- My Forums
- Tiger Rant
- LSU Recruiting
- SEC Rant
- Saints Talk
- Pelicans Talk
- More Sports Board
- Coaching Changes
- Fantasy Sports
- Golf Board
- Soccer Board
- O-T Lounge
- Tech Board
- Home/Garden Board
- Outdoor Board
- Health/Fitness Board
- Movie/TV Board
- Book Board
- Music Board
- Political Talk
- Money Talk
- Fark Board
- Gaming Board
- Travel Board
- Food/Drink Board
- Ticket Exchange
- TD Help Board
Customize My Forums- View All Forums
- Topic Sort Options
- Trending Topics
- Recent Topics
- Active Topics
BearTiger
| Favorite team: | LSU  |
| Location: | Baton Rouge |
| Biography: | |
| Interests: | |
| Occupation: | |
| Number of Posts: | 1654 |
| Registered on: | 7/5/2006 |
| Online Status: | Not Online |
Recent Posts
Message
quote:
Nobody had a #1 SGS vs. #2 CHS win-or-go-home game pegged this early in the Dunham Tourney, but that’s exactly what we get tonight. Buckle up.
CHS defeated St. George 26-20
1
Absolute chaos on Day 1 of the Dunham Tournament as the top three ranked teams all went down. I honestly can’t remember this ever happening—especially not on opening day of the season:
Parkview defeated #1 SGS, 19–17
U-High defeated #2 CHS, 22–21
#6 St. Jude defeated #3 St. Aloysius, 19–16
Nobody had a #1 SGS vs. #2 CHS win-or-go-home game pegged this early in the Dunham Tourney, but that’s exactly what we get tonight. Buckle up.
Parkview defeated #1 SGS, 19–17
U-High defeated #2 CHS, 22–21
#6 St. Jude defeated #3 St. Aloysius, 19–16
Nobody had a #1 SGS vs. #2 CHS win-or-go-home game pegged this early in the Dunham Tourney, but that’s exactly what we get tonight. Buckle up.
re: 20th Annual CSAA (Formerly CSAL) 8th Grade Basketball Preseason Rankings
Posted by BearTiger on 12/3/25 at 8:22 am to Y.A. Tittle
quote:
Bear, do you know when and why they changed the designation from CSAL?
The change came in 2016, when the new commissioner took over and transitioned the league from CSAL and CYO to CSAA Varsity and JV.
re: 20th Annual CSAA (Formerly CSAL) 8th Grade Basketball Preseason Rankings
Posted by BearTiger on 12/2/25 at 3:23 pm to alterego55
quote:
what happened to st thomas more ?
They have a team in the varsity league this year, but did not crack the top 8.
20th Annual CSAA (Formerly CSAL) 8th Grade Basketball Preseason Rankings
Posted by BearTiger on 12/2/25 at 10:04 am
Intense fans taking things a step too far? Parents quietly negotiating middle school NIL deals? Transfer portal rumors swirling? Private vehicles mysteriously being chartered for “backroom conversations” at Phil’s Oyster Bar? No, this isn’t the chaos of college football—it’s CSAA 8th Grade Basketball, where the drama is real, the stakes feel enormous, and the storylines somehow get wilder every season.
Last year, Our Lady of Mercy showed why they were preseason #1 by defeating the Catholic High School Baby Bears in a championship duel defined by one unforgettable performance by the Blue Jay's best player putting up a championship game record 32 points.
As always, the new season brings no shortage of intrigue—fodder for both local sports talk radio and, naturally, national debates on First Take and SportsCenter. Will we see our first back-to-back champion since St. George pulled it off in 2016–2017? And is this finally the year the St. Aloysius Lions break through and cut down the Elite 8 nets for the first time in school history?
Strap in. The CSAA season has arrived. As always, if you have any updates for the CSAA Elite 8 Championship History, please let me know.
Without further ado, let’s dive into the much-anticipated 20th Annual 2025–2026 CSAA Elite 8 Rankings, a tradition unlike any other in middle school basketball.
1. St. George – Alabama Football, Duke Basketball, the Lakers, the Yankees… and St. George Basketball. These are programs that don’t just hope for championships—they expect them. The Dragons haven’t won a title since 2023, which feels like an eternity to their fanbase.
The good news? This year’s team is built to make a deep run. Despite losing a couple of key contributors to the ever-active transfer portal, the Dragons remain the most talented roster in the CSAA. They’re led by a pinpoint sharpshooting two-guard, and every one of their ball handlers is a threat from beyond the arc. Their forwards thrive in an up-tempo, rim-running style that overwhelms opponents who can’t match their pace.
This core has been playing together year-round for years, and that chemistry should show tomorrow night when they open the Dunham Tournament against Parkview. They’ll look to kick off the season with a tournament championship and carry that momentum forward.
2. CHS (BR) – After a gut-wrenching loss in last year’s championship game, the Baby Bears have reloaded with purpose, and their coaching staff is energized by a roster that mirrors their own identity—tough, gritty, and unapologetically competitive. This year’s group features one of the top guard combos in the league, backed by a collection of physical, unselfish forwards who take pride in playing aggressive, in-your-face defense.
