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IHSA Basketball: Class 4A Sectional Seeds & Tournament Forecasts
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.'
Feb. 10, 2026 at 8:55pm
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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.
Why it matters
The IHSA Boys State Basketball Tournament is a highly anticipated annual event that showcases the top high school basketball talent in Illinois. The sectional seeding process is crucial as it determines the tournament brackets and potential matchups, setting the stage for an exciting and unpredictable postseason.
The details
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.' The article provides a deep dive into the top seeds in several key Chicago-area sectionals, including the Bartlett Sectional, Mount Carmel Sectional, Joliet West Sectional, Fremd Sectional, and Loyola Sectional.
- The 2026 IHSA Boys State Basketball Tournament will be held from March 12–14, 2026.
- The tournament schedule includes two games per session, with the second game starting approximately 30 minutes after the conclusion of the first.
The players
Glenbard East
Earned the top seed in the Bartlett Sectional with a 24-3 record.
Curie
Heads the Mount Carmel Sectional with a 22-1 record.
Homewood-Flossmoor
Secured the No. 1 seed in the Joliet West Sectional with a 22-3 record.
Fremd
Earned the top seed in the highly competitive Fremd Sectional with a 22-2 record.
DePaul Prep
Is the clear favorite in the Loyola Sectional with a 22-3 record.
What’s next
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.
The takeaway
The IHSA Boys State Basketball Tournament is a highly anticipated annual event that showcases the top high school basketball talent in Illinois. The sectional seeding process is crucial as it determines the tournament brackets and potential matchups, setting the stage for an exciting and unpredictable postseason.
