As the end of the regular season approaches, we receive numerous questions regarding seeding for the State Tournament, as well as All State and Showcase team selections. There are many misconceptions that exist regarding the above and AHAI’s role. The following is a synopsis of the process in place.
State Tournament Seeding
Each year every High School Club is provided an information packet which contains all information necessary to apply and/or register for the State Tournament online. In this application/registration packet teams are provided information in regards to seeding for the State Tournament. The system in place provides for coaches from each team to vote and/or seed each team. In the information packet provided, it is recommended that each coach seed and/or rank other teams that coach’s team has played, or that he or she has seen play. Each coach’s ranking and/or seeding is inputted into the computer program, which then provides an average ranking and/or seeding for each team. The highest average ranked team is then seeded number one, with the remaining teams following in descending order. The seeding and/or ranking of teams for the State Tournament is done solely based upon the coaches’ vote. The only role that AHAI plays in the seeding and/or ranking process is the accumulation of the data necessary to rank the teams.
Thus, it is important that each coach vote and/or rank teams participating in the High School State Tournament. In the past, there have been many teams/coaches who have not submitted a vote or ranking. While this may not have had any effect on the ultimate rankings and/or seeds, it is still best for each Club’s coach to participate in this process.
All State
As with the rankings/seeds above, All State voting is done solely by the coaches, as part of the application/registration process for the State Tournament. Each coach has the ability to vote for players to be chosen as All State. Those players with the highest number of votes (average) are named to the All State team and participate in the All State game. There are two All State teams selected to participate in the All State game. Currently there are 12 Forwards, 6 defensemen and 2 goalies chosen for each team, and their selection is based solely upon the coaches’ vote.
Showcase Team
AHAI also selects a team to participate in the National High School Showcase Tournament. All juniors and seniors in high school are eligible to participate in the Showcase event. One hundred and twenty (120) players (72 forwards, 36 defensemen and 12 goalies) are chosen to participate in the try-outs for the Showcase Tournament. These 120 players are chosen (as with All State selections) solely by coaches’ vote. Again, the coach of each High School Club has the ability to vote for those players they believe are worthy to participate in the Showcase try-out. Based upon the voting, the top 120 players are chosen for the try-out.
Try-outs for the Showcase Tournament team are open to the public. All coaches are requested and encouraged to attend the try-out process. Each coach who attends the try-out process is provided an evaluation packet to complete and submit to the Showcase coaches. Ultimately, the final roster for the Showcase team is selected by the Showcase coaches (with approval from AHAI).
Categories: AHAI, High School