They may not have the height of recent Bears teams, but they’re embracing a faster, more open style that maximizes their strengths. Expect quick decisions, constant pressure, and a pace that forces opponents into uncomfortable situations. The national buzz is even starting to pick up—after catching a practice last week, Jay Bilas reportedly remarked that this squad might be deeper than the Bears’ 2022 championship team.
The 8th Grade Bears will get their first major test tomorrow night in the Dunham Tournament when they face U-High, and play in the 8th grade installment of this intense rivalry.
3. St. Aloysius
Court is in session, the verdict is in,
Another year begins, chasing that first championship win.
The banners hang but none say “Champs,”
Still waiting for that moment to light up the lamps.
Their coach is a judge, robe tucked away,
But he still brings order to the court every play.
They lost their center to Catholic High’s pull,
Front court a little lighter, but the effort’s still full.
Their guards bring the speed—quick, calm, and clean,
Two of the fastest players this league has seen.
One dad played MLB ball in his glory days,
Another’s fixing teeth so the kids can cheer always.
And we say, “Maybe this year… maybe this time…”
Parents fill the bleachers, hopes quietly climb.
The Dragons wait ahead, the Bears aren’t far behind,
But St. Aloysius keeps believing—
With a steady heart and a hopeful mind.
4. St. Theresa – St. Theresa has been a true Jekyll-and-Hyde team in 6th and 7th grade—capable of beating St. George one night and then dropping a surprising one the next. Consistency is the question this group must answer.
Unlike most of the teams in the league this year, their strength lies in the frontcourt, where they have enough size and athleticism to compete with anyone in the league. Their big men can control the paint, rebound, and run the floor—tools that make them dangerous when they’re locked in. If their guards can hold their own against the league’s elite backcourts, this team has the potential to rise quickly.
If not, the unpredictable Jekyll-and-Hyde pattern may continue as league play unfolds for the Warriors.
5. Our Lady of Mercy – Mercy enters as the defending champs, and their celebration last year fit perfectly for the grit, glitz and glamour program—clean uniforms, big crowds, and parents celebrating at the fair in private tents that looked like a mini Grove at Ole Miss.
While last year’s run was polished and impressive, this roster doesn’t have the same depth or firepower. Depth is an issue for Mercy in 2025—they simply don’t have the building materials they’re accustomed to rolling out, and the margin for error is much thinner than usual.
Still, they do have a bright spot: their best player is one of the top tennis players in the entire country for his age group. His athleticism, discipline, and elite footwork should translate well, even if he’ll be relied on heavily to carry the scoring load.
Mercy opens the Dunham Tournament with a favorable matchup against Dunham’s JV team—one they should handle. But as the season progresses, their lack of depth will determine just how far this defending champion can really go.
6. St. Jude – The Cougars haven’t reached the Elite 8 Championship game since 2020, and their last title dates all the way back to 2008. It’s a proud program that’s been waiting a long time to return to the promised land, and this year’s team believes they have the backcourt to pave the way. If you can imagine Khalid El-Amin and Mateen Cleaves sharing the floor in their prime, you’ve got a sense of how this Cougar guard duo operates—tough, confident, and capable of taking over stretches of a game.
What they lack in size, they make up for with relentless effort. This is a scrappy group that doesn’t allow opponents to take a night off, and they’re fully capable of knocking off a few higher-ranked teams along the way. They’ll get their first big opportunity tomorrow night against #3 St. Aloysius, a game that will reveal just how dangerous this Cougar squad can be.
7. St. Jean Vianney – The Gators want to prove they’re not just a one-run wonder after back-to-back Elite 8 Championship game appearances and the 2024 title. They’ll rely heavily on their Kyrie-style point guard, a dynamic ball handler who can create offense out of nothing. They sit firmly on the bubble but get a big chance to make noise Friday when they host Mercy in “The Swamp,” their cozy, loud, humid home gym that gives opponents fits.
8. Most Blessed Sacrament – The Pelicans open with a key bubble-buster against St. Jude on Friday in a gym full of history and loyal fans. The old wooden backboards may be gone, but the passion remains.
When the “Maroon! White!” chant gets going, momentum usually swings in MBS’s favor. This is a program that has been close to breaking through, and Thursday gives them a perfect chance to show they’re ready to climb.
Last year, Our Lady of Mercy showed why they were preseason #1 by defeating the Catholic High School Baby Bears in a championship duel defined by one unforgettable performance by the Blue Jay's best player putting up a championship game record 32 points.
As always, the new season brings no shortage of intrigue—fodder for both local sports talk radio and, naturally, national debates on First Take and SportsCenter. Will we see our first back-to-back champion since St. George pulled it off in 2016–2017? And is this finally the year the St. Aloysius Lions break through and cut down the Elite 8 nets for the first time in school history?
Strap in. The CSAA season has arrived. As always, if you have any updates for the CSAA Elite 8 Championship History, please let me know.
Without further ado, let’s dive into the much-anticipated 20th Annual 2025–2026 CSAA Elite 8 Rankings, a tradition unlike any other in middle school basketball.
1. St. George – Alabama Football, Duke Basketball, the Lakers, the Yankees… and St. George Basketball. These are programs that don’t just hope for championships—they expect them. The Dragons haven’t won a title since 2023, which feels like an eternity to their fanbase.
