-1) heads the Mount Carmel Sectional, followed by St. Ignatius (24-4). Young (20-6) rounds out the top three. This sectional is particularly challenging, boasting 13 teams with winning records. Riverside-Brookfield (20-6) and Lyons (18-6) are also teams to watch.
Joliet West Sectional: Homewood-Flossmoor Takes the Lead
Homewood-Flossmoor (22-3) secured the No. 1 seed in the Joliet West Sectional, edging out Lockport (22-4) despite Lockport’s recent head-to-head victory. Marist (24-4) is also a strong contender. Brother Rice (19-9) and Lincoln-Way Central (17-8) are positioned to make deep runs.
Fremd Sectional: Fremd and Palatine Battle for Supremacy
Fremd (22-2) earned the top seed in a highly competitive Fremd Sectional, narrowly edging out Palatine (23-4) after splitting their two matchups. Hersey (17-6) and Stevenson (17-8) are also expected to be strong contenders. Hoffman Estates (26-3) is a team to watch despite its seeding.
Loyola Sectional: DePaul Prep Dominates
DePaul Prep (22-3) is the clear favorite in the Loyola Sectional, boasting a strong record and impressive wins. Evanston (22-5) and Loyola (21-6) follow as strong contenders. New Trier (21-7) and St. Patrick (21-4) are also positioned for success.
Key Trends and What to Expect
Several trends emerge from these sectional breakdowns. First, teams with strong schedules and quality wins are consistently rewarded with higher seeds. Second, recent form and head-to-head results play a crucial role in separating closely matched teams. Finally, the depth of competition in certain sectionals, like Mount Carmel, suggests a particularly challenging road to the state finals.
The tournament schedule includes two games per session, with the second game starting approximately 30 minutes after the conclusion of the first. All classes will compete in one weekend at the State Farm Center.
FAQ
Q: Where will the 2026 IHSA Boys State Basketball Tournament be held?
A: The tournament will be held at the State Farm Center in Champaign, Illinois, from March 12–14, 2026.
Q: How are the sectional seeds determined?
A: Coaches consider win totals, quality of opponents, head-to-head results, current form, and overall team performance.
Q: What is the format of the tournament sessions?
A: Each session includes two games, with approximately 30 minutes between the conclusion of the first game and the start of the second.
Q: Where can I purchase tickets?
A: Ticket information is available online.
Did you know? The IHSA Boys State Basketball Tournament is often referred to as “The Original March Madness.”
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on teams that have shown significant improvement in the second half of the season. These teams can be dangerous in the tournament.
Stay tuned for further coverage of the IHSA Boys Basketball State Tournament as the competition heats up. Follow along for updates, analysis, and exclusive insights.
Explore more IHSA sports information at the IHSA website.
