Linn-Mar girls in national-title simulation

MARION -- In reality, Linn-Mar was an undefeated state champion. In virtuality, the Lions got a tough draw nationally, and a first-round exit.

The Lions were a No. 16 seed in the Midwest Region of the Massey Virtual National Championship girls' basketball tournament. The simulated event began today, and Linn-Mar fell 48-43 to Indianapolis Ben Davis.

Led by fourth-team Parade all-American Kiah Stokes, Linn-Mar claimed the Class 4A state championship earlier this month and finished 26-0.

Using the same algorithm that powers the BCS National Championship, HighSchoolSports.net will simulate a virtual national tournament to determine the best boys' and girls' high school basketball teams in the land. The 64-team field consists of 50 state champions and 14 at-large teams.

The Lions had a pre-tournament ranking of 35, but still drew a No. 16 seed.

The national champion will be crowned on April 6 at 11 a.m. (Iowa time) at http://www.highschoolsports.net/masseychamps.  Trophy presentation will be made at the champion's school.

Linn-Mar qualified for the virtual tournament by having the highest Massey Rating of the four state champions from Iowa.

“I'm sure the results will lead to plenty of debate across the country in locker rooms and family rooms, just as the BCS rankings do in college,” said Jason Rine, content manager at HighSchoolSports.net, who championed the virtual tournament. “I can't wait to hear the response for a simulated basketball tournament since our virtual football tournament was a huge success in January.”

Ames' boys are a No. 1 seed in the Midwest Region of the

boys' simulated tournament.