Bracket Breakdown: Division 4
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The spring playoffs begin this Thursday in Divisions 2 through 4, and we’ve got them completely covered from the first pitch of the regional quarterfinals to the last out of the state championship game. Today we’ve got the most comprehensive breakdown of the Division 4 field that you can find. Read on for a breakdown of all the action.
Sectional 1
The top seeds in sectional one are all solid teams. The best of the best is arguably Eau Claire Immanuel Lutheran. The Lancers are 18-5 this spring, with good wins over Cochrane-Fountain City and Whitehall. Hurley, the top seed in Regional B, is 14-7 this season. Mitch Maki is batting .559 with 33 RBIs and 20 stolen bases this year for the Midgets. McDonell Central has won their last four games, and they certainly have the goods to make a deep playoff run. They’ve beaten the likes of Durand and Altoona this year. Shell Lake, the top seed in Regional A, made it to the sectional finals last year, and they could return to sectionals again this season.
Sectional 2
This sectional isn’t the toughest in Division 4, but it’s certainly not easy. Loyal started off the season undefeated and clinched the Cloverbelt East title before losing their last two games to finish 18-2. They have the talent to right the ship and make a run, though. Pittsville is 15-6 this year, and they recently beat Loyal. Paul Downs is batting .409 with 16 stolen bases for the Panthers. Niagara has a 12-6 record, and they could get a challenge from No. 2 seed Florence (9-5) in regional play. At 12-7, Wausaukee earned the top seed in Regional D. No. 2 seed Gresham (13-5) is capable of reaching sectionals this year, too.
Sectional 3
This sectional is arguably the most difficult in the field. Independence/Gilmanton is 13-7 this spring, and they’ve got the top seed in Regional A. Hillsboro earned the top seed in Regional B with a 15-7 record. They could have some stiff competition from No. 2 seed Weston, who is 14-7. Mark Klang has been terrific on the mound for the Eagles, sporting a 1.49 ERA with 91 strikeouts. Defending sectional champion Ithaca is 17-2 this year, but they’ve got a really tough draw in their regional. No. 2 seed Riverdale is 18-7 this season, and they beat Ithaca last week. Finally, Fennimore is 15-10 and the top seed in Regional D. The No. 2 seed, Highland, is 13-8 this year and has upset potential. Drew Hennessey is batting .427 with 29 RBIs for the Cardinals.
Sectional 4
Almond-Bancroft, the top seed in Regional A, is 18-3 this season. They’re one of the favorites to win the sectional. Their toughest challenge in regionals could be from Green Bay NEW Lutheran, who had the best season in program history with a 9-7 record. Johnson Creek is the top seed in Regional B at 14-8. Adam Becker is hitting .329 with 11 RBIs for the Blue Jays this season. No. 2 seed Living Word Lutheran is 10-11 this year, and they could surprise a team or two. Defending champion Rio has had a down year and only earned the No. 3 seed, but don’t count them out. They have five starters batting over .300 this year. The safest pick to win this sectional is Pecatonica. The Vikings are 23-1 this season and they’re currently on a 20 game win streak. They could have a tough opponent in No. 2 seed Belmont, who is 16-7 this year. In Regional D, Barneveld is the top seed at 14-8. They could face some stiff competition from No. 2 seed Williams Bay (12-6).