Most competitive state

[kentuckyfan1001]

Illinois' up there with marie murphy, south, and daniel wright also new trier and stevenson, all placed in top 20, marie murphy in top 10 consistently, got 2nd last year.

Good point. But as far as it goes, it's only those three teams for Division B jockeying for those two bids to nats. What about div C?

For a while, Spackenkill and Ward-Melville would duke it out in New York, while Fayetteville-Manlius would get first in New York.

Also, in Ohio, the trio of Solon, Centerville, and Mentor is one of the most tense bouts of all of the state tournaments. Remember, in 2008, the year Solon got 2nd at Nationals (lost to Troy by 8 points), Solon didn't even make nationals the next year. I have no doubt in my mind that the third place team at states could place top ten at nationals nearly every year.

My prediction this year is that Athens will give both Harriton and Penncrest a run for its money. It's quite possible they're real contenders. As to Athens actually qualifying, who knows; no team is unstoppable.

Other teams with competitive state tournaments: Missouri (Ladue, Pembroke, Oak Park), New Jersey (WWP South and North), Indiana (Bloomington South & North, Valpo, Northridge), Kentucky (Russell & DuPont Manual).

The least competitive state tournament, in terms of intra-state, not nationals placing, may as well be South Dakota: Yankton Middle School and High School have combined gone to every national tournament except once (the high school missed it in 1988, the inaugural year).

[Kokonilly]

Other teams with competitive state tournaments: Missouri (Ladue, Pembroke, Oak Park), New Jersey (WWP South and North), Indiana (Bloomington South & North, Valpo, Northridge), Kentucky (Russel & DuPont Manual).

Don't forget Minnesota: 7-point difference between Mounds View and Eastview last year with no guarantee of a second team.

[kentuckyfan1001]

Other teams with competitive state tournaments: Missouri (Ladue, Pembroke, Oak Park), New Jersey (WWP South and North), Indiana (Bloomington South & North, Valpo, Northridge), Kentucky (Russel & DuPont Manual).

Don't forget Minnesota: 7-point difference between Mounds View and Eastview last year with no guarantee of a second team.

Ah, yes. Excellent point, Kokonilly. If you take a look at the most competitive states with three or more teams competing for a nationals spot consistently, generally the states are strong ones: Ohio, Indiana, New York, and Pennsylvania if my hunch is correct. I have a theory: that the strongest states are strong for two reasons - one being that they have many invitationals, and two, if their state tournament is competitive, they're bound to improve as much as possible since nationals is never guaranteed (i.e. Solon, Centerville, and Mentor). At least in Ohio, I know that these three teams are fiercely competitive because they know nothing is guaranteed, and it's an arms race to the top at states.

As you can see, overall, there are many states with extremely competitive state tournaments. I'm sure I haven't mentioned many states that are just as competitive if not more so than the ones I've mentioned. As our team's unofficial historian, what I do know is that smaller states tend to send the same teams to nationals (Idaho, South Dakota, Oregon).

[EastStroudsburg13]

Kansas also appears to be very competitive, judging by zyzzyva's experience.

[harryk]

Texas is also rather competitive
We do have reigning state champ LASA, who have finished top ten at Nats, and since they always dominate at state it leaves usually 3 or more closely matched, great teams vying for the 2nd spot to Nats

Though this year LASA has had a bit of an upset, and I'd say this may be the first time they lose their state title

[tornado guy]

As you can see, overall, there are many states with extremely competitive state tournaments. I'm sure I haven't mentioned many states that are just as competitive if not more so than the ones I've mentioned. As our team's unofficial historian, what I do know is that smaller states tend to send the same teams to nationals (Idaho, South Dakota, Oregon).

Actually Oregon's real state winner never goes to nationals.. Catlin Gable got 2nd at state last year and went in place of Franklin.

[kentuckyfan1001]

As you can see, overall, there are many states with extremely competitive state tournaments. I'm sure I haven't mentioned many states that are just as competitive if not more so than the ones I've mentioned. As our team's unofficial historian, what I do know is that smaller states tend to send the same teams to nationals (Idaho, South Dakota, Oregon).

Actually Oregon's real state winner never goes to nationals.. Catlin Gable got 2nd at state last year and went in place of Franklin.

Oh, I'm sorry. Usually Franklin High Goes though, if I'm not mistaken?

[tornado guy]

As you can see, overall, there are many states with extremely competitive state tournaments. I'm sure I haven't mentioned many states that are just as competitive if not more so than the ones I've mentioned. As our team's unofficial historian, what I do know is that smaller states tend to send the same teams to nationals (Idaho, South Dakota, Oregon).

Actually Oregon's real state winner never goes to nationals.. Catlin Gable got 2nd at state last year and went in place of Franklin.

Oh, I'm sorry. Usually Franklin High Goes though, if I'm not mistaken?

No, Saint Mary's goes.

[illusionist]

I see you guys have forgotten Michigan?

[kentuckyfan1001]

I see you guys have forgotten Michigan?

This goes back to my original point - everyone, I think, can claim that every state is competitive. All I know about Michigan is that Grand Haven goes pretty much every year. Is it competitive in the regional and state competitions? All I know is it has the second-most teams out of any state.