Related: 2021-22 Underclass All-American Elite Team | 2021-22 Mr. Basketball USA: Dariq Whitehead?| 2021-22 Class Players of the Year

The 2021-22 All-American Elite Team, now published for the 28th consecutive season and on the www.ebooksnet.com platform for the eighth time, includes twenty-seven of the nation’s best seniors, led by Mr. Basketball USA Dariq Whitehead of FAB 50 No. 2 Montverde Academy (Montverde, Fla.).

Eighteen seniors and two juniors, including class player of the year DJ Wagner of FAB 50 No. 12 Camden (N.J.) and Ron Holland, the top honors candidate off the No. 1 ranked team in the FAB 50, Duncanville (Texas), headline the 20-player overall first team. The lone repeater off last year’s team is senior Amari Bailey, a third five selection as a junior. Bailey battled injuries put played well enough down the stretch to earn fourth five honors for FAB 50 No. 32 Sierra Canyon (Chatsworth, Calif.). ??Jalen Duren, last season’s national junior of the year and a first five selection, re-classified up to the 2021 class and enrolled at Memphis. This comes on the heels of Patrick Baldwin Jr., the national junior of the year in 2019-20, sitting out the majority of his senior year with injury. In addition to Duren, Emoni Bates also re-classed up and played at Memphis in 2021-22. Bates was the first sophomore since LeBron James in 2000-01 to earn five five All-American honors. In 2020-21, Bates joined Bailey as a third five honoree.

With Scoot Henderson of Kell (Marietta, Ga.), a fourth five selection last season, graduated early from high school to sign with the NBA G League Ignite and with Duren and Bates moving on, this year’s All-American Elite team was sure to have some few faces rewarded for their season-long production. The early departures does change the high school game and alter NBA Draft boards for 2022 and 2023, but there are always hungry and talented players ready to step up and take the place of those that likely would have been returning All-Americans. ??This year’s All-American Elite team is dominated by players from the eight-team National Interscholastic Basketball Conference?(NIBC), which enjoyed its first full conference slate in 2021-22. In addition to Whitehead, six other talented NIBC players made the 20-man first team.

A 30-player second team includes 29 additional seniors. All underclassmen are eligible for All-American Elite team selection and this year’s second team includes Simeon Wilcher of Roselle Catholic (Roselle, N.J.), the lone junior. No sophomore was selected for first or second team and in 28 seasons of publishing annual All-American teams (and on the retroactive teams dating back to the 1954-55 season), no freshman has ever made the first team.

Our national coach of the year is Joe Auer of Wichita Heights (Wichita, Kan.). He guided the Falcons to their sixth KSHAA state title since 2008-09. The Falcons finished 23-2 and ranked No. 19 in the final Southwest Region Top 20 Rankings.

National Grassroots Editor Ronnie Flores selects this performance-based All-American team with input from Mr. Basketball USA panelists. It is chosen after the conclusion of the season, which makes the All-American Elite team more reflective of players who made state championship runs.

This honors squad has been chosen in its current format since the 1994-95 season and is powered by www.ebooksnet.com for the eighth consecutive season. This team is chosen regardless of class and is not exclusive or preferential for seniors named to the Ballislife All-American Game. To view archived All-American teams published under this format, please visit GrassrootsHoops.net.

2021-22 All-American First Team

First Five

G — Cason Wallace, Richardson (Texas) 6-3 Sr.
Although the Eagles were stunned in the UIL Class 6A regional quarterfinals when they were No. 7 in the FAB 50, Wallace was able to lead Richardson to a win over No. 1 Duncanville and to a 32-2 mark. Wallace went for 23 points vs. Duncanville and was named Whataburger Tournament MVP. The two-time District 7-6A Co-MVP averaged 19.9 ppg, 7.4 rpg and 6.1 apg after recording junior season averages of 19.4 ppg, 8.4 rpg and 4.3 apg when Richardson reached the UIL Class 6A semifinals. The Dallas Morning News Player of the Year, Wallace is a two-time all-state honoree and was noted as the team’s best scorer, rebounder and defender by coach Kevin Lawson. He had 7 points and 6 assists in the McDonald’s All-American Game and 15 points in the Jordan Brand Classic.

G — Keyonte George, IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.) 6-3 Sr.
Arguably the best scoring guard in the country, George had a terrific senior season in leading IMG Academy to a GEICO Nationals semifinal spot and 21-5 record against tough competition. With point guard Jaden Bradley out, George averaged 21.5 ppg and 5.5 rpg in IMG’s two games at GEICO Nationals. For the season, the Baylor recruit averaged 17 ppg, 4.7 rpg and 3.1 apg, including a 40-point outing in a double-overtime loss to fellow NIBC club La Lumiere (Ind.). He was named to the McDonald’s and Jordan Brand games and also appeared in the Nike Hoop Summit. George was also the third leading vote-getter in the final Mr. Basketball USA Tracker (64 points) and joined Dariq Whitehead as the only two players to appear on all 10 ballots.

