HS: Spring state, region rankings, May 8

by Sheldon Shealer

May 8, 2017

It's make or break time for teams in Alabama, Georgia, Oklahoma and South Carolina.

Those four states will crown state champions this week, and the outcomes could have significant SIMA FAB 50 implications.

Let's start with the boys.

Wando and River Bluff square off in a South Carolina Class AAAAA semifinal this week. Wando is 24-0-0 and is two wins away from a first SIMA FAB 50 spring national title. River Bluff, a fellow Top 10-ranked foe, is no slouch, as it is the defending state champion. Wando will finish the season No. 1 nationally if it can win two more matches. If River Bluff emerges, the Gators will stay in the national No. 1 hunt. Of course, J.L. Mann and Wade Hampton hoping to spoil the party and come from the other half of the semifinal draw to snag a state title.

Last week, Georgia's top-ranked team, Peachtree Ridge, was upset in Round of 16, ending its bid for a state title and a shot at the national No. 1 ranking. Instead, perennial powers Dalton and McIntosh are back at 1-2 in the state and region rankings, and both have shots at state titles this week since they compete in different classifications.

With less-than-favorable out-of-state results, it is likely the Alabama and Oklahoma large-school state champs are fringe Top 25 teams at best this year.

On the girls side, Georgia, Oklahoma and South Carolina are connected through one tournament played last month in Tennessee. J.L. Mann (S.C.) is favored in South Carolina. Edmond North (Okla.) is in the semifinals in Oklahoma and considered a title threat in a top-heavy group that includes Tulsa Union (Okla.) and Owasso (Okla.). J.L. Mann and Edmond North placed behind Georgia power Westminster Schools (Ga.) at the Smoky Mountain Cup. Westminster handled J.L. Mann while playing Edmond North to a draw. The Smoky Mountain Cup results help validate that Georgia's top three teams -- St. Pius X, Westminster and Whitewater -- are among the spring national elite. Interestly, all three Georgia programs are in different classifications and could bring home state titles. If so, the state is likely to finish with three SIMA FAB 50 Top 10 teams for the second time in four seasons.

CLICK BELOW FOR THE COMPLETE SPRING HIGH SCHOOL RANKINGS

SPRING REGION RANKINGS: BOYS (May 8) | GIRLS (May 8)

SPRING STATE RANKINGS: BOYS (May 8) | GIRLS (May 8)

Related Topics: SIMA FAB 50 / Event