Preseason 2023-24 FAB 50: High 15 Groups!

Basketball

Preseason 2023-24 FAB 50: High 15 Groups!

Tony Updates

November 1, 2023

Preseason 2023-24 FAB 50: High 15 Groups!

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We conclude our 2023-24 preseason FAB 50 Nationwide Crew Rankings powered by Ballislife.com with an in-depth have a look at the nation’s prime 15 groups. We started with groups No. 31-50, continued with groups No. 16-30 and that is an in-depth have a look at the nation’s 15 finest groups. Montverde Academy of Florida is the nation’s preseason No. 1 group for the ninth time because it seeks its seventh FAB 50 title up to now dozen seasons.

All 50 groups are written up with explanations for why they’re positioned in these positions. Montverde Academy is within the top-ranked preseason membership for the ninth time, tying the all-time FAB 50 period file held by Oak Hill Academy of Virginia. Montverde Academy has completed decrease than No. 1 when beginning out No. 1 3 times, together with No. 2 finishes for the previous two seasons. In 2019, the Eagles completed No. 4 after shedding within the GEICO Nationals semifinals to eventual nationwide champ IMG Academy of Florida.

GO TO: No. 1 / No. 2 / No. 3 / No. 4 / No. 5 / No. 6 / No. 7 / No. 8 / No. 9 / No. 10 / No. 11 / No. 12 / No. 13 / No. 14 / No. 15

2023-24 Excessive College Basketball: Raised Expectations

COVID-19 nonetheless lingers however the world is in a fairly completely different place that it was in March of 2020 when the pandemic started. Highschool basketball throughout America is in a special place, too. A lot of the distinction lies within the reality gamers have extra participation choices to showcase themselves for the following degree aside from conventional excessive faculties. These choices for the following degree have additionally grown.

Along with faculty basketball, elite prospects have the choice to go professional abroad, as High 50 prospect A.J. Johnson of SoCal Academy (Valencia, Calif.) selected to take action by signing a professional contract with Australia’s Nationwide Basketball League (NBL). Three High 25 prospects within the 2023 nationwide class signed with the NBA’s G League Ignite to play for former NBA guard Jason Hart: 6-foot-7 Dink Pate of Dallas (Pinkston, Texas), 6-foot-9 Matas Buzelis of Dawn Christian Academy (Bel Aire, Kan.) and 6-foot-8 Ronald Holland of Duncanville (Texas).

Arguably the most important change within the panorama was the Title, Picture, and Likeness (NIL) insurance policies that went into impact in July 2021 for collegiate athletes after NIL laws in numerous states modeled after California’s “Honest Pay to Play Act” pressured the NCAA’s hand. The monetary freedoms related to the income streams NIL created has rapidly trickled right down to the highschool panorama. Right now final 12 months, 9 state associations that fall underneath the management of the Nationwide Federation of State Excessive College Associations (NFHS) sanctioned NIL freedoms for its collaborating scholar athletes. At present that quantity is 33 (plus Washington, D.C.) and it’s not laborious to determine it’s solely a matter of time earlier than state associations in all 50 states enable NIL freedoms.

Due to NIL and the financial influence it’s had on the school sport in simply over two years, extra elite highschool gamers are signing later than they’ve because the introduction of the NCAA’s early signing interval 40 years in the past. Elite gamers are clearly in search of the perfect monetary package deal, and for some which means de-committing late and in search of greener pastures elsewhere. For Holland, that meant decommitting from Texas after the season in late April and saying he would signal a professional contract with the G League Ignite group the final day of Could.

At one time, Time beyond regulation Elite (OTE) was striving to be a viable possibility for aspiring skilled gamers, however the Atlanta-based group modified its tune when NIL grew to become a actuality for highschool gamers, particularly after elite highschool gamers rapidly realized they didn’t wish to surrender the collegiate basketball possibility by signing an expert contract, one thing OTE’s first wave of gamers did.

OTE has morphed right into a quasi highschool league by increasing to eight groups and there may be loads of expertise that matriculated to OTE from packages eligible for the FAB 50 Nationwide Crew Rankings, which have been printed weekly because the 1987-88 preseason. OTE is now recruiting gamers to its groups as younger because the 2027 class, so the expertise pool at conventional public and parochial faculties continues to be affected by NIL laws.

Along with the elevated participant choices and NIL, the third large panorama change is the really helpful rule change introduced by the NFHS for 2023-24. The one-and-one free throw scenario is now eradicated. The bonus scenario now entails two assured free throws that may happen after 5 fouls per quarter, as a substitute of seven fouls per half. (Highschool hoops consists of 4, 8-minute quarters.) The fouls will reset after every quarter and the opposition is taking pictures two on the fifth foul.

