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Tark Classic: 5 Things To Watch For

Ronnie Flores — Fri, 15 Dec 2023 05:57:07 +0000

The 2023 Tarkanian Classic will take place Dec. 16-21 at various sites in Las Vegas with the main action taking place at Bishop Gorman High School. The event is once again certified for NBA scouts to attend and evaluate players. We take at look at players and trends to watch for at the prestigious holiday tournament.

Editor's Note: For schedules, brackets and more tourney info, please visit: tarkanianclassic.com

1. Point Guard Matchups In Prep Division
There are over 70 teams in the prep division at Tark and there is an abundance of quality lead guards. Scouts and NBA personnel will want to lock their eyes on the matchup between SoCal Academy (Valencia, Calif.) and Canyon International Academy (Chandler, Ariz.) on Dec. 17 at Gorman. That game will pit Creighton-bound 6-foot-3 2024 Larry Johnson of SoCal Academy vs. Miles Sadler, a 5-foot-10 2026 from CIA who is a blur with the ball. Johnson is a combo downhill scoring threat and will be the one of the best individual talents in the prep division. Sadler is getting hands-on training playing in the EYBL Scholastic high school league and Tark will be a big platform for him to shine. A FAB 50 showdown will take place Dec. 16 between No. 4 Prolific Prep (Napa, Calif.) and No. 15 AZ Compass Prep (Chandler, Ariz.). That will pit Prolific Prep's Zoom Diallo, a 6-foot-4 do-it-all performer who is still undecided and looking to earn a McDonald's All-American berth, vs. 6-foot-2 2025 Jeremiah Fears, a fearless competitor who played well versus No. 1 Montverde Academy in a recent EYBLS game. Fears can be considered more of a combo, but most colleges are playing with three guards or their two best guards, regardless of position, nowadays, so he'll be highly-coveted when its time to choose his next level destination.

2. Will A Vegas High School Team Step Up?
There is no secret that, talent-wise, teams in the Las Vegas Valley are down this year. No NIAA team came close to cracking the preseason FAB 50 and in recent seasons two or three teams were always on the cusp of the rankings. Host Bishop Gorman, which fell in last year's Platinum Division title game to West Ranch (Valencia, Calif.) and won the title three times in four tournaments prior, is one of the dark horses that feels it has a chance. If the Gaels can get by Sagemont (Weston, Fla.), they like their chances between the winner of Desert Mountain (Ariz.) and Campbell Hall (Calif.). Coronado (Henderson, Nev.) is a slight underdog against St. Pius-St. Matthias (Downey, Calif.), as the Cougars must slow down the inside-out combination of 6-foot-5 San Francisco-bound wing Tyrone Riley and 6-foot-8 2025 power forward Doug Langford. Arbor View (Las Vegas) might be the best local team, but it will have its hands full with FAB 50 No. 19 Bishop O'Connell (Arlington, Va.). San Diego St.-bound Pharaoh Compton is a load to handle, but it will take a player such as 6-foot-1 2025 Trammell Darden, Jr. or 6-foot 2024 Maximus Romero stepping up big-time in order to pull off the upset of the tourney's highest-ranked team. Gorman has the best chance to advance in the winner's bracket of the three local clubs.

3. Will Bishop O'Connell (Va.) Live Up to Expectations?
For the first time since perhaps the 2015 Tark Classic, when Overland (Aurora, Col.) took the top division title, the field in the Platinum Division is wide open. As many as 10 teams should feel they have a legitimate shot at capturing the Platinum title, with O'Connell the slight favorite. Still, outside of Overland, no other teams besides Gorman and California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) clubs have won the championship since the tourney began in 2012, so the Knights have something to prove. They also have to bounce back from a 59-58 loss on Dec. 14 at the Western Maryland Hoops Classic to FAB 50 bubble club and EYBLS member Brewster Academy (Wolfeboro, N.H.). Bryson Tucker, a 6-foot-6 2024 small forward, missed a potential game-winning 3-pointer vs. Brewster, but he'll be one of the difference-makers in the Platinum bracket. Jayden Harris, another unsigned 6-foot-6 2024, has been getting things done for coach Joe Wootten's club while Quincy Wadley, a 6-foot-4 shooting guard, will be one of the best sophomores in the event. O'Connell could meet FAB 50 No. 44 Alta (Sandy, Utah) in a semifinal contest, but first the Utah club has to worry about handling the pressure defense of two-time defending Tark divisional champ Clovis West (Fresno, Calif.), which is in the main division for the first time. Clovis West-Alta gets our vote as the best first round matchup.

4. Can Desert Mountain (Ariz.) Keep Up its Momentum?
If anything, the Wolves are exciting to watch and are also an excellent team despite their youth. This Scottsdale, Ariz.-based club has a never-say-die attitude and terrific perimeter scoring punch. This team has only one senior starter (5-foot-8 Ryan Dick) and he didn't take a field goal shot in Desert Mountain's overtime victory over highly-regarded Sierra Canyon (Chatsworth, Calif.) that knocked that club out of the FAB 50. The Wolves' first-round game vs. Campbell Hall (North Hollywood, Calif.) will be a track meet with the quality guards on display for both teams. Campbell Hall is looking to stop a three-game slide against national level teams and must slow down the brother combination of 6-foot-3 2026 sophomore Kaden House and 6-foot-2 sophomore Kalek House. The opposition is going to find out 6-foot Jabron Bardwell and 6-foot-3 Javon Bardwell, freshmen (2027) brothers, are difference-makers, as well. If Desert Mountain can keep the turnover count low, it would give itself a solid chance to make the semifinals.

5. There are Plenty of Prospects To Scout In The HS Division
With 126 high school teams from across the country, there is plenty of talent for college coaches and pro scouts to evaluate. NBA scouts will mostly be intrigued by the underclassmen to track down the line. In addition to the previously mentioned names, the Platinum Division contains a plethora of prospects that have the ability to play at some level of D1 ball. Those players include: 6-foot-7 2026 Kevin Thomas and 6-foot-6 2025 Patrick Liburd of Sagemont (Weston, Fla.), Illinois-bound 6-foot-4 2024 Jase Butler and 6-foot-1 2025 Semetri Carr of Branson (Ross, Calif.), 6-foot-7 2024 Kendyl Sanders, 6-foot-7 2026 Tajh Ariza, 6-foot-2 2025 Caleb Versher and 6-foot-7 2026 Christian Malachi Collins of St. Bernard (Playa del Rey, Calif.), 6-foot-7 2024 Shon Abaev of Calvary Christian (Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.), Arizona-bound 6-foot-9 2024 Carter Bryant and a trio of sophomores from Centennial (Corona, Calif.), including 6-foot-3 2026 Isaiah Rogers, UC San Diego-bound 6-foot-3 2024 Ryder Elisaldez and 6-foot-1 2025 Nick Jefferson of Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas), 6-foot-4 2024 Tanner Jones and Cal Poly SLO-bound 6-foot-2 2024 Aaron Powell of Campbell Hall (North Hollywood, Calif.), 6-foot-3 2024 Josiah Cunningham and 6-foot-10 2025 Tee Bartlett of Coronado (Henderson, Nev.), Utah-bound 6-foot-8 2024 Jaxon Johnson and 5-foot-11 2024 Ace Reiser of Alta (Sandy, Utah), 6-foot-1 2025 D.J. Stickman of Clovis West (Fresno, Calif.), Cal-St. Fullerton-bound 6-foot-2 2024 LoLo Rudolph and 6-foot-1 2026 Jaden Bailes of St. Augustine (San Diego, Calif.) and 6-foot 2025 Anthony Knowles and 6-foot-5 2024 Christian Reid of Mater Lakes (Miami, Fla.).

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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Bronny James Displays INSANE RANGE In FINAL Game Of 2022!! Sierra Canyon vs Bishop Gorman

Arek Kissoyan — Fri, 30 Dec 2022 19:20:00 +0000

The post Bronny James Displays INSANE RANGE In FINAL Game Of 2022!! Sierra Canyon vs Bishop Gorman appeared first on www.ebooksnet.com.

Tarkanian: West Ranch Makes Statement!

Ronnie Flores — Fri, 23 Dec 2022 06:35:37 +0000

FAB 50 No. 34 West Ranch (Valencia, Calif.) remains unbeaten by defeating host and No. 22 Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas, Nev.) to capture the 2022 Tarkanian Classic in Las Vegas. West Ranch moves to 12-0 and makes statement as a legitimate CIF Southern Section and regional open contender.

It's always difficult to take down a program such as Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas) on its home court in a big event such as the Tarkanian Classic. After all, the Gaels came into the 2022 edition having captured the event's Platinum Division title three times in the past four entries. West Ranch (Valencia, Calif.) entered the 16-team field after losing in the Platinum Division first round last season to FAB 50 ranked Oak Cliff Faith Family (Dallas, Texas). This edition of the Wildcats, however, had much higher expectations and a much better team.

The FAB 50's current No. 34 ranked team made a statement and stamped itself as a major contender in the CIF Southern Section open division with a 67-62 victory over the host club on Thursday night at Bishop Gorman High School.

"It's no secret, we want to be in the (CIFSS) open division," West Ranch coach Jeff Bryant said. "We have to beat the Mater Dei's and Notre Dame's out there. We have aspirations to win at Damien."

West Ranch (12-0) will go into The Classic at Damien?in Southern California (Dec. 27-30) unbeaten behind the play of Boise St.-bound 6-foot-7 2023 (senior) forward Andrew Meadow, who was named tournament MVP after scoring 14 second half-points versus Bishop Gorman in a tight game the host Gaels led 37-30 at halftime. Meadow made some tough inside baskets down the stretch, including an offensive rebound put back after a Darrell Morris?(5-10, 2024)?field goal attempt with the shot clock running down that gave West Ranch a 59-53 lead. A few moments later and with 2:40 remaining in the game, Morris hit a streaking Isaiah Fields to give West Ranch a 61-53 lead.

Gorman made one last run, coming up with an inbound steal that led to a 3-pointer by 6-foot 2025 guard Nick Jefferson with 55 seconds remaining that cut the Gaels' deficit to 62-60. With 19 seconds remaining, Meadow was fouled away from the ball after Gorman forced a tough field goal attempt by 7-foot 2023 center Jazz Gardner. Meadow canned both free throws to give West Ranch a four-point lead that was brought back down to a bucket after Gorman's John "Juni" Mobley, a 6-foot-2 2024 (junior) committed to Ohio St., drove the length of the court with 11 seconds remaining.

Gorman quickly fouled and West Ranch's Jaqari Miles, a 6-foot-3 2023 guard, made one of two free throws to make the score 65-62. Mobley couldn't get the 3-point attempt he was looking for and had to pass off to Jefferson, whose last-ditch 3-point attempt was long. The carom was called out of bounds on Bishop Gorman, and West Ranch's James Evans, a 6-foot-7 2024 forward, made both free throws to account for the final margin.

Meadows finished with 18 points and seven rebounds, while Fields, West Ranch's sixth man and an ultra-talented 6-foot-6 2023 wing, finished with 17 points. Morris finished with six points, five rebounds and four assists, Miles finished with 13 points, Gardner added nine points, seven rebounds and four blocks and Evans chipped in one field goal and his clinching free throws.

"We have a bunch of guys that are overlooked, but we want to make a statement," said Meadow, which averaged 17.3 ppg in West Ranch's four victories. "Playing with Jazz has been a blessing this year; he draws so much attention and opens up things for our wings and guards."

Mobley led Gorman with 24 points and averaged 23.0 ppg for the tournament. Keenan Bey, a 6-foot-7 2023 forward, was Gorman's second double-digit scorer versus West Ranch with 13 points. Ryder Elisaldez, a 6-foot-2 2024 guard, was Gorman's second all-tourney selection.

West Ranch advanced to the title game with a 60-55 semifinal victory over Mater Dei (Santa Ana, Calif.) in a game the Wildcats led wire-to-wire. West Ranch led by as many as 13 points (25-12) in the first half and closed out well on Mater Dei's perimeter shooters, just as the Wildcats' defenders did on Mobley in the title game. Gardner and company also held Mater Dei's Montana-bound big man Zach Davidson to 5-of-15 shooting and 10 points. Davidson exploded for 31 points and had 12 rebounds in Mater Dei's 63-31 third place victory over FAB 50 No. 42 Oak Cliff Faith Family that was sealed by a driving, buzzer-beating lay-up by 6-foot-2 2024 Brady Karich.

Meadow finished with 22 points and 10 rebounds versus Mater Dei, while Miles added 17 points.

Bishop Gorman (6-2) advanced to the title game for the sixth time in 10 years (the 2020 edition was not played because of COVID-19) with a 82-80 overtime victory over Faith Family, a team that took third place in last year's event. Faith Family is a talented squad that felt it was good enough to win four games at this year's event and it looked good leading 40-31 with 15:19 to go in the second half versus Gorman. That's when Gaels went on a tear early in the half to go up 50-44 with 10:53 remaining in the game.

Faith Family adjusted and kept the game close behind the play of New Mexico-bound 6-8 2023 forward Jaydn Toppin. At the end of the game, the Eagles went to Toppin to potentially tie the game. His field goal attempt was off, but 6-foot-5 2023 Peyton Gusters cleaned up the miss to tie the game with 30 seconds to go. Neither team was able to get a clean look and the game went into overtime.

In the extra period, Faith Family took a 78-74 lead, but Mobley quickly responded with a 30-foot 3-pointer to spark the Gaels. Gorman eventually took a 82-78 lead, but Toppin kept the visitors from Texas in range with a lay-up. In the last 1:30 of overtime, Faith Family had three crucial turnovers that cost them dearly when it was all said and done, including off an inbounds play with four seconds remaining in overtime when a high post pass by Toppin thrown inside to 6-foot-11 2024 Doryan Onwuchekwa that was harassed and delivered a bit too low for the big man to handle. Faith Family made 11-of-20 free throws in the two-point overtime loss.

Versus Faith Family, Mobley finished with 25 points, including four 3-pointers, while Elisaldez contributed 16 points on 6-of-7 shooting from the field. Toppin finished with 30 points and 17 rebounds and the smooth 6-foot-8 lefty was a cinch selection for the all-tourney team, as New Mexico is getting themselves a matchup nightmare. Gusters also made the all-tournament team while 6-foot-2 2024 guard Isaac Williams also shined for coach Brandon Thomas' 14-2 club.

In the Nike Division (second strongest of the Tarkanian Classic's nine boys divisions), Santa Margarita (Rancho S.M., Calif.) moved to 14-1 on the season by virtue of its 51-40 championship game victory over Crossroads (Santa Monica, Calif.). Northern Arizona-bound Rockwall Reynolds, a 6-foot-8 senior, was named division MVP after netting 20 points. Cameron McNamee, a 6-foot-5 2024 prospect, was also named all-tourney. He scored 13 points in the title game.

Santa Margarita led 17-5 early before Crossroads (8-4) made a valiant comeback with better shot selection. The Roadrunners actually took the lead, 27-25, on a 3-pointer by 6-foot 2025 Coco Britt, but Santa Margarita made the big perimeter shots down the stretch. Pepperdine bound 6-foot-5 wing Nils Cooper and 6-foot-8 2023 forward Isaiah Chappell were named all-tourney for Crossroads.

Santa Margarita now heads to the Platinum Division of the The Classic at Damien Holiday Tournament after Christmas, where it will open with battle-tested American Fork (Utah). Santa Margarita is on the same side of the platinum bracket as No. 13 Harvard-Westlake (North Hollywood, Calif.) and opposite of West Ranch. As for the Wildcats, by capturing the Tark top bracket, they are the early line favorite to meet Harvard-Westlake in The Classic at Damien championship game. The potential semifinal contest pits West Ranch versus No. 36 Notre Dame (Sherman Oaks, Calif.) or Liberty (Henderson, Nev.), which went 2-2 in the Tarkanian Classic top division.

As for Bishop Gorman, it will travel to the Les Schawb Invitational in Hillsboro, Ore., after Christmas, where a likely semifinal matchup awaits with FAB 50 No. 6 Duncanville (Duncanville, Texas). Based on the results from around the country since the last FAB 50 update on December 12, Duncanville is in good position to move up in the rankings with a solid chance to repeat as FAB 50 champions.

In the Tarkanian Classic Spalding Division title game, Clovis West (Fresno, Calif.) upped its record to 14-0 by dispatching a tough Jones (Orlando, Fla.) squad, 90-55, as 2023 5-foot-11 point guard Issac Martinez was named division MVP for the second consecutive season. Martinez finished the title game with 24 points, but it was truly a team effort. Clovis West used its trademark full court press to beat its four opponents by an average margin of 23 points. The Golden Eagles now head to the Modesto Christian Holiday Classic in Modesto, Calif., after the Christmas holiday.

2022 Tarkanian Platinum Division All-Tournament Team

MVP: Andrew Meadow, West Ranch (Calif.) 6-7 F (Boise St.)

Jazz Gardner, West Ranch (Calif.) 7-1 2023 C
Jaqari Miles, West Ranch (Calif.) 6-3 2023 G
John "Juni" Mobley, Bishop Gorman (Nev.) 6-2 2024 G (Ohio St.)
Ryder Elisaldez, Bishop Gorman (Nev.) 6-2 2024 G
Zack Davison, Mater Dei (Calif.) 6-9 2023 F (Montana)
Owen Verna, Mater Dei (Calif.) 6-3 2025 G
Jaydn Toppin, Faith Family (Texas) 6-8 2023 F (New Mexico)
Peyton Gusters, Faith Family (Texas) 6-4 2023 G (Prairie View A & M)
Peyton Marshall, Kell (Ga.) 7-0 2024 C (Auburn)
LoLo Rudolph, St. Augustine (Calif.) 6-2 2024 G
Carl Cherenfant, Calvary Christian (Fla.) 6-5 2023 F (Memphis)
Ace Bucker, St. Ignatius (Ohio) 6-2 2024 G
Sebastian Mack, Coronado (Nev.) 6-3 2023 G (UCLA)
Dedan Thomas, Liberty (Nev.) 6-1 2024 G
Tylen Riley, Durango (Nev.) 6-3 2023 G (Cal Baptist)
Tyler Johnson, Oak Ridge (Fla.) 6-5 2024 F
Tyler Rolison, St. Bernard (Calif.) 6-0 2023 G
Jaydn Harris, Bishop O'Connell (Va.) 6-7 2024 F
Miles Gurske, Rainier Beach (Wash.), 5-10 2023 G
Kaidon Rayfield, Putnam City West (Okla.) 6-8 2025 F

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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Preseason 2022-23 WEST Region Top 20 Rankings!

Ronnie Flores — Wed, 09 Nov 2022 22:52:07 +0000

As a follow up to the preseason FAB 50, we go 20 teams deep from five separate regions of the nation. Preseason No. 1 ranked teams by region are Paul VI (East), Montverde Academy (Southeast), Cathedral (Midwest), Sunrise Christian Academy (Southwest) and AZ Compass Prep (West). Nobody across the country ranks as many teams as the FAB 50 National Team Rankings powered by www.ebooksnet.com.

Preseason 2022-23 FAB 50
Region-By-Region Rankings

By Ronnie Flores

(Final 2021-22 ranking in parentheses; *Indicates forfeit wins, forfeit losses not included; **Indicates forfeits and defaults not included)

FAB 50 Preseason?
WEST Region Top 20
(Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wyoming)

1. (NA) AZ Compass Prep (Chandler, Ariz.) 25-5
2. (1) Centennial (Corona, Calif.) 33-1*
3. (6) Harvard-Westlake (North Hollywood, Calif.) 25-4
4. (3) Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas, Nev.) 30-1
5. (7) Modesto Christian (Modesto, Calif.) 28-6**
6. (4) Sierra Canyon (Chatsworth, Calif.) 26-5
7. (NR) Notre Dame (Sherman Oaks, Calif.) 21-8
8. (16) Owyhee (Meridian, Idaho) 24-3
9. (2) Liberty (Henderson, Nev.) 22-4
10. (9) Garfield (Seattle, Wash.) 25-1
11. (18) Perry (Gilbert, Ariz.) 25-5
12. (12) Bishop Montgomery (Torrance, Calif.) 20-4*
13. (NR) Wasatch Academy (Mt. Pleasant, Utah) 14-10
14. (10) Durango (Las Vegas, Nev.) 20-6
15. (NR) Corner Canyon (Draper, Utah) 19-7
16. (NR) Mater Dei (Santa Ana, Calif.) 26-5
17. (17) St. Bernard (Playa del Rey, Calif.) 23-7
18. (NR) Brophy Prep (Phoenix, Ariz.) 25-3
19. (NR) American Fork (American Fork, Utah) 16-12
20. (NR) O’Dea (Seattle, Wash.) 20-8

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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Section 7: Gorman, Centennial Triumph Again

Ronnie Flores — Tue, 21 Jun 2022 05:49:18 +0000

Centennial (Corona, Calif.) captured the championship of the top division of the Section 7 Team Camp for the second consecutive year at State Farm Arena in Glendale, Ariz. Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas, Nev.) also captured a major division championship after capturing the title at the inaugural event in 2019. Aside from Centennial and Gorman, the big winners were the individual players who shined in front of college coaches. We list 55 players we evaluated who improved?their standing with college coaches over the course of the event.

MORE: Section 7 Stock-Risers

The Fiesta Bowl Section 7 Team Camp presented by Legacy Foundation has quickly become a must stop in the West Region for national scouts, college coaches and high school teams. Held during the first of two weekends of the NCAA's June Scholastic Live Period, this year's event had a different feel than last year's successful event.

In 2021, Section 7 was the first time colleges coaches got to evaluate prospects live since the outbreak of COVID-19 in March 2020, so there was a buzz surrounding the live evaluation setting and the return of the event after a one-year hiatus. This year, the buzz surrounded the continued expansion of the Arizona Basketball Coaches Association-ran event at State Farm Arena in Glendale, home of the NFL's Arizona Cardinals. This year, the event featured 224 teams from 13 states and well over 500 prospects who could garner some NCAA or NAIA interest.

Despite the growing national flavor, it was the two teams that meet in last season's California Interscholastic Federation?(CIF) Southern Section title game that advanced to the Fiesta Bowl division title game on June 19 after winning three games over the event's first two days. The two teams were Centennial (Corona, Calif.) and Harvard-Westlake (North Hollywood, Calif.) and behind a clutch performance from Duke-bound guard Jared McCain and senior-to-be (2023) strongman Aaron McBride, Centennial captured the Section 7 title for the second consecutive year.

Centennial, which lost two starters off its 33-1 CIF state title-winning team that finished No. 5 in the final 2021-22 FAB 50 Team Rankings, held a 25-24 halftime lead. Harvard-Westlake, which finished No. 43 in last season's FAB 50, gave a valiant effort against the Huskies even though its field goal attempts weren't dropping at their normal rate. Eventually, the shot-making of McCain, a 6-foot-2 senior-to-be, and the play-making of Bride, a barrel-chested 6-foot-6 forward, was the difference in the game.

McCain, last year's Cal-Hi Sports State Junior of the Year, knocked down a 3-pointer to give Centennial a 47-40 lead with 4:45 remaining in the game. The Wolverines made one last push on a conventional 3-point play by guard Robert Hinton with 3:30 to go that cut Harvard-Westlake's deficit to 49-46, but Centennial took control thereafter. A lay-up by McCain gave Centennial a double digit lead, as it went on to score the final eight points of the game to finish 4-0 in bracket play with a 59-49 victory.

McCain finished with 22 points, four rebounds and five assists, while McBride finished with 14 points and six rebounds. Even more than his numbers, McBride's physical impact loomed large on this game and Centennial's previous three victories, which included a 73-46 semifinal victory over Coronado (Henderson, Nev.). McBride's physicality on the offensive and defensive boards, his winning plays and approach to the game make him an invaluable cog to Centennial and appealing to college recruiters, not to mention his 4.0 GPA.

"We keep trying to be perfect every game," said McBride, our unofficial MVP of the Fiesta Bowl Division. "Of course, we're not going to play perfect, but trying to be perfect every game keeps us focused. Our goal is to work together as a team, because it's harder to try to win the game by yourself."

McBride's two college favorites are UC-Irvine and LMU.

