Southern Assault

The 17U didn’t have an ideal showing, going 1-3 last weekend but the silver lining was the play from 2025 D.J. Hall. A player that I have received numerous calls from, from various collegiate levels. Hall averaged 14.7 ppg and 7.2 rpg a game and Hall just showed his versatility offensively. A burly built forward standing at about 6'6-6'7, Hall is a skilled 4-man that can dribble, pass and shoot. Most of his damage is in the post, using advanced footwork, a large frame and plus length to generate space to score. An adequate mid-range shooter, high level passer from 15 feet in and as the games went on, he rebounded and started igniting breaks.

Players like him can be a challenge to evaluate. What is the right level for Hall? He doesn’t play above the rim and I do wish he was a little bit taller, but his feel and skill allows him to be very productive and players like him have been successful at the D1 level. I’ve said it in the past about other guys and I’ll say it again...He’s someone that, regardless if it's low, mid or high major D1, the program that values what he is and utilizes him right will get a stud.

16U

The 2026 group went 2-2 and two players stood out to me. Big man Davion Adkins and guard/wing Alex Barther. Adkins has freakish athleticism. Skies for blocks and dunks and one play, he snatched a shot with two hands and hit his head on the backboard. His effort, athleticism and touch with his hook shots, Adkins has emerged as a top 30-40 player in the country and can jump to 5-Star status at some point in his high school career. I think there’s a lot more to unlock from a face-up and overall skill facet as well.

Barther led the team in scoring as he shot it well in spot-ups from three, rebounded well due to 95 percent of his basketball career, he's played the post. Also liked when games got tight, he posted up smaller defenders and used height advantage. Another player that’s on the national scenes in the 2026 class.

Team Trae Young

The 17U group probably want to forget Omaha, but most importantly learn from what didn’t work. They went 0-4. I did think Jaylen Lawal showed he’s a no brainer D1 player and will garner a couple offers throughout the spring/summer. Four-star guard Carlsheon Young can score it in bunches. A very talented player that just didn’t get in a rhythm offensively that I'm accustomed to him being in. Damario Adams is a 6’7 wing-forward that holds an assortment of skills. An intriguing prospect that during the live periods, if Adams can string together a couple high level games, can see his stock skyrocket. Tough weekend for them but they’ll clean up the main areas of concern especially with lack of ball movement and questionable shot selection and I expect them to be better going forward.

16U

The 2026 squad ended with an even record of 2-2. Bryce Dixon is a wing prospect that exudes toughness. Gets to the rim on drives, rebounds in traffic, fights for the loose ball and improving his perimeter game. Defensively, Dixon takes charges, does a good job keeping the ball-handler in front and uses strength to push out taller guys that try to post him up. I think he has a good IQ for the game, and once his skill matches that and the motor, he’ll see himself in a different tier than he’s at currently.

The other prospect that stood out to me was Brandon Malone. A 6’6-6’7 forward that ran the floor hard, made trail threes and finished at the rim. His ability to stretch the floor allows him to mix it up and attack the rim from the top of the key because the defender is closing out harder on him. One to keep tabs of.

ASAK Elite

The 2025 group went 2-2 on the weekend. 2026 Bo Ogden played up and was very good. Shot it well from deep and I like that he can get his feet set quickly on the move and launch. His motor and effort to secure offensive rebounds or just keep the play alive stood out to me. A no-brainer top 75 level prospect nationally in my opinion and you can argue higher. 2025 Aiden Disu has a lot of potential. The first game in ASAK’s win vs MASS Rivals, he collected 16 points and 11 rebounds. A sturdy built wing that can score inside and out and guard multiple positions when locked in on that end. Rising senior Uzziyah Bunton was very solid as well. Managed the games well and scored when the opportunities were present. Sometimes his production goes beyond what the box-score stats say.

16U

This team also probably wants to forget Omaha as well. They were winless in the first session. Second half scoring droughts hurt them in close battles.

2026 Billy White is about 6’7 and shoots the cover off the ball. His size and confidence as a shooter allows him to make tough shots. A very dependable perimeter threat that doesn’t need much time to get his shot off. Will rise in the national top 150 before his high school career is over.

Silas Rodriguez was productive. Shot it well from three, can make shots off the dribble and uses angles very well when finishing vs traffic. Silas' feel for the game is a plus and as an off ball mover, he puts himself in advantageous opportunities to score the ball. One trait I do think about Silas that can go unnoticed is he has an edge about him that allows him to make his presence known in games.

One Time Legends

I didn’t get to evaluate their 16U club but I will at the next stop I’m at. The 2025 group went 2-2 and I liked how the team played together. Unsigned senior Jakeel Registe was good. Averaged 16 ppg and his blend of athleticism and shot creation stood out. He utilized jab steps to keep defenders honest before he launched and when he was near the rim, Registe finished with dunks but also showed off his hang-time and finished well around translatable length and size. The talent is there, he’s a D1 level prospect and the next 30-35 days will be big for him.

2025 Dasean Brodie has always intrigued me. A lefty with a good basketball frame, makes shots from deep and has a solid feel for rebounding the basketball. One to keep tabs throughout the summer and see where his recruitment goes.

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Approximately 65 of some of the finest home grown high school talent was in display in Phoenix for the USA Basketball Junior National Team Minicamp. For some camp veterans such as Koa Peat, a 2025 forward out of FAB 50 ranked Perry (Chandler, Ariz.), the experience is nothing new and it's the start of the process of competing at the FIBA 17U World Cup taking place June 29 through July 7 in Istanbul, Turkey. Expect Peat, a three time high school state champion, to be one of the team's leaders.

Today we wanted to highlight the players who made a favorable impression over the first two days by approaching the mini-camp playing the right way, under control and with pace. This is not about passing the look test, as some players look like they belong but have a long way to go in terms of their I.Q. and approach. The theme here is making a favorable impression by being coachable and not pressing or forcing the action.

Here's five participants who caught our eye in those departments and five more who impressed.

Davion Adkins, Oak Cliff Faith Family (Dallas), 6-8 2026 PF
We we first evaluated this well put together 16-year old forward at the Pangos All-South Frosh/Soph Camps, his motor and rim-running stood out, but he's added plenty to his game since then. Adkins had added solid post moves over both shoulders to compliment his vertical pop. He converted a couple of terrific left-handed half hooks and displayed nice touch around the basket. Adkins' pace and patience made a big difference and national scouts and some NBA personnel definitely came away impressed. Adkins plays for a winning high school program and is using the experience to learn how to adjust his offensive game playing against forwards of similar size and skill.

Devin Cleveland, Kenwood Academy (Chicago), 6-1 2027 PG
We counted 10 2027s in attendance and Cleveland was among the few that really turned heads in a class that has a long ways to go (and plenty of time) to develop. As a 15-year old, many of the older players and upperclassmen in attendance could learn a thing or two about place from Cleveland, who has a cool-under-fire disposition on and off the court. While many of the young guards were forcing the action and getting into trouble with the dribble, Cleveland has a good grasp of the stop-and-pop game and not taking it too deep into the paint to get caught in no man's land. Cleveland can cover ground with the dribble and displays a nice-pull up jumper. He can also finish under control around the rim with both hands and has a competitive drive that will pay off down the line. If he keeps developing at a normal pace, Cleveland has a bright future in the game.

Hudson Greer, Lake Travis (Texas), 6-6 2025 WF
This 17-year old is a well-known commodity on the high school and grassroots circuit and is making a splash at USA Basketball this weekend. Greer had some nagging injuries this past season for Lake Travis, and gutted them out well enough to earn district MVP honors. Already a two-time district MVP, Greer displayed a terrific all-around skill level and when his legs are bouncy and he's at 100 percent like he was here, it takes his game to a whole other level. Greer was knocking down shots at a high clip and finishing in traffic with authority. He also got behind the defense and used his stride to get out and finish before the defense could get set. Greer reminds us some of former Florida St. standout Bob Sura and his confidence and eagerness to get better really shined through on Saturday.

Jacob Lanier, Maumelle (Ark.), 6-5 2026 WF
This 17-year old prospect is just scratching the surface of his potential and coming out of his shell at this level. On the first day, Lanier turned heads and caught the attention of national scouts with his shot making ability off the dribble and his movement off-the-ball. On the second day, he was lauded for not losing his composure during stretches of out-of-control play by the lead guards on his team. Lanier moves without the ball well and can score in a variety of ways, with a better than average float game. He's also an instinctual defender who is learning how to become more vocal on the court and take more of an alpha role. His progression is noticeable and will pay off plenty this spring and summer.

Xavion Staton, Sierra Vista (Las Vegas) 6-11 2025 C
With a dearth of traditional big men in attendance, Staton stands out for many reasons, and even if there were more in attendance, he'd still stand out. That's because he's a quick learner, smart both on and off the court (excellent student) and has tremendous upside. In fact, scouts and NBA personnel were surprised to learn he's been playing the game for only a short period of time (less than four years). Staton grew up playing football until a 6-7 inch growth spirt during the COVID-19 Pandemic made him and his family realize the gridiron was likely not in his long-term future. With his defensive instinct and vertical pop and second jump ability, Staton has a bright future on the hardwood. The 17-year old was blocking shots at a high clip and there might not be a player in the country that alters more shots with his presence than Staton. Another plus is he doesn't do too much he's not capable of right now and quickly moves the ball when he doesn't have an advantage. Few players are getting more out of the USA Basketball experience than this Las Vegas big man who quickly has the interest of P5 schools around the country.

5 More That Impressed:

Mikel Brown Jr., Overtime Elite (Atlanta), 6-2 2025 PG
Not many guards here can rip a crossover into a pull-up, but Brown has a nice offensive arsenal with the ball.
Junior County, Utah Prep (Manti, Utah) 6-5 2026 SG
One of the best shooting strokes of any player in attendance.
Jaylen Mitchell, Reitz Memorial (Evansville, Ind.) 6-7 2027 WF
This 15-year old was making the right passes and displayed a nice shooting touch.
Chris Nwuli, Wasatch Academy (Mt. Pleasant, Utah) 6-8 SF
Las Vegas native has been up and down on the circuit the past two years, but deserves credit because his outside shot was on point on Saturday and he brought his usual energy and toughness to make winning plays.
Babatunde Oladotun, Blake (Silver Spring, Md.) 6-7 2027 SF
There is plenty to like about this 15-year old who knows how to play with the ball and sets grown man screens. He has a good offensive base, to boot.

Ronnie Flores is the national Grassroots editor of www.ebooksnet.com. He can be reached at?[email protected]. Don't forget to follow him on Twitter:?@RonMFlores

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RELATED: A Columbus Coronation At Section 7

Jase Butler, Branson (Ross, Calif.) CG 6-4 2024
As one college coach said, Butler has "changed his life" in the past week and the offers are starting to roll in since the conclusion of the Section 7 Team Camp at State Farm Arena in Arizona. Butler's offensive approach makes college coaches sleep a bit better at night because he doesn't do anything out of his element, takes what is there and does the little things that affect winning. Butler has broad shoulders and knows how to use contact with defenders to gain an advantage, is also unselfish and a quality passer. We've known about Butler's exploits for some time, but also wanted to shout out his teammate, Semetri Carr, a 2025 point guard. Our evaluations of Carr put him much too low in the Cal-Hi Sports Hot 100 rankings for the Class of 2025 prospects in California, but he'll be ranked accordingly in the next shuffle. He was terrific as well over the June Scholastic events of the past two weekends.

Jalin Holland, Los Lunas (N.M.) SG 6-4 2025
Section 7 is a perfect environment for a team like Los Lunas and a player like Holland who is not near a populated city or in a region known as a hoops hot bed. In a pretty equal playing field as the one Section 7 offers, it doesn't matter, as the creme rises to the top and Holland definitely is a talent. He ended Section 7 with a reported 32.5 ppg average and now has offers from seven schools, including Missouri, Washington St., and TCU. Holland (whose father is a NCAA ref) has a terrific frame to absorb contact and sees the court a step ahead of most of his defenders. He is good in ball screen situations, can change direction well (which is a very underrated skill), and shoots it well on the move. He'll be a hot commodity during the July evaluation period.

Jasir Rencher, Riordan (San Francisco, Calif.) SF 6-5 2025
The Crusaders have an abundance of talented prospects and were a team college coaches were eager to see after the team did not participate in California Live '23. Rencher was one whom did not disappoint, as he was scoring and rebounding at a high clip and playing well both off and on the ball as he improves his ball-handling. Rencher has high-major shot making ability and a nice pull-up jumper that he utilized well over the weekend. Rencher has a background as a multi-sport athlete and has a frame that stands out, especially since he can square up so well on his jumper. Some high majors are showing interest and he reports an offer from Minnesota.

Gavin Ripp, Archbishop Mitty (San Jose, Calif.) PF 6-7 2024
Winning certainly puts the spotlight on players and few took advantage as much at Section 7 as this do-it-all forward was able to. Ripp does a little bit of everything, and no particular facet of his game is a glaring weakness. He can handle it enough to use in a point forward situation and does a good job of converting around the basket while making plays for others. Ripp also had good touch on a variety of shots and is critical to the success of his Mitty team. He not only led Mitty to the NFHS Arizona Sports Commission division title, he also led his Monarchs team to a title in the Chevy Silverado Division at Cali Live in Southern California the weekend prior. His parents were terrific volleyball athletes and with his excellent 4.5 GPA, he'll be a perfect addition to a school with a high academic profile.

Jaden Steppe, Tualatin (Ore.) PF 6-7 2024
This powerfully built front court player is listed as a power forward, but his game is so much more than what a traditional player at that position does. He's a mismatch problem as a face-up four man who can step away from the basket and keep defenses honest with his perimeter shooting. Steppe can also push it off the glass and make good decisions, as well as score it in a variety of ways. In addition to his skill level, Steppe has good feel and hands and was credited with a monster performance against Campbell Hall (North Hollywood, Calif.), finishing with a reported 40 points, 10 rebounds and six assists. No wonder schools such as Montana State, UC Santa Barbara and Weber State have now offered.

More Stock-Risers
Aside from players already committed who played well at the event, the five previously mentioned above or in our event recap article, below is a list of players we evaluated at State Farm Arena who played better since our last eval and/or improved their recruiting stock with colleges of various levels (listed alphabetically by class).

2024s
Anthony Batson, Notre Dame Prep (Scottsdale, Ariz.) 6-3 SG
Donovan Beard, Dobson (Mesa, Ariz.) 6-0 PG
Jai Anthony Bearden, Sunnyslope (Phoenix, Ariz.) 6-6 PF
Kaia Berridge, Riordan (San Francisco, Calif.) 6-3 PG
Samuel Chaverin, Bishop O'Dowd (Oakland, Calif.) 6-3 SG
Tiger Cuff, American Fork (Utah), 6-4 PG
Makhan Diouf, Bella Vista Prep (Scottsdale, Ariz.) 6-11 2024
Dutch Dowdell, Olympus (Holladay, Utah) 6-4 CG
Tony Duckett, Carlsbad (Calif.) 6-3 SG
Cole Epperson, Jesuit (Carmichael, Calif.) 6-7 PF
Winters Grady, Tualatin (Ore.) PF 6-7
Trevor Henning, Mount Si (Snoqualmie, Wash.) 6-3 CG
Jaxon Johnson, Alta (Sandy, Utah) 6-7 SF
Brody Kozlowski, Corner Canyon (Draper, Utah) 6-7 SF
Kyle Lemke, Dixie (St. George, Utah) 6-8 PF
Austin Maurer, Cascade Christian (Medford, Ore.) 6-10 PF
Brycen Mackenzie, Santa Fe Christian (Solana Beach, Calif.) 6-2 PG
Darrell Morris, West Ranch (Valencia, Calif.) 5-10 PG
R.J. Nance, Centennial (Las Vegas, Nev.) 6-2 PG
Ring Nyeri, Liberty (Peoria, Ariz.) 6-8 PF
Devin Ringer, Redondo Union (Redondo Beach, Calif.) 6-4 SG
Luke Shaw, Valley Christian (Chandler, Ariz.) 6-2 CG
Braeden Speed, Brophy Prep (Phoenix, Ariz.) 6-3 CG
Gavin Sykes, Capital Christian (Sacramento, Calif.) 6-4 SG
Jordan Tillery, Oak Ridge (Orlando, Fla.) 6-6 SF
Tyler Thompson, Vanden (Travis AFB, Calif.) 6-4 WF
Sammie Yeanay, AZ Compass Prep (Chandler, Ariz.) 6-8 PF

2025s
Brandon Benjamin, Mater Dei (Santa Ana, Calif.) 6-5 SF
Semetri Carr, Branson (Ross, Calif.) 6-0 PG
Benny Fragela, Columbus (Miami, Fla.) 6-3 SG
Jake Hall, Carlsbad (Calif.) 6-3 SG
Nick Jefferson, Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas, Nev.) 6-1 CG
Doug Langford, St. Pius X-St. Matthias Academy (Downey, Calif.) 6-8 PF
Anthony Moore III, Lincoln (Stockton, Calif.) 6-5 SF
Mazi Mosley, Heritage Christian (Northridge, Calif.) 6-4 PG
Bryce Quinet, Notre Dame Prep (Scottsdale, Ariz.) 6-2 PG
C.J. Shaw, Mojave (Las Vegas, Nev.) 6-3 SG
Dillan Shaw, Heritage Christian (Northridge, Calif.) 6-5 SF
Michael Simcoe, Sandra Day O'Connor (Phoenix, Ariz.) 6-8 SF
Jalen Stokes, Dublin (Calif.) 6-4 SF
Kingston Tosi, Millennium (Phoenix, Ariz.) 6-6 PF
Jaylen Valdez, Capital Christian (Sacramento, Calif.) 6-0 PG
Owen Verna, Mater Dei (Santa Ana, Calif.) 6-3 SG

2026s
Christian Collins, St. Bernard (Playa del Rey, Calif.) 6-7 PF
Andrew Hillman, Riordan (San Francisco, Calif.) 6-3 SG
Chris Holland, Poly (Riverside, Calif.) 6-3 SG
Kaden House, Desert Mountain (Phoenix, Ariz.) 6-3 CG
Ty Ingram, San Ysidro (Calif.) 6-3 SG
Myles Jones, Modesto Christian (Calif.) 6-2 CG
Brayden Kyman, Santa Margarita (Rancho SM, Calif.) 6-5 SF
Mason Magee, Basha (Chandler, Ariz.) 6-0 PG
Julius Price, St. Joseph (Santa Maria, Calif.) 6-2 PG
Daylen Sharper, Brophy Prep (Phoenix, Ariz.) 6-4 PG
Cristian Simmons, Sunnyslope (Phoenix, Ariz.) 6-7 PF
Joe Sterling, Crespi (Encino, Calif.) 6-4 SG

Ronnie Flores is the national Grassroots editor of www.ebooksnet.com. He can be reached at?[email protected]. Don't forget to follow him on Twitter:?@RonMFlores

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Teams from the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference (WCAC) were among the first to test their wares against quality teams from around the country. DeMatha Catholic (Hyattsville, Md.) was nationally known in the 1970s for playing in high-level tournaments and other teams followed suit as rankings (both player and team) made high school basketball's best players and teams national commodities.

It's taken for granted that teams can travel the country to play in holiday events, but with reliable airline travel in peril during this holiday season, the out-of-area teams participating at the Torrey Pines Holiday Classic were more than grateful to make it and play four quality opponents. For FAB 50 No. 18 St. John's (Washington, D.C.), making it to Southern California, in particular scenic Del Mar, Calif., was a blessing and being able to showcase their fine team was a treat for local fans. The Cadets came to the event unbeaten and the long trip back to the nation's capital was made easier when St. John's came up with crucial defensive stops down the stretch to record a 71-65 National Division title game victory over local club St. Augustine (San Diego, Calif.), the best team from San Diego County.

The contest was in the balance with 1:21 to go with St. John's leading 63-60 when sophomore (2025) guard Pete Newman attempted a runner in the lane that was way off target. But St. John's forward Donnie Freeman grabbed the offensive rebound, and in one motion, banked the ball in while being fouled for a huge conventional 3-point play that he converted. On St. Augustine's next possession, the Cadets played great defense on the perimeter with Saints looking for a quality shot. Saints ended up with a tough 3-pointer and the ball went out of bounds on the rebound scrum.

That one possession summed up the Cadets' overall performance and their approach to the game: good team defense and big shots on the offensive end. The stat line of Freeman, a 6-foot-9 junior and one of the better 2024 forward prospects in the country, displayed his dominance and the difference in the game against a smaller club with equal firepower on the perimeter. Freeman finished with 18 points, 14 rebounds and a handful of crucial blocks when Saints offensive players drove the lane or grabbed an offensive rebound. He was named the Nick Herrmann National Division MVP.

"With the game on the line like that, I want to make winning plays," Freeman said. "It comes down to making winning plays."

Harvard-bound Malik Mack, a 6-foot-2 2023 point guard, added 19 points for a St. John's club that arrived in San Diego on Christmas Day. Six-foot-2 2024 guard Daquan Davis finished with 16 points. Davis was named all-tournament and was the leading scorer in the Cadets' four-games.

Jurian Dixon, a 6-foot-4 power guard and easily one of the best unsigned senior (2023) prospects on the West Coast, finished with 23 points for St. Augustine (12-3). Jaden Matingou, a 6-foot-2 2023 guard, added 14 points while Arizona Christian-bound 6-foot-5 forward Derrius Carter-Hollinger did the dirty work on the interior and finished with 13 points. Dixon and Carter-Hollinger were all-tourney selections for coach Mike Haupt's club.

St. John's coach Patrick Behan was glad to make the decision to leave a day early for the tournament and stated the hardest part of the trip out was convincing the Cadets' parents to leave on Christmas Day evening. The team's return trip will obviously be a bit smoother with a tournament title in tow, but the Cadets' work has just begun.

Not only do they play in traditionally the toughest conference in the country, which includes current FAB 50 No. 1 Paul VI (Fairfax, Va.), which has lost a game since our last rankings update on December 12, and 11-0 and No. 23 Gonzaga (Washington, D.C.), it is trying to keep its focus knowing its head coach is dealing with something much bigger than a high school basketball game.

Behan was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, in early summer 2022 at age 34. The news of Behan's ALS obviously hit the St. John's and greater DMV basketball community hard. Basketball, and the relationships Behan has forged through the game, is now a rallying point around his fight with the disease.

On January 3, St. John's will host the Behan Strong Invitational, a three-game showcase with all proceeds from the event going to support Behan in his ALS fight. St. John's will take on current FAB 50 No. 3 IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.). Paul VI will take on Ryken (Leonardtown, Md.) and Jackson-Reed (Washington, D.C.) faces Bullis (Potomac, Md.).

After Friday's title-game victory in San Diego, Behan explained just what St. John's basketball and the players on the team mean to him while he battles ALS.

"I wake up with alot of injections, pills and other things, but the best medicine is to be with the fellas in the gym," Behan said. "Winning certainly helps.

"As far as the event (on the 3rd), it's awesome to be playing with programs and coaches I've been attached to. They are great friends."

"We want to make it as stress-less as possible for coach, so winning is part of that," Freeman said.

St. John's will head into the Behan Strong Invitational 12-0. Behan's situation and just the fact the tournament's five 16-team brackets were able to be played without any major hitches puts things in perspective.

For out-of-area teams, just showing up and being able to play at the Torrey Pines Holiday Classic was an ordeal. In particular the plight of National Division consolation champ O'Dea (Seattle, Wash.) deserves mention. The team's flight to the event was cancelled. So the Fightin' Irish took a 20-hour bus ride so they could show up and participate. Along the way, the bus dropped off the team at Auburn (Wash.) at The Classic at Damien (an hour and a half north of Torrey Pines High School on Interstate 5). O'Dea arrived 30 minutes before its first round game with Dougherty Valley (San Ramon, Calif.). After that 70-58 setback, O'Dea reeled off three consecutive wins and was visibly pleased to take home the consolation title on Friday afternoon.

St. John's become the second WCAC club to win the prestigious national division crown. The first WCAC club to win the Holiday Classic title was DeMatha Catholic (Hyattsville, Md.) in 2011 when it took down Windward (Los Angeles). The Stags finished No. 13 in the final 2011-12 FAB 50. The Cadets advanced to the title game of this tournament in 2016, falling to Foothills Christian (El Cajon, Calif.) and the hot hand of future NBA guard Jaylen Hands. The following year, WCAC club Bishop O'Connell (Arlington, Va.) lost in the title game to Archbishop Stepinac (White Plains, N.Y.).

St. John's advanced to this year's Holiday Classic title game with a 73-60 semifinal victory over Eastside Catholic (Sammamish, Wash.). The Cadets jumped out to a 34-11 lead after one quarter and were in control throughout. Davis led the way with 23 points. It was also Behan's 100th career victory.

Saints advanced to the title game with a 62-58 victory over Dougherty Valley, a club that just wouldn't go away and was a fan favorite throughout the event. Dougherty Valley had a chance to tie with a 3-pointer with under 30 seconds remaining, but San Francisco-bound guard Ryan Beasley couldn't find the mark. Dixon led Saints with 23 points.

Dougherty Valley's Connor Sevilla, a 6-foot 2023 guard who had a terrific tournament, finished with 24 points in a losing effort. In the third place game, Dougherty Valley defeated Eastside Catholic, 75-68, as Beasley had some clutch baskets and finished with 34 points. In his four tournament games, the 5-foot-11 Beasley netted 28.5 ppg. Hands netted 180 points (36 ppg) in five tournament games in 2016.

At The Classic at Damien in La Verne, Calif., FAB 50 No. 13 Harvard-Westlake took on Liberty (Henderson, Nev.) and its top-rated junior point guard, Dedan Thomas Jr., in the Platinum Division title game. The Wolverines dropped their first game of the season, 59-56, to fall to 16-1 to a club that came into the title game with a 7-5 record. Thomas sank two free throws with nine seconds remaining to ice the game, while backcourt running mate Angelo Kambala, a 6-foot Utah Tech commit, finished with 23 points and was named The Classic at Damien MVP.

In the semifinals, Liberty avenged an earlier loss to Rancho Christian (Temecula, Calif.) with a 63-60 victory. The Minutemen lost to Rancho Christian, 69-65, at home on the eve of the Tarkanian Classic, where they finished with a 2-2 mark. Thomas scored 10 of his 20 points in the fourth period while Kambala contributed 17.

Another FAB 50 title contender, No. 6 Duncanville (Texas), also lost its first game of the season on Friday, when the Panthers fell to unranked West Linn (Ore.), 62-50, in the title game of the Les Schwab Invitational at Liberty High School (Hillsboro, Ore.). Oregon-bound guard Jackson Shelstad scored 30 points for West Linn after scoring 38 points in a 86-69 semifinal victory over Sierra Canyon (Chatsworth, Calif.). Shelstad averaged 33 ppg at the LSI.

Duncanville entered the West Linn game 15-0 and riding a 35-game, on-court winning streak dating back to exactly the same day (December 30) in 2021 when the Panthers lost to Richardson (Texas) in the title game of the Whataburger Tournament.

With Paul VI, Duncanville and Harvard-Westlake, among others, going down over the holiday tournament season, who deserves to be FAB No. 1 now?

Ronnie Flores is the national Grassroots editor of www.ebooksnet.com. He can be reached at?[email protected]. Don't forget to follow him on Twitter:?@RonMFlores

The post St. John's: Grateful and Unbeaten! appeared first on www.ebooksnet.com.

All 50 teams are written up with explanations for why they were placed in these positions. Montverde Academy is in pole position to begin the season for the sixth time, as the Eagles look to capture a second mythical national title in four years. The only time Montverde Academy didn’t finish No. 1, when starting out No. 1, was in 2019 when the Eagles finished No. 4 after losing in the GEICO Nationals semifinals to eventual national champion IMG Academy. Academy-type programs that play an independent schedule continue to dominate the FAB 50. The COVID-19 Pandemic may widen the gap between the talent level of those programs and traditional public and parochial schools that play for state titles.

RELATED: Preseason 2020-21 FAB 50 (16-30) | Preseason 2020-21 FAB 50 (31-50) | Preseason Regional Top 20 Rankings | A Season Unlike Any Other | "In The Paint" Podcast: FAB 50 Edition (Episode 86)

(LISTEN to the "In The Paint" Show as Devin Ugland and Ronnie Flores break down the preseason FAB 50 with coaches Luke Barnwell of No. 3 Sunrise Christian Academy (Kan.), Allen Whitehart of No. 21 Milton (Ga.) and Jeff Kaufman of No. 37 Coronado (Nev.) by pressing PLAY below.)

Preseason 2020-21 FAB 50 National
Team Rankings Powered by www.ebooksnet.com

By Ronnie Flores

(Final 2019-20 ranking in parentheses; *Indicates forfeit wins, forfeit losses not included; **Indicates forfeits and defaults not included; ***Indicates season cut short due to COVID-19 Pandemic; Look for preseason Region-By-Region Top 20 Rankings on Thursday, November 5 and for the preseason Mr. Basketball USA Tracker on Monday, November 23.)

