By Ronnie Flores

RELATED: Final East Top 20??| Final Southeast Top 20??| Final Midwest Top 20?| Final Southwest Top 20 | Final West Top 20

The big question heading into 2024 Chipotle Nationals was if any team could seriously challenge season-long FAB 50 No. 1 Montverde Academy of Florida. The Eagles were facing as talented a crop of teams the program has ever faced in the end-of-season event that has been played for 16 years. The Eagles were also facing seven potential teams, all ranked within the top 14 of the FAB 50 National Team Rankings powered by www.ebooksnet.com prior to the start of the event, that they beat at least once earlier in the season.

There is an old saying it's hard to beat a good team twice, but the battle tested and top seeded Eagles won three games at Brownsburg (Ind.) to capture the event title for the seventh time in the last 11 times the event was held. Montverde Academy's 79-63 victory over No. 2 seeded and FAB 50 No. 3 Paul VI (Chantilly, Va.) makes the Eagles the official 2023-24 FAB 50 National Champs.

Many veteran onlookers felt Paul VI was the best bet to upset Montverde Academy, but the all-around brilliance of Duke-bound Cooper Flagg and the shot making ability of LSU-bound Curtis Givens was the difference in the championship contest. Flagg, the leading Mr. Basketball USA candidate, was named tourney MVP after scoring 16 points, grabbing eight rebounds, and blocking six shots versus Paul VI. In Montverde Academy's three victories, Flagg averaged 20.0 ppg and 7.0 rpg and had only blocked one shot in the first two games before his big defensive performance in the final.

Montverde Academy led 45-32 at halftime, as both Givens and Flagg hit big field goals right before intermission. Whenever Paul VI looked to make a run, Givens would hit a big 3-pointer to play the role of rally-killer. Flagg's block and run out dunk right before the third period buzzer which gave his team a 60-46 lead summarized the game and the event. No matter what any team tried to do, Montverde Academy had an answer.

Givens finished with 24 points, including 6-of-9 shooting from 3-point range. Also making a big impact as a matchup nightmare was Maryland-bound forward Derik Queen. He used his big body, passing ability and uncanny moves around the basket to finish with 19 points, six rebounds and four assists. Queen, who averaged 16.3 ppg and 6.7 rpg at the event, should also be considered a Mr. Basketball USA candidate.

"In almost 40 years of coaching this year's team was as close has any I’ve ever had both on and off the court," Montverde Academy head coach Kevin Boyle told www.ebooksnet.com. "They won seven games versus nationally-ranked top five teams and 14 versus nationally-ranked top ten teams. They are in the conversation as the greatest team of all-time and clearly along with Montverde Academy 2020, Dunbar 1983, Oak Hill Academy 1993 and Montverde 2018 one of the five best teams of all- time."

The big ranking decision coming out of the event was one to move up Paul VI one spot to No. 2 as the runner-up or leave Columbus (Miami, Fla.) in that spot after the Explorers fell in the semifinals to Montverde Academy, 84-70. Even though Paul VI advanced one round further at Chipotle Nationals, the Panthers lost a head-to-head matchup to Columbus, 70-61, at the Spalding Hoophall Classic in Massachusetts, so the Explorers remain at No. 2. Although Columbus did fall behind big early in its game with MVA just as it did in the first meeting between the two, MVA's victory margins over the Explorers and the Panthers were in similar range that a rankings flip to go against the head-to-head result was unwarranted.

Flagg finished with 28 points in the win over Columbus while Queen added 16 points and six rebounds. Cameron Boozer, last season's Mr. Basketball USA as a sophomore, led Columbus with 29 points (3-of-11 3-point) and seven rebounds.

Paul VI knocked off then No. 11 Link Academy (Branson, Mo.) in its semifinal, 58-44, as Duke-bound Darren Harris led the way with 20 points. Harris also scored a team-high 16 points in the championship final loss to Montverde Academy and had 36 points (5-of-9 3-point) in the 101-89 first round win over then No. 14 IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.). Link Academy is able to move up five spots after defeating then No. 6 Prolific Prep (Napa, Calif.), 80-76 in double overtime, in the first round. Link Academy and Prolific Prep split games this season, but with Link Academy avenging the regular season loss, it finishes ranked one spot ahead of The Crew from Napa, Calif.

In its first round victory, Montverde Academy took down then No. 12 AZ Compass Prep (Chandler, Ariz.), 64-49, as Flagg had 16 points while Queen finished with 14 points and eight rebounds.

This is Montverde Academy's third FAB 50 national title team to finish unbeaten, joining the already legendary 2020 team that didn't get the opportunity to compete in Chipotle Nationals because of COVID-19 and the 2018 team. The 2018 team also went wire-to-wire as FAB 50 No. 1 team just as this year's close knit group did.

