Last year was one of the most exciting years in 8th Grade CSAA history, and featured arguably the most competitive Elite 8 Tournament of all time. The #3 seed CHS Bears took home the Championship Trophy for the first time in 30 years making an improbable run winning all 3 Elite 8 Tournament games by a combined 4 points. They defeated the #4 seed St. Thomas More in the championship in a game which rivaled the UNC vs Villanova 2016 Championship Game.

If you know of any past winners or runners up, we encourage you to provide info for the history of Elite 8 winners: CSAL Elite 8 Championship History

The 8th grade basketball world is looking a little more like college basketball these days with all the key offseason transfers and coaching changes, which have had a major effect on the rankings. There are no jamborees this year, so the Sacred Heart tournament starting next week will give us the first look at some of the best teams.

1. St. George - After winning the Championship 5 out of the last 6 years, the Dragons had a very rare down year last year but look to bounce back this year with an 8th grade roster that includes exceptional size, speed, and depth. Jay Bilas broke the news that their star big man last year is now suiting up for the CHS 9th grade, so that should set them back. Also, their Hall of Fame Coach, who had the most wins and Elite 8 Championships in CSAL/CSAA history, has hung up his whistle. The court naming ceremony for him is only a matter of time. It’s always tough to follow a legend, and that’s what this new young coach with an impressive pedigree has the task of doing. Having talent always helps, and the Dragons have no shortage.

2. St. Aloysius – The Lions suffered a heart-breaking semifinals loss last year, that this new crop of 8th graders will look to avenge. Their front court looks like a linebacking corps with a 6’3 center, who looks like he already lifts on LSU’s campus, and a 6’1 power forward, who has a Bill Laimbeer mean streak. With these two down low, they should win the rebound battle every single game. With their size, look for them to clog the paint with a 2-3 zone and force opponents to beat them from the outside, but the coaching trio also likes to use their length with some 1-3-1 zone looks. They have some shooting but need those guards to take it to another level in order to cut down the nets on Hearthstone in March.

3. Our Lady of Mercy – The Blue Jays had a very rare midseason coaching change in 7th grade last year, which created a spark and helped them finish the season as one of the hottest teams. They were easily the most improved team from start to finish and look to build on that success going into their 8th grade season. They run an impressive 4 out 1 in motion offense, which takes advantage of over aggressive man defenses with back door cuts and also creates open looks for their abundance of shooters. Mid City is hoping to add a victory parade to their already crowded calendar of parties for the Blue Jays.

4. CHS (BR) – The Baby Bears won their first Elite 8 in 30 years last season, but now it’s time to see what their coaches can do for a sequel. This team does not feature a star like last season, but reports are that this team is more balanced and will feature more front court scoring. They run one of the more complex systems in the league, so the extra practice time without a jamboree may actually benefit them. Depth is a question mark for this squad that likes to get up and down the court and run an aggressive man defense that can cause opponents fits. When Bear Nation shows up to support the 8th Graders, they have one of the best home court advantages in the league.

5. St. Jude – The Cougars have one of the deepest teams in the league. They are led by a do it all combo guard, who is on the Brad Cook CSAA Player of the year watch list. They have the luxury of a deep bench and also a balanced lineup. They like to use a 1-2-2 zone defense to give their star guard some freedom at the top and limit the opponent's shooting success from the perimeter. They had quite a few 2nd and 3rd place finishes in 7th grade tournaments last season, so they need to get over the hump in order to win the big one. If you are looking for a sleeper team to cut down the nets in March, the Cougars may be it.

6. Sacred Heart – The Tigers found success last year in 7th grade thanks to their All Star Joel Embiid prototype center. He is a shot blocking machine down low and has also developed a nice mid-range game on offense to complement his plethora of low post moves. They have some scrappy guards, who aren’t scared to challenge anyone defensively. Look for them to make a good showing at their Holiday Tournament in December. They will be replacing their 7th grade coach, who moved on to high school, so it will be hard to prepare for them schematically early in the season.

7. St. Francis Xavier – SFX will probably lead the league in 3 pointers attempted. They have adopted the pre-Houston Rockets Mark Dantonio pace and space offensive philosophy and are led by their Patrick Beverly type gritty point guard. They played many close games last season, which should help them win the tight ones this year. They rotate many players to keep them fresh. If teams slow them down into a half-court game, they will have to adjust and execute at a high level.

8. MBS – The Pelicans are a bubble team but may get in the tournament if they get a strong 8th grade season from their center, who is getting comparisons to Big Country Bryant Reeves. Their guards will struggle against teams with a strong back court, but they plan to play an old school style, slow it down, and feed it into the block. If their guards can handle the pressure, look for them to be dancing come March for the second year in a row.