1st HF, 2nd Naperville Central, 3rd Metea Valley, 4th Latin, 5th Sandburg ... but my goodness, that order does not match up with statistics. Metea and Latin dominated things statistically, but dropped matches to Naperville Central and Timothy Christian respectively, and ended up losing tiebreakers. HF, Naperville Central and Sandburg were all similar statistically (along with Timothy Christian and Harrison, IN).
Latin B, Hinsdale Central, Marist, Chicago Christian, and Fenwick were a clear step behind those 7.
Also, as an FYI about HF and Earlybird stats, my top player (Declan) wasn't there, and who has turned out to be my second best player (Jimmy) was playing B team (I thought his lit knowledge was less than Janellie, and his negs would impact A team ... I was dead wrong). I don't think our 1st place Kickoff finish is sustainable, but Earlybird and PPB/results are way lower than where we'll be long term.
So, Metea Valley should clearly be bumped up to your Tier II. Nick was amazing in certain matches, despite their one hiccup. Their loss to Naperville Central was stunning ... followed by them dominating Latin in the 3rd place match (and Latin beat HF, and HF beat NC, and Sandburg beat NC, and ...)
Timothy Christian could be Tier III. HF probably is Tier III, but we won't really be tested again until Ultima and in Conference against Sandburg in late January. Naperville Central could be Tier III.
Illinois Admin wrote:Now that I've got some more data guess I'll update my rankings (although Stevenson's and Homewood's kickoffs not having stats yet limits this):
Tier 1: These are the teams that I expect to most prominently represent Illinois at both nationals (and be in strong contention for trophy placement). These are also the teams that I expect to have the best chance of trophying at NAQT State and if any of them won IHSA or Masonic it wouldn't shock me.
1: Stevenson A
2: Auburn
3: IMSA
4: Fremd A
5: Uni A
Tier 2: These are teams that I think will have a better than not chance of making playoffs at HSNCT and a solid chance at making top 48 at PACE. Wouldn't be surprised if any of them knock off any of the teams above from time to time but none of them are as consistent of threats in the broader sphere.
6: OPRF
7: Latin
8: Mahomet (hype train away)
9: Stevenson B
10: Sandburg
11: Carbondale
Tier 3: The Nebulous Zone (teams here can probably be justifiably reordered many ways). These are teams that will do well and can take down teams ranked higher here but I would be quite surprised if they made playoffs at HSNCT and very surprised if they make top 48 at PACE. High finishes at NAQT State are definitely within reach tho.
12: Metea Valley
13: Southwestern
14: Williamsville
15: Uni B (once the A team stabilizes and drops a player they will likely rise up a tier)
16: Macomb
17: Fremd B
18: Glenwood
Tier I have no idea: I have no data on these teams and I am not familiar enough to rank them but I have been told that they will be good.
Barrington
Timothy Christian
Glenbard West (someone get them to tournaments I beg of you).
I feel like I am missing a team but I'm tired. Sorry if that team is you.