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All-American Elite Team Retrospective

Ronnie Flores — Thu, 30 May 2024 06:51:19 +0000

We’ve been publishing our All-American Elite teams for 30 years and we’ve had plenty of fun evaluating and pouring over the high school data of the nation’s elite players. Obviously, no one is perfect but we’ll put our track record against any of the All-American teams out there. Keep in mind, many of them have come and gone, but we plan on plugging away for as long as possible.

Today, we take a look at five selections over the years we’d love to have back and five we are proud of.

The high school industry has changed plenty over the years. In the 1970s and 1980s, getting your name in the local paper was the IT thing. In the 1980s, USA Today helped mainstream national team rankings and All-American teams, but the national daily newspaper cut its high school editorial department in Dec. 2019. In the 1990s and 2000s, national magazines were all the rage. Getting on a national cover was hot and something many athletes aspired for such as the cover story of Student Sports Magazine. LeBron James and De La Salle (Calif.) football helped high school sports become something worthy of regular national telecasts, but All-American teams have been constant throughout going back to the 1950s.

Most of the ones produced in recent decades have been recruiting-oriented and many we’ve seen even had players on them that barely played half of their team’s game that season. We’re proud of the fact we take some time to research the players and what they actually accomplished and take some local consensus into consideration. We’re not perfect by any means, and today we decided to take a look back at the five best choices we made with our All-American Elite teams we’ve produced over the years, starting in Student Sports Magazine for the 1994-95 season. Those teams have also been published under the title sponsor of EA SPORTS and under the umbrella of ESPN and Ballislife as well.

Here’s a look at 10 defining moments of choosing our annual All-American Elite Teams.

5 All-American Choices We’d Love To Take Back

1. Mike Bibby Over Kobe Bryant For ’96 Mr. Basketball USA
There is no doubt Mike Bibby is the best high school player from Arizona (in terms of his career) and is probably still the state’s only "rock star" player, but he wasn’t a better talent that Kobe Bryant. Mike Bibby was a Student Sports Magazine cover subject and we had a compelling story to go along with the selection. Still, Bryant had a monster senior season after a terrific summer in 1995, when a plan was hatched to send him straight to the NBA. Sometimes, you have to just pick the best player. It should be noted that the Mr. Basketball USA Tracker began for the 2007-08 season and the voting results may have been different had a 10-man panel voted on it, instead of a group of journalists choosing.

2. Kawhi Leonard On ’09 Third Five
Now we’re cheating a bit here because having Kawhi Leonard on any All-American team in 2009 was a good call. It’s a somewhat famous snub that he didn’t play in the 2009 McDonald’s All-American Game. However, taking a deeper look at that team, Leonard should have been somewhere on the second five. The fact he was behind sophomore Michael Gilchrist of St. Patrick (Elizabeth, N.J.) or seniors John Henson of Sickles (Tampa, Fla.) is not awful, but is certainly not great, either. The 2009 Cal-Hi Sports Mr. Basketball out of King (Riverside, Calif.) averaged 22.6 points, 13.1 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game and led King to its second consecutive CIF Div. I SoCal regional final.

3. Blake Griffin On '07 Third Five
The class of 2007 was star-studded and one of the best of all-time. It certainly wasn’t easy to make All-American that season, but looking back Griffin should have been on second five. He was excellent in the McDonald’s All-American practices and game and it was easy to see he was more explosive and a better player than a few guys with more national notoriety or higher in national player rankings. Was Griffin a better high school player than either second five pick Corey Stokes of St. Benedict's (Newark, N. J.) or Gani Lawal of Norcross (Ga.)? Probably so.

4. Kemba Walker On ’08 Second Five
Willie Warren of North Crowley (Fort Worth, Texas) was a clutch player and state champion in Texas, but it was a close call to put him on first five. Now, we wish we would have went with the two point guard offense on first five with Walker and player of the year Brandon Jennings. At the McDonald's All-American game, Walker didn't take a backseat to any guard, finishing with 13 points, six rebounds and three assists. He didn’t begin playing basketball until 12, but Walker developed into one of the many decorated floor generals to attend now defunct Rice (New York) and went on to an excellent college and NBA career.

5. Jalen Suggs On ’20 Second Five
He moved up from second team All-American (30 players) to the second of four fives (our first team has had a 20-player format since 2004-05). After a career that rivaled any Minnesota player ever, Suggs probably would have been the better first five choice than sophomore Emoni Bates, who had tons of hype that season and was even named Gatorade National Player of the Year. We didn’t think that highly of Bates, but he did have a terrific season, but Suggs was probably better and we should have employed a three guard offense with Mr. Basketball USA Cade Cunningham of Montverde Academy (Fla.) and Jalen Green of Prolific Prep (Napa, Calif.). At the time, Suggs was the highest-rated recruit ever to commit to Gonzaga and was also the nation’s top Grid-Hoop Player who was named the 2019 Minnesota Mr. Football as a signal-caller on the gridiron.

5 All-American Choices We’re Most Proud Of

1. Onyeka Okongwu On Fourth Five As A Junior In ‘18
The Chino Hills (Calif.) big man was terrific as a junior and we’re glad to honor him as a two-time All-American. He really deserved it and it’s still incredible to think he was a major omission from the 2019 McDonald’s All-American Game. He showed how good he was in high school when one year later the two-time California Mr. Basketball was the No. 6 pick in the 2020 NBA Draft.

2. Jalen Brunson On Second Five As A Senior In ’15
There is this narrative the Stevenson (Lincolnshire, Ill.) was overlooked in the NBA Draft or that he’s been “slept on” until joining the New York Knicks, but that narrative is from from the truth. This pick actually can fall in both categories, as we wish we placed him on first five. Brunson was that good for his high school team and on the grassroots circuit. Some just don’t know what they are looking at when evaluating if players don’t have the typical quickness or athleticism that stands out.

3. Draymond Green On Fourth Five As A Senior In ’08
This Saginaw (Mich.) big man wasn’t rated anywhere near the Top 20 on the 2008 class. In fact, he was rated No. 122 in the country by Rivals.com, but we could see he was a talented player and more importantly, a winner. Green led the Trojans to a second straight state Class A championship while posting a 27-1 record. He was named Michigan’s Mr. Basketball for his all-around play.

4. Anthony Davis On First Five As A Senior In ‘11
Well, it wasn’t a big evaluation coupe to have A.D. on first five. After all, he was probably the most talented player in the country after being a virtual unknown as a junior. He completely blew up on the travel ball circuit, but the problem was he didn’t have any momentum from previous seasons, Perspectives Charter (Chicago) was a small school playing against relatively meager competition and the team finished 6-18. The Mr. Basketball USA Tracker knew his talent was too much to ignore, as he appeared on eight of 10 ballots, including three second-place votes. His future Kentucky teammate Michael Gilchrist was the Mr. Basketball USA that season.

5. Jalen Duren On First Five As A Junior In ‘21
Montverde Academy (Fla.) lost four starters off its terrific 2020 team, but was still able to repeat as FAB 50 champs mainly behind the play of the nation’s most physically dominant interior player. He opened up the season as the eighth highest vote-getter in the preseason Mr. Basketball USA Tracker, but ended up third behind Chet Holmgren and Jabari Smith in the final analysis. After being named national junior of the year, he re-classed up a year and left to Memphis.

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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2023-24 High School All-American Elite Team

Ronnie Flores — Tue, 14 May 2024 00:13:18 +0000

Mr. Basketball USA Cooper Flagg, national junior player of the year Cameron Boozer and three of Flagg’s teammates highlight 30th annual All-American Elite Team produced by www.ebooksnet.com Grassroots Editor Ronnie Flores. Elite honor squad includes 20-man first team and 30-man second team.

The 2023-24 All-American Elite Team, now published for the 30th consecutive season and on the www.ebooksnet.com platform for the tenth year, includes 41 of the nation’s best seniors, led by 2024 Mr. Basketball USA Cooper Flagg of FAB 50 No. 1 Montverde Academy and 10 talented juniors.

Flagg and five juniors, including class player of the year Cameron Boozer of FAB 50 No. 2 Columbus (Miami), headline the 20-player overall first team. ??There are eight repeaters off the 2022-23 All-American Elite Team, including six who made first team. Boozer is a repeat first five choice and was the 2022-23 Mr. Basketball USA as a sophomore, the first ever tenth-grade honoree. Flagg, who was classified as a sophomore last season, moved up from the second five to earn Mr. Basketball USA honors as a senior in his third year of playing high school basketball. Two other 2022-23 sophomores earning repeat All-American honors as juniors are third five selection Koa Peat of FAB 50 No. 22 Perry (Gilbert, Ariz.) and fourth five selection Maleek Thomas of Lincoln Park Performing Arts (Midland, Pa.). Both Peat and Thomas led their teams to state titles in 2023-24.

Kansas-bound big man Flory Bidunga of Kokomo (Ind.) moves up from third five to second five and Texas-bound Tre Johnson of FAB 50 No. 6 Link Academy (Branson, Mo.) repeats as second five honoree. Johnson was last season’s national junior of the year at Lake Highlands (Garland, Texas).

There are three players off last season’s 30-player second team who earned All-American status, including Rutgers-bound first five choice Dylan Harper of FAB 50 No. 19 Don Bosco Tech (Ramsey, N.J.), a scoring guard that challenged Flagg for Mr. Basketball USA honors. Two second team repeaters helped Montverde Academy make history with four All-Americans choices off this year’s roster, the first time ever one program has had more than three players honored not only in the last 30 years, but including our retroactive picks dating back to the 1954-55 season.

UCONN-bound Liam McNeeley averaged 12.7 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 2.9 apg and 1.1 spg while shooting 46 percent from 3-point range and 80 percent from the free throw line for the FAB 50 champions. Meanwhile, Baylor-bound point guard Rob Wright averaged 12.2 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 6.0 apg and 1.2 spg while shooting 42.8 percent from 3-point range on a team that not only included the eventual Mr. Basketball USA choice, but another first five performer in Maryland-bound Derik Queen.

All underclassmen are eligible for All-American Elite Team selection. No sophomore was selected and in 30 seasons of publishing annual All-American teams (plus the retroactive teams), no freshman has ever made the first team.

Our national coach of the year is Jim Baker of Central Cabarrus (Concord, N.C.). The Vikings finished No. 12 in the FAB 50 and own the nation's longest winning streak at 65 games.

2023-24 All-American First Team

First Five

G — Dylan Harper, Don Bosco Tech (Ramsey, N.J.) 6-4 Sr.
One of four juniors to make the second team in 2022-23, one left for college early, two repeated and Harper catapulted to serious national player of the year candidate as a result of a monster season that included individual and team success. The powerful guard averaged 22.4 ppg, 5.7 rpg and 2.7 apg for a team that captured the New Jersey Non-Public A state title with a 29-3 record. Harper went for 38 points and eight rebounds in the North Jersey Non-Public A title game for a team that finished No. 19 in the FAB 50. With his size, change of pace and explosiveness, Harper was the most dominant guard in the country and displayed his talent in the post-seasons all-star games. He was named co-MVP of the McDonald's All American Game with 22 points and five assists. He also made the game-winning shot in the Jordan Brand Classic and finished with a game-high 30 points. His production led him to two first-place votes in the Mr. Basketball USA Tracker and 86 points, second only to eventual honoree Cooper Flagg. He will join fellow first five selection Ace Bailey at Rutgers.

F — Cooper Flagg, Montverde Academy (Montverde, Fla.) 6-9 Sr.
Even though he only put up modest numbers last season (9.8 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 3.0 apg, 2.2 bpg) it was readily apparent he was one of the nation’s best players as a sophomore for the nation’s No. 2 team. Flagg re-classed up to the 2024 class and took his game one step further as a senior, leading an unbeaten club that was expected to be the nation’s best to the FAB 50 title with a 33-0 record. Flagg led a team that recorded 24 wins over ranked teams by dominating with his defensive prowess and shot-making ability. After becoming only the third sophomore to earn first or second five All-American honors in the last ten years, Flagg received eight of 10 first place votes to become Montverde Academy’s fifth Mr. Basketball in 10 seasons. For the season, Flagg averaged 16.1 ppg, 7.6 rpg, 3.9 apg, 2.7 bpg and 1.6 spg while being named EYBL Scholastic League Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year. ??*

F — Airious Bailey, McEachern (Powder Springs, Ga.) 6-9 Sr.
Put it all together in a memorable senior season that saw him lead the Indians to a 26-6 mark and No. 24 FAB 50 ranking. Some recruiting experts feel “Ace” has the best long-term potential of any senior, and his production wasn’t too shabby, either. Against rugged competition, Bailey averaged 32.5 ppg, 15.5 rpg, 3.5 apg and 2.4 bpg. He not only finished as a top five vote-getter in the Mr. Basketball USA Tracker, he was named Georgia Mr. Basketball by sandysspiel.com. Headed to Rutgers along with good friend and fellow first five selection Dylan Harper, Bailey was named a McDonald’s All-American and also participated in the Nike Hoop Summit, where he recorded 14 points and six rebounds for Team USA.

F — Cameron Boozer, Columbus (Miami, Fla.) 6-9 Jr.
Already named National Junior Player of the Year, Boozer didn’t repeat as Mr. Basketball USA, but he was one of four players to appear on all ten final ballots of the Mr. Basketball USA Tracker. It’s nearly impossible to meet expectations after becoming the first sophomore ever to earn national player of the year honors, but Boozer was just as dominant as a junior. He led the Explorers to their third consecutive FHSAA Class 7A state title and No. 2 final FAB 50 ranking. Columbus couldn’t get over the hump vs. Montverde Academy in two attempts, but did beat No. 3 Paul VI (Va.). Boozer had 14 points, 11 rebounds, three assists, four blocks and three steals vs. Paul IV, 20 points, eight rebounds, five assists and four steals in the first game vs. MVA and 29 points and seven rebounds in the second contest. For the season, Boozer averaged 22.2 ppg, 11.4 rpg, 2.7 apg, and 2.1 bpg while shooting 62 percent from the field (234-378), 41 percent from the 3-point line (43-105) and 82 percent from the free throw line (155-188). He has a chance next season to become the first three-time first five choice since LeBron James in 2001-2003.

C — Derik Queen, Montverde Academy (Montverde, Fla.) 6-9 Sr.
This year’s MVA team will ultimately be compared to the program’s 2019-20 juggernaut, and for the second time in five seasons, the Eagles place two players on the first five. That season, Mr. Basketball USA Cade Cunningham was complimented by Scottie Barnes, who did a bit of everything for one of the best teams of all-time. Before that duo, you have to go all the way back to 1974-75 with future NBA players David Greenwood and Roy Hamilton at Verbum Dei (Los Angeles) to find a pair of teammates selected first five Elite All-Americans. Queen was this team’s Swiss-Army-Knife in that he could contribute in a variety of ways, but was also the Eagles’ leading scorer (16.4 ppg). With his unselfishness and dominance around the basket, the Maryland bound big man added 7.6 rpg, 2.0 apg, 1.0 spg and just under a block per game for a 33-0 club. In displaying how important his role was, Queen shot 68.3 percent from the field (while only attempting three 3-pointers all season) and 79 percent from the free throw line. Many felt Queen was the most dominant player at the City of Palms and he also put forth a MVP performance at the McDonald's All-American Game with 23 points, eight rebounds, five assists and three steals.

Second Five

G — Johnuel “Boogie” Fland, Archbishop Stepinac (White Plains, N.Y.) 6-3 Sr.
?Highly regarded coming into high school, Fland produced each season and saved his best for last. With his speed and body control, Fland’s play-making ability from the lead guard was a sight to behold, as he was basically unstoppable in stretches and still unselfish. He led Stepinac to the New York Catholic League title, posting norms of 19.2 ppg, 6.6 rpg, 3.6 apg and 2.4 spg for the No. 18 team in the FAB 50. He had a 43-point, 11-rebound playoff game vs. rival Christ the King (Middle Village) and was named New York Mr. Basketball for his outstanding play. Fland was also named all-CHSAA for the third straight season and the Class AAA Player of the Year. He went for 17 points, five rebounds and three assists in his team’s comeback victory at the McDonald’s All-American Game.

