One of the many reasons people love March Madness is because of the double-digit seeds that go on these Cinderella runs. Every year, there is at least one double-digit seed that scores a huge upset in the first round of the tournament. Throughout history, especially recently, there have been some deep runs and big-time upsets.
2006 George Mason Patriots
In 2006, the George Mason Patriots were an #11 seed that defeated some historic blue bloods and top seeds. The teams they defeated include #6 Michigan State Spartans, #3 UNC Tar Heels, #7 Wichita State Shockers, and #1 UConn Huskies. However, they were ultimately defeated by the Florida Gators in the Final Four.
2008 Davidson Wildcats
Future superstar and Hall-of-Fame point guard Stephen Curry had his shining moments for the Wildcats, where they went on a deep run. They defeated the #7 Gonzaga Bulldogs, the #2 Georgetown Hoyas, and the #3 Wisconsin Badgers. However, they ultimately were defeated in the Elite Eight by the one-seeded Kansas Jayhawks.
2011 VCU Rams
In 2011, the Virginia Commonwealth Rams had quite the miraculous run. Similarly to the Patriots, they went to the Final Four, taking out the USC Trojans, the Hoyas, the Purdue Boilermakers, and the Florida State Seminoles. In addition, they beat the #1 seed, Kansas, before losing to the Butler Bulldogs in the Final Four.
2013 Florida Gulf Coast University
One of the most fun and true deep Cinderella teams was the Florida Gulf Coast Eagles. Nicknamed “Dunk City” for their ferocious, athletic dunks by multiple players on the team, they were the first 15-seed to reach the Sweet 16 in tournament history. Also, the Eagles made it to the tournament in their second year of eligibility. They defeated the #2 seed Hoyas as well as the San Diego State Aztecs before losing to the Florida Gators.
2018 Loyola Chicago
The 2018 Loyola Chicago Ramblers were one of the most universally cheered for Cinderella stories. The love for Sister Jean being at every game made the historic run that much more entertaining.
The Ramblers took down the Miami Hurricanes, Tennessee Volunteers, Nevada Wolfpack, and Kansas State Wildcats. Eventually, their luck ran out as they lost to the Michigan Wolverines in the Final Four. In that tournament, the #16 seed UMBC also defeated the Virginia Cavaliers.
2022 Saint Peter’s Peacocks
The most recent and deep Cinderella story is none other than the 2022 Saint Peter’s Peacocks. They finished 19-11 in the MAAC but went on a seven-game winning streak, including a conference title. They defeated the #2 seed, the Kentucky Wildcats, the Murray State Racers, and the Purdue Boilermakers. However, their deep run ended against the North Carolina Tar Heels in the Elite Eight.
Who Is It This Year?
This year, there are a few options for who this year’s Cinderella team could be. Look no further than the #12 seed High Point Panthers. They are the third-best offensive team in the country, averaging 90 points per game.
For anyone who read my last article, veteran experience is crucial for this tournament, and the Panthers are loaded with it. Their three best players, Terry Anderson, Rob Martin, and Cam’Ron Fletcher, are all seniors. In fact, Fletcher is a sixth-year senior who has previously played for the Kentucky Wildcats, Florida State Seminoles, and Xavier Musketeers, facing tough competition.
The Panthers trio combines for an average of 34 points per game, with Anderson and Fletcher averaging six rebounds as well. The Panthers also have eight players averaging at least a steal per game as well.
Cinderella Hero?
Some of these Cinderella teams have heroes who have their shining moments where they go off in the tournament. For High Point, it could be none other than Chase Johnston.
Johnston is only averaging six points per game. However, he is shooting a whopping 48.5% from three and also has experience with six years of collegiate playing experience. He is shooting 64-132 from three this season and just 0-4 from the two-point range.
Johnston has a very similar play style to former NCAA Tournament sharpshooter Jack Gohlke. Gohlke played in the 2023-2024 season for Oakland, where, in the two Tournament games, he only shot three-pointers, making them at a combined 37.6%. In their upset win against Kentucky, he shot 10-20 from three.
Do not be surprised if the High Point Panthers pull off the unthinkable and beat the Wisconsin Badgers. They have the potential to also go on a deep run.
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