NCS Kentucky March Madness Invitational

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March 28-29, 2026 - Lexington, KY

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NCS March Madness is Kentucky’s premier 13U invitational tournament, engineered to deliver competitive, meaningful games alongside a true championship atmosphere for players, coaches and families. 

Unlike open-format tournaments, NCS March Madness features a 16-team field in one division. Teams will compete on Saturday in four regional round robins, with each team guaranteed three games against the other three teams in its region. The top two teams from each region will punch its ticket to the tournament’s “Elite Eight,” which returns to a centralized site in Lexington on Championship Sunday.

NCS March Madness is designed for programs searching for a stronger competitive experience compared to a typical weekend event in March. Similar to “Feast Week” in college basketball, the tournament offers early-season, highly competitive reps to athletes before they begin the grind of their school and summer schedules.

Every Saturday game matters, every region produces two qualifiers, and Sunday is reserved for the Elite Eight that earn their place in the bracket.

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THE FORMAT

• 16 teams
• One division
• Four regional round-robins
• 3-game guarantee against all region opponents
• Region champions and runners-up advance to bracket play.
• One tournament champion

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THE DETAILS

• Division: 13U AAA/Major
• Location: Lexington, KY area (exact locations TBA)
• Entry Fee: $595
• Deposit: $200 required to secure tournament entry
• Schedule Request Deadline: March 20
  • Requests will be considered, not guaranteed.

• Entry Deadline: March 20
• Final Payment Due: March 21

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THE EXPERIENCE

• Region Champion, Runners-Up recognized on Saturday
• Elite Eight Championship Sunday
• 1 of 1 NCS Kentucky March Madness Invitational Trophy
• Individual MVPs for each region recognized (determined by coaches’ vote)
• Tournament MVP recognized (determined by coaches’ vote)
• Outstanding Coaching Staff recognized (determined by coaches, umpires, staff vote)
• Customized awards package including trophy, rings, banners, belts, plaques, and more.
• LIVE, comprehensive social media coverage across all four regions and throughout Championship Sunday.

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THE DIRECTOR’S NOTES

• Registration without a deposit does not guarantee a spot in the field of 16. A $200, non-refundable deposit is required to officially secure program entry.
  • Deposits will be refunded if, and only if, the event is postponed or cancelled entirely before the event’s first pitch is thrown.
• Only 16 teams will be invited to play and granted registration.
• Additional event details, schedules, and updates will be shared as the tournament approaches.