Northwestern is quality and did not choke. I watched the match and Chapin and NW played with much heart and conviction at home. Give credit to Chapin for finding a way to win the match. They'll be the favorites in 3A for sure.
However, I'd have to cast my early vote with Irmo for the most impressive team to date. They're deep and talented and of course, they have Savitz at the helm! That's good for one/two big wins alone!
As for Cates, you've probably never faced him if you dissed him as a player. He's quality for certain.
The LMC was a quality tourney and I only wish that SA would have faired better. I am not sure of Aiken's status as the tourney that they played in didn't have the quality of teams that LMC offered.