For Montverde Academy, the program has now finished No. 1 in the FAB 50 seven times, which ties Oak Hill Academy (Mouth of Wilson, Va.) for the most all-time FAB 50 national titles. We'll have more detail on that achievement and this year's MVA team in our annual "Salute to All-Time FAB 50 No. 1 Teams".

There was also some movement in the final rankings after we reviewed the entire season log for each team that we'll explain in our Final, Expanded FAB 50 Rankings with detail on each team.

RELATED: Final East Top 20??| Final Southeast Top 20??| Final Midwest Top 20?| Final Southwest Top 20 | Final West Top 20 |?Preseason 2023-24 Mr. Basketball USA Tracker | | ? | Chipotle Nationals Record Book

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

(16th and final poll of 2023-24 regular season; Through games played on Saturday, April 6; *Indicates forfeit wins, forfeit losses not included; **Indicates forfeits and defaults not included)

Dropped Out: None.

Editor's Note: No bubble clubs are included in the final FAB 50, as the final 2023-24 Top 20 Regional Rankings include all the teams considered for the bubble.

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 24 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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RELATED: Chipotle Nationals Record Book (2009-2023)

The program at Montverde Academy in Florida has won Chipotle Nationals, the end of-season tournament founded in 2009 when it was known as the ESPN RISE National High School Invitational, a record six times. The program, which will make its record 13th appearance this April, won the event in 2013-15, 2018, 2021-22. Those years do not coincide with the years Montverde Academy captured its six FAB 50 national titles. That’s because in 2020, the program put together its best team, only to be denied a chance for a coronation at the event because the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The 2020 version of the event never took place.

In 2022, Kevin Boyle’s Eagles won the event for the sixth time, downing Link Academy (Branson, Mo.) in the title game, 60-49. That season, however, MVA finished No. 2 in the FAB 50 behind Duncanville (Texas), which beat them in a head-to-head matchup on a buzzer-beating 3-pointer by Panthers junior guard Aric Demings.

Many fans and scribes felt the 2020 event would be a coronation for that Cade Cunningham-Scottie Barnes led club that defeated its foes, including 12 FAB 50 ranked teams, by 39.0 ppg, one of the largest winning margins among elite high school basketball programs we’ve covered over the years. This year’s unit, which has another terrific starting five led by Mr. Basketball USA candidates Cooper Flagg (Duke) and Derik Queen (Maryland) and three other players who were serious McDonalds’ All-American candidates, hasn’t been that dominant in its winning margin, but some feel Chipotle Nationals (April 4-6 in Brownsburg, Ind.) is a coronation of sorts.

One aspect of its resume this year’s MVA club has over previous title teams, even the 2019-20 unit that will go down as one of the best in high school history, is its strength of schedule. Flagg, Queen, Liam McNeeley (Indiana) and company defeated a whopping 21 teams that have been FAB 50 ranked at some point during the regular season. Obviously that number could grow to 24 in this eight-team bracket. One interesting aspect of the field is Montverde Academy has beaten all seven of its potential opponents at this event, outscoring the other seven participants by nearly 15 ppg (the Eagles have beaten FAB 50 No. 4 Long Island Lutheran of New York and No. 6 Prolific Prep of California twice).

To answer the question, yes, Montverde Academy can be beat. There is just too much talent and familiarity within the teams in this field.

Will it be easy? No. Would it be an upset? Yes, but not a big one it that occurred after its first round game with FAB 50 No. 12 AZ Compass Prep (Chandler, Ariz.), the No. 8 seed. This AZ Compass Prep team is gritty and fearless. Led by junior (2025) guard Jeremiah Fears, it just doesn’t have the elite scoring talent the Eagles have across the board. MVA beat the Dragons, 58-46, in a December meeting in Las Vegas that was fairly competitive.

Whoever wins the No. 4 vs No. 5 seed quarterfinal matchup between Long Island Lutheran and FAB 50 No. 2 Columbus (Miami, Fla.), could potentially give MVA all it can handle in the semifinals. Columbus’ seeding really doesn’t match the quality of wins it has, even though Cameron Boozer and company have losses to unranked Wasatch Academy and No. 17 Don Bosco Prep (Ramsey, N.J.), along with losses to No. 6 seed Link Academy (Branson, Mo.) and to Montverde Academy in a game that wasn’t very competitive (89-61). Columbus does have a win over No. 2 seed and FAB 50 No. 3 Paul VI (Chantilly, Va.) and over Long Island Lutheran (which lost to AZ Compass Prep).

Boozer, last year’s Mr. Basketball USA as a sophomore, his twin brother Cayden Boozer and Jase Richardson, a talented guard headed to Michigan St., played more cohesively over the last month of the season and are motivated to show the Explorers can play with Montverde, but beating Long Island Lutheran a second time won’t be an easy task. V.J. Edgecombe could have a breakout tournament and LuHi has plenty of depth, including standout juniors such as Kiyan Anthony, Nigel James, Jacob Ross and Kayden Mingo. Whoever survives that first round game should have plenty of confidence vs. Montverde Academy in a potential semifinal on April 5.

