These MA Locals Are Still Dancing In March Madness 2024

MASSACHUSETTS — The first weekend of the 2024 men's NCAA Tournament was packed with action, including for those players hailing from Massachusetts.

However, 75 percent of the locals who went dancing in this year's edition of March Madness have already been sent packing, leaving only three representatives from Massachusetts remaining.

That 75 percent includes Kansas Jayhawk and Braintree native Nicolas Timberlake, who was a part of one of the more controversial plays of the tournament thus far when a foul called on a late-game dunk attempt thwarted a Samford comeback, though it appeared on replay that there was no foul on the play.

Though a bulk of the local hoopers have been eliminated from championship contention, there is still hope for a trio of Bay State representatives.

Here's who's left, and when you can catch their next games:

Alex Karaban, Connecticut

Southborough, Mass.

• Next game: Vs. San Diego State, Thursday, 7:39 p.m.

Alex Karaban makes a return to this March Madness rundown for the second year after a freshman year averaging nearly 10 points and over four rebounds a game for the National Champion Huskies.

In 2023-2024 he's now averaging nearly 14 points and five rebounds a game for a UConn team many expect to make the Final Four and possibly repeat as champions.

Karaban didn’t spend all that much time in Massachusetts during his high school career, but did stay in New England.

He began his prep career at Algonquin Regional High before moving on to New Hampton School in New Hampton, New Hampshire, where he was named the state’s Gatorade Player of the Year. He finished his prep years at Florida’s IMG Academy.

TJ Power, Duke

Shrewsbury, Mass.

• Next game: Vs. Houston, Friday, 7:39 p.m.

Locals have a reason to root for the team college basketball fans love to hate. Power was a major recruit during his senior year, ranking 16th nationally while at Worcester Academy.

His seven minutes a game aren't major for the national powerhouse, but he has provided shooting off the bench throughout the year, raining in 36 percent of his attempts from behind the arc.

Power was the Massachusetts Gatorade Player of the Year in 2021-2022 and was a five-star recruit coming out of high school.

Tre Norman, Marquette

Boston, Mass.

Next game: Vs. North Carolina State, Friday, 7:09 p.m.

Another Worcester Academy product, Norman was a consistent contributor for the Golden Eagles, especially down the stretch in Big East play.

Norman was part of the NEPSAC Class AA championship team at Worcester Academy along with Power, going for 19.3 points and 7.5 rebounds during that season.