Pairings for the 2011 State Farm Holiday Classic have been determined and were announced earlier this month. Be sure to purchase a media guide at The Classic, which will include brackets you can use to follow all the action.  And continue to check the website for complete coverage and results.  For a complete set of brackets, including printable PDF versions, go to http://theclassic.org/brackets/.

Some interesting tidbits about the tournament:

Girls 1A-2A

• Top four seeds: #1 Pana, #2 Champaign St. Thomas More, #3 Bloomington Central Catholic, #4 El Paso-Gridley
• 13 teams currently have a winning record, including four teams that are undefeated.
• The winning percentage of the field vs. non-Classic teams is .715.
• Can Bloomington Central Catholic navigate the field for a fourth consecutive year?

Girls 3A-4A

• Top four seeds: #1 Park Ridge Maine South, #2 Champaign Centennial, #3 Morton, #4 Springfield
• 7 teams currently have one loss or are undefeated.
• The winning percentage of the field vs. non-Classic teams is .691.
• Springfield is 8-0 in two Classic appearances…can the Senators win three titles in a row?

Boys 1A-2A

• Top four seeds: #1 Chicago Providence St. Mel, #2 Rock Falls, #3 Quincy Notre Dame, #4 Chillicothe IVC
• 14 teams are currently .500 or better.
• The winning percentage of the field vs. non-Classic opponents is .725.
• Will Rock Falls be able to defend its tournament crown?

Boys 3A-4A

• Top four seeds: #1 North Chicago, #2 Chicago North Lawndale, #3 Rockton Hononegah, #4 Normal U-High
• 12 teams are currently .500 or better.
• Possible second round match-up of North Chicago (Aaron Simpson – Illinois State recruit) vs. Normal Community (Anthony Beane – Illinois State recruit)