Last year, we felt Paul VI had a tough draw against Link Academy, the eventual Chipotle Nationals champ and FAB 50 No. 1 team. We felt whoever won that No. 4 vs. No. 5 quarterfinal matchup had a chance to win the whole tournament and Link ran the tables after a 68-65 win over the Panthers. This year, Paul VI is the No. 2 seed and could be even better. The Panthers return most of their cast, including Duke-bound Darren Harris, one of the better talents in this tournament. The individual numbers don’t do Harris justice on this deep and balanced team that could be the one that gives Montverde Academy all it can handle in the championship game.

Paul VI opens up with No. 7 seed IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.), the lowest ranked team in the field (No. 14) which already has a loss to the Panthers. With junior guard Darius Acuff Jr., the Ascenders will always have a chance because of his penchant for scoring and play-making. In fact, he led the EYBL Scholastic League (which includes five Chipotle Nationals participants) in scoring at 21.3 ppg. The key to the No. 2 vs. No. 7 seed game will be if IMG Academy’s front court players, such as Donnie Freeman, can slow down Paul VI on the boards and keep the Panthers from second shot opportunities.

Montverde Academy has played in the most overall tournament games by far (26-6 record in 12 appearances), but No. 6 seed Link Academy actually has the best winning percentage in the event’s history (5-1) after advancing to the title game in 2022 in its first year of eligibility and winning it all last year. Coach Billy Armstrong will have his team ready in its matchup with No. 3 seed Prolific Prep (Napa, Calif.), a dangerous club that could win it all if it’s healthy and in sync. Link Academy has a legitimate Mr. Basketball USA candidate in Tre Johnson that could help the Lions pull off a minor upset against a team it has already lost to, 77-76, in the first game of the season super sophomore Tyran Stokes played for The Crew after missing the team's first nine games. During the middle portion of its schedule (nearly two months), McDonald’s All-American Derrion Reid was out with injury, but he’s an indispensable piece if Prolific Prep is to defeat Link Academy, potentially Paul VI and possibly meet Montverde Academy in the finals.

Nobody has played Montverde Academy tougher than Prolific Prep. Playing the Eagles tough, however, and beating this year’s team, are two different things. Montverde Academy’s unit knows what’s at stake in trying to live up to the lofty standards that previous MVA units set. The field, however, is as talented as it’s ever been and these teams know each other inside and out. Whoever emerges will be a worthy champion and if that is one of the top four seeds, it willl likely finish at No. 1 in the final FAB 50 on April 8.

Chipotle Nationals April 4 Lineup

No. 1 Montverde Academy (1) vs. No. 12 AZ Compass Prep (8), 8 pm ET
No. 4 Long Island Lutheran (4) vs. No. 2 Columbus (5), 4 pm ET
No. 6 Prolific Prep (3) vs. No. 11 Link Academy (6), 6 pm ET
No. 3 Paul VI (2) vs. No. No. 14 IMG Academy (7), 2 pm ET

Note: Seeds listed in parenthesis. All quarterfinal games televised on ESPNU. The semifinals on April 5 will be televised on ESPN2, as will the title game on April 6 (12 pm ET).

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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Las Vegas used to close out the NCAA summer live period in grand fashion with over 1,200 teams and 25,000 players looking to catch the eye of college coaches. Major changes to the live recruiting calendar, and the addition of the June scholastic live period, as a result of the NCAA basketball recruiting scandal of 2017 changed Las Vegas in July.

With the NCAA adding two additional live evaluation days (July 15-16), college coaches once again flocked to Las Vegas to evaluate. Just as in its heyday, there were several events spread all over Sin City for college coaches to scatter to. Most of the top action was centered around the Sportsradar Showdown presented by Synergy Sports and the Las Vegas Big Time Tournament.

The Sportsradar Showdown at Coronado (Henderson, Nev.) had the best collection of games, billing it as a challenge between the best teams from the Under Armour Association (UAA) versus the best from adidas' 3SSB circuit. The bracket featured eight teams from each circuit, a play-in game to decide another team from each circuit plus a NBA Academy team.

Baltimore-based Team Thrill had plenty of motivation entering the Sportsradar Showdown. After all they won their first 14 games on the UAA circuit before falling to New England-based Middlesex Magic, 72-69, in the UAA championship semifinals. Team Thrill not only wanted to represent UAA well, it wanted to extract some measure of revenge against the best UAA clubs. Team Thrill, particularly its best player, 6-foot-9 rising senior (2024) Derik Queen of Montverde Academy (Fla.), was on a mission.