We’ve evaluated numerous highschool video games over the previous 30 years and the missed entrance finish of 1-and-1’s have been the catalyst for a lot of memorable comebacks. The hole between FAB 50 ranked groups and also-rans continues to develop and our take is the elimination of the 1-and-1 scenario favors the group forward on the scoreboard, which is normally the extra proficient group.

The sport will movement higher within the second and fourth interval and the video games might be quicker, however it simply grew to become a bit more durable to win for the group trailing on the scoreboard. Count on FAB 50 ranked groups to file much more blow out wins than they already do annually and for there to be an adjustment interval for coaches, followers and sometimes referees who’ve been used to the sport being performed with no reset fouls per quarter and with the bonus scenario.

The Nationwide Interscholastic Basketball Convention (NIBC) will reportedly develop for the second consecutive season, after including two groups, Lengthy Island Lutheran (Glen Head, N.Y.) and AZ Compass Prep (Chandler, Ariz.), in 2022-23. Now getting into its third full season of convention play, the NIBC will encompass 14 groups in 2023-24. There hasn’t been a proper announcement for every program, however it seems to be like Canyon Worldwide Academy (Glendale, Ariz.), Brewster Academy (Wolfeboro, N.H.), Hyperlink Academy (Branson, Mo.), Orangeville Academy of Ontario, Canada and Veritas Prep (Chino Hills, Calif.) would be the new additions.

And for the twelfth consecutive season, one of many NIBC’s member packages opens up preseason No. 1 within the nation’s longest-running weekly rankings.

Montverde Academy: No. 1 Once more

Final season, there wasn’t a slam dunk preseason No. 1 group within the FAB 50 Nationwide Crew Rankings powered by Ballislife.com. Montverde Academy of Florida was extra of a protected decide, however this season the Eagles are extra of a slam dunk due to their returning expertise.

Montverde Academy additionally has loads of incentive after capturing the 2022-23 common season Nationwide Interscholastic Basketball Convention (NIBC) championship solely to lose within the first spherical at GEICO Nationals to Dawn Christian Academy (Bel Aire, Kan.), 46-45. The Buffaloes had been the 2021-22 common season NIBC champion whereas Montverde Academy received the inaugural title in 2020-21, the season the NIBC started its league with a makeshift schedule. That season was additionally the final time Montverde Academy captured the FAB 50 nationwide title.

With three returning starters, all of whom earned some All-American acclaim, and 6 lettermen again, this group is about as sure-fire of a preseason No. 1 as any of the earlier eight golf equipment underneath head coach Kevin Boyle adequate to earn the distinguished pole place. This consists of the primary MVA group to open No. 1 again in 2012-13 when no different credible nationwide rankings had the Eagles as preseason No. 1 regardless of fielding one of the bodily imposing groups we’d ever seen as much as that time.

This 12 months’s Montverde Academy membership just isn’t as bodily imposing as that one 11 years in the past, however is as expert as any group within the nation led by Cooper Flagg, the 6-foot-8 do-it-all dynamo who earned All-American Elite Crew honors (second 5) as a sophomore after averaging 9.8 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 3.0 apg and a couple of.2 bpg on a balanced group the place 4 gamers averaged between 9-14 factors. Flagg, who re-classed up and is now a part of the senior (2024) class was the group’s finest all-around participant in 2022-23 and he’s improved since then.

Successful within the NIBC will likely be more durable than ever, however maybe much more necessary to the Eagles’ possibilities of capturing NIBC and FAB 50 crowns than the expertise or motivation is the expertise issue.

“It’s actually useful when you’ve gotten veteran guys who know the system and been in it a few years,” stated Montverde Academy assistant coach Dan Schantz. “The blokes took the primary spherical (GEICO) loss laborious within the locker room. We’ve a hungry, veteran squad.”

Who’s the perfect wager to problem Montverde Academy for the 2023-24 FAB 50 Nationwide crown?

GO TO: No. 1 / No. 2 / No. 3 / No. 4 / No. 5 / No. 6 / No. 7 / No. 8 / No. 9 / No. 10 / No. 11 / No. 12 / No. 13 / No. 14 / No. 15

Preseason 2023-24 FAB 50 Nationwide
Crew Rankings Powered by Ballislife.com

By Ronnie Flores

(Closing 2022-23 rating in parentheses; *Signifies forfeit wins, forfeit losses not included; **Signifies forfeits and defaults not included; Search for preseason Area-By-Area High 20 Rankings on Tuesday, November 7 and for the preseason Mr. Basketball USA Tracker on Tuesday, November 21.)

