This year’s field features schools from eight different states across the nation who combine for a 147 game winning streak between them. The 8th annual Dick’s Nationals tournament will take place in New York. The first day of action will be Thursday, March 31st at Christ the King High School and the event will conclude with a championship game on Saturday, April 2nd at Madison Square Garden. This year there will be no Ben Simmons, however, Montverde Academy (FL) will look to capture their fourth consecutive title in the event. Montverde Academy (FL) will come into the event as the favorites alongside Oak Hill Academy (VA) who is looking for their first ever title in the event. The match-ups are set, and the teams are ready for another great weekend of basketball in the Big Apple.
Schedule
Thursday, March 31st, 2016
ESPNU 12:00 PM #4 St. Benedict’s Prep (NJ) vs #5 La Lumiere (IN)
ESPNU 2:00 PM #2 Oak Hill Academy (VA) vs #7 Wasatch Academy (UT)
ESPNU 4:00 PM #1 Montverde Academy (FL) vs #8 Providence Day (NC)
ESPNU 6:00 PM #3 Findlay Prep (NV) vs #6 Miller Grove (GA)
Match-ups
St. Benedict’s Prep (NJ)
Record: 35-1
Win Steak: 19 games
National Ranking: #7
Tournament Seed: #4
Dick’s Nationals History: 4th appearance, 4-3 record
Biggest Wins: Westtown (PA) 51-48, La Lumiere (IN) 66-63, Archbishop Carroll (PA) 50-49, Bartow (FL) 75-51, Huntington Prep (WV) 78-68, Sunrise Chrstian (KS) 61-57
Loss: Findlay Prep (NV) 91-67
Key Contributors:
2017 6′ 10″ PF Bourama Sidibe
2016 6′ 9″ PF Arnaldo Toro (George Washington)
2016 6′ 3″ SG James Scott (Kennesaw State)
2017 6′ 4″ SG David Beatty
2017 5′ 11″ PG Jayden Gaulden-Saddler
2017 6′ 9″ PF Warren Williams
La Lumiere (IN)
Record: 25-3
Win Streak: 11 games
National Ranking: #8
Tournament Seed: #5
Dick’s Nationals History: 4th appearance, 0-3 record
Biggest Wins: Master’s Academy (FL) 81-72 OT, Sanford (DE) 67-61 OT, Wheeler (GA) 59-57, Prolific Prep (CA) 75-63, Patrick School (NJ) 62-58, Garfield Heights (OH) 57-48
Losses: Sierra Canyon (CA) 53-48, St. Benedict’s Prep (NJ) 66-63, Wasatch Academy (UT) 80-71
Key Contributors:
2016 6′ 10″ C James Banks (Texas)
2017 6′ 11″ PF Jeremiah Tilmon
2017 6′ 7″ SF Brian Bowen
2016 6′ 4″ SG Brandon Cyrus (DePaul)
2019 5′ 11″ PG Tyger Campbell
2016 6′ 8″ PF Algevon Eichelberger (DePaul)
Match-up Preview:
#5 seed La Lumiere (IN) (25-3) facing off against #4 seed St. Benedict’s Prep (NJ) (35-1) is a rematch of a back and forth battle that took place back on December 29th in Delaware. The tight battle at the Slam Dunk to the Beach resulted in a St. Benedict’s Prep (NJ) win over La Lumiere (IN) 66-63 because of big games from David Beatty and Arnaldo Toro. This time around, a chance at reaching the Dick’s Nationals semifinals is on the line, and with La Lumiere (IN) coming into the event never having won a game in the tournament’s history, the pressure is on the powerhouse from Indiana. Look for Brian Bowen to lead the way for the Lakers as he is both their best player and their most prolific scorer. The Gray Bees will again be led by David Beatty and Arnaldo Toro and will rely on their gritty defense and unrelenting work ethic to lead the way to another win against a battle tested La Lumiere (IN). This game could come down to the inside play however, as La Lumiere settled for too many three’s the first time around and didn’t force the ball into their bigs. If La Lumiere can dump the ball down to their high-major big men James Banks and Jeremiah Tilmon they should have an excellent shot at taking home their first win in the event and avenging their December loss to St. Benedict’s Prep (NJ).