Mookie Dobbins' Charm City-based travel ball club bested the Middlesex Magic team it lost to at the UAA Finals in the Sportsradar Showdown quarterfinals, 73-60. In the semifinals, Team Thrill took down 3SSB runner-up Game Elite, 79-75. Six hours later in the championship game, Team Thrill took on the 3SSB Champions and one of the best teams in grassroots basketball, the Utah Prospects. Behind a 27-point, 16-rebound, 4-assist performance from Queen, Team Thrill won the inaugural Sportsradar Showdown with a 64-56 victory.

Queen, who had 22 points, 10 rebounds, five assists and five steals in the semifinals and clinched the victory with a conventional 3-point power move play in the key with 23 seconds to go after Game Elite erased a 18-point first half deficit, was the most consistently dominant performer who impacted winning in Las Vegas. It also can be argued no player in the 2024 national class had a more dominant summer.

Queen, who was the Ballislife National Freshman of the Year in 2020-21 at St. Frances Academy in Baltimore, played sparingly as a sophomore at FAB 50 power Montverde Academy (Fla.). His physical conditioning wasn't up to par, but he began to turn that around and had an impactful junior season for the Eagles.

The transformation of his body and the development of his overall game was on full display on the UAA circuit and in Las Vegas. He has an under the basket game, but nowadays that is certainly not looked with any negativity since the best player in the world also plays that way. With his soft hands, up-and-under moves, slick interior passing and overall feel, it's not hard to see and certainly a compliment to say Queen has a little bit of Nikola Joki? in his game. Obviously no high school player is a direct comparison to The Joker, but his impact on Team Thrill is similar to The Joker's impact on the Denver Nuggets.

There are not four better overall prospects in the 2024 class better than Queen. The only other big man in his class is Flory Bidunga of Indiana Elite and Kokomo (Ind.). Indiana Elite played in the Sportsradar Showdown and Indiana Elite had a good chance to advance to the final to set up the dream Queen vs. Budinga matchup. Any ideas if that was foiled when Indiana Elite was upset in the quarterfinals by Canada Elite, which was easily defeated by the Utah Prospects in the semifinals.

"We wanted to erase that losing feeling after we lost in the UAA Final Four," Queen said on Monday at the Big Time Tournament at Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas) after his team played in a showcase game. "We just came to play and were motivated."

As if Queen's and Team Thrill's performance at the Sportsradar Showdown wasn't enough, the team closed it Vegas trip with a Monday showcase game on national television versus one of the best teams on the Nike EYBL circuit, the Florida Rebels. Against a team with some high level talent on its frontline, Queen, who is considering Arizona, Indiana and Maryland among other heavyweights, turned in another virtuoso performance. He finished with 21 points, 13 rebounds and nine assists in his team's 102-86 victory. He jokingly couldn't believe it when a teammate smoked a lay-up in the closing seconds to blow a potential triple-double performance. It was a light-hearted moment to cap a terrific closing week for his travel ball club.

Queen's performance was necessary as the showcase game was tied 53-53 early in the second half before Team Thrill took control with a 11-0 run. The team's hard-nosed backcourt picked up the defensive intensity and the team survived a late barrage of 3-pointers from the Florida Rebels' 5-foot-11 2025 point guard Jalen Reece of Oak Ridge (Orlando, Fla.).

The defensive standouts included 5-foot-9 2025 point guard Chance Mallory of St. Anne-Belfield (Charlottesville, Va.), 6-foot-1 2025 point guard Tyler Jackson of St. Frances Academy, and 6-foot-1 Andrew Dixon of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel (Baltimore). Jackson particularly impressed throughout the week with his steady lead guard play and is a terrific shot-maker.

Mallory was terrific in the second half of Team Thrill's quarterfinal win over Middlesex Magic and was credited with 13 points. Queen had 20 points and 10 rebounds, while 6-foot-1 Daquan Davis of St. John's (Washington, D.C.) had 18 points in the avenging victory. Team Thrill also got timely outside shots throughout the week from 6-foot-8 2024 wing Brant Byers of The Newman School (Boston, Mass.).

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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Games were won, scholarships were earned, and new names popped on the radar at the Under Armour Association Session 1. Here are a few of the top rising senior performers:

Derik Queen, 6’10, C, Team Thrill 17U, 2024
The highest ranked senior in the Under Armour Association lived up to the hype and more in Phoenix, pacing Team Thrill to a 5-0 record in front of future lottery pick (and Team Thrill alumni) Jarace Walker. Rocking a new svelte frame, the uber talented big man was far more explosive than he was a year ago. The Baltimore native got whatever position he wanted on the block, converted via his feathery touch with both hands, and used his more slender frame to pop above the rim from a number of dunks. Blending his new frame with his immense skill set for a new age center, Queen will have his choice of virtually any school in the nation.