1. (2) Montverde Academy (Montverde, Fla.) 23-3
Key Gamers: SF Cooper Flagg 6-8 2024 (No. 1 247Sports.com, Ballislife First Crew All-American, Duke commit), PF Derik Queen 6-9 2024 (No. 12 247Sports.com, Ballislife Underclass All-American), PG Rob Wright III 6-0 2024 (No. 20 Rivals.com, Ballislife Second Crew All-American, Baylor Commit), SF Liam McNeeley 6-7 2024 (No. 15 247Sports.com, Ballislife Second Crew All-American), PF Asa Newell 6-9 2024 (No. 10 Rivals.com, Georgia commit), PG Curtis Givens III 6-2 2024 (No. 33 On3.com, LSU commit).
Why This Rating: Whereas there was no consensus No. 1 participant within the senior class final 12 months and the Eagles weren’t an awesome preseason No. 1, that isn’t the case this 12 months. Flagg is now the consensus No. 1 participant within the senior class whereas his group is a logical preseason No. 1. Some really feel he’s the perfect participant and prospect within the nation, despite the fact that final season’s Mr. Basketball USA is again. Flagg, together with his influence on each ends of the ground, is that good. Flagg is a gifted scorer, a flexible defender and arguably the perfect shot-blocker within the nation. Search for him to take a step up in manufacturing and management with this group. “We’ve had No. 1 and No. 2 ranked guys within the nation earlier than, however by no means a man together with his social media presence,” Montverde Academy assistant coach Dan Schantz stated. “The quantity of 12-year olds that wish to get near him or individuals on IG, it’s fixed. He’s nonetheless the identical child, one of many guys, and is dealing with it properly.” Whereas MVA’s gamers and training employees are used to dealing with the limelight, groups are going to have a nightmare of a time dealing with Queen (11.3 ppg, 6.4 rpg, 2.1 apg). We didn’t see a greater performer this summer season and if it wasn’t for Flagg on his identical group, Queen could be a big-time Mr. Basketball USA candidate as properly. He was the Nationwide Freshman of the 12 months in 2020-21 at St. Frances Academy of Baltimore, however didn’t have an enormous sophomore influence on a MVA membership that completed No. 2 within the FAB 50. With improved conditioning, he began to indicate All-American glimpses final season and put all of it collectively this previous summer season. Youngsters throughout the nation aspire to be just like the Warriors’ Steph Curry, however for giant males the mannequin is NBA World Champion Nikola Jokić and together with his versatile sport, mushy contact across the basket, passing potential and skill to alleviate strain within the backcourt, Queen is the closest factor to Joker in the highschool sport. Whereas Flagg and Queen had been second group all-NIBC selections, McNeeley was a primary group selection after averaging a group main 12.4 ppg and 4.0 rpg whereas taking pictures 45 p.c from 3-point vary and 85 p.c from the road. In accordance with the teaching employees, McNeeley is engaged on the little issues to be a stronger offensive participant and make MVA that a lot more durable to protect. “He’s honing in on enjoying underneath management,” Schantz stated. “At occasions he was making an attempt to do an excessive amount of. He’s all the time been an awesome shooter, however he’s engaged on recognizing the sport, and getting higher off the dribble, in addition to off pin downs.” There’s a lot to love about this membership and actually no obtrusive weak point.
The Skinny: So simply how dominant has Montverde Academy been within the final decade? That is the ninth time Montverde Academy has began as preseason FAB 50 No. 1, tying the file held by Oak Hill Academy of Virginia. Montverde has began decrease than No. 1 3 times up to now 12 seasons, whereas the Warriors underneath Steve Smith (who retired following the 2021-22 season) was No. 1 9 occasions in a span of 27 seasons (first in 1990-91 and final in 2016-17). Ought to this MVA unit end No. 1, head coach Kevin Boyle (311-26 at MVA, 821-158 general) would tie Smith because the coach with probably the most all-time FAB 50 No. 1 groups (7). Newell (6.6 ppg, 3.3 rpg) could be an All-American candidate at practically each different faculty and is an oozing expertise who’s working laborious to develop his defensive versatility. Final season, Newell and Queen couldn’t play a lot collectively as a result of it brought on the perimeter protection to weaken an excessive amount of for Boyle’s style, however that duo is able to be on the court docket extra usually collectively. Givens (4.0 ppg, 2.2 apg) is a gradual veteran who pushed beginning guard Chris Johnson (Kansas) final season and is unselfish. The teaching employees actually likes what he brings to the desk due to his understanding of the sport. The participant who may take this group to the following degree is Wright, who performs like he was born for the purpose guard place. “He’s a particular participant who can get the paint touches we’d like and has an awesome really feel for the sport,” Schantz stated. If all of the items mesh collectively, the starters keep comparatively wholesome and Newell and Queen discover ways to maximize one another’s talents, this unit might be corresponding to the perfect groups Boyle has had in his time at Montverde. This system’s 26-6 (.813) all-time file at GEICO Nationals nonetheless is significantly better than the second finest group to often play within the end-of-season occasion and something much less that this system’s seventh occasion title will likely be an inner disappointment. Montverde’s convention and nationwide schedule is as robust as ever and there are few simple wins. To not point out, each group goes to be gunning for the Eagles. MVA will open with No. 23 Wasatch Academy and highly-regarded American Fork on the 5 For The Battle Nationwide Hoopfest (Nice Grove, Utah) on Nov. 20-21. The beauty of Montverde’s schedule is it can result in the preseason rankings taking good care of itself on the court docket and that may happen early. The Eagles will host No. 3 Columbus on Dec. 1 and will doubtlessly meet that membership (or No. 2 Hyperlink Academy) as soon as once more within the finals of the Metropolis of Palms Traditional on Dec. 23. Both manner, the Eagles may have already performed Hyperlink Academy on Dec. 8 in Las Vegas, Nev., as a part of the Nike/NBA Showcase. Montverde Academy (who may face No. 5 Paul VI or No. 7 IMG Academy on its aspect of the COP Bracket) will face No. 6 Prolific Prep on Jan. 14, on the Spalding Hoophall Traditional in Springfield, Mass. This 12 months’s Montverde Academy Invitational Match (Jan. 25-27) consists of Prolific Prep and No. 28 Oak Ridge. With the 14 groups that are actually a part of the NIBC, there are much less common season matchups with fellow NIBC golf equipment, however with its schedule MVA possible will play a few the opposite top-ranked groups within the nation greater than as soon as. The 2017-18 R.J. Barrett membership is the one MVA FAB 50 champ to complete its season unbeaten (36-0). Even when this MVA group doesn’t match that, if it avenges any common season loss the Eagles have an opportunity to be thought of one of many program’s finest groups of their unimaginable dozen-year run.