G — Dariq Whitehead, Montverde Academy (Montverde, Fla.) 6-5 Sr.
This Newark, New Jersey native spent five seasons at the famous Florida program and developed into the nation’s top player as a senior when he led the Eagles to a 22-4 mark and No. 2 final FAB 50 ranking. He contributed heavily to four teams that finished 93-8 against the finest competition in the nation. As a sophomore, he came off the bench and averaged 8.3 ppg and 2.7 rpg for one of the best teams in high school history. As a junior, he helped MVA win its second consecutive FAB 50 title by netting 10.4 ppg on another balanced team. This season Whitehead stepped up his game after 2021 junior player of the year Jalen Duren (Memphis) re-classed up. Whitehead hit the big jumpshot in the GEICO Nationals title game win over Link Academy and averaged 15.7 ppg, 5.7 apg, and 3.0 rpg in three games at the event. For the season, the 2022 Mr. Basketball USA averaged 17.1 ppg, 5.1 rpg and 3.8 apg. He was named MVP at the McDonald’s All-American Game (13 pts, 7 rbs, 7 asts) and also shined for Team USA at the Nike Hoop Summit with a team high 17 points, including 5-of-7 3-pointers.

F — Gradey Dick, Sunrise Christian Academy (Bel Aire, Kan.) 6-6 Sr.
This Kansas-bound wing had a terrific senior campaign for a team that spent plenty of the regular season at No. 1 in the FAB 50. Although the Buffaloes were upset in the first round of GEICO Nationals and Dick didn’t finish his season as he would have liked, it doesn’t take away from his overall production and the step up in his game after a junior season in which he averaged 10.3 ppg and 3.9 rpg. In the first full season for the National Interscholastic Basketball Conference (NIBC), which is comprised of many of the top independent academies in the country, Dick was its Player of the Year after averaging 18 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 2 apg and 2 spg. The Gatorade National POY was selected for the Nike Hoop Summit and McDonald’s Game.

C — Dereck Lively II, Westtown School (West Chester, Pa.) 7-1 Sr.
No player in the 2022 national class kept improving as Lively did over the course of his career. He produced enough to finish as the No. 2 vote-getter in the final Mr. Basketball USA Tracker after not receiving any votes as a junior. He started high school backing up Jalen Duren (Memphis) on Team Final’s 15U team, but developed enough to led the 2021 EYBL in blocked shots (3.7 bpg) and added 8.4 ppg and 6.7 rpg in 15 outings. Lively then led Peach Jam in blocked shots, as Team Final captured the prestigious event title for the first time in program history. Lively followed up that terrific summer run with an outstanding senior campaign. He averaged 14 ppg, 15 rpg, and 4.5 bpg for a 31-7 team that won the Pennsylvania Independent Schools Athletic Association (PISAA) state title.

Second Five

G — Nick Smith Jr., North Little Rock (Ark.) 6-4 Sr.
Teaming up with fellow McDonald’s All-American and second team selection Kel’el Ware (Oregon), this dynamic guard had a monster senior season for a 27-3 team that played a national schedule and finished No. 17 in the FAB 50. Smith averaged 26.5 ppg, 8 rpg, and 7.3 apg after pumping in 25 ppg during his junior season at Sylvan Hills (Sherwood, Ark.). A two-time State Player of the Year by the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Smith finished his season strong at the national all-star games. He was named MVP at the Jordan Brand Classic (27 points, 5-7 3-point FG) and had 10 points and three assists for Team USA at the Nike Hoop summit. At least one national recruiting service feels he’s the No. 1 prospect in the class and he’s the state’s highest rated recruit since 1992 first five selection Corliss Williamson (Russellville, Ark.). That season, Williamson finished ranked No. 2 by both All-Star Sports (behind Othella Harrington) and the Hoop Scoop (behind Mr. Basketball USA Jason Kidd). Similar to Williamson, Smith will play his college ball at Arkansas.

G — DJ Wagner, Camden (Camden, N.J.) 6-3 Jr.
This year’s national junior of the year has been much publicized since entering a school where his father (Dajuan Wagner) and grandfather (Milt Wagner) had All-American careers. D.J. has been named all-state twice and also earned national freshman of the year honors in 2019-20 and the national sophomore of the year in 2020-21, the latter when he averaged 22 ppg and led his team to a 13-0 mark. This season Wagner finally got a full campaign against a national schedule after COVID-19 protocols slowed Jersey teams in his first two years, and he was equally spectacular. Wagner led The High to a 31-3 mark and its first appearance in the NJ TOC title game since 1999-2000. Along the way, he averaged 19.8 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 3.5 spg, and 3.3 apg and was named NJ.com Player of the Year. A two-time Gatorade State POY with his senior season left to go, Wagner has led Camden to a 73-4 mark in his three varsity seasons.

G — Chris Livingston, Oak Hill Academy (Mouth of Wilson, Va) 6-6 Sr.
This talented wing has been one of the best players in his class since he averaged 23.7 ppg as a freshman at Butchel (Akron, Ohio). He would be in similar position, honors-wise, if he stayed in Ohio, but Livingston wanted to challenge himself against better players more similar in size to the defenders he’ll see in college. This competitive big guard was the Warriors’ top offensive threat and also played hard on the defensive end. For the season, Livingston averaged 18.1 ppg, 9.11 rbg and 3.2 apg in leading Oak Hill to a 33-8 mark and No. 8 FAB 50 ranking in Steve Smith’s final season as coach. Smith’s 34th and final McDonald’s All-American, Livingston had 13 points and five assists in the East’s victory over the West and also had a 21-point, 3-steal outing at the Jordan Brand Classic.