Vyctorius Miller, 6’5, SG, West Coast Elite 17U, 2024
One of the smoother players in the class of 2024, Miller helped West Coast Elite cruise to a 5-0 record. The L.A. native is a big time shot creator who has no problems creating separation, has quick hands on D, and has really shown potential as a potential combo guard down the road. Gonzaga, LSU, Kansas, San Diego State, and USC were just a few of the college programs sitting courtside to watch Silkk The Shocker’s son put on a show in Mesa.

Cole Certa, 6’5, SG, Illinois Wolves 17U, 2024
One of the most fearless players that we saw in the UAA was Certa. Owning no shortage of confidence, Certa showed ridiculous range on his jumpshot and was a threat any time that he was on the court. Just as impressive as his shot itself was how well the Bloomington Central Catholic guard relocated without the ball and constantly stayed on the move. Having visited Notre Dame this past week, Certa had no shortage of blue blood programs sitting courtside evaluating him throughout the weekend.

Jayce Nathaniel, 6’8, PF, Team Curry 17U, 2024
While I had heard the buzz about him, it was my first time checking out Nathaniel at the UAA and he did not disappoint. The versatile forward shot the ball well from the perimeter with his feet set, was a constant double-double machine, and beat slower defenders with straight line drives to the rack. The Lanier HS (GA) forward already owns a Georgia offer, but there are countless more high major programs who were sitting courtside to see him in Phoenix.

Tey Barbour, 6’4, SG, DC Premier 17U, 2024
A player who I had not seen prior to the weekend, Barbour definitely showed that he’s a wing to watch in the DMV. Barbour was the model of consistency scoring double figures in all five games, getting to the rack with limited dribbles, and keeping the defense honest with his perimeter jumper. Holding a 4.2 GPA, Barbour already holds offers from Harvard and no shortage of other high academic mid-major programs, so he’s going to be good both on and off the court for a long time.

Chris Catchings, 6’5, SF/PF, Houston Defenders 17U
While he doesn’t necessarily fit the mold of any particular position, Catchings is merely one of those dudes who gets it done. Able to play inside and out, Catchings can punish smaller guys on the block with his broad shoulders, shoots it out to the 3-point line, and defends multiple positions. Owning a 3.9 GPA, Catchings has had programs such as Yale, Lehigh, Old Dominion, and Sam Houston State inquiring about the Fort Bend Marshall junior’s services.

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Related: 2020-21 All-American Elite Team | 2020-21 Mr. Basketball USA: Chet Holmgren | 2020-21 Class Players of the Year

Five juniors and a sophomore named to the 27th Annual All-American Elite Team headline a group of 75 elite players selected to the 2020-21 Underclass All-American team powered by www.ebooksnet.com.

Big man Jalen Duren of Montverde Academy (Montverde, Fla.), this year’s National Junior of the Year, was named to the overall All-American Elite first team and was a finalist for Mr. Basketball USA. Juniors Amari Bailey, the California Mr. Basketball, and Emoni Bates, the national sophomore of the year in 2019-20, were third five selections. In the past 27 years under the current selection format, Bates and NBA superstar LeBron James (2001) are the only tenth-graders to earn first five All-American honors.

A fourth junior, Scoot Henderson of Kell (Marietta, Ga.) was named to the fourth five. Henderson re-classified to the 2021 class and will join fellow fourth team pick Michael Foster of Hillcrest (Phoenix, Ariz.) on the NBA G League Ignite team, as more of the nation’s elite players are perusing professional basketball options.

Some media outlets have reported that Duren will re-classify to the 2021 class, but there has been no official announcement. Duren has announced his final five options as he looks to lead Team Final to the 2021 Nike EYBL Peach Jam title in North Augusta, S.C.: Memphis, Miami, Kentucky, NBA G League or Australian National Basketball League. Duren has indicated he will make a decision sometime after Peach Jam.

Each year, more players are classifying up in order to speed up the recruiting process or join a class that will be more advantageous to their development.

Ohio’s Gatorade State Player of the Year, Chris Livingstonof Western Reserve Academy (Hudson, Ohio) and 2020-21 national sophomore of the year DJ Wagner of Camden (N.J.) are the only two underclass picks on the 30-player All-American second team. In 2019-20, no underclass player was chosen to the second team, as a strong 2020 senior class was rewarded for its efforts.

As is the case every year, some underclass All-Americans will transfer programs and a few have already made the announcement.

Junior All-American Richard Isaacs Jr., is headed to Prolific Prep (Napa, Calif.) from Wasatch Academy (Mt. Pleasant, Utah). Fellow 2022 MJ Rice is also headed to Prolific Prep from Oak Hill Academy (Mouth of Wilson, Va.). Sophomore All-American Omaha Biliew is leaving Waukee Senior (Waukee, Iowa) for national power Montverde Academy (Montverde, Fla.).