1. (1) Montverde Academy (Montverde, Fla.) 25-0***
Key Players: SF Caleb Houstan 6-8 2021 (No. 9 247Sports.com, Ballislife Underclass All-American), PG Ryan Nembhard 6-1 2021 (No. 83 Rivals.com, Creighton commit), SG Langston Love 6-4 2021 (No. 23 ESPN.com, Baylor commit), SF Dariq Whitehead 6-5 2022 (No. 7 Rivals.com), C Jalen Duren 6-9 2022 (No. 2 247Sports.com, Ballislife Underclass All-American), PF DaRon Holmes 6-8 2021 (No. 36 Rivals.com, Dayton commit, Ballislife Underclass All-American), SG Jalen Hood-Schifino 6-5 2022 (No. 23 ESPN.com, Ballislife Underclass All-American)

Why This Ranking: Last year’s MVA team was not only the best of its five FAB 50 title teams, but with a winning margin of 38.9 ppg against a national schedule, one of the best high school teams of all-time. This year’s team may not have the pure firepower of that group, but based on our long-standing criteria of placing teams in the preseason rankings, the Eagles are a deserving No. 1 team. Montverde Academy plays the necessary schedule, and has the talent level and track record to be No. 1 until someone beats them. The last time MVA lost on the court, in the 2019 GEICO semifinals to IMG Academy, it turned out to be the difference in the Ascenders earning last season's preseason No. 1 berth by a slim margin and prevented a wire-to-wire No. 1 finish, something the 2017-18 MVA team was able to accomplish. This year’s team returns four rotation players who played key roles on last season’s historically dominant unit, including Houstan (10.0 ppg, 3.5 rpg). The lone returning starter, Houstan is a vital piece to the Eagles’ championship aspirations who shoots it at a high clip and has grown both physically and mentally. Playing alongside 2020 Mr. Basketball USA Cade Cunningham (Oklahoma St.) and fellow first five All-American Scottie Barnes (Florida St.), Houstan made defenses pay for focusing on that duo and shot 53.1 percent from 3-point range and 61.7 percent from the field. If Houstan’s production doubles and he finds a way to keep his shooting percentages in those ranges despite the increased defensive attention, he’ll be a serious Mr. Basketball USA candidate and it will take a tremendous effort to beat this club. Whitehead (8.3 ppg, 2.7 rpg) has a tremendous combination of length and quickness and with his ability, should be one of the best defenders in the country. The Eagles’ coaching staff expects him to take a big step up. Nembhard (2.7 ppg, 3.1 apg) gives the Eagles I.Q. and toughness at the point guard spot, while Love (9.1 ppg, 2.6 rpg) is a dependable asset on both ends of the floor. He could lead the team in scoring and has shown marked improvement through the pandemic.
The Skinny: This year’s team may not reach the heights of last year’s team, but the good news for Eagles' fans is it doesn’t have to. “In our 30 years of coaching together with Kevin (Boyle), we want to make sure guys can be the best versions of themselves,” Miller said. “We want to make sure we coach the current team we have to reach its potential. The primary goal of the nine guys on this team is to get to the level to compete for another national title.” It’s no secret Montverde Academy has been the nation’s dominant program over the past decade and that has raised the expectations for players the moment they step on campus. The multiple teams on campus (including post-grad) accelerates the learning curve for its elite high school team to be able to compete for FAB 50 titles and this year’s newcomers have a good understanding of the program’s expectations. “The competition level in our own environment is one of the reasons why players want to come here,” Miller said. “They want to replicate what we’ve accomplished.” Duren comes in highly regarded and with Holmes and Malik Reneau (6-8, 2022), the Eagles will be able to protect the rim, work the boards and finish at a high level. Hood-Schifino is a gym rat who doesn’t get the credit for being the shooter he is. He will provide tremendous firepower on the wing and Justice Williams (6-3, 2022), a teammate of Duren last season at Roman Catholic in Philadelphia, provides backcourt depth. Last year’s team loved to pass the basketball and the coaching staff is optimistic this unit will continue with that type of mindset because if the chemistry develops, it will be hard to beat. The Eagles were all set to participate in the City of Palms Tournament in Ft. Myers, Fla., along with six other FAB 50 ranked teams, including No. 2 IMG Academy, but now that tournament is off so a MVA-IMG showdown will have to take place at another event. Coach Boyle’s defending champions are scheduled to face No. 3 Sunrise Christian Academy at the Spalding Hoophall Classic in Springfield, Mass., on MLK Monday (January 18). Should Montverde Academy earn a berth to GEICO Nationals, the Eagles would enter that end-of-season event with a tourney record .800 winning percentage (20-5).

2. (5) IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.) 19-6***
Key Players: SF Jarace Walker 6-6 2022 (No. 6 247Sports.com, Ballislife Underclass All-American), C Moussa Diabaté 6-10 2021 (No. 7 ESPN.com, Ballislife Underclass All-American), PG Jaden Bradley 6-2 2022 (No. 6 Rivals.com, Ballislife Underclass All-American), SG Tamar Bates 6-5 2021 (No. 69 Rivals.com, Texas commit), SF Jett Howard 6-4 2022 (No. 36 ESPN.com), SF Eric Dailey Jr. 6-7 2022 (No. 26 247Sports.com).
Why This Ranking: The Ascenders quickly rose up the ranks to challenge the likes of Montverde Academy and Oak Hill Academy for supremacy among elite independent programs. In a season wide open in terms of team expectations because of COVID-19, IMG Academy is a safe bet at No. 2 because of its blinding talent level and rugged schedule. The preseason No. 1 vs. No. 2 debate isn’t quite as close as last season, but fourth-year coach Sean McAloon has a prime opportunity to lead his program to its second FAB 50 title in three years with a roster with plenty of experience in high level games. Walker will lead this team on both ends with his explosive scoring ability, physicality and energy level. While Walker (8.8 ppg, 6.6 rpg, 5.3 apg, 1.5 spg, 1.5 bpg) leads the way defensively on the perimeter, Diabate has shown the ability to be the top defensive post presence in the country. His production will be key because clubs such as No. 1 Montverde Academy and No. 3 Sunrise Christian Academy have more post depth than the Ascenders. Dailey has plenty of experience in IMG Academy’s system since middle school and with USA Basketball, so his versatility as a wing and his big body on defense will make a difference for this club. Bates is a relentless scorer and puts tremendous pressure on defenses with his energy, while Howard is a big play-maker who can knock down the pressure perimeter shot. Louis Hutchinson (6-7, 2022), Ezra Ausar (6-7, 2021) and Gus “Bus” Yalden (6-8, 2023) provide depth and various offensive looks.
The Skinny: If you count McAloon’s first season when the team featured Silvio De Sousa (before he left for Kansas at the semester break), IMG Academy has consistently been one of the nation’s best teams and this season should be no different. We did peg IMG Academy as preseason No. 1 last season, and although No. 2 Montverde Academy went on to have one of the most dominant teams in high school history, IMG’s six losses were a bit deceiving. Its placement was public before Jalen Johnson (Duke) left the team early in the season. He had Mr. Basketball USA level ability, plus scoring point guard Jaden Springer battled injury. Despite those developments, the Ascenders were still the only team that could give Montverde Academy a close game in three attempts, a 63-55 setback in the City of Palms championship game. Of course, the prior season doesn’t considerably factor into the current one, but we’ve always factored in rankings history into our decisions among elite teams and more often than not that strategy has played out in our favor. If Johnson was part of the equation, we’d make the same decision again so it only makes sense to peg Montverde Academy as No. 1 this time around. Although the City of Palms Tournament has been cancelled and MVA and IMG were on a collision course to meet, don’t be surprised if the top two preseason ranked teams battle down the line. IMG Academy is scheduled to play in the Bass Pro Tournament of Champions (January 14-16) in Springfield, Missouri, where it could face No. 3 Sunrise Christian Academy. IMG Academy is tentatively scheduled to complete the “Springfield Double," where it will travel to Springfield, Mass., to face Emoni Bates’ Ypsi Prep Academy on MLK Monday. To survive that schedule, IMG Academy will need to remain healthy and considering what transpired last season, the play of Bradley will be paramount. His feel for the game, ability to get others involved and run this team could be the X-factor. Bradley averaged 23.1 ppg, 6.4 rpg, 6.1 apg and 2.9 spg as a sophomore at Cannon School (N.C.) and has a chance to earn All-American honors should the Ascenders play up to expectations.

3. (3) Sunrise Christian Academy (Bel Air, Kan.) 22-3***
Key Players: SF Kendall Brown 6-8 2021 (No. 11 247Sports.com, Baylor commit, Ballislife Underclass All-American), PF Zach Clemence 6-9 2021 (No. 35 Rivals.com, Kansas commit), PG Kennedy Chandler 6-1 2021 (No. 12 Rivals.com, Tennessee commit, Ballislife Underclass All-American), SG Gradey Dick 6-6 2022 (No. 27 ESPN.com, Ballislife Underclass All-American), PG Willie Lightfoot 5-11 2022 (No. 121 Rivals.com), C Kenny Pohto 6-9 2021 (No. 142 247Sports.com), PF Jaylon McDaniel 6-7 2022, C David Oyona 6-10 2023.
Why This Ranking: The Buffaloes’ talent and experience could make them party-crashers in the race for the 2020-21 FAB 50 national title. In 2019, coach Luke Barnwell’s program earned its first GEICO Nationals appearance and were primed for a run at the 2020 tourney championship before the onset of COVID-19 canceled the event. This team has the talent, and perhaps just as important, the motivation, to show it has what it takes to seriously compete for the FAB 50 crown. It begins with Brown, a Mr. Basketball USA contender after averaging 13.3 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 2.3 apg and 1.7 spg as a junior. According to Barnwell, the Baylor commit is focused and an underrated shooter. Clemence is a versatile scorer and Barnwell loves the fact Pohto (who has been with the program three years) can also knock down the outside shot. The Buffaloes can go big with its “shooting bigs” or slide Brown to the four-spot and utilize Chandler and Lightfoot’s strengths together in a smaller lineup. Barnwell praises Chandler for his I.Q. and feel and he’s also capable of putting up big scoring numbers, if necessary. After all, he averaged 22.2 ppg, 4.3 apg and 2.6 spg for a Briarcrest Christian (Tenn.) club that advanced to the TSAAA Class AA, D2 state title game and spent time in the FAB 50. “Hopefully we develop into a group that plays together unselfishly and we’ve meshed well so far,” Barnwell said.
The Skinny: Many veteran observers felt last year’s Sunrise Christian unit, which opened up at No. 12, was the second most talented in the country behind Montverde Academy, but the rankings dictated a No. 3, not a No. 2 final ranking based on the common opponent factor (the Buffaloes lost to Hamilton Heights Christian Academy and Wasatch Academy beat that club). Top to bottom, this team is more talented than last year’s and it remains to be seen if any other of the true elites can say the same. Dick, who averaged 20.4 ppg as a sophomore at Wichita Collegiate (Kan.), is big enough to make shots over defenders and this club is so talented there may be games where he won’t have to score in double figures to be effective. As if that isn’t enough, strongman Deiman Reyes (6-8, 2021) comes in from Veritas Prep in Southern California and provides physicality and toughness, while Fred Payne (6-2, 2023) will get better everyday in practice while awaiting his chance to contribute. We strongly considered placing this team at No. 2, but the same reason why we started Montverde over IMG in 2019 and the Ascenders over the Eagles in 2020 is the reason why we place Barnwell’s club in this spot. Whereas Montverde and IMG Academy have won the past three GEICO Nationals crowns, Sunrise Christian Academy has only participated in the event once, in 2019 when it lost to eventual champ IMG Academy in the first round, 65-50. Ironically, Barnwell felt as if his team was jelling at the right time to make a GEICO Nationals run before last season abruptly ended. For Barnwell’s returners, this season is almost an extension of last and he hopes that motivation rubs off on the newcomers. “The last time we were together, we had a 5 a.m. workout then later that day Rudy Gobert got it and the whole world changed,” Barnwell said. “The next time we were together was the first day of school this season. There was no closure and it does feel like unfinished business.” That business includes the “Springfield Double,” as the Buffaloes will play at the Bass Pro Tournament of Champions in Missouri (where it could meet No. 2 IMG Academy) before facing top-ranked Montverde Academy at the Hoophall Classic on MLK Monday. Sunrise is also tentatively scheduled to face No. 14 Minnehaha Academy on Dec. 19, in addition to playing in a league for independent clubs. The league’s games will take place as part of pre-existing events with eight teams, seven that should be FAB 50 ranked. That means Sunrise Christian Academy could have as many losses as last season and still be a much better team, provided all the league games are completed. It also increases the likelihood that the eventual FAB 50 national champion will not finish undefeated.

4. (11) Paul VI (Fairfax, Va.) 27-8***
Key Players: SF Trevor Keels 6-4 2021 (No. 14 247Sports.com, Ballislife Underclass All-American), PG Knasir McDaniel 5-10 2022 (No. 46 247Sports.com), SF Tyler Coleman 6-5 2021 (Towson commit), PF Jack Jensen 6-5 2021, SG DeShawn Harris-Smith 6-3 2023 (No. 45 247Sports.com).

Why This Ranking: The Panthers have the talent and pedigree deserving of this FAB 50 spot as the No. 1 team from the powerful Washington Catholic Athletic Conference (WCAC). It was a close decision to place them in this spot over WCAC rival DeMatha Catholic, but with four players returning with starting experience and nine returning lettermen, coach Glen Farello’s club is once again serious FAB 50 contenders. It begins with Keels, one of the nation’s best scorers who had a fantastic junior campaign, averaging 17.5 ppg and 4.5 rpg against national level competition on almost a nightly basis. In a conference where it’s quite difficult to win a road game, having its best player (Keels is already a two-time All-Met selection) at your disposal could make all the difference. Farello (480-194) also has the luxury of an experienced lead guard in McDaniel, who has stepped up in many big games and will help ease the loss of two-time All-Met selection Jeremy Roach (Duke). If McDaniel can consistently produce to the level anywhere near Roach did, this team will be in excellent position to win the conference crown because its front court players have improved.
The Skinny: For the second consecutive season, the Panthers will begin at No. 4 in the FAB 50, but this time around Paul VI is the WCAC favorite, as opposed to last year when DeMatha edged them and came in at No. 3. Our preseason forecast turned out to be accurate, as the Stags won the conference by three games and won the tournament championship over the Panthers, 70-56, so that may be a good sign for Paul VI. Front court play is key, as Coleman is a terrific rebounder, can play on the wing or defend down low and is an invaluable piece for Farello. Jensen scored in key spots last season and can be counted on down the stretch in games. Harris-Smith can spell both guard spots and gives the lineup flexibility, depending on the matchups, while Kris Mickens (6-4, 2022) is a highly regarded transfer who can put the ball in the hole. Front court depth will be provided by varsity newcomers Darren Harris (6-5, 2024) and Garrett Sundra (6-7, 2024). From a FAB 50 standpoint, the 2015-16 season was the last time Paul VI was unranked in the preseason and it overachieved in both 2017-18 and 2018-19 from its preseason position, so it will be interesting to see how this club fares from the WCAC pole position. The Panthers had a fine 2019-20 season, but the reason it didn’t finish in its preseason range was the high number of overall losses. That scenario will be a bit different this season because the uncertainty surrounding COVID-19 will keep the Panthers from playing in the same amount of high-profile showcases and tournaments it normally does. That means less wiggle room to earn a high final ranking with more than five losses. With Keels, its overall personnel and recent track record against FAB 50 ranked foes, this team will be in FAB 50 title contention as long as the front court produces to the expected level.

5. (4) DeMatha Catholic (Hyattsville, Md.) 29-3***
Key Players: SG Jordan Hawkins 6-5 2021 (No. 48 247Sports.com, UConn commit), SF Tyrell Ward 6-5 2022 (No. 82 Rivals.com), PG Rodney Rice Sr. 6-4 2022 (No. 54 247Sports.com), SG Jacoi Hutchinson 6-2 2023 (No. 20 247Sports.com).
Why This Ranking: We are splitting hairs between WCAC powers Paul VI and DeMatha, as both teams have a plethora of lettermen returning. One team has to be in front of the other, however, so we decided to put the Stags one spot below as the No. 2 team from the conference. Although coach Mike Jones has three starters and two other lettermen returning, it won’t be easy to replace what All-Met Player of the Year Hunter Dickinson (Michigan) and Earl Timberlake (Miami) gave last year's club up front. Paul VI has its best player back and a veteran point guard, but don’t count out the Stags’ chances of winning the 42nd WCAC crown in the program’s storied history. Jones is really high on his roster’s versatility and he has a go-to player in Hawkins, who could challenge Paul VI’s Trevor Keels for WCAC and All-Met Player of the Year honors. Rice is a talented newcomer from Bullis (Potomac, Md.) who can run the point at a high level, while Ward is a big guard who also contributes up front with his long frame and athleticism. Jerrell Roberson (6-9, 2022) is the main cog up front and got valuable experience last season that should pay huge dividends this season. There is plenty to like about this team’s versatility. “We have really good guard play and most of the roster can play multiple positions,” Jones said.
The Skinny: The Stags have the personnel to win the WCAC crown and Jones wants his team peaking at the right time. Ironically, last year’s WCAC title game victory over Paul VI was the 500th career win for Jones (against 120 losses) since taking over for the late Morgan Wootten in 2002-03. DeMatha will be gunning for its fourth consecutive 30-win season and could reach it if players such as cat-quick guard Elijah Hawkins (5-9, 2021), Hutchinson and fellow tenth-grader Ben Woodward (6-2, 2023) find their roles. A.J. Swinton (6-7, 2024) looks like the front court star of the future. “Many returners will have larger roles, but like everyone else, I’m a bit concerned about not having the normal time to prepare and mix the newcomers with the veterans,” Jones said. Although coaches in the DMV have played the wait-and-see game in terms of their restrictions in playing a complete schedule, DeMatha is expected to compete at the Kevin Durant MLK Classic, the Peachtree Corners Invitational in Georgia, at Hoophall West in Arizona (January 28-30) and at the Hoophall Classic vs. No. 15 Camden (January 18). From a national perspective, DeMatha and Paul VI have to show they can compete at a FAB 50 championship level because on paper there is a gap between the top three teams and the WCAC powers in terms of front court size and depth. Since weekly national rankings began in 1975-76, this program has finished in at least one credible poll 30 times. This season, the Stags will be competitive at a high level and a major FAB 50 factor once again.

6. (39) West Oaks Academy (Orlando, Fla.) 28-7**
Key Players: PG AJ Neal 6-1 2021 (No. 124 Rivals.com), SG Wesley Cardet 6-6 2021 (No. 54 247Sports.com), PF Matthew Bewley 6-9 2023 (No. 8 247Sports.com, Ballislife Underclass All-American), PF Ryan Bewley 6-9 2023 (No. 14 ESPN.com), SG J.J. Harris 6-3 2021.

Why This Ranking: With a few of the traditional independent FAB 50 powers in flux, we’re going a bit out on a limb at this spot with the Flame, who have the talent and play the schedule to develop into a major FAB 50 title contender. Coach Kenny Gillion has at least eight players with D1 ability, including ringleader Neal (14.6 ppg, 6 apg), a three-year standout and returning all-Sunshine Independent Athletic Association (SIAA) choice. “A.J. will leave as West Oaks’ all-time leading scorer and brings back lots of experience,” Gillion said. The Flame did lose junior big man Fray Nugumbi to transfer, but they’ll have plenty inside with Mo Sabiu (6-8, 2022) and Abdou Adiaye (6-10, 2023). What really could make this a special team is the newcomers from Northeast (Oakland Park, Fla.): the Bewley twins, Cardet and Harris. Cardet (15 ppg, 9 rpg, 5 apg) had a terrific summer, is a major mismatch problem with the body of a big NFL receiver and is capable of 30-point nights. Harris (11 ppg) is the team’s best shooter and can play the game above the rim, according to Gillion. Matt Bewley is a bit more advanced than his brother Ryan and both are bigger and stronger since the onset of COVID-19. The twins could really thrive in the up and down style the Flame play and Gillion feels Matt could develop into a top five player in the national class of 2023 after averaging 19 ppg, 12 rpg and 3 apg as a freshman.
The Skinny: There is little doubt this is one of the most talented teams in America, but the chips have to fall in the right place in order to maintain this ranking. Last season, the Flame earned national acclaim by ending the 23-year home winning streak of FAB 50 power Oak Hill Academy, but they were up-and-down and lost some games on the Grind Session and the SIAA title game. They will have to win the SIAA crown this time around in order to maintain a ranking this high, especially if another team in the talent-laden conference is not ranked in the Top 25 by the end of the season. The biggest problem could be building chemistry and keeping all the talented players content with their playing time. Jahsean Corbett (6-6, 2021) missed most of last season with injury, but is a mismatch nightmare who makes the wing guards interchangeable. Jordan Shorter (6-5, 2021) will push the starters, Ray Robinson (5-11, 2021) is a catalyst who will make Neal an even more dangerous player, while talented Justin Neely (6-5, 2021) is a late roster addition from Miami Senior (Fla.). “We basically started four guards last year, but we’ll be much bigger and still be able to get up the floor,” Gillion said. The Flame will take part in at least two stops of the Grind Session, which will consist of talent-laden, independent programs playing in bubble type situations at various stops across the country.

7. (8) St. Frances Academy (Baltimore, Md.) 38-4*** 
Key Players: PF Julian Reese 6-9 2021 (No. 73 ESPN.com, Maryland commit), PG Byron Ireland 6-1 2021, SG Jonathan Lamothe 6-4 2023 (No. 36 247Sports.com), SG Kyrie Staten 6-1 2021.
Why This Ranking: The Panthers have the talent, pedigree and play the national schedule necessary to challenge the top FAB 50 title contenders. After posting a sub .500 park four years ago, coach Nick Myles’ program has won three consecutive Baltimore Catholic League titles and rates as the favorites once again. Reese is one of the best power forwards in the country and will be the go-to player on the interior. One of four double-digit scorers on last year’s balanced team, Reese (10.6 ppg, 6.7 rpg, 3.5 bpg) will increase his numbers and help create opportunities for others with his presence. Ireland (7.6 ppg, 3.2 rpg) stepped into a starting role and showed terrific scoring ability, while also being able to play off the ball offensively and providing help on the boards. Staten (9.7 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 2.5 spg) provides scoring pop and terrific on-ball defense. Myles expects a breakout season from Lamothe (4.2 ppg), who rates as one of the best tenth-graders in the country.
The Skinny: The Panthers lost plenty of firepower in Ace Baldwin (VCU), Jamal West (South Alabama) and Grid-Hooper Jordan Toles (LSU), but with three returners with starting experience and 10 returning lettermen, the three-time BCL champs deserve to be Charm City’s top-ranked team until somebody beats them when the chips are on the line. St. Frances Academy did defeat No. 6 West Oaks Academy last year, but lost a bit more so we’ll slot the Flame in front of them for now. “I love our combination of size, athleticism and depth,” Myles said. Backcourt depth is provided by the likes of Rynell Bert (6-2, 2022), who put up multiple 20-point games for Baltimore Dunbar last season, and Cortez Johnson (6-5, 2022). Toles’ toughness will be missed, but SFA has another Grid-Hoop stud in the wings in Maximum Lockett (6-9, 2023). As if that isn’t enough, Derik Queen (6-7, 2024) is expected to develop into a top national prospect in his class. SFA may play a few less big-time games vs. FAB 50 ranked foes than last year because of COVID-19, but it’s tentatively scheduled to play in the Kevin Durant MLK Classic (January 16-18) and in the non-traditional bracket of the Beach Ball Classic in South Carolina (December 26-31) with the likes of West Oaks Academy, No. 19 Hamilton Heights Christian Academy and No. 27 Combine Academy.

8. (7) La Lumiere (La Porte, Ind.) 23-3*** ?
Key Players: PF Treyton Thompson 6-10 2021 (No. 114 Rivals.com, Minnesota commit), PG J. J. Starling 6-3 2022 (No. 53 247Sports.com), C Vince Iwuchukwu 6-11 2022 (No. 25 Rivals.com), PF Kebba Njie 6-9 2022.
Why This Ranking: The Lakers have the talent to contend for another GEICO Nationals berth, which would be the program’s eighth and begins in the rankings range of recent seasons. Coach Patrick Holmes’ club opened up at No. 10 in 2017-18 in his first year at the helm, then No. 6 in 2018-19 and No. 9 last season. LaLu had an underclass dominated team, but lost point guard Denham Wojcik and Kamari Lands to transfer and talented wing Jeremy Sochan decided to remain in Europe for 2020-21 amid COVID-19 concerns. Those transfers and the lack of an experienced star causes the Lakers to drop a tad, but don’t fret as LaLu will field a talented team capable of competing with the best FAB 50 teams. The player movement means the team will go from perimeter-oriented to an interior-dominated unit, led by Thompson, who can stretch the floor with his improved ability to shoot the ball. Holmes calls Iwuchukwu a budding star who draws comparisons to former LaLu star Jaren Jackson Jr. (Memphis Grizzlies). When the team goes to its “Jumbo Package," Rocco Muratori (7-2, 2021) will be a factor with his strength and space eating. Njie is known for his teamwork, can block shots and make an impact with his 7’3 wingspan. There is plenty to like about this roster, as long as someone steps up to lead the backcourt.

The Skinny: The last team other than La Lumiere to begin at No. 1 from the Midwest Region was Jalen Brunson-led Stevenson (Lincolnshire, Ill.) back in 2014-15. LaLu went from a young team last year to having another underclass-dominated club because of the impact of COVID-19, so the play of Starling and Ryan Mabrey (6-3, 2022) will be key. Starling shoots the ball at a high clip, while Mabrey is an elite shot maker and excels off the dribble. Darion Smith (5-5, 2022) can come in and handle the ball, while backcourt depth is provided by Jamaal Phatty (6-5, 2023), a talented German import. “We have six newcomers that will be major contributors and it will be a bit of an adjustment with the new guys, but I like our progress so far and our talented front court will allow us to rebound and protect the rim at a high level,” Holmes said. Players have an opportunity to earn playing time, and that should bode well against a competitive schedule that includes a busy January and February at the Jack Jones Classic, Mac Jelks Invitational, Flyin’ To The Hoop, Kevin Durant MLK Classic and Bob Kirk Invitational. LaLu is scheduled to play No. 11 Wasatch Academy at the Hoophall Classic and if nothing else, this young team will develop into a battle-tested club by the end of the season if a new league for independent FAB 50 powers gets off the ground. LaLu is 7-6 all-time at GEICO Nationals and has reached the title game on three occasions.

9. (BB) Archbishop Wood (Warminster, Pa.) 22-5***
Key Players: PG Rahsool Diggins 6-3 2021 (No. 44 Rivals.com, UConn commit, Ballislife Underclass All-American), PG Jaylen Stinson 5-11 2021 (James Madison commit), SF Marcus Randolph 6-5 2021 (Richmond commit), SF Daeshon Shepard 6-6 2021 (La Salle commit).

Why This Ranking: The Vikings have all the ingredients to be one of the top teams in the East Region and challenge for the FAB 50 title if all the pieces fall into place. With an all underclass roster, coach John Mosco’s club dropped some close games early in the season, including an incredible seven-overtime, 130-128 setback to FAB 50 contender Paul VI of Virginia before losing to a Roman Catholic team in the Philadelphia Catholic League semifinals it beat during the regular season. The Vikings’ season was cut short because of COVID-19 and after losing in the PIAA Class 5A title game in 2018-19, this group has plenty of motivation. It begins with Diggins, the returning PCL Player of the Year who averaged 20.3 ppg, 5.3 rpg and 4.8 apg. He can initiate offense or lead the team in the scoring department, if necessary. Stinson (a returning first team all-PCL choice) is a combo guard who excels on defense and is known for his competitive streak. Randolph is a prototypical wing who loves to attack off the dribble, while Shepard is a high-flyer that can change a game with a thunderous dunk and is capable of averaging over 15 ppg. Both Shepard and Randolph were second team all-league choices as juniors.
The Skinny: This talented and motivated team hopes to get all its key games (with COVID-19 looming) in because its ceiling is high. Last year, the Vikings started at No. 35 in the FAB 50, but didn’t close out games like it needed with the backdrop of blowing a nine-point lead in the state title game when Diggins, Stinson and Randolph were sophomore starters. That shouldn’t happen to a senior-oriented group and that experience gives them a boost in this year’s preseason rankings. “We return all five starters that played a tough schedule and are battle-tested,” Mosco said. “We had our season cut short and have something to prove.” The fifth starter is unsung Grid-Hooper Muneer Newton (6-5, 2021), an inside forward good enough to play low D1 basketball and unafraid to take big shots even though he doesn’t look to score. Sixth man Rob Jackson (6-5, 2021) also plays football and is an even better prospect on the gridiron. He gained valuable experience that will help this year’s team in its big games. Wood is scheduled to play in the Beachball Classic in South Carolina after Christmas with the likes of No. 18 Moeller, No. 21 Milton, and No. 24 John Marshall, among others. Mosco’s veteran group is scheduled to face No. 29 St. Raymond at the Hoophall Classic and is also scheduled to meet No. 15 Camden at that event. If Wood can close the big games and score enough inside to keep elite teams honest, it will be a memorable season.