F — Ron Holland, Duncanville (Duncanville, Texas) 6-8 Jr.
Was edged by D.J. Wagner for national junior player of the year, but he would have been a fine selection nonetheless as one of the two big guns on the No. 1 team in the FAB 50. Despite playing on a talented and balanced team that had four players average over 9 ppg, Holland’s individual talent shined on both ends of the floor. As a freshman, Holland came off the bench (4.5 ppg, 3.5 rpg) for a club that was denied a chance at the UIL Class 6A state title because of COVID-19 and last year averaged 13.8 ppg and 10.1 rpg for a 29-1 club that finished No. 10 in the FAB 50. One of the better rebounders in the country, Holland developed into the leading scorer for the Panthers playing alongside McDonald’s All-American and second team All-American selection Anthony Black. Black was named District 11-6A Offensive Player of the Year, but it was Holland who was its overall POY after averaging 15 ppg while shooting 60 percent from the field while adding 8 rpg and 2 spg.

C — Braden Huff, Glenbard West (Glen Ellyn, Ill.) 6-11 Sr.
?One of the best and most versatile pivots in the country, Huff beat opponents with an array of offensive moves, defensive smarts and team play. After averaging 17.5 ppg, 6.5 rpg and 2.8 apg for a 13-1 team whose 2020-21 season was cut short by COVID-19, big things were expected of Huff and the Hilltoppers in 2021-22. They more than delivered, finishing No. 13 in the FAB 50 with a 37-1 record after starting out at No. 29. Huff was the catalyst, as he averaged 16.8 ppg, 6 rpg, 3 apg, 1.5 spg and 1.5 bpg for a team that lost its only game to a nationally-ranked foe at the buzzer. The Chicago Sun-Times Player of the Year, Huff was also the top vote-getter on the A.P Class 4A All-State Team. He was focused to have a big season, delivered and is now headed to Gonzaga.

Third Five

G — Donovan Dent, Centennial (Corona, Calif.) 6-2 Sr.
Perhaps no player in the country elevated his All-American candidacy based on his senior year as much as this New Mexico-bound point guard. He was the catalyst for the No. 5 team in the FAB 50 that finished with a 33-1 record and won the program’s first ever CIF Open Division title. Even quality defensive players can’t stay in front of Dent because of his first-step quickness and instincts. Dent averaged 16.4 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 6.7 apg and 1.9 spg after leading the team in scoring (15.4 ppg) and assists (4.3 apg) as a junior when the Huskies went 21-2 and won their first of two consecutive CIFSS open division titles. The Player of the Year by the Riverside Press Enterprise and L.A. Times, he’s also been named State Player of the Year by Cal-Hi Sports.

G — Cameron Whitmore, Archbishop Spalding (Severn, Md.) 6-7 Sr.
Had an honors-filled career for the Cavaliers and closed his high school career strong on the national all-star circuit. He had 16 points, nine rebounds and four assists at the Jordan Brand Classic and a team-high 19 points, eight rebounds, five assists and two steals at the McDonald’s All-American Game. A model of consistency at Archbishop Spalding, Whitmore averaged 21.4 ppg, 10.6 rpg, 2.3 apg and 1.6 spg as a senior after putting up 22.0 ppg and 11.7 rpg game as a junior. The two-time Baltimore Catholic League Player of the Year is headed to Villanova.

F — Dillon Mitchell, Montverde Academy (Montverde, Fla.) 6-7 Sr.
Similar to Dent, Mitchell was another who elevated his game as a senior after playing at two different Florida programs as an underclassman. The Mr. Basketball panel took notice of his improved play after helping the Eagles finish No. 2 in the FAB 50, as he appeared on five final ballots, including two fourth-place votes. After averaging 12.4 ppg, 9.5 rpg and 4.4 apg at Sickles (Fla.) as a sophomore, Mitchell helped Bishop McLaughlin (Spring Hill, Fla.) to the Class 3 state final last season by averaging 17.6 ppg and 10.6 rpg. His numbers at MVA were modest, but it was an honors-filled season for one of the most athletic and versatile players in the nation. Mitchell was named MVP of the City of Palms Classic and played well at GEICO Nationals (11.9 ppg, 6.6 rpg, 1.4 bpg). He also had nine points, four rebounds and two steals at the McDonald’s All-American game, and led his team to the win and copped MVP honors at the Jordan Brand Classic with 18 points.

F — Jarace Walker, IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.) 6-6 Sr. ?
This physical forward has been on the national scene since middle school and we recall him providing a spark off the bench (7.1 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 2.3 apg) on the Ascenders’ FAB 50 title team as a freshman. He was a terrific defender who did a bit of everything as a sophomore (8.8 ppg, 6.6 rpg, 5.3 apg, 1.5 spg, 1.5 bpg), but battled injuries as a junior when he averaged 10.1 ppg, 6.5 rpg and 3.5 apg. Walker improved his all-around offensive repertoire as a senior while still being physically dominant on both ends of the floor. It resulted in 16.7 ppg (68 percent from the field), 8.2 rpg, 4.0 apg, and 2.2 bpg for a GEICO Nationals semifinalist. He’s headed to Houston.

F — Brandon Miller, Cane Ridge (Nashville, Tenn.) 6-8 Sr.
Draws positive raves for his long-term potential, but backs it up with terrific production for the Ravens. As a junior, Miller led Cane Ridge to the Division I Class AAA state finals by averaging 23.3 ppg, 8.4 rpg and 2.6 bpg. Individually he was even better in 2021-22, even though the Ravens fell in the state quarterfinals and finished 25-7. Miller averaged 26.9 ppg, 7.9 rpg, 2.4 apg and 2.1 spg and was named TSAA Class AAAA Mr. Basketball. He finished with over 2,100 career points.