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

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

Our national coach of the year for 2020-21 is Ray Portela of Sunnyslope (Pheonix, Ariz.).

Juniors to Watch (2022)

F — Terrance Arceneaux, Beaumont United (Beaumont, Texas) 6-7
G — Amari Bailey, Sierra Canyon (Chatsworth, Calif.) 6-4
F — Emoni Bates, Ypsi Prep (Ypsilanti, Mich.) 6-8
G — Jaden Bradley, IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.) 6-2
G — A.J. Brown, Orlando Christian Prep (Orlando, Fla.) 6-4
F — Andre Casey, Whitney Young (Chicago, Ill.) 6-8
C — Donovan Clingan, Bristol Central (Bristol, Conn.) 6-10
F — Gradey Dick, Sunrise Christian Academy (Bel Aire, Kan.) 6-6
C — Jalen Duren, Montverde Academy (Montverde, Fla.) 6-10
F — Barry Dunning, McGill-Toolen (Mobile, Ala.) 6-7
G — B.J. Edwards, Knoxville Catholic (Knoxville, Tenn.) 6-3
G — Corey Floyd Jr., Roselle Catholic (Roselle, N.J.) 6-3
C — Joe Hurlburt, Enderlin Area (Enderlin, N.D.) 6-10
G — Keyonte George, iSchool (Lewisville, Texas) 6-3
G — Rylan Griffen, Richardson (Texas) 6-4
G — Bryce Griggs, Fort Bend Hightower (Missouri City, Texas) 6-1
G — Sterling “Scoota” Henderson, Kell (Marietta, Ga.) 6-2 G
G — Trejuan Holloman, Cretin-Derham Hall (St. Paul, Minn.) 6-0
G — Ricky “Pop Pop” Isaacs Jr., Wasatch Academy (Mt. Pleasant, Utah) 6-2
G — Chris Livingston, Western Reserve Academy (Hudson, Ohio) 6-5
G — Fletcher Loyer, Homestead (Ft. Wayne, Ind.) 6-4
F — Mark Mitchell, Bishop Miege (Shawnee Mission, Kan.) 6-8
G — Arterio Morris, Kimball (Dallas, Texas) 6-3
G — M.J. Rice, Oak Hill Academy (Mouth of Wilson, Va.) 6-5
G — Ben Roy, Manasquan (N. J.) 6-1
G — Jaquan Sanders, Our Savior Lutheran (Bronx, N.Y.) 6-3
G — Shaedon Sharpe, Dream City Christian (Glendale, Ariz.) 6-4
G — Nick Smith, Sylvan Hills (Sherwood, Ark.) 6-4
G — Bruce Thornton, Milton (Ga.) 6-2
G — Cason Wallace, Richardson (Richardson, Texas) 6-3

2021 National Junior of the Year: Jalen Duren

Sophomores to Watch (2023)

F — Sultan Adewale, St. Louis Christian Academy (St. Louis, Mo.) 6-7
G — Marvel Allen, Calvary Christian (Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.) 6-4
F — Matthew Bewley, Northeast (Oakland Park, Fla.) 6-9
F — Omaha Biliew, Waukee Senior (Waukee, Iowa) 6-8
G — Kylan Boswell, Centennial (Corona, Calif.) 6-0
F — Taylor Bowen, St. George’s School (Newport, R.I.) 6-8
G — Kanaan Carlyle, Milton (Milton, Ga.) 6-1
F — Julius Clark, Mountain Brook (Birmingham, Ala.) 6-5
G — Isaiah Collier, Wheeler (Marietta, Ga.) 6-0
G — Gabe Cupps, Centerville (Centerville, Ohio) 6-2
G — Robert Dillingham, Combine Academy (Lincolnton, N.C.) 6-4
C — Baye Fall, Lutheran (Parker, Col.) 6-10
G — Caleb Foster, Oak Hill Academy (Mouth of Wilson, Va.) 6-2
C — Brandon Garrison, Del City (Del City, Okla.) 6-8
F — Rayvon Griffith, Taft (Cincinnati, Ohio) 6-6
F — Ronald Holland, Duncanville (Duncanville, Texas) 6-8
F — Jalen Hooks, Crispus Attucks (Indianapolis, Ind.) 6-7
G — Jaylen Jones, East Nashville (Nashville, Tenn.) 5-9
G — K.J. Lewis, Chapin (El Paso, Texas) 6-4
G — Chris Lockett, Newman (New Orleans, La.) 6-4
F — Mackenzie Mgbako, Gill St. Bernard (Gladstone, N.J.) 6-7
G — Ruben Rodriguez, Reading (Reading, Pa.) 6-1
G — Reed Sheppard, North Laurel (London, Ky.) 6-2
F — J.J. Taylor, Kenwood (Chicago, Ill.) 6-8
G — R.J. Taylor, Grand Blanc (Grand Blanc, Mich.) 5-11
G — D.J. Wagner, Camden (N.J.) 6-2
F — Ja’Kobe Walter, McKinney (McKinney, Texas) 6-5
G — Isaiah West, Goodpasture Christian (Madison, Tenn.) 6-1
G — Mikey Williams, Lake Norman Christian Academy (Charlotte, N.C.) 6-3
G — Sonny Wilson, U-D Jesuit (Detroit, Mich.) 6-1