Devin Williams, a 6-foot-10 rising senior (2023) and Centennial's third returning starter, finished with 11 points, seven rebounds and three blocks vs. Harvard-Westlake. Williams' final five college choices are reportedly Arizona, Texas Tech, UCLA, UNLV and USC. Centennial's two other starters, 5-foot-11 2023 B.J. Taylor and 6-foot-4 2024 Eric Freeny also played well throughout Section 7 for a team that should suffer little, if any drop-off, from back-to-back seasons where it finished as California's No. 1 ranked team.

"Winning never gets old, and we like the fact our guys expect to win, but we don't take it for granted," Centennial coach Josh Giles said. "With Harvard-Westlake, we've played them so many times in recent seasons, it's like playing a league team. We know what each other is about and with the talent on the floor, it was like a college game."

Hinton, a 6-foot-4 rising junior who had a terrific performance at the recent Pangos All-American Camp and continues to see his recruiting stock rise, had 11 points and seven rebounds for Harvard-Westlake. Fellow 2024 Trent Perry, a 6-foot-4 guard, was the Wolverines' leading scorer with 14 points. Brady Dunlap, a 6-foot-7 rising senior and one of the best shooters in the entire event, added 10 points even though he missed his first nine field goal attempts and finished 3-of-15 from the field while valiantly playing through injury.

Kudos should be given to Dunlap's title game performance because he gutted it out, while some other highly-regarded players chose the load management route despite the presence of a college coaching herd. Dunlap had a huge second day of the three-day event, hitting a 15-foot fall-away jumper from behind the backboard on the right baseline at the buzzer to give the Wolverines a 68-66 quarterfinal victory over Mountain Pointe (Phoenix, Ariz.). Later in the evening, Dunlap knocked down the game-clinching pull up jumper from 12 feet out with 26 seconds remaining, as his team won its semifinal contest 55-52 over Columbus (Miami, Ohio).

Columbus led by 12 points at halftime and by seven points late in the contest before the Wolverines scored the last 10 points of the game. In Harvard-Westlake's first round contest, Hinton scored with 2.4 seconds remaining on a driving baseline layup to give the Wolverines a 62-60 victory over Durango (Las Vegas, Nev.) in what was easily the best first-round game of the entire event. Both teams, plus Columbus, could conceivably begin the 2022-23 season in the FAB 50 rankings.

On club that is sure to be pre-season FAB 50 ranked this winter is Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas, Nev.). The Gaels captured the tourney title in the top division in the inaugural Section 7 Team Camp in 2019 at Brophy Prep (Phoenix, Ariz.) and lost to Centennial in last year's title game, 84-64. With the expansion of the tournament and the increased number of quality teams (perhaps 30-40 played at the regionally-ranked level), Bishop Gorman competed in the Mayo Clinic Division. So even though the Gaels didn't get a chance to extract a measure of revenge on Centennial, they continued their success during the scholastic live period and exposed the players on their current roster to a throng of watchful college coaches, who came away impressed.

Gorman captured the Mayo Clinic Division courtesy of a 60-56 come-from-behind victory over talented Notre Dame (Sherman Oaks, Calif.), a team that defeated Liberty (Henderson, Nev.) in the semifinals, 81-73. Liberty's 2021-22 team ended Gorman's string of nine consecutive Nevada state titles (2012-2020) after the 2020-21 season was canceled.

Trialing by eight points (38-30) to Notre Dame with 11 and a half minutes remaining in the game must of felt like no sweat to this Gaels team. After all, Bishop Gorman trialed by double-digits in in its 67-53 semifinal victory against St. John Bosco (Bellflower, Calif.), by 25 in its 67-66 quarterfinal victory over Olympus (Holladay, Utah) and by double digits early to Clovis North (Clovis, Calif.) in its 66-61 first round victory.

John "Juni" Mobley Jr. decided to take things into his own hands against Notre Dame and after he rattled off some buckets and a big 3-pointer with 8:32 remaining, Bishop Gorman led 43-42. Notre Dame made one last push and cut its deficit to two points (58-56) on a field goal by 6-foot-3 2024 guard Mercy Miller, but Mobley's two made free throws with 14.8 seconds remaining iced the 60-56 championship game victory.

Mobley, a 6-foot 2024 guard and one of the best catch-and-shoot players in the country regardless of class, finished with 26 points in the title game victory. His title game heroics would not have been possible if it wasn't for the play of 6-foot-2 2024 guard Ryder Elisaldez, an unflappable cog for the Gaels who plays with an edge and has a never-say-die attitude. Elisaldez keyed the huge comeback win over Olympus and hit the game-winning shot, a running right-hand, one-hander from the left side, at the buzzer. He finished with 21 points

"Ryder was good all week; he doesn't get the credit he deserves," veteran Bishop Gorman coach Grant Rice said.

Elisaldez, who performed admirably at Pangos All-American Camp and gets by more defenders than he's ever slowed down by, carries a 3.9 GPA and is receiving interest from LMU, Pepperdine, USC and has made an unofficial visit to Oregon St. Expect his recruiting to pick up as the July live period approaches.

Elisaldez recorded seven points in the title game win over Notre Dame. Keenan Bay, a 6-foot-7 2023 forward, added 11 points. Chris Nwuli, a 6-foot-7 forward and one of the country's best 2025 prospects, added 10 points and 10 rebounds for Bishop Gorman and picked up a scholarship from UCLA in the process.

As for Mobley, he was not satisfied with his performance at the recent Pangos Camp and was a noticeable omission from one of the camp's two all-star games. Mobley has an insatiable hunger to put in gym work when Gorman or his Vegas Elite travel ball club is not playing games and he made no excuses (nor worried much) about his Pangos snub. His focus was going forward and performing well at Section 7.

"It (Pangos) taught me I have to work harder and I came here with the mindset to show by ability and what I can do", Mobley said. "When we got down (against Notre Dame), my teammates gave me the ball, they trust me. I am satisfied with how I played here, but I can always get better."

Miller, the son of rap mogul Master P and committed to Houston, finished with 12 points for Notre Dame. Gonzaga-bound 6-foot-7 forward Dusty Stromer and 6-foot-3 2023 point guard Caleb Foster, who is set to join McCain at Duke, each scored 17 points for Notre Dame.

Aside from Centennial and Notre Dame, kudos goes out to the 14 Section 7 divisional champions. The wins and losses aren't paramount to Section 7 Team Camp, but winning basketball always puts players in favorable positions with college coaches.

College coaches were mild or lukewarm about hitting the grassroots recruiting trial hard during the 2022 NCAA Spring Live Period. With the robust NCAA transfer portal, visits from players in the portal kept a nice chunk of coaches on college campuses, as the more experienced collegiate player currently is in greater demand that a high school player. Because of this relatively new phenomenon, the value of the NCAA June Scholastic Live Period has has increased in importance across the board and Section 7 foots the bill.

Section 7 Stock-Risers

Aside from players already committed who played well at the event such as McCain and Foster, those previously mentioned above, or the no-brainers such as 6-foot-8 2025 Cameron Boozer, last year's national freshman of the year from Columbus (Miami, Fla.) who is already one of the best players in the country regardless of class, below is a list of players we evaluated at State Farm Arena who played better since or last eval and/or improved their recruiting stock with colleges of various levels (listed alphabetically by class).

2023s
Marzouq Abdur-Razaaq, Overland (Aurora, Col.) 6-7 SF
Eric Brown, Mitty (San Jose, Calif.) 6-6 PF
Blake Buchanan, Lake City (Coeur d'Alene, Idaho) 6-10 PF
Darius Carr, St. Bernard's (Playa Del Rey, Calif.) 6-4 CG
Jameson Caruso, Beverly Hills (Calif.) 6-0 PG
Devin Curtis, Heritage Christian (Northridge, Calif.) 6-10 C
B.J. Davis, Modesto Christian (Modesto, Calif.) 6-1 PG
Jalen Glenn, Inderkum (Sacramento, Calif.) 6-4 SG
Cohen J. Gonzalez, Mesquite (Gilbert, Ariz.) 5-8 PG
Jermaine Haliburton, Inderkum (Sacramento, Calif.) 6-1 PG
Miles Heide, Mount Si (Snoqualmie, Wash.), 6-9 C
A.J. Johnson, Taft (Woodland Hills, Calif.) 6-5 PG
Isaiah Kai, Campo Verde (Gilbert, Ariz.) 6-2 PG
Cedric Lath, Balboa School (San Diego, Calif.) 6-10 C
Arman Madi, Brophy Prep (Phoenix, Ariz.) 6-6 SF
Jacob McFarland, Rancho Verde (Moreno Valley, Calif.) 6-11 C
Rickey Mitchell, Smoky Hill (Aurora, Col.) 6-2 PG
Kevin Patton, Mountain Pointe (Phoenix, Ariz.) 6-8 SF
Egan Shields, Cascade Christian (Medford, Ore.) 6-10 C
Parker Strauss, Pacifica Christian (Newport Beach, Calif.) 6-4 CG
Tru Washington, Mountain Pointe (Phoenix, Ariz.) 6-4 CG
Kodey Weary, Coronado (Henderson, Nev.) 6-6 PF

2024s
Connor Amundsen, Clovis North (Clovis, Calif.) 5-9 PG
Tobias Aisen, Bishop O'Dowd (Oakland, Calif.) 6-5 WG
Donovan Beard, Dobson (Mesa, Ariz.) 6-0 PG
Taj DeGourville, Durango (Las Vegas, Nev.) 6-4 WF
Dutch Dowdell, Olympus (Holladay, Utah) 6-4 CG
Jaden Goodall, Canyon (Anaheim, Calif.) 6-4 WF
DreVon Johnson, Modesto Christian (Modesto, Calif.) 6-7 PF
Brody Kozlowski, Corner Canyon (Draper, Utah) 6-7 SF
Austin Maurer, Cascade Christian (Medford, Ore.) 6-10 PF
Darrell Morris, Crean Lutheran (Irvine, Calif.) 5-9 PG
Styles Phipps, St. Mary's (Phoenix, Ariz.) 6-2 PG
Aaron Powell, Campbell Hall (North Hollywood, Calif.) 6-1 PG
Tyrone Riley, St. Pius X-St. Matthias Academy (Downey, Calif.) 6-4 SG
Lawrence "LoLo" Rudolph, St. Augustine (Sam Diego, Calif.) 6-1 PG
Luke Shaw, Valley Christian (Chandler, Ariz.) 6-2 CG
Tyler Thompson, Vanden (Travis AFB, Calif.) 6-4 WF

2025s
Alec Blair, De La Salle (Concord, Calif.) 6-5 CG
Cayden Boozer, Columbus (Miami, Fla.) 6-3 PG
Brayden Burries, Poly (Riverside, Calif.) 6-5 SG
Aaron Glass, Rancho Cucamonga (Calif.) 6-2 CG
Gavin Hightower, Windward (Los Angeles, Calif.) 6-0 CG
Nick Jefferson, Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas, Nev.) 6-1 CG
Doug Langford, St. Pius X-St. Matthias Academy (Downey, Calif.) 6-7 PF
Mazi Mosley, Heritage Christian (Northridge, Calif.) 6-3 PG
Bryce Quinet, Notre Dame Prep (Scottsdale, Ariz.) 6-2 PG
Jasir Rencher, Riordan (San Francisco, Calif.) 6-5 SF
C.J. Shaw, Mojave (Las Vegas, Nev.) 6-3 SG
Tae Simmons, Heritage Christian (Northridge, Calif.) 6-6 PF
D.J. Stickman, Clovis West (Fresno, Calif.) 6-1 CG
Christian Taylor, St. Bernard's (Playa Del Rey, Calif.) 6-5 WG
Dallas Washington, Santa Margarita (Rancho SM, Calif.) 6-7 WF

2026s
Ty Ingram, San Ysidro (Calif.) 6-3 SG
Brayden Kyman, Santa Margarita (Rancho SM, Calif.) 6-5 SF
Mason Magee, Basha (Chandler, Ariz.) 5-10 PG

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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Tarkanian Classic: Gorman Rallies, Triumphs In Epic Clash!

Ronnie Flores — Wed, 22 Dec 2021 08:32:31 +0000

In a contest that will go down as the best individual game in the Tarkanian Classic's 10-year history, FAB 50 No. 17 Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas, Nev.) rallied from 19 points down in the first half to knock off cross-town Liberty (Henderson, Nev.) in double overtime, 97-95. There was enough storylines to fill up an empty Las Vegas ballroom and the epic game won't be the final saga this season between these two newfound rivals. Crean Lutheran (Irvine, Calif.) captures the Nike Division championship to remain unbeaten.

Towards the end of the first half of the Platinum Division championship game of the 2021 Tarkanian Classic, the Bishop Gorman Gaels looked like they had finally met their match from a local team in the prestigious tournament. Bishop Gorman trailed, 47-28, right before halftime, until 2023 guard Eli Bradley knocked down a 3-pointer to make the score 47-31 going into halftime. It was Bradley's only field goal of the game, but it was an important moment to give the Gaels some positive momentum.

"At halftime we talked about our culture and how we never let a team beat us at home," said Bishop Gorman's Darrion Williams. "We never gave up. We were letting them off the hook."

The Gaels came all the way back to win the game in double overtime, 97-95, on a 16-foot jumper by 2024 guard John "Juni" Mobley right before the second overtime buzzer to set off a celebration that was more relief than elation. That's because it was the second celebration for the Gaels' bench in the game.

Near the end of regulation with the game tied at 75, Liberty's King Solomon, a 2022 guard, had his shot blocked by Gorman 2025 forward Chris Nwuli that was recovered on the floor by teammate Ryan Abelman, a 2022 senior guard bound for Northern Arizona. Abelman passed the ball to 2024 guard Ryder Elisaldez in front of the Liberty bench and heaved the ball from approximately 70 feet from the basket. Incredibly, the shot banked in with the clock reading 0:00. It appeared to some observers the ball was out of Elisaldez's before the buzzer sounded, while others felt it clearly came after the clock read 0:00. The made bank shot set off a wild celebration as Gorman fans and hanger-ons rushed the court and pleaded with the refs to count Elisaldez's heave. The refs' call in real time stood and the game went into overtime.

Both teams had to emotionally recompose themselves for overtime and Bishop Gorman (10-0) actually went down five points in the first overtime. With the shot clock off in the first overtime, Liberty's Josh Jefferson made two free throws to give the Patriots a 87-84 lead, but the Gaels quickly got the ball downcourt and Abelman knocked down a clutch 3-pointer in front of his own bench with four seconds remaining to send the game into a second overtime.

In the second extra stanza, Liberty (6-1) got behind on the scoreboard because of its shaky ball-handling in the deep backcourt. Gorman's defensive intensity had something to do with that, but the Gaels also smelled blood when Liberty's Dedan Thomas, a 2024 prospect and the Patriots' primary ball-handler, fouled out with with 3:26 remaining in regulation. Gorman's James Freeman, a 2022 forward, got a steal under his own basket that lead to an Abelman lay-up, but Angelo Kambala, a 2023 guard, hit a clutch 3-pointer to give Liberty a 92-91 lead with 1:24 remaining.

Gorman took a 95-92 lead on two free throws by Mobley, but Liberty cut its deficit to two when Aaron Price Jr., a 2022 wing forward, made one of two free throws. With 30 seconds remaining and Gorman in control, 2025 forward Chris Nwuli took the ball towards Gorman's basket in the open court and dunked on Price, but the athletic freshman was called for a charge. Liberty got the ball up court and got the ball in the key to Jefferson, who was fouled with 14 seconds remaining. He made both, his 40th and 41st points of the game, before Mobley's heroics at the end of the game.

Mobley got in good position in front of his own bench and with a shot fake got Solomon in the air. He re-set his feet and knocked down the game-winning shot that will be remembered for a long time by Sin City basketball fans.

"I have been playing for 13 years, so this is nothing new," said Mobley, who scored 15 points, 13 after intermission. "I kept saying to myself, 'it's going to come.' I knew he (Solomon) was going for the fake. It never crossed my mind we were going to lose. Yes, this was the best game I've ever played in."

Gorman was led in the scoring department by Abelman, the unsung shooting guard who finished with 28 points. Williams, who made some key plays down the stretch in the second half, was named tournament Most Valuable Player after scoring 13 points, six rebounds, five assists and two steals. He's one of the top unsigned 2022 prospects on the West Coast. Jase Richardson, a 2024 guard, added 12 points.

Nwuli and Freeman combined for six blocks, all in the second half for the Gaels.

In addition to his 41 points, which is a Platinum Division championship game record, Jefferson added 14 rebounds for Liberty, which came into the event on the FAB 50 bubble but could appear in the next set of rankings in 2022 with a good performance at the Xavier Winter Classic in Palm Desert, Calif., December 27-30. As for Jefferson, Gorman didn't have an answer for the hybrid forward and he continues to not only look like a national top 100 prospect, but a major get for Randy Bennett's St. Mary's program.

Kambala finished with 10 points and Price had 16 points and five rebounds for the Patriots. Kaeden Castillero, a 2024 guard, gave Liberty a big spark with 15 points first half point. He did not score after intermission.

"I told the guys this game is not over, we're going to win this game, let's take it a possession at a time," said Bishop Gorman head coach Grant Rice about his coaching staff's halftime speech. "We stuck to our defensive principles much more in the second half. I believed we had a chance to get back in the game."

With its memorable victory, Bishop Gorman captured the Tarkanian Classic for the third time in four tries and five years. Centennial (Corona, Calif.) prevented a Gaels 3-peat in the 2019 title game. Of course, there was no high school season in 2020-21 for Nevada Interscholastic Athletic Association (NIAA) programs because of COVID-19 concerns. Tuesday's epic game was the second ever all-Vegas final of the Platinum Division. Bishop Gorman downed Clark (Las Vegas) in 2017, which was also the first time the host club won the tournament championship.

Liberty and Bishop Gorman, which came into the event ranked No. 17 in the latest FAB 50 National Rankings, will lock horns on January 27 and potentially three more times, including in the Southern Nevada playoffs and the NIAA state finals in Reno, Nev. Liberty had a lot of motivation coming into the event for what it felt was a "snub" from the top division of the Border League, a national level fall league event in which the Patriots participated in a lower division. The growing rivalry between the two teams, the intensity of this championship game and the manner in which it played out is a positive for Las Vegas basketball.

There is little doubt Bishop Gorman was able to rally from behind in this game because of the implementation of a 30-second shot clock for the first time in the Platinum Division and for all divisional games of the event at Bishop Gorman. This game should be strong evidence that the NIAA, and other state associations that don't use a shot clock, should implement one in the near future.

Bishop Gorman didn't really get strong resistance from Durango (Las Vegas, Nev.) in its 71-59 semifinal victory. The Gaels were in control throughout, as Richardson led five Gorman players in double-digit scoring with 13 points. Seven Gorman players scored at least eight points in the win over the Trailblazers.

In the big 79-62 semifinal victory over Oak Cliff Faith Family (Dallas), Price had a career game with 17 points and six rebounds. Price, a 2022 wing forward, parlayed that performance into an offer from Cal Poly-San Luis Obispo. Thomas scored a team-high 18 points, while Jefferson had 13 points and eight rebounds. As a team, Liberty made nine 3-pointers in the victory over Faith Family and eight in the championship game.

Oak Cliff Faith Family defeated Durango in the Platinum Division third place game, 67-60.

In one of the most highly-anticipated second division title games of all-time at the Tarkanian Classic, Crean Lutheran (Irvine, Calif.) took on John Paul II (Plano, Texas) and the Orange County, Calif., club came away with a 73-64 victory in the Nike Division. The game was close in the first half, as John Paul II (19-5) got a terrific scoring performance from 2023 forward Gabe Warren to keep in range. The physically strong wing who fields offers from Rice, TCU, and Oakland, among others, had 20 first half points, as John Paul II trailed 31-27 at halftime.

Warren had a career type game (similar to the one Price did for Liberty in its semifinal win), adding 14 points in the second half to finish with 34 points to go along with four steals. It still wasn't enough for John Paul (which lost to Platinum Division semifinalist Oak Cliff Faith Family 86-43 earlier in the season) to overcome all the weapons Crean Lutheran had at its disposal, particularly UCSB-bound power forward Koat Keat. John Paul didn't have an answer for Keat's versatility and offensive skill around the basket, as he came up with 16 points and seven rebounds in the second half. He finished with 21 points and 14 rebounds, including some back-breaking baskets down the stretch.

The NIKE Division MVP was Crean Lutheran's Vyctorius Miller, one of the most talented 2024 guards in the country. He followed up his 30-point performance in the 71-54 semifinal win over Bingham (Utah) with 15 points, seven rebounds and six assists versus John Paul II. Crean Lutheran (7-0), which earlier this season had to pull out of the Corona Del Mar Beach Bash Tournament because of COVID-19 protocols, also received an impactful performance from seven-foot James Agany. The unsigned 2022 prospect added six points and 11 rebounds for the Saints, while 2022 guard Parker Tuttle hit two 3-pointers in each half and finished with 14 points.

Talented 2024 forward Liam McNeeley finished with 11 points and 10 rebounds, while R.J. Jones, a highly-recruited 2023 shooting guard, added 10 points for John Paul II.

2021 Tarkanian Classic Platinum Division All-Tourney Team

Ryan Abelman (Bishop Gorman) 2022 G Northern Arizona
T.J. Caldwell (Faith Family) 2022 G Ole Miss
Taj DeGourville (Durango) 2024 WF
Jurian Dixon (St. Augustine/San Diego, Calif.) 2023 WF
Marcellus Franklin (Sheldon/Sacramento, Calif.) 2022 PF
Jason Hart II (St. Bernard/Playa del Rey, Calif.) 2022 PG Long Beach State
Richard "Pop Pop" Isaacs Jr. (Coronado/Henderson, Nev.) 2022 PG Texas Tech
Josh Jefferson (Liberty) 2022 PF St. Mary’s
Austin Johnson (Salesian/Richmond, Calif.) 2022 G
Andrew Meadow (West Ranch/Santa Clarita, Calif.) 2023 PF
John Mobley II (Bishop Gorman) 2024 CG
David Onanina (Bishop O’Connell/Arlington, Va.) 2022 PF
Aaron Price (Liberty) 2022 WF
Jalen Reece (Oak Ridge/Orlando, Fla.) 2025 PG
Cavan Reilly (Bishop O’Connell/Arlington, Va.) 2022 G
Jase Richardson (Bishop Gorman) 2024 PG
Noah Shelby (Greenhill School/Addison, Texas) 2022 SG Vanderbilt
Dedan Thomas Jr. (Liberty) 2024 PG
Brandon Walker (Faith Family) 2022 PF UT-Arlington
Darrion Williams (Bishop Gorman) 2022 WF (MVP)
Andre Young (Pebblebrook/Mableton, Ga.) 2022 CG
Kami Young (Pebblebrook/Mableton, Ga.) 2022 CG Rider
Jevon Yapi (Durango/Las Vegas NV) 2025 PG

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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Tarkanian Classic: Youth Served!

Ronnie Flores — Mon, 20 Dec 2021 02:20:31 +0000

The top (Platinum) division of the 2021 Tarkanian Classic has a Las Vegas flavor, as three of the four semifinalists call Sin City home. One of the themes of the tournament is the play of the young prospects among the top four teams. We break down five young standouts and Monday's the semifinal matchups.

Three of the four teams expected to advance to the semifinals in the best division (Platinum) of the 2021 Tarkanian Classic in Las Vegas all won quarterfinal contests on Saturday at host Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas, Nev.). The one "surprise" team has been Durango (Las Vegas), which defeated FAB 50 bubble club Pebblebrook (Mabelton, Ga.), 57-47, in the opening round and handed St. Bernard (Playa del Rey, Calif.) its first defeat in the quarterfinals, 72-53. The Trailblazers have shot the ball extremely well from the perimeter in advancing to Monday's 6 pm semifinal contest vs. Bishop Gorman.

It could have been an all Las Vegas semifinal has Coronado (Henderson, Nev.) upset Oak Cliff Faith Family Academy (Dallas, Texas), but the Eagles held on for a 69-65 victory. Faith Family took a 36-20 halftime lead, but Coronado was able to get back into the game and make it interesting down the stretch behind the stellar play of 2022 standout Richard "Pop Pop" Isaacs. The Texas Tech-bound scoring lead guard netted 28 points in the second half on a variety of jumpers and drives to the basket and finished with 34 points.