Fourth Five

G — Collin Chandler, Farmington (Utah) 6-5 Sr.
Arguably the biggest snub in the national all-star game selections, Chandler is a high-level athlete, a terrific scorer and fearless competitor. He led Farmington to the second round of the Class 6A state tourney after averaging 21.7 ppg. 4.3 rpg, 2.8 apg and 1.7 spg. For his efforts, the three-time all-state honoree was chosen Gatorade State Player of the Year. He’s headed to BYU and will take a two-year Mormon Mission before enrolling in college in 2024.

G — Amari Bailey, Sierra Canyon (Chatsworth, Calif.) 6-5 Sr.
One of the most explosive players in the country, Bailey is the only repeat first team selection after earning California Mr. Basketball honors as a junior when he averaged 29.2 ppg, 9.1 rpg and 6.5 apg. He is a talented scorer, but also a capable defender and spark plug on that end of the floor. He drops to fourth five in 2021-22 because he played a fragmented season, averaging 18.5 ppg, 5.6 rpg and 2.9 apg in 15 games as Sierra Canyon juggled multiple lineups throughout the season. Bailey closed strong, however, netting 15 points in the Jordan Brand Classic and 10 points apiece in the McDonald’s Game and Nike Hoop Summit.

G — Fletcher Loyer, Homestead (Ft. Wayne, Ind.) 6-4 Sr.
Capped an honors-filled career by earning Gatorade State Player of the Year honors and winning a national 3-point contest during Final Four weekend in Louisiana. The younger brother of Foster Loyer, he joins his older brother as a first team selection, as the Michigan State guard was a first five selection at Clarkston (Mich.) in 2018. Fletcher also started his career at Clarkston, where he started as a freshman and averaged 21.8 ppg as a sophomore. As a junior in his first season at Homestead, Loyer shot at a 50-40-90 clip and finished the season averaging 24.4 ppg, 4.9 rpg and 4.5 apg. His big senior season saw him average 26.9 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 3.6 apg and 2.2 spg for a team that reached the regional semifinals. The Purdue recruit finished with 2,163 career points.

F — Mark Mitchell, Sunrise Christian Academy (Bel Aire, Kan.) 6-8 Sr.
After earning underclass All-American honors in each of his three seasons at Bishop Miege (Shawnee Mission, Kan.), this talented left-handed slashing scorer joined a Buffaloes program that competed for the NIBC title. He helped the program spend a majority of the regular season at No. 1 in the FAB 50 by averaging 16.1 ppg, 6.0 rpg and 2.7 apg. He joins teammate Gradey Dick on first team, as two other NIBC clubs (Montverde Academy, IMG Academy) also had two players honored on first team. Mitchell netted a team-high 19 points in the McDonald’s All-American Game.

C — Donovan Clingan, Bristol Central (Bristol, Conn.) 6-10 Sr.
One of the best players in state history, Clingan capped a stellar four-year career by averaging 30.1 ppg, 18.4 rpg and 6.2 bpg for the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference (CIAC) Division II champs. Clingan’s in-state dominance included shooting 73 percent on two-point field goals and 33 percent from outside the arc for a 28-0 team. In 2020-21, he led his team to a 15-0 mark and its first Central Connecticut Conference title since 2002-03 by averaging 27.3 ppg, 17.2 rpg and 5.8 bpg. A four-time All-CCC selection, Clingan was a three-time all-state choice and two-time GameTimeCT State Player of the Year. The Connecticut recruit finished with 2,268 career points (No. 7 all-time in CIAC) and set school career marks with 1,518 rebounds and 540 career blocks.

2021-22 All-American Second Team

G — Dylan Andrews, AZ Compass Prep (Chandler, Ariz.) 6-4 Sr.
F — Terrance Arceneaux, Beaumont United (Beaumont, Texas) 6-7 Sr.
G — Mark Armstrong, St. Peter’s Prep (South Orange, N.J.) 6-2 Sr.
F — Tobe Awaka, Cardinal Hayes (Bronx, N.Y.) 6-8 Sr.
G — Anthony Black, Duncanville (Duncanville, Texas) 6-7 Sr.
C — Adem Bona, Prolific Prep (Napa, Calif.) 6-9 Sr.
F — Darren Buchanan, Wilson (Washington, D.C.) 6-7 Sr.
F — Barry Dunning, McGill-Toolen (Mobile, Ala.) 6-7 Sr.
F — Derrian Ford, Magnolia (Ark.) 6-4 Sr.
F — Taylor Hendricks, Calvary Christian (Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.) 6-9 Sr.
C — Joe Hurlburt, Enderlin Area (Enderlin, N.D.) 6-11 Sr.
F — Jasen Green, Millard North (Omaha, Neb.) 6-8 Sr.
G — Rylan Griffen, Richardson (Texas) 6-4 Sr.
G — Ja’Kwon Hill, Volcano Vista (Albuquerque, N.M.) 6-2 Sr.
G — Trejuan Holloman, Cretin-Derham Hall (St. Paul, Minn.) 6-2 Sr.
G — Joseph “JoJo” Hunter, San Joaquin Memorial (Fresno, Calif.) 6-4 Sr.
G — Ricky “Pop Pop” Isaacs Jr., Coronado (Henderson, Nev.) 6-2 Sr.
G — Aidan Mahaney, Campolindo (Moraga, Calif.) 6-2 Sr.
G — Arterio Morris, Kimball (Dallas, Texas) 6-3 Sr.
F — Tarris Reed, Link Academy (Branson, Mo.) 6-9 Sr.
G — Brice Sensebaugh, Lake Highland Prep (Orlando, Fla.) 6-6 Sr.
G — Braden Smith, Westfield (Ind.) 6-1 Sr.
G — J.J. Starling, La Lumiere (La Porte, Ind.) 6-4 Sr.
G — Bruce Thornton, Milton (Ga.) 6-2 Sr.
G — Seth Trimble, Menomonee Falls (Wis.) 6-3 Sr.
F — Jordan Walsh, Link Academy (Branson, Mo.) 6-7 Sr.
C — Kel’el Ware, North Little Rock (Ark.) 7-0 Sr.
G —Tre White, Prolific Prep (Napa, Calif.) 6-5 Sr.
G — Simeon Wilcher, Roselle Catholic (Roselle, N.J.) 6-4 Jr.
F — Darrion Williams, Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas, Nev.) 6-6 Sr.