Prediction:
La Lumiere (IN) over St. Benedict’s Prep (NJ) 70-65
Oak Hill Academy (VA)
Record: 42-1
Win Streak: 39 games
National Ranking: #2
Tournament Seed: #2
Dick’s Nationals History: 7th appearance, 8-6 record
Biggest Wins: Providence Day (NC) 76-64, Chaminade Prep (MO) 69-62, West Linn (OR) 76-47, Dematha Catholic (MD) 82-66, Rainier Beach (WA) 83-62, Sierra Canyon (CA) 49-48
Loss: 22Ft Academy (SC) 70-67
Key Contributors:
2016 6′ 9″ PF Khadim Sy (Virginia Tech)
2016 6′ 8″ SF Braxton Key (Alabama)
2016 6′ 7″ SF Mario Kegler (Mississippi State)
2017 6′ 4″ SG Ty-Shon Alexader (Creighton)
2017 6′ 2″ PG Lindell Wigginton
2017 6′ 2″ PG Matt Coleman
2016 6′ 3″ SG Devontae Shuler
Wasatch Academy (UT)
Record: 29-3
Win Streak: 8 games
National Ranking: #20
Tournament Seed: #7
Dick’s Nationals History: 1st appearances (First Utah school)
Biggest Wins: Centennial (NV) 65-61, Timpview (UT) 73-60, Balboa City (CA) 57-45, La Lumiere (IN) 80-71, St. Joseph (IL) 70-62, The First Academy (FL) 73-63
Losses: Lone Peak (UT) 68-65, Findlay Prep (NV) 79-61, Montverde Academy (FL) 83-62
Key Contributors:
2017 6′ 9″ PF Josip Vraknic
2016 6′ 8″ PF Jackson Rowe
2018 6′ 7″ SF Emmanuel Akot
2016 6′ 3″ PG Koby McEwan (Utah State)
2018 5′ 10″ PG Damion Squire
2016 6′ 1″ PG Milan Surlic
Match-up Preview:
#2 seed Oak Hill Academy (VA) (42-1) will face off against #7 seed Wasatch Academy (29-3) in their first round match-up on Thursday in New York. The storyline coming into the event for Oak Hill Academy (VA) is how they have never won a title at the Dick’s Nationals tournament. Head Coach Steve Smith has enjoyed numerous accomplishments over his career at Oak Hill Academy (VA), including winning seven mythical high school national titles and notching his 1,000th win earlier in the season. The one large accomplishment that has continued to evade him is a title at Dick’s Nationals. Oak Hill Academy (VA) has made it to consecutive Dick’s Nationals title games before falling to Montverde Academy (FL) both years. This year they will look to make a statement and capture their first Dick’s Nationals title. Their first challenge will be facing off against Wasatch Academy (UT), who is the first team to ever make the event from Utah. This matchup will come down to the guard play of Oak Hill Academy (VA) facing the interior presence of Wasatch Academy (UT). The Warriors want to make this game an up tempo, high scoring contest in which their guards can exploit Wasatch Academy (UT) on the break. Wasatch Academy (UT) will need a huge game from Koby McEwan and their front line to compete with an Oak Hill Academy (VA) team with more depth and elite prospects.
Prediction:
Oak Hill Academy (VA) over Wasatch Academy (VA) 75-63
Montverde Academy (FL)
Record: 25-1
Win Streak: 17 games
National Ranking: #3
Tournament Seed: #1
Dick’s Nationals History: 6th appearance, 13-2 record, 3x champion (2013, 2014, 2015)
Biggest Wins: Westerville South (OH) 81-52, St. John’s (DC) 52-48, Dematha Catholic (MD) 74-71, Roman Catholic (PA) 74-44, Sierra Canyon (CA) 81-67, Wasatch Academy (UT) 83-62
Loss: Chino Hills (CA) 83-82
Key Contributors:
2016 6′ 10″ C Micah Potter (Ohio State)
2016 6′ 10″ PF Bruno Fernando
2018 6′ 9″ SF E.J. Montgomery
2019 6′ 6″ SG R.J. Barrett
2016 6′ 3″ PG Howard Washington (Butler)
2018 6′ 8″ PF Silvio De Sousa
2018 6′ 8″ PF Simi Shittu
Providence Day (NC)
Record: 30-3
Win Streak: 20 games
National Ranking: #11
Tournament Seed: #8
Dick’s Nationals History: 1st appearance
Biggest Wins: Wesleyan Christian (NC) 77-71, High Point Christian (NC) twice (76-66, 67-53), Greensboro Day (NC) 55-50, Pace Academy (GA) 69-51, Wheeler (GA) 62-60, Norcross (GA) 66-56
Losses: Oak Hill Academy (VA) 76-64, Mountain Mission (VA) 72-53, Greenforest Christian (GA) 59-58
Key Contributors:
2016 6′ 8″ PF Isaac Johnson
2016 6′ 7″ PF Grant Williams (Tennessee)
2016 6′ 6″ SF Josh Howard
2018 6′ 4″ SG Trey Wertz
2018 6′ 1″ PG Devon Dotson
2016 5′ 11″ PG Scott Peterson
Match-up Preview:
Montverde Academy (FL) (25-1) comes into this year’s Dick’s Nationals tournament as the #1 seed and will face off against #8 seed Providence Day (NC) (30-3). Montverde Academy (FL) has won three consecutive Dick’s Nationals titles and will look to take the overall lead in tournament titles with another championship this year. Providence Day (NC) is certainly a tough opponent for Montverde Academy (FL), however, do they have the size and depth to compete with a loaded Eagles team? Providence Day (NC) will rely heavily on Tennessee commit Grant Williams to anchor the middle and 2018 guard Devon Dotson will need to put on a show for the Chargers to compete with a very talented and deep Montverde Academy (FL). The Eagles will have the advantage down low against the Chargers, as Montverde (FL) has Bruno Fernando, Simi Shittu, EJ Montgomery, Silvio De Sousa, and Micah Potter, who are all skilled, high-major big men. Providence Day (NC) doesn’t have the same luxury down low as they have just two players 6′ 7″ or taller on their roster. Although Montverde Academy (FL) is taller, more skilled, and deeper than Providence Day (NC), the Chargers do have the advantage of being a veteran squad who has been battle tested throughout the season. Montverde Academy (FL) is looking for their first Dick’s Nationals title without Ben Simmons, and their quest for the four-peat will start on Thursday, March 31st in New York.
Prediction:
Montverde Academy (FL) over Providence Day (NC) 70-52
Findlay Prep (NV)
Record: 28-1
Win Streak: 10 games
National Ranking: #5
Tournament Seed: #3
Dick’s Nationals History: 8th appearances, 12-4 record, 3x champion (2009, 2010, 2012)
Biggest Wins: Shadow Mountain (AZ) 66-63, Wasatch Academy (UT) 79-61, O’Gorman (SD) 94-51, Victory Prep (TX) 85-47, St. Benedict’s Prep (NJ) 91-67, Silverado (NV) 77-30
Loss: Bishop Gorman (NV) 77-71
Key Contributors:
2017 6′ 8″ PF Tristan Clark (Baylor)
2017 6′ 8″ PF P.J. Washington
2017 6′ 8″ SF O’Shae Brissett
2017 5′ 11″ SG Markus Howard
2016 6′ 4″ PG Sklar Mays (LSU)
2016 6′ 4″ SG Carlos Johnson (UNLV)
2017 6′ 3″ SG Shakwon Barrett
Miller Grove (GA)
Record: 30-2
Win Streak: 23 games
National Ranking: #18
Tournament Seed: #6
Dick’s Nationals History: 1st appearances
Biggest Wins: Columbus (MS) 64-54, Timpview (UT) 67-56, Lithonia (GA) 60-47, South Paulding (GA) 66-41, McIntosh (GA) 72-52, Allatoona (GA) 50-48
Loss: Chaminade Prep (MO) 86-77, Lone Peak (UT) 73-71
Key Contributors:
2016 6′ 6″ PF Raylon Richardson
2016 6′ 4″ SF Colin Young
2017 6′ 3″ SG Naquante Hardy
2016 5′ 11″ PG Aaron Augustin
2016 6′ 0″ PG Alterique Gilbert (Connecticut)
2016 6′ 3″ SG Aidan Saunders
Match-up Preview:
#3 seed Findlay Prep (NV) (28-1) is matched up against #6 seed Miller Grove (GA) (30-2) in a first round game between the national powerhouse (Findlay Prep) versus Georgia powerhouse (Miller Grove). Miller Grove (GA) entered the event as a bit of a surprise, however, they have won seven of the last eight Georgia state titles and have standout guard Alterique Gilbert leading the way. The Connecticut commit, Gilbert will need to have a monster performance for the Wolverines to compete with the prestigious Findlay Prep (NV). The Pilots have the height, the depth, and the talent in this match-up, however the one area that Miller Grove may have the Pilots beat is in the coaching department as an unproven Andy Johnson will face off against veteran Miller Grove coach Sherman White. Other than the coaching advantage, Miller Grove (GA) will definitely struggle to handle the Findlay Prep (NV) front line headed by P.J. Washington and Tristan Clark. The Findlay Prep backcourt is also a force to be reckoned with as they are led by senior LSU commit Skylar Mays and prolific scorer Markus Howard. If Howard can get going in this tournament, the Pilots may have an opportunity to be a dark horse and make a run in this year’s event. This game will come down to the coaching and grit of Miller Grove (GA) against the depth, talent, and size of Findlay Prep (NV). Watch out for Alterique Gilbert to show out and give everything he’s got in the last game of his great high school career.