Faith Family Academy will face Liberty (Henderson, Nev.) which moved to 5-0 on the season following its 77-62 quarterfinal win over Bishop O'Connell (Arlington, Va.). Liberty opened the prestigious tourney with a 80-71 victory over St. Augustine (San Diego, Calif.). The Liberty-Faith Family matchup will take place on Monday evening at 8:15 pm after an artistic Tribute to former UNLV and Fresno St. coach Jerry Tarkanian, the iconic college basketball coach synonymous with Las Vegas for whom the holiday tournament is named after.

Here's a look at the young players helping the Platinum Division winners:

John Mobley Jr., Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas, Nev.) 6-1 2024 CG
This talented scorer can spark Gorman and demoralize foes at any moment with his long-range shooting and tough shot making. "Juni" can shoot off the catch and has worked hard to become a threat off a one-dribble pull-up. He can also make acrobatic shots on the move and continues to learn how to play both on and off the ball alongside 2024 guard Jase Richardson. After Gorman's easy 71-39 opening round win over Evangel Christian (Louisville, Ky.) Mobley had 17 points, including four 3-pointers, in the second half to lead a 67-56 quarterfinal win over Salesian (Richmond, Calif.).

Doryan Onwuchekwa, Faith Family Academy (Dallas, Texas) 6-10 2024 C
The Eagles have a deep and talented roster and the 6-foot-10, 255-pound tenth grader starts and is a terrific long-term prospect. Onwuchekwa has soft hands and nice touch around the basket for a young big man. He also runs the floor well for his size and is a strong two-hand rebounder. Playing alongside Texas-Arlington bound forward Brandon Thomas pays dividends, as the young big man displays good patience and moves well in the interior to look for advantages.

Jalen Reece, Oak Ridge (Orlando, Fla.) 5-10 2025 CG
We're cheating a bit with Reece's eval, as Oak Ridge has dropped two tough games to begin the tournament after coming in with high expectations. The talent and shooting ability of Reece, however, is impossible to ignore. In the best and most intense opening round matchup, Reece nailed five 3-pointers in the first half, and six overall, while scoring 25 points in a 65-61 loss to St. Bernard (Playa del Rey, Calif.). He came back with four 3-pointers and 14 second half points in a 68-62 loss to Pebblebrook (Mableton, Ga.). If Mobley is not the best shooter in the Platinum Division, Reece is. What's even more impressive is his poise and demeanor in high-intensity situations. It will be interesting to see where he measures up at down the line. With a few more inches, he'll have a game reminiscent of Marcus Bullard, the former Mississippi State guard who help the Bulldogs reach the 1996 Final Four.

Dedan Thomas Jr., Liberty (Henderson, Nev.) 6-1 2024 PG
This left-hand point guard has been known for his craftiness and play-making ability since middle school, but he continues to develop his burst and offensive arsenal and it has paid dividends for the Patriots so far. Thomas has always been able to score from inside-out, but his deep range shot is developing more consistency, as well as his ability off the catch. Thomas, who also excels at getting to the free throw line, had 17 points in the quarterfinal win over Bishop O'Connell while backcourt mate, 2023 guard Angelo Kambala, had five 3-pointers and 23 points. With his game, Thomas reminds us of former UCONN and Oak Hill Academy (Mouth of Wilson, Va.) guard Marcus Williams, who grew up in Southern California just as Thomas' father did before being recruited by Tarkanian to play at UNLV.

Jevon Yapi, Durango (Las Vegas, Nev.) 5-10 2025 PG
One of the most impressive evaluative aspects of any young player in the tournament has been the composure and execution of this freshman point guard for a team that has beaten two teams with D1 bound guards. Yapi simply doesn't get rattled and can get where he wants to set himself or teammates up. Yapi just doesn't have a glaring weakness in his game and keeps defenses honest with his corner 3-point shooting. Durango coach Chad Beeten has another quality freshman guard in Mason Brown, while the scoring contributions of lunch-pail types Tyler Riley (6-2, 2023) and Sterling Knox (6-6, 2023) cannot be overlooked. Yapi had 11 points, including three second half 3-pointers, in the first round victory over Pebblebrook and 10 points in the quarterfinal win over St. Bernard.

Tarkanian Platinum Semifinals Breakdown

On Monday at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, the first semifinal contest between Bishop Gorman and Durango will be a contrast in styles. Durango will attempt to run its offense and take quality shots, while the No. 17 team in the most current FAB 50 National Team Rankings will attempt to run and get easy shots in transition and dare the Trailblazers to keep up with them. If Bishop Gorman is hitting a quality percentage from 3-point land on a spacious court and backdrop, Durango will be hard pressed to win unless it keeps the score relatively low.

Bishop Gorman is going to look to speed up freshman guards Jevon Yapi and Mason Brown. Keep in mind some quality, D1-bound guards have not been able to do that in the first two games. Look for the point total of Durango's Tyler Riley and whomever wins the matchup between Durango's Sterling Knox and Gorman's Darrion Williams to be two keys to the game's outcome.

Faith Family is a big-time unit who will be a tough out for Liberty, which cannot afford to let the Texas boys go up big early as Coronado did in the quarterfinals. When you see how well John Paul II (Plano, Texas) has played in the Nike Division (event's second best), you can get an idea of just how talented Faith Family is because it beat John Paul, 86-43, earlier in the season.

The Matchup between Ole Miss-bound T.J. Caldwell and Dedan Thomas Jr. will be must see, while the matchup between Brandon Walker and St. Mary's bound forward Josh Jefferson is worth the price of admission alone. Jefferson has more extended range to stretch the defense, but Walker has more help inside, so Liberty can't lose the battle on the boards by a wide margin and expect to win. Jefferson had 36 points in Liberty's first round victory over St. Augustine and coach Kevin Soares would love to see a point total close to that once again. Faith Family starts a larger unit, so look to see if Angelo Kambala can get loose for open perimeter shots. If they are falling, Liberty will be in the thick of things down the stretch.

As for John Paul, it was impressive in its Nike Division 59-38 quarterfinal win over Fountain Valley (Calif.). The 4:30 pm Orleans Arena showdown between R.J. Jones, John Paul's terrific junior guard, and San Joaquin Memorial (Fresno, Calif.) shooting guard JoJo Hunter (bound for Fresno St.) is one of the event's top individual matchups in any division. Hunter had 23 points in the Panthers' 59-56 quarterfinal victory over JSerra (San Juan Capistrano, Calif.).

With Gabe Warren, a 6-foot-6 2023 prospect, and Elijah Obaseki, a 6-foot-7 2022 prospect, John Paul has more rebounding firepower and scoring up front, so the play of SJM's 6-foot-6 junior forward Mike Davis Jr. will be key. He must stay out of foul trouble for coach Brad Roznovsky.

In the other Nike Division semifinal (3 pm), Crean Lutheran (Irvine, Calif.), is the prohibitive favorite over Bingham (South Jordan, Utah). The Miners are going to have to shoot a high percentage from the perimeter to keep pace with Crean Lutheran.

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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Ron Massey: What We Learned

Ronnie Flores — Mon, 20 Sep 2021 04:49:31 +0000

We took in both days at the Ron Massey Memorial Fall Hoops Classic at McBride (Long Beach, Calif.) and review what we learned from the event, particularly the Challenge of Champions bracket. Nevada power Bishop Gorman won the championship in the main bracket for the third consecutive time (the 2020 event did not take place). We cover the event's top performers, what it means for California's top teams and 2022 players looking to earn a college scholarship.

1. There Is No Clear Cut No. 3 Team in Cali
There is little doubt defending CIF Southern Section open champion Centennial (Corona, Calif.) and national power Sierra Canyon (Chatsworth, Calif.) are the top two teams in the Golden State and will appear in the 2021-22 preseason FAB 50 National Team Rankings, which is set for a late October release. Evaluating the teams at Ron Massey and seeing how Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas, Nev.) rolled to the Challenge of Champions title for the third consecutive time by a winning margin of 21 points, including a 78-60 championship game victory over 11-time CIF champion Mater Dei (Santa Ana, Calif.), there is a clear drop-off after Centennial and Sierra Canyon. Of the teams that did not participate at this weekend's event, Etiwanda (Calif.), Damien (La Verne, Calif.), Campolindo (Moraga, Calif.) and Modesto Christian (Calif.) got mention as the potential No. 3 preseason ranked team from the nation's largest state, but there isn't a slam-dunk choice as of now. There is certainly no shame in losing to Bishop Gorman at this stage of the season. The Gaels, however, are still a relatively young team and will get better as the season progresses, so California clubs have their work cut out if they plan on moving up in the rankings. If recent history is any indication, however, at least two more teams from California will emerge as FAB 50 ranked clubs as the results pour in from early-season high level tournaments and showcases.

2. Bishop Gorman Won't Miss A Beat
Last school year the Gaels were one of the handful of nationally-ranked outfits that didn't get to play an official high school basketball season, joining clubs from Virginia, New York, and Maryland. Last season Coronado (Henderson, Nev.), led by NBA G-League signee Jaden Hardy, felt it had the talent to dethrone Gorman as the Nevada Class 4A state champs, but unfortunately the season in Clark County was cancelled in December 2020. Despite the graduation of three high major D1 seniors, Gorman is still the team too beat in Nevada despite its relative youth. The Gaels have nine to 10 players that can play in crunch time against high level teams and a senior leader in 6-foot-6, Darrion Williams, who moved to Las Vegas last year from Sacramento, Calif., and was unable to play his junior campaign. There is little doubt missing last season is a motivating factor as the Gaels head toward the 2021-22 regular season. "I got hurt at the wrong time during the recruiting season, so it (not playing) is definitely a big motivation," Williams said. When Bishop Gorman finished as runner-up to Centennial (Corona, Calif.) at the Section 7 tournament in the top division during the June scholastic live period, Williams sat out with injury. He made up for lost time by averaging 15.3 ppg (tied for team lead with 2024 guard Jase Richardson) and 7.7 rpg in three convincing victories at Ron Massey. Williams has an offer from Long Beach St., and other Big West teams would be wise to make him a recruiting priority. As for Gorman, the Gaels are locked in and will play in another fall league in St. George, Utah early next month as they prepare for the Border League in Henderson Nev., the weekend of October 15-17, where they will face quality competition including the likes of Sierra Canyon, Oak Hill Academy (Mouth of Wilson, Va.) and Dream City Christian (Glendale, Ariz.).

3. There Continues to be Under-Recruited 2022s
There is no question the 2021 NCAA scholastic live period, particularly Section 7 in Arizona, was the most important one-stop-shop recruiting setting for players in the West Region, but there are still players in the region flying under the radar. That should change during the fall and early winter, particularly for some of the standouts at Ron Massey. First and foremost, there is Josh Jefferson of Liberty (Henderson, Nev.), who was the most impactful interior player in the Ron Massey Challenge of Champions Division. The 6-foot-9 power forward has continued to work on his physical conditioning with devastating results, as it has also helped his shooting down the stretch in high level games. Not only does he punish defenders with his back to the basket game, but now he has the deep stroke going for him in pick-and-pop situations. He went for 27 points and 11 rebounds in a close first round loss to Bishop Montgomery (Torrance, Calif.), 24 points in a 74-72 victory over Heritage Christian (Northridge, Calif.) and 19 points in a 79-76 consolation title game loss to West Ranch (Valencia, Calif.) Jefferson has been offered by UNLV and has serious looks from Utah St. and St. Mary's, but expect more programs to get in the mix now that he's 100 percent healthy. One of the most improved players in Southern California is 6-foot-6 2022 forward Kaden Minter of Mater Dei (Santa Ana, Calif.). The Monarchs lost three quality D1 interior players to graduation, but Minter's development will be one of the keys to Mater Dei's CIF Southern Section open division chances. The Monarchs have to like what they saw at Ron Massey, as Minter used his offensive I.Q. and repertoire to lead Mater Dei to the Challenge of Champions title game versus Bishop Gorman. Minter went for 28 points in the Monarchs's 59-58 first round win over Heritage Christian (Northridge, Calif.) and 27 points in the 59-43 semifinal victory over Bishop Montgomery (Torrance, Calif.). No one moved better without the ball at this event than Minter, who will be a nice pickup at the low D1 level. One of the differences in Gorman's title game victory over Mater Dei was the play of 6-foot-3 2022 guard Ryan Abelman. He's a terrific student who is a highly-effective 3-point shooter. He hit five 3-pointers and had 21 points in the title game and has looks from Northern Arizona and Columbia. Abelman's recruitment should pick up from here.

4. Some Parents Are Clearly Costing Their Kids
Unfortunately, this has been true in recent years and is heightened by new COVID-19 recruiting realities. As social media has made athletes' off-the court activity a bigger priority for families and a bigger focus for recruiters, player character has never been more important in the recruiting process for high school players. Parents' conduct at events and the perception of their character is under a larger microscope compared to the days when technology didn't consume the lives of Americans. In fact, the No. 1 comment we get from college coaches who are on the fence about a recruit is, "we're hearing their parent(s) are too involved." What that comment means is there is too much coaching from the stands, overheard comments about the team's play and verbal berating of players on their son's team, the opposition and even referees. In fact, at Ron Massey some of that type of activity led to verbal and physical altercations that actually halted games and made one team drop out of the bracket in order to avoid any future incidents. Simply put, these actions are hurting players' scholarship chances. For a college looking to get involved with a potential recruit, it simply is easier than ever before to pass on recruiting a player whose parents' conduct poorly reflects on their son's chances of succeeding when he hits adversity as a college player. With the players available in the robust transfer portal, non-elites are already a less desirable recruit than they were before COVID-19 and when there are any parental red flags it makes it easier to look the other way as a college staff.

5. High School Basketball Isn't a Farm System
No, even though traditional high school is losing players to academy-type programs at an alarming rate, it still holds tremendous value from a recruiting and developmental standpoint. Yes, legitimate programs (and even those that masquerade as winter travel clubs) are recruiting after the players have already established a pecking order in their respective national class. Sure, sometimes elites enroll in these programs as incoming freshmen, but in conversations with high school coaches, it almost feels as if the expectation is traditional high school programs won't keep a great player for all four years. The reality is that's not true in every situation and high school basketball still provides an excellent platform for competitive games, structure and development, and in many cases, better exposure. The old mantra "the grass isn't always greener on the other side" definitely applies here.

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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Preseason 2020-21 WEST Region Top 20 Rankings!

Ronnie Flores — Mon, 05 Oct 2020 21:32:17 +0000

As a follow up to the preseason FAB 50, we go 20 teams deep from five separate regions of the nation. Preseason No. 1 ranked teams by region are Paul VI (East), Montverde Academy (Southeast), La Lumiere (Midwest), Sunrise Christian Academy (Southwest) and Bishop Gorman (West). Nobody across the country ranks as many teams as the FAB 50 National Team Rankings powered by www.ebooksnet.com.

Preseason 2020-21 FAB 50
Region-By-Region Rankings

By Ronnie Flores

(Final 2019-20 regional 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.)

FAB 50 Preseason?
WEST Region Top 20
(Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wyoming)

1. (4) Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas, Nev.) 29-3
2. (1) Wasatch Academy (Mt. Pleasant, Utah) 27-2***
3. (2) Sierra Canyon (Chatsworth, Calif.) 30-4***
4. (14) O’Dea (Seattle, Wash.) 23-6
5. (NR) Coronado (Henderson, Nev.) 20-8
6. (7) Mater Dei (Santa Ana, Calif.) 25-8
7. (17) Bishop O’Dowd (Oakland, Calif.) 23-7***
8. (NR) Desert Pines (Las Vegas, Nev.) 23-8
9. (13) Ribet Academy (Los Angeles, Calif.) 29-3***
10. (6) Garfield (Seattle, Wash.) 26-4
11. (NR) Windward (Los Angeles, Calif.) 28-8
12. (12) Eastside Catholic (Sammamish, Wash.) 25-4
13. (10) Centennial (Corona, Calif.) 27-5
14. (NR) Liberty (Henderson, Nev.) 20-7
15. (8) Rangeview (Aurora, Col.) 26-0***
16. (NR) American Fork (American Fork, Utah) 10-14
17. (NR) St. John Bosco (Bellflower, Calif.) 23-9
18. (NR) Mountain Pointe (Pheonix, Ariz.) 16-12
19. (NR) Seattle Prep (Seattle, Wash.) 23-8
20. (NR) Cherry Creek (Greenwood Village, Col.) 19-5

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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Giant-Killer Corona Centennial Takes Tarkanian!

Ronnie Flores — Sun, 22 Dec 2019 06:34:51 +0000

Centennial (Corona, Calif.) uses it four-guard, sprinting attack to capture the 2019 Tarkanian Classic Platinum Division title with a convincing victory over No. 5 Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas, Nev.). The Huskies defeated two other FAB 50 ranked teams en route to the title behind Portland St.-bound Most Outstanding Player Paris Dawson.

RELATED: 5 Things We Learned At Tark

When the 16-team Platinum Division field was announced for the 2019 Tarkanian Classic, it looked like Centennial (Corona, Calif.) was going to a solid first-round opponent for one of the tourney's top seeds. By the time the brackets were announced, however, it was clear the Huskies were going to be a tough out for any of the top seeds, which happened to be FAB 50 No. 17 Neumann-Goretti (Philadelphia, Pa.). This was based on Centennial's showing at its own BattleZone Tournament in late November, in which it defeated preseason FAB 50 No. 21 Rancho Christian (Temecula, Calif.) and gave Sheldon (Sacramento, Calif.) fits before falling, 74-67. In its first game in Las Vegas, Centennial indeed gave Neumann-Goretti all it could handle and was able to pull out a 68-64 win after trailing by five points with less than three minutes remaining.

Five days before the tournament began, Centennial defeated a Coronado (Henderson, Nev.) team that began the season ranked No. 41, 73-65. When Coronado won its first round game and saw that Centennial had gotten past Goretti, the Cougars were highly-motivated for a little payback. What transpired, however, showed that Centennial was going to be a force to be reckoned with in this bracket, as it rolled Coronado 83-48. Using its guard dominant, sprinting with and without-the-ball style, Centennial knocked off two more FAB 50 ranked teams to take home the Tarknian tournament title to become the fourth California program to win the prestigious tournament since it began in 2012.

In the tournament semifinals, Centennial pulled away down the stretch from No. 19 Mater Dei (Santa Ana, Calif.) and won 63-53. It wouldn't be denied against host and No. 5 Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas, Nev.) in the title game, as the Gaels were unable to rattle Centennial's ball-handlers or keep them from getting in the key, as the Huskies recorded a 71-55 victory.

Centennial (10-2) took a 29-18 halftime lead and got a big boost when senior Freddie Dybala hit a 3-pointer right before the halftime buzzer. Gorman (7-1) battled back to tie the game at 31-31, but Centennial freshman guard Jared McCain hit a 3-pointer to make it 34-31. Gorman eventually took a 35-34 lead, but the Huskies stormed right back and went on a 10-2 run to take control of the game.

One of Centennial's two losses was to No. 27 Sheldon (Sacramento, Calif.), and it looked like Centennial might have a rematch with a team it lost to earlier in the season. Sheldon was in control against Bishop Gorman in its semifinal contest, until the Gaels outscored the Huskies, 19-5, over the course of the final 2:25 to defeat Sheldon, 76-66. Gorman was hoping to rattle Centennial with its pressure defense as it did to Sheldon a game earlier, but when the Gaels were unable to make the Huskies uncomfortable with the ball, Centennial was able to make enough shots and rebound well enough to hold off Gorman the rest of the way.

The catalyst for Centennial was senior point guard Paris Dawson, who wore down Gorman with his relentless attacking with the ball, clutch shooting and on-court leadership. The Portland St.-bound point guard scored a game-high 27 points, including 5-of-11 shooting from 3-point range. Named the tournament's Most Outstanding Player, Dawson averaged 21.5 ppg for the tournament and scored 22 points in the big first-round win over Neumann-Goretti. The Saints didn't lose another game and went on to win the consolation championship with a 79-75 victory over Skyridge (Lehi, Utah).

Paris Dawson (@parisdawson19) is named @TarkClassic MOP after leading Centennial (Corona, CA) to 4 wins over highly-ranked teams while scoring 21.5 ppg. Guys can't stay in front of him or speed him up & when that jumper is WET ?, it's over. Portland St. got a WINNER! ? pic.twitter.com/tb0Ce7VSS9

— www.ebooksnet.com (@Ballislife) December 22, 2019

Dawson took it upon himself to take that leadership role after two standouts and three potential starters left the program before the season began, including D1 recruit Jaylen Clark and UC-Irvine-bound D.J. Davis. Those moves made the Huskies smaller and younger, but it also made them faster and quicker. Centennial sprints and cuts as well as any team we've seen so far this season. Gorman was worn out by Centennial's style and when the Huskies shot as well as they did, the result was a major tourney championship.

"All I thought was 'next man up,'" Dawson said. "After D.J. left, I sat down and talked to coach (Josh Giles) about doing what had to be done to lead this team. I know what I can do, plus we have young guys who can play. That's the good thing about this team."

Dybala (eight points, eight rebounds vs. Gorman) was named all-tournament as was McCain, who netted 12 points in the championship game. For the tournament, McCain averaged 17.2 ppg, including 30 in the first game against Neumann-Goretti.

Will McClendon, a 6-foot-4 junior, was named all-tournament for Bishop Gorman, as was junior point guard Zaon Collins and senior forward Mwani Wilkinson. McClendon scored 17 points in the title game while Collins finished with seven points, five rebounds and eight assists. Both scoring outputs were the lowest of the tournament for the Gorman juniors, as McClendon averaged 21.5 ppg while Collins averaged 12.8 ppg and 9.3 apg. Wilkinson had 13 points and 15 rebounds in a losing effort versus Centennial.

Sheldon bounced back from its heart-breaking loss to Bishop Gorman in the semifinals to defeat Mater Dei in two overtimes, 70-62, in the Platinum Division third place game. Arizona St.-bound Marcus Bagley scored 23 points to place Sheldon (which defeated Centennial 74-67 on November 29) before injuring his ankle in the second overtime. Bagley averaged 23.5 ppg and was named all-tourney, as was Mater Dei's Kentucky-bound point guard Devin Askew.

Not only does Centennial's title run look good for Neumann-Goretti, it also bodes well for Harvard-Westlake (North Hollywood, Calif.), which handed Centennial its other loss in a game the Huskies hosted, 63-50. Harvard-Westlake, unranked in the FAB 50, is 12-0 entering the Beach Ball Classic in South Carolina where it opens up the post-season Christmas tournament with FAB 50 No. 36 Poly (Baltimore, Md.).

Bishop Gorman attained its lofty preseason national FAB 50 ranking based on its returning perimeter firepower and having two big men, both whom are no longer part of the program. If Gorman fares well at the Les Schwab Tournament in Oregon after Christmas, the Gaels won't fall too far in the next FAB 50 update because they do own a win over a team (Sheldon) that handed Centennial one of its two losses. Gorman could face Mater Dei in the title game of that tournament. As for Centennial, the Huskies are leaving for the King Cotton Tournament in Pine Bluff, Arkansas on Christmas night. Giles got a nice early Christmas present by winning the Tarkanian Classic for the first time, something that he began to see was a possibility in early November.

"Our guys play with a chip on their shoulder and have a great work ethic in practice," Giles said. "We got after it in the weight room and I knew we were going to be alright. I'm really happy and proud of this group."

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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"In The Paint" Podcast on Ron Massey, Ball Family!

Ronnie Flores — Wed, 18 Sep 2019 00:07:01 +0000

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In episode No. 39 of our In The Paint Show," co-hosts Devin Ugland and Ronnie Flores go hard on the recent Ron Massey Fall Hoops Classic, a weekend fall league captured by perennial FAB 50 title contender Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas, Nev.). The Gaels erased a 15-points championship game deficit versus Evan Mobley-led Rancho Christian (Temecula, Calif.) to emerge with a 78-72 victory.

The catalyst in the comeback victory was 2021 point guard Zaon Collins, who controlled the game with his play-making, leadership and instinctual defense. Collins finished the title game with 27 points, eight rebounds, six assists and four steals, including the assist that led to the go-ahead 3-pointer by 2021 shooting guard Will McClendon (16 points, four 3-pointes) and the clutch steal that led to the winning basket. Gorman won the eight-team bracket style event for the second consecutive season.

Just how good is Zaon Collins? Can Rancho Christian be as good as last season when they had both Mobley Brothers? Does Evan Mobley (17.3 ppg, 7 bpg in three Ron Massey games) have enough around him to make another run at the CIFSS Open Division title? Besides defending champ Sierra Canyon (Chatsworth, Calif.), whom else does Dev think are the major contenders for one of the eight spots in the 2019-20 CIFSS Open playoffs? Who else stood out at Ron Massey?

