From a fan's perspective, the IHSAA Class 3A Sectional 22 at Wayne High School is a dream-like tourney.

But if you are a coach in the sectional, it's not exactly a dream; it's more like a nightmare.

“It's kind of overwhelming to have the season that we've had and then have to face Norwell and possibly Elmhurst,” Peru coach David Weeks said.

The Tigers (14-6) had the unfortunate bounce of a pingpong ball, which placed them opposite the second-ranked Knights (20-0). The two teams meet at 7:30 tonight.

“We'll have to shoot lights out and really box out (well),” Weeks said. “We'll have to play our ‘A' game.”

The winner will advance to face defending state champion Elmhurst (16-4) at 7:30 p.m. Friday.

In the opposite bracket, Bellmont (5-15) will face the host Generals (6-13) at 6 p.m. today, while Maconaquah (2-18) will play the winner of that game at 6 p.m. Friday.

Last season Norwell also had a splendid year, as it entered the sectional championship game against Elmhurst having won 21 of its 22 games. The Trojans, ranked sixth this year, easily disbanded the Knights 61-43, as they won their second straight sectional crown.

Weeks, who was watching tape of the Knights late Monday evening in preparation for tonight's game, felt handling the Knights' trapping defense will be crucial.

“We'll have to get the ball to the middle (of the floor),” he said. “Get the ball to the free-throw line area and attack (the basket).”

In Sectional 23 at Leo, the Lions will also be seeking their third straight championship.

Leo (16-5), which opens play against Bishop Dwenger (3-16) at 7 p.m. today, has culminated an immensely successful season, having won both the Allen County Athletic Conference Tournament as well as the regular- season title. If it is to win another title, it will have to deal with another conference champion.

“Concordia has been playing in the SAC, which is filled with athletes,” Leo coach Carrie Shappell said recently. “You can't hide athleticism.”

The Saints recently knocked off the heavily favored Lions, proving nothing is guaranteed, especially at tournament time.

The Cadets (17-3) closed out an unbeaten season in winning the Summit Athletic Conference and will open against Heritage (2-18) at 6 p.m. Wednesday. That game will be followed by New Haven (10-10) playing Angola (12-8) at 7:30 p.m.

Harding (7-13) is also in that sectional and will face the Leo-Bishop Dwenger winner at 6 p.m. Friday.

Also competing in 3A at Sectional 21, Whitko (7-13) will play Tippecanoe Valley (9-11) at 7 p.m. today, while Columbia City (14-6) will face Lakeland (8-11) at 6 p.m. Wednesday.