Prediction:
Findlay Prep (NV) over Miller Grove (GA) 64-62
Star Watch
Top 2016 Prospects:
(Top 60) 2016 6′ 7″ SF Mario Kegler (Mississippi State) -Oak Hill Academy
(Top 60) 2016 6′ 0″ PG Alterique Gilbert (Connecticut) -Miller Grove
(Top 60) 2016 6′ 10″ PF Bruno Fernando (Uncommitted) -Montverde Academy
2016 6′ 10″ C James Banks (Texas) -La Lumiere
2016 6′ 8″ SF Braxton Key (Alabama) -Oak Hill Academy
2016 6′ 10″ C Micah Potter (Ohio State) -Montverde Academy
2016 6′ 3″ PG Howard Washington (Butler) -Montverde Academy
2016 6′ 3″ PG Koby McEwan (Utah State) -Wasatch Academy
2016 6′ 9″ PF Arnaldo Toro (George Washington) -St Benedict’s Prep
2016 6′ 7″ PF Grant Williams (Tennessee) -Providence Day
2016 6′ 4″ PG Skylar Mays (LSU) -Findlay Prep
2016 6′ 4″ SG Brandon Cyrus (DePaul) -La Lumiere
Top 2017 Prospects:
(Top 50) 2017 6′ 7″ SF Brian Bowen -La Lumiere
(Top 50) 2017 6′ 8″ PF P.J. Washington -Findlay Prep
(Top 50) 2017 6′ 2″ PG Matt Coleman -Oak Hill Academy
(Top 50) 2017 6′ 11″ PF Jeremiah Tilmon -La Lumiere
(Top 50) 2017 5′ 11″ SG Markus Howard -Montverde Academy
(Top 50) 2017 6′ 4″ SG David Beatty -St. Benedict’s Prep
(Top 50) 2017 6′ 2″ PG Lindell Wigginton -Oak Hill Academy
(Top 50) 2017 6′ 4″ SG Ty-Shon Alexander (Creighton) -Oak Hill Academy
(Top 50) 2017 6′ 3″ SG Devontae Shuler -Oak Hill Academy
(Top 50) 2017 6′ 8″ SF O’Shae Brissett -Findlay Prep
2017 6′ 8″ PF Tristan Clark (Baylor) -Findlay Prep
2017 6′ 9″ PF Josip Vraknic -Wasatch Academy
Top 2018/2019 Prospects
2018 6′ 9″ SF E.J. Montgomery -Montverde Academy
2018 6′ 8″ PF Simi Shittu -Montverde Academy
2018 6′ 1″ PG Devon Dotson -Providence Day
2018 6′ 8″ PF Silvio De Sousa -Montverde Academy
2018 6′ 4″ SG Montez Mathis -Oak Hill Academy
2018 6′ 0″ PG Anfernee Simons -Montverde Academy
2018 6′ 7″ SF Emmanuel Akot -Wasatch Academy
2019 6′ 6″ SG R.J. Barrett -Montverde Academy
2019 5′ 11″ PG Tyger Campbell -La Lumiere
Other Links:
2016 Dick’s Nationals Preview: http://hshoopselite.com/top-events/dicks-nationalsnhsi/2016-dicks-nationals-preview/
National Top 25 Rankings: http://hshoopselite.com/rankings/hs-hoops-top-25/2015-16-top-25/
2016 Player Rankings: http://hshoopselite.com/rankings/player-rankings/2016-player-rankings/
2017 Player Rankings: http://hshoopselite.com/rankings/player-rankings/2017-player-rankings/
Dick’s Nationals History: http://hshoopselite.com/top-events/dicks-nationalsnhsi/
HS Hoops Elite 