10. (25) Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas, Nev.) 29-3
Key Players: PG Zaon Collins 6-1 2021 (No. 37 ESPN.com, UNLV commit, Ballislife Underclass All-American), SG Will McClendon 6-4 2021 (No. 37 247Sports.com, UCLA commit), SF A.J. Storr 6-6 2021, SF Darrion Williams 6-6 2022.
Why This Ranking: The Gaels have been a staple in the FAB 50 for a decade and this could be the season it all comes together for veteran coach Grant Rice. In 2014-15, a Gaels team with four future McDonald’s All-Americans started out No. 4, but didn’t have the point guard play to sustain that position. Last year, the Gaels began at No. 5, but lost their two best big men to transfer after the preseason FAB 50 release and shooting guard Noah Taitz (Stanford) wasn’t available all season due to injury. This season, expectations are not quite that high, but with continuity and a healthy roster this is the Gorman team that could ultimately be the best of the lot. It begins with Collins, one of the nation’s best lead guards at manipulating the outcome of tight games and giving teammates confidence. “Sauce” averaged 14 ppg, 8 apg, and 3 spg as a junior and as long as he remains healthy Gorman has a chance in any game. McClendon (16 ppg, 5 rpg, 4 apg, 3 spg) is an ace defender and like Collins a four-year contributor. McClendon is the team’s returning leading scorer and is a bit streaky on the outside, but when he’s on Gorman is tough to beat. Jonathan Braggs (6-3, 2021) hit double figures plenty of times last season, but his scoring average could go down with the presence of Storr, a Kankakee, Ill., transplant who attacks rims with a vengeance and can knock down the open shot. Williams is another transfer (Capital Christian in Sacramento, Calif.) whose play-making ability on or off the ball will keep him on the floor. Simply put, Rice has plenty of versatile weapons at his disposal.
The Skinny: The Gaels are the odds on favorite to win their tenth consecutive NIAA state title but the overall competition this year will be the best it’s been during that run, with No. 48 Desert Pines, Jaden Hardy-led Coronado and Liberty (both of nearby Henderson) all with legitimate state title aspirations. With a state crown this year, the Gaels will break the reported national state title winning streak record held by now defunct and four-time FAB 50 champion St. Anthony (Jersey City, N.J.) between 1983-1991. “I really like my top seven or eight guys,” said Rice (503-102), who won his 500th game last season during the post-season. “Darrion is such a smart player and (Ryan) Abelman is shooting it as well as anybody I had. They’ll really help us.” Ryan Abelman (6-4, 2022) is Rice’s sharp-shooter, Daniel Rouzan (6-8, 2021), a load inside, returns to the program after one year in Southern California and will be key inside during national level games. Future stars Jase Richardson (6-1, 2024) and Ryder Elisaldez (6-0, 2024) provide depth and scoring punch. As a result of COVID-19, Gorman will not host the Tarkanian Classic as a high school tournament and will open its season in January. The Gaels are scheduled to play two games at Hoophall West in Phoenix after participating in the Bass Pro Tournament of Champions in Missouri (January 14-16) along with the likes of No. 2 IMG Academy, No. 3 Sunrise Christian Academy and No. 26 Pace Academy.

11. (2) Wasatch Academy (Mt. Pleasant, Utah) 27-2***
Key Players: PG Nolan Hickman 6-3 2021 (No. 30 247Sports.com, Kentucky commit, Ballislife Underclass All-American), PG Richard Isaacs Jr. 6-2 2022 (No. 24 247Sports.com, Ballislife Underclass All-American), PF Robbie Armbrester 6-6 2021 (Houston commit).
Why This Ranking: This independent power has the right ingredients to make another strong run at GEICO Nationals. Last year, they were entered as the event’s No. 2 seed before the event was wiped out because of the onset of COVID-19. New coach Paul Peterson (an assistant under previous coach David Evans) has a mainstay back in Isaacs (14.2 ppg, 2.2 rpg, 5.6 apg) and three other lettermen returning for last year’s team. “Pop Pop” is a deep range shooter who can also get in the key and finish around the basket. He’ll be complimented nicely in the backcourt by Hickman, who averaged 17.3 ppg, 3.8 apg and 1.8 spg while shooting 38 percent from 3-point range for a Eastside Catholic (Sammamish, Wash.) team that advanced to its state playoff semifinal. Armbrester comes from Therrell (Atlanta, Ga.) and is one of the most underrated forwards in the country. He’s too strong for most wings, too agile and athletic for most bigs and is highly motivated after missing the majority of his junior season with a wrist injury. Peterson is a bit concerned about depth, but his three main cogs and ability to use them in multiple lineups makes this team a legitimate threat to earn another GEICO Nationals berth.
The Skinny: The Tigers had a terrific 2019-20 season, finishing No. 2 in the FAB 50 behind an all-time Montverde Academy club. They were eager to prove they were a great team, too, and not one whose key wins were at the right time. Sunrise Christian Academy finished No. 3 and does deserve to begin the season ranked higher because of its overall personnel, but it was the Buffaloes’ defeat at the hands of Hamilton Heights Christian Academy (Wasatch Academy beat that team) that allowed the Tigers to finish a spot higher in last year’s FAB 50. Another reason Wasatch begins a few notches lower than other recent GEICO Nationals participants is its 0-3 all-time at the event. So what do the Tigers have to do to get over the hump against top foes? “The keys for the front court will be how much they involve their teammates to keep the floor spread and their ability to use pick and roll to their advantage,” Peterson said. Fousseyni Traore (6-7, 2021) compliments Armbrester inside with his bruising style while the lineup is rounded out by Brennan Rigsby (6-2, 2021) a holdover from last year who can knock down shots or stun foes (and crowds alike) with his bounce. Wasatch Academy, was one of those top-ranked teams scheduled to participate in the City of Palms Classic, but with that tournament off the shelf two big tests at the Hoophall Classic in Springfield, Mass., just got bigger. The Tigers are scheduled to face No. 8 La Lumiere and No. 12 Oak Hill Academy. Wasatch will also compete at Hoophall West in Phoenix later in January and the results of the games at those two events will count towards standings in a newly-formed eight-team league of independent powers provided it gets off the ground.

12. (9) Oak Hill Academy (Mouth of Wilson, Va.) 37-3***
Key Players: SF MJ Rice 6-6 2022 (No. 10 ESPN.com), PG Caleb Foster 6-3 2023 (No. 24 247Sports.com), SF Jalen Ricks 6-6 2021, PF Jalen Reed 6-8 2022.
Why This Ranking: The Warriors’ youth and lack of veteran, elite talent is noticeable, but that’s only against their own standards of the past 35 years. They will field a contending team with depth, but there are only three seniors on the roster. It’s an unusual position for veteran coach Steve Smith (1,178-80), but he hopes it turns into a positive…while his team climbs in the rankings. It looked like he was going to have more star power when junior guard Zion Cruz and Dior Johnson enrolled over the summer, but they left the program in early October and that left Smith looking to fill his roster and gain some continuity by the first scrimmage with Hargrave Military Academy on October 22. The talented Foster may be eased into the lineup because he didn’t begin practicing until October 8, and with the Oak Hill campus’ strict COVID-19 related quarantine protocol it wasn’t a full-contact practice. Foster will be complimented by A.J. Williams (6-0, 2021), the team’s best shooter who will make defenses pay should opponents zone up. Xavier Brown (6-1, 2022) averaged 16.3 ppg and shot the 3-pointer at over 41 percent at Jamestown (Williamsburg, Va.) and is known for his intensity and I.Q., as the son of a coach. Camryn Carter (6-2, 2021) provides backcourt depth and Tyler “Tybo” Bailey (6-2, 2024) is a future star and will be fighting for quality minutes. Rice will be the go-to scorer and should he perform close to the level All-American Cam Thomas did the past two years, there is no reason why this team can’t be a serious GEICO Nationals threat by the end of the season. “M.J. is a vocal leader and has stepped up since Dior and Zion left,” Smith said. “He’s our best player on paper, positive with teammates, unselfish and aggressive on the floor. We’ll run things for him and have the ability to shuffle guys in and out at a six to eight minute clip. We should be a good defensive team.”
The Skinny: With no elite star or senior core that has been a staple of its teams over the years, Oak Hill looks like a fringe FAB 50 title contender. This is the lowest preseason ranking for Smith since his 1988-89 team started unranked and that comes on the heels of last year’s team beginning No. 8, which was the lowest in that time span until now. Last year’s team finished right in that range, so it’s a good omen for this group because the pressure that the top three preseason ranked teams come in with won’t be there. Keep in mind, this program has finished No. 1 or No. 2 an incredible 15 times (eight FAB 50 titles). “It’s been a long time since I had this young a team,” Smith said. “I’m excited to coach this team. I like it’s makeup, the depth we have and the other top teams are probably going to overlook these guys a bit. After our first three guys, there’s not a drop-off to our next five to six guys. I think we’re going to be really good.” Rice, Foster and Ricks (who gained valuable experience last season when Jamari Sibley was injured) are the three players Smith mentioned, while Reed will be tough to keep out of the lineup. He can play both forward spots and was a point guard two years ago before a late growth spurt. Ricks and Reed create matchup problems and if Smith wants to go big, he has Luke McEldon (6-9, 2022) and Judah Egbo (6-8, 2022) at his disposal. McEldon is a traditional below-the-rim space eater while Egbo (a teammate of Brown last year) is a 220-pound undersized post player that can jump out of the gym and provides high energy. Oak Hill plays some early games and then has December off while the campus is closed. The Warriors will come back in January and begin the meat of their schedule, which is likely to include the proposed eight-team independent league played at stops such as the DC Hoopfest, the Hoophall Classic, Hoophall West, the Montverde Academy Invitational and the Bob Kirk Invitational in Cumberland, Maryland. Oak Hill will not be at each stop of the league, but if the league is completed, it will be a vaunted slate of games for each participating team.

13. (13) Long Island Lutheran (Glen Head, N.Y.) 22-3***
Key Players: SG Rafael Pinzon 6-5 2021 (St. John’s commit), PG Jayden Pierre 6-2 2022 (No. 109 247Sports.com), PF Drissa Traore 6-7 2021 (St. John’s commit), SF Kacper Klaczek 6-8 2021.
Why This Ranking: For the fourth consecutive season, LuHi is a major FAB 50 factor and opens as the top-ranked team from New York state. The program will miss crafty point guard Andre Curbelo (Illinois) and forward Zed Key (Ohio St.), but with six returning lettermen and a host of talented newcomers, coach John Buck’s team rates as the early favorite to capture the New York Federation Class AA title. Pierre, a transfer from Elizabeth (N.J.), will take over lead guard duties and excels at covering ground, getting into the lane and finishing with either hand. Pinzon can play on the ball or off it and at his size is a mismatch waiting to happen. Traore brings plenty of firepower to the front court for a team that can attack offensively both inside and out and can overwhelm most teams with its size.
The Skinny: Last season, LuHi opened at No. 20 and was looking to defend its Class AA title when COVID-19 wiped out the New York Federation Tournament of Champions. Until an in-state foe beats the Crusaders in a meaningful playoff game, they deserve to begin the season as the Empire State’s top-ranked club. “We have depth at each position with multiple scoring options offensively,” Buck said. “The team can go nine to 10 deep and is long and athletic.” Among the veterans, Paul Jordan (6-6, 2021) is a wing who can really stroke the ball while Ryan Dunn (6-5, 2021) is a big guard who should be much improved. Jayden Reid (5-8, 2023) means this team can go small with Pinzon sliding down to the three. If Buck wants to go big, he can rely on his newcomers, particularly Jaxon Koroll (6-10, 2022) a talented big man from Canada who works hard on defense. Finley Sheridan (6-8, 2022) is another sweet-shooting forward who is receiving D1 interest and gives this team even more versatility. If Pinzon develops into that go-to scorer that Key was last season, this team shouldn’t miss a beat, as long as COVID-19 doesn’t wipe out key games. As of now, LuHi is scheduled to participate in the Arby’s Classic in Bristol, Tenn., at the end of December, the Metro Classic in New Jersey in February and at the Hoophall Classic in Massachusetts, where it will face highly regarded Chaminade of St. Louis, Mo.

14. (15) Minnehaha Academy (Minneapolis, Minn.) 25-3***
Key Players: C Chet Holmgren 7-0 2021 (No. 1 247Sports.com, Ballislife Underclass All-American), SF Prince Aligbe 6-6 2022 (No. 56 Rivals.com), PG Hercy Miller 6-2 2021.

Why This Ranking: The Red Hawks have arguably the best player in the nation, a strong enough supporting cast and some out-of-region showdowns to justify their preseason positioning. Holmgren is that player and he’s a bonafide Mr. Basketball USA candidate after posting junior season averages of 14.3 ppg, 9.9 rpg and 4.9 bpg, including 12 blocks in a monster win over California power Sierra Canyon at the Target Center. With Holmgren’s defensive prowess and presence, the Red Hawks have a chance in each game. They lose Jalen Suggs (Duke) and his 2,945 points to graduation, but Aligbe has the chance to develop into a star in his own right. He averaged 10.6 ppg and provided excellent rebounding and defense and will be counted on to put up big scoring totals. Miller (8.4 ppg) is a talented guard who excels in transition and is capable of knocking down the big shot. With Suggs gone, he’ll have to pick up the slack as a playmaker and distributor. There is plenty to like about this team, and last year’s experience should help during crunch time of big games.
The Skinny: Minnehaha Academy begins behind La Lumiere in the Midwest Region because of Holmgren’s star power. It doesn’t mean the Red Hawks don’t have their work cut out for them to remain in the Top 15 and they can’t afford any in-state slip ups if they expect to move up. Coach Lance Johnson is frank about the outlook of this year’s team. “Our weakness is losing Jalen (Suggs) and our strength is we will be very good without him. We are long, fast and athletic, but need to develop a bench.” The top role players for Johnson are point guard Donovan Smith (5-9, 2022), shooting guard Isaiah Davis (6-3, 2021) and Chase Carter (6-6, 2022), who follows in Suggs’ footsteps as a Grid-Hoop stud while providing interior toughness and physicality. The Red Hawks have a scheduled early test on December 19 versus No. 3 Sunrise Christian Academy and are also scheduled to face No. 28 Houston and No. 15 Camden in potential nationally televised contests.

15. (18) Camden (Camden, N.J.) 29-1***
Key Players: PG DJ Wagner 2023 (No. 1 247Sports.com, Ballislife National Freshman Player of the Year), PF Taquan Woodley 6-7 2021 (Penn St. commit), PF Jerome Brewer Jr. 6-7 2021.

Why This Ranking: The Panthers burst onto the scene last year, winning their last 25 games before COVID-19 cut short their quest to capture the New Jersey Tournament of Champions title. Camden has the tools to capture the program’s first TOC crown since 2000 because of the presence of Wagner. The nation’s top sophomore played with poise and took charge when needed on a team with key veterans, averaging 18.5 ppg, 2.0 rpg and 1.5 apg. Wagner has grown a few inches and has the capability to dominate games, but he’ll have to find his mark as a distributor, too, because defenses will be focused on him. Devin Benson (6-0, 2021), a lefty guard who can keep defenses honest, excelled in key playoff moments off the bench last season. Cian Medley (5-11, 2023) knows how to get to the free throw line as a penetrating guard and is the team’s returning leader in assists and steals.
The Skinny: “The High” last won a TOC crown when Wagner’s father, 2001 Mr. Basketball USA Dajuan Wagner, was a junior and he’s not the only reason to get excited about coach Rick Brunson’s team. With Lance Ware off to Louisville, there are some question marks but New Jersey’s other top teams also have to replace plenty. That means Camden begins as New Jersey No. 1, six spots behind Archbishop Wood, which beat the only team the Panthers lost to (Roman Catholic of Philadelphia). Woodley (8 ppg, 10 rpg) is a force inside with his ability to block shots and is known as a good interior passer. Brewer has good versatility and can score, so if he fills the void created by Ware’s graduation, Camden will be in terrific position to finish what it wasn’t able to last season. Camden romped over its Olympic Conference Competition, but there will be playoff tests against the likes of No. 30 Roselle Catholic. The Panthers are also scheduled to take on No. 14 Minnehaha Academy, in addition to major tests against No. 25 Simeon and No. 5 DeMatha Catholic at Hoophall Classic.

RELATED: Preseason 2020-21 FAB 50 (16-30) | Preseason 2020-21 FAB 50 (31-50) | Preseason Regional Top 20 Rankings | A Season Unlike Any Other | "In The Paint" Podcast: FAB 50 Edition (Episode 86)

Note: The FAB 50 powered by www.ebooksnet.com is a continuation of the National Sports News Service ratings that began in 1952. These were the first national high school rankings and the late Art Johlfs of Minnesota compiled them. They were compiled for many years by the late Barry Sollenberger of Phoenix, who merged them into the FAB 50 21 years ago.

Ronnie Flores is the national Grassroots editor of www.ebooksnet.com. He can be reached at [email protected]. Don't forget to follow him on Twitter: @RonMFlores

The post Preseason 2020-21 FAB 50: Top 15 Teams! appeared first on www.ebooksnet.com.

RELATED: Preseason 2020-21 FAB 50 (1-15) | Preseason 2020-21 FAB 50 (31-50) |Preseason Regional Top 20 Rankings | A Season Unlike Any Other | "In The Paint" Podcast: FAB 50 Edition (Episode 86)

Preseason 2020-21 FAB 50 National
Team Rankings Powered by www.ebooksnet.com

By Ronnie Flores

(Final 2019-20 ranking in parentheses; *Indicates forfeit wins, forfeit losses not included; **Indicates forfeits and defaults not included; ***Indicates season cut short due to COVID-19 Pandemic; Look for preseason Region-By-Region Top 20 Rankings on Thursday, November 5 and for the preseason Mr. Basketball USA Tracker on Monday, November 23.)

16. (NR) Legacy Early College (Greenville, S.C.) 22-10
Key Players: SG Bryce McGowens 6-6 2021 (No. 23 Rivals.com), PG Jacobi Wright 6-1 2021 (South Carolina commit), SF Ike Cornish 6-6 2021 (No. 77 247Sports.com, Maryland commit), PF Perry Smith Jr. 6-8 2022 (No. 145 Rivals.com).

Bryce McGowens

6'5"   -   SG   -   2021

Why This Ranking: The Lions are a strong independent program and have one of the best rosters in the country. It begins with a skilled backcourt led by Wright, a talented scoring guard who averaged a team-leading 17.4 ppg along with 3.7 rpg and 5.3 apg. Cornish was one of three double-digit scorers last season (13.3 ppg), while McGowens is another big guard who creates mismatches. Smith (5.7 ppg, 4.1 rpg) has tons of potential and the presence of Jason Baker (6-9, 2021) should make him more productive. There is talent at each spot and coach B.J. Jackson will have the luxury of finding out what combination meshes best. It’s a problem many coaches would love to have. “We feel with our three high major senior guards that we can beat anyone in the country,” Jackson said.
The Skinny: This program opened last season at No. 30, but there were some concerns about its youth. Legacy Early did lose a high number of games against a strong schedule and fell out of the FAB 50. In order to move into the Top 15, the Lions have to close games and get Smith and Baker involved in the offense so teams don’t key on slowing down Wright and Cornish. The Lions return Tyrek Priestley (6-9, 2021), the team’s top returning rebounder (4.3 ppg), with depth added by Kidd Brizek (6-7, 2022) and Kam Little (6-6, 2021). Every player is a D1 prospect, and that doesn’t even include Randy “Deuce” Caldwell (6-1, 2022), who will be a Power 5 football recruit. “Our forwards are skilled and Priestley is strong as an Ox,” Jackson said. “This is our most skilled and deepest roster.” Last season, Legacy Early was a bit of an unknown on a national level, but with their college commits and talent level they won’t sneak up on anyone this year behind the backdrop of a daunting schedule. The Lions are scheduled to play at the Battle of the Rock, the Hoophall Classic (vs. No. 22 Blair Academy), the Montverde Academy Invitational, and the Metro Classic in New Jersey. Legacy Early has also been mentioned as one of the teams for an eight-team independent league along with Montverde Academy, Wasatch Academy, Sunrise Christian Academy, Oak Hill Academy, La Lumiere, Hamilton Heights Christian Academy, and Bishop Walsh (Cumberland, Md.). Those teams will compete in pre-existing events (DC Hoopfest, Hoophall West, Hoophall, Montverde Academy Invitational) along with the Bob Kirk Invitational that Bishop Walsh annually hosts. Then the eight teams would reportedly meet in their own tournament in Indiana the first weekend of March. If those league games are completed, then the Lions’ ranking threshold to survive some losses would grow, as it would for the other ranked teams in the league.

17. (17) Sierra Canyon (Chatsworth, Calif.) 30-4*** 
Key Players: SG Amari Bailey 6-3 2022 (No. 3 ESPN.com, Ballislife Underclass All-American), LeBron James Jr. 6-2 2023 (No. 24 ESPN.com), Harold Yu 7-3 2021 (No. 145 247Sports.com), SG Chance Westry 6-4 2022 (No. 26 Rivals.com, Ballislife Underclass All-American).
Why This Ranking: Montverde Academy might have fielded the most dominant high school team in 25 years last season, but Sierra Canyon was the most talked about and watched nationwide with a package of games streamed on the ESPN family of networks. The Trailblazers do return the player mostly responsible for that unprecedented coverage in James, the son of the L.A. Lakers’ superstar. James (4.1 ppg, 1.7 rpg, 1.1 apg) is expected to take a major step up after playing spot minutes as a freshman. He’s a high IQ player who can distribute or make the open shot and he’ll team up in the backcourt alongside Bailey (10.8 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 4 apg), the team’s most talented player and an explosive talent whose individual numbers will go way up. Coach Andre Chevalier can go with a more perimeter-oriented attack with Shy Odom (6-5, 2022) as the key cog inside or big with Yu, who is a valuable weapon with his size and unselfishness. Odom (7.7 ppg, 5.9 rpg) had a big role last season until Ziaire Williams (Stanford) got eligible while Yu (6.2 ppg, 5.7 rpg) steadily improved as the season went along. Chevalier hopes Yu develops more into a rim protector in the big games. Westry, a transfer from Trinity (Camp Hill, Pa.), should take pressure off of Bailey and James with his scoring and play-making ability. There are plenty of weapons at Chevalier’s disposal and, as the past few years proved, his track record of handling egos and managing expectations makes this team the logical favorite to win another California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) Open Division title.
The Skinny: In 2018 and 2019, the Trailblazers celebrated with back-to-back state open crowns, but the ending to last season was perhaps even more memorable, even though they didn’t win an on-court state crown. Last season Sierra Canyon won the SoCal open title with a dramatic, last-minute comeback win at the buzzer over FAB 50 ranked Etiwanda before COVID-19 shut down the CIF championships. Sierra Canyon took care of business among CIF teams, but dropped three out-of-state, showcase games to FAB 50 ranked foes and those results were reflected in its final ranking. Sierra Canyon begins this season in the exact same spot it finished last season, but has to begin lower than last season’s No. 6 start for three reasons. First, the CIF season doesn’t begin until March 12, when many other states presumably will be winding down their seasons, so that will limit Sierra Canyon's opportunity to face other FAB 50 ranked foes. The Trailblazers are scheduled to play in some fall league events, but those won’t count against their official 2020-2021 won-loss record. Second, California has a weak senior class and that’s reflected in the amount of quality regionally ranked teams the Golden State has. Lastly, Williams and B.J. Boston, the state’s Mr. Basketball now at Kentucky, were part of California’s terrific 2020 class and their production won’t easily be replaced. California’s best team three seasons running may not have the dynamic play-making it did last season, but it does have good depth and a well-rounded roster with the likes of Ryan Grande (6-0, 2021), a good outside shooter, plus Evan Manjikian (6-8, 2022) and Max Allen (6-8, 2022) inside.

18. (19) Moeller (Cincinnati, Ohio) 25-1***
Key Players: PF Alex Williams 6-5 2021 (Furman commit), C Logan Duncomb 6-9 2021 (No. 63 247Sports.com, Indiana commit), SG Evan Mahaffey 6-5 2022 (No. 145 247Sports.com).
Why This Ranking: The Fighting Crusaders are a FAB 50 lock as one of the country’s most consistent parochial programs, with excellent coaching and a good system where role and JayVee players step up to fill the void left by graduating seniors. Coach Karl Kremer counts three returning starters and eight other lettermen back off a team that was gunning for a third consecutive OHSAA D1 state crown before the ongoing pandemic forced the cancellation of the state tourney with Moeller in the regional final. Duncomb (13.8 ppg, 8.5 rpg), an all-state choice as a junior, leads the way and makes teams pay with good patience and shot selection (.699). Williams (13.8 ppg, 4.3 rpg) is an excellent scorer and shot over 40 percent from 3-point range last season. Will McCraken (6-4, 2021) rounds out the trio of veteran starters and he’s an excellent all-around talent (8.9 ppg, 4.4 rpg) who shoots it well and tied with Duncomb for the team lead in blocked shots (37). If recent seasons are any indication, a few of last season’s reserves will step up in a big way.
The Skinny: The Crusaders’ 50-game winning streak was snapped by No. 49 St. Vincent-St. Mary in their second game last year and Moeller didn’t lose again. Both clubs deserve to be preseason FAB 50 ranked with Moeller getting the benefit of the doubt as Ohio No. 1 because of its recent track record. In 2016-17, the Crusaders were unranked in the preseason and finished 28-1 with a controversial loss in the state title game. In 2017-18, they started out No. 14 in the FAB 50 and finished No. 16, while in 2018-19 they repeated as state champs despite returning only one starter and starting out unranked. Max Land (St. Francis PA) is a big loss off a team that began at No. 25, but Mahaffey is a prime candidate to make a big jump this season after playing in only 10 games as a sophomore. Aidan Noyes (6-6, 2021) and Aidan Turner (6-1, 2021) got valuable playing time as juniors and should continue that tradition of senior leadership and reliability with the game on the line. For now, Moeller is scheduled to play St. Vincent-St. Mary on December 5 at home and talented Lawrence North of Indianapolis at the Forum Tipoff in Indiana the following weekend. The Crusaders were preparing for a good showing at the City of Palms Classic, but that event is now cancelled. Kremer is hoping his unit will get to compete in the Beach Ball Classic in South Carolina after Christmas against a field that includes at least three other FAB 50 ranked foes.

19. (6) Hamilton Heights Christian Academy (Chattanooga, Tenn.) 28-3
Key Players: SG Reggie Bass 6-4 2022 (No. 137 Rivals.com), C Felix Okpara 6-10 2022 (No. 39 Rivals.com), PF Jaret Valencia 6-8 2022 (No. 127 Rivals.com), C Bretner Mutumbo 6-10 2021 (No. 38 247Sports.com).
Why This Ranking: The Hawks are the three-time defending National Association of Christian Athletes D1 champs and have the talent to make a push toward the Top 10 of the FAB 50 for the second consecutive season. It will be tough to replace what All-American Samson Ruzhentsev (Florida) and point guard Dominiq Penn gave HHCA, but new coach Steve Cook (who previously coached on the NAIA level) does have a nice blend of returnees (two starters, four lettermen) and talented newcomers to begin in the same rankings position it did last season and make a GEICO Nationals run. Bass (6.8 ppg, 2.9 apg, 1.1 spg) is a good all-around guard who can play off and on the ball and defend multiple positions. Okpara (7.2 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 3.6 bpg) is a load inside who should improve his scoring output. Regardless of what he does offensively, he’s one of the nation’s best shot blockers and teaming with Mutumbo will make HHCA a tough out in any environment. “We will be one of the best defensive teams in the country with Felix and Bretner,” Cook said. “They both are elite shot blockers and rebounders.”
The Skinny: HHCA earned its first preseason FAB 50 ranking last season and got key victories to move up from their preseason No. 19 position. This team has to adequately replace the perimeter ball-handling and firepower it lost in order to once again move up in the rankings. Cook believes he has the answer in Duarte, a versatile scorer who brings energy to both ends of the floor. The first-year coach is also high on another transfer, Jahsemar Olembe (6-5, 2023). The Canadian transplant is an elite three-level scorer and Cook loves the edge he plays with. HHCA plays a loaded schedule that will give them plenty of opportunity to prove their rankings’ worth. If it performs well in the eight-team independent league set to take place this season at various stops in the country, HHCA will be a good bet to make a move up in the rankings.