G — V.J. Edgecombe, Long Island Lutheran (Glen Head, N.Y.) 6-5 Sr.
On a talented team that competed for the FAB 50 national title, Edgecombe was the leader on both ends of the floor and arguably the most talented two-guard in the country. With his shot making ability and spectacular defensive plays that often included clutch steals or a highlight block, Edgecombe led LuHi to a second place finish in the EYBL Scholastic League with a 10-2 mark and No. 4 finish in the FAB 50. He was named first team all-league for the second consecutive season and finished with norms of 17.3 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 4.0 apg and 2.3 spg. Bound for Baylor, Edgecomb scored 17 points for the World Team at the Nike Hoop Summit.

G — Tre Johnson, Link Academy (Branson, Mo.) 6-5 Sr.
If V.J. Edgecombe is not the top off-guard in the country, then Johnson surely is. His sweet-shooting touch was on full display at the McDonald’s All-American Game, where he knocked down 5-of-7 3-pointers and had 17 points. One of the toughest checks in the country and a repeat second five choice, both Johnson and Edgecombe appeared on five of 10 ballots in the final Mr. Basketball USA voting. After earning National Junior Player of the Year honors at Lake Highlands (Garland, Texas) last season, Johnson led Link Academy to a berth in Chipotle Nationals, where it defeated Prolific Prep in the first round of the event and finished 26-7. Johnson, bound for Texas, averaged a team-high 15.5 ppg, 3.3 rpg and 3.6 apg for the No. 6 team in the FAB 50. He finished the season shooting 39 percent from 3-point range and 89.1 percent from the free throw line.

F — A.J. Dybantsa, Prolific Prep (Napa, Calif.) 6-7 Jr.
On a talent-laden team with three McDonald’s All-American choices, it was the highly-regarded junior that was the team’s leading player. He was listed as a freshman in 2022-23, but re-classified into the 2025 class in the off-season and some feel he’s the best overall prospect not only in the class, but regardless of class. Prolific Prep battled injuries to many of its best players, but Dybansta was the most consistent, and dynamic player, capable of carrying the team or turning around a big game with his vast offensive arsenal. Originally from Brockton, Mass., Dybansta led a 33-6 team that finished No. 7 in the FAB 50 and only lost two games at full strength. He joined Cameron Boozer as the only two juniors to appear on every ballot of the Mr. Basketball USA Tracker after finishing with a team-high 21.2 ppg, 9.4 rpg (also team-high) and 3.5 apg.

C — Flory Bidunga, Kokomo (Ind.) 6-10 Sr.
After being the second leading vote-getter on the Indiana A.P. All-State team as a junior, he was named Mr. Basketball of the state as a senior, out-distancing Purdue-bound guard Jack Better of Brownstown Central in points, 198-122. Bidunga also tied for No. 8 on the final Mr. Basketball USA Tracker with fellow second teamer Tre Johnson and moves up from the third five as a junior when he led the Wildkats to their first state title game appearance since 1989. This season, the McDonald’s All-American selection averaged 19.0 ppg, 12.9 rpg, 3.2 apg and 4.4 bpg in leading Kokomo to the Class 4A regional finals. Bidunga is not only a terrific defender and shot blocker, he’s one of the most efficient offensive players in high school basketball history. After making 81 percent (207-263) of his shots from the field as a junior, he converted 236-of-290 shots (81.4 percent) as a senior and shot 80.3 percent from the field in his three-year career. The Congo native was a two-time Gatorade State Player of the Year and finished his career with 1,609 points, 1,132 rebounds and 402 blocked shots. Bidunga posted six triple doubles, including three as a senior, and 49 double-doubles the past two seasons.

Third Five

G — Travis Perry, Lyon County (Eddyville, Ky.) 6-2 Sr.
Not only is Perry one of the most accomplished players on this year’s Elite team, he’s now a Bluegrass Folk Hero after leading Lyon County to a Sweet 16 title and No. 47 FAB 50 ranking. He led a program where 277 students attend the school to a 36-3 mark and scored 27 points in the state title game to earn Sweet 16 MVP honors. For the season, the future Kentucky Wildcat averaged 29.5 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 5.0 apg, and 3.9 spg while earning state Mr. Basketball honors while receiving 91 of 124 first-place votes. His career numbers are mind boggling, as Perry began playing with his Lyon County teammates in second grade and joined the varsity in seventh grade. Perry scored 5,481 points in 201 career games, while scoring in double figures in 196 of those games with four of those five single-digit games coming before ninth grade. He also made career 712 3-pointers.

G — Trent Perry, Harvard-Westlake (North Hollywood, Calif.) 6-4 Sr.
Emotional leader and clutch play-maker for a team that won CIF section and state crowns and finished No. 8 in the FAB 50. Perry actually led Harvard-Westlake to back-to-back CIF open crowns and averaged 18 ppg, 6 rpg, 5.8 apg and 1.2 spg as a senior for a 33-3 club. Even more than his averages, Perry was clutch for the Wolverines in their biggest games, as he had a open division record 10 assists in the 2023 CIF state final vs. Santa Maria St. Joseph to go along with 16 points and eight rebounds, while scoring his team’s last six points after trialing 45-44, in this season’s state final. Perry was named California Mr. Basketball for his efforts and was this season’s CIFSS Open Division Player of the Year. He’s a two-time all-state choice and two-time Mission League Player of the Year. The UCLA recruit led led Harvard-Westlake to a 108-15 mark against rugged competition and is headed for UCLA.

F — Isaiah Evans, North Mecklenburg (Huntersville, N.C.) 6-7 Sr.
?In a strong year for teams and individual talent in North Carolina, Evans stood out among the best players, earning state player of the year honors from the N.C. Basketball Coaches Association. He’s one of the country’s most dynamic talents and offensive players, capable of carrying his team when necessary. He led North Meck to a 30-3 mark and the NCHSAA Class 4A title and along the way scored a season-high 48 points, including 21 consecutive in the third period, in a state quarterfinal victory over FAB 50 ranked Myers Park (Charlotte). For the season, the Duke recruit averaged 27.4 ppg, 6.1 rpg, 3.2 apg and 2.3 spg and was selected top play in the McDonald’s, Jordan Brand and Nike Hoop Summit all-star games.

F — Darren Harris, Paul VI (Fairfax, Va.) 6-5 Sr.
His resume is much like his PVI teammate last year, Deshawn Smith-Harris, who was also a third five selection. Harris was MVP of the prestigious Washington Catholic Athletic Conference (WCAC) and led his team to the VISAA D1 state title (its third straight) as well as the WCAC regular season (15-0) and tourney title. This team was expected to compete for a FAB 50 title and did, advancing to the Chipotle Nationals title game with Harris leading the way by averaging 24.0 ppg, including 36 in the first round win over IMG Academy. For the season, Harris averaged 17.2 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 3.1 apg and 2.0 spg for one of the most balanced and talent-laden teams in the country. He’ll join Mr. Basketball USA Cooper Flagg and fellow first team All-Americans Isaiah Evans and Kon Knueppel at Duke.

F — Koa Peat, Perry (Gilbert, Ariz.) 6-8 Jr.
A repeat third five selection, Peat has a terrific chance to supplant 1996 Mr. Basketball USA Mike Bibby as the most accomplished player the Arizona Interscholastic Association (AIA) has ever produced. The AIA open division started in Peat’s sophomore season and he scored 35 points in the title game win over Sunnyslope of Phoenix. In this season’s open title game, he went for 21 points, 13 rebounds and four assists to help his team overcome a 17-point deficit to defeat Millennium (Goodyear). Perry won the Class 6A crown in 2021-22 and is 14-0 in the playoffs the past three seasons with this powerful forward in the lineup. He’s already been a two-time Gatorade State POY and enters his senior season with 1,649 points. Peat, also an accomplished player for USA Basketball who will look to earn a third gold medal later this summer at the FIBA 17U World Cup, posted season averages of 20.5 ppg, 10.6 rpg, 3.4 apg, and 2.2 bpg as Perry finished 24-6 and No. 22 in the FAB 50.

Fourth Five

G — Mercy Miller, Notre Dame (Sherman Oaks, Calif.) 6-3 Sr.
This sweet shooting guard received plenty of attention during the season for his lack of respect in national player rankings, even though he’s the son of a celebrity (rap mogul Master P). He’s been on our radar for years as a talented prospect and put it all together in a monster senior season in which he became the first Notre Dame player to score 1,000 points or more in a season. Miller was one of the nation’s best two-guard scorers (28.8 ppg), an instinctual rebounder (9.3 rpg) and unselfish in knowing when to get teammates involved or take over a game. Despite facing defenses that sold out to stop him, Miller was at his best in big games, and in any five-game sample from Notre Dame’s 31-4 season Miller's averages would be nearly identical to his season averages, including the eight state ranked teams the Knights faced. Miller had 29 points in the win over state No. 1 Harvard-Westlake and 33 in the loss in the Mission League final to the same team and was considered the runner-up for state Mr. Basketball to third five pick Trent Perry. After leading Notre Dame to the CIF Southern Section D1 crown, he was named his section’s D1 Player of the Year and chosen to the L.A. Times All-Star Team. He’s headed to Houston.

G — Meleek Thomas, Lincoln Park Performing Arts (Midland, Pa.) 6-3 Jr.
A repeat fourth five selection, Thomas’ season was on par with what he accomplished as a sophomore: fantastic outings for a 27-3 team that finished No. 19 in the East Region Top 20. A top five recruit in his class, many in West Pennsylvania are hoping he joins his good friend and teammate Brandin Cummings at Pitt. As a sophomore, Thomas was named Pittsburgh Tribune-Review Player of the Year and this season he and Cummings (22.8 ppg) shared the honor after leading Lincoln Park to back-to-back WPIAL and PIAA Class 4A titles. Known for his competitive nature and clutch play, Thomas averaged 22.7 points and 10.4 rebounds for a team that won its last 20 games. Cummings (who averaged 29.8 ppg in the PIAA playoffs) finished with 2,224 career points, while Thomas enters his senior season with 1,750.

F — Kon Knueppel, Wisconsin Lutheran (Milwaukee, Wis.) 6-6 Sr.
Led his team to a perfect 30-0 mark and No. 10 FAB 50 ranking by getting teammates involved or taking over when he had to. Knueppel saved this best for last, posing 11 points and 11 assists in the WIAA D2 state title game win over three-time defending state champ Pewaukee. For the season, Knueppel averaged 25.9 ppg, 8.6 rpg and 5.3 apg and was named WBCA state Mr. Basketball in the process. For his career, Knueppel racked up 1,978 points, 808 rebounds and 398 assists, while Wisconsin Lutheran posted a 99-11 four-year mark. Knueppel is part of a Duke recruiting class that includes four first team selections, including Mr. Basketball USA Cooper Flagg.

F — Morez Johnson, Thorton (Harvey, Ill.) 6-9 Sr.
One of the nation’s most dominant interior players, Johnson made the most of his only season in a Wildcats’ uniform, leading Thorton to a 29-5 mark and the Class 3A Super-Sectionals. Johnson produced each night despite defenses geared to stop him, posting 29 double-doubles. He finished the seasons with norms of 17.2 ppg, 14.1 rpg, 3.5 apg, 3.4 bpg and 2.6 spg. For his efforts, Johnson was named Gatorade State POY and voted state Mr. Basketball by coaches and the media. This season was the third time he was named a first team IBCA all-state selection, with the first two all-state nods coming at St. Rita of Chicago. He had eight points, four rebounds and blocked a shot off the bench for Team USA in the Nike Hoop Summit.

C — Caleb Wilson, Holy Innocents (Atlanta, Ga.) 6-9 Jr.
One of the top 2025 prospects in the country, Wilson is a versatile talent who had a breakout junior campaign. Wilson can dominate the game in various fashions and is capable of triple-doubles with assists or blocked shots in any game he plays. For the season, Wilson averaged 20.8 ppg, 14.6 rpg, 4.7 apg and 4.4 bpg for a Holy Innocents team that finished 26-7 as the Class AAAA runner-ups. For his efforts, Wilson was named first five all-Georgia and the Class AAAA Player of the Year.

2023-24 All-American Second Team

G — Darius Acuff, IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.) 6-2 Jr.
G — Jalil Bethea, Archbishop Wood (Warminster, Pa.) 6-4 Sr.
G — Brayden Burries, Roosevelt (Eastvale, Calif.) 6-5 Jr.
F — K. Annor Boateng, Central (Little Rock, Ark.) 6-5 Sr.
F — Jacob Cofie, Eastside Catholic (Sammamish, Wash.) 6-9 Sr.
G — Brandin Cummings, Lincoln Park Performing Arts (Midland, Pa.) 6-3 Sr.
F — Donnie Freeman, IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.) 6-8 Sr.
G — Gicarri Harris, Grayson (Loganville, Ga.) 6-4 Sr.
F — Matthew Hodge, St. Rose (Belmar, N.J.) 6-8 Sr.
F — Jaxon Johnson, Alta (Sandy, Utah) 6-9 Sr.
F — Jamier Jones, Oak Ridge (Orlando, Fla.) 6-6 Jr.
F — Ryan Jones Jr., The Rock (Gainesville, Fla.) 6-8 Sr.
G — Cooper Lewis, Lehi (Utah) 6-2 Sr.
F — Jackson McAndrew, Wayzata (Plymouth, Minn.) 6-9 Sr.
G — Trey McKenney, St. Mary’s Prep (Orchard Lake, Mich.) 6-3 Jr.
F — Liam McNeeley, Montverde Academy (Montverde, Fla.) 6-7 Sr.
G — Paul McNeil, Richmond Senior (Rockingham, N.C.) 6-5
G — Juni Mobley, Wasatch Academy (Mt. Pleasant, Utah) 6-0 Sr.
F — Josiah Moseley, Stony Point (Round Rock, Texas) 6-8 Sr.
F — Trent Noah, Harlan County (Baxter, Ky.) 6-6 Sr.
G — Ahmad Nowell, Imhotep Charter (Philadelphia, Pa.) 6-0 Sr.
G — Tahaad Pettiford, Hudson Catholic (Jersey City, N.J.) 5-11 Sr.
G — Labaron Philon, Link Academy (Branson, Mo.) 6-4 Sr.
F — Billy Richmond, Camden (N.J.) 6-6 Sr.
F — Cameron Scott, Lexington (S.C.) 6-6 Sr.
C — Thomas Sorber, Archbishop Ryan (Philadelphia, Pa.) 6-9 Sr.
F — Bryson Tucker, Bishop O’Connell (Arlington, Va.) 6-6 Sr.
F — Dylan Warlick, Edmond North (Edmond, Okla.) 6-6 Sr.
G —Robert Wright II, Montverde Academy (Montverde, Fla.) 6-1 Sr.
F — Tounde Yessoufou, St. Joseph (Santa Maria, Calif.) 6-5 Jr.

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

The post 2023-24 High School All-American Elite Team appeared first on www.ebooksnet.com.

2022-23 High School All-American Elite Team

Ronnie Flores — Thu, 25 May 2023 02:26:46 +0000

Mr. Basketball USA Cameron Boozer, national senior of the year Isaiah Collier, and four-year standout D.J. Wagner highlight the 29th annual All-American Elite Team produced by www.ebooksnet.com Grassroots Editor Ronnie Flores. Elite honor squad includes 20-man first team and 30-man second team.

The 2022-23 All-American Elite Team, now published for the 29th consecutive season and on the www.ebooksnet.com platform for the ninth year, includes 40 of the nation’s best seniors and four terrific sophomores led by Mr. Basketball USA Cameron Boozer of FAB 50 No. 6 Columbus (Miami, Fla.).