The fellas go hard "In The Paint" on the entire event!

Ron and Dev also touch up on the CA Fair Pay To Play Act (which will go into law in 2023 should California's Governor sign the bill already passed through the California Senate) and give their take on the Ball family drama (as portrayed on the Facebook show "Ball In The Family"). The rift between Lonzo and Lavar is building and serious, considering Zo thinks the BBB brand is basically dead and his father vehemently disagrees. Is Lavar correct? Was he out of line for using the "Damaged Goods" hypothetical about his son? What should Zo do next?

To learn more about our hosts, Ronnie Flores and Devin Ugland, and to get more information about what "In The Paint" is all about, check out our intro below!

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"In The Paint" Podcast GOES IN On Section 7, NBA Draft!

Ronnie Flores — Tue, 25 Jun 2019 22:15:00 +0000

Subscribe to our new Podcast on iTunes here

In episode No. 28 of our ?In The Paint Show," hosts Ronnie Flores and Devin Ugland go in on the NBA's Award Show and its Draft and talk Section 7 Team Camp with two special guests: event divisional champion coaches Grant Rice of Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas) and Colin Pfaff of Windward (Los Angeles).

The fellas talk about the over-the-top award show and NBA Draft coverage. Was all the pre-draft hype and intros necessary? Is the awards show necessary or just way too late after the regular season? Ronnie and Devin break down this year's NBA award winners, which have a strong international flavor. What James Harden robbed of MVP? Is the international flavor of this year's award winners an indictment of the American basketball system? Or just a good job of globalization by the NBA?

Dev and Ron break down their winners and losers from the 2019 NBA Draft. Listen to see why Devin thinks New Orleans and Ron thinks Atlanta were the big winners in the draft. Dev also has a surprise No. 2 winner as well!

Ron was at last weekend's Section 7 Team Camp in Phoenix and gives a quick rundown of what happened (complete break down HERE) and offers up the positives and constructive criticism of the West's only live event during the first weekend of the NCAA's new June Scholastic live period. Did college coaches find it productive? Did bracket play give teams the best mileage possible in front of the college coaches?

We break down the tournament with Rice, whose team won the main division title and whose standout players picked up more college offers. Pfaff also comes on the pod to discuss his team's journey through one of the better of the nine 16-team brackets at Section 7 and what it did for his team's confidence and recruiting opportunities.

The fellas go over plenty in this week's pod as it relates to the NBA, college recruiting, grassroots and high school basketball, so make sure to give it a listen!

To learn more about our hosts, Ronnie Flores and Devin Ugland, and to get more information about what "In The Paint" is all about, check out our intro below!

Subscribe to our new Podcast on iTunes here

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Section 7 a SUCCESS for Gorman, College Coaches

Ronnie Flores — Mon, 24 Jun 2019 23:58:38 +0000

Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas, Nev.) captured the championship in the top division of the Section 7 Team Camp held during the first of two weekends of the June scholastic live period that is part of the NCAA's new recruiting calendar. The Gaels ventured to Phoenix and defeated another FAB 50 power, Mater Dei (Santa Ana, Calif.), 79-66 in the championship game in front of a herd of college coaches. We break down some of the top individual performers in the event and examine how and why Section 7 benefitted players and college coaches.

In front of a gym filled with college coaches of all levels at Brophy Prep (Phoenix, Ariz.), Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas, Nev.) showed everyone in attendance why it will be a serious contender for the 2019-20 mythical FAB 50 national title by taking down Mater Dei (Santa Ana, Calif.) 79-66 in the title game of the main division at the NFHS-approved live period Section 7 Team Camp. The Gaels are deep, talented and have chemistry that few elite high school basketball programs possess. No, they don't have some secret sauce other high school coaching staffs don't, they simply have played together for a longer period of time than most elite high school teams do nowadays.

We won't know exactly where the chips will fall in terms of some elite high school players moving on to "greener" pastures until they are actually enrolled in school (we know so will be on the move), but we'll be hard pressed to find more than five to seven teams deserving a higher preseason ranking than Bishop Gorman in the preseason 2019-20 FAB 50 National Team Rankings.

Bishop Gorman (which finished No. 23 in last season's final FAB 50) will be extremely difficult to beat under any circumstance in 2019-20. The Gaels are nearly impossible to take down when junior (2021) shooting guard Will McClendon and senior wing guard Noah Taitz are hitting from the outside. In the title game of the All About People bracket (which consisted of a majority of the top teams competing at Section 7), the Gaels got six 3-pointers (in seven attempts) from McClendon in the first half when they took a 43-34 lead. In the second half, Taitz hit two 3-pointers and had 12 points.

Mater Dei might be the best team in Cali this next season.. Agree or Disagree? @babydev5 pic.twitter.com/lGm1TSigxA

— www.ebooksnet.com (@Ballislife) June 24, 2019

McClendon hit a seventh 3-pointer in the second half and finished with a game-high 23 points to go along with five assists. Taitz, who is considering Washington, Stanford, USC, BYU, and St. Mary's, among others, finished with 19 points. West Virginia-bound center Isaiah Cottrell contributed 12 points and five rebounds, while junior point guard Zaon Collins did a bit of everything offensively (10 points, seven rebounds, four assists, four steals) while playing good harassing defense on Mater Dei's ball-handlers.

Mater Dei, which trailed 22-20 with 6:30 remaining in the first half when its best perimeter shooter, 2020 Ryan Evans, left the game with a severe ankle sprain, got a team-high 16 points and six rebounds from junior power forward Wilhelm Breidenbach and 12 points, five rebounds and four assists from fellow 2021 prospect Devin Askew, last season's Cal-Hi Sports State Sophomore of the Year. Six-foot-3 senior Aidan Prukop contributed 12 points for the Monarchs.

Mwani Wilkinson Among Section 7 Big Winners

Obviously many of the top players on the top teams at the Section 7 Team Camp were well known to college coaches coming in, but the event was beneficial to many players and the coaches themselves. For example, since the event ended Sunday afternoon, McClendon has reportedly received scholarship offers from Arizona, Arizona St. and USC. Collins also reportedly picked up an offer from USC, while Arizona St. and UNLV are also recruiting him hard.

Other prospects also parlayed outstanding play over the weekend into scholarship offers. Ceasar Chavez (Phoenix, Ariz.) 2021 point guard Ty Ty Washington was offered by Grand Canyon University and Loyola Marymount. LMU also offered Six-foot-2 Evan Nelson of Salpointe Catholic (Tucson, Ariz.), as did Nevada, Cal Poly SLO, and Harvard. Dylan Andrews, a 6-foot-2 combo guard who will be a sophomore this fall, has been offered by Northern Arizona and UC-Irvine and Pac-12 schools are now showing interest in the tough and skilled 2022 prospect.

Andrews led Windward to the Native Grill & Wings division title with a 68-60 victory over Coronado (Henderson, Nev.). It was a break-out performance for the talented guard with a fiery demeanor and a terrific pull-up jumper, as he finished with 21 points, seven rebounds and three assist and played quality defense on nationally-ranked 2021 guard Jaden Hardy of Coronado. Hardy and 2022 point guard Richard "Pop Pop" Isaacs, who was part of the United States' Gold-Medal club in the FIBA Americas 16U Championships in Brazil in early June, each netted 14 points in the loss. Windward, which played without 6-foot-9 sophomore big man Kijani Wright (who was also part of that 16U USA Basketball championship team), also get major contributions from 6-foot 2021 point guard Jaren Harris (19 points) and 6-foot-6 2020 forward Devin Tillis (6 points, 13 rebounds).

The big winner among players likely was Mwani Wilkinson, a 6-foot-6 wing forward who is just scratching the surface of his potential and who some college coaches got to see for an extended period for the first time at Section 7. Wilkinson was a seldom-used reserve on Gorman's 2018-19 state title team after playing in the post on Gorman's lower level teams as a sophomore. Wilkinson has been coming into his own since Gorman's post-season run and followed up a solid performance at the 2019 Pangos All-American Camp (Top 60 game selection) with a spectacular performance at the West's only live period team event during the June 21-23 weekend. Wilkinson had 15 points, 10 rebounds and two spectacular blocked shots versus Mater Dei. He also had some terrific games earlier in the tournament, including a 20-point, eight-dunk performance in Gorman's 72-59 first round win over Skyline (Mesa, Ariz.).

Wilkinson was arguably the most athletic wing-type in the event less than a year after not even having the know-how of shooting a jump shot while elevating off the floor. He now shoots with ease over high-level high school defenders, makes an impact on the boards and plays sound on-ball defense and is just what the doctor ordered for one of the best teams in the country with his combination of athleticism and big-play ability in transition. Wilkinson was offered by Nevada at the conclusion of Section 7, already has been offered by hometown UNLV and will likely be high on the board of some Pac-12 programs before July is complete.

After defeating Skyline, the Gaels downed a tough Weston Ranch (Stockton, Calif.) club, 81-66, and defeated Bishop O'Dowd (Oakland, Calif.) in the semifinals, 77-56. Windward defeated defending CIF D2 state champ Campolindo (Moraga, Calif.), 72-57, to open the tournament and followed up with 66-50 win over host Brophy Prep, followed by a 66-59 semifinal victory over Eastside Catholic (Sammamish, Wash.).

Reactions From Section 7

There were nine, 16-team brackets at the Section 7 Team Camp and four were won by California teams, three by Arizona clubs, one was won by Fremont (Layton, Utah) and Gorman won the main division. For the most part, the event put on by the Arizona Basketball Coaches Association (ABCA) was well received by parents, fans and the high school coaches in attendance, some who we had a chance to speak to about the event. The event was well-organized and the hospitality for the teams and the media was well-received.

Some high school coaches from far destinations such as Northern California simply didn't want to take the time or couldn't raise the money to make the trip to Phoenix. Some high school coaches are always going to have this stance and don't want to be as involved during the summer. The NCAA claims to want to inject the high school coaches back in the boys basketball recruiting process, but it is simply lip service. The lines have always been blurred between grassroots and high school coaching and at Section 7 we saw some coaches who direct or coach travel clubs acting as the head coach for high school teams. The event had plenty of grassroots club directors and coaches in attendance and their influence on the recruiting scene is not changing because of the changes made to the NCAA recruiting calendar.

The event also thrived because it was "one-stop shopping" for college coaches in the West, as many state associations, including the NIAA (Nevada), OSAA (Oregon) and CIF (California), declined to sanction or host June scholastic live period events this year. CIF officials were in attendance at Section 7 to get a glimpse of its execution and viability, and there is growing sentiment that the CIF will eventually host a similar tournament if the NCAA keeps this current recruiting model. If more states join Arizona in hosting June live events, this year's event could become an anomaly because the live weekend will become fragmented, with teams having to choose one event over another. There is little doubt should California teams have the ability to stay home and play in front of college coaches without having to travel, they will choose to do so.

There were also comments about how it's beneficial to see potential D1 recruits in an atmosphere more realistic to the style of play college coaches employ, rather than the endless amount of grassroots games potential scholarship players participated in the old model. There are some problems with that notion as well. Many D1-bound players are out of position with their high school team, which could hinder evaluations. They also get in more practice time with their high school team, so game play tends to be crisper and more to the liking of some college coaches. Some grassroots programs are well-coached and conduct solid practices.

Many high school teams don't have the size realistic to what a D1 college has and in many games played within a high school team setting, college coaches are evaluating much less bonafide D1 prospects per game than they would in a live period grassroots setting. In order for college coaches and scouts to maximize their viewing time and evaluations because of the amount of prospects per high school team, games at the main Brophy Prep site (with Central High School a short walk down the street) should have been conducted with two games at a time per gym (as opposed to one) and that would have allowed for seven games, opposed to four, to be played at once at Brophy and Central. It would have also been advantageous for championship semifinal games to be conducted at different times, instead of coaches having to choose to one to watch, because both started at the same time.

Section 7 had the feel of a big-time high school holiday tournament and was well received and with a few tweaks, would be a good long-term option for college coaches to evaluate prospects. The growing sentiment we hear is to keep the June scholastic live period in addition to, but not at the expense of, one of the live weeks in July for shoe-sponsored or independent travel teams.

The following is a sample of what college coaches at Section 7 said about the event and the June scholastic events in general (on the condition of anonymity):

D1 assistant coach: "I really like being able to watch these players with their high school teams, which showcases a few critical elements that you otherwise are unable to to see this time of year. Their understanding of the game given the structure of their high school, combined with the long-standing relationships with both their teammates and coaches is a unique perspective that we typically do not get with the AAU teams. They have done a nice job of creating competitive matchups in this tournament as well that has given a good level of competition to be able to appropriately evaluate the talent. I am frustrated that some players are not able to experience this event because of the lack of resources their team has available for them to travel here to play."

Power Five assistant coach: "I like the fact that it is well-organized and the best teams play against each other. I would rather see AAU though so I can see D1 payers playing against each other."

D2 assistant coach: "I really love this event. It's a chance to see players in a high school setting being coached. I've always been in favor of this, but at the same time play in a AAU setting as well. I just think that in a high school setting you get to see how they think within the team structure and it will give you an idea if they can fit in your system."

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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GEICO Nationals Semifinals are FIRE!

Ronnie Flores — Fri, 05 Apr 2019 02:06:17 +0000

The semifinals are set for GEICO Nationals in New York, as the favorites in all four games won Thursday's quarterfinal matchups. It will be FAB50 No. 3 Montverde Academy facing No. 4 IMG Academy in one semifinal (3 pm ET, ESPN2) and No 1. La Lumiere taking on No. 17 Oak Hill Academy in the second semifinal (5 pm ET, ESPN2). Read on for key facts and turning points in each game and a quick preview of what to expect in the semifinals.

RELATED: Subscribe on iTunes to new "In the Paint Show” podcast | GEICO Nationals Breakdown | GEICO Nationals All-Time Records | GEICO Nationals Bracket/TV Listings | Latest Mr. Basketball USA Tracker | GEICO Nationals Semifinal Recaps | GEICO Championship Recap

No. 4 IMG Academy (Brandenton, Fla.) 65, No. 9 Sunrise Christian Academy (Bel Aire, Kan.) 50

Quick Summary: The Ascenders came in focused and forced 18 turnovers, many which they converted into points on the other end. IMG Academy got its first win at the event after being upset in the first round two years ago by Greensboro Day (Greensboro, N.C.). As coach Sean McAloon noted, however, the current coaches and players weren't part of that, but they still used that loss as motivation.

Pivotal Moment: The score was 31-23 at halftime with IMG Academy leading, but the Ascenders were not satisfied. In fact, Ascenders' shooting guard Jaden Springer was not happy with point guard Noah Farrakhan for his jovial attitude going into the halftime locker room. Their small flare up fired up IMG Academy, which opened up the second half with a 9-0 run, highlighted by a 3-pointer by Farrakhan that gave his team a 40-23 lead.

Key Statistic: Springer and Farrakhan combined to shoot 17-of-25 from the field and combine for 45 points, as IMG Academy's backcourt dominated the scoring department. Springer (26 points, 11-14 field goals) was the beneficiary of many of the turnovers, converting them into dunks and layups. Uncommitted guard Grant Sherfield was the only player in double digits for Sunrise Christian Academy with 13 points.

Quotables: "We made a real concerted effort to focus on the defensive end," said McAloon. "I think we really frustrated them on that end."

What's Next: IMG Academy moved to 29-1 on the season and will take on 22-2 Montverde Academy in a semifinal showdown on April 5 at 3 pm ET (ESPN2). It will be a battle of the No. 3 and No. 4 ranked teams in the FAB 50. There will be an impressive amount of talent on the floor, but whatever team can execute the best and get off to a quick start will advance to the finals.

Montverde -- MOVING ?.
The Eagles win the rematch of last year's title game 65-57.@MVABasketball pic.twitter.com/ShPcxJQsk3

— Who's Next (@WhosNextHS) April 4, 2019

No. 3 Montvere Academy (Brandenton, Fla.) 65, No. 10 University School (Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.) 57

Quick Summary: This was a rematch of last year's GEICO Nationals title game and University School came out fired up. The USchool led early, 11-4 and 17-13, at the end first period. It wasn't a good omen for the Sharks when Montverde Academy led 31-26 at halftime, as MVA coach Kevin Boyle felt his team was very sluggish and did not play well after the long lay-off (last game on February 9). Montverde Academy picked up its overall defense in the second half and did a better job of pressuring the ball-handlers.

Pivotal Moment: University took a 42-41 on an offensive rebound put back dunk by Scottie Barnes (12 points, 11 rebounds) early in the fourth period, but the Eagles went on a 17-0 run (after trailing 44-43) to take a 60-44 lead and essentially put the game away. University School got some baskets late, but the Eagles were firmly in control.

Key Statistic: Senior point guard Harlond Beverly made 9-of-11 field goals, including 2-of-2 3-pointers, and scored a game-high 25 points. He made some dagger shots to keep University School at bay and picked up the shooting slack for Moses Moody and Cade Cunningham, who combined to convert only only 1-of-8 3-point attempts. Beverly had a key lay-up and 3-pointer during the 17-0 run. Duke-bound Vernon Carey had 15 points and 11 rebounds for University School despite not being 100 percent because of a nagging ankle injury.

Quotables: "We were really rolling when the (regular) season was over," said Montverde Academy coach Kevin Boyle, whose program improved to 20-4 all-time at the event with the win. "We played rusty, but alot of teams do in the first round. We were a bit stale, and we've got to be sharper in order to win tomorrow. Today shows we have to be come ready to play everyday."

What's Next: The 22-2 Eagles face FAB 50 No. 4 IMG Academy Friday (3 pm ET, ESPN2) in a highly-anticipated semifinal showdown. Montverde Academy will have to get better offensive plays from Moody and Cunningham and key minutes from Omar Payne to pull out the victory.

No. 1 La Lumiere (La Porte, Ind.) 74, No. 25 Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas, Nev.) 69 (Double OT)

Quick Summary: Both teams were familiar with each other and Bishop Gorman came in loose and confident, having replaced FAB 50 No. 2 McEachern (Powder Springs, Ga.) in the event. The Gaels gave a valiant effort, but a couple of weary 3-pointers in the second overtime spelled doom. Gorman made 13 3-pointers, while La Lu made five, but the Lakers gutted out the win by making a few key lay-ups, including an offensive rebound put back by Gerald Drumgoole to give the Lakers a 72-69 lead with just under a minute remaining in double overtime. Bishop Gorman, which was out-rebounded 44-28, turned the ball over with 44 seconds remaining.

Pivotal Moment: With 14.5 second remaining in regulation and the shot clock running out, Kentucky-bound Keion Brooks nailed an off-balance 3-pointer to give the Lakers a 59-56 lead. With 4.5 seconds remaining, Gorman sophomore guard Will McClendon tied the game and sent it to overtime with a 25-foot 3-pointer. Gorman made big 3-pointers throughout the second half to keep itself in the game, as the Gaels' foot speed and ball movement gave La Lumiere some trouble. Their 3-point attempts in the second overtime were mostly short on the rim, as both teams gre tired.

Key Statistic: The 3-point shooting favored Gorman in a big way, but it's hard to ignore La Lu shot 35 free throws (and made 23) and the Gaels shot seven (and made six). The key for the Lakers' was Mr. Basketball USA candidate Isaiah Stewart (25 points) making all 11 of his attempts, including some crucial ones down the stretch, to make up for the fact guard Wendell Green Jr. (19 points) made only 7-of-15.

Quotables: "I feel like we're the most battle-tested team in the tournament," Stewart said. "I feel like we've been there and we play our heart out." La Lumiere head coach Patrick Holmes echoed those sentiments. "Can't say enough about our big guy making all 11 of his free throws; when push comes to shove, we made the plays."

What's Next: The Lakers improved to 29-0 on the season and will take on No. 17 Oak Hill Academy (Mouth of Wilson, Va.) in the second semifinal Friday (5 pm ET, ESPN2). La Lu didn't shoot well from the outside in this game, but Oak Hill Academy is aware the Lakers are capable of shooting it well from the outside. La Lumiere's coaching staff is happy with how the players competed and the team's senior leadership at critical moments versus Gorman.

Back in his home state, @The_ColeAnthony reminds everyone that he is, in fact, a bucket. ? pic.twitter.com/WZ1hW2sqkU

— Who's Next (@WhosNextHS) April 4, 2019

No. 17 Oak Hill Academy (Mouth of Wilson, Va.) 79, No. 13 Wasatch Academy (Mt. Pleasant, Utah) 72

Quick Summary: Oak Hill Academy was the only lower FAB 50 ranked team to win, but that's because the Warriors didn't have a great regular season. They were simply not healthy and only lost one game with their regular starting lineup in the game. Oak Hill Academy was seeded higher in the event in the 4 vs. 5 matchup and were in control for most of the ballgame, taking a 19-14 lead after one period and leading 43-37 at halftime. Despite some sloppy play by both teams, Oak Hill Academy coach Steve Smith was pleased with his team's effort.

Pivotal Moment: With 1:08 remaining in the game, Oak Hill's Christian Brown (12 points) made a tough baseline shot to give Oak Hill a 75-70 lead, as Wasatch was hanging by making bit shots of its own. After Richie Saunders (4-4 field goals) made a pull-up jumper with less than 30 seconds remaining, Oak Hill's Cole Anthony made two free throws with 23.7 seconds remaining to give Oak Hill a 77-72 lead and the cushion it needed to close out the game.

Key Statistic: Oak Hill is a different team when Anthony is healthy, and he got to the basket on many occasions and had the outside shot working, too. He made 4-of-6 3-pointers and finished with game-highs of 30 points and 11 rebounds. Both teams shot 47 percent from the field, but the Warriors held a 19-9 offensive rebounding advantage.

Quotables: "It was a tough game, but besides four minutes in the first half and for a two-minute period in the second half, I thought we played well," Smith said. "Cole did a good job of running our offense and the fact we executed well I feel was the determining factor down the stretch."

What's Next: Oak Hill moves to 33-4 on the season and faces unbeaten La Lumiere in Friday's second semifinal (5 pm ET, ESPN2). La Lumiere is going to have to somewhat contain Anthony and at the same time keep Wendell Green Jr. out of foul trouble. He is the Laker's key ball-handler and Oak Hill will have a chance at the upset if it gets good shooting from Cam Thomas and can force Green out of his game.

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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NEW FAB 50: Big GEICO Shakeup!

Ronnie Flores — Mon, 18 Mar 2019 19:06:43 +0000

No. 2 McEachern (Powder Springs, Ga.) will no longer play at GEICO Nationals and has been replaced by NIAA Class 4A champ Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas, Nev.), which moves up to No. 25 in this week's FAB 50 National Rankings powered by www.ebooksnet.com. More state champions were crowned over the weekend and there are still seven FAB 50 ranked teams looking to capture state titles this week. There are three newcomers to this week's FAB 50 and you can expect more shakeup next week after all the state championships are complete.

By Ronnie Flores

Plenty of quality teams closed out their season last week with state titles to secure a spot in the final FAB 50 FAB 50 National Rankings powered by www.ebooksnet.com, which will be published April 8. While the opportunity to land one of the coveted spots in the rankings in quickly closing, the pecking order still has plenty of room for movement over the final three sets of rankings for the 2018-19 season.

The highest ranked team to close out its season in the victory circle last week was No. 5 Ranney School (Tinton Falls, N.J.), which captured the New Jersey Tournament of Champions title with a 67-63 victory over bubble club Bergen Catholic (Oradell, N.J.). Mr. Basketball USA candidate Scottie Lewis led the way for Ranney School with 20 points and 11 rebounds, as the Panthers not only won the school's first TOC crown, but also the first one for a Shore Conference program. Ranney School also got a solid performance from Phillip Wheeler (14 points, six rebounds, three steals) and a big 3-pointer from Alex Klatsky at the beginning of the fourth period as the Panthers overcame an early 12-point deficit.

For Ranney head coach Tahj Holden, who led the program to 103 wins in the four seasons Lewis and Villanova-bound Bryan Antoine were in the lineup, he added a TOC crown to a resume that included a NCAA crown as a player. Holden was a starter on Maryland's 2002 title-winning club. Ranney School also won the New Jersey Non-Public B state title by defeating No. 15 Roselle Catholic (Roselle, N.J.), whom it actually beat twice this season. Ranney's success is also a swoon for North Carolina Class 4A state champ South Central (Winterville, N.C.), which lost its only game of the season to the Panthers. It moves up to No. 14 this week.