Related: 2021-22 Underclass All-American Elite Team | 2021-22 Mr. Basketball USA: Dariq Whitehead?| 2021-22 Class Players of the Year

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

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

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RELATED:  Preseason Mr. Basketball USA Tracker | All-Time Honorees | Ballislife Podcast Network |

In the race for national player of the year honors, the post-season and national all-star games are traditionally a big factor in deciding who earns the title Mr. Basketball USA, the production-based national player of the year honor selected by Ballislife's 10-man panel of national scouts. This year's national player of the year race was wide-open from the start and the results of the final Mr. Basketball USA Tracker reveal some surprising results.

Dariq Whitehead, the Duke-bound wingman who contributed to four excellent Montverde Academy (Montverde, Fla.) teams over his career, capped off his four-year run by topping the voting tally in this season's final tracker. Today, Whitehead is honored with the title of 2021-22 Mr. Basketball USA.

In his career, Whitehead helped the Eagles win back-to-back FAB 50 national titles in 2020 and 2021. In 2020, Whitehead was a reserve on one of the greatest teams of all-time and one of seven players to average between 8.3 ppg and 13.9 ppg. The team's ringleaders were leading scorer and 2020 Mr. Basketball USA Cade Cunningham and third leading scorer Scottie Barnes (11.6 ppg), who was also second in rebounding (6.5), second in assists (4.6 apg) first in deflections (1.7 dpg), and first in steals (1.9 spg). Just this week, Barnes was named NBA Rookie of the Year for the Toronto Raptors, while Cunningham came in third in the voting behind 2020 Mr. Basketball USA runner-up Evan Mobley (Barnes was No. 5 in the final voting).

Last season, Whitehead averaged 10.4 ppg on a balanced team that won its second consecutive mythical national title. That team was led by national junior of the year Jalen Duren, who finished third in the final 2021 Mr. Basketball USA voting with 66 total points behind unanimous honoree Chet Holmgren of Gonzaga (100 points out of a possible 100) and runner-up Jabari Smith of Auburn (79 points). Duren, along with highly-regarded prospect Emoni Bates (the 2020 National Sophomore of the Year) both re-classed up and played for Memphis in 2021-22. The void they left helped create the wide-open race heading into 2021-22.

Whitehead came in No. 5 in the preseason balloting (40 points while appearing on six of 10 ballots). The leader in the clubhouse was 7-foot-1 center Dereck Lively of Westtown School (West Chester, Pa.), who appeared on all ten ballots, received seven first place votes and finished with 84 points.

Whitehead stepped up big-time after Duren left for Memphis and the Mr. Basketball USA panel took notice. Whitehead led Montverde Academy to a 22-4 season, including a GEICO Nationals title and final No. 2 FAB 50 ranking. Whitehead hit the big jump shot in the GEICO Nationals title game win over Link Academy (Branson, Mo.) and averaged 15.7 ppg, 5.7 apg, and 3.0 rpg in three games at the end-of-season event. For the season, Whitehead averaged 17.1 ppg, 5.1 rpg and 3.8 apg for the nation's No. 2 team in the FAB 50.

Whitehead cemented his status as 2021-22's top performer at the national all-star games, which allowed him to over take preseason front-runner Lively, his future Duke teammate as part of new coach John Scheyer's top-rated recruiting class. Whitehead was named MVP at the McDonald’s All-American Game (13 pts, 7 rbs, 7 asts) and also shined for Team USA at the Nike Hoop Summit with a team-high 17 points, including 5-of-7 3-pointers.

Whitehead and Lively received all 10 first place votes, with Whitehead receiving seven, one second place vote (9 points), one fifth place vote (six points) and one sixth place vote (five points) for 90 total points. Lively didn't appear at all on one ballot and, in addition to his three first place votes, received two second places votes, one third place vote, one fourth, one sixth and one 10th place vote for a total of 69 points.

"I'm so happy and proud of Dariq," said Montverde Academy coach Kevin Boyle. "He started at Montverde Academy in the eighth grade and has matured to incredible heights as a person, player and student."

Only one other player appeared on all ten ballots alongside Whitehead among 24 candidates: shooting guard Keyonte George of IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.). He garnered one second place vote and three third place votes and finished five points behind Lively with 64 points. Two of Whitehead's teammates at Montverde Academy (Texas bound Dillon Mitchell and junior Kwame Evans) and two of George's teammates at IMG Academy (Houston bound Jarace Walker and Alabama bound Jaden Bradley) also received player of the year votes. It speaks to the wide open nature of the balloting and the consensus opinion of the panel that there are no sure-fire top NBA Draft pick types at the level Holmgren and Smith were graded at the top of the 2021 class, which made the voting this season as difficult as any in the 15-year history of the Mr. Basketball USA Tracker.