The good news? This year’s team is built to make a deep run. Despite losing a couple of key contributors to the ever-active transfer portal, the Dragons remain the most talented roster in the CSAA. They’re led by a pinpoint sharpshooting two-guard, and every one of their ball handlers is a threat from beyond the arc. Their forwards thrive in an up-tempo, rim-running style that overwhelms opponents who can’t match their pace.
This core has been playing together year-round for years, and that chemistry should show tomorrow night when they open the Dunham Tournament against Parkview. They’ll look to kick off the season with a tournament championship and carry that momentum forward.
2. CHS (BR) – After a gut-wrenching loss in last year’s championship game, the Baby Bears have reloaded with purpose, and their coaching staff is energized by a roster that mirrors their own identity—tough, gritty, and unapologetically competitive. This year’s group features one of the top guard combos in the league, backed by a collection of physical, unselfish forwards who take pride in playing aggressive, in-your-face defense.
They may not have the height of recent Bears teams, but they’re embracing a faster, more open style that maximizes their strengths. Expect quick decisions, constant pressure, and a pace that forces opponents into uncomfortable situations. The national buzz is even starting to pick up—after catching a practice last week, Jay Bilas reportedly remarked that this squad might be deeper than the Bears’ 2022 championship team.
The 8th Grade Bears will get their first major test tomorrow night in the Dunham Tournament when they face U-High, and play in the 8th grade installment of this intense rivalry.
3. St. Aloysius
Court is in session, the verdict is in,
Another year begins, chasing that first championship win.
The banners hang but none say “Champs,”
Still waiting for that moment to light up the lamps.
Their coach is a judge, robe tucked away,
But he still brings order to the court every play.
They lost their center to Catholic High’s pull,
Front court a little lighter, but the effort’s still full.
Their guards bring the speed—quick, calm, and clean,
Two of the fastest players this league has seen.
One dad played MLB ball in his glory days,
Another’s fixing teeth so the kids can cheer always.
And we say, “Maybe this year… maybe this time…”
Parents fill the bleachers, hopes quietly climb.
The Dragons wait ahead, the Bears aren’t far behind,
But St. Aloysius keeps believing—
With a steady heart and a hopeful mind.
4. St. Theresa – St. Theresa has been a true Jekyll-and-Hyde team in 6th and 7th grade—capable of beating St. George one night and then dropping a surprising one the next. Consistency is the question this group must answer.
Unlike most of the teams in the league this year, their strength lies in the frontcourt, where they have enough size and athleticism to compete with anyone in the league. Their big men can control the paint, rebound, and run the floor—tools that make them dangerous when they’re locked in. If their guards can hold their own against the league’s elite backcourts, this team has the potential to rise quickly.
If not, the unpredictable Jekyll-and-Hyde pattern may continue as league play unfolds for the Warriors.
5. Our Lady of Mercy – Mercy enters as the defending champs, and their celebration last year fit perfectly for the grit, glitz and glamour program—clean uniforms, big crowds, and parents celebrating at the fair in private tents that looked like a mini Grove at Ole Miss.
While last year’s run was polished and impressive, this roster doesn’t have the same depth or firepower. Depth is an issue for Mercy in 2025—they simply don’t have the building materials they’re accustomed to rolling out, and the margin for error is much thinner than usual.
Still, they do have a bright spot: their best player is one of the top tennis players in the entire country for his age group. His athleticism, discipline, and elite footwork should translate well, even if he’ll be relied on heavily to carry the scoring load.
Mercy opens the Dunham Tournament with a favorable matchup against Dunham’s JV team—one they should handle. But as the season progresses, their lack of depth will determine just how far this defending champion can really go.
6. St. Jude – The Cougars haven’t reached the Elite 8 Championship game since 2020, and their last title dates all the way back to 2008. It’s a proud program that’s been waiting a long time to return to the promised land, and this year’s team believes they have the backcourt to pave the way. If you can imagine Khalid El-Amin and Mateen Cleaves sharing the floor in their prime, you’ve got a sense of how this Cougar guard duo operates—tough, confident, and capable of taking over stretches of a game.
What they lack in size, they make up for with relentless effort. This is a scrappy group that doesn’t allow opponents to take a night off, and they’re fully capable of knocking off a few higher-ranked teams along the way. They’ll get their first big opportunity tomorrow night against #3 St. Aloysius, a game that will reveal just how dangerous this Cougar squad can be.
7. St. Jean Vianney – The Gators want to prove they’re not just a one-run wonder after back-to-back Elite 8 Championship game appearances and the 2024 title. They’ll rely heavily on their Kyrie-style point guard, a dynamic ball handler who can create offense out of nothing. They sit firmly on the bubble but get a big chance to make noise Friday when they host Mercy in “The Swamp,” their cozy, loud, humid home gym that gives opponents fits.
8. Most Blessed Sacrament – The Pelicans open with a key bubble-buster against St. Jude on Friday in a gym full of history and loyal fans. The old wooden backboards may be gone, but the passion remains.
When the “Maroon! White!” chant gets going, momentum usually swings in MBS’s favor. This is a program that has been close to breaking through, and Thursday gives them a perfect chance to show they’re ready to climb.
quote:
defense performed pretty good against Lagway and Sellers
Lagway is not a dual threat QB.