Four sophomores from the talented 2025 class and two juniors, including class player of the year Tre Johnson of FAB 50 No. 8 Lake Highlands (Dallas) headline the 20-player overall first team. ??Two repeaters of last year’s team are seniors D.J. Wagner and Ronald Holland, both second five selections as juniors. Wagner was the class player of the year at Camden (N.J.) his first three seasons of high school. Holland was the top honors candidate off last year’s FAB 50 championship team at Duncanville (Texas) and led this year’s club to a 28-1 record and No. 3 final FAB 50 ranking.

Last year’s 30-player second team included one lone junior: Simeon Wilcher of Roselle Catholic (Roselle, N.J.), who moved up to the first team as a senior (fourth five) after winning his third New Jersey Non-Public state crown. This year’s 30-player second team includes four juniors, including Dylan Harper of Don Bosco Prep (Ramsey, N.J.), who is having a terrific spring grassroots season and joined Wilcher as a first team all-state selection in New Jersey.

All underclassmen are eligible for All-American Elite Team selection. No sophomore was selected for second team and in 29 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 Pat Clatchey of Mt. St. Joseph (Baltimore, Md.). The Gaels finished No. 27 in the FAB 50 after winning a second consecutive Baltimore Catholic League (BCL) title and tying a league mark with 38 victories.

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.

2022-23 All-American First Team

First Five

G — Isaiah Collier, Wheeler (Marietta, Ga.) 6-2 Sr.
The top guard in the country, Collier was named National Senior Player of the Year after finishing No. 2 in the Mr. Basketball USA Tracker (76 points, 9 ballots) behind sophomore forward Cameron Boozer. Collier closed out his career strong, netting 22 points and seven assists in the GHSA Class AAAAAAA state title game as Wheeler easily downed Cherokee of Canton, 78-58. In leading the Wildcats to a 27-7 mark and No. 20 FAB 50 National Ranking, Collier averaged 19.6 ppg, 5.1 rpg. 6.8 apg, and 2.3 spg, while shooting 58.7 percent from the field, 33.3 percent from 3-point line and 79 percent from the foul line. Collier helped Wheeler win three state titles and the program went 102-23 in his time. This USC recruit scored a game-high 25 points in the McDonald’s All-American Game.

G — D.J. Wagner, Camden (Camden, N.J.) 6-3 Sr.
Joined his grandfather (1981 third five All-American Milt Wagner) and his father (2001 Mr. Basketball USA Dajuan Wagner) as the first three-generation McDonald’s All-Americans. Although he didn’t sweep class player of the year honors all four years, Wagner was one of the nation’s finest players over the last two seasons and as a senior finished fourth (56 points) in the Mr. Basketball USA Tracker. As a junior, Wagner averaged 19.8 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 3.5 spg, and 3.3 apg and as a senior sported norms of 22.5 ppg, 3.3 rpg and 3.0 apg. The Kentucky signee led Camden to a 23-2 on-court record and No. 12 FAB 50 ranking with losses to No. 6 Columbus (FL) and No. 23 Centennial (CA). He had 32 points vs. Columbus and 27 points vs. Centennial and was one of the nation’s best scorers since his freshman season. The 2021-22 NJ.com Player of the Year, he was also named Gatorade State POY three times and led The High to a 94-5 career record while scoring 2,040 career points (20.6 ppg) against quality local and national competition. Wagner had a team-high 19 points, including three 3-pointers, in his team’s come-from-behind win at the McDonald’s All-American Game.

F — Ronald Holland, Duncanville (Duncanville, Texas) 6-8 Sr.
Similar to D.J. Wagner, Holland moves up for the second five as a junior and was a serious candidate for Mr. Basketball honors, finishing No. 3 in the balloting behind Isaiah Collier and honoree Cam Boozer. Coaches and scouts raved about his work ethic and court presence at the McDonald’s All-American Game and Duncanville was always in the game as long as this dynamic forward was on the court. In his four seasons, the Panthers were FAB 50 ranked each season and finished an incredible 123-6. As a junior, Holland averaged 15 ppg (60 percent FG), 8 rpg, 2 spg on the No. 1 team in the country and this season sported norms of 20.3 ppg, 10.1 rpg, 2.4 apg and 2.0 spg while shooting 54.4 percent from the field and 79.3 percent from the free throw line for a 28-1 team that finished No. 3 in the FAB 50. He took over the game down the stretch in a win over No. 23 Centennial (Corona, Calif.), finishing with 24 points, and the next night had 25 points and 8 rebounds in a win over Boozer and No. 6 Columbus (Miami, Fla.). A two-time District 11-6A Player of the Year, Holland was committed to Texas but recently re-opened his recruitment.

F — Cameron Boozer, Columbus (Miami, Fla.) 6-9 Soph.
Only three underclassmen other than Boozer have been named Mr. Basketball USA: Jerry Lucas in 1957 (retroactively), Lew Alcindor in 1964 (retroactively) and LeBron James in 2002. Sure, every class is different and 2023 is not considered one of the stronger in recent seasons, but the fact only three players have done it before Boozer and all of them will be in the NBA Hall of Fame speak volumes. In fact, James beat out senior Carmelo Anthony, Alcindor beat out senior Wes Unseld and Lucas beat out senior Tony Jackson, and all three of those runner-ups also made the NBA. Boozer, whose father Carlos Boozer was a second five Elite All-American in 1999, led the Explorers to a second consecutive FHSAA Class 7A crown and FAB 50 ranking by averaging 21.1 ppg, 11.2 rpg, 4.2 apg and 2.0 bpg, while shooting 62.1 percent from the field, 41.6 percent from the 3-point line and 89.1 percent from the charity stripe. The class of 2025 is considered a terrific one, as three other tenth-graders made the 20-man first team all-American squad this season. Before this season, only Emoni Bates (in 2020) and James (in 2001) were first five choices as sophomores and only three others have been second five All-Americans.

F — Justin Edwards, Imhotep Charter (Philadelphia, Pa.) 6-7 Sr.
Arguably the most versatile elite offensive talent in the country, Edwards is the first player from the Philadelphia Public League to being named a McDonald’s All-American since 1993 Mr. Basketball USA choice Rasheed Wallace (Simon Gratz). Edwards came up big in key contests for a team that finished 30-3 and No. 13 in the FAB 50. Edwards had 16 points, six rebounds and three blocks to lead his team to the prestigious City of Palms title over Cameron Boozer and Columbus (Miami, Fla.), 25 points, 12 rebounds, four assists and six steals in a big win at the Spalding Hoophall Classic over Cardinal Hayes (Bronx, N.Y.) and 16 points and 10 rebounds in a loss to D.J. Wagner and Camden (N.J.) He also did well locally, leading Imhotep to three consecutive Philadelphia Public League titles 23 years after his mom (Ebony Twiggs) led University City to two city titles. The PIAA Class 5A Player of of the Year, this Kentucky recruit went for 16 points in the state title game and for the season averaged 17.9 ppg and 7.5 rpg. Edwards went for 10 and 11 points, respectively, at the McDonald’s All-American Game and Nike Hoop Summit and closed his career with a 27-point, MVP performance at the Ballislife All-American Game.

Second Five

G — Jeremy Fears, Joilet West (Joliet, Ill.) 6-2 Sr.
A natural leader that plays to win, Fears defensive effort and intensity were on full display at the Ballilsife All-American Game, where he led his team to a come-from-behind overtime win with 11 points, nine assists and hellacious defense in crunch time. Fears was also named a McDonald’s All-American after a season in which he led the Tigers to a 28-6 mark and a Class 4A sectional final appearance. Playing alongside his brother and Underclass All-American Jeremiah Fears, Jeremy averaged 18.8 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 5.3 apg and 2.0 spg while earning praise for his efficiency. He shot 59 percent from the field, 41 percent from 3-point range and 88 percent from the charity stripe. Fears spent two seasons at NIBC program La Lumiere (La Porte, Ind.) after starting his career Joliet West where as a freshman he helped the Tigers to a 29-4 mark before COVID-19 shut down the season before the sectional final. He ended his career as the The News-Gazette’s All-State Player of the Year and as the leading vote-getter on the A.P. Class 4A All-State team.

G — Jackson Shelstad, West Linn (Ore.) 6-0 Sr.
No player in the country used his senior season campaign to boost his All-American candidacy as much as this Oregon-bound point guard. A four-year starter and two-time Gatorade State POY, Shelstad saved his best for last, leading the Lions to the Class 6A state title game and No. 30 FAB 50 National Ranking. He led West Linn to the Les Schwab Invitational title, the first for an Oregon team since 2012, by handing FAB 50 No. 3 Duncanville (Texas) its only loss of the season. Shelstad went for 30 points in the signature title game win and averaged 33 ppg over four tourney games. On the season, the future Duck averaged 28.3 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 3.6 apg and 2.0 spg for a 28-2 team. He also shot 59 percent from the field, 41 percent from 3-point range and 84 percent from the free throw line. He concluded one of the most honor-filled careers in Oregon history by earning Three Rivers League Player of the Year three times after earning second team all-league honors as a freshman. He was rewarded for his stellar play with a selection to represent Team USA at the Nike Hoop Summit.

G — Tre Johnson, Lake Highlands (Garland, Texas) 6-5 Jr.
The first player ever from Texas to earn National Junior Player of the Year honors, Johnson was recently named the state’s Mr. Basketball by the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches (TABC). He was able to early these lofty honors by averaging 21.8 ppg, 6.4 rpg, 2.7 apg, and 1.7 spg while shooting 53 percent (272-513) from the field, 42 percent (84-201) from 3-point range and 91 percent (177-194) from the line. He closed out his impressive campaign with a 29-point, 8-rebound performance in a victory over FAB 50 ranked Beaumont United that gave Lake Highlands the UIL Class 6A state title. A gifted wing guard, the Dallas Morning News Player of the Year is considered by many the No. 1 prospect in the national 2024 class.

F — Cooper Flagg, Montverde Academy (Montverde, Fla.) 6-8 Soph.
On a talented team that finished No. 2 in the FAB 50, this tenth-grader was the Eagles’ most talented player. He helped MVA win the National Interscholastic Basketball Conference (NIBC) regular season title (11-1) and led the Eagles to their 11th consecutive appearance at GEICO Nationals while officially being named second team all-NIBC. Flagg is known for his versatility, big play-ability and defensive prowess and on a team where four players averaged between 9-14 points, he averaged 9.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 2.2 blocked shots per game. He was the first freshman to earn Gatorade State POY honors in Maine at Nokomis Regional in Newport (20,5 ppg, 10.0 rpg, 6.2 apg, 3.7 spg, 3.7 bpg) and was the leader of Team USA’s club that captured the 2022 FIBA U17 World Cup. For his performances he was named 2022 USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year. He’s only the third sophomore to earn first or second five All-American honors in the last ten years, joining Emoni Bates in 2020 (first) and DeAndre Ayton in 2015 (second).

C — Aaron Bradshaw, Camden (Camden, N.J.) 7-0 Sr.
It was a terrific year for talent in the Garden State and some feel Bradshaw could be its most talented prospect. He’s a consensus top five national prospect and will join high school teammate and first five selection D.J. Wagner at Kentucky. Bradshaw helped The High capture its twelfth NJSIAA state title as a junior when he averaged 8.9 ppg, 7.4 rpg and 3.2 bpg but was more polished and productive as a senior. He sported norms of 12.0 ppg, 9.4 rpg and 2.4 bpg for a team that finished No. 12 in the FAB 50 with a 23-2 mark, but wasn’t able to defend its title because of a brawl in the county title game. A first team all-state selection by NJ.com, Bradshaw was selected for the McDonald’s All-American Game, where he displayed the ability that makes him the nation’s top pivot player. He finished with a team-high 18 points and eight rebounds.

Third Five

G — Jared McCain, Centennial (Corona, Calif.) 6-3 Sr.
Last season the Huskies had a third five selection in Donovan Dent (New Mexico) and this year the Duke-bound point guard matches his former teammate. McCain, a social media sensation who took advantage of NIL opportunities afforded student-athletes in California, captured many of the same honors this season Dent did in 2021-22: Inland Player of the Year by the Riverside Press Enterprise, Southland Player of the Year by the L.A. Times and State Mr. Basketball by Cal-Hi Sports. McCain earned Gatorade State POY honors in 2021-22 when he led the Huskies to a 33-1 record, No. 5 FAB 50 Rankings and the program’s first ever CIF Open Division title by leading the team in scoring (16.8 ppg) to go along with 4.6 rpg and 2.1 apg. He repeated that honor this season by averaging 18.0 ppg, 7.1 rpg, and 4.0 apg while shooting 36 percent from 3-point range and 83 percent from the line. Centennial, the No. 23 team in the FAB 50, advanced to the SoCal open final. In all, McCain helped Centennial capture three CIF Southern Section open titles and is one of the most highly-decorated players in Riverside County history.

G — Caleb Foster, Notre Dame (Sherman Oaks, Calif.) 6-4 Sr.
If second five selection Jackson Shelstad is not the biggest McDonald’s All-American snub, then this explosive North Carolina native is. Foster's strength, skill level and explosiveness was just too much for nearly any guard in the country to he wasted no time making an impact at Notre Dame after two terrific seasons at powerhouse Oak Hill Academy in Virginia. Foster followed up on an All-American Underclass season by leading the Knights to a CIF D1 state crown and a No. 46 FAB 50 Ranking. Foster came through in the big games, going for 28 points in the D1 regional final victory over Mission League foe Sierra Canyon and 33 points in the state final vs. Granada of Livermore, the latter a CIF championship game D1 record. In four victories over Sierra Canyon, Foster averaged 20.5 ppg and for the season averaged 21.4 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 3.9 apg and 1.2 spg. On top of that, he kept defenders honest by shooting 38 percent from 3-point range. He’s considered the state Mr. Basketball runner-up to fellow third five selection Jared McCain, who will join Foster in Durham.

G — Ja’Kobe Walter, Link Academy (Branson, Mo.) 6-5 Sr.
After earning underclass All-American honors at McKinney (Texas), Walter moved over to the independent program and immediately helped the Lions emerge as a FAB 50 title contender. After entering GEICO Nationals as the No. 2 team in the FAB 50, Walter led the program to its first national title in the program’s second year by averaging 21.3 ppg in three victories. This top-flight shooting guard netted 37 points against Paul VI (Fairfax, Va.) in the quarterfinals and went for 21 points, on 6-of-8 shooting from the field, including 3-of-4 3-point shots, in the championship game victory over AZ Compass Prep (Chandler, Ariz.). On a well-balanced 27-1 unit, Walter averaged 14.4 ppg (37.8 percent from 3-point range) 4.0 rpg and 1.7 spg. Selected for both the McDonald’s All-American and Nike Hoop Summit, Walter is headed to Baylor.

F — Koa Peat, Perry (Gilbert, Ariz.) 6-8 Soph.
This strong-bodied forward already has won two state titles and has scored over 1,000 points with two high school seasons to go. He followed up a freshman season in which he averaged 15.0 ppg and 6.1 rpg while helping Perry to its first Class 6A state crown by leading the Pumas to the first ever AIA open division state crown. In the title game, Peat finished with 35 points in a 74-58 victory over Sunnyslope of Pheonix. For the season, the talented tenth grader averaged 19.7 ppg, 9.4 rpg, 3.0 apg, 1.7 bpg and 1.3 spg for the No. 22 team in the FAB 50. Peat is considered one of the best overall prospects in high school basketball and is the first sophomore ever from Arizona to make the Elite All-American first team.

C — Flory Bidunga, Kokomo (Ind.) 6-10 Jr.
Led the Wildkats to their first state title game appearance since 1989 with a series of dominant performances after emerging as one of the nations’ dominant post players at the Pangos All-American Festival in August. Bidunga is not only a terrific post defender, he can move out and guard the perimeter and never takes a bad shot. In leading basketball-crazed Kokomo to a 24-5 mark, Bidunga averaged 20.2 ppg, 13.8 rpg and 4.5 bpg while making 81 percent (207-263) of his shots from the floor. He recorded 27 double-doubles in 29 outings and was the second-leading vote-getter on the Indiana A.P. All-State team behind second teamer Markus Burton.

