Vote for best high school mascot in America, Round 1: Lincoln Fighting Zebras vs. Avon Old Farms Winged Beavers

Lincoln (California) is the 6 seed and Avon Old Farms (Connecticut) is the 11 seed in the Midwest region

The bracket is set for SBLive Sports' 2024 NCAA Tournament-style contest to determine the best high school mascot in America, and Round 1 is underway.

Vote below for the No. 6-seeded Lincoln Fighting Zebras (California) or the No. 11-seeded Avon Old Farms Winged Beavers (Connecticut) to advance to the second round, where the winner will face either the Compton Tarbabes (California) or Roosevelt Teddies (Minnesota).

The Fighting Zebras earned a 6 seed by tallying 377 votes in last fall's California contest, while the Winged Beavers won Connecticut with 12 votes to earn an 11 seed.

Follow along: National Mascot Tournament 2024 Bracket

Voting for this matchup will conclude Wednesday, March 20, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern time.

6. Lincoln Fighting Zebras (California)

No, zebras aren’t roaming around the Sacramento suburb of Lincoln. The name came 100 years ago courtesy of the school's student paper, which pointed out the zebra-like appearance of the basketball players in their striped warm-up suits.

11. Avon Old Farms Winged Beavers (Connecticut)

The school’s founder, Theodate Pope Riddle, chose the Winged Beaver as the school’s mascot to reflect the school’s motto, Aspirando et Perseverando, aspiring and persevering. The wings of aspiration represent the soaring flight of an eagle, and perseverance is symbolized in the diligence of a beaver.

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-- Mike Swanson | swanson@scorebooklive.com | @sblivesports