"I believe there is very little separation between No. 1 and No. 10 and no clear cut best combination of player talent and season production," said panel member Van Coleman of Nothing But Net Magazine. This was the toughest voting in years, likely due to class hopping and pro opportunities."

"This was perhaps the toughest selections ever; not just one (or even two or three) clear cut candidates for No. 1," said panel member Frank Burlison of BurlisonOnBasketball.com. "I gave Whitehead the nod because Montverde 'won it all' on the prep school level, plus he was very good in all of his team’s key games, as well as during the all-star game circuit."

The 10-man Mr. Basketball USA panel feels there is still time and room for this class to grow, which is exactly what Whitehead did during his five years at Montverde Academy. It will be interesting to see how the majority of these fine high school players develop and perform at the college level next season.

For now, Whitehead exhibited all the qualities and met the criteria to be named the nation's best high school player. If history is any indication, Whitehead is one the path to a successful career at the next levels of the game.

Editor's Note: Click on the "+" sign next to each player's number to view how many first, second, third or fourth place votes he got and his overall point total. Previous tracker results are also listed ("Prev.").

2021-22 Mr. Basketball USA Tracker Panel

Paul Biancardi, ESPN National Director of Basketball Recruiting
Frank Burlison, BurlisonOnBasketball.com Publisher
Van Coleman, Nothing But Net Magazine
Jordan Divens, Maxpreps.com National Basketball Editor
Ronnie Flores, www.ebooksnet.com National Grassroots Editor
Chris Lawlor, Blue Star Media National Analyst
Jerry Meyer, McDonald's All-American Voter
Horace Neysmith, AllMetroHoops.com
Patrick Stanwood, Patrick Stanwood Basketball
Dinos Trigonis, Fullcourt Press Editor & Publisher

About Basketball USA Tracker Panel
www.ebooksnet.com's panel of 10 experts, which includes six McDonald’s All-American selection committee members, casts its vote for the top national player of the year candidates. Each panelist lists his top seven candidates regardless of class. The votes are then tabulated on a 10-point scoring system with a first-place vote equaling 10 points, a second-place vote earning nine points and down to four points for a seventh-place vote. The number in parenthesis refers to the numbers of ballots on which a player appeared and previous rankings refers to position in the previous tracker.

For the all-time list of Mr. Basketball USA honorees, CLICK 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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With 7.1 seconds remaining in a tie game, Duncanville coach David Peavy sensed his team over-reacted to what the Panthers thought was a bad foul call on junior forward Ronald Holland in their game with FAB 50 No. 1 Montverde Academy (Fla.). It came with the score tied at 64-64, but Peavy told his charges, "hey, don't worry about it, let's just go win."

Montverde Academy's Kwame Evans Jr. nailed both free throws to give the Eagles a two-point lead after they forced a turnover on Duncanville's Anthony Black with 19.3 seconds as the boys from Texas were playing for the final shot. The Panthers eventually did get the final shot, as they quickly got the ball up court after Evans' second made free throw. Junior guard Aric Demings got the ball more than 45 feet from the basket, made a move and a slight shot fake and got the Montverde Academy defender just off balance enough to get off a clean look from 3-point range a step behind the line. The shot swished through the basket with 1.5 seconds remaining to give the Panthers a 67-66 lead and the stunned Eagles were unable to get off a shot attempt, as Duncanville celebrated its six win over a FAB 50 ranked foe 10 games into the young season in the best game played at Hoophall West in recent memory.

It wasn't just any victory for the No. 5 team in the latest FAB 50 rankings. It had just knocked off the No. 1 team in the country, one that hadn't lost to program not part of the eight-team National Interscholastic Basketball Conference (NIBC) since February of 2017. The result proved to basketball fans the team is a major mythical national title contender as a public school.

Minutes after the game, Holland, one of the nation's better junior forwards, was lamenting the win with fellow junior Ashton Hardaway. He echoes the sentiments of the entire staff and players. "We don't go into any game thinking we are going to lose," Holland said. "Maybe people around the country didn't think we were going to win, but it's not even a question for us. Not even a thought (we're going to lose)."

Duncanville (10-0) is as confident as any team in the country, having already beat ranked teams from Georgia, California (its top two) and Louisiana. If the country didn't know, they certainly do now that Texas high school basketball is as good as anywhere in the country. Winning the University Interscholastic League (UIL) Class 6A state crown is as tough as any road to a state title in the country, on top of Duncanville's national schedule. If that isn't enough, FAB 50 No. 10 Richardson (Texas) is currently unbeaten and turned heads nationally with its 61-38 shellacking of AZ Compass Prep (Chandler, Ariz.) at the Thanksgiving Hoopfest in Dallas. Some felt AZ Compass Prep was the best independent team in the country coming into the season, but it doesn't phase Peavy and his players. He's ultra-confident his team will prevail if the Panthers were to meet Richardson at the Whataburger Tournament in Mansfield, Texas (Dec. 28-30).

"We've been in this type of situation many times before," Black said. "Even though it was a bad call, we just had to go out and win, regardless."