The Ole Miss and Vandy offenses looked like "old school" spread offenses that capitalized on their dual threat qb with read option and designed QB runs. The same type of offense that we struggled to stop last year against A&M and others.
Florida and South Carolina did not run the same type of offense as Ole Miss and Vandy.
re: Dixon McMakin is the obvious choice to replace Dan Borne
Posted by BearTiger on 7/18/25 at 4:05 pm to IMA who dat
Definitely going to miss Dan Borne, but Dixon would be a strong replacement.
He did a great job as the PA announcer at basketball games this past season and brought an energy that was noticeably missing during last football season without Borne.
He did a great job as the PA announcer at basketball games this past season and brought an energy that was noticeably missing during last football season without Borne.
Congrats to OLOM for winning the Elite 8 and also to the tournament MVP, who scored an unofficial record of 32 points in the finals.
Final Rankings based on Elite 8 finish (Preseason rankings in parenthesis:)
1. Mercy (1)
2. CHS (3)
3. St. George (2)
4. St. Aloysius (4)
5. SJV (5)
6. St. Theresa (unr)
7. St. Jude (7)
8. St. Alphonsus (8)
The CSAA Championship History Thread has been updated.
Time to start prepping for the 2025-2026 season.
Final Rankings based on Elite 8 finish (Preseason rankings in parenthesis:)
1. Mercy (1)
2. CHS (3)
3. St. George (2)
4. St. Aloysius (4)
5. SJV (5)
6. St. Theresa (unr)
7. St. Jude (7)
8. St. Alphonsus (8)
The CSAA Championship History Thread has been updated.
Time to start prepping for the 2025-2026 season.
re: 19th Annual CSAA (Formerly CSAL) 8th Grade Basketball Preseason Rankings
Posted by BearTiger on 2/21/25 at 8:51 am to GetBackToWork
Lineup for Saturday is as follows:
3:00 PM - Loser's Bracket Game - #6 SJV vs #7 St. Jude
4:00 PM - Loser's Bracket Game - #5 St. Theresa vs #8 St. Alphonsus
5:00 PM - 3rd Place Game - #2 St. George vs #4 St. Aloysius
6:00 PM - Championship Game - #1 OLOM vs #3 CHS
3:00 PM - Loser's Bracket Game - #6 SJV vs #7 St. Jude
4:00 PM - Loser's Bracket Game - #5 St. Theresa vs #8 St. Alphonsus
5:00 PM - 3rd Place Game - #2 St. George vs #4 St. Aloysius
6:00 PM - Championship Game - #1 OLOM vs #3 CHS
quote:
I believe it was all chalk last night. That would mean Aloysius/Mercy and CHS/George tonight at Catholic.
Correct:
CHS plays St. George at 7:00 pm
Mercy plays Aloysius at 8:00 pm
All at CHS
re: 19th Annual CSAA (Formerly CSAL) 8th Grade Basketball Preseason Rankings
Posted by BearTiger on 2/20/25 at 9:15 am to TeddyPadillac
quote:
Did they actually beat them, or did St. George forfeit b/c they had too many kids sick with the flu?
CHS won the game 21-7
re: 19th Annual CSAA (Formerly CSAL) 8th Grade Basketball Preseason Rankings
Posted by BearTiger on 2/19/25 at 11:28 am to BigSlowMaxCo
quote:
Where will the Elite 8 be held this year? Anyone know the schedule?
Tonight is the first round:
CHS vs SJV at 6:00 pm at CHS
St. George vs St. Jude at 7:00 pm at CHS
St. Aloysius vs St. Theresa at 6:00 pm at SJA
Mercy vs St. Alphonsus at 7:00 pm at SJA
re: 19th Annual CSAA (Formerly CSAL) 8th Grade Basketball Preseason Rankings
Posted by BearTiger on 2/19/25 at 11:26 am to TeddyPadillac
quote:
Have either of them lost a game to anyone in the league but each other?
CHS beat St. George in the St. Jude tournament.
The Elite 8 seeding and matchups have been set:
#1 OLOM vs #8 St. Alphonsus
#4 St. Aloysius vs #5 St. Theresa
#3 CHS vs #6 SJV
#2 St. George vs #7 St. Jude
The most anticipated basketball tournament of the year starts this Wednesday.
March comes early
#1 OLOM vs #8 St. Alphonsus
#4 St. Aloysius vs #5 St. Theresa
#3 CHS vs #6 SJV
#2 St. George vs #7 St. Jude
The most anticipated basketball tournament of the year starts this Wednesday.
March comes early
Updated Rankings (Previous Ranking in Parenthesis):
1. OLOM (2) - The Blue Jays have won the last 2 tournaments. They defeated SGS in the St. George Tournament, and CHS in the St. Jude Tournament after a 2nd half comeback.
2. St. George (1) - You could argue for CHS here after CHS defeated SGS 21-7, but the Bears are 1-3 against the Dragons on the season. They were supposed to play this week, but St. George had to postpone the game due to a flu outbreak.
3. CHS (3) - Now that the Bears are finally healthy, they are trending in the right direction. They will have some chances in the near future to knock off #1 and #2 and move up before the Elite 8.
4. St. Aloysius (4) - The Lions have beaten every team ranked behind them and have yet to knockoff one of the top 3 teams despite being close.
