The Throne 2025
Zhen Craft leads favorite Bishop McNamara into The Throne competition.
It really does not count for high school but… does it!?
March 25, 2025
For girls, this is the second edition (last year won by Hebron Christian out of Georgia) of The Throne which has teams composed only of players attending the same school. In one sense, this makes it a high school team tournament. However, the event is not sanctioned by the state associations of the participating schools, thus putting the event just on the side of club basketball. Several of the teams will be coached by their actual high school coach while others will not. Putting this together with the fact all or almost all teams will be wearing “Throne” jerseys further pushes the event into the realm of club basketball.
On the other hand, the event could be viewed as providing late-season evidence for those doing high school “power rankings.” With teams playing not only for glory but a $10,000 donation to their school’s athletic fund, participating school administrators and athletic directors will be rooting hard for a championship and that hefty donation!
The Throne will be held March 27-29 at the American Dream in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The event is the result of the combined efforts of the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) and Gold Level Sports and Entertainment (GLSE).
With a single elimination format, all eight teams play on March 27; semifinals are March 28 and the final March 29. Games will be broadcast LIVE on one or more of NBA TV, NBA YouTube, and the NBA App according to information online.
The event does have interesting “what if” matchups. All but Christ the King and Palm Bay are ranked nationally in one or more polls. Let us dive into the matchups and make what by next Sunday might look brilliant or laughable predictions.
First Round (March 27)
Morris Catholic Crusaders (NJ) vs Christ the King Lady Royals (NY)
This pits the undefeated Pauldo twins (Tennessee commits) vs Olivia Vukosa, the best junior in New York State. Unfortunately, New Jersey which previously allowed what amounted to Chipotle [different name then] participation has decided not to for this season. Thus, Morris Catholic cannot prove it belongs higher in polls other than MaxPreps (which has them #1). Christ the King may be worthy of top 25 ranking to start next year as its three top players (including Vukosa) are back. This event marks the end of the high school careers of the Pauldo twins who have taken their school to the top of New Jersey high school basketball and national prominence. Taking the likely superior guard play… Pick: Morris Catholic
Olivia Vukosa will have to carry a heavy load for Christ the King - but what else is new?
Sidwell Friends Quakers (DC) vs Princess Anne Cavs (VA)
This puts Sidwell’s dynamic junior tandem of Autumn Fleary and Jordyn Jackson versus Princess Anne’s super sophomore Micah Ojo who plays all over the court. Both teams won a state title with essentially underclass teams. There is significant uncertainty here as Sidwell Coach Tamika Dudley is leaving Sidwell to start the new St. James Academy program in northern Virginia. With uncertainty can come less focused play. For Princess Anne, a fully loaded/focused Sidwell represents a major step up in quality for a team that has mostly crushed its opposition this year. It would be good for the sport if Princess Anne would take on a more challenging schedule next year as they will have a team worthy of pre-season national ranking. What Sidwell, with a new coach, will look like next year remains a question yet to be answered. Its stars may stay or transfer. As for this game, one has to hope both teams will come in fully focused. If so, two stars are better than one. In a fascinating matchup surrounded by uncertainty... Pick: Sidwell Friends
Fresh off of an impressive weekend at Stewie 30 Camp, Jordyn Jackson (with ball) will lead Sidwell Friends at The Throne.
Bishop McNamara Lady Mustangs (MD) vs Palm Bay Pirates (FL)
One-loss Bishop McNamara closed its season going undefeated in the always difficult WCAC and then winning the unofficial Maryland private school championship with a deep squad led by Georgia commit Zhen Craft. Bishop McNamara decided to play in The Throne rather than accept a Chipotle Nationals invitation where they could have challenged Monteverde on court for the mystical national title. To date, B Mc has a slightly higher MaxPreps SOS resume, but two Montverde wins at Chipotle could change that. Palm Bay finished as the Florida 4A champions led by McDonald’s All American (Tennessee commit) Jaida Civil. Having seen both teams live, with too many soldiers, it should be Lady Mustangs by double digits... Pick: Bishop McNamara
Mater Dei Lady Monarchs (CA) vs Bishop Ireton Cardinals (VA)
Mater Dei comes in off a strong run to what amounts to the quarterfinals of California’s Open Division sporting a dynamic pair of wing scorers in McDonald’s All-American Iowa commit Addison Deal and junior Kaeli Wynn. The two big questions facing Mater Dei is how they will physically play after flying across the country and how close to 100% will Kaeli Wynn be coming off injury. Bishop Ireton comes in off a Virginia Division 1 private school championship led by McDonald’s All-American (North Carolina commit) Nyla Brooks and Boston College commit Amirah Anderson. Both teams have a McDonald’s All-American supposedly playing [the McDonald’s game is in Brooklyn]. I am told McDonald’s practices start Saturday so where are these two stars going to be mentally? Assuming all hands on deck and minds focused, one has to lean in a competitive contest to the team that has been the most consistent this year. Thus, again surrounded by uncertainty be it a different kind…Pick: Mater Dei
Semifinals (assuming the above)
Morris Catholic vs Sidwell Friends
Assuming both get here, it will be a battle of tremendous guard play with production in the post being less certain. Having faced tougher competition, if focused… Pick: Sidwell Friends
Bishop McNamara vs Mater Dei
For Bishop McNamara, this is a grudge match having lost to Mater Dei 53-49 at NIKE TOC before Christmas. I do not think the B Mc staff would want to see a talented Bishop Ireton for a fourth time. Again, how healthy will Mater Dei be? In a competitive contest… Pick: Bishop McNamara
Final: Sidwell Friends vs Bishop McNamara
I do not see Christ the King (too young) or Palm Bay (would need to put everything together as not seen this season) winning this event. I would not bet my house against any of the other six teams. All six appear in one or more national ranking. And after the finish, although unofficial, will any of the national polls be swayed by the results of The Throne?
Above having been said and assuming both teams make it here with all hands on deck, this is the game all of Metro DC would have liked to be seen officially played. With more soldiers in the stable in a close contest for a trophy and $10,000 … Pick: Bishop McNamara