Paolo Banchero

6'9"   -   PF   -   2021

20. (BB) O’Dea (Seattle, Wash.) 23-6
Key Players: C Paolo Banchero 6-10 2021 (No. 2 Rivals.com, Duke commit, Ballislife Underclass All-American), SG John Christofillis 6-4 2021 (Creighton commit), SF Jermaine Davis 6-3 2021, PF Max Debiec 6-8 2021, PG Dezjay Perkins 6-0 2021.
Why This Ranking: The Fightin’ Irish are the preseason team to beat in the Pacific Northwest for the second consecutive season. Last year, O’Dea wasn’t able to overcome the talented team at Eastside Catholic of Sammamish, but with that team and Garfield of Seattle suffering key losses and the Irish returning their big gun, it makes sense to tab this team No. 1 in Washington. Banchero is that gun and after posting 22.7 ppg, 11 rpg, 4 apg and 2 bpg, he rates with Chet Holmgren of FAB 50 ranked Minnehaha Academy as the nation’s two most impactful big men. He’s simply too strong and relentless for high school big men and is a patient passer and post play-maker. That will pay dividends this season, because O’Dea returns all four other starters and 10 lettermen in all. Christofilis (12.0 ppg), a terrific jump shooter who can also play above the rim, is looking forward to a big senior campaign after battling injuries as an underclassman. If he’s consistent, this team will be tough to beat. Davis (9.0 ppg) is a three-year standout who can contribute on all three levels and guard multiple positions. Perkins (5.5 ppg) is the returning point guard while Debiec (9.1 ppg), a hard throwing southpaw who should be a high MLB Draft choice next year, should have a huge jump in production playing off Banchero after being a part-time starter last season. There is simply no glaring weakness in the lineup, especially since Debiec has decided to play the entire season.
The Skinny: Last season, O’Dea opened up ranked No. 32 in the FAB 50 and were ranked most of the season until falling to Garfield in the WIAA Class 3A title game. The 69-44 score was a tough pill to swallow after beating the Bulldogs two times earlier in the season and winning the title in 2018-19. The Irish do deserve a higher preseason ranking than last season because eight of the 10 returnees are seniors and they have been gearing towards this season for three years. We couldn’t place them any higher, however, because it will be a slow play up in the rankings because of how COVID-19 will affect WIAA scheduling. According to coach Jason Kerr (375-136), WIAA programs have a start date of December 28, with two non-league games and 14 regular season games allowed followed by a full playoff bracket. It goes without saying Kerr is trying to schedule the two best possible non-league foes possible, especially since he considers this one of the most talented teams ever to come through the program.

21. (NR) Milton (Milton, Ga.) 26-5
Key Players: PG Bruce Thornton 6-2 2022 (No. 17 Rivals.com, Ballislife Underclass All-American), SG Kanaan Carlyle 6-3 2023 (No. 16 ESPN.com, Ballislife Underclass All-American), SF Kendall Campbell 6-8 2022 (No. 87 Rivals.com), PG Broc Bidwell 6-1 2021.
Why This Ranking: The Eagles get the nod as the preseason No. 1 ranked Georgia High School Association (GHSA) team with all five starters returning and 11 lettermen total off a state semifinalist team. Coach Allen Whitehart still has a young team, but its talent level is too hard to ignore in what should be another banner year for GHSA teams. It begins with Thornton, one of the nation’s best players in his class who was a first team all-state selection last season after averaging 23 ppg, 7.5 rpg and 6.1 apg. His backcourt running mate Caryle is not far behind, as he averaged 14 ppg, 4 rpg and 3 apg in his freshman season while also earning underclass All-American honors. Campbell gives Milton plenty of scoring punch inside and is another all-state level talent after averaging 17.4 ppg and 9.8 rpg at Meadowcreek (Norcross, Ga.). Bidwell is another transfer (from West Forsyth in Cumming, Ga.) who will make Whitehart’s veteran backcourt that much more dynamic because he can score or run a club. With the blend transfers and returnees, it’s hard to find a weakness on this team.
The Skinny: A terrific regular season doesn’t guarantee an easy path to the Class AAAAAAA state crown and some in-state losses doesn’t mean a team can’t turn it around in the post-season. The road in Class AAAAAAA is tough, so Whitehart wants his troops to peak at the right time. Last season, the Eagles dropped three out-of-state games (to teams from New York, Kentucky and Ohio) but also split with the Wheeler of Marietta team that eventually upset FAB 50 No. 4 Grayson in the state final. Thornton had 42 points in a loss to Grayson and 28 in the state semifinal loss to Wheeler, so there is no doubt this team will be tough to beat in crunch time. Depth is provided by L.T. Overton (6-4, 2023), one of the nation’s best football prospects, Fisher Finley (6-5, 2021), one of the nations’ best Lacrosse players, Devin Farrell (6-1, 2022), a QB with multiple D1 offers, and Mo Clipper (6-5, 2022), a 260-pound enforcer inside who is another D1 level athlete. The Eagles have a loaded schedule despite the City of Palms Tournament being cancelled. Milton is scheduled to meet No. 5 DeMatha and with COP cancelled, hopes the Beach Ball Classic in South Carolina goes off without a COVID-19-related hitch.

22. (NR) Blair Academy (Blairstown, N. J.) 24-3
Key Players: SG Jaylen Blakes 6-1 2021 (No. 79 ESPN.com), PG Kyle Cuffe Jr. 6-1 2022 (No. 78 Rivals.com), C Lual Manyang 6-11 2022 (No. 143 247Sports.com), SG Otega Oweh 6-4 2022 (No. 111 247Sports.com).
Why This Ranking: The Bucs burst onto the national scene with a talented team capable of moving up in the FAB 50. Coach Joseph Mantegna counts two returning starters and nine total lettermen back off a club that played a strong independent schedule. Blakes is described as a “walking bucket” who relentlessly attacks the rim with both hands and thrives off created turnovers. He averaged nearly 19 ppg last season and should be one of the top guards in the East Region. Cuffe can play both on the ball or off and is a relentless defender. Manyang, a South Sudan native, has made tremendous strides after picking up the game only three years ago. He runs the floor well and if he can provide some scoring punch, the sky's the limit for this team.
The Skinny: It’s not as if this program hasn’t fielded talented teams before, but the Bucs will be under more of a spotlight from a results standpoint now that they have cracked the FAB 50. They play and follow the rules of the Mid-Atlantic Prep League (MAPL), are sanctioned to play NJSIAA programs, follow the age limit guidelines of that association and do not carry post-graduates. Oweh scored 18 points or more 11 times at Rutgers Prep last season and gives the backcourt even more versatility. “We have three high major guards and a high major big and a number of future scholarship players,” Mantegna said. With at least seven D1 prospects, Blair Academy has what it takes to remain a FAB 50 force provided the young players mesh with the veteran backcourt and Manyang develops as advertised. The Bucs played a national schedule which includes a game versus Garden State power and No. 38 Patrick School, which should give us a clear indication of where this club fits in the state pecking order alongside teams that compete for the NJSIAA Tournament of Champions crown.

23. (20) Duncanville (Duncanville, Texas) 31-3**
Key Players: PG Zhuric Phelps 6-3 2021, SG Chauncey Gibson 6-4 2022, SG Damon Nicholas Jr. 6-4 2021, PG Juan Reyna 6-2 2021, PF Ronald Holland 6-7 2023 (No. 12 247Sports.com), C Cameron Barnes 6-10 2023 (No. 23 ESPN.com).
Why This Ranking: The Panthers begin as the top rated team in Texas’ University Interscholastic League (UIL) over fellow Class 6A state title contenders No. 36 Shadow Creek and Waxahachie plus early Class 5A favorite San Antonio Wagner, who just missed the preseason FAB 50. Micah Peavy (Texas Tech), the son of head coach David Peavy, and steady point guard Ja’Bryant Hill (Western Texas) have moved on, but this club is deep and Texas scribes feel this team could be just as good as last year’s club if the underclassmen develop as expected. Leading the veterans is Nicholas (10.5 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 1.4 spg), an experienced wing guard who can rebound at a high level, handle the ball and develop as a go-to scorer. Reyna (10.9 ppg) is a dependable 3-point shooter who made a team-leading 64 from downtown at a 37 percent clip and can handle the ball as well. Phelps (7.9 ppg, 1.5 spg) is a combo guard who Texas scout Alan Branch feels is the most under-recruited player in the state. Gibson (4.6 ppg) also has experience and if he and Phelps blossom after missing games last year, this team will be hard to beat once the UIL playoffs roll around.
The Skinny: Not only is Duncanville talented, it is plenty motivated after last season’s quest to capture back-to-back UIL Class 6A titles was thwarted by COVID-19 with the Panthers qualified for the state final four. This unit begins five spots higher in the preseason than last year’s club (No. 28), but in order to move up its young front court players must develop. Both Holland (4.5 ppg, 3.5 rpg) and Barnes (2.2 ppg) both rate as two of the best prospects in their class nationally. The road to the UIL Class 6A crown is no cakewalk and the most talented team doesn’t alway win. The team with quality guard play that’s cohesive usually does, so it will be important for Holland and Barnes to develop chemistry with the backcourt. Another reason why Duncanville could find the climb tough is the UIL has mandated no tournaments or big showcases for the 2020-21 season. Still the Texas pecking order could be established right away when the Panthers face talented iSchool of Lewisville, St. Mark’s of Dallas and Wagner in a span of a week before taking on Emoni Bates’ Ypsi Prep Academy of Michigan as part of the Thanksgiving Hoopfest at American Airlines Arena on November 28.

24. (NR) John Marshall (Richmond, Va.) 24-2
Key Players: PG Jason Nelson 5-10 2021 (Richmond commit), C Roosevelt Wheeler 6-10 2021 (No. 42 Rivals.com), SF Dennis Parker Jr. 6-6 2023 (Ballislife Underclass All-American), SF Dana Woodley 6-5 2021.
Why This Ranking: After capturing the Virginia High School League (VHSL) Class 2A state crown, the Justices just missed the final 2020-21 East Region Top 20 Rankings. They make a big splash into the FAB 50 this year with four returning starters while losing only two rotation players. Leading the way for coach Ty White is Nelson, last year’s VHSL Class 2A State Player of the Year who averaged 17.3 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 5.9 apg and 1.3 spg for a team that romped in the state title game, 75-57, over Gate City. Nelson stepped up in the post-season, going for 20 or more points in four of John Marshall’s five final playoff games, as the Justices were able to close the deal right before COVID-19 shut down other classifications of the state tournament. Wheeler is one of the nation’s best post players whose mere presence makes an impact because of his athleticism. He averaged 15.8 ppg and 11.9 rpg and went for 11 points, nine rebounds and three blocks vs. Gate City. Parker Jr. is a budding star who averaged 14 ppg, 6 rpg and 4 apg and can excel on the perimeter or interior. As long as this team stays healthy, it will be extremely difficult for any VHSL team to beat them.
The Skinny: The Justices have won three VHSL titles since 2014, with last year being the first crown in Class 2A. They have their sights set on more national acclaim and in order to move up in the FAB 50, they will have to get consistent contributions from key role players and win the big out-of-state contests. John Marshall didn’t lose in-state, with losses against FAB 50 power Sierra Canyon of California and Georgia power McEachern of Powder Springs. That’s why Marshall’s performance at the Beach Ball Classic in South Carolina will be key, because FAB 50 title contenders Archbishop Wood of Pennsylvania and Moeller of Ohio, No. 21 Milton, plus quality clubs such as Greensboro Day, Lake Norman Christian and Cannon School of North Carolina, and Dorman of South Carolina will be part of the field. That’s where talents such as Woodley (11.3 ppg, 4.3 rpg) and Reginald Robinson (6-1, 2022) will need to step up. Woodley doesn’t get much acclaim, but he was a second team all-region selection and is the most explosive athlete on the roster, while Robinson (5.3 ppg) is a dependable lead guard who plays excellent defense.

25. (NR) Simeon (Chicago, Ill.) 24-9
Key Players: SG Ahamad Bynum 6-2 2021 (No. 75 Rivals.com, DePaul commit, Ballislife Underclass All-American), SF Isaiah Barnes 6-6 2021 (No. 83 247Sports.com, Michigan commit), PG Jaylen Drane 6-1 2022, PG Jalen Griffith 5-10 2023.
Why This Ranking: The Wolverines are a long-time Chicago Public League power and have captured 10 CPL and seven Illinois High School Association (IHSA) state titles. With four returning starters, Simeon is the favorite to capture another Public League crown and be in good position to capture its first state crown since 2012-13, the last of four consecutive during the Jabari Parker era. Veteran coach Robert Smith (444-65) doesn’t have a talent quite like Parker, but Bynum could very well be Illinois’ best and leads an excellent backcourt. He averaged 20.3 ppg, 5.3 rpg and 3.2 apg while being a shot maker and fearless scorer. Drane is a crafty guard who compliments Bynum well and will look to get Barnes involved in the offense. The talented transfer from River Forest (Oak Park, Ill.) is an energy wing with good athleticism who will help on the interior with the skills to create mismatches on the perimeter. “I’m real high on our guard play and bringing back seven players from last year’s City championship team,” Smith said.
The Skinny: The FAB 50 has been dominated by independent powers in the past decade and the Wolverines were the last public school program to start as preseason No. 1 in the nation back in 2011-12. Simeon isn’t quite to that level this year, but the competition in Illinois is not quite to the level this team is capable of if Barnes finds his role. Simeon will have to cut down on the loss count and close strong in order to move up in the rankings. After winning the CPL crown, the Wolverines fell in the state playoffs to Whitney Young, a FAB 50 contender and likely Simeon’s stiffest competition for this year’s City crown. The role players will play a big part in this team meeting expectations and it begins with Phillip Holmes (6-7, 2021), who is a capable shot blocker and a quality board man. Fred Poole (6-2, 2021) is a good catch and shoot guard, while Griffith is oozing with potential. Avyion Morris (5-9, 2022) is an important cog and brings stingy perimeter defense and a spark to the lineup. Simeon has a national schedule lined up, including a matchup with FAB 50 title contender Camden of New Jersey at the Hoophall Classic, but Illinois’ Department of Public Health mandates will dictate what type of season the Wolverines and other ISHA teams will have. There won’t be any holiday tournaments in the region, while practice was originally set to begin November 16, although that is in flux. The state would have to be at Level 3 (under IDPH guidelines) in order for games to begin on November 30, but in all likelihood games won't start on that date and the IHSA season could be completely cancelled right as the FAB 50 is released. The IHSA board will vote on the fate of the season as early as October 28, based on the COVID-19 guidelines provided by the IDPH and Illinois Governor J. B. Pritzker. If the IHSA season is cancelled, it will have an effect on the regular season FAB 50. Expect an exodus of players to other states and obviously two teams will replace Simeon and No. 40 Notre Dame College Prep in the first regular season update.

26. (NR) Pace Academy (Atlanta, Ga.) 28-4***
Key Players: SF Matthew Cleveland 6-7 2021 (No. 15 247Sports.com, Florida St. commit), PF Cole Middleton 6-6 2021 (Cleveland St. commit), SG Madison Durr 6-5 2021, SF Josh Reed 6-6 2022.

Matthew Cleveland

6'6"   -   SG   -   2021

Why This Ranking: The Knights are the defending GHSA Class AAA state champions and return their team en masse. Coach Sharman White (421-104) has a group with all the ingredients to make a FAB 50 push and challenge No. 21 Milton (or whomever emerges from Class AAAAAAA) as the GHSA’s top overall team. It begins with Cleveland, last year’s Atlanta Journal Constitution Class AAA Player of the Year, who averaged 22.6 ppg, 8.2 rpg and 2.0 spg. With a strong start to the season, he should be selected to play in the McDonald’s All-American Game. Middleton (12.3 ppg, 10.2 rpg, 1.7 bpg) was the team’s second double-digit scorer and leading rebounder and plays bigger than he is with good anticipation and timing on the defensive end. Durr (9.3 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 6.1 apg, 1.5 spg) is the team’s top distributor and is a tough check with his size and scoring ability. Reed (8.3 ppg, 5.5 rpg) can play either forward spot, depending if White chooses to go big or run, and is capable of 20-point games.
The Skinny: Although the Knights don’t have a national level big man, it won’t prevent them from being a national level team. They simply have too much experience and talent and will impose their style of play on foes. “We will be long and athletic and with seven of the top eight from a season ago back, we’ll have good depth,” White said. Grid-Hooper Josh Mininberg (5-10, 2021) led the team with 43 3-point shots, while Cleveland is a 43 percent shooter from long-range. Matt Aronson (6-1, 2022) is another two-sport star who should step up this season, while L.J. Moore (6-5, 2024), one of the best freshman in the Southeast Region, is oozing with potential and gained some valuable experience in fall league. White has his team playing a national schedule and hopes COVID-19 doesn’t wipe out his team’s best chances to move up in the rankings. Pace Academy will play in the Hawks-Naismith Tip-Off Classic (November 21), The Tournament of Champions Showcase and at the Bass Pro TOC in Missouri (January 14-16), where the likes of FAB 50 title contenders IMG Academy of Florida, Bishop Gorman of Las Vegas and Sunrise Christian Academy of Kansas are part of the field.

27. (NR) Combine Academy (Lincolnton, N.C.) 26-7
Key Players: PG Robert Dillingham 6-1 2023 (No. 10 247Sports.com), SG Kris Robinson 6-3 2021, PF Jacori Owens 6-8 2021, SF Omarion Broderick 6-6 2021, C Patrick Wessler 7-0 2022.
Why This Ranking: It was quite a first game for first-year coach Jeff McInnis last season, as the Goats downed his alma mater and FAB 50 power Oak Hill Academy of Virginia, 76-74. The Goats had other quality wins and have a plethora of talent back at their disposal. The transfer of Jalen Hood-Schifino to FAB 50 power Montverde Academy hurts in terms of having an established go-to scorer, but it doesn’t hurt when it comes to replacing the production because McInnis has talent and capable backups at every position. It begins with Dillingham, a budding star who averaged 15 ppg and 3 apg as a freshman. Robinson is a returning double-digit scorer and is Dillingham’s dependable backcourt running mate. Owens is an athletic rebounder and the team’s best shot blocker, while Wessler is a space eater who will be counted on against national level teams. Broderick is a talented transfer from Independence (Charlotte, N.C.) who can play above the rim and provide additional ball-handling.
The Skinny: Last year’s win over Oak Hill Academy put this program on the map, but they also lost a return game to the Warriors by 21 points (83-62). With a still relatively young team, the Goats are going to have to show consistency and develop chemistry in order to make a move inside the Top 20. “We’re still young, but our overall depth will be the key to our success. We’ll be able to run in waves and have numerous players who can score at different levels,” McInnis said. There is so much depth, the Goats’ coaching staff could implement a two-platoon system, if desired. Highly-touted point guard Jaylen Curry (6-0, 2023) and power forward Mekhi Grant (6-9, 2023) will only get better as the season progresses. A.J. Smith (6-4, 2022) and Antonio Hamlin (6-2, 2022) are newcomers who will play key roles, while Bryce Alfino (6-4, 2021) and College of Charleston-bound Michael Dudley (6-5, 2021) will be counted on for senior leadership. Provided COVID-19 guidelines don’t change travel plans, Combine Academy is scheduled to compete in the eight-team independent bracket at the Beach Ball Classic in South Carolina with the likes of FAB 50 title contenders St. Frances Academy and West Oaks Academy, in addition to the Battle of the Rock (December 3-5) and Bojangles Bash (December 10-12).

28. (NR) Houston (Germantown, Tenn.) 29-4***
Key Players: PF Mason Miller 6-8 2021 (No. 64 247Sports.com), C Jerrell Colbert 6-9 2021 (No. 31 ESPN.com, LSU commit), PG T. J. Madlock 6-2 2021, SF Zander Yates 6-8 2021.
Why This Ranking: The Mustangs have a chance to make a FAB 50 splash after seeing their 2019-20 season prematurely come to an in the TSSAA Class AAA quarterfinals because of COVID-19. Houston will get plenty of attention because of the presence of new coach Mike Miller, the former NBA player and Memphis assistant who takes over for the retiring Charlie Leonard. Miller’s presence has attracted some talent, most notably Colbert, a highly regarded big who averaged 12 ppg and 11 rpg at Cornerstone Christian (San Antonio, Texas) and will make Miller (the coach’s son), a better player with his presence. Two other newcomers who will make the lineup more potent are Brock Vice (6-10, 2023), a big addition on the boards, and Cal Greene (6-6, 2021), who brings a scoring punch. If the newcomers mesh with the veterans, this team will be tough to beat in the TSSAA Class AAA playoffs.
The Skinny: Houston had plenty of weapons without the newcomers, and has as much upside as any team in this range to make a jump up in the FAB 50. With the City of Palms Tournament cancelled, the Mustangs will focus on excelling in the events still slated on the schedule, including the Jack Jones Classic (December 12), the Hoop City Classic (December 28-30) and the Hot Bed Classic (January 23). Miller will rely on senior leadership in the big games and it starts with Madlock, the primary lead guard, and Yates, an under-appreciated forward who will thrive with the bigger frontline coming in. Much is also expected of Maverick Miller (6-5, 2023), the younger brother of Mason, and Ahmad Nowell (6-2, 2024), who has a reputation as one of the better young guards in the region.

29. (44) St. Raymond (Bronx, N.Y.) 22-5***
Key Players: PG Malachi Smith 6-1 2021 (Dayton commit), SG Dallis Dillard 6-3 2021, SF Kedar Davis 6-4 2022.
Why This Ranking: The Ravens rate as NYC Catholic High School Athletic Association favorites over No. 35 Archbishop Stepinac and FAB 50 contender Christ the King of Middle Village. Among Public School Athletic League (PSAL) programs, the top early contenders are Jefferson and South Shore (both of Brooklyn) and WHEELS Academy of Washington Heights. The CHSAA teams figure to have the best shot at challenging FAB 50 power Long Island Lutheran for the state Federation Class AA crown. We like the Ravens because of three starters and six lettermen returning, led by Smith (19.2 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 6.0 apg, 2 spg), one of the best players in the CHSAA. Coach Jorge Lopez raves about his basketball I.Q., his aggressive play-making and mid-range game. Dillard (10 ppg, 4 rpg, 1.2 spg) is his backcourt running mate and one of the best perimeter shooters in New York who can play above the rim. Davis is an undersized post player who does the Rayven’s dirty work. He’s not only the best rebounder, but can take bigger defenders off the dribble. With this trio in the lineup, St. Ray’s will be a tough out.
The Skinny: It was a close call to place the Ravens over Stepinac as the Catholic League favorites because the Crusaders beat them two out of three times last year, including in the CHSAA Archdiocesan title game. Lopez doesn’t have a talent quite like A.J. Griffin, but he does have plenty of experience and one of the best defensive teams in the East Region. What Lopez does need in order for his team to live up to expectations and get past Stepinac when it matters is some depth and consistency from the bench. Jalen Lyn (6-1, 2023), a highly regarded point guard from Brooklyn Collegiate, is just what the doctor ordered. Help is also on the way from an upcoming CHSAA Class AA championship JayVee team. The Ravens are scheduled to play in the Junior Orange Bowl in Coral Gables, Fla., and will take on FAB 50 title contender Archbishop Wood of Philadelphia at the Hoophall Classic in Springfield, Mass., over MLK weekend.

30. (40) Roselle Catholic (Roselle, N.J.) 21-7***
Key Players: PG Corey Floyd Jr. 6-3 2022 (No. 96 Rivals.com), PG Simeon Wilcher 6-3 2023 (No. 7 247Sports.com), SG Jamarques Lawrence 6-4 2022, SG Amar’e Marshall 6-2 2021, C Aaron Bradshaw 6-11 2023 (No. 44 247Sports.com).

Simeon Wilcher

6'3"   -   SF   -   2023

Why This Ranking: Despite losing plenty of firepower off a terrific senior class, the Lions have the talent base and track record to be nationally-ranked. After all, they have been a preseason FAB 50 club every year since 2013-14, and only once in that time frame (2016-17) did they not place in the final rankings. Coach Dave Boff’s club will be competitive again with a more perimeter-oriented lineup than his best teams usually are. Floyd (11.2 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 2.6 apg) leads the backcourt and even though his numbers might not make a big jump up, he could be even more deadly because the backcourt is so loaded. Wilcher (5.9 ppg, 2.7 apg) is one of the nation’s best in his class and gained valuable experience last year in a reserve role. Lawrence and Marshall come in highly regarded and are too talented to leave off the floor long. “We’ll likely start four guards and all four hold multiple D1 offers,” said Boff. “I’ve been happy with the group so far. We’ll play at a very fast and exciting pace and can really shoot the ball.”
The Skinny: Last season it was a close call to place Roselle Catholic above Patrick School for the top spot as the NJ TOC favorite, and this time around it was a close decision between the two Non-Public B rivals for the No. 2 spot behind FAB 50 contender Camden. Roselle lost to the Celtics three times, but got the big win in the NJSIAA Non-Public B semifinals. Roselle and Patrick School both have plenty of newcomers, but with Floyd and Wilcher, we feel the learning curve will be shorter for the Lions coming into the season. The team’s top forwards will be Kunga Tsering (6-7, 2021) and Derrick Bueno (6-7, 2021), while Bradshaw could be the X-factor. Boff loves his talent level and his team’s rim protection and rebounding will be key in the big games. Last season, the preseason No. 13 Lions were gunning for their second New Jersey TOC crown in three years and hope this year’s schedule isn’t slowed by Coronavirus. New Jersey teams can practice starting December 3 and play on December 20, and Boff’s team is scheduled to appear in the Kyrie Irving Invitational, the Slam Dunk To The Beach in Delaware, the Kevin Durant MLK Classic, the Metro Classic and the Hoophall Classic.

RELATED: Preseason 2020-21 FAB 50 (1-15) | Preseason 2020-21 FAB 50 (31-50) | Preseason Regional Top 20 Rankings | A Season Unlike Any Other | "In The Paint" Podcast: FAB 50 Edition (Episode 86)

Note: The FAB 50 powered by www.ebooksnet.com is a continuation of the National Sports News Service ratings that began in 1952. These were the first national high school rankings and the late Art Johlfs of Minnesota compiled them. They were compiled for many years by the late Barry Sollenberger of Phoenix, who merged them into the FAB 50 21 years ago.

Ronnie Flores is the national Grassroots editor of www.ebooksnet.com. He can be reached at [email protected]. Don't forget to follow him on Twitter: @RonMFlores

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The criteria for our all-time Top 30 mixtape players countdown was the best combination of that one viral mixtape that fans associate to that player, longevity, multiple quality mixes, and large viewing numbers across all platforms. It's simply not just the 30 players with the most viewed mixtapes. After checking out the list, don't forget to sound off with your thoughts on our various social media platforms! Do you agree with the order?

Top 30 Mixtape Players of the BIL Era!

LeBron James Jr.

6'4"   -   CG   -   2023

30. LeBron James Jr., Sierra Canyon (Chatsworth, Calif.) 6-1 2023:
Why: Popularity and fanbase watching him develop.
The Skinny: Could be near top of list in four years.

29. Julian Newman, Prodigy Prep (Orlando, Fla.) 5-6 2020:
Why: Love or hate, draws plenty of eyeballs.
The Skinny: Marketing and timing were important.

28. Jahii Carson, Mesa (Ariz.) 5-10 PG 2011:
Why: Combination of flair, personality, and game .
The Skinny: Is under appreciated if you didn't see him live in high school.

27. Cassius Stanley, Sierra Canyon (Chatsworth, Calif.) 6-5 SG 2019::
Why: Freshman year in-game reverse and Eastbay put him on the map.
The Skinny: Doesn't get enough credit for developing his game and playing winning basketball.

De'Aaron Fox

6'3"   -   PG   -   2016

26. De'Aaron Fox, Cypress Lakes (Katy, Texas) 6-4 PG, 2016:
Why: Dynamic playmaker in the open floor.
The Skinny: His defense doesn't get enough credit.

25. Trevon Duval, IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.) 6-2 PG 2017:
Why: Terrific and explosive one-on-one player.
The Skinny: Won UAA and EYBL titles while making impact.

Lonzo Ball

6'6"   -   PG   -   2016

24. Lonzo Ball, Chino Hills (Chino Hills, Calif.) 6-6 PG 2016:
Why: Led exciting, 35-0 FAB 50 title team.
The Skinny: Legend will grow as teammates join him in the NBA.

23. Thon Maker, Orangeville Prep (Orangeville, Ontario) 7-0 PF 2016:
Why: Fans love the big man with handle and skill.
The Skinny: Wicked crossover on Bam Adebayo one of the most legendary moments in history of Vegas travel ball scene.