5. SJV (5) - 5-7 is pretty tough as all the teams appear to be even. SJV appears to be the best of this group.
6. St. Theresa (7) Very well coached but lack depth.
7. St. Jude (6) Big Man Duo is tough to deal with.
8. St. Alphonsus (8) - The Hornets are pesky, and I expect them to upset someone soon.
1. OLOM (2) - The Blue Jays have won the last 2 tournaments. They defeated SGS in the St. George Tournament, and CHS in the St. Jude Tournament after a 2nd half comeback.
2. St. George (1) - You could argue for CHS here after CHS defeated SGS 21-7, but the Bears are 1-3 against the Dragons on the season. They were supposed to play this week, but St. George had to postpone the game due to a flu outbreak.
3. CHS (3) - Now that the Bears are finally healthy, they are trending in the right direction. They will have some chances in the near future to knock off #1 and #2 and move up before the Elite 8.
4. St. Aloysius (4) - The Lions have beaten every team ranked behind them and have yet to knockoff one of the top 3 teams despite being close.
5. SJV (5) - 5-7 is pretty tough as all the teams appear to be even. SJV appears to be the best of this group.
6. St. Theresa (7) Very well coached but lack depth.
7. St. Jude (6) Big Man Duo is tough to deal with.
8. St. Alphonsus (8) - The Hornets are pesky, and I expect them to upset someone soon.
Updated Rankings (Previous Ranking in Parenthesis):
1. St. George (1) - The Dragons beat the Blue Jays by 3 to win the SJV tournament after suffering a loss to them the day before. They also narrowly defeated the Blue Jays in a regular season matchup earlier in the week. They continue to show they are the most well-rounded team.
2. OLOM (2) - The Blue Jays look firmly in the 2 spot for now after another impressive week. They will take on a pesky St. Theresa team in the 1st round of the SGS tournament.
3. CHS (4) - The Bears continue to improve, but couldn't quite get over the St. George hump. Rumor is they could finally be back at full strength this weekend.
4. St. Aloysius (3) - The Lions suffered a 31-17 loss to CHS in the 1st meeting between these 2 in the season. The #4 ranking should be the floor for this Lions team.
5. SJV (5) - The Gators continue to lock up the #5 ranking. Thanks to a favorable draw, they were able to reach the semifinals in their tournament. They have a chance to move up after facing some higher ranked teams this week.
6. St. Jude (6) - The Cougars have a big matchup with CHS this week.
7. St. Theresa (8) - This is a well coached team with some size down low.
8. St. Alphonsus (unr) - The Hornets earned a solid victory over Dunham before losing to OLOM.
Dropped from Rankings: Ascension Catholic
1. St. George (1) - The Dragons beat the Blue Jays by 3 to win the SJV tournament after suffering a loss to them the day before. They also narrowly defeated the Blue Jays in a regular season matchup earlier in the week. They continue to show they are the most well-rounded team.
2. OLOM (2) - The Blue Jays look firmly in the 2 spot for now after another impressive week. They will take on a pesky St. Theresa team in the 1st round of the SGS tournament.
3. CHS (4) - The Bears continue to improve, but couldn't quite get over the St. George hump. Rumor is they could finally be back at full strength this weekend.
4. St. Aloysius (3) - The Lions suffered a 31-17 loss to CHS in the 1st meeting between these 2 in the season. The #4 ranking should be the floor for this Lions team.
5. SJV (5) - The Gators continue to lock up the #5 ranking. Thanks to a favorable draw, they were able to reach the semifinals in their tournament. They have a chance to move up after facing some higher ranked teams this week.
6. St. Jude (6) - The Cougars have a big matchup with CHS this week.
7. St. Theresa (8) - This is a well coached team with some size down low.
8. St. Alphonsus (unr) - The Hornets earned a solid victory over Dunham before losing to OLOM.
Dropped from Rankings: Ascension Catholic
re: 19th Annual CSAA (Formerly CSAL) 8th Grade Basketball Preseason Rankings
Posted by BearTiger on 12/19/24 at 2:44 pm to BomBayTiger
quote:
Serious question, are there only 8 total teams? Or are the lower teams not listed?
There are currently 18 schools that make up the CSAA. There were a few more back in the day but a few either shutdown (i.e. St. Louis King of France) or left CSAA (i.e. Holy Ghost). This year some of the 8th grade teams are only playing JV (the old CYO) and not Varsity (the old CSAL.)
Updated Rankings (Previous Ranking in Parenthesis):
1. St. George (2) - The Dragons emerged unscathed from the Dunham Tournament, notching impressive wins over SJV, U High, St. Aloysius, and OLOM. Despite battling injuries, they proved themselves to be a well-rounded team that is highly coachable and excels at executing game plans with precision.
2. Our Lady of Mercy (1) - The Blue Jays suffered an early setback with a loss to U High in the Dunham Tournament but demonstrated remarkable grit and determination by clawing their way out of the loser’s bracket. They secured hard-fought victories over SJV, Episcopal, U High, and St. Aloysius before ultimately falling to SGS in the Championship game. Their point guard lived up to the hype, showcasing his talent and leadership, and was complemented by a pair of strong backcourt players who bolstered the team’s offensive and defensive efforts.
