With realignment set to occur in 2009-2010, it should be interesting to take a look a what teams benefit from classification jumps and region moves, and what teams may suffer in the long haul. I'll posit a few names, feel free to add thoughts from there:
Benefits:
In AAAA upperstate the list of teams who TRULY will face a much easier schedule in 2009 is pretty slim, and even the ones listed below may not reap much fruit from their labor.
Gaffney - moves from the DEATHZONE that is region 2 into the slightly cozier, yet strengthened of late, Region 3. It seems the last time Gaffney was in region 3 they made a playoff appearance, but 2009 will see them struggle against power Ft. Mill, surging Clover, always competitive Northwestern, and 2nd year surprise, Nation Ford.
Spring Valley - Inherits a Region IV that is nothing like it used to be, gone is Irmo, SA, Aiken, NA, and Lex. The road to the title of region champs should be easy, though Blythewood and Ridge View will definitely have a shot at making their presence felt. The 4th place team from this region will most likely be the weakest to make the AAAA playoffs in the upperstate, with the 4th spot in Region-I being only slightly stronger.
No other AAAA Upper State schools look to benefit from the realignment, nor do any look to really suffer.
AAA - Benefits
Daniel inherits a much weaker Region I, with loss of Greenville and TR.
Blue Ridge is handed the "Golden Chalice" per se, as only Riverside, the class of AAA programs, remains in their region, and a 2nd place finish could become a formality in 2009.
AC Flora and Chapin also look to benefit from almost non-existent region foes, as the only battle in Region IV will be for 1st or 2nd.
Who Doesn't Benefit???
In AAA Upper State, the dubious award clearly goes to Region II, chock full of potentially dangerous teams: Eastside, JL Mann, Greenville, Wade Hampton, and TR. Has a region ever had 5 ranked teams? Get ready for some battles in this one. Whoever wins the region crown will definitely be battled tested.
In AAA Lower State, another cauldron of competitive teams bubbles up in Region V, with: Airport, South Aiken, BC, Dreher, and Swansea looking to become the Southern equivalent of Region II's potent status. Here again, 4 of these teams may be legitimate AAA State Title Contenders, and they're all in the same region!!!
As entertaining and nervewracking as realignment can be, there are always teams that reap the benefits and those that are left wondering what if. This Westside coach for one, is happy to have been left exactly where he was in 2008! Well, except out of the playoffs that is...
