As March arrives, college basketball fans across the country are preparing for one of the most exciting events in sports: the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament. The 2026 edition of March Madness is set to begin soon, and anticipation is building as 68 teams battle for a chance at the national championship.
March Madness is known for its unpredictable nature; every game matters in this single-elimination tournament, as one bad performance can end a team’s season instantly. That pressure is what makes the tournament so thrilling for players and fans alike. This year’s bracket features several strong contenders who have dominated throughout the regular season. Top-seeded teams enter the tournament with momentum, strong defenses, and experienced leadership that could help them make deep runs toward the Final Four. However, history shows that high seeds are never guaranteed success in March Madness. Lower-seeded teams often bring energy and confidence into the tournament.
One of the most exciting parts of March Madness is the opening rounds. During the first weekend of the tournament, dozens of games are played across the country, creating nonstop action. Fans fill out brackets predicting winners, hoping to correctly guess the teams that will advance through each round. Upsets during this stage often completely change the outlook of the tournament.
Students at HVHS are very excited about the upcoming round. “Tech’s been on and off recently, but hopefully they figure it out going into the tournament. I want them to go far on my bracket as a tech fan, but they usually don’t play well against good teams”, said Riley James (12).
Steele Torrence (12) is also very eager to complete his bracket. “The last couple years my friend group and I always compete to see whose bracket ends up the best, this year I’m just looking to keep my win streak alive” he said.
With the tournament about to tip off, excitement is building among basketball fans everywhere. As the 2026 tournament begins, one thing is certain: March Madness is ready to deliver another unforgettable chapter in college basketball history.







































