The middle of May is the transition period between the regular season and the postseason but every school in the area will be in playoff mode after the end of the week.
The last few days have brought multiple can’t-miss games in the area, with matchups between Olympia and Illini Bluffs, as well as Metamora and East Peoria having an impact on this week’s CSM Central Illinois softball power rankings.
Regardless of where the teams fall in the rankings, each one listed has the potential to make an extended run in the playoffs, where nine area teams in Class 1A and Class 2A still remain as of Thursday morning. Next week, Class 3A regionals at Metamora, Bloomington, East Peoria and Dunlap should provide plenty of intrigue and local interest.