The state champion that made the biggest splash this week is IHSA Class 4A state champ Belleville West (Belleville, Ill.), which captured back-to-back Class 4A state crowns courtesy of a 71-59 victory over bubble club Evanston (Evanston, Ill.). All-American candidate E.J. Liddell had 24 points, while Will Shumpert added 21 points for the Maroons in the 12-point victory. Helping Belleville West move up 15 spots this week to No. 18 was its dominant 70-48 state semifinal victory over previous No. 12 Curie (Chicago, Ill.) and its overall resume now that the season is complete. The Maroons split games with Class 3A champ East St. Louis (East St. Louis, Ill.), defeated Alton (Alton, Ill.) two out of three times and lost to Collinsville (Collinsville, Ill.) when Liddell sat out with injury. The fourth loss was to No. 11 Shadow Mountain (Phoenix, Ariz.).

Belleville West also helped Pinnacle (Phoenix, Ariz.) break into the FAB 50 at No. 50, as the AIA Class 6A champs own a win over Shadow Mountain, the AIA Class 4A champs. One of the other losses for Mr. Basketball USA candidate and Arizona recruit Nico Mannion and company was to No. 34 Mater Dei (Santa Ana, Calif.).

No. 2 McEachern Pulls Out Of GEICO Nationals

After state champions are crowned this week in Indiana, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, and Pennsylvania, the attention will shift focus to GEICO Nationals, set for April 4-6 at Christ the King (New York, N.Y.). After winning the GHSA Class AAAAAAA state crown on March 9, coach Mike Thompson of No. 2 McEachern (Powder Springs, Ga.) told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and SUVtv that his club accepted an invitation to GEICO Nationals, which was on the Indians' radar all season long as one of the best teams in the country and part of an association that allows its teams to play.

Last Friday, an official announcement was made that McEachern will not play in the event, thus changing the eight-team bracket and seeds for the end-of-season event. McEachern was not going to be at full strength for the tournament, but event organizers still extended the invitation to the Indians no matter whom on its roster was going to play. Thompson told USA Today his team was going to play intact or not play, so the program and school declined the invitation. FAB 50 No. 25 Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas, Nev.) was added to the field as NIAA member schools are eligible for the event for the first time this season.

Below is the new television schedule for the first round (April 4th, ESPNU):

No. 9 Sunrise Christian Academy (6) vs. No. 4 IMG Academy (3), 12 pm ET

No. 10 University School (7) vs. No. 3 Montverde Academy (2), 2 pm ET

No. 25 Bishop Gorman (8) vs. No. 1 La Lumiere (1), 4 pm ET

No. 18 Oak Hill Academy (4) vs. No. 13 Wasatch Academy (5) , 6 pm ET

We will break down the field and the development with McEachern this week.

Updated FAB 50 National Team Rankings
Powered by www.ebooksnet.com

(Fifteenth poll of 2018-19 regular season; Through games played on Sunday, March 17; *Indicates forfeit wins, forfeit losses not included; **Indicates forfeits and defaults not included; ***Indicates scrimmages and foundation games not included; ****Indicates season not complete)

No.	Prev.	High School (City)	Record
1	1	La Lumiere (LaPorte, Ind.)	28-0****
2	2	McEachern (Powder Springs, Ga.)	32-0
3	3	Montverde Academy (Montverde, Fla.)	21-2****
4	4	IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.)	28-1****
5	5	Ranney School (Tinton Falls, N.J.)	31-3
6	6	Mountain Brook (Mountain Brook, Ala.)	31-3
7	7	Sierra Canyon (Chatsworth, Calif.)	32-3
8	8	Moeller (Cincinnati, Ohio)	27-0****
9	9	Sunrise Christian Academy (Bel Aire, Kan.)	23-5****
10	10	University School (Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.)	27-4****
11	11	Shadow Mountain (Phoenix, Ariz.)	26-3
12	14	DeMatha Catholic (Hyattsville, Md.)	33-5
13	13	Wasatch Academy (Mt. Pleasant, Utah)	26-3****
14	16	South Central (Winterville, N.C.)	30-1
15	15	Roselle Catholic (Roselle, N.J.)	28-4
16	20	Carmel (Carmel, Ind.)	25-1****
17	18	Oak Hill Academy (Mouth of Wilson, Va.)	32-4****
18	33	Belleville West (Belleville, Ill.)	34-4
19	19	Duncanville (Duncanville, Texas)	32-7
20	21	Paul VI (Fairfax, Va.)	27-9
21	22	Nicolet (Glendale, Wis.)	27-1
22	23	Guyer (Denton, Texas)	32-5
23	25	St. Frances Academy (Baltimore, Md.)	37-7
24	26	Gonzaga (Washington, D.C.)	28-9
25	27	Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas, Nev.)	28-4****
26	28	Gonzaga Prep (Spokane, Wash.)	25-2
27	40	Vashon (St. Louis, Mo.)	25-5
28	29	Long Island Lutheran (Glen Head, N.Y.)	23-2****
29	41	Southwest Guilford (High Point, N.C.)	32-0
30	30	Federal Way (Federal Way, Wash.)	26-3
31	31	Hamilton Heights Christian Academy (Chattanooga, Tenn.)	34-4
32	32	Legacy Early College (Greenville, S.C.)	34-5
33	34	Gill St. Bernard's (Gladstone, N.J.)	26-5
34	36	Mater Dei (Santa Ana, Calif.)	29-5
35	43	Mansfield Timberview (Arlington, Texas)	38-2
36	44	Starkville (Starkville, Miss.)	30-1
37	35	Roman Catholic (Philadelphia, Pa.)	26-5
38	37	Imhotep Charter (Philadelphia, Pa.)	25-6****
39	38	Salesian (Richmond, Calif.)	31-1
40	39	Rancho Christian (Temecula, Calif.)	25-6**
41	42	Haverford School (Haverford, Pa.)	28-0
42	45	Meadowcreek (Norcross, Ga.)	26-6
43	50	South Shore (Brooklyn, N.Y.)	27-4****
44	12	Curie (Chicago, Ill.)	34-2
45	NR	Park Center (Brooklyn Park, Minn.)	26-1****
46	46	Booker T. Washington (Tulsa, Okla.)	26-2
47	47	Dorman (Roebuck, S.C.)	28-3
48	48	Scotlandville (Baton Rouge, La.)	35-2
49	NR	Bonner-Prendergast (Drexel Hill, Pa.)	22-5****
50	NR	Pinnacle (Phoenix, Ariz.)	28-3

Dropped Out: Previous No. 17 Abington (Abington, Pa.), No. 24 Pickerington Central (Pickerington, Ohio), No. 49 Millbrook (Raleigh, N.C.).

Bubble Teams: Abington (Abington, Pa.) 28-2; American Fork (American Fork, Utah) 24-3; Atrisco Heritage Academy (Albuquerque, N.M.) 23-7; Bearden (Knoxville, Tenn.) 32-5; Ben Davis (Indianapolis, Ind.) 20-7****; Bergen Catholic (Oradell, N.J.) 27-4; Bishop Montgomery (Torrance, Calif.) 24-7; Blue Valley Northwest (Overland Park, Kan.) 23-2; Bogan (Chicago, Ill.) 30-4; Briarcrest Christian (Eads, Tenn.) 28-2; Buford (Buford, Ga.) 29-2; Carmel Christian (Matthews, N.C.) 31-3; Cedar Falls (Cedar Falls, Iowa) 21-3; Centennial (Corona, Calif.) 27-6; Center Hill (Olive Branch, Miss.) 31-3; Central Plains (Claflin, Kan.) 28-0; Christ the King (Middle Village, N.Y.) 19-10****; Clark (Las Vegas, Nev.) 25-6; Cox Mill (Concord, N.C.) 28-3; East St. Louis (East St. Louis, Ill.) 29-6**; Evanston (Evanston, Ill.) 32-5; Fairfax (Los Angeles, Calif.) 27-2; Gilbert (Gilbert, Ariz.) 29-1; Grandview (Grandview, Mo.) 29-2; Greensboro Day (Greensboro, N.C.) 30-5; Hopkins (Minnetonka, Minn.) 25-4****; Jefferson (Brooklyn, N.Y.) 23-8; Keenan (Columbia, S.C.) 30-1; Kennedy Catholic (Hermitage, Pa.) 24-3****; Lawrence Central (Indianapolis, Ind.) 22-4; Lewis-Palmer (Monument, Col.) 28-0; Lincoln (Ypsilanti, Mich.) 23-4; Memorial (Tulsa, Okla.) 25-3; Memphis East (Memphis, Tenn.) 26-9; Millbrook (Raleigh, N.C.) 27-2; Minnehaha Academy (Minneapolis, Ky.) 23-2****; Morgan Park (Chicago, Ill.) 29-5; Norcross (Norcross, Ga.) 22-9; North Scott (Eldridge, Iowa) 23-2; Olive Branch (Olive Branch, Miss.) 26-8; Omaha South (Omaha, Neb.) 21-6; Patterson (Baltimore, Md.) 25-3; Pleasant Grove (Pleasant Grove, Utah) 24-3; Poly (Baltimore, Md.) 22-4**; River Rouge (River Rouge, Mich.) 23-3; Scott County (Georgetown, Ky.) 35-4; Sheldon (Sacramento, Calif.) 28-7**; St. Vincent-St. Mary’s (Akron, Ohio) 23-3****; Teays Valley Christian Prep (Scott Depot, W. Va.) 24-5; Trinity (Louisville, Ky.) 30-8; Trinity Catholic (St. Louis, Mo.) 25-4; Unity Christian (Hudsonville, Mich.) 26-2; University of Detroit Jesuit (Detroit, Mich.) 25-3; Wagner (San Antonio, Texas) 33-6; Warren Central (Indianapolis, Ind.) 23-3; Westchester (Los Angeles, Calif.) 24-5.

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 19 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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Talking Big-Time #HSBB: "In The Paint" Podcast 6th Episode!

Ronnie Flores — Thu, 10 Jan 2019 00:03:24 +0000

Subscribe to our new Podcast on iTunes here?| ?NCAA and NFHS Limit June Live Period Opportunities

In the sixth episode of our all-new In The Paint Show," hosts Ronnie Flores and Devin Ugland?discuss a variety of topics, including the on-going conversation of what defines "amateur" athletics and how players' rights compare to coaches' ability to quickly switch jobs. The guys touch on?football sensation Trevor Lawrence?of Clemson and if his stardom will change the discussion surrounding amateur athletics in light of the situation surrounding?Cliff Kingsbury, who went from a college head coaching position, to another college coordinator position, to NFL head coach in a matter of 44 days. Where does that leave the players and recruits who were considering playing in his offense at USC?

The guys discuss the UCLA coaching situation in the light of the Minnesota Timberwolves firing Tom Thibodeau?and how that affects the Bruins' pool of candidates. Flores and Ugland also discuss big-time high school basketball, how it has evolved over the years and affects the FAB 50 National Rankings. A majority of the top-ranked teams travel across the country as college programs do. For some, it's a one-shot deal because of a great player, but for powers such as Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas, Nev.), traveling the country is nothing new.

Bishop Gorman head coach Grant Rice?is this week's special guest and he discusses his program's experience with traveling to events around the country, what advantages and potential disadvantages it brings, and gives his take on the top two FAB 50 ranked teams in the country: La Lumiere (Ind.) and McEachern (Ga.). Rice also sheds light on the upcoming NCAA sanctioned June live period events for high school programs, which will be the main "In The Paint" topic in Episode No. 7.

To learn more about our hosts, Ronnie Flores and Devin Ugland, and to get more information about what "In The Paint" is all about, check out our intro below!

Subscribe to our new Podcast on iTunes here

The post Talking Big-Time #HSBB: "In The Paint" Podcast 6th Episode! appeared first on www.ebooksnet.com.

UPDATED FAB 50 Rankings As Holiday Hoops Begin!

Ronnie Flores — Mon, 17 Dec 2018 23:31:31 +0000

It's the calm before the storm as four new teams enter the FAB 50 National Team Rankings powered by www.ebooksnet.com as the major holiday tournaments are set to tip-off this week. The highest rated newcomer this week is No. 34 Hamilton Heights Christian Academy of Tennessee. There was some movement, but expect major changes based on the results of the holiday tournaments in our next update after we ring in 2019. Can Montverde Academy hold on to the top spot? Will No. 6 University School win the City of Palms Tournament for the second consecutive season?

By Ronnie Flores

This week we strived to get out the latest edition of the FAB 50 National Team Rankings powered by www.ebooksnet.com as quickly as possible. No, we didn't want to cheat the process of looking up scores from all over the country or break down the teams with deeper analysis than anyone; we just want to make sure the rankings stay relevant because tournaments with major rankings implications are tipping off all over the country as early as Monday night.

The big result over the past week was Roman Catholic (Philadelphia, Pa.) knocking off previous No. 6 Imhotep Charter (Philadelphia, Pa.), 92-69, in a battle of defending PIAA champions. Penn St.-bound Seth Lundy had a terrific game for the victorious Cahillites, as he scored 27 points on 7-of-12 shooting from the field while also contributing eight rebounds. Roman Catholic also got a terrific performance from 6-foot-9 Jalen Duren, who finished with 17 points in a physical battle. It's hard to imagine there is a better freshman front court player in the country than Duren.

As a result of that big win, the Cahillites move up 31 spots this week to No. 12, as Imhotep Charter falls seven spots right behind Roman. Imhotep Charter, which was led in defeat by Maryland-bound Donta Scott, still has a veteran team with one of the best resumes in the country over the past three years and can't fall any further. Roman's sole loss was a 70-61 setback to No. 4 DeMatha Catholic (Hyattsville, Md.) in a game that was close to the end. The Stags rebounded from their own loss to No. 3 IMG Academy (Brandenton, Fla.) by defeating then No. 17 Guyer (Denton, Texas) 60-53 at the ARS/Rescue Rooter National Hoopfest in Dallas on December 15. Guyer has played one of the toughest schedules in the country and falls to No. 21 this week.

The highest rated newcomer this week is Hamilton Heights Christian Academy (Chattanooga, Tenn.), which checks in at No. 34 after posting wins over the weekend at the Bartlett Invitational versus then No. 22 Memphis East (66-63) and No. 41 Bartlett (85-83). Both losing clubs remained in the rankings this week because of the nature of the opponent and the close scores.

How Will City of Palms And Other Tourneys Affect Rankings?

Unbeaten University School (Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.) is looking to defend its City of Palms Classic title, but it won't be easy by any means. The Sharks, currently ranked No. 6, are one of 11 FAB 50 ranked teams in the field. University School, led by Mr. Basketball USA candidate Vernon Carey, opens the tournament on December 18 with No. 22 Vashon (St. Louis, Mo.). The University-Vashon winner will likely take on No. 13 Imhotep Charter in the second round on Thursday, as the Panthers look to bounce back from the loss to Roman Catholic.

On the same side of the bracket lies in wait No. 2 Oak Hill Academy (Mouth of Wilson, Va.) and No. 39 Olive Branch (Olive Branch, Miss.), which are likely to meet in the second round. Oak Hill Academy is in the COP bracket for the first time since 1991, when it lost in the tournament semifinals and finished No. 2 in the final 1991-92 rankings. Last season, Oak Hill handed University School its only regular season loss. Will the Sharks return the favor or will a team like Imhotep Charter break up a pontential Oak Hill-University semifinal?

On the other side of the bracket, No. 28 Mountain Brook (Mountain Brook, Ala.) has already defeated No. 40 Wilson (Washington, D.C.) and the two-time defending AHSAA Class 7A state champs are likely to face No. 3 IMG Academy (Brandenton, Fla.) in a Thursday quarterfinal contest. No. 9 Paul VI (Fairfax, Va.) faces No. 33 Immaculate Conception (Montclair, N.J.) to open the COP bracket with the winner likely facing No. 10 McEachern (Powder Springs, Ga.) in the quarterfinals. IMG Academy is a big favorite to reach the semifinal, where Paul VI, Immaculate Conception or McEachern will be quite a test.

Does University have the depth to advance to the championship game? Or will the most talented and top-rated teams in the field, Oak Hill Academy and IMG Academy, meet?

In the Tarkanian Classic at Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas, bracket play begins Wednesday and the Gaels, ranked No. 26, are the defending champions and a favorite to reach the tourney semifinals. It could meet No. 47 Whitney Young (Chicago, Ill.) or talented Sheldon (Sacramento, Calif.) in the semis. On the other side of the bracket, a monster semifinal between No. 17 Rancho Christian (Temecula, Calif.) and No. 24 Federal Way (Federal Way, Wash.) would be a mixtape dream, as both teams are unbeaten, contain high-level players and have aspirations to climb in the rankings.

Rancho Christian has FAB 50 title aspirations, but must win Tarkanian to avoid a steep uphill climb in the rankings. In order to become a serious title contender, the Eagles will at some point have to get by No. 7 Sierra Canyon (Chatsworth, Calif.), which will participate in the Iolani Tournament in Hawaii beginning on December 19. Sierra Canyon could meet surging No. 30 Oak Ridge (Orlando, Fla.) or Westchester (Los Angeles, Calif.) in the semifinals. Westchester just missed the FAB 50 this week.

On the other side of the bracket, top-ranked Montverde Academy (Montverde, Fla.) will likely meet No. 5 La Lumiere (La Porte, Ind.) in the semifinals. It would shake up the rankings going into the next set of rankings in 2019 if La Lumiere, Sierra Canyon or Oak Ridge were to knock off the Eagles and win the Iolani.

Updated FAB 50 National Team Rankings
Powered by www.ebooksnet.com

(Third poll of 2018-19 regular season; Through games played on Sunday, December 16; Previous ranking in parentheses; *Indicates forfeit wins, forfeit losses not included; **Indicates forfeits and defaults not included; ***Indicates scrimmages and foundation games not included; ****Indicates season not complete)

No.	Prev.	High School (City)	Record
1	1	Montverde Academy (Montverde, Fla.)	4-0
2	2	Oak Hill Academy (Mouth of Wilson, Va.)	13-0
3	4	IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.)	9-0
4	3	DeMatha Catholic (Hyattsville, Md.)	6-1
5	5	La Lumiere (LaPorte, Ind.)	8-0
6	8	University School (Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.)	6-0***
7	7	Sierra Canyon (Chatsworth, Calif.)	9-0
8	9	Wasatch Academy (Mt. Pleasant, Utah)	12-0
9	10	Paul VI (Fairfax, Va.)	5-1
10	11	McEachern (Powder Springs, Ga.)	4-0
11	12	Sunrise Christian Academy (Bel Aire, Kan.)	7-1
12	43	Roman Catholic (Philadelphia, Pa.)	7-1
13	6	Imhotep Charter (Philadelphia, Pa.)	3-1
14	13	Warren Central (Indianapolis, Ind.)	4-0
15	14	Ranney School (Tinton Falls, N.J.)	2-0
16	15	Belleville West (Belleville, Ill.)	10-0
17	16	Rancho Christian (Temecula, Calif.)	7-0
18	18	Carmel Christian (Matthews, N.C.)	14-0
19	19	Roselle Catholic (Roselle, N.J.)	2-0
20	20	St. Frances Academy (Baltimore, Md.)	11-1
21	17	Guyer (Denton, Texas)	11-3
22	21	Vashon (St. Louis, Mo.)	6-0
23	23	Mansfield Timberview (Arlington, Texas)	15-0
24	24	Federal Way (Federal Way, Wash.)	6-0
25	25	Allen (Allen, Texas)	15-1
26	26	Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas, Nev.)	6-1
27	28	Scott County (Georgetown, Ky.)	7-0
28	30	Mountain Brook (Mountain Brook, Ala.)	11-1
29	31	Shadow Mountain (Phoenix, Ariz.)	7-1
30	36	Oak Ridge (Orlando, Fla.)	9-0
31	32	Long Island Lutheran (Glen Head, N.Y.)	3-0
32	35	Meadowcreek (Norcross, Ga.)	11-2
33	34	Immaculate Conception (Montclair, N.J.)	1-0
34	NR	Hamilton Heights Christian Academy (Chattanooga, Tenn.)	13-1
35	38	Rainier Beach (Seattle, Wash.)	5-0
36	22	Memphis East (Memphis, Tenn.)	6-2
37	39	Findlay Prep (Henderson, Nev.)	8-0
38	45	Nicolet (Glendale, Wis.)	7-1
39	37	Olive Branch (Olive Branch, Miss.)	8-3
40	27	Wilson (Washington, D.C.)	5-2
41	42	Gonzaga Prep (Spokane, Wash.)	4-1
42	46	South Shore (Brooklyn, N.Y.)	6-1
43	NR	St. Benedict's (Newark, N.J.)	8-0
44	41	Bartlett (Barlett, Tenn.)	11-1
45	NR	Curie (Chicago, Ill.)	10-0
46	NR	Kennedy Catholic (Hermitage, Pa.)	2-0
47	33	Whitney Young (Chicago, Ill.)	7-2
48	47	Mater Dei (Santa Ana, Calif.)	10-1
49	48	Scotlandville (Baton Rouge, La.)	13-0
50	50	Pickerington Central (Pickerington, Ohio)	4-0

Dropped Out: Previous No. 29 St. John Bosco (Bellflower, Calif.), No. 40 Mountain Pointe (Phoenix, Ariz.), No. 44 St. Edward (Lakewood, Ohio), No. 49 Wheeler (Marietta, Ga.).

Bubble Teams: Benton Harbor (Benton Harbor, Mich.) 4-0; Biloxi (Biloxi, Miss.) 10-0; Bishop Loughlin (Brooklyn, N.Y.) 5-0; Bishop Miege (Shawnee Mission, Kan.) 3-0; Bishop Montgomery (Torrance, Calif.) 7-2; Bishop O’Connell (Arlington, Va.) 5-1; Bloom (Chicago Heights, Ill.) 11-0; Bonner-Prendergast (Drexel Hill, Pa.) 3-0; Brooklyn Collegiate (Brooklyn, N.Y.) 6-1; Blue Valley Northwest (Overland Park, Kan.) 5-1; Buford (Buford, Ga.) 7-0; Cardinal Hayes (Bronx, N.Y.) 7-0; Carmel (Carmel, Ind.) 7-0; Cedar Falls (Cedar Falls, Iowa) 4-1; Central Plains (Claflin, Kan.) 6-0; Clark (Las Vegas, Nev.) 6-0; Cox Mill (Concord, N.C.) 6-0; Creighton Prep (Omaha, Neb.) 5-0; Dallas Jesuit (Dallas, Texas) 13-1; East St. Louis (East St. Louis, Ill.) 6-2; Edmond Santa Fe (Edmond, Okla.) 6-0; Evanston (Evanston, Ill.) 8-1; Fairfax (Los Angeles, Calif.) 10-0; Grandview (Aurora, Col.) 4-1; Grandview (Grandview, Mo.) 5-1; Greensboro Day (Greensboro, N.C.) 11-1; Hopkins (Minnetonka, Minn.) 6-1; Keenan (Columbia, S.C.) 10-0; Lancaster (Lancaster, Texas) 10-2; Lanier (Montgomery, Ala.) 10-1; Lewis-Palmer (Monument, Col.) 5-0; Maria Goretti (Hagerstown, Md.) 8-2; Martin Luther (Greendale, Wis.) 6-0; Memorial (Tulsa, Okla.) 7-2; Minnehaha Academy (Minneapolis, Ky.) 4-1; Norcross (Norcross, Ga.) 8-3; O’Dea (Seattle, Wash.) 4-0; Pinnacle (Phoenix, Ariz.) 9-2; Pleasant Grove (Pleasant Grove, Utah) 9-0; Salesian (Richmond, Calif.) 8-0; Sheldon (Sacramento, Calif.) 3-1; St. Edward (Lakewood, Ohio) 4-1; St. John Bosco (Bellflower, Calif.) 11-1; Teas Valley Christian Prep (Scott Depot, W. Va.) 11-0; Trinity (Louisville, Ky.) 6-0; Trinity Catholic (St. Louis, Mo.) 7-0; University Heights (Hopkinsville, Ky.) 7-0; Upson-Lee (Thomaston, Ga.) 9-0; Washington (Milwaukee, Wis.) 5-1; Westchester (Los Angeles, Calif.) 6-0; Wheeler (Marietta, Ga.) 9-3.