Fourth Five

G — Simeon Wilcher, Roselle Catholic (Roselle, N.J.) 6-4 Sr.
Moves up from the second team after another stellar season that saw this strong and athletic guard win his third state title. On a talented team that finished No. 21 in the FAB 50, Wilcher averaged 15.4 ppg, 4.7 rpg and 5.7 apg while posting a 22-6 record. That record is a bit deceiving because the Lions did not lose in-state against tough competition and Wilcher played on teams that went 17-0 in the NJSIAA state tournament during his career. A two-time NJ.com first team all-state choice, Wilcher averaged 16.9 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 5.1 apg and 2.0 spg as a junior when Roselle Catholic defeat Camden (N.J.) to capture the final New Jersey Tournament of Champions. Wilcher is headed to North Carolina.

G — Meleek Thomas, Lincoln Park Performing Arts (Midland, Pa.) 6-3 Soph.
The fourth tenth-grader to earn first team honors, Thomas has the ability to be the WPIAL’s finest player since its hoops heyday in the 1960s and early 1970s. Thomas is that talented and is known for his relentless motor and intensity. After averaging 18.9 ppg as a freshman, he teamed with junior Brandin Cummings (23.1 ppg) to lead the Leopards to the WPIAL title and PIAA Class 4A state title. Thomas scored 25 points in the WPIAL title game and 22 points, including the game winner bucket, in the state title win over Philly power Neumann-Goretti. The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review Player of the Year Thomas averaged 24.9 ppg as the Leopards finished 30-1 and No. 50 in the FAB 50.

F — DeShawn Harris-Smith, Paul VI (Fairfax, Va.) 6-6 Sr.
Highly-honored forward capped his career by leading the Panthers to their first ever berth in GEICO Nationals. Harris-Smith netted a team-high 18 points in a close 68-65 loss to eventual tourney champ and FAB 50 No. 1 Link Academy of Missouri. He was consistently productive for a team that played stellar competition, spent some time in the regular season at No. 1 in the FAB 50 and finished 31-4 and No. 18, averaging 17.8 ppg, 7.4 rpg, 6.3 apg and 2.6 spg. The Panthers won the VISAA D1 state title and Harris-Smith was named MVP of the prestigious Washington Catholic Athletic Conference. He’s headed to Maryland.

C — Brandon Garrison, Del City (Del City, Okla.) 6-9 Sr.
Capped off an honors-filled career by scoring 17 points, including the game-winning lay-up with 35 seconds remaining in overtime, to lift the Eagles to the Class 5A state title over district rival Carl Albert. Garrison played a big role in Del City winning two state titles and making three state title game appearances. He had 18 points and six rebounds in the semifinals to avenge last year’s loss in the state title game to Tulsa Memorial. For the season, Garrison averaged 15.9 ppg, 9.0 rpg and 2.3 apg and was showered with post-season accolades. The Oklahoman Super 5 Player of the Year was also named Suburban Conference Player of the Year, state player of the year by Gatorade and was chosen a McDonald’s All-American. He’s headed to Oklahoma St.

C — Xavier Booker, Cathedral (Indianapolis, Ind.) 6-9 Sr.
Followed up a terrific summer in which he was named MVP of the Pangos All-American Camp with a fine senior campaign in which he was honored as a McDonald’s All-American. Booker averaged 15.2 ppg, 8.3 rpg, 1.8 apg and 1.9 bpg for a 19-6 Fightin’ Irish club. As a junior, he averaged 12.5 ppg, 6.7 rpg, 2.3 bpg as Cathedral captured the coveted Class 4A state crown and finished No. 42 in the FAB 50. Booker will join a star-studded Michigan St. recruiting class that includes second five selection Jeremy Fears and second teamer Coen Carr.

2022-23 All-American Second Team

F — Omaha Biliew, Waukee Senior (Waukee, Iowa) 6-7 Sr.
C — Blake Buchanan, Coeur D’Alene (Idaho) 6-11 Sr.
G — Markus Burton, Penn (Mishawaka, Ind.) 5-10 Sr.
F — Matas Buzelis, Sunrise Christian Academy (Bel Aire, Kan.) 6-9 Sr.
G — Elliot Cadeau, Link Academy (Branson, Mo.) 6-2 Jr.
G — Blue Cain, IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.) 6-4 Sr.
F — Coen Carr, Legacy Early College (Greenville, S.C.) Sr.
G — Stephon Castle, Newton (Covington, Ga.) 6-6 Sr.
G — Mookie Cook, AZ Compass Prep (Chandler, Ariz.) 6-6 Sr.
G — Gabe Cupps, Centerville (Centerville, Ohio) 6-2 Sr.
G — Josh Dotzler, Bellevue West (Bellevue, Neb.) 6-3 Sr.
C — Baye Fall, Denver Prep (Denver, Col.) 6-10 Sr.
F — Amani Hansberry, Mt. St. Joseph (Baltimore, Md.) 6-7 Sr.
G — Dylan Harper, Don Bosco Tech (Ramsey, N.J.) 6-4 Jr.
G — Aden Holloway, Prolific Prep (Napa, Calif.) 6-0 Sr.
G — Josh Hubbard, Ridgeland Academy (Madison Miss.) 5-10 Sr.
G — Jizzle James, Olympia (Orlando, Fla.) 6-1 Sr.
G — Malik Mack, St. John’s (Washington, D.C.) 6-1 Sr.
F — Liam McNeeley, Montverde Academy (Montverde, Fla.) 6-7 Jr.
F — Mackenzie Mgbako, Roselle Catholic (Roselle, N.J.) 6-7 Sr.
F — Milan Momcilovic, Pewaukee (Wis.) 6-9 Sr.
F — Dennis Parker, John Marshall (Richmond, Va.) 6-6 Sr.
G — Kris Parker, Crossroad Academy (Quincy, Fla.) 6-6 Sr.
G — Ruben Rodriguez, Reading (Pa.) 6-1 Sr.
F — Devin Royal, Pickerington Central (Pickerington, Ohio) 6-7 Sr.
G — Reed Sheppard, North Laurel (London, Ky.) 6-3 Sr.
G — R.J. Taylor, Grand Blanc (Mich.) 5-11 Sr.
F — Cody Williams, Perry (Gilbert, Ariz.) 6-7 Sr.
G — Robert Wright II, Neumann-Goretti (Philadelphia, Pa.) 6-0 Jr.
G — Wesley Yates III, Beaumont United (Beaumont, Texas) 6-4 Sr.

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 2022-23 High School All-American Elite Team appeared first on www.ebooksnet.com.

2021-22 High School All-American Elite Team

Ronnie Flores — Sat, 14 May 2022 21:32:49 +0000

Mr. Basketball USA Dariq Whitehead, national junior of the year D.J. Wagner and two players each from NIBC powers Montverde Academy, Sunrise Christian Academy and IMG Academy highlight 28th annual All-American Elite Team produced by www.ebooksnet.com Grassroots Editor Ronnie Flores. Elite honor squad includes 20-man first team and 30-man second team.

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.

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.

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 High School All-American Elite Team

Ronnie Flores — Tue, 13 Jul 2021 05:34:20 +0000

Mr. Basketball USA Chet Holmgren, national junior of the year Jalen Duren and two NBA G League signees highlight 27th annual All-American Elite Team produced by www.ebooksnet.com Grassroots Editor Ronnie Flores. Elite honor squad includes 20-man first team and 30-man second team.

The 2020-21 All-American Elite Team, now published for the 27th consecutive season and on the www.ebooksnet.com platform for the seventh time, includes forty-four of the nation’s best seniors, led by Mr. Basketball USA Chet Holmgren of FAB 50 No. 7 Minnehaha Academy (Minneapolis, Minn.).

Seventeen seniors and three juniors, including class player of the year Jalen Duren of FAB 50 No. 1 Montverde Academy (Montverde, Fla.) headline the 20-player overall first team. The only repeater off last year’s team is junior Emoni Bates, who was a first five selection as a sophomore. Patrick Baldwin Jr., last season’s national junior of the year, sat out of majority of his senior year with injury. Another junior on last year’s first team, Mousa Cissé, re-classified up to the 2020 class.

A few of this year’s standout juniors may re-classify to the 2021 class. Already fourth team selection Scoot Henderson of Kell (Marietta, Ga.) has graduated early from high school to sign with the NBA G League Ignite. Fellow fourth five selection Michael Foster of Hillcrest Prep (Phoenix, Ariz.) has chosen to go to the professional route with NBA G League Ignite.

A 30-player second team includes 28 additional seniors. All underclassmen are eligible for Elite All-American selection, and this year’s second team includes one junior and national sophomore of the year D.J. Wagner of FAB 50 No. 5 Camden (N.J.). No freshman made this year’s honor squad and in 27 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 Ray Portela of Sunnyslope (Pheonix, Ariz.). He guided the Vikings to their third AIA crown in five seasons after Arizona almost didn’t have a season due to COVID-19. The Vikings ended up going 21-1, losing one game by two points, and finishing No. 46 in the FAB 50 as the highest-rated AIA team.

This honors squad has been chosen in its current format since the 1994-95 season and is powered by www.ebooksnet.com for the seventh consecutive season. This team is chosen regardless of class and is not exclusive or preferential for seniors named to the Ballislife All-American Game, which was cancelled for the second consecutive year due to COVID-19. To check out who has selected to play in the Ballislife All-American Game the past 10 years, please visit ballislifeallamerican.com. To view archived All-American teams published under this format, please visit GrassrootsHoops.net.

2020-21 All-American First Team

First Five

G — Kennedy Chandler, Sunrise Christian Academy (Bel Air, Kan.) 6-2 Sr.
After earning underclass All-American honors at Briarcrest Christian (Eads, Tenn.), Chandler took his game to another level as a senior against one of the toughest schedules in the country. The Buffaloes finished as the No. 2 team in the FAB 50 and Chandler was their catalyst all season long. He led them to a 20-4 mark, with the losses coming to AZ Compass and three times to FAB 50 No. 1 Montverde Academy. Sunrise Christian Academy recorded one win over MVA, in which Chandler had 19 points, six rebounds and six assists. He also buried the game-tying 3-pointer to close out regulation. Chandler hit big shots throughout the season and finished with averages of 14.7 ppg (41.3 3-point FG), 4.2 rpg, 5.1 apg and 3.1 spg. He’s bound for Tennessee.

G — “TyTy Washington, AZ Compass Prep (Chandler, Ariz.) 6-4 Sr.
A nondescript D1 prospect his first two high school seasons at Ceasar Chavez (Laveen, Ariz.), no player enhanced his game and stock with college recruiters during the COVID-19 pandemic more than Washington. He was tough, poised and got better in crunch time during AX Compass’ biggest games. He was the MVP of the Grind Session in leading Compass Prep to the championship and had 23 points, nine assists, and four assists, plus the game-winning one, in the title game. Washington also led his team to the GEICO semifinals where they lost 51-49 to FAB 50 No. 1 Montverde Academy. In that MVA game, Washington did not turn the ball over one time. For the season, he averaged 20.2 ppg on 48 percent shooting from the field, including 41 percent from 3-point, and shot 88 percent from the free throw line for a 31-2 club while adding 6 rpg, 6 apg and 2.2 spg. Washington is headed to Kentucky.

F — Jabari Smith Jr., Sandy Creek (Tyrone, Ga.) 6-9 Sr.
Of all the elite players in the country, Smith had the most “normal” senior season from November through March, while many of the top preseason All-American candidates had unique negative experiences this season (injury, COVID-19 cancellations, etc.). Some of the top players who didn’t have a complete season include Paolo Banchero (Duke), Jaden Hardy (G-League Ignite) and 2019-20 Junior of the Year Patrick Baldwin Jr. (UW-Milwaukee). As for Smith, he had Sandy Creek FAB 50 ranked for a majority of the regular season and led the team to a 28-5 mark against quality competition. The versatile forward averaged 23.4 ppg, 9.5 rpg, 3.2 apg, 1.6 spg, and 2.5 bpg and had the respect of talent scouts nationwide. He joined Mr. Basketball USA choice Chet Holmgren as the only other candidate to appear on all 10 ballots in the final season voting. After leading the Patriots to a state runner-up finish, Smith is headed to Auburn.

C — Jalen Duren, Montverde Academy (Montverde, Fla.) 6-10 Jr.
After two strong seasons at Roman Catholic (Philadelphia), Duren made the move to MVA and made the most of his opportunity playing on a national stage. As a preseason national player of the year candidate, Duren was the eighth highest vote-getter, second behind third teamer Emoni Bates among juniors. By the end of the season, he was named national junior of the year and was third in the Mr. Basketball USA voting behind Chet Holmgren and Jabari Smith. He led the Eagles to a 24-1 record and to the mythical national title, the program’s sixth No. 1 FAB finish in the past nine seasons. Duren was the most dominant interior player in the country by using his strength, touch, passing ability and discipline to average 14.3 ppg while shooting 65 percent from the field and adding 8.4 rpg and 2.2 bpg. He was the leading scorer for a talented team with four players averaging over 10.4 ppg. There is a possibility he could re-classify up to the 2021 class and/or go the pro route after high school.

C — Chet Holmgren, Minnehaha Academy (Minneapolis, Minn.) 7-1 Sr.
Holmgren started off his school year with spectacular performances during fall competition when Minnehaha Academy played as a quasi club team before the sanctioned Minnesota season began. He made the most of it, including a made-for-TV contest vs. Ypsi Prep and Emoni Bates in which he had 31 points, 12 rebounds, and six blocks in a 78-71 victory. After teaming up with Jalen Suggs as a junior, Holmgren was just as individually dominant after his good friend moved on to Gonzaga. Minnehaha Academy finished 22-1 and No. 7 in the FAB 50, with its only loss to No. 3 IMG Academy, with Holmgren winning his fourth state crown since joining the Redhawks’ varsity as a 6-foot-6 seventh-grader. For the season, he averaged 20.8 ppg, 12.6 rpg, 4.4 apg, and 4.7 bpg (he averaged 4.9 bpg as a junior) and converted an incredible 157-of-194 of his 2-point field goal attempts (81%) and 21-of-67 3-point attempts (31%). Holmgren rarely took a bad shot and also completely dominated the defense end. For his efforts, he is the first player ever Mr. Basketball USA from Minnesota.

Second Five

G — JD Davison, Calhoun School (Letohatchee, Ala.) 6-3 Sr.
Got his senior season off to a strong start by scoring a career-high 57 points and never looked back, earning Alabama Mr. Basketball honors for the second consecutive season. Although Calhoun School wasn’t able to repeat as Class 2A state champ, Davison left an indelible mark after averaging 32.4 ppg, 10.8 rpg, 4.9 apg, 3.6 spg, and 2.5 bpg. As a junior, he averaged 34.0 ppg and hit the game-winning 3-pointer in the state title game victory in which he finished with 34 points and 10 rebounds. Davison finished his career with 2,773 points while averaging 23.3 ppg in 114 games and earning McDonald’s and Jordan Brand All-American honors. One of the best all-around guards in the country, he often had to play on the front line for his team, but he’s cut out to be a big guard at Alabama.

G — Hunter Sallis, Millard North (Omaha, Neb.) 6-4 Sr.
After completing one of the most legendary careers of any player ever from the Cornhusker State, Sallis was named honorary co-captain with second teamer Chucky Hepburn, his junior high teammate. The state’s highest-ranked college prospect ever, Sallis backed that up with production, averaging 22.2 ppg, 4.6 rpg, and 3.8 apg for a 27-2 team that finished No. 15 in the FAB 50. Sallis has incredible size and length and used that to improve his passing and rebounding after scoring the exact number of points his senior year as he did his junior (644). Sallis led Millard North to its first Class A state crown and finished his career with 1,819 points, third most in Class A history behind third five all-American Andre Woolridge of Omaha Benson and Erick Strickland of Bellevue West, both of whom graduated in 1992. A McDonald’s All-American, Sallis also played in the Iverson Classic.

