High school basketball: Predicting the field for inaugural State Champions Invitational

Plenty of hype surrounds the upcoming inaugural State Champions Invitational with the field is expected to be announced March 16.

An extension of the GEICO Nationals, the new event features four boys and four girls teams, though plans call for the field to expand to two eight-team fields in 2023 with hopes of more state associations allowing teams to participate.

The State Champions Invitational will be aired on ESPN from April 7-9. Although many state associations don't yet allow schools to compete in the event, programs from Florida, Georgia, Arizona, Utah, Washington, Nevada, the District of Columbia and Hawaii are eligible.

As postseason play wraps up around the nation, the picture becomes more clear as Calvary Christian Academy (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.), Sidwell Friends (Washington, D.C.), Auburn (Wash.) and the Georgia AAAAAAA state champion are likely participants in this year's field. Berkmar (Lilburn) takes on Norcross on Saturday in Georgia's AAAAAAA championship.

Read on for a deeper dive into the top eligible teams. Projected State Champions Invitational field

Record: 24-2

MaxPreps Top 25: No. 3

Breakdown: The Eagles appear to be a lock for the top seed with national wins over Top 10 opponents Camden (N.J.) and North Little Rock (Ark.). The program already announced via social media they've received an invitation after capturing its second consecutive state title in a 74-58 victory over Andrew Jackson (Jacksonville).

Record: 29-1

MaxPreps Top 25: No. 19

Breakdown: Beat Wilson 46-45 for the DCSAA championship on a buzzer-beating layup from sophomore Caleb Williams. This group rallied to close the season with 27 consecutive wins, including key victories over Bishop McNamara (Forestville, Md.), St. John's (Washington, D.C.) and Grayson (Loganville, Ga.). The Quakers are likely to receive a favorable seed in the four-team event.

Record: 27-2
MaxPreps Top 25: No. 24

Breakdown: Announced via social media they were in after capturing the 3A state title. The Trojans picked up quality wins over previously unbeaten Garfield (Seattle), Seattle Prep (Seattle) and Rainier Beach (Seattle) en route to the program's first state title. The talented group is led by a strong senior core that knows how to play together.

Record: 26-4

MaxPreps Top 25: No. 25

Breakdown: If the Patriots can finish the quest for the AAAAAAA title, they'd be a lock to receive an invitation. Either Berkmar or Norcross is expected to be the last team in the field of four. Though the Patriots project as the fourth seed, winning on Saturday would likely improve their standing. Winners of 17 consecutive games, Berkmar owns three wins over Norcross this season and blew past previously ranked Pebblebrook (Mableton) by 14 points in the state semifinals.

Record: 25-6

MaxPreps Top 25: Not ranked

Breakdown: The Blue Devils could play their way into the field by beating Berkmar. After losing key players in the offseason, Norcross has rebounded and has a chance to capture the program's first state title since 2013.