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 UPDATED FAB 50 Rankings As Holiday Hoops Begin! appeared first on www.ebooksnet.com.

Looking Ahead: What To Expect From TV Games

Ronnie Flores — Sat, 01 Dec 2018 01:24:07 +0000

On Thursday night, FAB 50 No. 14 Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas) topped Coronado (Henderson, Nev.) 88-75 in its season opener on ESPNU. There will be 10 more nationally televised games on ESPN's family of networks involving FAB 50 ranked teams. We give a quick breakdown of what to expect in each contest and take a look at some of the impact freshman around the country on highly-regarded teams.

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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NEW FAB 50: Big News and Big Changes!

Ronnie Flores — Tue, 27 Feb 2018 05:45:03 +0000

The eleventh edition of the FAB 50 National Team Rankings powered by www.ebooksnet.com for the 2017-18 season has major shakeup as a result of playoff games from across the country and some big news regarding one of the nation's top teams. The results cause five new teams to move into the rankings this week and we already have a highly-ranked team that has finished its season (Bishop Gorman of Las Vegas) and made a big move up because of big playoff results in other states.

By Ronnie Flores

In last week's FAB 50 National Team Rankings powered by www.ebooksnet.com , we mentioned how the playoff pressure has turned up as top-ranked teams begin to play tough teams in their respective sectional, district and/or regional playoffs. Well, the pressure was on for No. 15 Bishop Montgomery (Torrance, Calif.) in the CIF Southern Section Open Division semifinals facing a Sierra Canyon (Chatsworth, Calif.) team it beat earlier in the season. The Knights' pipes burst as the Trailblazers avenged the earlier loss with an incredible 77-74 double overtime victory to hand Bishop Montgomery its first loss while snapping its 41-game winning streak in the process.

Sierra Canyon tied the game at the buzzer at the end of regulation and the first overtime, as it took an incredible sequence of plays for Sierra Canyon to record the avenging win and move up 24 spots in the latest FAB 50 to No. 23. Junior Cassius Stanley (18 points) heaved an out-of-bounds pass 60-foot downcourt to Duane Washington Jr. (20 points), who caught the contested pass on the run, dribbled out to the 3-point line and made the shot at the buzzer. K.J. Martin (18 points and 21 rebounds) sent the game into the second overtime by making a buzzer-beating layup. For the first time this season, the Knights had some defensive breakdowns and offensive mishaps and Sierra Canyon was able to take advantage of them. That's what can happen when the pressure goes up in the post-season.

Bishop Montgomery fell 10 spots to No. 25, as Sierra Canyon had done enough to be ranked ahead of the Knights. Not only does Andre Chevalier's club own a split with the Knights, their other two losses, to Arizona Class 4A state champion Shadow Mountain (Phoenix) and Nevada Class 4A state champ Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas), were both overtime affairs that Sierra Canyon easily could have won.

Cal-Hi Sports made the decision to go with Salesian (Richmond, Calif.) as California's top-ranked team, so The Pride move up eight spots to No. 22, one spot ahead of Sierra Canyon and right behind the Bishop Gorman team Salesian lost to in the semifinals of the Tarkanian Classic that was broadcast on the Ballislife Weekly Showcase. Bishop Gorman's strong finish and Sierra Canyon's big win meant nice bumps up for one-loss Scott County (Georgetown, Ky.), which defeated Gorman at the Beach Ball Classic in South Carolina, and No. 19 Archbishop Moeller (Cincinnati, Ohio), which handed No. 20 Scott County its only loss at the same event. Two of Moeller's three losses are to higher ranked FAB 50 clubs (No. 18 Long Island Lutheran of New York and No. 13 Imhotep Charter of Philadelphia).

Bishop Gorman Closes Strong

The Gaels captured their seventh consecutive state title and are the highest-ranked team (so far) whose season is now complete. Gorman opened the season ranked No. 48 in the preseason FAB 50, but a relatively young nucleus jelled down the stretched, defeating rival Clark of Las Vegas (which opened the season at No. 35) four times, including in the Tarkanian Classic title game. The results involving Gorman and Sierra Canyon bodes well for Shadow Mountain, which moved up five spots to No. 11 and put itself in good position to be selected for GEICO Nationals in New York (March 29-31) for the second consecutive season.

The Matadors were trailing Salpointe Catholic of Tucson by 22 points in the third quarter, but an incredible stretch run by Arizona St. commit Jaelen House fueled the 83-79 comeback win. After trailing 54-32 with 5:33 remaining in the third, the Matadors outscored Salpointe Catholic, 32-11, in the final period, as House finished with 30 points and 14 steals. Shadow Mountain has only lost to No. 7 Findlay Prep (Henderson, Nev.) and the overtime win over Sierra Canyon looks alot better this week than it did last week.

GEICO Nationals Shake Up

A majority of the nation's top-ranked teams moved up a spot because previous No. 2 Sunrise Christian Academy (Bel Aire, Kan.) had to be removed as a result of carrying two players on its roster that re-enrolled in ninth grade when they moved to the United State from Canada. It's an unfortunate situation because coach Luke Barnwell's club was in position for a high seed at GEICO Nationals.

We obviously don't like to remove (or add) teams in the rankings after the season begins as a result of roster eligibility concerns and our goal is to not have to do that. We like to move teams based on the results on-court, as the Sunrise Christian situation doesn't change the record or alter the wins and losses of other FAB 50 ranked clubs. Highly-regarded independent clubs play teams with fifth-year players on occasion, although it is becoming less frequent as the stakes raise with regards to the meaning of credible national rankings and how they influence invites to New York. Many coaches now feel the risk is too great to suffer a loss and the reward not big enough to beat a program that carries players deemed to be post-graduates.

"I was honest when the situation come to light," Barnwell told Ballislife. "It's my fault and we will do things right."

Our FAB 50 policy is clearly laid out to coaches in the preseason and we know that there have been FAB 50 ranked clubs in the past that have carried players from Canada that fall in the same boat as the two current Sunrise Christian players. Unfortunately, teams have slipped through the cracks and been FAB 50 ranked in year's past, but we do our best due diligence to make sure it doesn't happen.

We are aware of another highly-regarded team this season whose roster has been brought into question and we've run into this issue on a few occasions since the advent of GEICO Nationals at the conclusion of the 2008-09 season. Many coaches have been honest and upfront about their roster situation, while others have let the powers to be do investigative work to figure it out. The latter is unfortunate because we want to spend our time watching and researching teams and pouring over the results, not doing investigative work regarding rosters.

We hope these type of situations continue to be cleaned up, and coaches do their preseason homework, so our goal of promoting a true national high school national tournament can come to fruition one day.

Updated FAB 50 National Team Rankings
Powered by www.ebooksnet.com

(Eleventh poll of 2017-18 regular season; Through games played on Sunday, February 25; Previous ranking in parentheses; *Indicates forfeit wins, forfeit losses not included; **Indicates forfeits and defaults not included; ***Indicates foundation games not included; ****Indicates season complete)

No.	Prev.	High School (City)	Record
1	1	Montverde Academy (Montverde, Fla.)	33-0
2	3	Oak Hill Academy (Mouth of Wilson, Va.)	39-1
3	4	University School (Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.)	29-1
4	5	McEachern (Powder Springs, Ga.)	26-2
5	6	Simeon (Chicago, Ill.)	25-3
6	7	Memphis East (Memphis, Tenn.)	25-3
7	8	Findlay Prep (Henderson, Nev.)	30-4
8	9	Guyer (Denton, Texas)	36-1
9	11	La Lumiere (LaPorte, Ind.)	23-3
10	10	Paul VI (Fairfax, Va.)	28-3
11	16	Shadow Mountain (Phoenix, Ariz.)	25-1
12	12	DeMatha Catholic (Hyattsville, Md.)	27-5
13	13	Imhotep Charter (Philadelphia, Pa.)	25-2
14	14	Roselle Catholic (Roselle, N.J.)	22-4
15	17	Riley (South Bend, Ind.)	22-0
16	18	Oak Ridge (Orlando, Fla.)	27-4
17	21	Upson-Lee (Thomaston, Ga.)	28-0
18	20	Long Island Lutheran (Glen Head, N.Y.)	22-2
19	27	Archbishop Moeller (Cincinnati, Ohio)	21-3
20	28	Scott County (Georgetown, Ky.)	31-1
21	29	Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas, Nev.)	29-4****
22	30	Salesian (Richmond, Calif.)	28-1
23	47	Sierra Canyon (Chatsworth, Calif.)	23-3
24	23	Hudson Catholic (Jersey City, N.J.)	20-4
25	15	Bishop Montgomery (Torrance, Calif.)	26-1
26	24	Cox Mill (Concord, N.C.)	26-3
27	25	Warren Central (Indinapolis, Ind.)	25-0
28	26	Clarkston (Clarkston, Mich.)	17-1
29	31	Plymouth-Whitemarsh (Plymouth Meeting, Pa.)	26-0
30	32	Garfield (Seattle, Wash.)	25-1
31	34	Waxahachie (Waxahachie, Texas)	29-4
32	36	Gonzaga Prep (Spokane, Wash.)	24-0
33	41	Cretin-Derham Hall (St. Paul, Minn.)	22-1
34	22	Gonzaga (Washington, D.C.)	26-5
35	42	Gill St. Bernard's (Gladstone, N.J.)	21-4
36	NR	John Carroll (Bel Air, Md.)	28-7
37	NR	Mater Dei (Santa Ana, Calif.)	22-6
38	38	Jefferson (Portland, Ore.)	22-3
39	39	IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.)	22-5
40	46	New Albany (New Albany, Ind.)	21-1
41	43	Wayne (Huber Heights, Ohio)	21-1
42	45	Hopkins (Minnetonka, Minn.)	24-1
43	35	St. Frances Academy (Baltimore, Md.)	32-5
44	NR	Carmel Christian (Matthews, N.C.)	24-4****
45	44	Westlake (Austin, Texas)	33-3
46	33	Etiwanda (Etiwanda, Calif.)	28-2
47	48	ThunderRidge (Highlands Ranch, Col.)	23-1
48	NR	Rayville (Rayville, La.)	31-0***
49	50	Meridian (Meridian, Miss.)	29-1
50	NR	Brentwood Academy (Nashville, Tenn.)	23-5

Dropped Out: Previous No. 2 Sunrise Christian Academy (Bel Aire, Kan.), No. 19 Wesleyan Christian Academy (High Point, N.C.), No. 37 Mt. St. Joseph (Baltimore, Md.), No. 40 Solon (Solon, Ohio), No. 49 North Mecklenburg (Huntersville, N.C.).

Bubble Teams: Belleville West (Belleville, Ill.) 25-2; Broken Arrow (Broken Arrow, Okla.) 22-2; Canton (Canton, Miss.) 27-3; Christ the King (Middle Village, N.Y.) 20-5; Curie (Chicago, Ill.) 23-4; Cypress Falls (Houston, Texas) 31-3; DeKaney (Houston, Texas) 33-3; Don Bosco Prep (Ramsey, N.J.) 24-2; East Catholic (Manchester, Conn.) 22-0; Greensboro Day (Greensboro, N.C.) 27-7****; Hazel Park (Hazel Park, Mich.) 16-1; Hazelwood Central (Florissant, Mo.) 24-2; Lake Taylor (Norfolk, Va.) 23-1; Las Cruces (Las Cruces, N.M.) 27-1; Lone Peak (Highland, Utah) 19-3; McPherson (McPherson, Kan.) 18-1; Memorial (Tulsa, Okla.) 22-2; Mills University Studies (Little Rock, Ark.) 26-2; Modesto Christian (Modesto, Calif.) 26-3; Morgan County (Madison, Ga.) 28-1; Mountain Brook (Mountain Brook, Ala.) 32-5; Mt. St. Joseph (Baltimore, Md.) 26-5; Newton (Covington, Ga.) 26-3; Norcross (Norcross, Ga.) 26-3; Northside-Jax (Jacksonville, N.C.) 27-0; Northwest Classen (Oklahoma City, Okla.) 25-1; Olive Branch (Olive Branch, Miss.) 23-4; Olympus (Salt Lake City, Utah) 23-0; Orr (Chicago, Ill.) 24-4; Oshkosh North (Oshkosh, Wis.) 21-1; Ranney School (Tinton Falls, N.J.) 24-4; Richland (Richland, Wash.) 23-1; Riverside Academy (Reserve, La.) 31-1***; Rock Canyon (Highlands Ranch, Col.) 22-2; Skyline (Ann Arbor, Mich.) 18-0; Spartanburg Day (Spartanburg, S.C.) 20-8****; Solon (Solon, Ohio) 21-1; South Central (Winterville, N.C.) 26-0; South Garland (Garland, Texas) 33-3; Southwind (Memphis, Tenn.) 28-1**; Trinity Episcopal (Richmond, Va.) 25-3; Vashon (St. Louis, Mo.) 18-5; Wasatch Academy (Mt. Pleasant, Utah) 23-2; Webster Groves (Webster Groves, Mo.) 16-9; Wesleyan Christian Academy (High Point, N.C.) 27-6****.

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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Chino Hills vs Bishop Gorman! BG Finally Gets Revenge at The League! Full Highlights

Arek Kissoyan — Sun, 22 Oct 2017 22:47:02 +0000

Chino Hills and Bishop Gorman faced off for the 5th time in the in the last two years and finally got their revenge on Chino Hills after 4 straight losses.

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Mater Dei Pushes Past Bishop Gorman In OT Thriller!

Matt S. Rodriguez — Tue, 20 Dec 2016 18:53:30 +0000

Las Vegas, NV - Bishop Gorman High School, the host of the Tarkanian Classic, took on in-state rival Mater Dei High School in the platinum division semi-final game. Great first half performances by Charles O'Bannon Jr and Christian Popoola Jr. saw Gorman hit on 8 3-point baskets and take a commanding 41-31 lead over our FAB 50 No. 18 Mater Dei.

Led by Spencer Freedman's 19 second half points, Mater Dei chipped away at the lead. The Monarchs took the lead with under a minute to play but, PG Christian Popoola's 2 free throws tied the game (had 16 points in second half). A last effort by Mater Dei failed and the teams went to OT. In OT Mater Dei, took over with great usage of the running clock to seal the win.

Charles O'Bannon Jr finished with 17 pts/ 11 rebounds/6 assists

Christian Popoola Jr finished with 16pts

Spencer Freedman finished with 29pts

Stats Per Las Vegas Sun

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Another Triple-Double for Zo Ball, Leads Chino Hills to Maxpreps Title! (Game HLs)

Ronnie Flores — Thu, 31 Dec 2015 10:57:19 +0000

Chino Hills (Calif.) makes a loud statement for the No. 1 spot in the first FAB 50 National Team Rankings of the New Year with a 96-80 victory over a game Redondo Union (Redondo Beach, Calif.) club to take the open division championship of the Maxpreps Holiday Classic. Its post-Christmas title follows up an even more impressive run to the City of Palms Tournament title before Christmas. Check out game highlights, comments and analysis.

Redondo Union head coach Reggie Morris Jr. is a state championship-winning coach and respected among his coaching peers and the media as one of California's best. But after seeing Chino Hills take apart a quality Jonesboro (Ga.) team in the semifinals, he walked out of the Rancho Mirage (Calif.) High School gym on Tuesday night not knowing exactly his plan of attack to slow down the RUN GMZ scoring machine.

Entering Wednesday night's game, he had a game plan to slow down the long touchdown passes of UCLA-bound Lonzo Ball and Redondo Union accomplished that goal. But after Chino Hills came away with a 96-80 victory over his team, Morris Jr. had an assessment of what the difference was in the outcome and what a team needs to do in order to beat the Huskies.

“The difference in the game was in the fourth quarter when we didn’t rebound the ball,” Morris Jr. said. “There was a couple of balls there we didn’t get to and we gave them too many chances. As far as what teams need to do in order to defeat Chino Hills? Pray. Playing in high school gyms, they shoot the ball so well.”

There were two other main differences in the game, one factor which is usually more prevalent in football games rather than a high school basketball game – Chino Hills won the end of the first half and the beginning of the second. The game was knotted up at 33-33 in the second quarter, then Chino Hills (13-0) outscored Redondo Union 9-3 to end the second period and took a 42-36 lead into intermission.

At the beginning of the third period, Ball recorded seven assists in a three-minute span, as the Huskies shot better from the field after poor shooting first half. RUN GMZ outscored Redondo Union, 26-17, in the final quarter, as the Sea Hawks shot well themselves, but just ran out of offensive answers for arguably the most potent offensive team in the country.

The second difference in the outcome was Ball himself, as the 6-foot-5 senior demonstrated how he impacts high level games from the lead guard position more than any player in recent high school lore. His vast arsenal was only full display on Wednesday night, as he finished with 33 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists, seven blocks and four steals. The entire grassroots basketball community has long known about the passing and rebounding ability, but what he’s doing better over the last six months is exploding by first defenders off the dribble and blocking shots. His shot blocking was key in Chino Hill’s COP title, and he’s now starting to intimidate defenders around the basket with his defensive ability.

Had his younger brothers LiAngelo Ball and LaMelo Ball shot a better percentage in the first half, there is no telling how many assists Zo would have ended up with. His younger brothers were 3-of-23 from the field in the first half. Redondo Union (10-3) shot an excellent percentage from the field -- and still lost by 16 points. That should give one good perspective on what it’s going to take to beat Chino Hills this season.

Gelo Ball finished with 19 points while Melo Ball finished with 16 points. Zo Ball was named tournament MVP by the media in attendance, while Gelo joined him on the first five all-tourney team.

Ryse Williams, a 6-foot-2 junior, Morgan Means, a 6-foot-1 senior, and Leland Green, a 6-foot-2 senior, were all named to the second five all-tourney team for Morris Jr.’s club. Green, like Means an unsigned senior who colleges may be somewhat missing the boat on, finished with 16 points, six rebounds and three assists. Williams added 13 points and Means finished with seven points.

Redondo Union, which suffered two of its three losses at the Tarkanian Classic in Las Vegas, gave a game effort and its resume will have to be broken down to see if its FAB 50-worthy. It avenged one of its three losses versus Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas, Nev.) in the California desert, but the Prestonwood Christian Academy (Plano, Texas) team the Sea Hawks lost in Sin City to went 2-2 at the Maxpreps Holiday Classic.

Bishop Gorman fell to Jonesboro (Ga.) 65-64 in the open division third place game, as the Gaels were unable to slow down all-tourney pick M.J. Walker. The Jonesboro standout junior wing finished with 39 points, making five 3-pointers in the process. One of the nation’s best football-basketball combo athletes a year ago, Walker sat out the 2015 football season and his stock as a basketball player is beginning to soar. He looked like a legitimate 2017 McDonald’s All-American candidate in this tournament and will be one of the most interesting players to evaluate on the grassroots circuit this spring and summer.

Despite Walker’s heroics, Gorman had a golden opportunity to win the game. With less than 10 seconds remaining in the game, Bishop Gorman put the ball in the hands of junior guard Christian Popoola Jr., who drive the baseline, got in the lane and threw a short pass to Gonzaga-bound center Zach Collins. There was a lot of bodies and traffic, but Collins was able to gather and score with .2 seconds remaining, but he was called for a charging foul and the Cardinals were able to run out the clock.

It was a tough call against Collins, who finished with 29 points.

As The Holiday Classic in San Diego (Calif.), Fairfax of Los Angeles won the national division title for the second consecutive season. In this year’s title game, the Lions jumped out all over Centennial (Corona, Calif.) and rolled to a 68-53 victory. LMU-bound guard Donald Gipson was named tourney MVP.

2015 Maxpreps Holiday Classic All-Tourney Team:

First five
Lonzo Ball, Chino Hills - MVP
James Walker, Jr., Jonesboro (Ga.)
LiAngelo Ball, Chino Hills
Chuck O'Bannon Jr, Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas)
Jordan Ratinho, De La Salle (Concord, Calif.)

Second five
Ryse Williams, Redondo Union (Redondo, Calif.)
Morgan Means, Redondo
Shacquille Dawkins, Alemany (Mission Hills, Calif.)
Leland Green, Redondo
Zach Collins, Gorman
Elizjah Scott, Chino Hills

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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LiAngelo Ball Can Score From ANYWHERE! Drops 41 Points At Maxpreps Holiday Classic

Ronnie Flores — Wed, 30 Dec 2015 09:23:05 +0000

Lonzo Ball is perhaps the nation's most exciting player and his youngest brother La'Melo is a showman -- flashy with his play and style. Like many middle brothers, Li'Angelo can often be overlooked, especially with his serious demeanor and workmanlike approach to the game. It doesn't take long for Chino Hills' opponents to find out what "Gelo" is capable of. The high-scoring forward put his stamp on Chino Hill's semifinal victory of the open division of the Maxpreps Holiday Classic.

With his recent performances during holiday tournaments, Lonzo Ball is showing the country his game is something seen perhaps once in a decade. His Chino Hills (Calif.) team is trying to stay on course for a mythical national title, but in order to do that it will take a total team effort.

While Li'Angelo Ball, a 6-foot-5 junior for the Huskies, is not quite as talented as his older brother and not quite as flamboyant as his 14-year old freshman brother La'Melo Ball, he's just as important to the team's fortunes with his scoring instincts around the basket and his relentless outside shooting.

His full arsenal was on display in Chino Hills' 124-83 victory over a talented Jonesboro (Ga.) that put the Huskies in Wednesday evening's 9:10 pm open division title game versus Redondo Union (Redondo Beach, Calif.). Even when Gelo Ball is not on target from deep range, he doesn’t lose confidence and will continue to fire, sometimes from as deep as 40 feet in a half court setting, until it starts to drop. Case in point against Jonesboro in Tuesday evening. He was 6-of-22 from the field in the first half, but Gelo kept firing away and helped Chino Hills put the game away in the third period despite the Huskies’ major foul trouble.

“Gelo” finished with 41 points, including 4-of-10 from 3-point range, and added five rebounds and three assists. His numbers don’t tell the complete story, as his physical play around the basket and innate ability to be in the correct position for one of Lonzo’s serpentine passes has demoralized teams this season. The 70 and 80-foot passes Zo completes to his brother, sometimes even from a post up position, leaves fans in amazement and media and scouts shaking their heads.

"Everyone wants to get out best player in foul trouble," Li'Angelo Ball said about his older brother Lonzo. "Being the middle brother, I just play my game while they do their thing. Leading this team in scoring, that's what I know I can do."

There was a standing-room only crowd at Rancho Mirage High School, as fans in the Coachella Valley and surrounding Inland Empire communities realize this Chino Hills outfit is something special. In fact, there was a turn away crowd in Monday's quarterfinals, as hundreds of rain-soaked fans were stopped at the door by the fire marshal.

Nobody has been able to stop "Run GMZ" (Gelo, Melo, Zo) and Jonesboro didn't necessarily try to stop them, the Cardinals tried to run with them. It worked for one half, but a 35-21 Chino Hills advantage in the third period was basically the difference. Making Chino Hill's third quarter onslaught even more impressive was Lonzo Ball's major foul trouble. The UCLA recruit and Mr. Basketball USA candidate picked up three quick offensive foul calls early in the game. Chino Hills coach Steve Baik chose to momentarily sit his star point guard and eventually returned him to the game, only to see Zo pick up his fourth offensive foul call with 2:15 remaining in the second quarter. The 6-foot-5 point guard picked up his third with 5:03 remaining before halftime.

Lonzo Ball finished with 23 points, 10 rebounds, seen assists and three steals. Junior forward Eli Scott added 18 points and five rebounds for Chino Hills (12-0).

M.J. Walker, who has been stellar through three games at the event, led Jonesboro (9-3) with 30 points. He's impressed McDonald's All-American voter Frank Burlison and other media scribes on press row with his scoring ability, deep range shooting and athleticism. Eric Lovett, a 5-foot-11 senior shooting guard, kept Jonesboro in the game early with his long-range shooting. He had four 3-pointers in the first period and five for the game, finishing with 23 points. The Cardinals trailed 28-26 at the end of the first period.

It’s going to take a herculean effort for Redondo Union to take down Chino Hills in Wednesday night’s championship game. The Sea Hawks extracted a bit of revenge against Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas, Nev.), defeating the Gaels 77-69 after losing to the same club by five points in the quarterfinals of the Tarkanian Classic in Las Vegas.