G — Trevor Keels, Paul VI (Fairfax, Va.) 6-5 Sr.
We had to make a decision on how few games a player could participate in order to qualify for this honors squad and the cutoff was 10 games. Even though Keels was able to appear in only 11 games, he was definitely deserving after leading his club to a 7-4 mark and a No. 17 FAB 50 ranking. Although most teams in the DMV didn’t get a full season and some didn’t get a season at all, Keels was the best player in the region and likely would have been under normal circumstances. He averaged 28.7 ppg, 9.1 rpg, 7.2 apg and 3.8 spg and was named to both the McDonald’s All-American and Nike Hoop Summit teams. Keels also scored 12 points in the Iverson Classic and is headed to Duke where he’ll play alongside former Paul VI guard Jeremy Roach. The duo helped PVI win the VISAA D1 state crown in 2019-20 and Keels was also the WCAC Player of the Year as a sophomore in 2018-19.

F — Daimion Collins, Atlanta (Atlanta, Texas) 6-9 Sr.
From an East Texas town of approximately 5,500 people, Collins will be playing in front of three times that amount of people on a nightly basis at the University of Kentucky. One of the late bloomers in this group, Collins displayed his fast-twitch explosiveness and leaping ability at the Pangos All-American Festival in the fall of 2020 and it foreshadowed his monster senior campaign. He averaged 30.5 ppg, 13.6 rpg, 3.0 apg and 8.7 bpg for a 19-5 club that advanced to the UIL Class 3A regional semifinals. A three-time district MVP, Collins scored 2,533 career points for the Rabbits. The school’s nickname is definitely appropriate for one of the country’s best athletes and shot-blockers who was named to both the McDonald’s All-American Game and Iverson Classic.

F — Kendall Brown, Sunrise Christian Academy (Bel Air, Kan.) 6-8 Sr.
Bound for Baylor, Brown’s raw numbers don’t do his impact on big games any justice. On a balanced and talented team, this do-it-all forward was the team’s leading scorer at 16.0 ppg. He also shot 62 percent from the field while averaging 4.4 rpg, 2.0 apg and 1.8 spg. Those numbers pale in comparison to some of the other elite All-Americans, but Brown impacted high level games on both ends of the floor as well as any player in the country. A native of Woodbury, Minn., transferring to an academy-type program definitely helped Brown take his game to the next level instead of playing out of position and putting up other-worldly numbers. He can score at all three levels with an improved jump shot and ball-handling, as well as create havoc by jumping passing lanes and coming up with big defensive plays. Brown was selected for the McDonalds and Jordan Brand all-star games, as well as the Nike Hoop Summit.

Third Five

G — Nolan Hickman, Wasatch Academy (Mt. Pleasant, Utah) 6-3 Sr.
One of the smoothest guards in the country, when Hickman was on his game, it looked like he came down from a higher league to play high school basketball. A scoring point guard, Hickman is one of the best finishers around the rim in the country and is an accurate marksmen from deep. He teamed up with underclass All-American “Pop Pop” Isaacs to led the Tigers to a No. 8 FAB 50 ranking and 18-7 mark while competing in the National Interscholastic Basketball Conference (NIBC). Against stiff competition on a nightly basis, Hickman averaged 16.0 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 5.4 apg and 1.7 spg. Utah’s Gatorade State Player of the Year, Hickman will join fellow elite All-Americans Chet Holmgren, Hunter Sallis and Kaden Perry (second team) at Gonzaga.

G — Amari Bailey, Sierra Canyon (Chatsworth, Calif.) 6-4 Jr.
One of the most explosive players in the country end-to-end, Bailey capped off a spectacular junior season by earning California Mr. Basketball honors. Since the CIF state tournament began in 1982, the five juniors before him that have earned Mr. Basketball honors (Elite All-Americans John Williams of L.A. Crenshaw, Jason Kidd of Alameda St. Joseph, Tyson Chandler of Compton Dominguez, Aaron Gordon of Archbishop Mitty and Onyeka Okongwu of Chino Hills) all made it to the NBA. Bailey possesses that kind of talent and is quite versatile in how he helps the Trailblazers win games. A spark plug and defensive stopper his first two seasons, this year he was asked to carry more of the scoring load because of injuries and player defections and more than answered the call. The CIFSS Open Division co-Player of the Year averaged 29.2 ppg, 9.1 rpg and 6.5 apg for the state’s No. 4 ranked team that finished No. 40 in the FAB 50.

F — Caleb Houstan, Montverde Academy (Montverde, Fla.) 6-8 Sr.
Sunrise Christian has two players on the Elite All-American first team so it only makes sense that the nation’s best team has a duo as well. Houstan was on the sophomore All-American team in 2019-20 and the only underclass starter on what is already considered one of the greatest high school teams ever assembled. He re-classified to the 2021 class in the off-season and displayed leadership while delivering big plays for the repeat FAB 50 champions. He averaged 13.2 ppg (second on team), 4.6 rpg (second on team) and 1.2 spg while shooting 53 percent from the field. At GEICO Nationals, Houstan averaged 13.8 ppg in three wins and had 16 points, all on 3-pointers, in the title game victory over No. 2 Sunrise Christian Academy. He’s part of a terrific Michigan recruiting class that includes fellow third five selection Moussa Diabate.

F — Emoni Bates, Ypsi Prep (Ypsilanti, Mich.) 6-8 Jr. ?
One of the most ballyhooed prospects of the past decade, Bates earns All-American acclaim for the third consecutive year and next season could be the second ever four-time high school All-American. As a freshman Bates led Lincoln to the MHSAA D1 state title and he was named D1 State Player of the Year after averaging 29.8 ppg and 10.2 rpg. Last season, he was the first sophomore since LeBron James in 2001 to earn first five Elite All-American honors, averaging 32.3 ppg, 9.0 rpg, 3.0 apg and 2.1 spg. In 2020-21, he left his hometown MHSAA team for a start-up, independent prep program built around his talents and the reviews, production-wise, have been a mixed bag thus far. Because of COVID-19 and sanctioning regulations, Ypsi Prep didn’t have an easy time building a schedule and finished 10-3 on the season. Bates averaged 24.6 ppg while shooting 38.8 percent from the field and 26.2 percent from 3-point range. He also averaged 6.6 rpg and 2.4 apg. Despite the lower numbers this season, his talent level is off the charts and warranted a spot on this team.

C — Moussa Diabaté, IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.) 6-10 Sr.
Rates right with Chet Holmgren as the top shot blocker in the country, and was the defensive leader for one of the nation’s top teams. Diabate can really go out of his area to block shots and snatch rebounds and runs the floor well to get into position to score. He was a key cog on a talented team that went 22-3 and ranked No. 3 in the FAB 50. Diabate led the Ascenders in scoring (14.1 ppg) and rebounding (7.5) and shot 64 percent from the field. He will join fellow third five selection Caleb Houstan at Michigan along with talented Kobe Bufkin (who likely makes first team if not for a wrist injury) and Frankie Collins (who didn’t get to play his high school season in Nevada).

Fourth Five

G — Scoot Henderson, Kell (Marietta, Ga.) 6-2 Jr.
This charismatic and talented point guard was named the GHSA Class 5A Player of the Year as a sophomore after leading the Longhorns to the state semifinals and was even better as a junior. He averaged 32 ppg, 7 rpg, and 6 apg in leading Kell to a 22-7 mark and the Class 6A state title game. He was named Class 6A Player of the year by both the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and Sandy’s Spiel. Kell’s all-time leading scorer, Henderson was one of the nation’s best guards, regardless of class, and decided to graduate high school a year early to sign a professional contract with the NBA G League Ignite team, which he has committed to for two years.

G — Rahsool Diggins, Archbishop Wood (Warminster, Pa.) 6-1 Sr.
One of the most highly-acclaimed guards in the country, Diggins’ career was capped off by a terrific senior season in which he was named Pennsylvania Class 6A Player of the Year. The four-year standout had lower scoring totals as a senior, but he improved his all-around game, defense, and leadership to lead the Vikings to the PIAA title game, a 19-1 record and No. 25 FAB 50 ranking. The UConn-bound point guard averaged 16.4 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 4.7 apg, 2.8 spg, 1.1 bpg and 6.7 dpg. Diggins led the Vikings to their second Philly Catholic League title and in the state title game loss, he scored a game-high 26 points. Diggins was all-PCL three times, named the league MVP twice and finished his career as Wood’s all-time scoring leader (1,513 points).

F — Max Christie, Rolling Meadows (Rolling Meadows, Ill.) 6-6 Sr.
With the way the pandemic played out in Illinois, the players in that great basketball state were fortunate to get any type of season and this big guard made the most of it and had fun along the way. Christie led Rolling Meadows to a 16-0 record, averaging 24.0 ppg, 10.1 rpg, 3.9 apg, 3.1 spg, and 2.0 bpg after averaging 25 ppg as a junior, 25.5 as a soph and 20 as a frosh. He basically swept in-state player of the year awards (City/Suburban Hoops Report, Chicagoland Prep Hoops, Chicago Sun-Times, News-Gazette, Gatorade) and was also named to the McDonalds, Jordan Brand, and Nike Hoop Summit teams. Headed for Michigan St., Christie leaves Rolling Meadows with 2,132 career points, a number that could have been much higher had Illinois played a full slate of games.

F — Malaki Branham, St. Vincent-St. Mary (Akron, Ohio) 6-5 Sr.
This powerful wing will likely transition to more of a perimeter spot at Ohio St., but he spent most of his time with the Fightin’ Irish inside with devastating results. Branham helped St. V’s capture two OHSAA D2 state crowns, including during his senior season when the Irish finished 25-2 and ranked No. 18 in the FAB 50. He also helped the program to a D1 state runner-up finish in 2019 and during his junior year in 2020 another shot at a state crown was shattered because of the COVID-19 pandemic. He was determined to get the job done as a senior, averaging 21.3 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 2.7 apg, and 1.8 spg while earning Ohio Mr. Basketball honors. A two-time first team all-stater, Branham finished with 1,501 career points and is St. V’s first Ohio Mr. Basketball choice since LeBron James, a three-time honoree in 2001-03.

C — Michael Foster, Hillcrest Prep (Phoenix, Ariz.) 6-9 Sr.
After attending Milwaukee Washington for his first two years of high school, including when he was named national freshman of the year in 2018, Foster made the move to Hillcrest Prep in Arizona to increase his chances at a pro basketball career. That came to fruition when he signed a pro contract with the NBA G League Ignite team after two seasons with the Bruins. As a senior, Foster averaged 32.2 ppg and 18.4 rpg for a 32-3 team that included post-graduates. A dominant force on the interior who has steadily improved his perimeter shooting, Foster is the second McDonald’s All-American choice from Hillcrest following three-time Elite All-American DeAndre Ayton in 2017.

2020-21 All-American Second Team

F — K.J. Adams, Westlake (Austin, Texas) 6-7 Sr.
G — Trey Alexander, Heritage Hall (Oklahoma City, Okla.) 6-4 Sr.
C — Nate Bittle, Prolific Prep (Napa, Calif.) 7-0 Sr.
G — Pierre Brooks II, Douglass (Detroit, Mich.) 6-5 Sr.
G — Wesley Cardett, West Oaks Academy (Orlando, Fla.) 6-4 Sr.
F — Matthew Cleveland, Pace Academy (Atlanta, Ga.) 6-6 Sr.
G — Bijan Cortes, Kingfisher (Kingfisher, Okla.) 6-4 Sr.
F — Tucker DeVries, Waukee Senior (Waukee, Iowa) 6-6 Sr.
C — Jackson Grant, Olympia (Olympia, Wash.) 6-10 Sr.
F — Caleb Furst, Blackhawk Christian (Ft. Wayne, Ind.) 6-10 Sr.
G — Zion Harmon, Marshall County (Benton, Ky.) 5-10 Sr.
G — Jordan Hawkins, DeMatha Catholic (Hyattsville, Md.) 6-5 Sr.
G — Chucky Hepburn, Bellevue West (Bellevue, Neb.) 6-1 Sr.
F — Bryce Hopkins, Fenwick (Oak Park, Ill.) 6-5 Sr.
G — Tyrese Hunter, St. Catherine's (Racine, Wis.) 6-1 Sr.
F — Trey Kaufman-Renn, Silver Creek (Sellersburg, Ind.) 6-9 Sr.
F — Arthur Kaluma, Dream City Christian (Glendale, Ariz.) 6-8 Sr.
G — Chris Livingston, Western Reserve Academy (Hudson, Ohio) 6-5 Jr.
G — Jahmai Mashack, Etiwanda (Etiwanda, Calif.) 6-4 Sr.
F — Ramses Melendez, Central Pointe Christian (Kissimmee, Fla.) 6-7 Sr.
G — Stevie Mitchell, Wilson (West Lawn, Pa.) 6-2 Sr.
F — Aminu Mohammed, Greenwood Laboratory (Springfield, Mo.) 6-5 Sr.
C — Kaden Perry, Battle Ground (Battle Ground, Wash.) 6-10 Sr.
G — Daeshon Ruffin, Callaway (Jackson, Miss.) 5-9 Sr.
G — Terquavion Smith, Farmville Central (Farmville, N.C.) 6-3 Sr.
F — Dontrez Styles, Kingston (Kingston, N.C.) 6-7 Sr
G — Malik Thomas, Damien (La Verne, Calif. ) 6-3 Sr.
F — Saint Thomas, Millard North (Omaha, Neb.) 6-7 Sr.
G — D.J. Wagner, Camden (Camden, N.J.) 6-2 Soph.
F — Keyondre Young, Del City (Del City, Okla.) 6-7 Sr.

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 2020-21 High School All-American Elite Team appeared first on www.ebooksnet.com.

2019-20 High School All-American Elite Team

Ronnie Flores — Fri, 01 May 2020 08:31:35 +0000

Mr. Basketball USA Cade Cunningham, NBA G League signee Jalen Green and two-time honoree Evan Mobley highlight 26th annual All-American Elite Team produced by www.ebooksnet.com Grassroots Editor Ronnie Flores. Elite honor squad includes 20-man first team and 30-man second team.

The 2019-20 All-American Elite Team, now published for the 26th consecutive season and on the www.ebooksnet.com platform for the sixth time, includes 47 of the nation’s best seniors, led by Mr. Basketball USA M?ozinha Pereira Henri Drell Andrew Funk Izaiah Brockington Jalen Crutcher Pat Spencer Adam Flagler Mouhamadou Gueye Tosan Evbuomwan Trey Jemison Taze Moore Javon Freeman-Liberty Ricky Council IV Ibou Badji Dmytro Skapintsev Drew Peterson JuJu Watkins Nathan Mensah Jacob Toppin Dexter Dennis Michael Nwoko Alex Toohey Zaccharie Risacher Ibrahima Sacko Markus Burton Markquis Nowell Duop Reath Vincent Osazee Symon Ghai Markus Kerr Rivers Knight Tristen Wilson Joe Sterling Julius Avent Darien Moore Julius Price Caden Coleman Tristan Reed Miles Sadler Gabe Sularski" data-wplink-url-error="true">Cade Cunningham of FAB 50 No. 1 Montverde Academy (Montverde, Fla.).

Emoni Bates

6'8" - SF - 2021

Seventeen seniors, two juniors and one sophomore, first five selection M?ozinha Pereira Henri Drell Andrew Funk Izaiah Brockington Jalen Crutcher Pat Spencer Adam Flagler Mouhamadou Gueye Tosan Evbuomwan Trey Jemison Taze Moore Javon Freeman-Liberty Ricky Council IV Ibou Badji Dmytro Skapintsev Drew Peterson JuJu Watkins Nathan Mensah Jacob Toppin Dexter Dennis Michael Nwoko Alex Toohey Zaccharie Risacher Ibrahima Sacko Markus Burton Markquis Nowell Duop Reath Vincent Osazee Symon Ghai Markus Kerr Rivers Knight Tristen Wilson Joe Sterling Julius Avent Darien Moore Julius Price Caden Coleman Tristan Reed Miles Sadler Gabe Sularski" data-wplink-url-error="true">Emoni Bates, headline the 20-player overall first team.

