At the beginning of the season it was largely expected that three teams were the most viable contenders to win an always deep Class 8A bracket.

That conversation started with three-time defending champion Loyola, who despite losing key players to graduation has proven they can’t be counted out of any postseason conversation.

Mount Carmel, whose consistent success at the 7A level moved them up to the Class 8A ranks, and Lincoln-Way East, whose powerful offense made them a legitimate threat to be in the mix, were two of the three.

But a series of unexpected circumstances led to a maximum of one of the trio ultimately potentially making it to the state finals.

Mount Carmel and Loyola will face off in the first round and due to a litany of injuries Lincoln-Way East dropped its last two gam

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