22. Gabe York, Orange Lutheran (Orange, Calif.) 6-3 SG 2012:
Why: Fans love the small guard who can finish in traffic. Threw down a legendary poster dunk off of a lob.
The Skinny: Few players before or since are as video centric and could change a game with a highlight play.

DeMar DeRozan

6'7"   -   SF   -   2008

21. DeMar DeRozan, Compton (Compton, Calif.) 6-7 SF, 2008:
Why: Prominently featured in the "The Project, Vol. 1", which took mixtapes to the next level.
The Skinny: His importance to the mixtape industry should not be underestimated.

20. Mac McClung, Gate City (Gate City, Va.) 6-2 SG 2018:
Why: Hard to impress fans during the Zion era, but Mac did.
The Skinny: Terrific combo of flair, contest-style throw downs during games and winning pedigree.

19. Shareef O'Neal, Crossroads (Santa Monica, Calif.) 6-10 PF 2018:
Why: Sons of NBA legends always are a draw.
The Skinny: In order to make this list, Shareef make his own mark by leading Crossroads to a CIF state title.

LaMelo Ball

6'6"   -   PG   -   2019

18. LaMelo Ball, Spire Academy (Geneva, Ohio) 6-7 PG 2019:
Why: One of the most popular high school athletes of all-time.
The Skinny: Went from a 5-foot-5 volume shooter to a 6-foot-7 point guard who will go high in the 2020 NBA Draft.

17. Kwe Parker, Wesleyan Christian Academy (High Point, N.C.) 6-2 PG 2016:
Why: Insane vert and in-game contest style dunks.
The Skinny: Was a quality, all-state level performer, but his dunking flair overshadowed everything else.

16. Trae Jefferson, Believe Prep Academy (Rock Hill, S. C.) 5-7 PG, 2015:
Why: Definition of a quick and shifty guard.
The Skinny: Embarrassed countless defenders and devastating in iso situations.

Dennis Smith Jr.

6'2"   -   PG   -   2016

15. Dennis Smith Jr., Trinity Christian (Fayetteville, N.C.) 6-2 PG, 2016:
Why: As explosive and bouncy as any elite point guard in the BIL era.
The Skinny: It would be a shame if his pro career lessened the excitement level he brought to the mixtape industry.

14. Jordan McCabe, Kaukauna (Kaukauna, Wis.) 5-10 PG 2018:
Why: High-level passing, shooting, court vision and crafty flair.
The Skinny: "The next White Chocolate" lived up to his advance billing.

13. Shaquille Johnson, Milton (Milton, Ga.) 6-5 SF 2012:
Why: Terrific blend of bounce, creativity and power windmill dunks.
The Skinny: His style and grace as a dunker places him high and his play for a FAB 50 team is an added bonus.

12. Chase Adams, Orr (Chicago, Ill) 5-7 PG 2018:
Why: Owner of the most popular BIL mixtape ever with over 15 million views.
The Skinny: His detractors should note he's started games at the D1 level.

Brandon Jennings

6'1"   -   PG   -   2008

11. Brandon Jennings, Oak Hill Academy (Mouth of Wilson, Va.) 6-1 PG, 2008:
Why: Fast, quick and spectacular ball-handling combined with dominating play.
The Skinny: Studied AND1 Mixtapes and incorporated many of these moves while winning both FAB 50 and travel ball national titles.

10. Trevor Dunbar, St. Ignatius (San Francisco, Calif.) 5-9 PG, 2014:
Why: Hard to takes your eyes off the Shift Team General.
The Skinny: You didn't want to be embarrassed because seven figure mixtapes assured everyone would see it.

9. Seventh Woods, Hammond School (Columbia, S.C.) 6-1 PG, 2016:
Why: Lob game and early popularity made him must-see.
The Skinny: Explosiveness and body control created some of the best dunks we've captured on film.

8. Austin Rivers, Winter Park (Fla.) 6-4 SG 2011:
Why: Name and ability to break down defenders off dribble made him a polarizing figure.
The Skinny: Shined in big games, cocky and competitive streak and had the advantage of consistent national exposure.

Kyrie Irving

6'2"   -   PG   -   2010

7. Kyrie Irving, St. Patrick (Elizabeth, N.J.) 6-2 PG, 2010:
Why: Scoring, handling and passing talent combined with insane lay-up package.
The Skinny: Ball-dominant point guard has been called by more than one prominent high school coach the best player he's ever coached against.

6. Andrew Wiggins, Huntington Prep (Huntington, W. Va.) 6-6 SF, 2013:
Why: Natural talent level, second jumps made him a filmer's dream.
The Skinny: Was so naturally talented would never be able to live up to the insane hype but he's still really good, and rich.

Aaron Gordon

6'7"   -   SF   -   2013

5. Aaron Gordon, Archbishop Mitty (San Jose, Calif.) 6-7 SF, 2013:
Why: Terrific combination of power and finesse and capable of dunks usually reserved for small guards.
The Skinny: Game possessed all the ingredients fans love and his character and fan-friendly nature only added to his appeal.

4. Marcus LoVett Jr., Morgan Park (Chicago, Ill.) 5-11 PG, 2015:
Why: Well-traveled talent burst onto the scene as a freshman and never let fans down.
The Skinny: His boldness and confidence were only matched by his first step and ability to change direction.

3. Aquille Carr, Princeton Day Academy (Baltimore, Md.) 5-7 PG 2013:
Why: Everybody loves the little guy with mad skills on the court.
The Skinny: Strength, leaping ability, quickness and playground flair made him popular and his street-wise demeanor and swag made "The Crime Stopper" a legend.

Zion Williamson

6'6"   -   PF   -   2018

2. Zion Williamson, Spartanburg Country Day (Spartanburg, S.C.) 6-7 SF, 2018:
Why: A legend in his own time.
The Skinny: Quickly showed that his game and the sheer stunning ferocity of his mixtape would translate to the next levels.

1. John Wall, Word of God (Raleigh, N. C.) 6-3 PG, 2009:
Why: What other NBA level guard has his combination of size, speed, athleticism, skill, and finishing ability?
The Skinny: His best mixtape (produced by Hoopmixtape) has stood the test of time and was evident his vast skill would translate, unlike other popular guards on this list.

Honorable Mention/Just Missed List:

Dominic Artis
Deuce Bello
Jaylen Brown
Josh Christopher
Kiwi Gardner
Jalen Green
Cezar Guerrero
Jaylen Hands
Ryan Harrow
Kasey Hill
Stanley Johnson
Jalen Lecque
Mario "Hoodie Rio" McKinney
Jabari Parker
Julius Randle
Mikey Williams

Ronnie Flores is the National Grassroots Editor of www.ebooksnet.com. He can be reached at [email protected]. Don't forget to follow him on Twitter: @RonMFlores

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Bishop Gorman has won seven straight Nevada state championships, but that didn't matter to the relatively young club at Coronado (Henderson, Nev.) on Thursdays night in the season opener for both teams. The Cougars gave Gorman all it could handle, even taking a 48-46 lead on a 3-pointer by 6-foot-1 freshman guard Richard Isaacs Jr., after trailing 44-42 at halftime. Coronado ran out of gas down the stretch and the deeper Gaels won going away.

Coronado stayed in the game behind the inside play of 6-foot-5 junior forward Tyrelle "Fat Daddy" Hunt, who muscled his way inside to 16 points and seven rebounds in the first half. Most of his finishes with off pretty feeds from 6-foot-4 sophomore guard Jaden Hardy, who had seven assists in the first half.

Gorman vs. Coronado Turning Point  

In the first half, Bishop Gorman's Isaiah Cottrell, a 6-foot-9 junior center and a key to its fortunes this season, got into foul trouble and didn't convert a single field goal, as he scored on a single free throw. It was a completely different story in the second half, as Cottrell scored on a variety of half hooks and inside power moves. He scored 19 points in the second half and finished with 20 points.

Bishop Gorman received a terrific outing from 6-foot-4 sophomore shooting guard Will McClendon, who nailed four 3-pointers and finished with 25 points while providing a defensive spark throughout. Junior guard Noah Taitz netted 18 points for the Gaels, and hit clutch shots at key moments of the game. Hunt finished with a game-high 26 points and 11 rebounds while Hardy, one of the top-rated sophomores in the country, finished with 17 points.

Elite Freshman Debuts On TV

It's not often an elite high school player makes his high school basketball debut on national television, but that was the case for Isaacs Jr.. Arguably the top freshman guard on the fall Pangos Frosh/Soph Camp tour, Isaacs showed why he's so highly-regarded in the national Class of 2022. He scored nine points on three field goal attempts in the first half and displayed the ability to distribute at a high level and create his own offense off the dribble. He finished with 15 points, but like the rest of his Coronado teammates, wishes a couple of his shot attempts down the stretch had fallen.

In addition to Isaacs, here are other top impact freshmen (Class of 2022) on FAB 50 ranked teams or considered among the best in the country (listed alphabetically):

?Henri Adrissa, Crossroads (Santa Monica, Calif.) 6-10 C
?Dylan Anderson, Perry (Chandler, Ariz.) 6-10 F
?Emoni Bates, Lincoln (Ypsilanti, Mich.) 6-8 F
?Jameel Brown, Haverford School (Philadelphia) 6-3 G
?Zion Cruz, Hudson Catholic (Hudson, N.J.) 6-3 G
?Jaylen Drane, Simeon (Chicago) 6-2 G
?Jalen Duren, Roman Catholic (Philadelphia) 6-9 F
?Bryce Griggs, Provision Academy (Houston) 6-1 G
?Isaiah Griffith, Patrick School (Elizabeth, N.J.) 6-0 G
?Jett Howard, University School (Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.) 6-4 G
?Joseph "Jo Jo" Hunter, San Joaquin Memorial (Fresno, Calif.) 6-3 G
?Khamari Lands, La Lumiere (La Porte, Ind.) 6-6 F
?Chris Livingston, Buchtel (Akron, Ohio) 6-5 F
?M.J. Rice, Durham Academy (Creedmore, N.C.) 6-5 F
?Nick Smith, Sylvan Hills (Sherwood, Ark.) 6-3 G
?Jarace Walker, IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.) 6-4 F
?Jalen Washington, Westside (Gary, Ind.) 6-7 F
?Dariq Whitehead, Montverde Academy (Montverde, Fla.) 6-5 F
?Kijani Wright, Windward (Los Angeles) 6-8 F

2018-2019 GEICO High School Basketball Showcase Schedule Breakdown
(Listed with current FAB 50 ranking)

Bishop Gorman won't appear again on national television, but will appear on the ESPN+ streaming service twice next week at the Hoophall West event in Scottsdale, Ariz. The Gaels will face No. 16 Guyer (Denton, Texas) on December 7 and No. 41 Gonzaga Prep (Spokane, Wash.) the following day. Guyer is not a tall team by national standards, but Texas' top-ranked team is battle-tested and will give Bishop Gorman all it can handle. Cottrell will have his hands full inside with Gonzaga-bound Anton Watson of Gonzaga Prep, which will likely face No. 30 Federal Way down the line for a Washington state crown. For these teams, however, there's still a ways to go before worrying about playoff scenarios. Below is a breakdown of what to expect in the rest of the nationally-televised ESPN contests.

San Joaquin Memorial (Fresno, Calif.)  vs. Pinnacle (Phoenix, Ariz.), 12/6, 9 pm ET
Both teams were on the FAB 50 bubble this week, but San Joaquin Memorial already suffered a home loss this week to Northern California power Bishop O'Dowd (Oakland, Calif.). Talented junior Jalen Green played terrific in two games to open the season at the Thanksgiving Hoopfest, but didn't shoot well from the field in the loss to O'Dowd. Pinnacle, which features highly-rated point guard Nico Mannion, will look to coral Green and hopes he tries to get in an individual duel with its Arizona-bound guard. Pinnacle is 5-0 to begin the season, and had a big test Friday night vesus FAB 50 No. 18 Shadow Mountain (Phoenix, Ariz.).

In a battle of defending AIA state champions, Pinnacle won at the buzzer, 82-81, as Mannion (37 points) made a miraculous 30-footer with two defenders draped all over him to win the emotional game at home. Pinnacle's victory snapped Shadow Mountain's 73-game winning streak against in-state AIA opponents and sets up an interesting game next week for Pinnacle versus a San Joaquin Memorial team that is coming off a tough loss at the buzzer. Will Pinnacle be emotionally up for that game? As if that's not enough, two nights later on Saturday Pinnacle's game with No. 23 Rancho Christian just got much bigger in significance.

Nico Mannion with the crazy game winner tonight vs Shadow Mountain!! @niccolomannion pic.twitter.com/7ifoiZueu0

— www.ebooksnet.com (@Ballislife) December 1, 2018

Mayfair (Lakewood, Calif.) at No. 7 Sierra Canyon (Chatsworth, Calif.), 1/4/19, 11:30 pm ET
Sierra Canyon will be a big favorite at home in a game that will feature highly-regarded junior guard Josh Christopher of Mayfair. Sierra Canyon will likely already have met No. 5 La Lumiere and/or top-ranked Montverde Academy at the Iolani Classic in Hawaii before Christmas. Regardless of the outcome of the December games, from a FAB 50 perspective, this is a must-win for Sierra Canyon.

No. 23 Rancho Christian (Temecula, Calif.) vs. No. 15 Memphis East (Memphis, Tenn.), 1/11, 9 pm ET
This game will pit the Mobley brothers, senior Isaiah and top-rated junior Evan, versus Memphis recruits James Wiseman (7-0) and Malcolm Dandridge (6-8). Memphis East has played well in the early season behind new coach Jevonte Holmes. Penny Hardaway may be at Memphis, but East's talent level remains high. We'll know plenty about Rancho Christian by how it fares at the Tarkanian Classic (Dec. 18-22), where it could meet No. 30 Federal Way in the semifinals with host Bishop Gorman, No. 33 Whitney Young (Chicago) and No. 36 Sheldon (Sacramento, Calif.) in the opposite bracket.

No. 4 IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.) vs. No. 2 Oak Hill Academy (Mouth of Wilson, Va.), 1/20, 7:30 pm ET
This is a big game with potential FAB 50 title implications, but it could be a really big one for one of the clubs. That's because each team is in the bracket of the City of Palms Classic in Ft. Myers, Fla. in December. The game could be a rematch of a potential City of Palms title game or, a revenge game for the team that loses or fails to advance. Perhaps neither team makes it to the title game and then this game takes on even more significance.

No. 30 Federal Way (Wash.) vs. No. 13 Ranney School (Tinton Falls, N.Y.), 1/21, 11 am ET
Jaden McDaniels of Federal Way has quickly risen among the elite of the 2019 class and this could be a pivotal moment for his Mr. Basketball USA candidacy and Federal Way's national standing. McDaniels will need to have a productive outing matching up against fellow 2019 elites Scottie Lewis and Bryan Antoine of Ranney School. Ranney School has more big stage experience, but if Federal Way fares well at the Tarkanian Classic, this could turn into a game with major rankings ramifications.

No. 23 Rancho Christian (Temecula, Calif.) vs. No. 11 McEachern (Powder Springs, Ga.), 1/21, 1 pm ET
The Eagles play one of the toughest schedules in the county and will be a top two seed at both Tarkanian Classic and The Classic at Damien before the New Year. Afterwards coach Ray Barefield's club will travel to West Memphis, Ark. for the Memphis East game and faces a talented Santa Margarita (Calif.) club the very next day on January 12 back in Southern California. McEachern is battle-tested with a talented roster and will be highly-motivated regardless of Rancho Christian's won-loss record coming in. If that's not enough, Rancho Christian will head to the Montverde Academy Invitational in Florida on a short week.

No. 7 Sierra Canyon (Chatsworth, Calif.) vs. No. 1 Montverde Academy (Montverde, Fla.), 1/21, 3 pm ET
This could be a rematch of the Iolani Classic title game, where it looks like Sierra Canyon will face bubble club Oak Ridge (Orlando, Fla.) in the quarterfinals with a potential matchup with La Lumiere in the semifinals. Montverde Academy will for sure be playing La Lumiere at the Cancer Research Classic on January 5 and plays No. 8 Sunrise Christian Academy and No. 9 Paul VI (Fairfax, Va.) at the ARS National Hoopfest at DeMatha Catholic in Maryland on December 7-8. Sierra Canyon has the talent to play with the Eagles, but will be at a size disadvantage inside.

No. 5 La Lumiere (LaPorte, Ind.) vs. No. 3 DeMatha Catholic (Hyattsville, Md.), 1/21, 5 pm ET
The Stags have their best shot at a mythical FAB 50 title in a generation and this could turn out to be a must-win for coach Mike Jones' club. DeMatha plays in a tough conference (probably the nation's toughest) and La Lumiere plays a tough national schedule as well. These two teams matchup quite well and whomever wins the Hunter Dickinson (DeMatha) vs. Isaiah Stewart (LaLu) matchup will be in good shape in this one. Since DeMatha is going to have to beat the ranked teams in the WCAC more than once, a win over an independent program will be key to its national title hopes since the WCAC has not yet participated in GEICO Nationals.

No. 8 Sunrise Christian Academy (Kan.) at No. 17 University School (Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.), 1/25, 7:30 pm
University School opened the season with a loss and Sunrise Christian Academy already owns an impressive win over No. 16 Guyer (Denton, Texas) to move into the Top 10 this week. Obviously 2017-18 National Junior of the Year Vernon Carey Jr. versus N'Faly Dante of Sunrise Christian Academy is a primetime matchup, but the verdict is still out on University School's backcourt play. That means the production of Scottie Barnes will be key because Sunrise Christian's backcourt is strong, even after it lost SMU recruit Bryce Cook to a stroke last week.

No. 1 Montverde Academy (Montverde, Fla.) vs. No. 2 Oak Hill Academy (Mouth of Wilson, Va.), 2/2, 7:30 pm ET
Obviously if the rankings hold up, this will be the biggest game of the regular season as these two powerhouse programs will meet in the regular season for the first time since meeting in the finals of the 2010 Iolani Classic (58-44 Oak Hill victory) the year before Kevin Boyle took over the Montverde Academy program. These two programs have been in the national title hunt each season for the past decade so this game will be important because each program doesn't want to lose to another under any circumstances. Both teams are off to strong starts this season and if the rankings hold up, the winner won't gloat because it will know there is a strong possibility it will need to get past the loser a second time at GEICO Nationals. Montverde Academy will look to slow down Oak Hill's Cole Anthony and Cam Thomas in the backcourt. On the flip side, The Warriors will have to control the boards and keep Kofi Cockburn out of foul trouble.

Ronnie Flores is the national Grassroots editor of www.ebooksnet.com. He can be reached at [email protected]. Don't forget to follow him on Twitter: @RonMFlores

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There is plenty of difference between a shot taker and a shot maker and Ahamad Bynum certainly qualifies as the latter. The sophomore from traditional FAB 50 power Simeon (Chicago) has never met a shot he didn't think he could make, nor one he couldn't make. Bynum displayed that during the Pangos All-Midwest Frosh/Soph Camp Top 30 Cream of the Crop all-star game at The Park District (La Grange, Ill.). Bynum doesn't lack for confidence and will keep firing until someone can effectively slow him down. That didn't happen at this two-day event, as the nephew of former Crane (Chicago) standout, NCAA Final Four participant (Georgia Tech) and NBA player Will Bynum imposed his scoring will on the opposition.

Bynum is stronger than he appears and has a wide variety of weapons in his offensive arsenal. It's not the fact that Bynum takes shots, it his ability to hit from a variety of spots that is his true calling card and impact on the game. Deep three, step back, right side, left side, blow by, crossover, pull up and floater, Bynum has it all. He'll need to play with controlled confidence and that killer instinct to help the Wolverines keep pace with rival Whitney Young in the Chicago Public League and Bellville West in the quest for the Illinois Class 4A state crown.

Bynum led the way for the White club to victory in the Cream of the Crop Top 30 game with 30 points on 10-of-17 shooting from the field. He hit six 3-pointers from various spots on the floor in eight attempts and also had a steal and a shot block in the second half with the game in the balance in an eventual 85-79 victory over the Black club. The White club led 46-35 after Anton Brookshire of Kickapoo (Springfield, Mo.) nailed an off-balance buzzer-beating 3-pointer right at intermission (two 20-minute halves). The 6-foot-2 sophomore (2021) point guard was one of the standouts for the winning White team and breakout performers at camp. Brookshire knows how to initiate offense, shoots the outside shot with consistency and has a knack for being around the ball. He finished the contest with 12 points, six rebounds, five assists and two steals.

Other standouts for the White club were 6-foot-7 freshman (2022) forward Jalen Washington of Westside (Gary, Ind.), who displayed a high activity level, nailed a 3-pointer and finished with nine points, and 6-foot-6 freshman Khamari Lands of FAB 50 mythical national title contender La Lumiere (La Porte, Ind.). Lands, one of the most highly-regarded 2022 prospects to emerge nationally (so far), is a gifted scorer. He contributed seven points to his team's victory.

Setting the pace for the Black club was 6-foot-9 sophomore Patrick Baldwin, a do-it-all forward from Hamilton (Sussex, Wis.), who is making it difficult with each passing day to consider anyone else the No. 1 prospect in the national 2021 class. He was effective in the open court by getting out in front of with the ball, finding lanes and with his passing ability. Baldwin also uses an effective face up triple threat game and can operate comfortably on the block. He finished with 11 points, including two 3-pointers, five rebounds, three assists and three steals.

Bynum's new high school teammate, 6-foot-2 freshman Jaylen Drane, showed why coach Robert Smith has to be happy about his backcourt situation for the next three years at Simeon. Drane can really cover ground with his dribble penetration, can slither through small gaps and score from various angles and uses his long arms to get his hands on loose balls or pick-pocket ball-handlers. In fact, Drane made such an impression that he has to be considered one of the very best freshman point guards we've seen through three frosh/soph camp stamps with the New Jersey/Philadelphia stop upcoming. Drane finished with 17 points, five assists and five steals for the Black club

One of the campers who used the Cream of the Crop game to evaluate his standing at this camp was the Black club's Chase Courbat, a 6-foot-9 sophomore forward from Cedar Falls (Iowa).  He played well during camp games and was a deserving all-star selection, but his activity level and performance in the Cream of the Crop Top 30 game was off the charts. Courbat was finishing strong around the rim while displaying soft touch in traffic. He also crashed the boards with a vengeance, and had at least two impressive contested offensive rebounds put backs. Courtbat finished with 17 points and a game-high nine rebounds.

Another camper who used the all-star setting to elevate his camp stock was 6-foot sophomore guard Isaac Haney of Dora (Mo.). He was named Cream of the Crop Top 60 Game Most Valuable Player after leading the White team to a 73-69 come-from-behind victory over their Black jersey-wearing counterparts with 10 points, four rebounds, thee assists and two steals. Haney has a nice burst and change of direction and is as tough a customer we evaluated. He even took a clean charge on the most physically dominant guard in the Top 60 Game: 6-foot-3 sophomore Jaylin Gibson of Evanston (Ill).

Gibson used his quickness and strong frame to get in the key and make shots and regularly crashed the defensive glass to start fast-break opportunities. Gibson had 10 points, eight rebounds and three assists.

One of the best passers among the 220 participants was 5-foot-11 sophomore Tyrese Hunter of St. Catherine's (Racine, Wis.). Hunter can see lanes and uses a variety of passing angles to make up for the fact he can't always see over the defense. He also knows when to put steam on it, or take something off, and can thread the needle like Betsy Ross. He went for 11 points, five rebounds and four assists for the Black club.

Overall, the all-star games were well played and opened up our eyes to some players that perhaps had more pedestrian camp game performances. A couple of other players who stood out on the camp's final day were 5-foot-11 sophomore Trey Shearer of Montezuma (Iowa), 6-foot-10 Sekou Kalle of Aspire Academy (Louisville, Ky.) and 6-foot-4 sophomore Delon Zollicoffer-White of Rufus King (Milwaukee, Wis.).

Ronnie Flores is the national Grassroots editor of www.ebooksnet.com. He can be reached at [email protected]. Don't forget to follow him on Twitter: @RonMFlores

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The post James Harden, Russell Westbrook & Paul George BRING THE HEAT to Rico Hines Private NBA Runs!! appeared first on www.ebooksnet.com.

It doesn't matter if Russell Westbrook is playing in a Team USA scrimmage, a UCLA pick-up game or on a 9-foot goal in a neighborhood cul-de-sac, Russell Westbrook is going to play at 110% and embarrass and possibly put you on a poster if you are thinking you can get on the court with him and play half-ass defense.

The HTH highlights above are from this past weekend's Rico Hines UCLA run that also featured Westbrook's OKC teammates Hamidou Diallo, Devon Hall, Bryce Alford and Terrence Ferguson along with new Sun Trevor Ariza, former Sun Tyler Ulis, UCLA's Jaylen Hands, former UCLA player Kevon Looney, the Raptors' Norman Powell, OG Anunoby and Fred Van Vleet and Clippers' Montrezl Harrell.

The highlight of the HTH highlights above are the pull-up jumpers by Westbrook and a pretty sick move at the 5:25 mark.

Below are some alternate angles of The Brodie filmed by Corey Porter and Brandon Johnson.

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The Brodie @russwest44 came thru UCLA today to hoop at @ricohinesbball open runs ?

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Some OKC soldiers made their appearance at the Rico Hines Runs today ? @ricohinesbball @slamonline

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OKC LA @ricohinesbball

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JAMES HARDEN

Here's some bonus footage from a Rico run one with Westbrook's former OKC teammate James Harden.

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James Harden The NBA MVP Back At It at UCLA Runs @JHarden13 @ricohinesbball pic.twitter.com/kmgYKgn9Sh

— Home Team Hoops (@HomeTeamHoops) July 11, 2018

Prince Ali, meet the NBA MVP!

I've never seen a player look so casual dropping 40 points or racking up a 30-point triple-double in a NBA game than James Harden. He looks even more chill in the summer, when the Beard torches defenders at the Drew League and runs like this UCLA one with Rico Hines.

Other players in the HomeTeamHoops video include UCLA's Jaylen Hands and Prince Ali, NBA player Pascal Siakam and Drew League star Antonio Biglow.

BONUS VIDS

BONUS: PRINCE ALI

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This has been a pretty great week for highlights. Between James Harden licking his lips after breaking Wesley Johnson's ankles to LeBron James pulling off a behind-the-back-between-the-legs of Tristan Thompson dribble to the thought of JR Smith trying to hit Damon Jones with a bowl of soup to this dunk of the year candidate by Iowa State's Lindell Wigginton, basketball fans have had a lot of reasons to celebrate the joy of basketball (and the memes that come from it) over the past few days.

This murder attempt was so nasty it had his teammates, the opponents, the cheerleaders (check out the expression on the cheerleader's faces at the end of the replay), fans and the FBI in attendance with their mouth wide open. What makes this dunk by the college freshman even more impressive is Wigginton is just 6'2" and the highlight was the play of the game even though his team lost (by the same amount of points he scored: 20) and the opposing team had ESPN darling Trae Young (15 points) on it.

If you want to see some more highlights of Wigginton, here he is putting up 29 points (10-16 FG, 6-11 3PT) against UCLA freshman Jaylen Hands during a high school game we attended last year, followed by a game with him putting up 35 against LaMelo Ball and him jumping over (little push off but Nate Robinson did the same thing when he won a NBA dunk contest) a pair of 6'11" guys in a 2016 Dr Pepper dunk contest.

The post 6'2 Lindell Wigginton's Jaw Dropping NCAA Dunk Of The Year Candidate appeared first on www.ebooksnet.com.

Music By:

1st Beat - Andreas Ericson
2nd Beat - The Artisans
3rd Beat - Timeless Beats

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Before getting into the incredible effort by Alabama's basketball team on Saturday, let me first tell you a little something about the young man nicknamed the "Young Bull."

Collin Sexton was an unknown high school player just a couple of years ago. Then over one summer, he went from an unranked kid to a five-star (top 10 in the country) prospect. By the time he played in our 2017 Ballislife All-American Game, he wasn't just arguably the best point guard in the nation, he was a viral sensation with his own brand. Unlike the Jelly Fam brand and movement, which is known for it's finesse and pretty layups, the Young Bull brand was based on toughness and a never-back-down attitude that was borderline psychotic and disrespectful.

There's two games that stick out the most to me from Sexton's high school career. The first happened at the City of Palms in 2016, when he dropped 33 on a Memphis East team coached by NBA legend Penny Hardaway and featuring Penny's son, Jayden Hardaway. Throughout the game, Sexton not only trash-talked Jayden but trash-talked his father, telling him his son was "trash." Video of the game went viral and it rubbed a lot of people -- especially life-long Gold members of the Penny & Lil Penny fanclub like myself -- the wrong way. Sexton later explained it was all just good pure basketball competition and he has nothing but respect for Penny and Jayden.