2021 National Sophomore of the Year: D.J. Wagner

Freshmen to Watch (2024)

G — Jax Abernathy, Christian Heritage (Dalton, Ga.) 6-3
G — Marcus Allen, Norland (Miami, Fla.) 6-6
F — K. Annor Boateng, Central (Little Rock, Ark.) 6-5
G — Elliot Cadeau, Bergen Catholic (Oradell, N.J.) 6-2
G — David Castillo, Bartlesville (Bartlesville, Okla.) 6-2
F — Naasir Cunningham, Gill St. Bernard’s (Gladstone, N.J.) 6-7
G — Isaiah Elohim, Heritage Christian (Northridge, Calif.) 6-4
G — Jahseem Felton, Northside Christian Academy (Charlotte, N.C.) 6-3
G — Johnuel “Boogie” Fland, Archbishop Stepinac (White Plains, N.Y.) 6-3
F — Ryan Jones, The Rock (Gainesville, Fla.) 6-8
G — Ahmad Nowell, Houston (Germantown, Tenn.) 6-0
F — Derik Queen, St. Francis Academy (Baltimore, Md.) 6-7
G — Malachi Palmer, Central Dauphin (Harrisburg, Pa.) 6-5
G — Jamari Phillips, Modesto Christian (Modesto, Calif.) 6-2
F — Cameron Scott, Lexington (Lexington, S.C.) 6-6

2021 National Freshman of the Year: Derik Queen

National Coach of the Year: Ray Portela, Sunnyslope (Pheonix, Ariz.).

Related: 2020-21 All-American Elite Team | 2020-21 Mr. Basketball USA: Chet Holmgren | 2020-21 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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2020-21 Mr. Basketball USA: Chet Holmgren, Minnehaha Academy (Minneapolis, Minn.) 7-1 C Sr.
The Gonzaga-bound skilled big man is officially the first national player of the year from Minnesota. To view the full Mr. Basketball USA release, the Mr. Basketball Tracker voting results, and comments from Minnehaha Academy coach Lance Johnson, CLICK HERE.

For all-time Mr. Basketball USA honorees dating back to 1954-55, CLICK HERE

2021 National Junior of the Year: Jalen Duren, Montverde Academy (Montverde, Fla.) 6-10 C
In today's game almost every elite player clamors to shoot the 3-point shot, but the most dominant interior player in the country stuck to his strength all season long, and the result was a national championship for his team. Duren's discipline not only helped his team's success, as the Eagles finished 24-1, it also helped his standing individually, as some recruiting experts now feel he is the No. 1 prospect nationally in the 2022 class.

After transferring over from Roman Catholic (Philadelphia, Pa.), Duren came in at No. 8 in the preseason Mr. Basketball USA Tracker, second behind Emoni Bates among juniors, but he made most of his opportunity playing national level competition nearly every game with his team part of the National Interscholastic Basketball Conference (NIBC). After some dominant performances on national television and at GEICO Nationals, Duren finished in third place in the final Mr. Basketball USA tracker (voting process for national player of the year) behind runner-up Jabari Smith of Sandy Creek (Tyrone, Ga.) and 2020-21 honoree Chet Holmgren of Minnehaha Academy (Minneapolis, Minn.), both seniors.

On the season, Duren was the leading scorer (14.3 ppg) for a team with four players averaging over 10.4 points per game that captured Montverde Academy's fourth FAB 50 crown in six seasons. He also added 8.4 rpg and 2.2 bpg while shooting 65 percent from the field.

Duren is Montverde Academy's second national honoree among juniors, joining Ben Simmons in 2013-14. He is the third honoree from Florida in that time frame, joining 2017-18 honoree Vernon Carey Jr. of University School (Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.). Simmons went on to earn Mr. Basketball USA honors as a senior.

Check out the video below for a breakdown of all the underclass players of the year, including interviews with Duren and Montverde Academy head coach Kevin Boyle.

For all-time Junior Player of the Year honorees dating back to 1966-67, CLICK HERE

2021 National Sophomore of the Year: DJ Wagner, Camden (N.J.) 6-3 G

New Jersey schools had an abbreviated season, but the son and grandson of former NBA players did more than enough to earn top honors among tenth-graders nationally. Wagner led Camden to a 13-0 mark, as "The High" finished No. 5 in the FAB 50, highest among New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) teams and public schools nationwide. An natural scorer with ability to score from deep range, mid-range and to the rack, Wagner went over 20 points in 11 of the 13 games and finished the season averaging 22.0 ppg, 3.8 rpg, and 3.8 apg for the Panthers. He earned first team all-state honors.

