Welcome back, Super 8. MIAA Div. 1A playoffs to return for baseball, boys/girls hockey

The Super 8 is coming back - for baseball and boys and girls ice hockey. The beloved Division 1A tournaments (nicknamed the Super 8s) controversially were put on hold for at least four years in April of 2021 by the MIAA's Tournament Management Committee. The MIAA Board of Directors, meeting on Wednesday, May 13, ended the lengthy hiatus and approved Super 8's for both baseball and boys/girls hockey by identical votes of 21-3.

The baseball Super 8 tournament will begin in the 2027 spring season. The hockey Super 8 tournaments will begin in the 2027-28 winter season. "Love the format," said Braintree High baseball coach Bill O'Connell, who guided the Wamps to two Super 8 crowns and has been an outspoken advocate for the tournament's revival.

"This isn't personal excitement because you need a special group and a special team to (qualify for the Super 8). But I think it's great for high school baseball. Whether we ever get there or not, I'm thrilled.

" "I was against (eliminating the Super 8) from the beginning," said BC High hockey coach John Flaherty, who guided the Eagles to the last two of their six all-time Super 8 titles, winning back-to-back in 2018 and 2019. "I didn't understand why it happened. I'm glad it's back.