The other game happened a few months later, when Sexton made his return after missing a game with a concussion, came off the bench, knocked down a ridiculous game-tying three to force OT and finished with 43 points and the W for his Pebblebrook team.

By the time Sexton with his wild persona and equally wild hair showed up to Cali for our All-American game, I was converted to a member of the Young Bull fan club. I might even go as a far as saying I was a fanatic of the Alabama signee. He had me excited about Alabama basketball for the fist time since the early 90s, when Latrell Sprewell and Robert Horry were taking on Shaq and LSU.

He didn't disappoint at our game and practices either. He and future UCLA star Jaylen Hands went at it during a couple heated scrimmages. He treated the scrimmages and practices filled with little autograph and selfie-seeking kids like they were tryouts with NBA coaches in the stands.

So now we are caught up to Thanksgiving 2017 and almost to Saturday's incredible game. But first, I have to mention what he did earlier in the week against UT Arlington: Going against Erick Neal, Sexton scored a game-high 29 points, including the final five and then played some great defense on Neal in the final seconds to preserve the win and keep Alabama unbeaten. After the game, Sexton said: "Since I’m out there, I might as well do something while I’m out there. Every time I step on the court, I have to give my all.”

Giving his all is an understatement to what he did in his next game against Minnesota.

After the entire Alabama bench was ejected for a scuffle (the drama started after Minnesota's Nate Mason and Sexton started talking trash after Mason made Sexton fall), Dazon Ingram fouled out and John Petty injured his ankle, Sexton, Galin Smith and Riley Norris were forced to play the final 10 minutes and 41 seconds by themselves, three against five! As expected, Sexton accepted the challenge and put on a one-man show, scoring 31 of his new career-high 40 points in the second half and helping Alabama go on a 26-16 run and actually outscore Minnesota 30-22.  Despite the incredible effort, Alabama ended up losing the game by five (89-84).

"Collin Sexton could be a single team just by himself," Said Pitino about Sexton after the game. "He's that good. Obviously, that's just absurd, the whole experience. ... We were playing really good until it got wacky."

Should I sign you up for the Young Bull fan club? Remember, Sexton was an unknown just a couple of years ago and now he's a NBA lottery pick prospect with NBA legends like Dwyane Wade tweeting about him: "Nothing but heart! I love the way he attack’s the game!

If you still aren't sold, I suggest you read his story in The Players' Tribune. Here's a few of my favorite quotes from his letter.

• You can’t follow me on social media. Don’t have it. In my opinion, it’s a waste of time. Likes won’t make you better at anything.
• I’m a big trash-talker — but usually it’s not to get in anybody’s head. In fact, a lot of the time it starts with me talking to myself out loud. If I’m not playing well, I’ll start with something like, “C’mon man, make the shot! This guy can’t guard you!” This will usually lead to players on the other team hearing me and jawing back and then it’s game on. But still, it’s never about them, it’s about me and how I’m helping my team. If I make a bad play, I’ll let myself know about it. And if I make a good play, yeah I’ll dap myself up.
• People define my story as “the kid who went from unranked to five stars” but I’ve always viewed myself as on a certain track to get to this point. Basically, I’m pleased with the results but I’m not surprised by them. Because they aren’t an accident. I didn’t average 30 in Nike’s Elite Youth Basketball League last year because I suddenly learned how to score. I played well because I go to the gym every night and I don’t leave until I’ve made 300 jump shots.

BONUS VIDEOS

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LaVar Ball initially said the arrest of his son, LiAngelo Ball, and two of his UCLA teammates in China "ain't that big of a deal." It was and it's turning into a bigger deal by the day.

According to ESPN's Arash Markazi, the talented freshman trio of Gelo, Cody Riley and Jalen Hill didn't just shoplift glasses from Louis Vuitton (which resulted in a hilarious seven minute roast on 'Inside the NBA'), they hit up three stores!

As a punishment, the players are expected to serve 20 days of house arrest at the Hangzhou Hyatt Regency hotel, where LaVar, along with his wife and son, LaMelo, are also staying. 20 days at a Luxury hotel > 10 years in a China prison!

[twit id="928602672390950914"]

The Ball family are also there filming for their reality show and opening up pop-up shops. Over a hundred fans showed up to Friday's Shanghai shop to take pics and get signatures from the BBB family (minus Zo and Gelo, of course).

As for the rest of the UCLA squad, they beat Georgia Tech 63-60 behind a team-high 18 points (4-6 3PT) from freshman Kris Wilkes and 14 from fellow high-flying freshman Jaylen Hands.

INSIDE THE NBA ROAST OF THE BALL FAMILY

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All 50 teams are written up with explanations for why they were placed in these positions. Top-ranked Montverde Academy was the nation’s No. 1 team for three consecutive seasons (2013-2015) and begins as preseason No. 1 for the fourth time (2013-15) in program history. Last season, Montverde Academy started the season ranked No. 5 and finished in that spot after falling to preseason No. 2 La Lumiere of Indiana in the Dick’s Sporting Goods National High School Tournament championship game. La Lumiere captured the prestigious tournament title for the first time ever and finished No. 2 in the FAB 50 behind undefeated Nathan Hale (Seattle). CLICK HERE to view the all-time list of mythical national champions.

RELATED: Preseason 2017-18 FAB 50 (16-30) | Preseason 2016-17 FAB 50 (31-50) | Preseason Regional Top 20 Rankings | BIL Weekly HS Basketball Showcase

Memphis East or Montverde Academy:
Who’s More Deserving To Begin The 2017-18 Season No. 1?

The high school basketball landscape has become big business in recent years. With so many elite players attending basketball academy-type programs, it’s nice to see public high schools still having a big impact on the credible high school team rankings published each year. In light of that, how awesome is it that one of the most recognizable and perennial strong academies has a brewing mini-rivalry with a public school in Tennessee?

That’s the case this season as Montverde Academy of Montverde, Fla., and Memphis East High School in Tenn., battle for national supremacy and bragging rights. Montverde Academy has long been a national power, first under current University of Pittsburgh assistant Kevin Sutton and the last six years under Kevin Boyle, who coached the Eagles to three consecutive mythical FAB 50 national titles between 2013-2015. Memphis East, meanwhile, burst onto the national scene in 2016 when it went 32-2 and finished No. 11 in the FAB 50 and followed that up with a second consecutive TSSAA Class AAA state crown and a No. 3 FAB 50 finish, the highest ranking ever for a Tennessee program in the FAB 50 era (since 1987-88 season).

On the way to their 33-3 season, the underclass-dominated Mustangs defeated Montverde Academy two out of three games and might even be better this season as they look to become the first TSSAA program to finish No. 1 nationally dating back to the 1951-52 when the National Sports News Service (FAB 50 precursor) began naming mythical national champions. Montverde only has two players returning, but it’s a supremely talented duo and Boyle has reloaded the roster for another championship run.

“Penny Hardaway is a legend in Memphis,” said Boyle. “He’s done a good job with that program and he’s got a good team.”

So which team will be better in 2017-18? If it can’t be decided on the court between the two clubs (and it likely won’t be) we’re going with Montverde Academy to open the 2017-18 season as the preseason No. 1 team in the FAB 50 National Team Rankings powered by www.ebooksnet.com by the slimmest of margins over Memphis East.

The three main reasons are the personnel on Montverde’s roster, the changes on the Mustangs’ roster and the simple fact it’s a different season with a different outlook in terms of what results may transpire from preseason FAB 50 positioning to determine the rankings as the season progresses.

Boyle has 10 players on his roster that will contribute and only one isn’t considered a high major recruit. Even though only two players return, Canadians R.J. Barrett and Andrew Nembhard in the backcourt, Montverde’s proven track record and national schedule make it attractive to like its chances to finish No. 1. Trevin Wade, a 5-foot-10 senior and low to mid-major D1 prospect, is the only player on the roster under 6-foot-4. This Montverde team has the depth, size and versatility to challenge the 2012-13 Montverde FAB 50 title team as the most gifted (so far) in Boyle’s time at the Florida program.

“Obviously there are new faces, so we have to work on chemistry, but this is such a versatile team,” said Montverde Academy assistant Rae Miller. “All of them can do so many different things offensively and we shouldn’t have a problem putting the ball in the basket.”

Memphis East has a host of returnees off last year’s back-to-back state championship team and its most talented player might be newcomer James Wiseman. The 6-foot-10 power forward is arguably the best junior in the country and he relocated to Memphis after playing last season at The Ensworth School of Nashville. TSSAA transfer rules may force him to sit out the season, but until Memphis East submits its roster for the season to Tennessee’s governing body for athletics, it’s all speculation with regards to Wiseman’s eligibility. If we knew for certain Wiseman, along with 6-foot-5 senior transfer Ryan Boyce from Houston of Germantown, were eligible to play the entire season, Hardaway’s club would be preseason No. 1.

It was really difficult to ignore the fact Memphis East defeated Montverde Academy twice in three tries last season. The results of the games (by far the most important factor in determining in-season ranking position) from the previous season does factor into the preseason FAB 50 and Memphis East does have to personnel to play with and defeat any team in the country. The facts are the Eagles beat Memphis East 63-54 in the title game of the City of Palms Classic in Florida and lost on two buzzer-beaters in the January meetings. Those two games came down to the last possession and could have gone either way.

Which brings us to our final point: This is a new season, and although both coaching staffs are motivated by past results, this year’s Montverde team has a different makeup and the results of those games have little meaning to the individual players on the Eagles’ roster.

Memphis East has arrived and is now a national name on the high school basketball scene. The Mustangs will take everyone’s best shot on a difficult schedule, something Montverde Academy has grown accustomed to over the past decade. Memphis East has the ability to get it done, but will results and other factors fall in its favor for the second consecutive season?

“It’s hard enough to beat those teams on the way up, but it’s super hard to be the one teams are coming after,” Miller said. “Hopefully they’ll do well.”

Preseason 2017-18 FAB 50 National
Team Rankings Powered by www.ebooksnet.com

By Ronnie Flores

(Final 2016-17 ranking in parentheses; *Indicates forfeit wins, forfeit losses not included; **Indicates forfeits and defaults not included; Look for preseason Region-By-Region Top 20 Rankings on Friday, November 10 and for the preseason Mr. Basketball USA Tracker on Tuesday, November 21.)

RELATED: Preseason 2017-18 FAB 50 (16-30) | Preseason 2016-17 FAB 50 (31-50) | BIL Weekly HS Basketball Showcase | Preseason Regional Top 20 Rankings

1. (5) Montverde Academy (Montverde, Fla.) 26-5
Key Players: SG R.J. Barrett 6-7 2018 (No. 1 Hoop Scoop, Ballislife First Team All-American, Ballislife National Sophomore of the Year), PG Andrew Nembhard 6-3 2018 (No. 23 247Sports.com, Florida commit), PF Makhi Mitchell 6-10 2019 (No. 28 ESPN.com, Maryland commit), PF Filip Petrusev 6-11 2018 (No. 77 Rivals.com), PG Mike Devoe 6-3 2018 (No. 56 ESPN.com, Georgia Tech commit).
Why This Ranking: Another big factor in giving the No. 1 nod to the Eagles is having an elite, game-changing talent in the lineup. Having that player was the difference in recent years for FAB 50 champs Nathan Hale (Michael Porter Jr.) in 2017, California’s Chino Hills (Lonzo Ball) in 2016 and the Eagles in 2015 and 2014 (Ben Simmons). That player for Montverde Academy is Barrett, named National Sophomore of the Year after averaging 22 points and seven rebounds for last year’s club. Over the summer, Barrett led Canada to the FIBA 19U World Cup title, including a 38-point, 13-rebound, 5-assists performance in a semifinals win over the United States. Barrett re-classed to 2018 and is now considered the No. 1 prospect in that class. “This is now his third year here, and every year he’s grown as a person, student and player,” Miller said. “He’s wants to win a national championship and he understands he’s the leader of this team and has that opportunity.” Nembhard has also reclassified from 2019 to 2018. The Florida commit can create scoring opportunities for others or him self and is eager to help this team after missing the end of last season with a stomach injury. Even though Carrington Davis (6-6, 2018) is not yet up to speed because of hip surgery, the Eagles won’t miss a beat with talents such as Devoe (a talented combo guard) and Wade (a terrific defender) ready to step up. Up front, there is terrific talent and skill with the likes of Petrusev (a top international prospect from Serbia) and Mitchell (who had great feet and hands according to Boyle). The pleasant surprise so far has been the improvement of Kevin Zhang (6-9, 2018), who played on last year’s La Lumiere team that defeated Montverde Academy in the Dick’s Nationals title game.
The Skinny: There is so much depth and talent, future high major players such as Makhel Mitchell (6-9, 2019), Makhi’s brother and a fellow Maryland commit, and Jordan Mitchell (6-7, 2019, no relation to the Mitchell brothers) will fight to see quality minutes. Outside of Barrett, Montverde might be the only team that can withstand an injury or misfortune to an elite player and not miss a beat. Montverde will be extremely tough to stop offensively and has different ways to slow down teams defensively, whether going big in the backcourt or allowing Wade to harass the ball-handler. The Eagles will play FAB 50 No. 29 Trinity Episcopal at the Hoopsgiving in Atlanta, travel to China in early December, participate in the Iolani Classic in Hawaii with the likes of No. 30 Jefferson and No. 40 Rainier Beach, will participate in the Beach Ball Classic along with No. 14 Moeller, No. 26 Imhotep Charter, No. 35 Long Island Lutheran and four other FAB 50-ranked teams, play No. 10 La Lumiere at the Cancer Research Classic, face No. 16 Simeon and No. 6 Mater Dei at the Hoophall Classic and take on No. 17 Roselle Catholic near the end of the regular season. In late January, No. 9 Findlay Prep and No. 12 Shadow Mountain will participate in the Montverde Academy Invitational. With that schedule, plus Dick’s Nationals, this program controls its own destiny to win a fourth FAB 50 crown in the Boyle era.

2. (3) Memphis East (Memphis, Tenn.) 33-3
Key Players: PF Chandler Lawson 6-9 2019 (No. 21 Rivals.com, Ballislife Underclass All-American), PG Alex Lomax 5-11 2018 (No. 70 Hoop Scoop, Ballislife Underclass All-American), PF James Wiseman 6-11 2019 (No. 1 ESPN.com), C Malcolm Dandridge 6-8 2019 (No. 97 Rivals.com).
Why This Ranking: The Mustangs have the talent and experience to become the first ever Tennessee program to earn the nod as FAB 50 champion. They have the necessary ingredients in today’s high school game: length, good shooters and an experienced point guard in Lomax. He’s a bit under the radar as a prospect, but is already a two-time underclass All-American and similar to Montverde Academy’s Barrett -- the catalyst and irreplaceable cog for coach Anfernee “Penny” Hardaway. He’s already a two-time Class AAA Mr. Basketball and last season averaged 16.4 ppg, 7.5 apg, and 6.4 rpg. Dandridge does the dirty work underneath and he, Lomax and Lawson all return after making the Class AAA all-tournament team. Lawson was particularly spectacular with 18 points and 15 rebounds in the state title win over Memphis Southwind and will be joined on this year’s team by younger brother Chandler Lawson (6-6, 2021) and two other standout freshmen. Chandler will play a lot and the coaching staff feels he’s the most versatile of the Lawson brothers who have come through the program. “The difference between this year’s team and last is the length and shooters on this team,” Hardaway said.
The Skinny: After the 2016 team started the preseason on the rankings bubble and finished No. 12, last year’s team began at that same position and finished No. 3 after No. 2 La Lumiere defeated the Hamilton Heights Christian Academy Memphis East lost to. This year’s team starts one spot higher, and the expectations are sky high. Last year’s team was the highest ranked ever in Tennessee, and the only reason it didn’t start No. 1 is some of the departures, including talented guard T.J. Moss to No. 9 Findlay Prep and talented forward Antavion Collum, and the uncertainty surrounding the eligibility of Wiseman. At the recent USA Basketball Junior National Team Mini-Camp, Wiseman was the most impressive junior in attendance. If the talented left-hander is eligible for the entire season, the Mustangs will be favorites to capture the prestigious City of Palms title against the likes of No. 4 McEachern, No. 5 Hudson Catholic, No. 6 Mater Dei, No. 7 Wesleyan Christian Academy, No. 8 Webster Groves, and No. 11 Archbishop Malloy and have a good chance as any of the preseason Top 3 of finishing unbeaten. Before that tournament, Memphis East takes on No. 9 Findlay Prep in Memphis and could face No. 16 Simeon two times, potentially in the City of Palms semifinals and for sure on January 6 at the Penny Hardaway Hoopfest. Memphis East had to turn in its eligibility roster the first week of November, but either way this team will be in the mix for the FAB 50 crown if Lomax stays healthy and the rest of the team doesn’t care whom fills the stat sheet. “Either way, the team will be prepared. We’d loved to have him in the lineup, but we don’t know at this point,” Hardaway said. The program attended Dick’s Nationals as visitors last year and it will be interesting to see how the TSSAA handles the eligibility ruling for Wiseman considering the team’s desire to play at that event. There was talk of a Memphis East and Montverde Academy regular season matchup, but it fell through. The rankings scenario nightmare would be if Montverde Academy won Dick’s Nationals with an unbeaten record and the Mustangs won the City of Palms and captured a third consecutive TSSAA Class AAA state crown with an unbeaten slate.

3. (11) Oak Hill Academy (Mouth of Wilson, Va.) 38-5
Key Players: C David McCormack 6-10 2018 (No. 20 Hoop Scoop, Kansas commit), SF Keldon Johnson 6-7 2018 (No. 7 ESPN.com), PG Will Richardson 6-4 2018 (No. 18 Hoop Scoop), SF Keyontae Johnson 6-5 2018 (No. 114 Rivals.com).
Why This Ranking: The Warriors have the talent, track record and play the schedule necessary to earn the program’s eighth FAB 50 crown. Most importantly, veteran coach Steve Smith (1,064-70) loves this team’s chemistry and makeup. Last season, Oak Hill began the season as preseason FAB 50 No. 1 for the eighth time in program history, but faltered in the 50-50 games and finished lower than No. 2 for the first time after entering the season at the top of the poll. Smith likens this team to his 2016 team that finished No. 2 at 45-1. “We are better at the point, McCormack is vastly improved and we have better chemistry,” Smith said. McCormack, whose physical conditioning has greatly improved, has improved his shooting range, can get off the floor better and will have plays ran for him. He could be headed for All-American acclaim while being surrounding by four talented perimeter players. Smith could have five players in double figures, with Keldon Johnson the most talented wing player. Keyontae Johnson (no relation), a talented athlete who doesn’t need a play ran for him to score, will keep teams from over-playing Keldon. Even though Smith doesn’t have Josh Nickelberry (a Top 50 ranked junior) on his roster as originally anticipated, there are plenty of talented reserves to spell the wings, including 15-year old Josh Hennings (6-8, 2020) and Maurice Calloo (6-8, 2018). One of the keys will be the play of B.J. Mack (6-8, 2019) because the Virginia Tech commit will be the one to spell McCormack in the middle.
The Skinny: Oak Hill could drop a game and still be highly ranked because of the murderous schedule and should the Warriors go unbeaten it will have as strong as argument as any to be mythical national champ. The “Road Warriors” play in the Marshall County Hoopfest, the Chick-Fil-A Classic in South Carolina against the likes of No. 9 Findlay Prep, No. 15 Paul VI and No. 49 Cox Mill, the Les Schwab Invitational in Oregon that includes No. 6 Mater Dei and No. 30 Jefferson and will do the vaunted “Springfield Double” by playing in the Bass Pro Invitational in Missouri (Findlay Prep, No. 8 Webster Groves, No. 10 La Lumiere, No. 18 Brentwood Academy, No. 43 Wasatch Academy and No. 46 Christ the King await) and play No. 21 University on MLK Monday at the Hoophall Classic in Massachusetts. Despite the challenges, Smith believes Richardson, who had a terrific summer, gives the Warriors a chance in every game and brings this unit some of the intangibles last year’s preseason No. 1 team didn’t have. “This group all likes each other; there’s no fraction of groups and less ego,” Smith said.

4. (43) McEachern (Powder Springs, Ga.) 29-1
Key Players: SG Isaac Okoro 6-5 2019 (No. 11 247Sports.com, Ballislife Underclass All-American), PG Sharife Cooper 5-10 2020 (No. 41 Rivals.com, Ballislife Underclass All-American), C Babatunde Akingbola 6-8 2019 (No. 101 247Sports.com), SF Brandon Suggs 6-6 2018.
Why This Ranking: The Indians have the necessary ingredients for a high final FAB 50 ranking: talent, size and plenty of motivation after last season’s underclass-dominant unit fell just short of an unbeaten season. It starts in the backcourt, as Okoro (24.1 ppg) was chosen second team all-state and netted 27 points in a state quarterfinal win over FAB 50-ranked Wheeler of Marietta. Cooper (16 ppg) is another returning underclass All-American who is mature beyond his years. Akingbola is a rim-protector while Grid-Hooper Suggs brings athleticism and intensity to this club. Pebblebrook transfer Jared Jones (6-9, 2019) is one of the best forward prospects nationally in his class and gives an already loaded team even more frontcourt firepower.
The Skinny: Georgia was a hotbed for FAB 50 ranked teams last season and when the dust settled it was upstart Tift County that won the coveted GHSA Class AAAAAAA crown after four other teams in the classification were preseason FAB 50 ranked. McEachern was riding along at No. 9 in the FAB 50 before it all came crashing down in a 56-49 semifinal loss to the eventual champs. For a team that is returning its top nine scorers and adding Jones, it’s easy to suspect complacency and jealousy can creep in. That’s not the case according to Mike Thompson’s coaching staff, as the players are working hard towards a common goal. Another plus for Thompson’s group is all of them (minus Jones) have built tremendous continuity and chemistry from playing on various travel ball clubs together since they were in sixth grade. McEachern not only opens the City of Palms Classic with No. 39 Ranney School, it also faces No. 38 DeMatha Catholic at the Cancer Research Classic and highly-regarded Ohio clubs Trotwood and Pickerington Central at the Flyin’ To The Hoop Invitational in Dayton.

5. (BB) Hudson Catholic (Hudson, N.J.) 26-4
Key Players: PG Jahvon Quinerly 6-1 2018 (No. 9 Hoop Scoop, Ballislife Underclass All-American), PF Louis King 6-8 2018 (No. 16 247Sports.com, Oregon commit), SG Luther Muhammad 6-3 2018 (No. 27 Hoop Scoop, Ohio State commit).
Why This Ranking: There’s a lot to like off a team that returns four of five starters and a strong bench that makes it the preseason No. 1 team in the powerful Garden State. It’s conceivable no team in America has a returning trio that coach Nick Mariniello has at his disposal. It begins with Quinerly, who is a returning first team all-state pick after averaging 20.4 ppg, 5.4 apg, and 3.1 rpg for a club that lost to No. 25 Patrick School in the NJSIAA Non-Public B state final. Muhammad compliments “Jelly JQ” nicely in the backcourt and King is a versatile talent that can dominate inside or step out on the wing. Depth is provided by up front by Danny Rodriguez (6-8, 2019), who is capable of big scoring outputs, and Precious Ikediashi (6-7, 2018).
The Skinny: This team is not only talented, but is battle tested, having bested teams from six states and finishing in fifth place at the prestigious City of Palms Classic last season. The Hawks, however, do have some concerns. According to ESPN’s Jeff Borzello, Quinerly and his family hired a lawyer in the wake of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) recruiting scandal that rocked college basketball in early October. Nothing has transpired as it relates to Quinerly (and perhaps nothing will), but should his college eligibility be called into question at any point this season, there is no doubt the NJSIAA will take notice. The team also has to show they have what it takes to get it done locally and win their first state title since prep legend Mike O’Koren led the Hawks in 1976. If Hudson Catholic wins state and a New Jersey TOC crown, that double will assure a high national ranking, provided the Hawks have another good showing at the City of Palms Tournament. They have a monster opening round game with No. 8 Webster Groves.

6. (12) Mater Dei (Santa Ana, Calif.) 33-3
Key Players: C Bol Bol 7-2 2018 (No. 3 Rivals.com), PG Spencer Freedman 6-0 2018 (No. 144 Rivals.com, Harvard commit), PF Michael Wang 6-9 2018 (Penn commit), SG Harrison Butler 6-5 2018 (No. 233 247Sports.com, Southern Utah commit), SG P.J. Fuller 6-4 2019 (No. 43 ESPN.com).
Why This Ranking: The core of the Monarchs’ unit is seniors and they have enough returning pieces and newcomers to win the storied program’s first CIF state title since current NBA forward Stanley Johnson led them to the last of four consecutive in 2013-14. The leader and most consistent player is Freedman (14.5 ppg, 5.5 apg), who has great floor vision and can make the clutch pass or outside shot. Butler (8.8 ppg, 6.1 rpg) and Wang (9.9 ppg, 5.8 rpg) are mainstays in the lineup and have expanded their overall offensive games since last season. Bol (16.5 ppg, 8.6 rpg, 2.9 bpg) is one of the nation’s best prospects and can take slower defenders outside. Co-captain Reagan Lundeen (6-6, 2018) and freshmen Wilhelm Breidenbach (6-9, 2021) and B.J. Askew (6-0, 2021) provide dependable depth.
The Skinny: The Monarchs have won a state record 11 CIF state titles and every league crown but one (1987-88) since coach Gary McKnight (1,082-98) took over in 1982-83. The Monarchs open up as the preseason favorites in California, but a twelfth state crown won’t be easy. Mater Dei added Bol mid-season in 2016-17 and No. 33 Bishop Montgomery still bested the team for section and state open division crowns. Bishop Montgomery suffered heavier graduation losses, but Bol had an inconsistent summer and the Monarchs will need him focused to defeat the likes of Montgomery, No. 37 Sierra Canyon, and regionally-ranked Fairfax of Los Angeles and Bishop O’Dowd of Oakland for the state crown. Mater Dei’s FAB 50 ranking will be dependent on the results of its games at the City of Palms Tournament, the Les Schwab Invitational versus the likes of No. 3 Oak Hill Academy and No. 30 Jefferson, versus No. 19 Gonzaga at the Cancer Research Classic and a key matchup with top-ranked Montverde Academy at the Hoophall Classic.

7. (41) Wesleyan Christian Academy (High Point, N.C.) 28-5
Key Players: PF Jaylen Hoard 6-9 2018 (No. 10 ESPN.com, Ballislife Underclass All-American, Wake Forest commit), SF Aaron Wiggins 6-5 2018 (No. 39 ESPN.com, Maryland commit), C DeAundre Wilkins 6-10 2019.
Why This Ranking: The Trojans were our NCISA Class 3A favorites last year, but came up just a bit short in three tries against rival Greensboro Day, losing by a total of 10 points. We place the Trojans once again in the pole position, as they have a bit more firepower and fewer key graduation losses than their rival. Hoard and Wiggins form a dynamic 1-2 scoring punch and with a big season Hoard could develop into a legitimate Mr. Basketball USA candidate. Coach Keith Gatlin did lose David Caraher (Houston Baptist) to graduation and N.C. State commit Ian Steere to transfer, but have enough depth and experience to challenge for a Dick’s Nationals berth.
The Skinny: WCA had some questions at point guard last season, but that shouldn’t be an issue this time around with the addition of twin guards from Class 4A state champ Southwest Guilford committed to Virginia Tech. Keyshaun Langley (6-1, 2019) and Kobe Langley (6-1, 2019) are talented players and both can handle point guard duties. Keyshaun (14.9 ppg, 4.2 apg, 3.0 rpg) is especially potent and Wilkins gives a needed post presence necessary when the Trojans battle nationally-ranked teams. Gatlin’s club plays Gainesville and No. 41 Norcross at the Holiday Hoopsgiving in Atlanta, opens the City of Palms with regionally-ranked Orlando Christian Prep with the winner getting No. 16 Simeon and plays at the John Wall Invitational after Christmas which includes the likes of No. 21 University School and No. 24 IMG Academy. Last season, Greensboro Day finally broke through for the at NCISA at Dick’s Nationals by upsetting IMG and WCA will be looking to take it a step further this season. First, however, WCA has to take care of business in-state and get by its archrival in addition to regionally-ranked Providence Day.