His father Dajuan Wagner earned top honors among sophomores in 1998-1999 while also playing for Camden. The only other player from the Garden State to earn this honor in between father and son was Michael Gilchrist of St. Patrick (Elizabeth, N.J.) in 2008-09. Similar to Dajuan Wagner, Gilchrist went on to earn Mr. Basketball USA honors as a senior.

Despite leading Camden to a 42-1 mark in his first two seasons on the team, D.J. still has plenty of motivation heading into his junior campaign. There was no post-season in 2020-21 in New Jersey and the 2019-20 season was cut short by COVID-19 with Camden riding a 25-game winning streak. Ironically, Dajuan Wagner didn't win junior player of the year honors, but that was the season in which he led "The High" to the New Jersey Tournament of Champions crown.

For all-time Sophomore Player of the Year honorees dating back to 1967-68, CLICK HERE

2021 National Freshman of the Year: Derik Queen, St. Frances Academy (Baltimore, Md.) 6-8 F

In some years, there is a ninth-grader who is a clear cut choice among his peers or a talented one who puts up gaudy statistics, but this year neither scenario emerged. The 2024 group also didn't have the luxury of playing in front of national media and college coaches during the summer of 2020, so we were admittedly a bit behind the eight-ball when it came to identifying the top freshmen on talented teams.

After evaluating all the resumes of all the FAB 50 ranked teams and the top players in the class, Queen is the candidate who best checks off all the marks of a great first-year player. He has a position-less versatile game and performed well against quality competition in the Baltimore Catholic League. He helped the Panthers to a 15-1 and the BCL Championship game where they were upset by John Carroll (Bel Air, Md.) and currently sit at No. 36 in the FAB 50. On a team with four college bound seniors, Queen averaged 14 points, eight rebounds, four assists and two blocks per game. He was also assertive, a go-to player and not afraid to take the big shot. He even had a 56-point game versus Annapolis Area Christian School.

Other first-year players highly considered for this honor were guard Isaiah Eholim from Heritage Christian (Northridge, Calif.) and a pair of talented players from New Jersey: Naasir Cunningham of Gill St. Bernard’s in Gladstone and Elliot Cadeau of Bergen Catholic in Oradell. Queen is the first freshman selection from the state of Maryland since forward Barry Young of Mt. Hebron (Ellicott City, Md.) for the 1983-84 season. To find another choice from Baltimore, you have to go back to big man Larry Gibson from Dunbar in 1971-72.

For all-time Freshman Player of the Year honorees dating back to 1969-70, CLICK HERE

2021 National Coach of the Year: Ray Portela, Sunnyslope (Phoenix, Ariz.)

It's ironic that Portela is this year's national honoree among coaches because schools belonging to the Arizona Interscholastic Association (AIA) nearly didn't have a season. When the vote to cancel the winter sports season was rescinded in January, it opened up the door for the Vikings to take a crack at its third state crown in five seasons.

It wasn't going to be easy, as the Vikings lost their big man to a national academy-type program in town and were moved up to Class 6A, the AIA's top classification. Under Portela's guidance, Sunnyslope overcame those obstacles, not to mention a quarantine period after the season began, to bring home the program's first 6A state crown courtesy of a 63-62 win over Mountain Pointe (Phoenix, Ariz.).

Led by junior guard Oakland Fort, the Vikings went 21-1, losing only one game by two points in overtime. They will finish as the AIA's only FAB 50 ranked team and currently sit at No. 44 in the nation's longest-running weekly rankings. Sunnyslope opened it season with a victory over eventual Class 4A state champ St. Mary’s (Pheonix, Ariz.). It was that team's only loss in 21 games. Catalina Foothills (Tuscon, Ariz.) won the Class 5a state crown with its only loss coming to St. Mary's.

For Portela, it was his third state crown after winning titles in Class 5A two consecutive seasons in 2017-2018. Portela doesn't like to focus on his career marks or winning percentage, instead giving credit to the close-knit nature of his players and staff. His mentor in coaching is former Sunnyslope boss Dan Mannix, who he played for at the school before going on to play at Pomona-Pitzer (Calif.).

This year's team at Sunnyslope was the schools' first FAB 50 ranked unit since Mannix's 2001-02 team that won the Class 4A crown. Similar to this year's Sunnyslope club, that Vikings team came within a hair of going undefeated, as they finished 29-1 and No. 32 in the FAB 50.

For all-time National Coach of the Year honorees dating back to 1969-70, 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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