A 30-player second team includes 30 additional seniors. All underclassmen are eligible for Elite All-American selection, but this year it was determined to honor the senior class as much as possible, as the 2021 class has yet to make the national splash the 2020 class did at the same time a year ago. There has also been talk of some 2021 elites re-classifying to the 2020 class.

This year’s 20-man first team includes a player who re-classified up from the 2021 class early in the school year: third five selection M?ozinha Pereira Henri Drell Andrew Funk Izaiah Brockington Jalen Crutcher Pat Spencer Adam Flagler Mouhamadou Gueye Tosan Evbuomwan Trey Jemison Taze Moore Javon Freeman-Liberty Ricky Council IV Ibou Badji Dmytro Skapintsev Drew Peterson JuJu Watkins Nathan Mensah Jacob Toppin Dexter Dennis Michael Nwoko Alex Toohey Zaccharie Risacher Ibrahima Sacko Markus Burton Markquis Nowell Duop Reath Vincent Osazee Symon Ghai Markus Kerr Rivers Knight Tristen Wilson Joe Sterling Julius Avent Darien Moore Julius Price Caden Coleman Tristan Reed Miles Sadler Gabe Sularski" data-wplink-url-error="true">Terrence Clarke of Brewster Academy in Massachusetts. In the 26 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 Thomas Ryan of Dorman (Roebuck, S.C.). He guided the Cavaliers to their fourth consecutive SCHSL Class 5A state crown and Dorman is now 84-4 vs. South Carolina competition in that time frame. Dorman finished 30-1 with its only loss to FAB 50 No. 9 Oak Hill Academy (Mouth of Wilson, Va.). The No. 10 Cavs qualified for GEICO Nationals, but the event was cancelled this year over COVID-19 concerns.

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 Elite All-American team more reflective of players who made state championship runs. This honors squad has been chosen in its current format since the 1994-95 season and is powered by www.ebooksnet.com for the sixth consecutive season. This team is chosen regardless of class and is not exclusive or preferential for seniors named to the Ballislife All-American Game, which has been cancelled this year due to COVID-19. To check out who has played in the Ballislife All-American Game the past nine years, please visit ballislifeallamerican.com. To view archived All-American teams published under this format, please visit GrassrootsHoops.net.

2019-20 All-American First Team

Cade Cunningham

6'7" - PG - 2020

First Five

G — Cade Cunningham, Montverde Academy (Montverde, Fla.) 6-5 Sr.
Of all the Mr. Basketball USA choices in recent years, and many years for that matter, Cunningham has the most modest individual statistics. One of the most overlooked aspects of Cunninghan’s game is how much he improved his 3-point shooting this year (48 percent) while taking disciplined shots and being the distributor on one of the best high school teams of all-time. Cunningham was first in scoring (13.9 ppg) and assists (6.4 apg) for a club that only had one team play it within 20 points. Cunningham is the third Mr. Basketball USA selection from Montverde Academy in the last six years and those teams went a combined 92-1. Cunningham is the first ever Mr. Basketball USA to sign with Oklahoma St.

G — Jalen Green, Prolific Prep (Napa, Calif.) 6-5 Sr.
One of the most athletic two-guards to come down the pike in California in many years, Green developed more consistency to his game over the past year. As a senior, Green led Prolific Prep to a 31-3 mark and all three losses were to teams the team at least split with. Green averaged 31.5 ppg, 7.5 rpg and 5 apg while earning co-MVP honors of the Grind Session (a mix of academy and independent programs) with third five selection Dashien Nix. Green broke the Prolific Prep single-season scoring mark with 1,008 points (missed two games) and combining his three seasons at San Joaquin Memorial (Fresno, Calif.), Green amassed 3,299 career points. Green was a legit Mr. Basketball USA candidate and with Prolific Prep set to open GEICO Nationals against FAB 50 No. 1 Montverde Academy, he’s clearly one of those players whose season was affected by the cancellation of events because of COVID-19.

F — Scottie Barnes, Montverde Academy (Montverde, Fla.) 6-7 Sr.
The best description of this Florida St. commit is a Swiss-Army Knife. He is useful in a variety of situations and gets the job done when you need him most. Barnes didn’t get much preseason National Player of the Year attention, but many observers felt he took an already fabulous team to the next level with his versatility and forced his way onto the first five. He and Cade Cunningham are the first pair of high school teammates to earn first five Elite All-American honors since future NBA players David Greenwood and Roy Hamilton at Verbum Dei (Los Angeles) in 1974-75. Barnes was third on the MVA team in scoring (11.6 ppg), second in rebounding (6.5), second in assists (4.6 apg) first in deflections (1.7 dpg), and first in steals (1.9 spg). He impacted both ends of the floor as much as any player in the country and could dominate with his ability to defend inside and out. It’s his rebounding, passing, intensity and will to win that made Barnes of the mot highly-decorated glue players in high school history.

F — Emoni Bates, Lincoln (Ypsilanti, Mich.) 6-8 Soph.
He’s been an easy choice for class player of the year the past two seasons and is now getting honors that put him in rare air among high school sophomores. Bates is the first sophomore since LeBron James in 2001 to be named first five Elite All-American and clinched this by finishing fourth in the Mr. Basketball USA Tracker with 48 out of 100 points behind Cade Cunningham (95), Evan Mobley (81) and Jalen Green (77). As a freshman, Bates led Lincoln to the MHSAA D1 state title and he was named D1 State Player of the Year after averaging 29.8 ppg and 10.2 rpg. This past season, Bates had Lincoln on the FAB 50 bubble with a 19-3 record and into the District 18 tourney semifinals when the season was stopped short by COVID-19. He keeps improving his game and as a tenth-grader averaged 33.1 ppg, 9.1 rpg, 2.9 apg, and 2.3 spg. Along the way he became the first sophomore ever named Gatorade National Player of the Year and might one day be recognized as the best Michigan high school player ever.

C — Evan Mobley, Rancho Christian (Temecula, Calif.) 7-0 Sr.
Although Mobley wasn’t named Cal-Hi Sports Mr. Basketball (he also wasn’t named Riverside Press Enterprise Player of the Year), he’s a deserving first five selection. For one, he’s the best true post player in the country and we always want a post player on our elite teams and second, he was runner-up to Cade Cunningham in the final Mr. Basketball USA balloting. He moves up from the fourth five after averaging 19.2 ppg, 10.4 rpg, 4.7 bpg, and 3.3 apg as a junior. This season Mobley averaged 19 ppg, 12 rpg, 4 apg, 4 bpg, and led his 22-8 club in all four of those statistical categories. Some evaluators would love to see him be more physically aggressive on a consistent basis, but he does things athletically we haven’t seen from a 7-footer from California since first five Elite All-American Tyson Chandler of Dominguez (Compton, Calif.) in 2001. As a junior, Mobley was named Cal-Hi Sports State Junior of the Year over Jalen Green and was No. 3 in the Mr. Basketball USA balloting. He capped his career by earning Gatorade State Player of the Year for the second time and honored with the Wooten Award National Player of the Year among players selected for the McDonald’s All-American Game.

Second Five

Sharife Cooper

6'0" - PG - 2020

G — Sharife Cooper, McEachern (Powder Springs, Ga.) 5-10 Sr.
Last season, Cooper was a first five Elite All-American when he led McEachern to a No. 2 FAB 50 ranked and 32-0 record. This season, the Indians didn’t quite have as much team success, and Cooper’s local honors reflected of that. In 2018-19, Cooper was named Georgia’s Mr. Basketball and national player of the year by one publication, but this season second teamer Walker Kessler was the Atlanta Journal-Constitution Player of the Year and fellow second teamer Deivon Smith was the sandysspiel.com Mr. Basketball. Still, it doesn’t take away from the incredible season and career the Auburn-bound Cooper had. He actually upped his scoring this season (30.6 ppg) while averaging 7.8 rpg and 3.6 spg for a 22-7 club that advanced to the GHSA Class AAAAAAA semifinals. Along the way the four-year starter became McEachern’s all-time leader in scoring and assists and never lost a home game in his career. Cooper was also named to both the McDonald’s All-American and Jordan Brand all-star games.

G — Deivon Smith, Grayson (Loganville, Ga.) 5-11 Sr.
It didn’t make sense for us to go against credible local consensus in the case of Smith. Although Sharife Cooper is one of the best players in the country, Smith had an incredible season for a team than came within a whisker of the GHSA Class AAAAAAA title. Smith was the catalyst for a 30-2 team that finished No. 26 in the FAB 50 by averaging 17.3 ppg, 8.2 rpg, 8.4 apg, and 3.2 spg. In the 82-76 victory over Cooper and McEachern in the state semifinals, Smith went for 22 points, eight rebounds, three assists and two steals. It was a typical outing during a spectacular season for a senior who rose in All-American talks as high as any player in the country. Smith is headed to Mississippi St.

G — Jalen Suggs, Minnehaha Academy (Minneapolis, Minn.) 6-3 Sr.
Moves up from the second team as a junior after having another spectacular season and closing out a high school career that rivals any Minnesota player ever. Not only is Suggs the highest-rated recruit ever to commit to Gonzaga, he’s likely the nation’s top Grid-Hoop Player who was named the 2019 Minnesota Mr. Football as a signal-caller on the gridiron. Suggs has won three Gold Medals as part of USA Basketball so far, won three state titles and was named class player of the year as a freshman and sophomore. Suggs was looking to lead his team to a fourth consecutive Class 3A state crown, but his team’s quest was cut short by COVID-19 while sitting at 25-3 and No. 15 in the FAB 50. Suggs was named state Mr. Basketball after averaging 23.3 ppg, 7,5 rpg, 5.0 apg and 3.9 spg and finishing just shy of 3,000 career points (2,945) while playing varsity basketball at Minnehaha Academy since seventh grade.

F — Brandon Boston Jr., Sierra Canyon (Chatsworth, Calif.) 6-6 Sr.
Not only was Boston named the CIF Southern Section Open Division Player of the Year, and SoCal Player of the Year, he was named Cal-Hi Sports Mr. Basketball. As a junior, he was named to the Ballislife Underclass All-American team at Norcross (Ga.) and made the most of his only season out West. He was the big shot-maker and leading scorer (20.8 ppg) on the No. 17 team in the FAB 50 that was ranked No. 1 in the state before COVID-19 concerns shut down its season two days prior to the CIF Open State Championship Game. He’s an effortless scorer and terrific transition player, while his coach Andre Chevalier calls Boston an underrated passer and an instinctual offensive rebounder. Playing alongside second team choice Ziaire Williams (who missed the first 14 games of the season), Boston also averaged 7.0 rpg, 2.6 apg and 2.4 spg. He’s headed to Kentucky.

F — Greg Brown, Vandegrift (Austin, Texas) 6-7 Sr.
Always an explosive athlete, Brown displayed an improved overall skill set this season, knocking down 38 percent of his 86 3-point attempts. A two-time all-state selection, Brown concluded a stellar four-year career by averaging 26.1 ppg, 13.2 rpg, 2.1 apg and 3.5 bpg for a 33-3 club that lost in the UIL Class 6A state regional quarterfinals. He concluded his career with 3,007 points, 1,493 rebounds and 427 blocks in 121 games. A McDonald’s All-American, Brown was also named Gatorade State Player of the Year for his athletic and academic (3.74 GPA) prowess. He recently chose hometown Texas after mulling over a pro offer from the NBA’s developmental G-League.

Third Five

Daishen Nix

6'5" - PG - 2020

G — Daishen Nix, Trinity International (Las Vegas, Nev.) 6-5 Sr.
This physical point guard has taken an unconventional road to high school All-American acclaim, as he was born in Fairbanks, Alaska and grew up in Anchorage. At the advice of his mother (who played college basketball at Alaska-Fairbanks), Nix moved to Las Vegas to gain more mainstream exposure. He’ll now take an unconventional path towards the NBA by playing in the G League’s professional pathway program, where he joins first five selection Jalen Green and Isaiah Todd, after originally signing with UCLA. As a junior, Nix averaged 19.9 ppg, 6.2 rpg and 5.1 apg for a team that won its second consecutive NCSAA D1 title. Nix is considered by some recruiting experts as the top point guard prospect in the 2020 class, and in 42 games as a senior he showed why, averaging 32 ppg, 10 rpg, 10 apg, 4 spg and 2 bpg while earning McDonald’s All-American acclaim.

G — Cameron Thomas, Oak Hill Academy (Mouth of Wilson, Va.) 6-3 Sr.
Long-time head coach Steve Smith has mentored 33 McDonald’s All-Americans at the famous Southwest Virginia boarding school and was a bit perplexed this sweet-shooting guard was not No. 34. After all, Thomas leaves the storied program as its all-time leading scorer and had a spectacular senior season. Thomas scored 1,258 points, just shy of the single-season school record of 1,312 points held by 2008 Mr. Basketball USA Brandon Jennings. He averaged 31.4 ppg for a 37-3 team that finished No. 9 in the FAB 50. Thomas also displayed improved shot selection as a senior and combined that with a terrific all-around offensive game (6.0 rpg, 3.4 apg) while finishing second on the team with 91 steals. He was also named MVP at the Iolani Classic and Bass Pro TOC and joins a terrific recruiting class at LSU.

G — Terrence Clarke, Brewster Academy (Wolfeboro, N. H.) 6-6 Sr.
A big scoring guard with elite skill, Clarke played for a program that includes post-graduates, but he’s eligible for Elite All-American honors as a player still within his eighth semester of high school. Clarke actually re-classified from the 2021 class and is talented enough to be named a McDonald’s All-American and to the Jordan Brand Classic. He parlayed a quality summer into stellar performances for a team that has long been a NEPSAC power. Brewster Academy finished its season 34-3 and was named National Prep co-Champions with Putnam Science Academy (Conn.) after their March 12 championship game was canceled due to COVID-19. On a team with a plethora of D1-bound players, Clark scored a team-leading 16.8 ppg. The Kentucky recruit shot 51 percent from the field, 61 percent from 2-point range, 32 percent from 3-point range, and 72 percent from the free throw line to go along with 5.9 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game.

F — Patrick Baldwin Jr., Hamilton (Sussex, Wis.) 6-8 Jr.
Already named our National Junior Player of the Year, Baldwin is one of three underclassmen to make the elite team, joining first five selection Emoni Bates and fourth five selection Moussa Cisse. Terrence Clark and a handful of other elites have re-classified or are thinking about re-classifying, so there is still plenty to be decided at the top of the 2021 class. Based on the first three years of high school for the class, Baldwin rates as one of the early contenders for 2021 Mr. Basketball USA with his elite skill and vast accomplishments, including National Sophomore of the Year honors in 2018-19. A three-time all-state selection with a season to go, Baldwin was named Gatorade State Player of the Year after leading his team to a 22-3 mark and into the sectional finals before COVID-19 cut Hamilton’s season short. For the season, Baldwin averaged 24.3 ppg, 10.8 rpg, 4.2 apg, and 1.7 bpg. The son of UW-Milwaukee coach Patrick Baldwin, it will be interesting to see where Baldwin Jr. lands in 2021-22 because he can play for any school in the country and he’s talented and mature enough to play pro basketball.

C — Hunter Dickinson, DeMatha Catholic (Hyattsville, Md.) 7-0 Sr.
A dominant post presence, Dickinson improved his game each of his four seasons in the storied Stags program and saved his best for last. He has good shooting touch, passes out of double teams well and developed into a rim protector while leading DeMatha Catholic to the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference tourney title. The Stags finished with a 30-3 mark and No. 4 FAB 50 ranking and some key wins, including a victory over first five selection Evan Mobley and Rancho Christian (Temecula, Calif.) behind Dickinson’s 28-point, six-rebound, three-block performance. A three-time all-WCAC choice, Dickinson averaged 17.7 ppg, 10.0 rpg, 3.8 apg and 2.1 bpg as a senior and was named WCAC Player of the Year. A Michigan recruit, Dickinson was also named Washington Post All-Met Player of the Year, Maryland Gatorade State Player of the Year and was selected to play in the Jordan Brand Classic.