8. (22) Webster Groves (Webster Groves, Mo.) 29-2
Key Players: PG Courtney Ramey 6-2 2018 (No. 33 Hoop Scoop, Ballislife Underclass All-American), PF Carte’Are Gordon 6-8 2018 (No. 33 247Sports.com, St. Louis commit).
Why This Ranking: The Statesmen welcome back two of the better players in the country and nine lettermen off a team that closed strong, winning 23 consecutive games and capturing the coveted Class 5A state crown (the program’s first since 2008). The catalyst was Ramey, a two-time Suburban XII South Conference and 2016-17 St. Louis Post Dispatch All-Metro Player of the Year who averaged 20 points, eight rebounds, six assists and two steals as a junior. This season coach Jay Blossom will have Gordon patrolling the paint for the entire season, as he played in 17 games last season after gaining eligibility mid-season. Gordon's production will be key, as will staying out of foul trouble during the key games on the Statesmen’s monster schedule. R.J. Wright (6-2, 2019) will be the team’s outside threat, as Blossom will look to space the floor so Gordon can go to work inside. Ray Adams (6-3, 2019) will take on a bigger role and transfer Amorey Womack (6-2, 2019) is an athletic defender who fits nicely into Blossom’s system. “Our bread and butter is our half court and full court man-to-man defense,” Blossom said.
The Skinny: Is Webster Groves the eighth most talented team, top to bottom, in the country? No, but there is the first spot where we’re rewarding a team for playing a monster national schedule and then ranking them as the results come in. Without Gordon, Webster Groves had a slow start and it can’t afford any in-state losses to remain in the top 10. The Statesmen play No. 2 Memphis East on national television December 14, play regionally-ranked Wheeler of Georgia at the Cancer Research Classic and then travel to the Bass Pro Tournament of Champions where five other FAB 50 teams await. This team will do the “Springfield Double” and opens the City of Palms Classic against No. 5 Hudson Catholic in one of the best holiday tournament opening-round matchups we’ve ever analyzed with regards to with how it relates to rankings position.

9. (20) Findlay Prep (Henderson, Nev.) 33-4
Key Players: PF Reggie Chaney 6-8 2018 (No. 89 247Sports.com), PG Jamie Lewis 6-2 2018 (No. 88 247Sports.com, Wake Forest commit), SG T.J. Moss 6-4 2018 (No. 170 247Sports.com), Spencer Washington 6-6 2018.
Why This Ranking: Coach Paul Washington got a good chuckle out of Findlay Prep starting out at No. 29 in last year’s preseason rankings. The reason for the ranking was the program was on its fifth coach in six years, but the former Middle Tennessee player stepped up the Pilots’ schedule, and they performed, twice defeating preseason No. 1 Oak Hill Academy and losing only to top 10 ranked teams and advancing to the Dick’s Nationals semifinals before losing by two points to eventual champ La Lumiere. This year’s team begins at a spot more reflective of its overall talent level and tough schedule. Chaney, a physical specimen, has loads of experience and is an improved spot up shooter. Lewis, a Westlake of Atlanta transfer, is a scoring point guard and is completed nicely by Memphis East transfer T.J. Moss, who is a crafty operator who knows how to get in the key. The Pilots can go big with Memphis-bound Conner Vanover (7-3, 2018) and San Diego St.-bound Nathan Mensah, who can also stretch the floor with his shooting range. This is a lot to like about the lineup and a roster with 10 seniors.
The Skinny: The Pilots rose up in the rankings steadily last season, but this year have an opportunity to make a big splash early when they hit the road to take on No. 2 Memphis East on November 25. Washington has again scheduled aggressively, as the Pilots play in the Chick-Fil-A Classic in South Carolina, take on No. 24 IMG at the Cancer Research Classic, take on Huntington Prep of West Virginia at the Flying To The Hoop Invitational, and battle rival and No. 48 Bishop Gorman back home before heading to the Montverde Academy Invitational at the end of January. Washington will no longer have his son P.J. at his disposal, as the All-American has moved on to Kentucky, but he welcomes back son Spencer and other underrated players such as Maryland-Baltimore County commit Jack Schwietz (6-5, 2018) that will give the Pilots the necessary depth to fare well against the afore-mentioned clubs.

10. (2) La Lumiere (LaPorte, Ind.) 28-1
Key Players: PG Tyger Campbell 6-0 2018 (No. 41 Hoop Scoop, Ballislife Underclass All-American), PF Isaiah Stewart 6-9 2019 (No. 20 247Sports.com), Charles Smith IV 6-5 2019 (No. 42 247Sports.com).
Why This Ranking: This team might be a notch down from last season when it won Dick’s Nationals, but the Lakers figure to be in the thick of the FAB 50 race with a nice blend of talented newcomers and a key returnee. Head coach Shane Heirman moved on to DePaul and former assistant and new head man Pat Holmes is blessed to have his coach on the floor in Campbell returning. The lone returning starter cut down on the turnovers and flashy plays to put together an outstanding performance in the Lakers’ championship run. He has legit All-American potential and will lead an under-class dominated unit that includes Smith, a talented scorer who could have a breakout season. The bouncy Stewart, a transfer from McQuad Jesuit in Rochester, N.Y. who missed his sophomore season with injury, commands double teams inside and has a good shooting touch.
The Skinny: Losing the type of firepower the Lakers did and undergoing a coaching change means the Lakers begin at the bottom of the Top 10. If returning role players such as power forward Franklin Agunanne (6-9, 2018) and shooting guard Paxson Wojcik (6-5, 2019) step up, the team will be ready for the meat of its schedule. After playing in the Chicago Elite Classic and Mike Miller Classic, the team will face a key stretch, playing No. 26 Imhotep Charter and top-ranked Montverde Academy at the Cancer Research Classic and then at the Bass Pro Tournament of Champions in Missouri the following week. “We have two top 50 juniors and a lot of new faces,” Holmes said. “If they figure it out, we have a chance to do something special.”

11. (NR) Archbishop Molloy (Queens, N.Y.) 20-8
Key Players: PG Cole Anthony 6-3 2019 (No. 2 247Sports.com, Ballislife Underclass All-American), C Moses Brown 7-0 2018 (No. 13 Rivals.com), SF Khalid Moore 6-6 2018 (No. 138 247Sports.com, Georgia Tech commit).
Why This Ranking: The Stanners are the highest preseason ranked team that wasn’t really in the FAB 50 equation last season. They are a factor this time around with three prime-time players, including Anthony, and plenty of motivation. Anthony, the son of former UNLV and NBA guard Greg Anthony, is the best underclass guard in the country and one of the best players in the country, regardless of class. He averaged 20.7 ppg, 7.0 apg and 1.9 spg in New York Catholic High School Athletic Association (CHSAA) play, but would like to erase the memory of the 64-62 CHSAA title game loss to Cardinal Hayes of the Bronx in which he missed a late chippie.
The Skinny: Cardinal Hayes will be in the CHSAA mix once again, but we go with No. 46 Christ the King and the Stanners as the leaders in the clubhouse not so much because of Anthony, but because of the improvement around him. The other two prime-time players are Moses, who has developed into one of the country’s best pivots, and Moore, who has an improved skill set to go along with his raw athleticism. Players such as Jamal Watson (6-3, 2019) and Jade Tse (6-1, 2018) add experience and their contributions will need to be there in the big games. While Anthony is a reason to like coach Mike McCleary’s club so is the schedule. The Stanners, trying to win their first Catholic League title since 1989 Mr. Basketball USA Kenny Anderson was on the roster, will open the City of Palms Classic with No. 21 University (with the winner likely getting No. 6 Mater Dei in the second round) and take on No. 38 DeMatha Catholic at the Hoophall Classic. Malloy also has a tough slate locally, including two Brooklyn/Queens league matchups with CTK on February 2 and 9.

12. (16) Shadow Mountain (Phoenix, Ariz.) 27-1
Key Players: PG Jovan Blacksher 5-10 2019 (No. 150 247Sports.com), SG Jaelen House 6-1 2019 (No. 89 247Sports.com, Ballislife Underclass All-American), SF Immanuel Allen (6-4, 2018).
Why This Ranking: The Matadors ran roughshod over AIA Class 4A competition last year, with their closest margin of victory in four playoff games being 33 points. That 81-48 victory came over Salpointe Catholic of Tucson in the state title game and this year Shadow is more talented. It begins with House, a dynamic scoring guard in the same mold of his father Eddie (a former NBA guard) and Blacksher, a tough-as-nails point guard who can will his team to victory with defense and clutch plays. What could potentially make this team special and a major Dick’s Nationals contender is its transfers. Allen (Lakeridge, Lake Oswego, Ore.) is an explosive and powerful athlete who recruiters will get to know well. He’ll likely start but the battle for playing time will be fierce and only make this team better.
The Skinny: Shadow Mountain, coached by 1996 Mr. Basketball USA Mike Bibby, played top-ranked Montverde tough for three quarters at Dick’s Nationals -- without House. Yes, the Matadors graduated State Player of the Year Marcus Shaver (Portland), but this team has more weapons and is a clear preseason state No. 1 over regionally-ranked Pinnacle of Scottsdale (December 15 matchup). Antonio Reeves (Kenwood, Chicago) is a 6-foot-3 scorer who can play both guard spots while Jalen Williams (Brookside Christian, Stockton, Calif.) is a 6-foot-3 lefty who tries to dunk everything. He plays baseball and is also a big-time prospect on the gridiron. He’ll ease into the lineup, as Shemar Morrow (6-5, 2020) is another big-time transfer athlete (La Mirada, Calif.) who should benefit immensely from the increased practice competition. Last year’s team, which had good chemistry because of familiarity, made a national reputation playing Montverde Academy on national television. This year’s team, which will play at the Montverde Tournament with the likes of No. 9 Findlay Prep, doesn’t quite have that continuity, but there is a noticeable uptick in the skill and talent level throughout the roster.

13. (18) Cypress Falls (Houston, Texas) 35-3
Key Players: SG Nigel Hawkins 6-4 2018 (Ballislife Underclass All-American), PG Trajan Wesley 5-10 2018 (Louisiana-Lafayette commit), SF DeShang Williams-Weaver 6-6 2018 (No. 143 247Sports.com).
Why This Ranking: You have to like a team that returns all five starters off its UIL Class 6A state title team. If we followed local consensus, the Eagles would be much lower in the FAB 50 and not the preseason No. 1 in the UIL ranks. Implementing the rankings formula we’ve used for 30 years, however, there’s no way we wouldn’t start Cy Falls No. 1 in Texas after winning the state’s most coveted title, no to mention one of the country’s most grueling playoff divisions, with what’s coming back. It begins with returning underclass All-American Hawkins, the team’s leading scorer who went for 33 points in two low-scoring state final four games. He was the Houston Chronicle Player of the Year and a TABC All-State choice. Wesley, who went for 23 points in the 3OT state semifinal win over Skyline of Dallas, has all-state ability and Andrew Nguyen (5-10, 2018) is another talented point guard who compliments Wesley nicely and gives the Eagles another player with experience handling ball-pressure in crunch time.
The Skinny: Coach Richard Flores (who enters his fourth season) and his players are well aware of the grind it takes to win a UIL Class 6A state title; sometimes the team that wins is the most fortunate. This year, Cy Falls will be more explosive, but that doesn’t guarantee the road to the state crown will be easier. No. 31 Austin Westlake and No. 44 Denton Guyer will be clipping at its heels, and South Garland and DeSoto also look like major 6A contenders. At some point, however, Cy Falls’ experience last season will pay dividends. Nguyen and Kendall Scott (6-7, 2018) are returning all-district players, and depth to withstand the grueling playoff haul will be provided by the talented Weaver and Zach Stephenson (6-7, 2018).

14. (37) Archbishop Moeller (Cincinnati, Ohio) 28-1
Key Players: PF Jaxson Hayes 6-9 2018 (No. 137 Rivals.com, Texas commit), PG Miles McBride 6-0 2019, SF Jeremiah Davenport 6-5 2018.
Why This Ranking: The Crusaders are the odds-on favorites to capture the Ohio Division I state title after coming up a point short in last year’s state title game. They got the talent, size and motivation to take care of the job this time around. Coach Carl Kremer, who has won three state titles and over 500 games since taking over the program in the 1989-90 season, will miss all-state Keegan McDowell (Liberty), but the team has more than enough firepower to bring home title No. 4 for the veteran coach. McBride is a rock in the backcourt and had big games in Moeller’s run to state last season and Isaiah Payton (6-1, 2018) is another ball-handler with experience and next level talent. Davenport had a breakout run during the state tournament and is a lockdown defender. Hayes backed up Riley Voss (Cornell) last season and hasn’t really made a varsity impact yet. That’s expected to drastically change this season.
The Skinny: Its tough to lose a Top 10 ranking and an unbeaten season in a state title game where the winner scores 39 points, but that’s what happens when less than 10 states around the country employ a shot clock. Moeller also was the victim of misfortune, as an intentional foul was called late in the ball game on an obvious fouling situation for the Crusaders. That will give this team plenty of motivation, and Hayes’ improvement could prove to be the difference. He’s gone from a player toiling on lower level teams to one recruited by the likes of Kentucky. If he has a breakout campaign, the Crusaders will have a good opportunity to hold off the likes of No. 34 Pickerington North and regionally-ranked Pickerington Central, Princeton and Garfield Heights to earn what some Crusaders’ fans feel was unjustly taken away from them last season.

15. (NR) Paul VI (Fairfax, Va.) 29-8
Key Players: SF Brandon Slater 6-7 2018 (No. 53 247Sports.com, Villanova commit), SG Anthony Harris Jr. 6-2 2019 (No. 77 247Sports.com), PG Jeremy Roach 6-2 2020 (No. 12 Rivals.com).
Why This Ranking: It’s no secret the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference (WCAC) is arguably, top to bottom, the toughest in the country. With that in mind, we’re going to place three WCAC teams in the preseason FAB 50 for the fifth time in the last six seasons. We like the Panthers as the conference favorites for the second time in four years because of the return of four starters and nine lettermen, while No. 19 Gonzaga and No. 38 DeMatha Catholic suffered a bit more graduation losses. Leading the way is Slater, who averaged 15.6 ppg in leading coach Glenn Farello’s club to the WCAC regular season championship and title game of the conference tournament, where it fell to Gonzaga in a rubber match. Slater is cut out to be a major college off-guard, but he can play almost anywhere for the Panthers and is still improving his overall game. Paul VI is well taken care of in the backcourt, as Harris and Roach are considered among the best nationally in their class at their respective positions.
The Skinny: The Panthers had six less losses last season than it did in 2015-16, but still didn’t crack the final FAB 50. A 95-78 loss to No. 29 Trinity Episcopal in the VISAA Division I title game was a main factor, but because of the conference it plays in, Paul VI has more leeway than clubs such as No. 12 Shadow Mountain, No. 13 Cy Falls and No. 14 Archbishop Moeller to endure a loss and not drop too far. Farello does lose guard Aaron Thompson (Pitt), but has excellent depth bolstered by newcomers such as Josh Oduro (6-8, 2019) and Trevor Keels (6-4, 2021). Paul VI opens the season with conference foe Bishop O’Connell then faces No. 7 WCA and regionally-ranked Oak Ridge of Florida at the National High School Hoopfest at DeMatha. The Panthers also travel to the Chick-Fil-A Classic in South Carolina, take on No. 2 Memphis East at the Penny Hardaway Hoopfest and once again play No. 17 Roselle Catholic (whom it beat last season) at the WCAC-NJ Challenge.

RELATED: Preseason 2017-18 FAB 50 (16-30) | Preseason 2016-17 FAB 50 (31-50) | BIL Weekly HS Basketball Showcase | Preseason Regional Top 20 Rankings

Ronnie Flores is the national Grassroots editor of www.ebooksnet.com. He can be reached at [email protected]. Don't forget to follow him on Twitter: @RonMFlores

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The strongest and best three-point shooting brother in the Ball family, LiAngelo Ball, had his shooter's mentality on full display during his UCLA debut on Wednesday. In 16 minutes off the bench, Gelo went 4-of-8 from the field and 2-of-6 from three for 11 points. Most of his shots came within 1-2 seconds after receiving a pass.

“He made a couple good moves inside the arc that I was really glad to see because he’s been doing that in practice and I thought he showed some maturity and growth at the defensive end and that’s something we want to see,” head coach Steve Alford said.

As expected, Gelo's father, LaVar Ball, was in attendance (taking photos with fans at halftime and after the game) along with his little brother LaMelo, who has committed to UCLA and currently has his own signature shoe and a Lambo. According to the LA Times, LaVar praised UCLA's "freewheeling style" and said "if the team kept playing the same way it could win the national championship." He also said the UCLA squad would have put up 150 points if they still had Lonzo.

Fellow Ballislife All-Americans Jaylen Hands (12/11/9) and Kris Wilkes (14 points) also played well during their debuts in the 111-80 exhibition victory over Cal State LA.

BONUS VIDEOS

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Former Ballislife All-American (and BILAAG Dunk Contest winner) and current UCLA freshman Jaylen Hands messed around in his debut and missed a triple-double by just one board during Wednesday's 31-point exhibition beat down (111-80) on Cal State Los Angeles.

In 23 minutes, the five-star guard from Foothills Christian High knocked down 5-of-9 shots and finished with 12 points, 11 assists (five less than the entire opposing team) and nine rebounds. Fellow high-flying freshman Kris Wilkes impressed with 14 points and three-point specialist Gelo Ball scored 11 in 16 minutes off the bench.

POSTGAME QUOTES

on playing in Pauley Pavilion for the first time
“Kris (Wilkes) and I talked about the first four minutes being a little jumpy, but after that you just get used to playing basketball like we always do. It was really fun – the atmosphere and all these people here.”

on when he felt the jitters were gone
“I probably would say around my second stint. The first four minutes you’re just so excited; you’ve been thinking about it all day and the weeks before. After you get the first stint you just relax and play basketball. That’s all it is.”

on what he likes most about playing with Kris Wilkes
“In transition you always know someone’s there. You just throw it up so he can catch it. He’s a real competitor.”

on being ready for the opener
“There’s always work you can do, but I’m really excited to get back to practice on Friday and get better at rebounding and get better at shooting free throws. We’re a good team. Every time we go out there we get better, so I’m really excited.”

SOURCE: UCLABruins.com

BONUS VIDEOS

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Someone sent me an article called "LaMelo Ball Posterized Some Poor Kid And Then Stared Him Down." I click on it hoping to see the vertically challenged (but improving) Melo pull a Scottie Pippen over Patrick Ewing. What I ended up seeing was a joke. I'm not talking about the amusing dunk on the "some poor kid." I'm talking about a site with 159k followers on Twitter, 62.6k followers on Instagram and 124k subscribers on YouTube calling someone with a bigger following (203k on Twitter, 278k on Instagram and over a million more subs) "some poor kid." That kid is Bucket Squad leader and one of my favorite gaming YouTubers Jesser The Lazer.

The dunk happened during a pick-up game with a few other known YouTubers, like CashNasty and Kristopher London. The dunk also happens to be the second time this year I've seen Jesser get dunked on by a top high school player. Back in January, he played UCLA's Jaylen Hands one-on-one and ended up getting dunked on about 10 times.

Jesser also recently played James Harden one-on-one at an event EA put on, hoping to make influential people care about NBA (is still a)Live. So not only can Jesser brag about playing the Houston strip club legend, he can brag about Harden actually playing defense against him.

Poor kid!

Maybe if he plays basketball against bigger names than a MVP candidate or the most popular player in high school then he might get a few followers and make a few dollars from his YouTube channel that only has about 300 million views. LOL! 300 is only 288 million more than Kevin Durant's YouTube channel.

He didn't get much love from SportsCenter either.

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 RELATED: 2016 Pangos All-West Frosh/Soph Standouts |  Jalen Green Breaks Out at Pangos Jr. All-American Camp

Norwalk, Calif. -- A huge turnout of many of the better freshman and sophomore players on the West Coast descended upon Cerritos College to partake in the first of four Pangos Frosh/Soph Camps taking place this fall around the country. The camp has its origins in the West and in over 15 years, it's hard to recall a better one in terms of depth of talent across the board than this version.

It's certainly not hard to single out the explosive ability of Jalen Green, a 6-foot-5 sophomore (2020) wing from San Joaquin Memorial (Fresno, Calif.) who is challenging for title of the nation's top-ranked sophomore. He was the top overall performer at last year's camp and is well on his way to duplicating those efforts in 2017. Green never seems like he's forcing the action, has a nose for the ball and good rebounding and passing instinct. Green also has the confidence and disposition of a player who walks in the gym and thinks he's the best. It's a noticeable difference in a year's time.

While Green is explosive, Josh Christopher just might be the most explosive wing-type in the entire camp. The 6-foot-4 sophomore out of Mayfair (Lakewood, Calif.) who led Cal Supreme to the 17U Big Foot Hoops Las Vegas Classic title tore down the rims on Saturday with explosive finishes with both hands. Christopher has rapidly turned into a McDonald's All-American prospect in the 2020 class and the only thing separating him and Green right now is the mechanics and drifting on his jump shot.

Vegas Stand Up

Last weekend Las Vegas was the sports capital of the world as Canelo Alvarez and Gennady Glolovkin fought for the Middleweight Championship of the World and in the near future the city could be the capital of the grassroots basketball world. Sin City has arguably its deepest crop of players ever in one class in 2021 and 2020 is way above average, too.

The table setter is 5-foot-11 freshman point guard Zaon Collins of Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas), who put on a display of basketball wizardry with his passing and feel that would make Dr. Naismith proud. Collins sees the game a play or two ahead of most of his peers and can set himself up by getting in a stance and playing instinctual defense. It helping him in this camp setting that he's playing alongside some of his teammates at Bishop Gorman and on the Vegas Elite travel ball club. Combining that IQ and skill with the familiarity, Collins led his team to two wins in front of a large contingent of supporters on the first day of camp.

How high Collins is ranked in the 2021 class depends on his ability to develop a deep jump shot and how many more inches he springs up. He has been compared to a wide variety of guards including Kenny Anderson (1989 Mr. Basketball USA), Art Lee (Stanford) and B.J. Armstrong (NBA World Champion), among others, and has an excellent chance to be the best point guard ever for the perennial FAB 50 power that is Bishop Gorman basketball.

Other high school and travel ball teammates that have made a positive impact at the camp are 6-foot-3 freshman shooting guard Will McClendon, 6-foot-3 sophomore combo guard Noah Taitz and 6-foot-8 freshman power forward Isaiah Cottrell. McClendon can really get after it with his physicality, Taitz can finish with authority and has a sweet square up shooting stroke while Cottrell is oozing with potential.

The Vegas player who made the biggest among other programs was Collins' old Faiss Middle School teammate -- 6-foot-2 freshman (2021) shooting guard Drake Booker from Durango (Las Vegas). The slashing guard excels in a camp setting with his athleticism and fearless attitude and has done a good job in his transition from more of a wing-type in middle school to a ball-handler at the high school level. When he's hot from the outside, he can be as dynamic as any guard there is from Nevada in his class. That's exactly what happened Saturday, as Booker was stroking from long range in his first game and heated up down the stretch in the second. He got into a spirited one-on-one battle with 6-foot-4 sophomore shooting guard Jaylen Clark of Centennial (Corona, Calif.), where he displayed a classic dual threat attack. Booker used his foot speed to blow by Clark on a few occasions and if he backed off, the Durango freshman nailed jumpers.

Clark is explosive around the basket and in transition, but must continue to work on changing directions and striding while pushing and attacking with the ball in his hands.

Other day one sophomore Vegas standouts included 6-foot Felix Reeves of Desert Oasis, 6-foot-3 strongman Martel Williams of Silverado, 6-foot-3 Dominique Ford of Durango and 6-foot-3 Larry Holmes of Arbor View. Among Vegas freshman, 6-foot Kobe Stroughter of El Dorado, 6-foot-5 Anthony Swift of Durango, 5-foot-11 Frankie Collins of Clark, 6-foot-2 Cory Curtis Jr. of Coronado (Henderson) and 6-foot-5 Glenn Taylor of Cheyenne all had their moments.

We' be remiss if we didn't also mention 6-foot 2022 point guard Richard "Pop Pop" Isaacs, a Vegas resident who defenders simply can't stay in front of. Isaacs is one of the camp's fastest guards end-to-end with the ball in his hands and knows how to make the proper play under duress and at full speed. He had his deft passing game working early and then went into scoring mode in his final day one game.

Zion Collins and Isaacs were just two of the many point guard standouts, which included in no particular order, 5-foot-10 freshman Jaden Byers from Centennial (Corona, Calif.), 5-foot-10 freshman Kimo Ferrari of St. Augustine (San Diego, Calif.), 6-foot-1 sophomore Jordan Montgomery of Rancho Christian (Temecula, Calif.) and 5-foot-11 Myles Phillips of Franklin (Seattle, Wash.). Phillips was the most impressive of the lot with his ability to get in the key and make the right scoring or passing play. When his size and strength begin to catch up to his ability, Phillips will be one of the top point guards in his class on the West Coast, and perhaps nationally.

Other day one standout guards who can play both spots were 6-foot sophomore guard Robby Beasley of Dunblin (Calif.), 6-foot-3 sophomore Nimari Burnett of Prolific Prep (Napa, Calif.) and 6-foot-5 sophomore Dalen Terry of Corona Del Sol (Tempe, Ariz.). Beasley displayed improved speed and a solid crossover while playing under control. Burnett is simply explosive and can get it done in tight quarters. He doesn't need alot of space to operate and is unselfish. Terry can score like a major college wing and handle well enough to handle point guard duties and see over the defense to make positive plays. He has an excellent chance to develop into a 6-foot-7 play-making guard.

Ronnie Flores is the national Grassroots editor of www.ebooksnet.com. He can be reached at [email protected]. Don't forget to follow him on Twitter: @RonMFlores

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The story of a team with UCLA's LiAngelo Ball, Jaylen Hands, Prince Ali, Kris "Air" Wilkes and Cody Riley beating a team with LeBron James in a pick-up game almost broke the internet on Thursday. Here's some footage (what's up Cassy) of the UCLA youngsters showing off their athleticism and dunk package during the star-studded practice.

Don't be surprised to see Hands aka "Baby Westbrook" in some future dunk contests. Here he is winning our 2017 All-American dunk contest.

And speaking of Westbrook and UCLA hops, here's a few other former Bruins deserving of some props for their hops, including Gelo's older brother and another former Ballislife All-American dunk contest winner.

BARON DAVIS

WESTBROOK

ZACH LAVINE

LONZO BALL

NORMAN POWELL

KAREEM

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (then known as Lew Alcindor) was dunking on so many defenders in college, the NCAA decided to ban the dunk shot.

 JRUE

I don't have any dunks from his college days to share but I do have proof that he dunked on LeBron after his UCLA days.

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While the internet was rambling about LeBron James and everyone's favorite Uncle a day after the Cavs/Celtics trade, the King was at UCLA, throwing down dunks in a pick-up game with NBA players like Aaron Gordon, Nick Young, Victor Oladipo and Darren Collison and a few UCLA players like Jaylen Hands, LiAngelo Ball, Cody Riley and Prince Ali. Almost as shocking as the Irving trade (not really, I'm just still shocked from the trade and can't stop mentioning it), LeBron's team actually lost to the team with the young Bruins.

According to 'Legends of Chamberlain Heights' creator and former UCLA baller Josiah Johnson, LeBron's team did beat a team with the Warriors' Draymond Green (figures) and Kevon Looney (the fourth former Ballislife All-American in the building; Hands, Ball and Kris Wilkes are the other three).

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As if LiAngelo Ball needed anything else to be the "big man on campus," the 18-year old Big Baller Brand wearing UCLA baller, who LaVar calls "the sexy one," will be riding through campus and picking up girls in a white Ferrari. You read that right.

Speaking of real Big Ballers, I can't talk about Ferraris and Big Ballers without bringing up this awesome Chris Webber story about Ferrari collector and the biggest baller of big ballers, Michael Jordan.

Via?BleacherReport

“One time we played in Washington. We played a five game series against the Bulls. It was the year they won 72 games. We lose all three games by a total of seven points. I saw Michael Jordan come into our locker room with a cigar, while it was lit, and said, ‘Who’s going to check me tonight?’ And we looked at Calbert Cheaney and we were laughing like little school kids knowing that Calbert Cheaney was going to get him, we knew it wasn’t a game for Mike. He was going to be there and he was going to be playing like he said. Game Three we get off the bus and Juwan (Howard) is from Chicago and used to workout there. I’ll never forget, Jordan was sitting on his Ferrari and Pippen was right there and they have a cigar lit. We get off the bus and we have to pass them with a lit cigar. You want to talk about posturing? Forget Phil Jackson. You got Michael Jordan there behind the scenes smoking a cigar before the game, letting us know that he’s the Red Auerbach before the game even started. It was almost like, ‘I lit the cigar. I’m celebrating already. This is just a formality, you guys getting on the court tonight.”

I can just visualize a visiting team shaking their heads at the sight of Ball, Kris Wilkes and Jaylen Hands standing in front of the white Ferrari, with cigars and BBB gear.

BONUS VIDEO

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Related: 2016-17 Underclass All-American Team | 2016-17 Mr. Basketball USA: Michael Porter Jr.