Redondo Union (10-2) was in control throughout and led by as much as 22 points before Bishop Gorman (9-3) made a fourth quarter rally behind the shooting of junior wing Charles O’Bannon Jr. The 6-foot-6 junior scored 18 points in the final period and helped the Gaels get within three points in the closing minutes. Gorman even had a chance to tie the game on a possession with one and a half minutes remaining, but Redondo’s Morgan Means came up with a clutch steal and was fouled on the other end.

Means, a 6-foot-1 unsigned senior, finished with a team-high 26 points, five assists, seven rebounds and three steals. Ryse Williams, a 6-foot-2 junior, added 23 points for coach Reggie Morris Jr.’s club.

O’Bannon finished with 37 points.

Gorman’s loss to Redondo means all four participants in the title games of the main divisions of the Maxpreps Holiday Classic and UA Holiday Classic in San Diego, Calif. are SoCal clubs.

Down at Torrey Pines High School on Wednesday night, Fairfax (Los Angeles) will square off with Centennial (Corona, Calif.) in the national division final.

Fairfax downed Army-Navy Academy (Carlsbad, Calif.) in its semifinal contest, 49-42, while Centennial avenged an earlier loss to FAB 50-ranked Foothills Christian (El Cajon, Calif.) with a resounding 67-52 win. Centennial advanced in this tournament without the services of UCLA-bound center Ike Anigbogu, who is not available because of a death in his family.

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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Watch De'Ron Davis Score Winning Bucket as Overland Captures Tarkanian Title!

Ronnie Flores — Sun, 20 Dec 2015 06:49:31 +0000

Overland (Aurora, Col.) makes a strong case for a FAB 50 National Ranking by capturing the 2015 Tarkanian Classic Platinum Division championship with a 58-56 victory over Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas, Nev.). Watch Indiana-bound De'Ron Davis score the winning basket with four seconds remaining.

Although Overland was down 25-16 to Bishop Gorman in the first half, coach Danny Fisher was confident his team was in the game. With a senior-laden group with talent and an improved backcourt, Fisher is confident his team can play with national-level opponents.

Overland trailed 30-26 at halftime despite star guard Jervae Robinson only netting four points. The Trailblazers played tough defense and it began to pay off in the second half. The game within the game was the battle between Gonzaga-bound Zach Collins of Bishop Gorman and Indiana-bound De'Ron Davis of Overland. The big men battled to a stand still, until Gorman decided to double team Davis down the stretch. Robinson and senior Reggie Gibson made the Gaels pay, as the duo hit outside shots to get Overland (7-0) within striking range.

With Bishop Gorman (7-2) leading 46-41 with approximately 10 minutes remaining, Robinson went to work. He nailed a straightaway 3-pointer then hit a 14-foot jumper to tie the game at 46-46 with 8:05 remaining. It was a dogfight the rest of the way, with Overland taking the lead on a Robinson free throw and Gorman rebounding from a 56-52 deficit with 1:17 remaining to tie the game. Gorman's Christian Popoola Jr. made two free throws with one minute remaining and Charles O'Bannon Jr. tied the game on an offensive rebound outback with 19 seconds remaining.

According to Davis, Overland's final play was designed to go inside to him. He got the ball on the block and converted a short turn around back shot with four seconds in what turned out to be the game-winner in a 58-56 game.

Gorman had one last chance, but Popoola's last-ditch pass to O'Bannon for a potential game-winning 3-pointer on the right wing in front of his won bench was too late, as the attempt came after the buzzer.

Robinson, who finished with 16 points and five steals, was named Platinum Division MVP after averaging 18.5 ppg in Overland's four victories. In addition to converting the game-winner, Davis finished with a team-high 20 points, grabbed nine rebounds and blocked two shots. Gibson finished with nine points, four assists and five steals. Just as it did in its semifinal win over Bingham (Utah), Overland got more loose balls and won the 50/50 battles in the closing minutes.

O'Bannnon, who had his silky jumper going early, finished with a game-high 23 points and showed in this tournament he's a bonafide 2017 McDonald's All-American candidate. He added four steals.

Collins finished with 15 points, nine rebounds and three blocks and Popola added 11 points for the Gaels.

Bingham improved to 7-2 on the season by winning the third place contest, 60-48, over Sagemont (Fla.). Westchester of Los Angeles won the consolation championship after losing in the first round to Bingham.

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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Tarkanian Classic: Bishop Gorman and Overland Reach Title Game!

Ronnie Flores — Sat, 19 Dec 2015 20:12:39 +0000

It will be a Bishop Gorman (NV) vs. Overland (CO) Platinum Division championship game at the 2015 Tarkanian Classic. The semifinal victories by Gorman and Overland means we will have a non-California champion in the top division for the first time in the event's four-year history.

Tarkanian Platinum Semifinal Results:

Overland (Aurora, Col.) 64, Bingham (South Jordan, Utah) 55
After a so-so performance at last year's Tarkanian Classic, Overland has used that experience to propel itself into Saturday's 6:20 pm championship final. Overland overcame a eight point deficit in the final eight minutes of the second half versus a game Bingham team that ran out of steam at the end. Overland improved to 6-0 behind the play of 6-foot-2 guard Jervae Robinson and Indiana-bound De'Ron Davis. Robinson netted 18 points and is averaging 19.3 ppg through three games. Davis, a 6-foot-9 senior, didn't score big in the first two Overland wins, but came up with 16 points, 12 rebounds, six blocks and four steals as the Trailblazers handed Bingham its second loss of the season. Davis scoring wasn't needed in the first two games, but his presence created opportunities for teammates and the team's perimeter players are much improved from last season.

In last year's event, Putnam City's Tyson Jolly elevated his status from a mid-major recruit to one with high-major offers because of his play at this event and the same thing will happen for Robinson. The senior guard hit two late 3-pointers to propel Overland's comeback. Coach Danny Fisher of Overland felt his team wasn't prepared for the national competition of this tournament last season, but that experience has paid dividends this time around.

Bingham's Yoeli Childs, a BYU recruit, led his team with 21 points. Despite being saddled with foul trouble, his absence for an extended period in the first half and the beginning of the second didn't slow down Bingham. Over the final eight minutes, however, Bingham seemed to tire on its field goal attempts and Overland was quicker to loose balls.

Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas, Nev.) 60, Sagemont (Weston, Fla.) 44
Similar to Overland, Bishop Gorman learned a valuable lesson from last year's event. The Gaels let Putnam City (Okla.) hang around and that team snatched victory from Gorman at the end. In this year's semifinals, Gorman jumped out on Sagemont and never took its foot off the pedal, cruising to the finals for the second time in the event's history. In the event's first year in 2012, Gorman lost to Mater Dei (Santa Ana, Calif.) in the title game and lost in the semifinals the past two seasons.

After junior wing Charles O'Bannon Jr. caught a one-handed lob dunk to make the score 13-5, the outcome of the game was never in doubt. O'Bannon finished with a team-high 15 points, and is averaging 18.3 ppg through three games in the tournament. Gonzaga-bound center Zach Collins had another well-rounded game with eight points, 15 rebounds and five blocks. "Glue guy" Byron Frohnen came up with 11 points, six rebounds and four assists as Gorman improved to 7-1.

Tarkanian Classic Platinum Division Final
Bishop Gorman (7-1) vs. Overland (6-0)
Saturday, 6:20 pm pt

There will be another big-time battle in the post in the championship game between Overland's Davis and Gorman's Collins. According to coach Fisher, Overland's culture is built around Davis; and if the team's perimeter players continue to thrive off him, the Trailblazers will be a tough out for Gorman. Gorman's perimeter players are going to have to find a way to slow down Robinson and if he has a good start offensively, Overland will gain confidence. Gorman did a good job of slowing down Sagemont's Tyler Polley inside, but Davis is even more physical and Robinson finds ways to score around the basket so something will have to give.

With O'Bannon Jr. leading the way, Gorman has a variety of ways in which it can score and seems to come by points easier, so it probably can overcome foul trouble from Collins a bit better than Overland could if Davis were to pick up three in the first half. The refs have tight whistles so far in this tournament, so how they call physical play will be a factor in the outcome of this game. If Gorman plays loose and confident like it did in the semifinal versus Sagemont, you have to like it chances to pull out the win, whereas Overland will likely need a big run or a critical juncture of the game to go its way to remain unbeaten.

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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Tarkanian Classic: Day One Raw Footage

Ronnie Flores — Thu, 17 Dec 2015 21:29:43 +0000

Day one at the 2015 Tarkanian Classic is in the books with eight teams advancing to the quarterfinals of the platinum bracket. We take a quick look at the round of 8 match ups and some of the highlights of the opening round games.

Platinum Upper Bracket 1st Round Scores
Overland (Aurora, Col.) 62, Poly (Long Beach) 43
Senior Jervae Robinson, a 6-foot-1 combo guard drawing D1 interest, scored 19 points in the win over injury-depleted Poly. The Jackrabbits also had trouble slowing down Indiana-bound power forward Deron Davis, who finished with 10 points.
Dillard (Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.) 46, Bishop O'Connell (Arlington, Va.) 43
Raiquan Gray, a 6-goot-8 junior wing, scored 15 points to lead Dillard in a low-scoring affair.
Bingham (South Jordan, Utah) 61, Westchester (Los Angeles) 56
The Comets of Westchester trailed by 20 points early in the second half, but their rally fell just short. Yoeli Childs, a 6-foot-8 forward bound for BYU, led Bingham with 20 points.
Centennial (Corona) 63, Desert Pines (Las Vegas, Nev.) 59
This was a tight game throughout, but Centennial took control down the stretch behind some great on-ball defense from junior guard Isom Butler. Offensively, UCLA-bound forward Ike Anigobu and Long Beach State-bound Jordan Griffin led Centennial with 15 points and 17 points, respectively. Cap Uzan, a 5-foot-11 junior guard, netted 31 points for Desert Pines in a losing effort.

Platinum Lower Bracket 1st Round Scores
Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas) 73, Timpview (Provo, Utah) 62
The host club, one of four FAB 50 bubble clubs participating in this bracket, easily got by Timpview with junior forward Charles O'Bannon Jr. (16 points) and Gonzaga-bound center Zach Collins (13 points) leading the way.

Redondo Union (Redondo Beach) 69, Sheldon (Sacramento) 61
In an evenly matched game between two talented, yet undersized clubs, Redondo remained unbeaten by executing down the stretch. Six-foot-1 senior guard Morgan Means led the way with 16 points for the Seahawks.
Sagemont (Weston, Fla.) 52, Maranatha (Pasadena) 35
The visitors from Florida put together a fine all-around effort in easily dispatching Maranatha.
Prestonwood Christian Academy (Plano, Texas) 78, Cathedral (Los Angeles) 62
It was a coming out party of sorts for Justin Webster, a 6-foot-2 freshman guard. The Prestonwood Academy first-year player netted 24 points.

Thursday 12/17 Platinum Quarterfinal Matchups:

Centennial vs. Bingham, 1:20 pm
Bingham was impressive in its opening round victory and a matchup between Yoeli Childs and Ike Anigobu will be worth the price of admission.

Sagemont vs. Prestonwood, 6:40 pm
Prestonwood has another freshman who can play in Tre' Williams, a 6-foot-3 guard. Sagemont's Nik Popovic will have to come up big versus 6-foot-11 Schnider Herard of Prestonwood. Regardless of who wins on this side of the bracket, the semifinal games will have some big-time banging down low.

Overland vs. Dillard, 12 pm
Dillard has some length, but does it have the muscle inside to deal with Deron Davis?
Redondo vs. Bishop Gorman, 5:20 pm
Both of these teams have FAB 50 ability, but does Redondo have the size the slow down the Gaels inside? If Zach Collins has a big game, Gorman will be in business.

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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Preseason 2015-16 FAB 50: (31-50)

Ronnie Flores — Mon, 02 Nov 2015 17:35:06 +0000

Today www.ebooksnet.com kick offs its 2015-16 high school basketball coverage with our first installment of the preseason 2015-16 FAB 50 national team rankings. We begin with teams No. 31-50 and our second installment will be teams No. 16-30 on Tuesday, November 3. The complete FAB 50 rankings powered by www.ebooksnet.com will be released by November 4.

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 16 years ago.

Preseason 2015-16 FAB 50
National Team Rankings

Compiled by Ronnie Flores

(Final 2014-15 ranking in parenthesis; *Forfeit wins-losses not included; Look for preseason Region-By-Region Top 20 Rankings on Tuesday, November 10 and for the preseason Mr. Basketball USA Tracker on Monday, November 23.)

31. (NR) Westlake (Atlanta, Ga.) 13-15
Key Players: PF Chuma Okeke 6-7 2017 (No. 69 Rivals.com), SG Daniel Lewis 6-4 2017 (No. 123 247Sports.com), C Michael Durr 6-10 2017 (No. 131 Rivals.com), PG Jamie Lewis 6-2 2018 (No. 38 247Sports.com), SF Raquan Wilkins 6-5 2016.
Why This Ranking: It’s rare when a team with a losing record the previous season lands in the preseason FAB 50, but the Lions’ talent level is just too hard to ignore. Coach Darron Rogers has that nice blend of returning talent and talented newcomers to make the Lions serious Class AAAAAA title contenders. Daniel Lewis, Wilkins, and Durr are the returning starters and the newcomers are just as talented. Okeke, a transfer from Fairburn Langston Hughes, has point forward ability and Durr gives Westlake two legitimate Top 100 big men. The Lions also add Ronald Bell (6-6, 2016) from North Atlanta and he brings big-time scoring ability. Jamie Lewis sat out last season with a knee injury and his presence at the point could make everything click for this young team.
The Skinny: We will rank Jonesboro higher than Rogers’ club (after all they did beat them 64-43 last season), but it won’t be 21 points better than Westlake this season. If Rogers gets all the pieces to mesh together, Westlake could develop into a legitimate Top 25 club. We are going to take a wait-and-see approach, as the Lions are definitely ranked a few spots below their overall talent level.

32. (NR) Althoff Catholic (Belleville, Ill.) 32-4
Key Players: SG Jordan Goodwin 6-2 2017 (No. 94 Rivals.com, Grassroots Hoops Underclass All-American), SF Tarkus Ferguson 6-4 2016 (Illinois-Chicago commit), SF Brendon Gooch 6-6 2016 (Southern Illinois-Carbondale commit), PG C.J. Coldon 6-0 2017.
Why This Ranking: There is a lot to like about the Crusaders – mainly the talent and motivation from losing to Westchester St. Joseph in the 2015 Class 3A state title game. It all starts with the tireless work ethic of Goodwin, who averaged 20.4 ppg, 8.4 rpg, 2.5 apg, 2.4 spg and was a first team all-state selection as a sophomore. He had 23 points and 12 rebounds in the title game loss to St. Joseph and vowed to come back stronger this season. Ferguson is a strong combo wing and knock down 3-point shooter who averaged 14 ppg, 4.3 rpg and 3.6 apg. Gooch averaged 13.6 ppg, 7.7 rpg and went for 20 points in the big state semifinal win over Morgan Park that served noticed this team was going to be a force to be reckoned with in 2015-16.
The Skinny: While No. 38 Simeon is the preseason No. 1 in Chicago, the Public School League clubs have to prove they can get by the top team downstate. Coach Greg Leib not only has talented D1 players, he has plenty of depth with the likes of Coldon, Keenen Young (6-0, 2016), a wide receiver on the Crusaders’ football team, Marvin Bateman (6-4, 2017), a long athlete who works hard on both ends, and Edwyn Brown (6-6, 2017), another talented football player. Althoff Catholic went 4-for-13 from the free throw line in the state title game, so that alone should keep Leib from having to worry about his team getting too complacent.

33. (NR) Norland (Miami, Fla.) 23-8
Key Players: PF Dewan Huell 6-9 2016 (No. 21 ESPN.com, Grassroots Hoops Underclass All-American), PG David Jean-Baptiste 6-0 2016 (Chattanooga commit), PG Tyrik Waite 6-0 2016.
Why This Ranking: The four-time defending FHSAA Class 6A state champs lost only one senior letter winner off last year’s team. The Vikings not only have experience, they are talented, too, and it begins with Huell. Florida’s top senior big man came alive in the playoffs and finished off his run with a 18-point, 8-rebond, 6-block performance in the title game win over Gainesville. This senior-oriented group includes a veteran backcourt and Jonathan Andre (6-5, 2016) has plenty of experience playing against talented foes as part of the Nike EYBL South Beach travel team.
The Skinny: Another reason to like Norland is the presence of coach Lawton Williams, the first coach in FHSAA history to win six state titles at one school. Williams usually has close-knit teams and he got last year’s unit to buy in after a slow start. This year’s group can’t start slow and has to do well in-state (Norland lost to a majority of Florida’s elite teams last season) in order to maintain its lofty ranking. We’ll get an idea of where the Vikings stand at the City of Palms Classic as they open versus No. 44 West Linn.

34. (NR) Southport (Indianapolis, Ind.) 23-3
Key Players: SG Paul Scruggs 6-4 2017 (No. 19 247Sports.com, Grassroots Hoops Underclass All-American), C Joey Brunk 6-10 2016 (No. 69 ESPN.com, Butler commit).
Why This Ranking: Southport has plenty of firepower returning from a sectional finalist -- including one of the nation’s best juniors in Scruggs (17.3 ppg, 7.3 rpg, 5.7 apg, 2.6 spg). Brunk (16.5 ppg, 9.0 rpg, 1.3 apg) is also a big-time high school player who gives Southport the legitimate size to compete with any team in the Midwest Region. Eli Walton (6-3, 2016) can play both forward spots and Luke Johnston (6-5, 2016) is another returnee who coach Kyle Simpson expects to take a big step up in production, as the Cardinals must replace the scoring ability of Malik Bennett. Southport was the state’s top-ranked Class 4A team for a majority of last season and has the potential to be better this winter.
The Skinny: The Cardinals are another FAB 50 ranked team highly motivated by what transpired last season. In fact, Southport has the last two seasons to motivate it, as Indianapolis Pike has been a major thorn in its side. Pike beat them in overtime in the 2014 Sectional final, beat them in four overtimes during the regular season last year and again by a single point in the 2015 sectional final. In order to win its first sectional championship in 16 years, Southport knows whom it must eventually get by, but from a national perspective Simpson must keep the team focused so there is no slip-up against lesser teams.

35. (NR) St. Benedict's (Newark, N.J.) 31-6
Key Players: C Bourama Sidebe 6-10 2017, PF Arnaldo Toro 6-9 2016, SG James Scott 6-3 2016.
Why This Ranking: The Gray Bees are an independent program and factor in the FAB 50 for yet another season. Coach Mark Taylor (120-19 at St. Benedict’s) has a strong international flavor on his roster and a plethora of future D1 recruits. Toro, from Puerto Rico, is one of the few players on the roster with big-game experience and should be one of the go-to scorers. Sidebe is a Mali native and has been the Gray Bees’ most impressive player in workouts and scrimmages, according to Taylor. Another aspect of his team Taylor loves is the size and versatility of his guards, including Scott and David Beatty (6-4, 2017).
The Skinny: After finishing No. 2 in the FAB 50 for the 2012-13 season, the Gray Bees have lost 14 games the last two seasons. Coach Taylor is confident this year’s club is a legitimate Dick’s Nationals contender because of its blend of unique talent and balance, but it will have to prove that before it makes major moves up in the rankings. St. Benedict’s plays a tough enough schedule to move up, including games at the Slam Dunk at the Beach, versus Findlay Prep at the Hoop Hall Classic, highly-regarded Huntington Prep and The Patrick School.

36. (NR) St. John’s (Washington, D.C.) 27-9
Key Players: PG Anthony Cowan Jr. 6-0 2016 (No. 46 Rivals.com, Grassroots Hoops Underclass All-American, Maryland commit), SG Jeffrey Dowtin Jr. 6-3 2016 (Rhode Island commit), SF Kylia Sykes 6-2 2016.
Why This Ranking: For the third time in four seasons, we will begin three Washington Catholic Athletic Conference (WCAC) teams in the FAB 50. Storied DeMatha Catholic is a legit FAB 50 title contender and No. 48 Gonzaga and the Cadets are serious WCAC contenders with Paul VI of Fairfax, Va. not too far behind in the pecking order. While DeMatha had the best WCAC regular season mark, it was St. John’s that won the D.C. State Athletic Association title over Gonzaga behind the play of Cowan (20.0 ppg) and Dowtin (13.5 ppg). Cowan, a three-year standout for coach Sean McAloon, is a tireless worker who stepped up his game big-time as a junior after being part of one of the nation’s deepest backcourt as a sophomore. Dowtin came up big with 25 points in the DCSAA title game and Sykes (9.8 ppg) has D1 ability as a shooting guard, even though he’s counted on to do other things for the Cadets.
The Skinny: With only Cowan returning, last season was supposed to be a rebuilding one for McAloon, but his new guards, including DeJaun Clayton (6-1, 2016) stepped up and by the end of the season St. John’s was a forced to be reckoned with. WCAC teams normally beat up on each other, so we envision a scenario where two of its teams are ranked, one falls out, and a fourth enters the fray during the second round of league play. The teams are that balanced and close with regards to talent. The key will be which WCAC teams stay healthy and peaks heading into the post-season. With their veteran backcourt and the experience gained last year, we like the Cadets' chances to peak at the correct time.

_{Rawle Alkins's arrival at Word of God Academy (Raleigh, N.C.) catapulted the Holy Rams into the FAB 50 conversation as one of the top independent programs in the country. Photo: Kelly Kline/adidas}

37. (NR) Word of God Academy (Raleigh, N.C.) 29-3
Key Players: SG Rawle Alkins 6-5 2016 (No. 9 Rivals.com, Grassroots Hoops Underclass All-American) PG Jalen Harris 6-2 2016 (Buffalo commit), SF Jaylen Fornes 6-3 2016 (No. 226 247Sports.com, UNC-Wilmington commit).
Why This Ranking: There was a FAB 50 spot reserved for Christ the King (Queens, N.Y.) with Alkins in the lineup. Word of God was regionally ranked last season, but with Alkins now in the lineup, that spot goes to the Holy Rams. The Mr. Basketball USA candidate transferred to Word of God because the high risk of the appeal to the CHSAA to play his senior season at CTK not going in his favor after beginning his high school eligibility as an eighth grader in Florida.

Alkins is a huge difference maker, as he led his old school to three CHSAA titles and was arguably the most productive and best player on the 2015 summer circuit. It’s not as if the Holy Rams will be a one-man show, as new coach Brian Clifton inherits two D1 bound players, two returning starters, and three lettermen.

The Skinny: Word of God plays an independent schedule and doesn’t compete for a state title after being removed from the NCISAA following the 2013-14 season. The Holy Rams are sanctioned to play NCISAA schools and have the firepower to compete with the nation’s elite independent programs. Clifton is going to implement an up tempo offensive style and if big men Brandon Huffman (6-10, 2016) and Dequan Lockamy (6-8, 2017) compliment the ball-handlers, this team could be a force to be reckoned with. Clifton obviously has to make the pieces mesh and get the newcomers and veterans to commit to working on the defensive end.

38. (38) Simeon (Chicago, Ill.) 28-4
Key Players: SG Zach Norvell 6-4 2016 (No. 38 Hoop Scoop), SF Ben Coupet 6-7 2016 (No. 213 247Sports.om), PF Terrell Phipps 6-8 2016, PG Kezo Brown 6-2 2018 (No. 5 Hoop Scoop, Grassroots Hoops Underclass All-American), PG Evan Gilyard 5-8 2017.

Why This Ranking: The Wolverines begin the season as the Windy City’s top-rated team because of their talent level and tradition. The top team from either the Chicago Public League or Catholic League is usually one of the best teams in the country, but it’s no secret the teams in Chicago are in a bit of a down cycle. There just isn’t a Jabari Parker, Jahlil Okafor or Cliff Alexander around, but coach Robert Smith is confident his club can move up the ladder behind the abilities of Norvell and Coupet and the addition of Phipps. Over the summer, Norvell proved he’s one of the nation’s best scorers while Coupet is an athletic wing and capable defender. Phipps could give Simeon another dimension and be the difference-maker with regards to the national noise Simeon makes.

The Skinny: Yes, the Wolverines do return some key cogs off a unit that defeated eventual Class 4A state champ Lincolnshire Stevenson, but Simeon was soundly outplayed versus Normal in the 4A super sectionals. Simeon and other top CPL teams will have to prove Illinois’ best teams don’t reside downstate this year. If Brown takes the next step up and some of the plethora of talented underclassmen we evaluated at the Pangos All-Midwest Frosh/Soph Camp contribute regularly, Simeon will be the main threat to No. 32 Althoff Catholic in the race for the Class 4A crown.

