Video: Grayson highlights
Watch Rams dominate McEachern in AAAAAAA semifinals.
The field for GEICO Nationals — high school basketball's biggest postseason event — is almost set and invitations ready to go out.
Bubble watch is down to two teams — No. 3 Dorman (Roebuck, S.C.) and No. 2 Grayson (Loganville, Ga.) as the field is expected to be announced on Tuesday.
If Dorman and Grayson win their respective state titles it could set up a true high school basketball national championship. The top eight teams in this week's MaxPreps Top 25 rankings would be in line for a trip April 2-4 to New York City.
Dorman seeks a fourth straight South Carolina state crown Friday against Dutch Fork while Grayson battles Wheeler (Marietta) on Saturday for the Georgia AAAAAAA title.
While
both Dorman and Grayson would receive a GEICO invite with a state title win, a
loss by either would open the door for La Lumiere (LaPorte, Ind.) to earn its fifth consecutive GEICO Nationals bid.
Check back Tuesday for the official announcement.
Predicting the GEICO Nationals field
Record: 25-0
National Rank: No. 1
Projected Seed: No. 1
Breakdown:
The four-time GEICO Nationals champions are heavy favorites to capture
their second title in the past three seasons behind a loaded rotation
featuring nine Top 100 prospects and three McDonald's All-Americans. Led by Top 10 prospects
Cade Cunningham (Oklahoma State signee) and
Scott Barnes
(Florida State signee), the Eagles have dominated this season, winning
by an average of 39 points per contest.
Record: 30-1
National Rank: No. 2
Projected Seed: No. 2
Breakdown: The Rams are one win away from clinching their spot in GEICO Nationals as a state title game win over Wheeler (Marietta) would secure an invite to the Big Apple.
Deivon Smith (Mississippi State signee) and
Caleb Murphy (USF signee) form one of the game's most lethal backcourt combinations. Grayson would be a tough out in the national championship event.
Record: 29-1
National Rank: No. 3
Projected Seed: No. 3
After receiving approval from their state association, the Cavaliers are one win away from their first GEICO Nationals bid. Dorman takes on Dutch Fork on Friday in a bid win its fourth straight state title while extending its in-state winning streak to 59 games. The talented public school is led by the program's all-time leading scorer
Myles Tate (Butler commit) and consistent post presence
P.J. Hall (Clemson signee).
Record: 27-2
National Rank: No. 4
Projected Seed: No. 4
Breakdown: A lock to receive their fourth invite in the past five years, the Tigers will be eager to capture
their first victory at GEICO Nationals, as they're 0-3 all-time. A
balanced scoring attack sees four players averaging over 14 points per
game as
Caleb Lohner (Utah signee),
Richard Isaacs,
Richie Saunders (BYU signee) and
Mike Saunders
(Cincinnati signee) lead the way offensively.
Record: 22-3
National Rank: No. 5
Projected Seed: No. 5
Earned their first invitation to GEICO Nationals last season, losing to
event champion IMG Academy 65-50 in first-round action. The
Buffaloes are a lock after a strong regular season that included three wins over Top 25 opponents. An experienced group is led by strong contributions from top 40 juniors
Kendall Brown and
Zachary Clemence, along with senior leaders
Ty Berry (Northwestern signee) and
Dillon Jones among others.
Record: 30-3
National Rank: No. 6
Projected Seed: No. 6
The Washington Catholic Athletic Conference is expected to allow its participants to compete in GEICO Nationals for the first time this season, meaning the Stags are likely to make their debut in the national championship event. Expect DeMatha to compete at a high level after finishing WCAC play 22-1 (including conference tournament), led by top 40 seniors
Earl Timberlake Jr. (Miami signee) and
Hunter Dickinson (Michigan signee).
Record: 37-3
National Rank: No. 7
Projected Seed: No. 7
Breakdown: Oak Hill Academy had an impressive regular season, capturing titles at the 'Iolani Classic and Bass Pro Tournament of Champions and defeating projected three-seed Dorman and No. 4 seed Wasatch Academy. The perennial powerhouse is 13-9 all-time
at GEICO Nationals, with one event title in 10 previous appearances. The Warriors rely heavily on the production of
Cam Thomas (LSU signee), the program's all-time leading scorer.
Record: 27-3
National Rank: No. 8
Projected Seed: No. 8
Breakdown:
With no affiliations to the CIF governing body,
Prolific Prep is eligible for GEICO Nationals and expected to receive an invitation. Led by McDonald's All-Americans
Jalen Green and
Nimari Burnett (Texas Tech signee), the Crew feature one of the most talented rosters headed to the national championship event. Prolific Prep will be the first California team featured.
Bubble Watch:
La Lumiere (LaPorte, Ind.)Record: 23-3
National Rank: No. 9
After four consecutive appearances in GEICO Nationals, including a title in 2017, the Lakers are in need of an upset over the weekend.
Record: 28-3
National Rank: No. 12
The Hawks must hope for a miracle, as they will need both Grayson and Dorman to lose over the weekend if an invitation is headed their way.
