Anthem North Valley Christian Academy will get a chance to avenge last year’s championship loss right at the start.

The Lions (15-1) open the 1A boys basketball tournament Friday as the top seed and will face No. 16 Fort Thomas at NVCA’s gym.

The Arizona Interscholastic Association released the 16-team 1A bracket on Wednesday.

“It certainly is an interesting bracket and there are motivating factors for each team,” NVCA coach Randy Walker said.

His team has won 15 in a row since opening the season with a one-point loss against defending 2A champion Scottsdale Rancho Solano Prep.

Fort Thomas is only 4-12, losing most of last year’s top players. It is coming off a 102-76 loss Tuesday to Kearny Ray, which is seeded No. 5.

North Valley Christian is led by guards Josh Walker and Braeden Roberts.

“Our focus is on Fort Thomas and preparing for them,” Randy Walker said. “Strong tradition and ironic that we play them in the first round.

“They certainly took it to us last year in the state championship game. New year and different teams. Most important game of the year is the one in front of us.”

Here is the first-round schedule:

No. 16 Fort Thomas at No 1 North Valley Christian Christian, Friday, 7 p.m.

No. 9 Duncan and No. 8 Williams, Friday, 7 p.m.

No. 12 Basis Flagstaff at No. 5 Kearny Ray, Friday, 7 p.m.

No. 13 Joseph City at No. 4 St. David, Friday, 7 p.m.

No. 14 Patagonia at No. 3 Leading Edge-Gilbert, Friday, 7 p.m.

No. 11 The Gregory School vs. No. 6 El Capitan, at Page, Friday, 7 p.m.

No. 10 Heber Mogollon at No. 7 Scottsdale Cicero Prep, Friday, 7 p.m.

No. 15 Anthem Prep at No. 2 Mohave Accelerated, Friday, 7 p..

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