3. St. Aloysius (4) - The Lions made an impressive run to the semifinals of the Dunham Tournament, securing wins over Parkview and Episcopal before falling to SGS and OLOM. Throughout the weekend, they proved they can compete with anyone, displaying exceptional defense and a relentless effort that kept them in every game.
4. CHS (BR) (3) - The Bears faced a tough weekend, suffering two losses to U High while picking up large victories against Parkview and Dunham. Adding to their challenges, they’ve been hit with two significant injuries to their starting point guard and center. The depth that was touted before the season will now be put to the test as the Bears look to regroup and prove they can adapt and overcome adversity.
5. SJV (5) - The Gators endured decisive losses to higher-ranked opponents, but a double digit victory over St. Jude was enough to keep them holding onto this spot.
6. St. Jude (6) - The Cougars had a short run in the Dunham Tournament, going two-and-out, but their Point Center displayed impressive versatility, offering a bright spot and something to build on for the rest of the season.
7. Ascension Catholic (7)
8. St. Theresa (unr) - A narrow victory, as reported earlier in this thread, against St. Alphonsus propels the Warriors into the 8th spot.
Dropped from Rankings: St. Alphonsus
1. St. George (2) - The Dragons emerged unscathed from the Dunham Tournament, notching impressive wins over SJV, U High, St. Aloysius, and OLOM. Despite battling injuries, they proved themselves to be a well-rounded team that is highly coachable and excels at executing game plans with precision.
2. Our Lady of Mercy (1) - The Blue Jays suffered an early setback with a loss to U High in the Dunham Tournament but demonstrated remarkable grit and determination by clawing their way out of the loser’s bracket. They secured hard-fought victories over SJV, Episcopal, U High, and St. Aloysius before ultimately falling to SGS in the Championship game. Their point guard lived up to the hype, showcasing his talent and leadership, and was complemented by a pair of strong backcourt players who bolstered the team’s offensive and defensive efforts.
3. St. Aloysius (4) - The Lions made an impressive run to the semifinals of the Dunham Tournament, securing wins over Parkview and Episcopal before falling to SGS and OLOM. Throughout the weekend, they proved they can compete with anyone, displaying exceptional defense and a relentless effort that kept them in every game.
4. CHS (BR) (3) - The Bears faced a tough weekend, suffering two losses to U High while picking up large victories against Parkview and Dunham. Adding to their challenges, they’ve been hit with two significant injuries to their starting point guard and center. The depth that was touted before the season will now be put to the test as the Bears look to regroup and prove they can adapt and overcome adversity.
5. SJV (5) - The Gators endured decisive losses to higher-ranked opponents, but a double digit victory over St. Jude was enough to keep them holding onto this spot.
6. St. Jude (6) - The Cougars had a short run in the Dunham Tournament, going two-and-out, but their Point Center displayed impressive versatility, offering a bright spot and something to build on for the rest of the season.
7. Ascension Catholic (7)
8. St. Theresa (unr) - A narrow victory, as reported earlier in this thread, against St. Alphonsus propels the Warriors into the 8th spot.
Dropped from Rankings: St. Alphonsus
re: 19th Annual CSAA (Formerly CSAL) 8th Grade Basketball Preseason Rankings
Posted by BearTiger on 12/6/24 at 8:57 am to Tiger Ugly
quote:
Sacred Heart?
I believe Sacred Heart is only playing JV this season.
19th Annual CSAA (Formerly CSAL) 8th Grade Basketball Preseason Rankings
Posted by BearTiger on 12/4/24 at 9:03 am
It’s that time of year again—the moment the internet collectively loses its mind over the highly anticipated and hotly debated CSAA 8th Grade Preseason Rankings. This season raises a lot of questions. Will we see the 1st back to back Elite 8 Winners since the 2016-2017 seasons? Which players will have to miss the championship tournament to play baseball? Which school will win the "Bleacher Ban Award" for having the most parents thrown out of gyms this season?
Last season, the St. Jean Vianney Gators clinched their first-ever Elite 8 victory, cementing themselves as a program on the rise. The hot debate on First Take this morning was: Are we witnessing the birth of a dynasty, or will last year’s title look more like a one-hit wonder?
As always, if you have any updates for CSAA past championships please comment and visit the CSAA Elite 8 Championship History Thread .
1. Our Lady Of Mercy – The Blue Jays are soaring into the season with their star point guard, who is getting comparisons to Damian Lillard, back after sitting out his 7th grade season. Baton Rouge morning sports talk hosts have debated his potential for years. The Jays took a hit in the transfer portal, losing a key frontcourt player, but don’t sleep on their twin towers in the paint. Since their last Elite 8 Championship in 2020, the Blue Jays have had a tendency to come out the gates fast and fizzle towards the end of the season. They do have some continuity with their head coach having coached this group for the past 2 seasons. The mid-city crew hopes to discontinue that late season fading trend and add a 6th Elite 8 Championship banner to their rafters.