At the beginning of the game, Duncanville took quick shots and looked out of sorts, as Montverde Academy (4-2) hurt the Panthers on the glass. Towards the end of the first period, Duncanville settled down and began making the extra pass, taking better shots from the field and not rushing possessions.

Texas' best team four years running trailed, 21-8, after one period of play, but it tighten up its offense and started the second period with an increased defensive intensity. Sparked by Demings on both ends of the floor, it quickly became a ballgame as Duncanville took the lead 27-26 on a 3-pointer by Hardaway, a junior jump-shooting transplant from SoCal. After outscoring Montverde Academy, 23-7 in the second period, the Panthers took a 31-28 halftime lead.

"We had to slow down their second chance points," said Demings, who had a huge contest in front of a plethora of national scouts and media, leading four Duncanville double digit scorers with 23 points, including 5-of-8 3-point shots made. Demings told Ballislife he holds offers from Morgan State University and Texas–Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV), but his offer count is going to change after this performance. He's a ball-hawk on defense, has good passing instincts, can hit the catch-and-shoot perimeter shot or create for himself as he displayed on the game-winning play.

In the third period, Duncanville's lead grew to as big as 13 points and the score was 52-43 entering the fourth period. Montverde quickly went on a 8-0 run to cut its deficit to one point and it was a back-and-forth battle from that point on.

Down the stretch, Montverde Academy's Dillon Mitchell had two big-time blocks and one of them was saved from going out of bounds by Evans and it translated into a monster one-hand flush for Dariq Whitehead to tie at game at 61-61 all with 1:15 remaining. Evans tied the game on a corner 3-pointer at 64-64 after a putback by Duncanville's Rasuan Collier temporarily gave the Panthers a 3-point lead. After Evan's 3-pointer, Duncanville held for the last shot (there was no shot clock in this game) before Black's turnover with 19.3 seconds remaining prior to the incredible ending.

Holland finished with 14 points and seven rebounds for Duncanville, while Ashton and Black added 11 and 10 points, respectively. Duncanville was man-handled early on the boards, but closed the rebounding deficit to 38-30 by the final buzzer.

For Montverde Academy, Whitehead showed why he is a bonafide Mr. Basketball USA candidate, fishing with 24 points on 11-of-17 shooting from the field. Before fouling out in the final three minutes, Malik Reneau had 16 points and eight rebounds for the Eagles, who last weekend lost to No. 2 IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.) by one point. Evans added 12 points and Mitchell had dominant moments for the snake-bitten Eagles with eight points, 11 rebounds and three blocks.

According to Jim Hicks of RCS Sports, the Duncanville-Montverde contest was the biggest regular season game involving at least one UIL club since eventual 2009-10 FAB 50 national champion Yates (Houston), defeated Neumann-Goretti (Philadelphia, Pa.), 97-96, at the Iolani Classic in Hawaii in December of 2009. We agree with Hicks' assessment, since it was the Saints' only setback in a season in which they finished No. 2 in the FAB 50. One season earlier, Duncanville opened up as preseason No. 1 in the 2008-09 FAB 50 under then coach Phil McNeely, but faltered twice during the regular season.

This Duncanville team has a chance to accomplish what McNeely's fine 2009-10 clubs didn't by finishing a championship season unbeaten, but it's literally one game, and one day, at a time for a club that fully expects to win every outing. Duncanville is leaving Arizona to play American Fork (Utah) at the Holiday Hoopfest in Utah on December 11. It will also face DeSoto (Texas) on December 21. But before the Panthers or Lone Star State fans can dream of a Duncanville-Richardson matchup of unbeatens at the Whataburger Tournament, there is some business that must be addressed both on and off the court.

Richardson must get by FAB 50 No. 39 Kenwood Academy (Chicago, Ill.) and No. 31 North Little Rock (North Little Rock, Ark.) in back-to-back games at the Battle if the Bluff in Memphis on Friday and Saturday evening.

On Monday, December 13, Duncanville will find out the fate of its temporary court-issued injunction for Black's eligibility. Black was granted an injunction on November 19 to be able to suit up for the Panthers after initially being ruled ineligible by the UIL in October. If the judge doesn't rule in favor of the Black and the Panthers, Duncanville will have to forfeit the games Black played in under UIL rules. If the ruling is in Duncanville's favor, the dream season for a confident team will continue.

Regardless of how Black's injuntion plays out Duncanville won't drop in the FAB 50, unless it loses on the hardwood.

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 22 years ago. The FAB 50 is the longest-running weekly national rankings.

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

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In this piece we take a closer look at some of the best wings on the teams who to make the Top 15 cut in Ronnie's preseason FAB 50 rankings. Check the full player breakdowns below and make sure to dive further into each player in our?profiles database!

Chris Livingston

6'6"   -   SG   -   2022

Chris Livingston, No. 6 Oak Hill Academy - Livingston has an impressive combination of size, length, athleticism and off-the-bounce skill that you see in a high major college wing, which is obviously his projected level as he signed with Kentucky. The 6-foot-6, 200-pounder is an explosive leaper both in space and in traffic and uses that trait to finish above and through contact in the lane. While Livingston is best when getting out and filling the lane in transition, he has the ball skills to break down a defender in the half-court setting and get to the rim where he finishes with power and highlight-reel dunks.

Chris Bunch, No. 15 Wasatch Academy - Bunch is a smooth and explosive wing who uses his fluid three-point and mid-range shooting strokes to open up driving lanes. The 6-foot-7 Syracuse-signee has shown the ability initiate offense with the ball in his hands when needed, but is most effective in a fast break setting where he can slash his way to the bucket for an above-the-rim finish.