Fourth Five

Jaden Springer

6'5" - CG - 2020

G — Jaden Springer, IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.) 6-4 Sr.
The Ascenders opened up as preseason FAB 50 No. 1, but injuries and player defections kept them from reaching their full potential. The play of Springer helped them remain at a national level and they were the only club to play competitively with eventual FAB 50 No. 1 Montverde Academy, which started No. 2 in the rankings. Springer put up even better overall marks than his junior averages (18.6 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 3.5 apg) although he too missed some games due to injury and played through others with an ankle sprain. He led IMG Academy to a 19-6 mark (three losses to MVA) and No. 5 FAB 50 ranking by averaging 17.4 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 5.1 apg while shooting 52 percent from the field and 81 percent from the floor. The Tennessee recruit averaged 21.3 ppg in three 2019 GEICO Nationals victories which clinched the Ascenders’ FAB 50 title. They were invited once again to the event, but were unable to defend their title because of COVID-19 concerns.

G — Reece Beekman, Scotlandville (Baton, Rouge, La.) 6-2 Sr.
Simply put, Beekman is one of the best all-around players in the county and Scotlandville went 126-11 during his four-year career. Beekman’s production impacts winning, as Scotlandville won four consecutive state crowns with this Virginia recruit in the lineup. In fact, the Hornets were one of the last teams to play this year after the COVID-19 outbreak, as it finished its season on March 14 by defeating then FAB 50 No. 50 St. Augustine (New Orleans), 66-39, behind Beekman’s 16 points, 14 rebounds and 10 assists. Over the last two years, triple-doubles were the norm for Beekman as he followed up a junior season where he 21.9 ppg, 10.2 rpg, 10.2 apg, 3.6 spg, and 2.6 bpg with averages of 10.0 rpg, 9.2 rpg, 2.1 spg and 2.6 bpg for a team that went 34-3 and finished No. 29 in the FAB 50. He finished his career with averages of 16.1 ppg, 7.0 rpg, 6.8 apg, 2.6 spg and 1.7 bpg.

F — Samson Ruzhentsev, Hamilton Heights Christian Academy (Chattanooga, Tenn.) 6-7 Sr.
As we mentioned in the preseason rankings where HHCA opened up at No. 19, Ruzhentsev could turn into a household name if he had a big senior campaign and that’s exactly what happened. It almost had to happen at another program, as a small enrollment nearly forced HHCA to shut down at the end of the 2018-19 school year. After averaging 17.4 ppg and 4.6 rpg as a junior, this athletic and explosive Russian wing went for 19.2 ppg and 6.3 rpg for a 28-3 club that finished No. 6 in the FAB 50, including a win over No. 3 Sunrise Christian Academy (Bel Aire, Kan.). In that game, HHCA rallied from a 15-point deficit to win 61-59, as Ruzhentsev hit the game-winning free throws and finished with a game-high 19 points. “Samson has grown tremendously over the past three years at Hamilton Heights, mainly because of his focus and willingness to work,” HHCA coach Zach Farrell said. “He absolutely loves being in the gym and getting better.”

F — Carlos “Scooby” Johnson, Benton Harbor (Mich.) 6-5 Sr.
Although first five selection Emoni Bates earned national accolades, it was “Scooby” who was named Michigan Mr. Basketball. The powerful and athletic Johnson has enough skill to do damage on the perimeter as a small forward and can overpower high school defenses inside as a power forward with his NBA-type body. He led Benton Harbor to a 20-2 record while averaging 25 ppg, 11 rpg, 6 apg 3 spg and 3 bpg. Johnson led Benton Harbor to a Class B state crown as a sophomore and was a three-time Detroit News Dream Team honoree.

C — Mousa Cissé, Lausanne Collegiate (Memphis, Tenn.) 6-10 Jr.
We always strive to place true post players on the Elite All-American team and the talented Cisse is the next in line after a spectacular junior season. He played for two seasons at Christ the King (Middle Village, N.Y.) before relocating to Memphis and leading the Lynx to the TSSAA Division II Class A state crown. In the 54-44 title game victory over First Assembly Christian School of Cordova, the talented power forward prospect with a penchant for blocking shots was named tourney MVP after scoring 15 points, 10 rebounds and swatting nine shots. For the season, Cisse averaged 23.2 ppg, 14.2 rpg and 8.7 bpg. There was plenty of speculation Cisse would re-classify to the 2020 class, but his high school coach recently stated that is unlikely.

2019-20 All-American Second Team

G — Adrian “Ace” Baldwin, St. Frances (Baltimore, Md.) 5-11 Sr.
F — Jaemyn Brakefield, Huntington Prep (Huntington, W.V.) 6-8 Sr.
G — Josh Christopher, Mayfair (Lakewood, Calif.) 6-4 Sr.
G — Dominque Clifford, The Vanguard School (Colorado Springs, Colo.) 6-5 Sr.
F — Henry Coleman, Trinity Episcopal (Richmond, Va.) 6-9 Sr.
G — Jalen Cook, Landry Walker (New Orleans, La.) 6-0 Sr.
G — Andre Curbelo, Long Island Lutheran (Glen Head N. Y.) 6-0 Sr.
F — Johnny Davis, Central (La Crosse, Wis.) 6-5 Sr.
F — Jyare Davis, Sanford School (Hockessin, Del.) 6-7 Sr.
G — R.J. Davis, Archbishop Stepinac (White Plains, N.Y.) 6-1 Sr.
C — Dawson Garcia, Prior Lake (Minn.) 6-11 Sr.
F — Sam Hines, Wheeler (Marietta, Ga.) 6-5 Sr.
C — Walker Kessler, Woodward Academy (College Park, Ga.) 7-0 Sr.
G — Anthony Leal, Bloomington South (Bloomington, Ind.) 6-5 Sr.
F — Justin Lewis, Poly (Baltimore, Md.) 6-8 Sr.
G — Caleb Love, Christian Brothers (St. Louis, Mo.) 6-3 Sr.
G — Selton Miguel, West Oaks Academy (Orlando, Fla.) 6-5 Sr.
F — Adam Miller, Morgan Park (Chicago, Ill.) 6-4 Sr.
G — Ethan Morton, Butler Area (Butler, Pa.) 6-5 Sr.
F — Micah Peavy, Duncanville (Duncanville, Texas) 6-7 Sr.
G — Jeremy Roach, Paul VI (Fairfax, Va.) 6-2 Sr.
C — Day’Ron Sharpe, Montverde Academy (Montverde, Fla.) 6-9 Sr.
G — D.J. Steward, Whitney Young (Chicago, Ill.) 6-4 Sr.
G — Myles Tate, Dorman (Roebuck, S.C.) 6-0 Sr.
G — Bryce Thompson, Booker T. Washington (Tulsa, Okla.) 6-5 Sr.
F — Earl Timberlake, DeMatha Catholic (Hyattsville, Md.) 6-5 Sr.
F — Lance Ware, Camden (N.J.) 6-9 Sr.
G — C.J. Wilcher, Roselle Catholic (Roselle, N.J.) 6-5 Sr.
F — Terrence Williams, Gonzaga (Washington, D. C.) 6-6 Sr.
F — Ziaire Williams, Sierra Canyon (Chatsworth, Calif.) 6-8 Sr.

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 2019-20 High School All-American Elite Team appeared first on www.ebooksnet.com.

2018-19 Elite All-American Team Announced!

Ronnie Flores — Thu, 16 May 2019 20:59:18 +0000

Mr. Basketball USA Isaiah Stewart, North Carolina recruit Cole Anthony, junior Sharife Cooper and two-time honoree James Wiseman highlight 25th annual All-American team produced by www.ebooksnet.com Grassroots Editor Ronnie Flores. Elite honor squad includes 20-man first team and 30-man second team.

The 2018-19 All-American Elite Team, now published for the 25th consecutive season and on the www.ebooksnet.com platform for the fifth time, includes 41 of the nation’s best seniors, led by Mr. Basketball USA Isaiah Stewart of FAB 50 No. 3 La Lumiere (La Porte, La.).

Seventeen seniors and three juniors, including first five selection Sharife Cooper of FAB 50 No. 2 McEachern (Powder Springs, Ga.), headline the 20-player overall first team.

A 30-player second team includes 24 additional seniors. Four talented juniors join one special sophomore and one outstanding freshman on the second team, as all underclassmen are eligible for selection. Last year’s Mr. Basketball USA, R.J. Barrett of Montverde Academy (Montverde, Fla.), re-classified up to the 2018 class after earning national sophomore player of the year honors in 2017.

This year’s 20-man first team includes two players who re-classified up from the 2020 class early in the school year: first five selection Anthony Edwards of Holy Spirit Prep (Atlanta) and Nico Mannion of Pinnacle (Phoenix, Ariz.). The second team includes another All-American honoree that re-classed up after the season ended: combo guard R.J. Hampton of Little Elm (Texas).

In the 25 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 Carl Kremer of Moeller (Cincinnati, Ohio). He guided the Fighting Crusaders to back-to-back OHSAA Division I titles and a 49-game winning streak entering 2019-2020. In 2018, Moeller finished No. 16 in the FAB 50 and with that club graduating a strong senior class, the Fighting Crusaders exceeded expectations this season, finishing 29-0 and No. 7 in the FAB 50. Along the way, Moeller became the first unbeaten OHSAA D1 state champ since 1995 and Kremer won his fifth state title as coach.

Kremer, whose overall record now stands at 575-157, tied the reported state record with his fifth coaching state title at one program, which was first accomplished by Middletown’s Paul Walker and later Dru Joyce of St. Vincent-St. Mary (Akron, Ohio). Under Kremer’s leadership, Moeller also won state titles in 1999, 2003, and 2007. He’s the first coach from Ohio to earn national acclaim on our all-time list dating back to the 1969-70 season.

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 Elite All-American team more reflective of players who made state championship runs. This honors squad has been chosen in its current format since the 1994-95 season and is powered by www.ebooksnet.com for the fifth consecutive season. This team is chosen regardless of class and is not exclusive or preferential for seniors named to the Ballislife All-American Game. To check out who has played in the Ballislife All-American Game the past nine years, please visit ballislifeallamerican.com. To view archived All-American teams published under this format, please visit GrassrootsHoops.net.

2018-19 All-American First Team

First Five

G — Sharife Cooper, McEachern (Powder Springs, Ga.) 6-0 Jr.
His father and travel ball coach Omar Cooper told Ballislife, “things will be different this year,” with regards to the Indians’ quest for their first GHSA state title. Dad ended up being right on the money, as McEachern had a storybook run to the GHSA Class 7A crown. As the catalyst for a 32-0 team, it wasn’t a hard choice to put Cooper on first team after the Indians went unbeaten against one of the best schedules in the country. A leader and clutch shot maker who can get to any spot on the floor, Cooper averaged 28.1 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 8.2 apg and 4.0 spg and was named MVP of the City of Palms Tournament and the Bass Pro Tournament of Champions. He teamed with senior Isaac Okoro to lead the Indians to nine wins over FAB 50 ranked clubs and three more against teams that were ranked at the time. Okoro (who was seriously considered for fourth five) and Cooper shared all-classification Player of the Year honors on the Atlanta Journal Constitution’s all-state team and Cooper was named the state’s Mr. Basketball by sandysspiel.com.

G — Cole Anthony, Oak Hill Academy (Mouth of Wilson, Va.) 6-3 Sr.
The official runner-up to Isaiah Stewart for Mr. Basketball USA, Anthony is arguably the best guard to suit up for veteran coach Steve Smith since Brandon Jennings, who was the Mr. Basketball USA choice in 2008. Two years earlier, Oak Hill had another runner-up in Kevin Durant. Four Mr. Basketball USA Tracker panelists had Anthony as their top player of the year choice (and the other six had Stewart) after he averaged 18.5 ppg, 10.1 rpg and 10.2 apg and led Oak Hill to the GIECO Nationals semifinals and No. 10 FAB 50 ranking. Anthony played like the best guard in the country on the post-season all-star circuit with big-time showings at the McDonald’s All-American Game (14 points, on 7-of-11 shooting, five rebounds, seven assists, and two blocks) the Nike Hoop Summit (25 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists) and at the Jordan Brand Classic (25 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists). In fact, he’s the first player to sweep MVP honors of the major all-star events since first five selection Zach Randolph (Marion, Ind.) in 2000 when he turned the trifecta at McDonald’s, Nike Hoop Summit and the Nike Derby Festival Classic.

G — Anthony Edwards, Holy Spirit Prep (Atlanta, Ga.) 6-5 Sr.
There was plenty of excitement surrounding Holy Spirit Prep in the preseason and even though the team didn’t live up to preseason expectations, it doesn’t diminish Edwards’ individual brilliance. He used his combination of explosiveness, power and silk jump shooting to develop into the top shooting guard in the country and the No. 1 ranked player by at least one major scouting network. Edwards averaged 25 ppg, 9 rpg, 2 apg and 2 spg, but Holy Spirit Prep finished 15-14. He had 21 points at the Jordan Brand Classic and 12 points and 3 assists at the McDonald’s All-American Game. He’s staying home and will attend Georgia, where he’s the highest-rated incoming recruit to join the Bulldogs since 1979 second five choice Dominque Wilkins (Washington, N.C.).

F — Isaiah Stewart, La Lumiere (La Porte, Ind.) 6-9 Sr.
Went from underclass All-American honors last year to the highest individual honor a player can receive as this year’s Mr. Basketball USA. Not only did he lead a 30-1 team, he’s was the first player mentioned among elites by coaches and scouts when the question was asked “Who plays the hardest and gives the best effort every single time out?” Stewart’s Mr. basketball candidacy steadily rose, from appearing on six ballots in the preseason with 35 points and zero first or second place votes to appearing on all 10 Mr. Basketball Tracker ballots to edging Cole Anthony with six of the 10 first place votes to conclude the season. After averaging 18.1 ppg, 11.3 rpg, and 2.9 bpg while shooting 63 percent from the field, Stewart is the first-ever national player of the year choice to attend the University of Washington. He’s also the first choice from an Indiana program since Greg Oden of Indianapolis Lawrence North in 2006.

F — James Wiseman, Memphis East (Memphis, Tenn.) 7-0 Sr.
He was one of the final selections of the fourth five last season and jumps all the way up to the first five after showing what he could do on the national all-star game circuit. The nation’s top prospect in the 247Sports.com composite, Wiseman showed why he’s so highly-coveted among pro scouts with 13 points and 6 rebounds at the McDonalds All-American Game, 21 points and 6 rebounds at the Jordan Brand Classic and 6 blocked shots at the Nike Hoop Summit. For his high school team, he averaged 25.8 ppg, 14.8 rpg, and 5.5 bpg with both some dominant and pedestrian moments. Still, with his size, skill level and agility, he’s a cinch All-American among this crop of candidates. A long-time commit to Memphis, this year’s Tennessee’s AAA Mr. Basketball will play for 1990 first five choice Penny Hardaway (Memphis Treadwell).

Second Five

G — Nico Mannion, Pinnacle (Phoenix, Ariz.) 6-3 Sr.
Even though he re-classed up to 2019, he completed one of the most spectacular careers in Arizona history, leading Pinnacle to consecutive AIA Class 6A state titles. A three-time all-state selection by the Arizona Republic, Mannion improved his statistical output in each of three seasons and was a two-time Gatorade State Player of the Year choice. For his career, he averaged 24.6 ppg and scored 2,095 points. As a senior, Mannion averaged 30.4 ppg, 6.2 rpg, 6.2 apg and 2.8 spg for a 28-3 club that only lost one game in-state and handed FAB 50 No. 14 Shadow Mountain its first in-state loss in 91 games. The son of former NBA player Pace Mannion, the scoring point guard stepped up in big games, and won the Shadow Mountain game on a contested, buzzer-beating 3-pointer. Goes down as one of the best players ever to come out of Arizona along with 1996 Mr. Basketball USA Mike Bibby of Shadow Mountain and 1985 third five selection Sean Elliot of Tucson Cholla. Like those two former NBA standouts, Mannion will play at Arizona.