The 2016-17 All-American Elite Team, now published for the 23rd consecutive season and on the www.ebooksnet.com platform for the second time, includes 42 of the nation’s best seniors, led by Mr. Basketball USA Michael Porter Jr. of FAB 50 No. 1 Nathan Hale (Seattle, Wash.).

Eighteen seniors and two juniors, including National Junior of the Year Marvin Bagley Jr. of Sierra Canyon (Chatsworth, Calif.), headline the 20-player overall first team.

A 30-player second team includes five additional juniors and National Sophomore Player of the Year R.J. Barrett of national power Montverde Academy (Montverde, Fla.). In the 23 seasons of publishing annual All-American teams (we have retroactive teams dating back to the 1954-55 season), no freshman has ever made the first team.

The class player of the year among ninth-graders on this year’s Underclass All-American team is 6-foot-3 guard Jalen Suggs of Minnehaha Academy (Minneapolis, Minn.). The talented first-year player is the first-ever underclass player of the year (dating back to the 1969-70 season) from the state of Minnesota.

Our national coach of the year is Freddy Johnson of Greensboro Day (Greensboro, N.C.). He led his club to the NCISA Class 3A and to big win over IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.) at Dick’s Nationals. Greensboro Day participated at Dick’s Nationals for the second time in three seasons and finished No. 13 in the final FAB 50 National Team Rankings. Under Johnson, who enters 2017-18 with a 992-283 career mark, Greensboro Day has won 30 or more games 14 times and he is our first-ever National Coach of the Year from North Carolina dating back to the 1969-70 season.

This performance-based All-American team is selected by National Grassroots Editor Ronnie Flores with input from Mr. Basketball USA panelists. It is chosen after the conclusion of the season, which makes this All-American team more reflective of players who made state championship runs. This honors squad has been chosen in its current format since the 1994-95 season and is powered by www.ebooksnet.com for the second consecutive season. This team is chosen regardless of class and is not exclusive or preferential for seniors named to the Ballislife All-American Game. To check out who has played in the Ballislife All-American Game the past seven years, please visit ballislifeallamerican.com. To view archived all-american teams published under this format, please visit GrassrootsHoops.net.

2016-17 All-American First Team

First Five

G — Trevon Duval, IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.) 6-3 Sr.
Arguably the nation’s most explosive guard, Duval is also rated the nation’s top point guard recruit by ESPN, Rivals and the Hoop Scoop. On the court, the Duke-bound Duval averaged 16.2 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 7.0 apg for a 26-2 team that finished No. 8 in the FAB 50. Duval also has the rare distinction of winning a major grassroots summer championship for two different shoe company circuits. In the summer of 2016, he led WE-R1 to the Under Armour Association title and helped the New Jersey Playaz win the 2014 Nike EYBL title.

G — Collin Sexton, Pebblebrook (Mableton, Ga.) 6-3 Sr.
The fastest-riser on this year's team, Sexton didn’t make the Underclass All-American team as a junior, but rose all the way to first five with an impressive season that piggybacked a sensational summer. He led the Nike EYBL in scoring (31.7 ppg) and participated for Team USA in the 2016 FIBA 17U World Championships were he was named MVP after averaging 17 ppg. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Class AAAAAAA Player of the Year after averaging 32.6 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 2.5 apg and 2.7 spg for a 21-8 team, Sexton’s talent and competitive nature was on full display at the Ballislife All-American Game. He finished with 27 points and four assists to earn game MVP honors.

G — Trae Young, Norman North (Norman, Okla.) 6-2 Sr.
Will go down as one of the best players ever from Oklahoma along with the likes of 1982 Mr. Basketball USA Waymon Tisdale, Richard Dumas (1987), Wilfred Boynes (1975) and Alvin Adams (1973) and made the state rejoice when he decided to stay home and play for the Sooners. A two-time Gatorade State Player of the Year, Young moves up from the second team after averaging 42.8 points, 5.8 rebounds and 4.1 assists for a 19-6 club. His individual high of 65 points broke his own state Class 6A record and during that same game put him over 2,500 career points. Prior to his spectacular senior season, Young led Mokan Elite to the 2016 Nike EYBL title while avenging 27.0 ppg and 7.3 apg.

F — Michael Porter Jr., Nathan Hale (Seattle, Wash.) 6-9 Sr.
This year’s Mr. Basketball USA choice moves up from the second team after leading Falter Tolton (Columbia, Mo.) to a MSHAA Class 3 state title as a junior. He topped that by winning a Class 3A title in Washington while averaging 37.6 points, 14.5 rebounds and 5.2 assists for a 29-0 team that finished No. 1 in the FAB 50. Not only was Hale the first team ever from Washington to win a mythical national title, Porter is the first ever player from a Washington program to earn national player of the year honors. He’ll return to his roots and play college basketball at Missouri.

C — DeAndre Ayton, Hillcrest Academy (Phoenix, Ariz.) 7-0 Sr.
A rare repeat first five selection, Ayton is the first three-time first team selection since 2011 Mr. Basketball USA Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (2009-11). Although Porter Jr. surpassed him for national honors, Ayton joined him and Duval as the only three players to appear on each voting ballot in the final Mr. Basketball USA Tracker. Originally from Nassau, Bahamas, Ayton led Hillcrest Academy to a 33-6 mark and to the Under Armour Grind Session championship while averaging 26 points, 15 rebounds and 3.5 blocks per game. Ayton is headed to Arizona.

Second Five

G — Ethan Thompson, Bishop Montgomery (Torrance, Calif.) 6-4 Sr.
California’s Mr. Basketball had a fantastic senior campaign and ended his stellar four-year career with two CIF state titles. Veteran coach Doug Mitchell called him the best player in program history after leading Bishop Montgomery to a CIF Open Division state title and final No. 6 FAB 50 ranking as a senior. He averaged 22.8 ppg, 7.7 rpg and 5.4 apg while improving his overall game and growing in physical stature. On his way to Oregon St. to join his brother Stephen Jr. (a 2015 second team selection) and his father Stephen Sr. (a third five selection in 1986).

F — Kevin Knox Jr., Tampa Catholic (Tampa, Fla.) 6-8 Sr.
Moves up from the second team after averaging 28.9 points and 11.3 rebounds while leading the Crusaders to the Class 5A state title game. He got his team there with a 40-point, 2-0-rebound semifinal performance. For his efforts, Knox was named Florida’s Mr. Basketball, the first from the Tampa region since 1999 second team selection Casey Sanders of Tampa Prep. He ended his career as Hillsborough County’s all-time leading scorer and was selected for both the McDonald’s (15 points) and Jordan Brand (12 points) All-American Games.

F — Zion Williamson, Spartanburg Day School (Spartanburg, S.C.) 6-7 Jr.
Earned underclass All-American honors a year ago, but developed into one of the nation’s best players regardless of class this past season with his continued improvement to his overall skill and breathtaking leading ability. A powerful forward, Williamson’s dunking ability has made him a national celebrity and arguably the best Mixtape player of this generation. After leading tiny Spartanburg Day to a state title as a sophomore, Williamson had a standout summer and averaged 36.8 points and 13 rebounds per game in leading his team to a second straight SCISA Class 2A title. He netted 51 points in the state title game victory.

F — Marvin Bagley III, Sierra Canyon (Chatsworth, Calif.) 6-10 Jr.
Ultra-talented left-handed forward edged out second team choice Jordan Brown for Cal-Hi Sports Junior of the Year honors and Williamson for national honors among Class of 2018 players. Although Sierra Canyon stumbled in the playoffs, it had nothing to do with Bagley’s individual production, as he averaged 24.6 points, 10.1 rebounds and shot 66 percent from the field against a national schedule. Bagley sat out his sophomore season after leading Corona del Sol (Tempe, Ariz.) to a state crown as a freshman, when he became the first freshman ever to earn All-American acclaim in our current format and the second one ever dating back to 1954-55.

C — Mitchell Robinson, Chalmette (La.) 6-11 Sr.
Once in a while a player uses the post-season all-star circuit to catapult his All-American standing and that’s exactly what Robinson did. He was one of the most explosive and impressive frontcourt players at both the McDonald’s and Jordan Brand Classic games. He scored 14 and 15 points, respectively, in those games and made 14-of-16 shots from the field. Prior to those impressive outings, Robinson helped the Owls reach the Class 5A state semifinals by averaging 25.7 points and 12.6 rebounds per game. The Western Kentucky recruit earned first team Class 5A all-state honors by the Louisiana Sports Writers Association.

Third Five

G — Chris Lykes, Gonzaga College (Washington, D.C.) 5-8 Sr.
A repeat first team selection, Lykes moves up from the fourth team after another standout season that saw him repeat as Washington Catholic Athletic Conference (WCAC) Player of the Year and earn all-met Player of the Year honors by the Washington Post. As a junior he earned WCAC POY honors over probable 2017 NBA No. 1 draft pick Markelle Fultz (DeMatha Catholic). Aside from the local honors, Lykes averaged 18.6 ppg for a WCAC championship team that finished No. 15 in the FAB 50. Chosen to play in the Ballislife All-American Game, Lykes finished his career as Gonzaga's all-time leading scorer (2,266 points).

G — Jaylen Hands, Foothills Christian (El Cajon, Calif.) 6-3 Sr.
Hands was off the radar a bit as a junior at Balboa School in his native San Diego, but he made up for lost time over the summer and during his senior campaign. With a rare combination of explosiveness to the rim and a wicked pull-up jumper, Hands used his unique skill set to average 29.2 ppg, 8.0 rpg, and 5.7 apg for a team that spent a majority of the season in the state Top 20. He broke the scoring record of 1995 first five selection Stephon Marbury (Lincoln, Brooklyn, N.Y.) at the Torrey Pines Holiday Classic and earlier in 2016 was named MVP at Adidas Nations. Hands is headed to UCLA.

F — John Petty, Mae Jemison (Huntsville, Ala.) 6-6 Sr.
One of the most highly-honored players in Alabama history, Petty moves up from the second team because of his individual production and team’s success. Was named state tournament MVP after scoring 22 points, 11 rebounds and four steals in a Class 5A state title game victory. For the season, the Alabama commit averaged 23.7 ppg, 7.7 rpg and 3.0 spg for a 33-4 that finished No. 29 in the FAB 50. He repeated as state Mr. Basketball and Gatorade State Player of the Year after earning those honors at now-defunct J.O. Johnson as a junior. Petty, who played in the Jordan Brand Classic, was a four-time all-state selection and finished his four-year career with 2,749 career points.

F — Brian Bowen, La Lumiere (LaPorte, Ind.) 6-8 Sr.
After an excellent junior season in which he led the Lakers to the Dick’s Nationals title game, Bowen helped his team take it one step further as a senior to earn All-American acclaim. He averaged 18.3 ppg and 7.7 rpg in three Dick’s Nationals games, all victories for a 28-1 club. Bowen ended the season with averages of 20.4 ppg and 7.0 rpg for the No. 2 team in the FAB 50. Undecided for college, the Saginaw, Mich. native netted a game-high 26 points in the Jordan Brand Classic.

C — Wendell Carter Jr., Pace Academy (Atlanta) 6-10 Sr.
After an honor-filled season for a state-title winning team, Carter will be taking his talents for Duke. Carter was named Class AAA State Player of the Year by averaging 22.7 ppg, 15.5 rpg and a whopping 5.8 bpg for a 26-8 club. A true back-to-the-basket talent who helped Team USA capture the 2016 FIBA 17U World Championship, Carter was not only named Class AAA State Player of the Year, but Georgia’s overall player of the year by the Atlanta Journal Constitution. Carter was also named the Morgan Wooten National Player of the Year by McDonald’s, and scored 10 points, grabbed five rebounds and dished off three assists in its national all-star game.

Fourth Five

G — R.J. Barrett, Montverde Academy (Montverde, Fla.) 6-7 Soph.
A left-hander in the mold of NBA standout Manu Ginobili, Barrett was the leading scorer for Montverde Academy as a freshman and grew bigger and stronger this season. He stepped up his game to the tune of 22 points and seven rebounds for a team full of D1 recruits that finished 26-5 and ranked No. 5 in the FAB 50. Barrett is the only sophomore to make the first team and was the youngest player to participate in the Nike Hoop Summit, scoring nine points against a United State team featuring the top players in the 2017 class. His father, former St. John’s player Rowan Barrett, is the Executive Vice President for Canada Basketball.

G — Lindell Wigginton, Oak Hill Academy (Mouth of Wilson, Va.) 6-2 Sr.
Similar to R.J. Barrett, Wigginton is the latest in a recent string of Canadian standouts to earn All-American acclaim. The Nova Scotia native led a talented group of Oak Hill guards and was the Warriors’ most consistent player in its biggest games. A relentless competitor who worked hard on defense and was one of the country’s most potent guards getting in the paint, Wigginton might have been at his best when he netted 35 points in ending the 60-game winning streak of Chino Hills (Calif.). For the season, the Iowa St. commit averaged 20.2 ppg, 3.6 apg, and 2.4 spg.

F — Chuma Okeke, Westlake (Atlanta) 6-8 Sr.
In a great year for individual talent and teams in Georgia, Okeke forced his way to the first team because of his production and individual accolades. The Auburn recruit averaged 24.4 points, 15 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game for a 18-11 club that competed in the state’s highest classification. Okeke joined first five selection Collin Sexton on the Class AAAAAAA all-state first team by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and was named Sandy’s Spiel Mr. Basketball.

F — P.J. Washington, Findlay Prep (Henderson, Nev.) 6-8 Sr.
With a strong frame and an improved skill set, Washington was a three-level threat and one of the toughest checks in the country. After a couple of down seasons, the Pilots returned to the thick of the mythical national title race with Washington leading the way while playing for his father Paul Sr., who played at Middle Tennessee St. The Pilots finished the season 33-4 and No. 10 in the FAB 50 with their best player posting averages of 19.6 ppg, 9.4 rpg and 6.1 apg. Washington was selected for the Ballislife and McDonald’s All-American Games, and had a 11-point, 4-assist, 6-block performance in the Jordan Brand Classic.

C — Nick Richards, Patrick School (Elizabeth, N.J.) 6-11 Sr.
Another struggling with injuries during his junior campaign, Richards came back strong and delivered for a New Jersey TOC title-winning club. Anchored the front line on one of the deepest teams in the country and his numbers (12.3 ppg, 7.5 rpg) really don’t reflect his impact and dominance. He led St. Patrick to a No. 9 Fab 50 ranking while earning NJ.com State Player of the Year honors. Similar to Washington, Richards is headed for Kentucky.

2016-17 All-American Second Team

F — Li’Angelo Ball, Chino Hills (Calif.) 6-5 Sr.
C — Mohamed Bamba, Westtown School (West Chester, Pa.) 6-10
G — Alex Barcello, Corona del Sol (Tempe, Ariz.) 6-2 Sr.
C — Jordan Brown, Woodcreek (Roseville, Calif.) 6-10 Jr.
G — Troy Brown, Centennial (Las Vegas) 6-6 Sr.
G — Jalek Felton, Gray Collegiate Academy (West Columbia, S.C.) 6-3 Sr.
G — Darius Garland, Brentwood Academy (Brentwood, Tenn.) 6-0 Jr.
G — Marcus Garrett, Skyline (Dallas) 6-6 Sr.
C — Luka Garza, Maret School (Washington, D.C.) 6-11 Sr.
G — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Hamilton Heights Christian Academy (Chattanooga, Tenn.) 6-5 Sr.
G — Collin Gillespie, Archbishop Wood (Warminster, Pa.) 6-2 Sr.
G — Quade Green, Neumann-Goretti (Philadelphia) 6-0 Sr.
F — Jaren Jackson, La Lumiere (LaPorte, Ind.) 6-10 Sr.
F — Zach Jacobs, Trinity Episcopal (Richmond, Va.) 6-7 Sr.
G — Tre Jones, Apple Valley (Minn.) 6-2 Jr.
G — Romeo Langford, New Albany (New Albany, Ind.) 6-4 Jr.
G — Foster Loyer, Clarkston (Mich.) 6-0 Jr.
C — Ikey Obiagu, Greenforest Christian Academy (Decatur, Ga.) 7-0 Sr.
F — Kezie Okpala, Esperanza (Anaheim, Calif.) 6-7 Sr.
F — Brandon Randolph, Westtown School (West Chester, Pa.) 6-6 Sr.
G — Daron Russell, Imhotep Charter (Philadelphia, Pa.) 5-10 Sr.
G — Gary Trent Jr., Prolific Prep (Napa, Calif.) 6-5 Sr.
G — Tremont Waters, Notre Dame (West Haven, Conn.) 5-11 Sr.
F — James “M.J.” Walker Jr., Jonesboro (Ga.) 6-6 Sr.
G — Lonnie Walker IV, Reading (Pa.) 6-5 Sr.
G — Isaiah Washington, St. Raymond’s (Bronx, N. Y.) 6-1 Sr.
G — Nick Weatherspoon, Velma Jackson (Camden, Miss.) 6-2 Sr.
F — Kris Wilkes, North Central (Indianapolis, Ind.) 6-7 Sr.
F — Keith Williams, Bishop Loughlin (Brooklyn, N. Y.) 6-5 Sr.
F — Kyle Young, Jackson (Massillon, Ohio) 6-7 Sr.

National Coach of the Year: Freddy Johnson, Greensboro Day (Greensboro, N.C.)

Related: 2016-17 Underclass All-American Team | 2016-17 Mr. Basketball USA: Michael Porter Jr.

Note: Grassroots Hoops selections 2013-2015; ESPN selections 2010-2012; EA SPORTS selections 2003-2009; Student Sports selections prior to 2003; Selections are based on high school accomplishment, not future college/pro potential, and are reflective of those that lead their teams to state championships. The editors of www.ebooksnet.com do not knowingly select fifth-year players, and those ineligible due to age or academics, Mr. Basketball USA or to its various All-American teams.

Ronnie Flores is the Publisher and Editor of GrassrootsHoops.net. He can be reached at [email protected]. Don't forget to follow him on Twitter: @RonMFlores

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Related: 2016-17 All-American Elite Team | 2016-17 Mr. Basketball USA: Michael Porter Jr.

Seven juniors and one special sophomore named to the 23rd Annual All-American Elite Team headline a group of 70 elite players selected to the 2016-17 Underclass All-American team powered by www.ebooksnet.com.

Forward Marvin Bagley Jr. of Sierra Canyon (Chatsworth, Calif.), this year’s National Junior of the Year, and Internet sensation Zion Williamson of Spartanburg Day School (Spartanburg, S.C.) were named to the overall All-American first team. Both players were second five selections.

National Sophomore of the Year R.J. Barrett of Montverde Academy (Montverde, Fla.) was a fourth five selection on the first team. The only sophomore to earn first five honors in the last 23 years under the current selection format is NBA superstar LeBron James while at St. Vincent-St. Mary (Akron, Ohio) in 2000-01.

The eight All-Americans and 62 other underclass honorees all had standout campaigns for their respective high school teams, while others are sure to emerge this summer as bona fide 2017-18 All-America candidates. Nearly every summer on the grassroots circuit, well-known players are eclipsed by lesser-known commodities, and every so often a prospect comes out of nowhere to emerge as a Mr. Basketball USA candidate as was the case in 2016-17 with first five All-American selection and Ballislife All-American Game MVP Collin Sexton of Pebblebrook (Mableton, Ga.).

It’s a yearly ritual for some underclass All-Americans to change programs. Freshman Kyree Walker of Moreau Catholic (Hayward, Calif.) is headed to Hillcrest Academy (Phoenix, Ariz.). That’s the program where Arizona-bound DeAndre Ayton played at the past two seasons after spending his sophomore year at Balboa School (San Diego, Calif.). More players each year are also re-classifying up in order to speed up the recruiting process or join a class that will be more advantageous to their development. Walker is expected to join the 2019 class while sophomore point guard Tyger Campbell of FAB 50 No. 2 La Lumiere (La Porte, Ind.) is expected to re-classify to the 2018 class.

Expect more player movement and some reclassification as the summer rolls on.

This performance-based squad is selected by National Grassroots Editor Ronnie Flores with input from Mr. Basketball USA panelists. It is chosen after the conclusion of the season, which makes the Underclass All-American Team more reflective of players who made state championship runs.

Our national coach of the year is Freddy Johnson of Greensboro Day (Greensboro, N.C.).

Juniors to Watch (2018)

F — Marvin Bagley III, Sierra Canyon (Chatsworth, Calif.) 6-10
C — Jordan Brown, Woodcreek (Roseville, Calif.) 6-10
F — Taeshon Cherry, St. Augustine (San Diego, Calif.) 6-8
G — Ayo Dosunmu, Morgan Park (Chicago) 6-4
G — Devon Dotson, Providence Day (Charlotte, N.C.) 6-2
F — Marcellus Earlington, Don Bosco Prep (Ramsey, N.J.) 6-4
G — Darius Garland, Brentwood Academy (Brentwood, Tenn.) 5-11
G — Quentin Grimes, College Park (The Woodlands, Texas) 6-5
G — Mason Harrell, Carl Albert (Midwest City, Okla.) 5-8
G — Tyler Harris, Cordova (Memphis, Tenn.) 5-9
G — Nigel Hawkins, Cy Falls (Houston) 6-3
F — Joey Hauser, Stevens Point (Wis.) 6-8
F — Aaron Henry, Ben Davis (Indianapolis, Ind.) 6-6
F — Kamaka Hepa, Jefferson (Portland, Ore.) 6-9
F — Jaylen Hoard, Wesleyan Christian Academy (High Point, N.C.) 6-9
G — Prentiss Hubb, Gonzaga College (Washington, D.C.) 6-3
F — Brandon Johns, East Lansing (Mich.) 6-8
G — Tre Jones, Apple Valley (Minn.) 6-2
G — Tavon Jones, Linden (N.J.) 6-4
G — Romeo Langford, New Albany (Ind.) 6-4
F — Gerald Liddell, Steele (Cibolo, Texas) 6-7
G — Alex Lomax, East Memphis (Memphis, Tenn.) 5-11
G — Foster Loyer, Clarkston (Mich.) 5-11
G — Jordan McCabe, Kaukauna (Wis.) 5-10
F — Khavon Moore, Westside (Macon, Ga.) 6-8
F — Jontay Porter, Nathan Hale (Seattle, Wash.) 6-8
G — Immanuel Quickley, John Carroll (Bel Air, Md.) 6-3
G — Jahvon Quinerly, Hudson Catholic (Jersey City, N.J.) 6-2
G — Courtney Ramey, Webster Groves (Mo.) 6-3
G — Desi Sills, Jonesboro (Ark.) 6-1
G — Javonte Smart, Scotlandville Magnet (Baton Rouge, La.) 6-4
F — Jalen Smith, Mt. St Joseph (Baltimore, Md.) 6-10
G — Joe Wieskamp, Muscatine (Iowa) 6-6
F — Zion Williamson, Spartanburg Day School (Spartanburg, S.C.) 6-7
F — Robert Woodard, Columbus (Miss.) 6-6

2017 National Junior of the Year: Marvin Bagley III
Nipped Zion Williamson for this honor mainly because of similar production against much better overall competition. In fact, no team recorded as many quality regular-season wins as Sierra Canyon did, and Bagley was a big reason, averaging 24.6 ppg, 10.1 rpg while shooting 66 percent from the field. He might be the most talented all-around frontcourt player to play in California since 1984 Mr. Basketball USA John Williams of L.A. Crenshaw. Prior to Bagley, the last player from a California program to earn top honors among juniors was Tyson Chandler of Dominguez (Compton, Calif.) when the Dons were named FAB 50 national champions at the end of the 1999-2000 season.

Sophomores to Watch (2019)

G — Avery Anderson, Northwest (Justin, Texas) 6-3
G — Bryan Antoine, Ranney School (Eatontown, N.J.) 6-3
G — Cole Anthony, Archbishop Malloy (Queens, N.Y.) 6-2
F — Armando Bacot, Trinity Episcopal (Richmond, Va.) 6-9
G — LaMelo Ball, Chino Hills (Calif.) 6-2
G — R.J. Barrett, Montverde Academy (Montverde, Fla.) 6-7
C — Charles Bassey, St. Anthony (San Antonio, Texas) 6-10
F — Keion Brooks, North Side (Ft. Wayne, Ind.) 6-8
G — Tyger Campbell, La Lumiere (LaPorte, Ind.) 6-0
F — Vernon Carey Jr., University (Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.) 6-9
G — Joe Girard III, Glens Falls (N.Y.) 6-1
G — Jaelen House, Shadow Mountain (Phoenix, Ariz.) 6-1
F — Matt Hurt, John Marshall (Rochester, Minn.) 6-9
F — D.J. Jeffries, Olive Branch (Miss.) 6-7
F — Chandler Lawson, Memphis East (Memphis, Tenn.) 6-9
F — Michael Moreno, Scott County (Georgetown, Ky.) 6-6
F — Wendell Moore Jr., Cox Mill (Concord, N.C.) 6-6
F — Paul Mulcahy, Gill St. Bernard’s (Gladstone, N.J.) 6-3
C — Onyeka Okongwu, Chino Hills (Calif.) 6-9
G — Isaac Okoro, McEachern (Powder Springs, Ga.) 6-5
G — Marvin Price, Patterson (Baltimore, Md.) 6-5
F — Jeremiah Robinson-Earl, Bishop Miege (Shawnee Mission, Kan.) 6-8
G — Cassius Stanley, Harvard-Westlake (North Hollywood, Calif.) 6-4
F — Trendon Watford, Mountain Brook (Birmingham, Ala.) 6-8
F — Romeo Weems, New Haven (Mich.) 6-6

2017 National Sophomore of the Year: R.J. Barrett
Last year’s top player among freshman, Charles Bassey, had a tumultuous season in terms to his team’s eligibility status and by missing the TCAL playoffs because of injury. That opened up the door wider for Barrett, and he was so impressive this season the issues Bassey dealt with may not have mattered anyway. For a team vying for the mythical national championship every season, it’s quite impressive to see a tenth-grader dominate games in the fashion this smooth and talented guard did. In addition to being Montverde’s leading scorer the past two seasons, Barrett averaged 18.4 ppg and 4.6 rebounds for Team Canada’s 17U club last summer. He’s the first sophomore selection from a Florida program dating back to the 1974-75 season, as 2015 Mr. Basketball USA Ben Simmons of Montverde Academy did not join the Eagles until late in the 2012-13 season.

Freshmen to Watch (2020)

G — Nimari Burnett, Morgan Park (Chicago) 6-2
G — Sharife Cooper, McEachern (Powder Springs, Ga.) 5-9
F — Jyare Davis, Sanford (Hockessin, Del.) 6-5
G — Jalen Green, San Joaquin Memorial (Fresno, Calif.) 6-4
G — R.J. Hampton, Little Elm (Texas) 6-5
G — Nico Mannion, Pinnacle (Phoenix, Ariz.) 6-1
G — Jaden Springer, Rocky River (Mint Hill, N.C.) 6-3
G — Jalen Suggs, Minnehaha Academy (Minneapolis, Minn.) 6-3
F — Isaiah Todd, Marshall (Richmond, Va.) 6-9
F — Kyree Walker, Moreau Catholic (Hayward, Calif.) 6-5

2017 National Freshman of the Year: Jalen Suggs
There wasn’t a dominant or potential generational big man entering high school basketball like there was the past two seasons with Charles Bassey (2016) or Marvin Bagley (2015), so this pick was a bit more difficult. It came down to a stellar group of guards and wings that handle the ball and score a ton. At the end of the day, we decided to go with Suggs for his production on a winning team and his mature disposition. A smooth and tight ball-handler who makes the game look easy at times, Suggs led Minnehaha Academy to the state Class AA title by averaging 21.5 points a game while handling point guard duties. Also a great prospect at quarterback on the gridiron, Suggs is already one of the most watched players on the 17U travel ball circuit and could develop into one of Minnesota’s best players in a generation. He’s is the first ever ninth-grade honoree from the state dating back to the 1976-1977 season.

National Coach of the Year: Freddy Johnson, Greensboro Day (Greensboro, N.C.)

Related: 2016-17 All-American Elite Team | 2016-17 Mr. Basketball USA: Michael Porter Jr.

Note: Grassroots Hoops selections 2013-2015; ESPN selections 2010-2012; EA SPORTS selections 2003-2009; Student Sports selections prior to 2003; Selections are based on high school accomplishment, not future college/pro potential, and are reflective of those that lead their teams to state championships. The editors of www.ebooksnet.com do not knowingly select fifth-year players, and those ineligible due to age or academics, Mr. Basketball USA or to its various All-American teams.

Ronnie Flores is the Publisher and Editor of GrassrootsHoops.net. He can be reached at [email protected]. Don't forget to follow him on Twitter: @RonMFlores

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CLICK HERE for game highlights and extensive recap!

RELATED: Game Record Book | Game Alumni | View Complete 2016 Game | View Complete 2015 Game | View Complete 2014 Game 

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