Dariq Whitehead, No. 1 Montverde - Whitehead has really nice feel and basketball instincts both on and off the ball. At 6-feet-6 with a strong 190-pound frame, the Duke-signee is a matchup nightmare for opposing defenders because of his first-step explosiveness and quick twitch athleticism. Whitehead is a relentless downhill attacker of the basket, but can also keep defenses honest with a smooth pull-up jumper and catch-and-shoot consistency from three-point range. Perhaps Whitehead’s ticket to being a long-term pro is his defensive potential on the wing. 

Dillon Mitchell, No. 1 Montverde - Mitchell is a freaky transition and vertical athlete whose length and explosiveness make him a poster dunk waiting to happen. At 6-feet-7 and a long, wiry 180 pounds, the Texas-bound wing is great when moving off of the ball and finding a weak spot in the defense where he can finish off a lob with a dunk. Mitchell is one of those high motor guys who rarely takes a play off, which will pair well with Chris Beard’s style of play at Texas.

Isaiah Elohim

6'4"   -   CG   -   2024

Isaiah Elohim, No. 9 Sierra Canyon - The 6-foot-5 wing will have to sit out until Dec. 27th for the Trailblazers due to the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) transfer rules and when he’s eligible to play it will add another versatile offensive piece to a loaded Sierra Canyon Roster. Elohim is a smooth three-level scorer with advanced feel for the game. The surefire national recruit is just a sophomore, but already has a polished scoring package complete with deep three-point range and a sweet pull-up mid-range jumper.

Jarace Walker, No. 2 IMG Academy - Walker has a body and skill-set that’s kind of in that in-between space of a wing and power forward type of prospect. The 6-foot-8, 220-pounder is an athletic specimen who dominates the offensive and defensive boards. He has the ball skills and basketball IQ to push the break and make a good decision and can get to the rim off of dribble-drives for power finishes. The Houston-signee can hit face-up mid-range shots, but it will be interesting to see how he’s used at the next level and if he can develop a consistent perimeter shot.

Jett Howard, No. 2 IMG Academy - Howard will be heading to play for his father, Juwan, at Michigan and really has the type of game you’d expect from a former NBA player’s son. At 6-feet-7, the senior is a lethal three-point shooter both off the catch and off the bounce, has the ball handling, vision and passing IQ to initiate offense if needed, and is a multi-positional offensive player who can create mismatches on the court.

Justin Edwards, No. 10 Imhotep Charter - The Top-15 ranked junior is one of those guys who is just wired to score. At 6-feet-7 with a long, rangy frame, Edwards is a crafty left-hander who looks to break defenders down off the dribble and get into his mid-range scoring package. The five-star prospect is also a catch-and-shoot threat from behind the arc and is especially consistent from the either wing or either corner. 

MacKenzie Mgbako, No. 11 Gill St. Bernard - Mgbako is such a tough cover for opposing defenses because of his versatility on the offensive end. The 6-foot-7 wing is a three-level scorer who hits three-point shots from multiple spots and ranges, but can also hit fadeaway jumpers at the mid-range level or take a straight-line drive and finish around the cup. What sets Mgbako apart from others in the 2023 class is his feel with his back to the basket and ability to capitalize on a size advantage in the post.

Noah Batchelor, No. 2 IMG Academy - Batchelor is probably the most pure shooter on this list. The 6-foot-6 Memphis-bound senior is one of those guys opponents try to run off the line because he doesn’t need much time or space to get his shot off. With his size, combined with his quick release and fundamental shooting mechanics, Batchelor is the perfect floor spreading wing at the next level. 

Scotty Middleton, No. 3 Sunrise Christian Academy - Middleton is a long, wiry, bouncy and shifty wing who has great scoring feel. The 6-foot-6 junior has a consistent catch-and-shoot three-point shoot, can attack bad closeouts and score above the rim, or create offensive looks for himself off the dribble. One of Middleton’s best attributes is the way he gets out and runs in transition, helping his team get an easy bucket on the break.

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On Episode 92 of the "In The Paint" Show, co-hosts Ronnie Flores and Devin Ugland discuss the College Football National Championship game in which Alabama defeated Ohio State. Should there be an asterisk next to this year's National Title? Is Nick Saban the GOAT of college football coaches?

Hit the PLAY button below to tune into In The Paint 92!

The guys also touch on the NBA's latest issues with COVID-19 outbreaks. With multiple games postponed this week, and no bubble to fall back on, how should the NBA proceed? What further steps could the Association take to ensure each player, coach and staff member are minimizing their exposure to the illness?

Caleb Houstan

6'7"   -   SF   -   2021

Next, Ron and Dev discuss the latest FAB 50 National Rankings and the standouts from the first set of games at the NIBC St. James Invitational. ESPN's National Director of Recruiting, Paul Biancardi, is the show's first guest as he joins to break down what he's evaluated so far St. James and his approach to scouting and evaluating during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Biancardi gives us the inside scoop on which teams and players have impressed him most so far and which games he's looking forward to seeing in the next week.

The final guest of the show is La Lumiere head coach Pat Holmes who gives the listeners an inside look at how the National Interscholastic Basketball Conference (NIBC) was born and where it's headed, the precautions the St. James is taking to avoid a COVID outbreak and the early ups and downs facing his team this season.

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