39. (39) Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas, Nev.) 27-6
Key Players: C Zach Collins 6-11 2016 (No. 32 Rivals.com, Gonzaga commit), SF Charles O’Bannon Jr. 6-5 2017 (No. 13 Hoop Scoop), SG Christian Popoola Jr. 6-4 2017 (No. 64 247Sports.com).

Why This Ranking: The Gaels did lose two McDonald’s All-Americans to graduation (UNLV’s Stephen Zimmerman and Duke’s Chase Jeter) so how do they rate right where they left off last season? It’s a matter of this team having the ability to jell quickly and the backcourt’s potential to be stronger than last season. Last year’s team had a bad loss early to Jesuit (Carmichael, Calif.) and after a blowout loss to No. 38 Simeon, never really recovered from a rankings perspective. Popoola Jr. returns from Lone Peak (Highland, Utah) after playing at Gorman as a freshman and brings explosiveness and versatility to the backcourt. O’Bannon started coming into his own during the second half of last season and is primed for a breakout year. Collins brings a toughness inside the Gaels will need against national foes.
The Skinny: Gorman is a heavy favorite to capture a record fifth consecutive NIAA large school state championship. At this point, however, the program is no longer judged by results against NIAA competition. In games at the Tarkanian Classic, Bass Pro TOC and Maxpreps Holiday Classic, players who haven’t logged many crunch time minutes such as Byron Frohnen (6-5, 2016), Travis Rice (6-2, 2016), Chase Nomaaea (6-6, 2017) and talented newcomer Jamal Bey (6-6, 2018) will need to step up as O’Bannon did last year. Coach Grant Rice loves his role players, but someone will have to lead against the out-of-state competition that ultimately decides Gorman’s placement in the rankings.

_{Junior Ethan Thompson of Bishop Montgomery (Torrance, Calif.) is a deadly shooter and can slide to the point guard position. Photo: Scott Kurtz}

40. (22) Bishop Montgomery (Torrance, Calif.) 31-2
Key Players: SG Ethan Thompson 6-4 2017 (No. 46 Rivals.com), SF Jordan Schakel 6-5 2017, SG David Singleton 6-4 2018.
Why This Ranking: The Knights played above expectations last season and won the coveted CIF Southern Section Open Division title before falling to Mater Dei of Santa Ana in the SoCal Open regional semifinals. In order for Bishop Montgomery to play above expectations once again, underclassmen will need to step up and somebody will need to emerge as the go-to player in crunch time. Thompson is a great place to start, as he’s grown physically in the last year and is one of the best scorers in his class nationally. Singleton is a throwback – tough as nails with the ability to interchange with Thompson as the primary ball-handler.

Schakel often doesn’t get the credit he deserves, but in more than one big game last season was coach Doug Mitchell’s best player with his combination of scoring, rebounding and play-making.
The Skinny: Stephen Thompson Jr. (a second team Grassroots Hoops All-American now at Oregon State) will be missed, but this team has the ability to replace his scoring. What Bishop Montgomery will miss just as much is the intangibles graduated forwards Blake Miles and Christian Oshita brought to the table. This team doesn’t have great size, but neither did last year’s and it rose into the Top 10 of the FAB 50 with versatile scoring, toughness and good teamwork. This year’s team has all those same ingredients and should be rolling by mid-season.

41. Starkville (Starkville, Miss.) 26-5
Key Players: PG Tyson Carter 6-4 2016 (No. 62 Rivals.com, Mississippi St. commit), C Jessie Little 6-8 2017.
Why This Ranking: The Yellowjackets return a whopping 10 lettermen and three starters off their MHSAA Class 6A title-winning club. We also considered defending Class 5A Jackson Callaway (which was more than just Malik Newman) and dark horse Columbus among Mississippi teams. Coach Greg Carter likes his team’s chance to repeat with his son Tyson Carter leading the way. The Columbus Dispatch Player of the Year averaged 17 ppg, 5 rpg and 3 apg for a balanced team which didn’t rely on one player to get the job done. Little came on as the season progressed and is primed for a big campaign, while Keith Harris (5-10, 2016) compliments Carter nicely and can run the team when the coach’s son is looked upon to score.
The Skinny: It’s hard not to like Starkville’s makeup and its chances to repeat. In order to move up in the FAB 50, however, it will need to keep the loss count low and defeat some out-of-state foes in the process (it lost to teams from Texas and Memphis last season). The Yellowjackets will need to get by Columbus in District 3 play as well. Columbus is in similar position to Starkville last season with regards to the expectation level, while Starkville is well aware it has the bulls-eye on its chest.

42. (NR) Stevens Point (Stevens Point, Wis.) 26-1
Key Players: SF Sam Hauser 6-6 2016 (No. 82 ESPN.com, Marquette commit), PG Trevor Anderson 6-1 PG (No. 247 247Sports.com, Wisconsin-Green Bay commit), PF Joey Hauser 6-6 2018 (No. 22 Scout.com).
Why This Ranking: Last season the Panthers ended the three-year reign of Germantown as WIAA Division I kingpins and their big guns are back. Hauser (17.7 ppg, 7.3 rpg, 3.3 apg) is a skilled combo forward who shot 52 percent from 3-point range during the regular season and was first-team all-state. Anderson is already Stevens Point’s all-time scoring leader and is coming off a junior campaign in which he averaged 23 ppg and 5.4 apg. That duo saved its best for last, as Hauser scored all 16 of the Panthers’ points in the first quarter in the title game versus Germantown and finished with 25 points, while Anderson scored a combined 45 points in the semifinal and title game.
The Skinny: Coach Scott Anderson has the luxury of two of Wisconsin’s best players in his lineup and with Joey Hauser making strides, this team has a chance to pull off what Germantown just missed last year – an undefeated championship season. Stevens Point’s lone loss last season was to Cretin-Derham Hall (St. Paul, Minn.), so any games with out-of-state foes this season will be a big factor in how quickly Stevens Point can climb in the rankings. Obviously it takes an element of luck to go unbeaten, so coach Anderson has to guard against complacency.

43. (NR) Centennial (Corona, Calif.) 25-6
Key Players: SF Jordan Griffin 6-3 2016 (Long Beach St. commit), PF Ike Anigbogu 6-8 2016 (No. 37 Rivals.com, UCLA commit), C Jalen Hill 6-10 2017 (No. 26 247Sports.com, UCLA commit).
Why This Ranking: The Huskies were highly-regarded in the preseason last year and had ambitions of winning a CIF state title, but it came crashing down in a loss to Chino Hills in the SoCal D1 regional final. This year the expectations are not quite as high and that could be an advantage for Centennial because the talent level is once again there. Griffin is one of the best jump shooters on the West Coast and will be the Huskies’ go-to player on the perimeter. Anigbogu is a big-time shot blocker and should have a great season because of a greater emphasis to get him the ball inside. He and Hill didn’t play much together last season, but coach Josh Giles has a lot of options to utilize the talented duo.
The Skinny: Centennial was streaky last season and always seemed to rely on guard Sedrick Barefield (SMU) to ignite a big run or take the big shot. The Huskies won’t have that luxury this season, but it could lead to more of an inside-outside attack and that could spell trouble for Centennial’s foes. Newcomer Isom Butler (6-0, 2017) is an excellent defender and Gio Nelson (6-2, 2017) brings athleticism to the backcourt. If that duo can keep defenders honest by knocking down perimeter shots, this excellent defensive unit will have a chance to slowly move up.

_{Payton Pritchard of West Linn (West Linn, Ore.) is a two-time Class 6A state player of the year and has plenty of veterans around him. Photo: Kelly Kline/Under Armour}

44. (NR) West Linn (West Linn, Ore.) 24-5
Key Players: PG Payton Pritchard 6-1 2016 (No. 23 Hoop Scoop, Grassroots Hoops Underclass All-American, Oregon commit), PF Will Matthiessen 6-7 2016, PG Braden Olsen 5-10 2017, Colin Shearmire 6-6 2016.
Why This Ranking: The Lions are heavy favorites to capture a fourth consecutive class Class 6A state title and for good reason. They not only have four returning starters, coach Eric Viuhkola has quality returnees. Pritchard is already a two-time 6A state player of the year and is coming off a junior campaign in which he averaged 22.1 ppg, 5.8 apg, 3.8 rpg, and 2.4 spg. Olsen is a crafty guard who can run the team if Pritchard’s scoring abilities need to be utilized against certain teams. West Linn doesn’t have great size, but Matthiessen and Shearmire are more than just space-eaters – they are skilled and their production can take this team to the next level.

The Skinny: West Linn put itself on the national map last season with a victory over No. 45 Wheeler at the Les Schwab Invitational in Portland and only lost to eventual FAB 50 champion Montverde Academy by 12 points in the tournament title game. That turned heads, but a week earlier the Cougars didn’t fare as well at the Tarkanian Classic, going 2-2 including a loss to No. 43 Centennial. So just how good is West Linn? It’s difficult to gauge based on last year’s results against national competition, but we know the Lions have a chance to be better than last year and know their veteran players have the ability to step up in big games.

45. (NR) Westfield (Chantilly, Va.) 27-2
Key Players: SF Tyler Scanlon (Boston University commit) 6-6 2016, PG Blake Francis 5-10 2016.
Why This Ranking: The Bulldogs finished last season as the No. 3 ranked team by the Washington Post behind top-ranked DeMatha Catholic and this season will begin as our No. 3 club from that region. There is a lot to like about Westfield, beginning with Scanlon (17.6 ppg). The talented wing earned third team All-Met honors and can hurt teams both inside and outside. Francis (16.8 ppg) was part of a team with a losing record as a sophomore, but his toughness, defense and big-shot ability helped propel Westfield to a 25-game winning steak last season. Cole Huling (5-10, 2016), who like Scanlon also plays football, Joe Katchmark (5-10, 2016) and Hank Johnson (6-3, 2016) are going to have to step up because Westfield won’t be sneaking up on anyone.
The Skinny: Similar to No. 34 Southport, this team has plenty of incentive heading into the season. Westfield had a four-point lead in the final minute of the Virginia Group 6A state title game and eventually fell, 47-46, on a put back shot in the final seconds. Coach Doug Ewell does have three graduated starters to replace and that dings his team a bit in these rankings. You have to like a team, however, that returns 35 points per game from its top two, is highly motivated and believes in the system. On the flip side, Westfield was looked at as a dark horse in 2014-15, but that certainly won’t be the case this season.

46. (12) Wheeler (Marietta, Ga.) 30-3
Key Players: PG Darius Perry 6-3 2017 (No. 58 ESPN.com), PF Romello White 6-9 2016 (No. 62 247Sports.com, Georgia Tech commit), SF Cameron Jordan 6-5 2016 (North Florida commit).
Why This Ranking: The Wildcats are coming off a historic season in which they won the Class AAAAAA title and earned a berth in Dick’s Nationals after the GHSA granted them a waiver. Coach Doug Lipscomb loses the services of first five all-american Jaylen Brown (CAL), but has a nice blend of returnees and newcomers and plays a tough enough national schedule to warrant a FAB 50 spot. Perry is a talented lead guard who gets things done on both ends of the floor. Jordan is a talented, yet underrated ring and a good candidate to have a breakout year. Wheeler probably lacked the size to be FAB 50 ranked until White transferred in from IMG Academy in Florida. He’s an athletic power forward who fits perfectly into Wheeler’s up tempo style. Another Florida transplant, Al-Wajid Aminu (6-6, 2016), gives the Wildcats even more firepower on the wing.
The Skinny: Even with one of the best players in the country on the team last season, Wheeler didn’t clinch the state title until Brown converted two free throws with less than one second remaining. The road to the Class AAAAAA title won’t be easy and if Lipscomb can’t find the right chemistry early, there will be other Georgia teams in the mix for its spot in the FAB 50. The veteran coach has a nice blend of quickness and size and loves the attitudes on this unit, so chemistry might not be a problem. Wheeler opens the City of Palms Tournament with talented Wesleyan Christian Academy of North Carolina and also tussles with highly-regarded La Lumiere of Indiana at the Cancer Research Classic.

47. (NR) Gonzaga (Washington, D.C.) 25-12
Key Players: PG Chris Lykes 5-7 2017, SG Prentus Hubb 6-3 2018 (No. 70 247Sports.com), SF Myles Dread 6-4 2018.
Why This Ranking: The defending Washington Catholic Athletic Conference (WCAC) champions return enough firepower to crack the FAB 50 as the third team from the nation’s most powerful conference/league. Gonzaga’s young players stepped up big-time in the post-season and are skilled enough and now experienced enough to challenge like likes of DeMatha, No. 36 St. John’s and No. 45 Westfield as the DMV’s top-ranked team. Lykes (13.9 ppg) was an all-WCAC pick as a sophomore and continues to makes strides as a dynamic scorer and team quarterback. He grew up a lot in the second half of last season and played a big part in the Eagles’ championship run. Gonzaga would not of had a turnaround season without the emergence of Hubb, one of the nation’s top sophomore recruits and a potential high major combo guard prospect. Dread is a top-notch defender and can score in a variety of ways around the basket and will continue to make Gonzaga a more dangerous team as he develops on the perimeter.
The Skinny: Gonzaga was a bubble team in last year’s preseason rankings after starting at No. 48 in 2013-14 when it was decimated by injuries and finished 12-17. Injuries last season actually might have been a silver lining as it allowed Hubb, who scored nine consecutive points late in the WCAC title game, and Eddie Scott (6-5, 2017) to develop. Coach Steve Turner loves his guard play and his teams usually excel when he has veteran backcourt players. How good Gonzaga will be ultimately depends on how well it can rebound the basketball.

48. (NR) Lima Senior (Lima, Ohio) 22-5
Key Players: SG Xavier Simpson 6-1 2016 (No. 42 Hoop Scoop, Grassroots Hoops Underclass All-American, Michigan commit), SG Jarius Ward 6-1 2017, SF Ruben Flowers III 6-4 2016 (Pittsburgh commit for football), PF Rico Stafford 6-6 2016, PF Marquevious Wilson 6-5 PF 2016.
Why This Ranking: The Spartans crack the FAB 50 as the No. 2 team from the Buckeye State. Garfield Heights was also considered as the third FAB 50 team from Ohio, but University of Detroit Jesuit would be the next team in from the Midwest region. There is a lot to like about coach Shawn Allen’s club, beginning with Simpson, the nephew of two-time Ohio Mr. Basketball Greg Simpson whose father Quincy Simpson is a Lima Senior coach. Xavier Simpson is a physical guard who averaged 24.0 ppg, 6 rpg and 6 apg as a junior and proved to be one of the top players at the prestigious Nike Peach Jam, where he averaged 19.2 ppg, 7 apg and 5 rpg. Ward should have a breakout season after battling injuries last season while Flowers, Stafford and Wilson bring intensity, physicality and a scoring punch inside.
The Skinny: With Simpson in the lineup and others with a load of experience, Lima Senior is one of the major contenders for the Ohio Division I state title along with Garfield Heights and Westerville South. Last season Lima Senior lost its first two games and the team could get off to a slow start again since Flowers and Stafford have duties for a football team currently 9-1. It wouldn’t surprise us if Lima Senior drops from the rankings, then re-appears when it hits its stride in January and February.

49. (6) Greensboro Day (Greensboro, N.C.) 33-3
Key Players: SF J.P. Moorman 6-5 2017, SF John Newman 6-5 2017, SG Will Dillard 6-1 2018 (No. 58 247Sports.com).
Why This Ranking: The Bengals earned a berth in Dick’s Nationals by defeating Harry Giles and Wesleyan Christian Academy for the North Carolina Independent Schools Athletic Association 3A state title and will field another solid team. Giles is now at FAB 50 title contender Oak Hill Academy, but WCA and High Point Christian Academy will battle it out with the Bengals for supremacy in the NCISAA’s Piedmont Conference. Dillard came up big in last season’s title run and Moorman and Newman bring talent and athleticism on the wings.
The Skinny: Greensboro Day plays great team defense and has big-game experience, a combination that warrants them a spot in the FAB 50. Greensboro Day doesn’t have overwhelming talent, but it has enough returning players and a system that veteran coach Fred Johnson implements that always makes the Bengals a tough out. The only team it didn’t beat on its schedule last season was FAB 50 champion Montverde Academy. If Moorman and Newman step up into leading roles and Walker Miller (6-8, 2016) and Adam Calhoun (6-8, 2018) give them enough production inside, the Bengals will have the firepower necessary to capture another state title.

50. (NR) Westtown School (West Chester, Pa.) 24-8
Key Players: PF Mohamed Bamba 6-10 2017 (No. 4 Hoop Scoop), SG Cameron Reddish 6-5 2018 (No. 3 Hoop Scoop, Grassroots Hoops Underclass All-American), PG Jair Bolden 6-4 2016.

Why This Ranking: The final spot in the FAB 50 came down to Westtown or Wing’s Academy of New York from the East Region, Norcross of Georgia or Memphis East from the Southeast Region and University of Detroit Jesuit from the Midwest. We decided to go with the Moose, a member of the Pennsylvania Independent Schools Athletic Association. Westtown School fell in the state final last season, but will be the favorites this time around. With the addition of Reddish, coach Seth Berger now has not one, but two, of the best players nationally in his respective class. The other player, if course, is Bamba, who displayed remarkable defensive ability and improved offense over the summer and is now considered one of the best players in the nation regardless of class.
The Skinny: We decided to take a bit of a gamble on a team that has plenty of offensive talent and the best player among the final teams considered, but lost eight games last year and is still young. Bolden is a D1 guard who gives Westtown School a veteran presence and should help the Moose in close games. He’ll need to have big games and provide leadership when the team plays at the City of Palms Classic, versus Advanced Prep International of Texas at the Cancer Research Classic and against Potter’s House Christian of Florida at the Hoop Hall Classic.

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 Vs Findlay Prep CRAZY Ending... Final 13 Seconds

Staff — Sun, 25 Jan 2015 02:08:56 +0000

Here's the interesting ending to the Bishop Gorman, Findlay game. Tell us what you think!

Below is Tyler Dorsey Dropping 49 points with just 23 shots!

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Ivan Rabb & Paris Austin BETTER Than Perfect As They SHOCK Bishop Gorman!!!

Staff — Sun, 30 Nov 2014 23:45:56 +0000

In basketball’s extensive glossary of useless cliches, the “perfect game” maybe the most meaningless of all. It’s a subjective term that is impossible to define. Yet Paris Austin and Ivan Rabb would have to pull off that perfect game in order for their O’Dowd Dragons to stop Bishop Gorman, a program brimming with D1 talent. The superb senior duo provided a tremendous performance, perfect to some for sure, as they collectively responded to pivotal moments with one spectacular response after another.

In the game’s opening moments it appeared that Rabb and Bishop Gorman’s talented 7 footer Stephen Zimmerman were going to give the packed crowd at Newark Memorial a head-to-head battle to remember. They traded buckets while displaying levels of agility no one of their size should attempt, much less be able to complete with regularity. However, as the first half rolled on, it became obvious Rabb’s game would be at a far different level than anyone else. Whether it was his hometown fans bringing him to another level or Zimmerman’s teammates decision not to feed their top-ranked big man, by the half’s conclusion it became abundantly clear the evening would feature only one star on stage in the paint. Rabb finished the first half with 19 points, 8 rebounds and his team locked at 30-30 with one of the nation’s top-ranked teams.

When Rabb wasn’t locked in a battle of finesse with Zimmerman, he was in a far more physical battle with Duke commit Chase Jeter. O’Dowd’s big star showed off his full range throughout the Prep2Prep Norcal Tipoff’s final game of the evening, spinning by Zimmerman for a fadeaway floater on one possession and drop-stepping into vicious reverse dunks on Jeter the next. With each display of interior superiority, the East Bay crowd got a little bit louder and began to taste the possible upset.

While Rabb was steady all night long on his way to a game high 28 points and 20 rebounds, his partner in crime Austin picked his spots with stellar decision making. Throughout the night Austin displayed an uncanny ability to almost sense the crowd’s energy. Each time they would begin to quiet and relax into their chair, he would to fly into the lane and make another phenomenal pass or scooping layup and the entire gymnasium would be back on its feet.

It was with that impeccable timing that Austin lead the Dragons on their second half run that blew the game wide open. Behind multiple steals from himself and Astion Walker, the team went on an 8-0 run that took a tie game and eventually made it a double-digit O’Dowd lead. Bishop Gorman never recovered from the onslaught as the home team’s perfect answer of Rabb and Austin cruised through most of the 4th quarter to a 63-55 victory.

--
Tim Coyne

For a more in depth look at the game, RAW FOOTAGE HIGHLIGHTS

Mixtape

Edited By - George Nguyen

Filmed By - George Nguyen & Devin Williams AKA 10,000 Hours

Music By - @DKSTbeats

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7' Stephen Zimmerman Has Versatile Game! Top 5 Sophomore In The Nation Is Skilled All Around!

Arek Kissoyan — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 23:01:22 +0000

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Check out arguably the TOP player in the class of 2015, 7 foot Stephen Zimmerman. The Bishop Gorman sophomore is a skilled and versatile big who can do it all. Look out for more of Stephen in the years to come!

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Shabazz Muhammad The #1 Player In the Nation Senior Season Mixtape! UCLA Bound

Arek Kissoyan — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 05:49:53 +0000

Check out the official Ballislife senior season mixtape of the #1 player in the nation, Shabazz Muhammad of Bishop Gorman High School. Shabazz will be playing at UCLA next season. Shabazz won nearly every single player of the year award and was named MVP of the McDonald's, Jordan Brand & Hoop Summit games. He also lead his Bishop Gorman High School team to the Nevada state championship title.

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Shabazz Muhammad, Rosco Allen & Co Lead Bishop Gorman To NIAA Championship!

Arek Kissoyan — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 19:48:11 +0000

Check out one of the TOP teams in the nation, Bishop Gorman on their way to winning the Nevada state championship. Bishop Gorman features some of the TOP players in the nation including #1 recruit Shabazz Muhammad, Rosco Allen (Standford), Ben Carter, (Oregon), and Demetris Morant (UNLV). Allen, Carter and Morant will be playing in the 2012 Ballislife All American game at Hope International University on April 6-7.

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Demetris Morant Dunks On 3 Defenders In 2 Games!! Super Athletic Forward UNLV Bound

Arek Kissoyan — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 21:46:33 +0000

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Check out UNLV bound Demetris Morant of Bishop Gorman High School with 3 poster dunks in 2 games. Shout out to Jeremy Rincon!

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The League 2011 Mixtape: TOP Players On West Coast Go Head To Head!! Shabazz, Gabe, Grant Jerrett & Many More!

Arek Kissoyan — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 19:12:53 +0000

Check out the official re-cap mix of the 2011 "The League" presented by Compton Magic. Featuring some of the top teams and players on the West Coast like: Shabazz Muhammad, Grant Jerrett, Gabe York, Ben Carter, Roscoe Allen, Payton Banks, Victor Robbins, Dimitrius Morant, Stephen Zimmerman, Jaron Hopkins, Torren Jones and many more!

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Shabazz Muhammad Kicks Off His Senior Year Dominating The League By Compton Magic!

Arek Kissoyan — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 17:23:45 +0000

Check out the best player in the nation, Shabazz Muhammad putting in work at The League presented by Compton Magic.

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Bishop Gorman Vs Findlay Prep CRAZY Ending... Final 13 Seconds

Ivan Rabb & Paris Austin BETTER Than Perfect As They SHOCK Bishop Gorman!!!

7' Stephen Zimmerman Has Versatile Game! Top 5 Sophomore In The Nation Is Skilled All Around!

Shabazz Muhammad The #1 Player In the Nation Senior Season Mixtape! UCLA Bound

Shabazz Muhammad, Rosco Allen & Co Lead Bishop Gorman To NIAA Championship!

Demetris Morant Dunks On 3 Defenders In 2 Games!! Super Athletic Forward UNLV Bound

The League 2011 Mixtape: TOP Players On West Coast Go Head To Head!! Shabazz, Gabe, Grant Jerrett & Many More!

Shabazz Muhammad Kicks Off His Senior Year Dominating The League By Compton Magic!

Updated FAB 50 National Team Rankings
Powered by www.ebooksnet.com

Updated FAB 50 National Team Rankings
Powered by www.ebooksnet.com

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