MVC rivals top D-1 North field

Andover and Methuen believed they were slighted by the Super 8 committee.

Now they have a chance to prove they erred in omitting them.

The two Merrimack Valley Conference teams are among the favorites in the Division 1 North tournament. They are on the opposite sides of the bracket, so it would make for a juicy final if both were to advance there.

The road won’t be easy one as Lowell and Malden Catholic are capable of beating anyone on any given day. Lexington and Chelmsford played their best ball down the stretch, while Lincoln-Sudbury and Peabody add quality depth to the field.

In Div. 1 South, Walpole has the parts to make a long tournament run, but must take care of archrival Norwood in the opening round. Franklin turned in a solid, 17-win season and looks to be one of the chief contenders. Defending sectional champion Silver Lake figures to be in the hunt along with Barnstable.

The Northeastern Conference figures to have a say in Div. 2 North. Lynn Classical received some votes for the Super 8 tournament and is another team looking to showcase its skills. Defending champion Danvers always excels in the postseason, while Beverly is peaking.

North Andover won the MVC Small, while Dracut opened some eyes with some big upsets during the season.

Div. 2 South is a virtual crapshoot with several dangerous teams in the field. Stoughton came on down the stretch and will be looking to carry that into the postseason. WhitmanHanson has been consistent since Pat Cronin took over the program, while Plymouth North lurks in the rare role of underdog.

Defending state champion Dighton-Rehoboth and perennial power Middleboro are two more contenders.

Lynnfield turned in a terrific season in taking home the Cape Ann League and has to be considered one of the favorite in Div. 3 North. Austin Prep has the firepower to compete with anyone as evidenced by wins over Central Catholic and Peabody. Whittier and St. Mary’s loom as darkhorses.

A veteran East Bridgewater team that rolled down the stretch figures to be a favorite to defend its Div. 3 South sectional title. Norton received a favorable draw and will be a factor as will Bourne, Seekonk and upstart Coyle-Cassidy.

The road to the Div. 4 crown once again goes through defending champion St. John Paul. The Lions have not lost a game against Div. 4 competition in four years and simply reload on an annual basis. If you’re looking for a team to knock them off in the South, the two most likely would be Archbishop Williams and Mashpee.

In Div. 4 North, Manchester Essex and Lowell Catholic appear to be on a collision course to the final. Rockport and Georgetown looms as darkhorses, and don’t overlook O’Bryant.