With the LNBAA National Tournament set to commence in Fort Wayne, Indiana (March 19-22, 2020), the stage is set for the most competitive field in recent memory. The best Lutheran basketball teams in the country are converging to battle for the most coveted title in middle school basketball.
This year’s tournament features a strong mix of powerhouse programs, elite individual talent, and a few underdog teams riding late-season momentum. Every squad has something to prove, whether it’s defending their reputation, seeking redemption, or making a statement on the national stage.
With championship aspirations on the line, let’s break down the favorites, potential Cinderella stories, and must-watch players as we head into one of the most exciting tournaments in LNBAA history.
The Championship Favorites: The Teams to Beat
Christ Lutheran (Peoria, IL) (37-4) – The Dynasty with Something to Prove
Few programs in LNBAA history have had the level of sustained success that Christ Lutheran has built over the last two decades. Entering the tournament with a 37-4 record, the Comets have been the benchmark of excellence in Illinois and beyond.
However, this season comes with a unique twist—for the first time since 2002, Christ Lutheran enters the LNBAA Tournament without a state championship, having suffered a stunning overtime loss to O.S. Springfield in the Illinois LSA State Tournament final.
Led by LSA Player of the Year Lathan Sommerville, the 6'7", 230-pound dominant force in the paint, Christ Lutheran remains a terrifying matchup for any team.
Why They Can Win It All:
-- Elite Defense: The Comets allow just 44.8 PPG, the best in the tournament.
-- Championship Pedigree: Christ Lutheran has won three of the last five LBAA titles.
-- Sommerville’s Dominance: His ability to control the game on both ends makes him the most valuable player in the tournament.
“We know what we’re capable of,” Sommerville said. “Losing at state hurt, but this is the tournament that really matters. We’re coming to Fort Wayne for a championship.”
Projected Finish: National Championship Contender
St. Paul's (Concordia, MO) (39-2) - The Most Complete Team in the Field
There isn’t a team more balanced or fundamentally sound than St. Paul’s. Boasting an incredible 39-2 record, they’ve steamrolled opponents behind dominant guard play, deep shooting range, and relentless defensive pressure.
The Missouri powerhouse enters as the No. 1 overall seed in the tournament, and rightfully so. Their only two losses came in overtime and against a high school JV squad, proving they are battle-tested for the national stage.
Why They Can Win It All:
-- High Basketball IQ: No team executes better in crunch time.
-- Best Guard Duo in the Tournament: Their backcourt averages a combined 38.5 PPG.
-- Elite Shooting: St. Paul’s has hit 36% from three this season, the best mark in the LBAA.
“We have everything we need to win,” St. Paul’s coach Jeff Rutledge said. “We’ve been the best team in the country all season, and now we get to prove it.”
Projected Finish: Championship Favorite
The Dark Horses: Teams That Could Make a Surprise Run
O.S. Springfield (39-6) – The Cinderella Story with Championship Aspirations
No team enters the tournament with more momentum than O.S. Springfield.
After starting the season 14-5, the Eagles have since gone on an incredible 25-1 run, taking down eight top-10 teams in the process. Their stunning 77-76 overtime victory over Christ Lutheran in the Illinois LSA State Final was one of the biggest upsets in state tournament history.
Led by the highly skilled backcourt duo of Jace Easley and Conor McCaffrey, Springfield has emerged as a serious threat to win it all.
Why They Can Win It All:
-- Elite Guard Play: Easley’s speed and McCaffrey’s passing make them one of the deadliest duos in the country.
-- Battle-Tested: The Eagles have played the toughest schedule in the tournament and have thrived in close games.
-- Momentum: Winners of 25 of their last 26 games, no team is hotter than Springfield.
“People doubted us all season,” Easley said. “Now we’re here, and we’re not backing down from anyone.”
Projected Finish: Final Four Threat
Faith Lutheran (Las Vegas, NV) (36-3) – The High-Scoring West Coast Contender
Faith Lutheran enters the tournament as the top team from the West Region, bringing with them the most potent offensive attack in the entire LNBAA.
Averaging 85.2 PPG, Faith Lutheran is capable of burying teams under an avalanche of three-pointers, led by one of the best shooters in the country.
Why They Can Win It All:
-- Lethal Three-Point Shooting: If they get hot, they can outscore anyone.
-- Deep Rotation: Ten different players average at least 5 PPG.
-- High-Paced Attack: Their ability to push the tempo forces teams into mistakes.
Projected Finish: Elite Eight, but with upset potential
Must-Watch Players
Lathan Sommerville (Christ Lutheran) – The Most Dominant Player in the Tournament
-- 6'7", 230 lbs, averaging 29 PPG, 15 RPG, 5 BPG
-- LSA Player of the Year
-- Controls the game on both ends
Conor McCaffrey (O.S. Springfield) – The Floor General
-- LSA All-Time Assists Leader
-- Averaging 26 PPG, 10 APG, 9 RPG
-- The best pure passer in the LNBAA
Jace Easley (O.S. Springfield) -- Two-Way Jail
-- LSA All-Time Leading Scorer
-- Averaging 27 PPG, 11 RPG, 5 APG, 2 SPG
-- The Best Pure Scorer in the LSA
Jordan Carter (St. Paul’s) – The Best Two-Way Guard
-- Averaging 22 PPG, 6 APG, 3 SPG
-- Elite three-point shooter and lockdown defender
**Tournament Prediction: Who Cuts Down the Nets?
The LBAA National Tournament is unpredictable, but if everything goes according to plan, these are the most likely outcomes:
🏆 Championship Matchup Prediction: St. Paul’s vs. Christ Lutheran
🔥 Dark Horses: O.S. Springfield, Faith Lutheran
👀 Upset Alert: O.S. Springfield could shock the field again
Final Prediction: St. Paul’s defeats Christ Lutheran in the National Championship, 71-66.