We're picking up after Easter and for some regions that means the opening of the season overall.
Several teams have been on tour with ... well we could say mixed success but winning games isn't always the issue. St. Ignatius went to Japan and lost convincingly in their opening game—missing a couple of players with minor injuries didn't help. They then won their next game against one of the better HS teams in Japan (3rd nationally last year) before losing their final effort 14-7.
That counts as a success.
Granite Bay won two games out of three in the UK and Danville were heavily challenged in their trip to New Zealand. Same goes for Gonzaga in France and Xavier in Ireland.
Meanwhile, more locally Belmont Shore and the San Diego Mustangs last week put their hands up for a spot at Nationals and it looks like they will for sure be in Elkhart. Can either SOC or Thunder join them>
This coming weekend we are keeping a close eye on Gonzaga vs Georgetown Prep—the Eagles being G-Town's main measuring stick in the MAVRC. Greenwich vs Fairfield Prep is a clash between an up-and-comer (Fairfield) and a team that, we think, is poised for one of their strong seasons in some time.
KC Jr. Blues and St. Thomas Aquinas is a classic rivalry and this one ... well we think the Blues might be favored.De La Salle is in Louisiana and has already started strong. Okapi has enjoyed an excellent season in Florida and, get this, they are playing #1-ranked HS Club Woodlands.
Taking the trip to Houston and tasting themselves is a huge step for the Wanderers and we are all about it.
Wisconsin kicks off. Florida wraps up with two games rescheduled thanks to a bit of a last-minute schedule shift. Okapi has dominated this league, so the chase is on for 2nd. The winner of Key Biscayne and Gibbons could claim it, although Boca can clinch with a win or tie ... or possibly even a close loss.
We also have the Texas signle-school semis Friday night.