The annual tournament, March Madness, begins the week of Tuesday, March 13. There are three in-state Division 1 schools close to De Soto High School, and they are all projected to make the tournament.

After winning the Big 12 conference, the University of Kansas, located about 20 miles west of DHS, is predicted to have a No. 1 seed.

Junior Bailey Ramsdell is a KU fan and is hoping to see many wins from the team.

“I have been a KU fan since I was born, and I always have them win the tournament on my bracket,” Ramsdell said.

The next closest is Kansas State University is a little shorter than two hours from DHS and is also projected to make the tournament.

Junior Drayvhen Moore is a K-State fan and is excited to cheer them on in the tournament.

“I have been a fan since I was 7,and I love the environment there,” Moore said. “And yes, if I have the chance, I will be watching the games.”

The furthest, Wichita State University, is about two and a half hours away and they got second in their conference.

Freshman Nate Barnhart will be cheering them on in the tournament.

“My mom played volleyball there so I have been a big fan since I was young,” Barnhart said. “We try and get down there as much as possible to watch.”

The selection show will be held on Sunday, March 11 to formally say who is in the tournament and where games will be played. Wichita will host first and second round games. The Midwest region will be played in Omaha at the CenturyLink Center.