Although many tournaments across the country were canceled this season due to the pandemic, the one that determines the mythical national champion, the GEICO Nationals, is set for April 1-3. Several of the teams slated to appear at the 2020 Culligan City of Palms Classic are projected to make the eight-team GEICO field.

All but guaranteed a spot is current national No. 1 Montverde Academy (Montverde, Fla.). Despite having their 44-game win streak snapped, the Eagles remain the team to beat in high school basketball. Right on their heels is No. 4 IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.) who would enter the tournament as the defending national champs. No. 10 Milton High School (Alpharetta, Ga.) is riding a 20-game winning streak and is hoping to capture its first state title since 2012 along with a GEICO Nationals invite. Although they currently have six losses, No. 12 Wasatch Academy (Mt. Pleasant, Utah) has been tested all season with three wins against top 25 teams and four of their losses coming against Montverde. Four of their players are averaging double figures.

Despite an undefeated 21-0 record, No. 23 Orlando Christian Prep (Orlando, Fla.) is currently on the bubble for the tournament. If they can win a state title, that would make a strong argument for an invite to the national tournament.

Make sure to check out future editions of the newsletter for updates on the GEICO Nationals and see how COP teams and players fare.