G — Scottie Lewis, Ranney School (Eatontown, N.J.) 6-5 Sr.
We don’t often go against credible local consensus, but we had to make a decision of what to do with the dynamic Ranney School duo that led the program to its first ever New Jersey Tournament of Champions title. Lewis’ teammate Bryan Antoine received more local honors, but it was Lewis that was a bit more impressive against his peers in various elite settings. At the McDonald’s All-American Game, Lewis showed he’s one of the best two-way performers in the country with scoring, intensity and defensive ability, as he went for 10 points and four steals. Lewis also played well at the Nike Hoop Summit and was noted for his big play ability for his high school team. The Florida-bound wing guard had 20 points and 11 rebounds in the TOC title game and finished his four-year career with 1,874 career points. On the season, Lewis sported averages of 17.5 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 3.5 apg, 2.7 spg and 1.5 bpg for the No. 6 team in the FAB 50.

F — Precious Achiuwa, Montverde Academy (Montverde, Fla.) 6-9 Sr.
One of the most highly-skilled and multi-dimensional frontcourt players in the country, Achiuwa made the most of his one season in the Eagles’ program after earning underclass All-American honors at St. Benedict’s (Newark, N.J.) as a junior. The younger brother of former St. John’s forward God’sgift Achiuwa, Precious only put up modest numbers (14 ppg, 7 rpg), but those actually led a talent-laden team that finished 22-3 and ranked No. 4 in the FAB 50. He displayed versatile talent, with the ability to finish effectively with both hands and guard multiple positions. On the post-season all-star circuit is where Achiuwa made a favorable impression and increased his All-American candidacy, going for 22 points and nine rebounds at the McDonald’s All-American Game and 15 points and 11 rebounds at the Nike Hoop Summit. Teammate Cade Cunningham was also considered for first team and just missed making the fourth five.

F — Trendon Watford, Mountain Brook (Birmingham, Ala.) 6-9 Sr.
Terrific big-game performer and one of the best winners in the 2019 class closed out his career as one of Alabama’s most decorated players ever. His consistency, versatility and underrated shooting (career .392 3-point) led Mountain Brook to a 31-3 mark and No. 5 FAB 50 ranking this year and three consecutive AHSAA Class 7A state crowns. Turned in a signature 38-point, 12-rebound performance against IMG Academy to hand that FAB 50 No. 1 club its only loss of the season and closed out his senior season with averages of 23.7 ppg, 11.8 rpg, 3.6 apg and 2.5 bpg. Watford finished with four-year career totals of 3,237 points and 1,604 rebounds and his five-year totals include 1,909 rebounds, the all-time state record over 2005 third five selection Richard Hendrix of Athens. The undecided recruit participated in the McDonald’s, Jordan Brand and Ballislife All-American Games.

F — Jeremiah Robinson-Earl, IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.) 6-9 Sr.
The son of 1996 second five selection Lester Earl of Glen Oaks (Baton Rouge, La.) is the most highly honored player on the most talent-laden team in the country. As a result of his statistical output and strong finish at GEICO Nationals, Robinson-Earl gets the nod on first team over North Carolina-bound teammate Armando Bacot (who was seriously considered for fourth five) off a team that has at least nine D1 recruits on its roster and is the first ever to produce three McDonald’s All-Americans (Arizona-bound forward Josh Green). The Villanova-bound combo forward led the 31-1 team in scoring (17.1 ppg) and rebounding (9.5 rpg) and had 18 points, seven rebounds and six assists in the GEICO Nationals championship game victory over La Lumiere (Ind.) to deliver the Ascenders their first national championship in any sport. Robinson-Earl averaged 14 ppg and seven rpg and was singled out for his terrific defense in three games at GEICO Nationals and was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player.

Third Five

G — Joe Girard III, Glens Falls (N.Y.) 6-2 Sr.
Had an even more impressive high school career than DeWitt Christian Brothers Academy’s Greg Paulus, who was the nation’s top Grid-Hooper in 2004-2005 who was the Gatorade National Player of the Year in football and New York’s Mr. Basketball during that winter. Girard is also a Mr. Basketball recipient after averaging a nation-leading 48.6 ppg as a senior when he led Glen Falls to a 29-1 record and the New York Federation Class B title. He hit 195 three-pointers as a senior and a game-winning shot with three seconds remaining in overtime to deliver Glen Falls its first state title. He shattered the all-time state scoring mark (2,846 points) held by 2009 first five selection Lance Stephenson of Brooklyn Lincoln, finishing with 4,329 career points (not including the 434 he scored as an eighth-grader) while averaging an incredible 42.4 ppg in his 102-game four-year career. Included in that point total are 618 3-pointers and 1,065 free throws. Unlike Paulus, he won’t be trying his hand at college basketball first, but like him will play quarterback at Syracuse after accounting for 8,414 yards and 130 touchdowns in his career.

G — Bryan Antoine, Ranney School (Eatontown, N.J.) 6-4 Sr.
Teammate and second five selection Scottie Lewis gets a bit more national acclaim, but it can be argued Antoine is the more accomplished high school player. After all, he led the 31-3 club with a scoring average of 20.9 ppg while also contributing 4.0 rpg, 2.7 apg and 2.8 spg. Antoine was also extremely efficient on offense, scoring at a 60 percent clip from the field, 39 percent from 3-point range and 84 percent from the free throw line while never shooting more than 18 field goal attempts in a single game. It’s no wonder the Villanova-bound shooting guard was the NJ.com State Player of the Year and was a model of consistency in helping Ranney School become the first Shore Conference program to win the TOC crown. Along the way, the McDonald’s All-American became the all-time scoring leader in the Shore Conference with 2,499 points and helped the Panthers win 103 games in four seasons.

F — E.J. Liddell, Belleville West (Belleville, Ill.) 6-7 Sr.
One of the most highly honored players in the nation, Liddell’s production led to winning in the highest classification of Illinois basketball (IHSA Class 4A). The powerful and no-nonsense inside presence had 24 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists in the 4A state title game win over Evanston after dominating FAB 50 ranked Chicago Curie in the semifinals with 14 points, 11 rebounds, five assists and four blocks. He had that type of impact on many big games with season highs of 42 points, 16 rebounds, and 10 blocks while shooting 63 percent from the field. Belleville West’s all-time leader in points (2,508), rebounds (1,004) and blocks (500), he’s also third in assists (322) despite his rugged inside nature. The Ohio St. recruit averaged 20.2 ppg, 9.3 rpg, and 3.8 bpg and is the second back-to-back state Mr. Basketball, following in the footsteps of two-time Mr. Basketball USA finalist Jabari Parker of Chicago Simeon (2012-13). He joins Parker and fellow elite first teamers Derrick Rose (2007) and Shaun Livingston (2004) as lead players on back-to-back IHSA major division state championship teams.

F — Vernon Carey Jr., University School (Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.) 6-10 Sr.
Although the powerful and skilled big man didn’t have quite the season he did during his breakout junior campaign for the Sharks when he earned National Junior Player of the Year honors, Carey was the best player in Florida for the second consecutive season. The two-time Florida Mr. Basketball also repeated as the Sun Sentinel’s Broward County Player of the Year and was named to the McDonald’s All-American and Jordan Brand Classic teams. The son of a former NFL offensive lineman, Carey averaged 21.1 ppg and 9 rpg for a 27-4 team that repeated as FHSAA Class 5A state champs. He did not play in the state semifinals, championship game, or the post-season all-star circuit because of a nagging ankle injury. The Duke-bound power forward gutted it out at GEICO Nationals and had 15 points and 11 rebounds in a first round loss to FAB 50 No. 4 Montverde Academy.

F — Onyeka Okongwu, Chino Hills (Calif.) 6-9 Sr.
He’s one of the most highly acclaimed and honored players in the country despite not being selected for the McDonald’s or Jordan Brand Classic. Okongwu is known best for helping an already legendary Huskies club go 35-0 to capture the 2016 FAB 50 national championship when the Big O was a 14-year old freshman. After Melo Ball (another 14-year old starter on that team) left school, Okongwu became more of a focal point of the offense and simply dominated California ball because his impeccable defensive instincts and timing never wavered. He put together two memorable playoff runs to finish his career with three CIF state titles and is a two-time Cal-Hi Sports Mr. Basketball, the first post player to win in back-to-back seasons since first five selection Tyson Chandler (2000-2001). For the season, he averaged 27 ppg on 66 percent shooting, 11.0 r.pg, 4.0 apg, 4.3 bpg and 1.3 spg, including marks of 30 ppg and 5.5 bpg in 10 post-season games. The USC recruit recorded a 31-3 post-season mark in addition to helping his Compton Magic travel club (along with fourth teamer Evan Mobley) capture a mythical grassroots national title.

Fourth Five

G — Jahmius Ramsey, Duncanville (Texas) 6-4 Sr.
Transfer from IMG Academy made most of his return to the Lone Star State, leading the Panthers to the UIL Class 6A state crown, their first since 2007. Duncanville began the season 7-7, but when the players realized it needed to re-group from the coaches’ preseason voices and to focus on getting the ball to Ramsey, it turned around their season. Duncanville finished the season with 25 consecutive wins, as Ramsey scored 26 points in a big regional final win over Denton Guyer and 22 points in the state title game win over Houston Klein Forest in the title game. For the season, the athletic and muscular power guard averaged 18.9 ppg, 5.2 rpg, and 2.9 apg and was chosen TABC All-State in addition to being named Dallas Morning News Player of the Year over last year’s choice, second teamer Darius Garland. The Texas Tech recruit was team MVP at the Ballislife All-American Game and also played at the Jordan Brand Classic, where he had 15 points, six rebounds and two steals.

G — Cassius Stanley, Sierra Canyon (Chatsworth, Calif.) 6-5 Sr.
The unofficial runner-up to third teamer Onyeka Okongwu for Cal-Hi Sports Mr. Basketball honors, perhaps no player on the elite team used his senior year performance more to gain post-season national acclaim. After sitting out part of his junior season because of transfer, Stanley stepped up as a senior to lead Sierra Canyon to its second consecutive CIF Open state title and a 32-3 record. An improved jump shot and offensive decision-making helped Stanley average 19 ppg, 6 rpg, and 3 apg for a talented team featuring three all-state players that finished No. 9 in the FAB 50. The Duke-bound shooting guard earned a slew of local honors and was selected for the Ballislife All-American Game and Jordan Brand Classic, the latter in which he scored 16 points. One of the best leapers ever in California history, this three-time CIF state champion was player of the year on the all-CIFSS Open Division team, on the L.A. Dailey News all-region team and from SoCal Varsity, which covers a vast portion of Southern California.

F — Jalen Johnson, Nicolet (Glendale, Wis.) 6-7 Jr.
The last few spots on the elite team were tough choices, but we decided to honor a couple of juniors whose talent is too great to ignore. In the case of Johnson, team success makes him a slam dunk pick, after he led the Knights to a 27-1 mark and No. 24 FAB 50 ranking. There is a plethora of underclass talent in Wisconsin, including second team All-American Patrick Baldwin and six of the top 10 players of the Associated Press all-state team, but Johnson is already considered the state’s most prodigious talent. The A.P. State Player of the Year averaged 19.7 ppg, 11.7 rpg and 5.9 apg for the WIAA D2 state champs and also led the team in steals while recording seven triple doubles. The versatile forward was at his best in the big games, as he went for 20 points, 20 rebounds and four assists in the 67-52 state title game over Milwaukee Washington and averaged 15.5 rpg in two state tournament games.

F — Matt Hurt, John Marshall (Rochester, Minn.) 6-9 Sr.
It was an honored-filled season for a player who will join third five member Vernon Carey and fellow fourth five selection Cassius Stanley at Duke in the fall. He rates with Carey and first team choices Isaiah Stewart and James Wiseman as the nations’ top-rated interior prospects and he was as productive as any big man in the country, averaging 36.8 ppg, 12.5 rpg, and 4.8 apg for a 22-7 club. For his efforts, Hurt was named both the Associated Press and Gatorade State Player of the Year. The McDonald’s All-American finished his season with 1,072 points and his decorated high school career with a Minnesota Large Schools record 3,812 points.

C — Evan Mobley, Rancho Christian (Temecula, Calif.) 7-0 Jr.
For a portion of the season, this talented seven-footer was in the thick of the Mr. Basketball USA race along with Isaiah Stewart and Cole Anthony, but his candidacy suffered when the Eagles underachieved in sectional and regional play. Still, it’s impossible to ignore his vast potential, production and slew of local honors. After some injuries and growing pains slowed him down during his first two seasons, he had a breakout season for a club that played a terrific national schedule and finished No. 39 in the FAB 50 at 25-6. The agile center with great patience and a high skill level averaged 19.2 ppg, 10.4 rpg, 4.7 bpg, and 3.3 apg and bolstered his All-American candidacy with a 13-point, 3-block performance in a win over Memphis East and first five choice James Wiseman. The younger brother of USC-bound and McDonald’s All-American Isaiah Mobley, Evan beat out his older brother for player of the year honors by the Riverside Press Enterprise and was named state junior player of the year over second teamer Jalen Green.

2018-19 All-American Second Team

F — Armando Bacot, IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.) 6-10 Sr.
F — Patrick Baldwin Jr., Hamilton (Sussex, Wis.) 6-8 Soph.
F — Emoni Bates, Lincoln (Ypsilanti, Mich.) 6-8 Fr.
G — Christian Braun, Blue Valley Northwest (Overland Park, Kan.) 6-5 Sr.
G — Cade Cunningham, Montverde Academy (Montverde, Fla.) 6-5 Jr.
F — Eric Dixon, Abington (Pa.) 6-8 Sr.
G — Jalen Green, San Joaquin Memorial (Fresno, Calif.) 6-5 Jr.
G — R.J. Hampton, Little Elm (Texas) 6-5 Jr.
G — Jaelen House, Shadow Mountain (Phoenix, Ariz.) 6-1 Sr.
G — Josiah James, Porter-Gaud (Charleston, S.C.) 6-7 Sr.
F — D.J. Jeffries, Olive Branch (Miss.) 6-7 Sr.
G — Rylon Jones, Olympus (Salt Lake City, Utah) 6-0 Sr.
G — Keyshaun Langley, Southwest Guilford (High Point, N.C.) 6-1 Sr.
F — Chris Ledlum, Northfield Mt. Hermon (Gill, Mass.) 6-7 Sr.
G — Tyrese Maxey, South Garland (South Garland, Texas) 6-3 Sr.
F — Jaden McDaniels, Federal Way (Federal Way, Wash.) 6-10 Sr.
G — Justin Moore, DeMatha Catholic (Hyattsville, Md.) 6-4 Sr.
F — Wendell Moore Jr., Cox Mill (Concord, N.C.) 6-6 Sr.
G — Casey Morsell, St. John’s College (Washington, D.C.) 6-5 Sr.
G — Paul Mulcahy, Gill St. Bernard’s (Gladstone, N.J.) 6-5 Sr.
C — Zeke Nnaji, Hopkins (Minnetonka, Minn.) 6-11 Sr.
G — Isaac Okoro, McEachern (Powder Springs, Ga.) 6-5 Sr.
F — Donta Scott, Imhotep Charter (Philadelphia, Pa.) 6-7 Sr.
G — Jalen Suggs, Minnehaha Academy (Minneapolis, Minn.) 6-3 Jr.
C — Oscar Tshiebwe, Kennedy Catholic (Hermitage, Pa.) 6-8 Sr.
F — C.J. Walker, Oak Ridge (Orlando, Fla.) 6-8 Sr.
F — Anton Watson, Gonzaga Prep (Spokane, Wash.) 6-7 Sr.
F — Romeo Weems, New Haven (Mich.) 6-7 Sr.
F — Kahlil Whitney, Roselle Catholic (Roselle, N.J.) 6-7 Sr.
F — Samuell Williamson, Rockwall (Texas) 6-6 Sr.

National Coach of the Year: Carl Kremer, Moeller (Cincinnati, Ohio)

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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