In only its second year of existence, the Steel City Invitational has reached the top as one of the best high school basketball tournaments in the state of Alabama. Last year, the majority of the teams in the inaugural field advanced to Birmingham to the Final 48, and we can expect the same from this year. With three defending state champions taking the court at Samford University this weekend, this year's event looks to be even better than last year.

Here are some things to look for heading into the weekend:

1.) Can Parker repeat as Steel City champs?

Last year, Parker's great run towards a state championship began at the Steel City Invitational, as they took home the rim (literally). Now, they look to defend their trophy, as well as prove they are still one of the best teams in the state. None of this field is easy, but the Thundering Herd is matched with a tough opponent in Cullman.

2.) What will Lawson Schaffer do for an encore?

Last year in regionals at Wallace State Community College, Cullman guard Lawson Schaffer had a warrior-like performance against Parker, who would go on to win the state championship. His final stat-line was 25 points, seven assists, and four steals. This year, he and the Bearcats look to avenge their loss to Parker in what may be the most intriguing game of the first round of the Steel City Invitational.

3.) Will Bessemer City put themselves in the talk of Alabama's best?

Bessemer City stormed to the Final 4 last year as somewhat of an unknown Cinderella story for some fans. With a group of young, talented guards, they look to prove they are one of Alabama's best high school basketball teams this year. Going deep in this tournament would no longer make them an unknown to the casual fan. Behind All-State selection Micah Fuller, the Tigers will face-off against one of Huntsville's best teams, J.O. Johnson, lead by John Petty and Justin Hopkins.

4.) Who wins the matchup of state champions?

The Midfield-Mountain Brook matchup is definitely the can't-miss game for this event. Both schools are reigning state champions in their respective classifications and they have cemented themselves as two of the state's best programs. However, there is some silver-lining here. Mountain Brook guard Tawarren Grant, who is currently suspended from play, is a former player at Midfield. He is known for his buzzer-beater three-pointer that won Midfield a state championship over then-favorite Butler.

5.) How good is Tuscaloosa County?

Tuscaloosa County is led by a couple of Division-I players. Cletrell Pope and Justice Green are headed to Murray State, and Justin Guy isn't a bad player, either. But how good are they? For some reason, they are a mystery heading into this tournament, but I believe they could easily be the lone team standing when all is said and done.

6.) Which players distance themselves from the rest?

There is plenty of talent in all of these games, but who will stand out from the rest? The easy answer is Alabama-signee Dazon Ingram, a combo guard from Theodore High School. But other players will be gunning for the spotlight, too.

Here are my players to watch individually: Austin Cherry and Dylan Smith (Hoover), Lawson Schaffer, Brontae Harris, and Seth Swalve (Cullman), Hasan Abdullah (Navy), Micah Fuller (Bessemer City), Justin Hopkins and John Petty (Johnson), Justin Guy, Justice Green, and Cletrell Pope (Tuscaloosa County), Jaquez Johnson (Grissom), Josh Hill (Faith Academy), and Jack Kline (Mountain Brook).

The road to the Final 48 and a state championship begins at the Steel City Invitational. Who will rise to the occasion and prove themselves as one of the state's best teams? The journey starts here. Good luck.

Day 1 Schedule (Friday):

2:30 p.m. – 7A No. 10 Hoover vs. 4A Bibb County (Seibert Hall)

3:30 p.m. – 5A No. 5 Parker vs. 6A Cullman (Pete Hanna Center)

4:00 p.m. – 5A No. 1 Ramsay vs. 6A No. 6 Clay-Chalkville (Seibert Hall)

5:00 p.m. – 6A No. 5 Bessemer City vs. 5A No. 3 J.O. Johnson (Pete Hanna Center)

5:30 p.m. – 7A Tuscaloosa County vs. 7A No. 9 Grissom (Seibert Hall)

6:30 p.m. – 7A No. 4 Theodore vs. 5A Fairfield (Pete Hanna Center)

7:00 p.m. – 5A No. 2 Faith Academy vs. 5A Wenonah (Seibert Hall)

8:00 p.m. – 7A No. 1 Mountain Brook vs. 3A No. 1 Midfield (Pete Hanna Center)