2. St. George – The Dragons have dominated the CSAA league with 5 championships in the last 9 years, and this year’s group comes off a strong 7th-grade season, capturing multiple 7th grade tournament titles. The fanbase is still bitter from last season’s Championship loss, and they’re determined to return to the top with this group. Had things gone as planned, they would likely have the Preseason #1 ranking, but a few key setbacks have left a dent in their hopes. The transfer portal claimed their starting center, and two other critical players are dealing with injuries. That said, the cupboard isn’t exactly bare. The Dragons still boast a talented roster, with multiple skilled ball handlers, including a point guard who plays with the energy of a Nate Robinson-type—quick, explosive, and ready to make things happen. Despite the injuries and departures, the Dragons remain one of the most dangerous teams in the league and will be a tough out for anyone hoping to challenge them for the title.
3. CHS (BR) – The Baby Bears are shaping up to be one of the most complete teams in the league this season. With the ability to fill all five positions and more depth than their coaching staff is used to managing, they’re poised for a serious run. The Bears are led by a Tyrese Haliburton type point guard, who is capable of putting up points in a hurry. Supporting him are a group of long-wing players and a center who resembles Kristaps Porzingis with his ability to stretch the floor and control the paint. This is a team that should be to score with anyone but locking down on defense will be the key to taking the next step. In an early-season showdown, the Bears will face off against U High in the Dunham Tournament tonight with Dan Shulman and Jay Williams on the call. The rivalry has become one of the most bitter in the Capital City, and this game is expected to be a must-watch. After a disappointing season last year, this coaching staff is locked in and ready to go, making the Bears a team to keep an eye on as they aim for a bounce-back campaign.
4. St. Aloysius – Court is in session, a verdict is in
The Coach is the judge, and his team wants to win.
The team stands united, though smaller in size,
Each player’s a ball handler, with fire in their eyes.
The banners they chase have stayed out of their hands,
Seven times in the finals, but no golden stands.
A star on the team swings a tennis racket with flair,
While history lingers—one player’s father’s Elite 8 loss in the air.
Through years of near glory, their passion won’t fade,
With free braces of courage, the foundation is laid.
Not going to lose on a Sunday Morning, banging their heads
No time for losing
Ain’t got no time
5. St Jean Vianney – Gator Nation is still riding high after their first-ever Elite 8 Championship victory. The victory parade down Harrels Ferry was a scene for the ages, with fans lining the streets and celebrating what many considered a long-awaited triumph. As mentioned before, there may be no program on the rise more than the Gators, but reality could come calling quickly. They have a rematch with SGS in the first round of the Dunham Tournament, and while the teams may look different, the buzz around the Dragon's Siegen Lane campus suggests there’s a sense of redemption in the air this week. In a surprising turn of events, their young championship-winning head coach has decided to return to coach the 6th grade team. Still, the Gators are not lacking in talent. They boast one of the best guard combos in the league, drawing comparisons to the dynamic duo of Scoonie Penn and Michael Redd. “The Swamp” has quickly become one of the most intimidating home venues in CSAA where opponents’ dreams come to drown.
6. St. Jude - The Cougars are bringing an old-school approach to the court this season, led by their big man in the middle—a center who channels a Greg Ostertag style of play with physicality and a knack for controlling the paint. While his presence is a clear strength, the Cougars will need their supporting cast to step up if they hope to make a serious run. The Cougars missed the Elite 8 last year which has been an unfortunate recent trend for a once blue blood program who last reached the championship game in 2020. A young and motivated coaching staff is working hard to turn things around, and their big man down low is a good one to build around.
7. Ascension Catholic – Coaches can’t help but cringe when they see "at ACMS" on the schedule and have to make the dreaded trip down da bayou with the fear of taking on the Bulldogs. The Bulldogs’ old-school gym, with its creaking bleachers and deafening crowd, is an intimidating venue that has broken more than a few visiting teams’ spirits. This season, the Bulldogs have their sights set on making a statement right out of the gate. They’ll take on #1 overall OLOM in the jamboree, a test that could set the tone for the rest of the year. Under the guidance of their head coach, the Bulldogs have implemented a relentless 2-2-1 three-quarter court press. It’s a system designed to disrupt and frustrate opponents, and early reports from Shams Charania suggest it’s already giving opposing teams fits in preseason scrimmages.
8. St. Alphonsus - The bubble is looking weak this season, but one thing you can always count on with the boys from Central is their relentless effort. They play hard from tip-off to the final buzzer, no matter the score. While the Hornets haven’t made much noise in recent years, they’re still proud of their program’s history, including their storied 1999 CSAA Elite 8 Championship banner, which continues to hang proudly in the rafters. This year’s squad sticks to their roots, favoring an up-tempo style and relentless full-court pressure designed to wear opponents down. If the Hornets can drag a few games into the mud and make things ugly, they have the potential to pull off some surprise victories against higher-ranked teams.
Last season, the St. Jean Vianney Gators clinched their first-ever Elite 8 victory, cementing themselves as a program on the rise. The hot debate on First Take this morning was: Are we witnessing the birth of a dynasty, or will last year’s title look more like a one-hit wonder?
As always, if you have any updates for CSAA past championships please comment and visit the CSAA Elite 8 Championship History Thread .
