Data science is a (literal) game changer.
The world of sports runs on data. From players to coaches to front offices, teams use data science to test ideas, build models, and make smarter decisions. Through Nextech’s Stats Showdown, we give Indiana students that same opportunity to think critically, solve problems, and collaborate using real-world data.
Data Science Bracket Competition
In the Nextech Stats Showdown, middle and high school students use real NCAA Men’s and Women’s Tournament data to build algorithms that predict which teams will win the most games during March Madness. Working in teams, students analyze patterns, test their ideas, and apply data science concepts to make their predictions.
The teams whose algorithms most accurately predict tournament outcomes will rise to the top and earn the title of Nextech Stats Showdown Champion!
Quick Pick Data Challenge
The Quick Pick Data Challenge is a modified version of the Nextech Stats Showdown Data Science Bracket Competition built for K-8 teachers and their students to participate in a fun, real-world data science competition.
This pared-down competition strips away extra data to focus on easy-to-understand data cards about each team. Student groups will analyze the data cards for patterns about what makes a basketball team do well. Then, they will ask, “What 4 teams in the NCAA Men’s Tournament do you think will make it to the Final Four once there are only 16 teams left?”
Stats Showdown Champions
Quick Pick Data Challenge
Early Elementary School (K-2) Division: Student Group “2nd Wiley Whole” from Ann Pruitt’s class at Fillmore Elementary School
Elementary School (3-5) Division: Student Group “Table 3” from Ryan Mitchell’s class at Fred J Hums Elementary School
Middle School Divsion: Student Group “anderadigus” from Jennifer Froman’s class at Hamilton Heights Middle School
NCAA Men’s Data Science Bracket Competition
High School: Student Group “Team Men” from Will Davis’s class at Castle High School
Middle School: Student Group “Midwest Maniacs” from Jennifer Froman’s class at Hamilton Heights Middle School
Teacher Algorithm: Brigham French won the teacher algorithm category!
NCAA Women’s Data Science Bracket Competition
High School: Student Group “Skibidi Sigma 67” from Ben Buelher’s class at Yorktown High School
Teacher Algorithm: Brigham French won the teacher algorithm category!
Stats Showdown Champions
Quick Pick 2026
Quick Pick Data Challenge
Early Elementary School (K-2) Division: Student Group “2nd Wiley Whole” from Ann Pruitt’s class at Fillmore Elementary School
Elementary School (3-5) Division: Student Group “Table 3” from Ryan Mitchell’s class at Fred J Hums Elementary School
Middle School Divsion: Student Group “anderadigus” from Jennifer Froman’s class at Hamilton Heights Middle School
Men's Bracket 2026
NCAA Men’s Data Science Bracket Competition
High School: Student Group “Team Men” from Will Davis’s class at Castle High School
Middle School: Student Group “Midwest Maniacs” from Jennifer Froman’s class at Hamilton Heights Middle School
Teacher Algorithm: Brigham French won the teacher algorithm category!
Women's Bracket 2026
NCAA Women’s Data Science Bracket Competition
High School: Student Group “Skibidi Sigma 67” from Ben Buelher’s class at Yorktown High School
Teacher Algorithm: Brigham French won the teacher algorithm category!
The Stats Showdown was a great way to get kids thinking about what factors in data can be predictive towards results. It was really engaging for students to have something current and aligned with their interests to practice data analysis with!
Carissa Domrase
Franklin Central High School
Stats Showdown is the ultimate must-do for Indiana's Computer Science students! Bringing a March Madness competition to students that integrates creating an algorithm, using statistics and the structure of a bracketed tournament together is not only fun but the best in applied learning. I was shocked by how many of my students didn't even understand how a bracket tournament works.
Meg Mauger
Jay County High School
The Stats Showdown is incredibly fun and engaging for my AP Statistics classes! I would suggest any math course to try and implement this into your curriculum if you have the time.
Will Davis
Castle High School