High school basketball: Projecting field for GEICO Nationals

GEICO Nationals, the season-ending event designed to crown a high school basketball national champion, returns to the Suncoast Credit Arena in Fort Myers, Fla. for the second consecutive season from March 31 through April 2.

Previously known as the National High School Invitational (2009-2013) and Dick's Nationals (2014-2017), the GEICO Nationals will field an eight-team bracket and crown its 13th champion.

This year's field should come primarily from the National Top 20 rankings, as each of the top eight teams are expected to be eligible for this year's field. Sunrise Christian Academy, IMG Academy, Link Academy, Montverde Academy, La Lumiere, Prolific Prep, AZ Compass Prep and Oak Hill Academy all are strong contenders to earn an invitation to the event this season.

In addition to the National Top 20 squads, teams in MaxPreps Top 25 rankings may also have an opportunity to break into the loaded field as top 10 teams Calvary Christian Academy and Bishop Gorman have put together strong resumes this season.

Looking at this year's projected field to this point in the season, five teams appear to be locks to earn an invitation to the eight-team field on March 16, while several other schools remain on the bubble with work left to do down the stretch.

A side note is that it's not publicly known how organizers will handle first- or second-year programs vying for a bid, but early indications are that Link Academy will be eligible, while the situation surrounding Southern California Academy is more uncertain at this time.

After last season's eligibility deadline spoiled the chances of AZ Compass Prep, this year's cutoff had been extended to Jan. 10 this season, meaning all midseason transfers had to be registered in classes and attending school before that date. Projecting the field for GEICO Nationals

Record: 15-1

National Top 20: No. 1

Projected Seed: No. 1

Breakdown: Quality wins over IMG Academy, Montverde Academy, Oak Hill Academy, Combine Academy (Lincolnton, N.C.) and Wasatch Academy (Mt. Pleasant, Utah) (twice) have the Buffaloes in the driver's seat to obtain the top seed. The Sunflower State powerhouse had a pair of players featured on MaxPreps National Player of the Year Watch list as Kansas signee Gradey Dick and Duke signee Mark Mitchell each made the cut. Sunrise Christian Academy has made two appearances in GEICO Nationals and has yet to win an event title.

Breakdown: The Ascenders had the most players selected to the McDonald's All-American Game roster as Alabama signee Jaden Bradley, Baylor signee Keyonte George and Houston signee Jarace Walker were each chosen. IMG's resume gives it a slight edge over Link Academy for the No. 2 seed with victories over Montverde Academy (twice), North Little Rock (Ark.), Milton (Ga.), Wasatch Academy and Oak Hill Academy.

Breakdown: Wins over Prolific Prep (twice), Southern California Academy, Patrick School and Central Pointe Christian Academy stand out. Still, the Lions have a challenging upcoming schedule that includes Sunrise Christian Academy, AZ Compass Prep, Southern California Academy and Wasatch Academy. A balanced rotation is led by five-star seniors LSU signee Julian Phillips and Arkansas signee Jordan Walsh.

Breakdown: The defending GEICO Nationals champions will again be a tough out behind a loaded rotation that features seven five-star prospects led by Duke signee Dariq Whitehead, Indiana signee Jalen Hood-Schifino and Texas signee Dillon Mitchell. The Eagles have had more success than any other team at GEICO Nationals, winning five titles over the 12 year history of the event. Although the perennial national power has suffered its most losses since 2016-17, playing against the toughest schedule in the nation could ultimately benefit this group down the stretch.

Breakdown: The Lakers have rebounded strong from an uncharacteristic 10-10 record last season, sitting in prime position for their ninth event berth. The 2017 event champions look to make another run this season behind a strong rotation headlined by Notre Dame signee J.J. Starling and four-star juniors Aden Holloway and Michigan State commit Jeremy Fears. La Lumiere owns wins against AZ Compass Prep, Oak Hill Academy and Wasatch Academy.

Breakdown: An impressive resume includes wins over North Little Rock (Ark.), Greensboro Day, Camden and Orlando Christian Prep. The Eagles have an opportunity to bolster their resume at this weekend's Montverde Academy Invitational Tournament, facing Dr. Phillips on Friday before a potential championship showdown with Montverde Academy on Saturday.

Breakdown: A signature victory over AZ Compass Prep 65-63 at the Crush in the Valley strengthened their GEICO Nationals resume. If the Crew are able to win out, they're likely be headed back to GEICO Nationals for a second consecutive season behind standout seniors UCLA signee Adem Bona, Kansas signee M.J. Rice and USC pledge Tre White.

Breakdown: Although the Warriors have struggled at times, look for the tournament mainstay to receive its event-leading 12th berth in March barring a complete collapse. Wins over IMG Academy, La Lumiere, Gonzaga (Washington, D.C.) and Wasatch Academy weigh heavy for the talented group led by Kentucky signee Chris Livingston.

Breakdown: After starting the season at No. 1 in the Preseason National Top 20, the Dragons have struggled against top competition recently, slipping up to La Lumiere and Prolific Prep this month. Quality wins over Oak Hill Academy, Combine Academy (Lincolnton, N.C.) and Wasatch Academy could weigh heavily, along with a strong finish, to earn a second invite.

Breakdown: If the Gaels run the table, it would be difficult to snub them from the GEICO field. Gorman looks to break the national record with their 10th consecutive state championship. The Gaels also captured championships at the Tarkanian Classic, Torrey Pines Holiday Classic and Wild West Shootout this season.

Breakdown: It's unclear if the second-year program meets qualifications to be considered for the field. If they're deemed eligible, it's unknown if any high-octane transfers will be deemed ineligible after midseason moves were made (around the transfer deadline) to bolster the rotation.

MaxPreps Top 25: No. 15

Projected Seed: N/A

Breakdown: The Bengals are a bit of a long shot, but an early season victory over Oak Hill Academy certainly helps their chances. The Tarheel State powerhouse has won 11 state championships since 1989 and has appeared in the national championship event twice.

Record: 19-3

MaxPreps Top 25: No. 22

Projected Seed: N/A

Breakdown: The defending FHSAA Class 7A state champions have the elite talent needed to compete at the highest level. The dark horse must win Friday against Calvary Christian Academy in a huge in-state showdown to legitimize their candidacy.