Division I boys basketball could have a two different five-way ties

With an almost-full slate of games Friday night, seeding - and the final playoff spot - in Division I boys basketball will come right down to the wire.

Depending on the results of the final games, it's possible - although not likely - that there could be two different scenarios where there is a five-way tie at the bottom of the standings.

The first scenario would require Bishop Guertin and Manchester Memorial to lose Friday, to Bedford and Merrimack respectively, and drop to 8-10 on the year. Nashua South (over Keene), Salem (over Dover) and Pinkerton (over Exeter) would all have to win and move up to 8-10, and by doing so, eliminate Alvirne and Manchester Central.

If that happened, Bishop Guertin would end up with the ninth seed, because it has a better rating in head-to-head matchups of the five teams. Memorial would then get the 10th seed, then South would be 11th, Salem would be 12th and Pinkerton would be 13th, all based on rating in head-to-head matchups.

Another possible scenario for a five-way tie would require South, Salem and Pinkerton to lose, and for Central to beat Winnacunnet. Those four teams, plus Alvirne, would all be 7-11, and tied for the final three playoff spots.

If that were to happen, Alvirne would win the five-way tiebreaker thanks to a better rating in head-to-head matchups and would be the 11th seed. Central would then get the 12th seed, as it has a better rating in head-to-head matchups, and South would finish 13th, with Salem and Pinkerton on the outside.

Playoff scenarios

• Alvirne (7-11): Regular season is done. Holds head-to-head tiebreaker with South, Central and Pinkerton. Is eliminated by wins by South and Pinkerton.
• Manchester Central (6-11): Needs a win vs. Winnacunnet on Friday. Holds head-to-head tiebreaker with South and Salem. Is eliminated with a loss.
• Nashua South (7-10): Is in with a win at Keene on Friday. Holds head-to-head tiebreaker with Pinkerton and Salem. If South loses to Keene, would need losses by two of Central, Pinkerton or Salem to get in.
• Pinkerton (7-10): Is in with a win vs. Exeter on Friday. Holds head-to-head tiebreaker with Central. Is eliminated with a loss.
• Salem (7-10): Is in with a win vs. Dover on Friday. Holds head-to-head tiebreaker with Alvirne and Pinkerton. If Salem losses to Dover, would need losses by Central and South to get in.