1. Our Lady Of Mercy – The Blue Jays are soaring into the season with their star point guard, who is getting comparisons to Damian Lillard, back after sitting out his 7th grade season. Baton Rouge morning sports talk hosts have debated his potential for years. The Jays took a hit in the transfer portal, losing a key frontcourt player, but don’t sleep on their twin towers in the paint. Since their last Elite 8 Championship in 2020, the Blue Jays have had a tendency to come out the gates fast and fizzle towards the end of the season. They do have some continuity with their head coach having coached this group for the past 2 seasons. The mid-city crew hopes to discontinue that late season fading trend and add a 6th Elite 8 Championship banner to their rafters.
2. St. George – The Dragons have dominated the CSAA league with 5 championships in the last 9 years, and this year’s group comes off a strong 7th-grade season, capturing multiple 7th grade tournament titles. The fanbase is still bitter from last season’s Championship loss, and they’re determined to return to the top with this group. Had things gone as planned, they would likely have the Preseason #1 ranking, but a few key setbacks have left a dent in their hopes. The transfer portal claimed their starting center, and two other critical players are dealing with injuries. That said, the cupboard isn’t exactly bare. The Dragons still boast a talented roster, with multiple skilled ball handlers, including a point guard who plays with the energy of a Nate Robinson-type—quick, explosive, and ready to make things happen. Despite the injuries and departures, the Dragons remain one of the most dangerous teams in the league and will be a tough out for anyone hoping to challenge them for the title.
3. CHS (BR) – The Baby Bears are shaping up to be one of the most complete teams in the league this season. With the ability to fill all five positions and more depth than their coaching staff is used to managing, they’re poised for a serious run. The Bears are led by a Tyrese Haliburton type point guard, who is capable of putting up points in a hurry. Supporting him are a group of long-wing players and a center who resembles Kristaps Porzingis with his ability to stretch the floor and control the paint. This is a team that should be to score with anyone but locking down on defense will be the key to taking the next step. In an early-season showdown, the Bears will face off against U High in the Dunham Tournament tonight with Dan Shulman and Jay Williams on the call. The rivalry has become one of the most bitter in the Capital City, and this game is expected to be a must-watch. After a disappointing season last year, this coaching staff is locked in and ready to go, making the Bears a team to keep an eye on as they aim for a bounce-back campaign.
4. St. Aloysius – Court is in session, a verdict is in
The Coach is the judge, and his team wants to win.
The team stands united, though smaller in size,
Each player’s a ball handler, with fire in their eyes.
The banners they chase have stayed out of their hands,
Seven times in the finals, but no golden stands.
A star on the team swings a tennis racket with flair,
While history lingers—one player’s father’s Elite 8 loss in the air.
Through years of near glory, their passion won’t fade,
With free braces of courage, the foundation is laid.
Not going to lose on a Sunday Morning, banging their heads
No time for losing
Ain’t got no time
5. St Jean Vianney – Gator Nation is still riding high after their first-ever Elite 8 Championship victory. The victory parade down Harrels Ferry was a scene for the ages, with fans lining the streets and celebrating what many considered a long-awaited triumph. As mentioned before, there may be no program on the rise more than the Gators, but reality could come calling quickly. They have a rematch with SGS in the first round of the Dunham Tournament, and while the teams may look different, the buzz around the Dragon's Siegen Lane campus suggests there’s a sense of redemption in the air this week. In a surprising turn of events, their young championship-winning head coach has decided to return to coach the 6th grade team. Still, the Gators are not lacking in talent. They boast one of the best guard combos in the league, drawing comparisons to the dynamic duo of Scoonie Penn and Michael Redd. “The Swamp” has quickly become one of the most intimidating home venues in CSAA where opponents’ dreams come to drown.
6. St. Jude - The Cougars are bringing an old-school approach to the court this season, led by their big man in the middle—a center who channels a Greg Ostertag style of play with physicality and a knack for controlling the paint. While his presence is a clear strength, the Cougars will need their supporting cast to step up if they hope to make a serious run. The Cougars missed the Elite 8 last year which has been an unfortunate recent trend for a once blue blood program who last reached the championship game in 2020. A young and motivated coaching staff is working hard to turn things around, and their big man down low is a good one to build around.
7. Ascension Catholic – Coaches can’t help but cringe when they see "at ACMS" on the schedule and have to make the dreaded trip down da bayou with the fear of taking on the Bulldogs. The Bulldogs’ old-school gym, with its creaking bleachers and deafening crowd, is an intimidating venue that has broken more than a few visiting teams’ spirits. This season, the Bulldogs have their sights set on making a statement right out of the gate. They’ll take on #1 overall OLOM in the jamboree, a test that could set the tone for the rest of the year. Under the guidance of their head coach, the Bulldogs have implemented a relentless 2-2-1 three-quarter court press. It’s a system designed to disrupt and frustrate opponents, and early reports from Shams Charania suggest it’s already giving opposing teams fits in preseason scrimmages.
8. St. Alphonsus - The bubble is looking weak this season, but one thing you can always count on with the boys from Central is their relentless effort. They play hard from tip-off to the final buzzer, no matter the score. While the Hornets haven’t made much noise in recent years, they’re still proud of their program’s history, including their storied 1999 CSAA Elite 8 Championship banner, which continues to hang proudly in the rafters. This year’s squad sticks to their roots, favoring an up-tempo style and relentless full-court pressure designed to wear opponents down. If the Hornets can drag a few games into the mud and make things ugly, they have the potential to pull off some surprise victories against higher-ranked teams.
Popular
37