2. (1) Hyperlink Academy (Branson, Mo.) 27-1
Key Gamers: SG Tre Johnson 6-6 2024 (No. 4 ESPN.com, Ballislife First Crew All-American, Ballislife Nationwide Junior Participant of the 12 months), PG Labaron Philon 6-4 2024 (No. 27 247Sports.com, Ballislife Underclass All-American, Kansas commit), C James Brown 6-9 2024 (No. 57 Rivals.com, North Carolina commit), PG Jasper Johnson 6-4 2025 (No. 8 ESPN.com), PG Aaron Rowe 6-0 2025 (No. 19 ESPN.com), SF Jalen Shelley 6-8 2024 (No. 35 Rivals.com, Arkansas commit), SG T.O. Barrett 6-4 2024 (No. 88 247Sports.com, Missouri commit).
Why This Rating: This program has made a rapid ascension within the excessive basketball world, going from FAB 50 eligible for the primary time in 2021-22 to capturing 2023 GEICO Nationals, which propelled the Lions to the No. 1 spot within the FAB 50. One other outstanding side of their 2022-23 FAB 50 Nationwide crown is head coach Billy Armstrong was in his first 12 months underneath the helm. With stalwarts resembling Ja’Kobe Walter (Baylor) and Elliot Cadeau (North Carolina) shifting on, the Lions have their work lower out for them they usually even have to exchange mainly the complete roster. That was the case final season, too, and Armstrong had the system to get his group by a tricky schedule and peaking for GEICO Nationals on the finish of the season, so we like them on this spot by a whisker over No. 3 Columbus. Walter was the Lions’ go-to participant final 12 months who performed nice at GEICO Nationals and this 12 months Armstrong expects the identical output from Johnson, final 12 months’s Nationwide Junior Participant of the 12 months who led Lake Highlands (Garland, Texas) to a Texas Class 6A state title and No. 8 FAB 50 rating by averaging 21.8 ppg, 6.4 rpg, 2.7 apg and 1.7 spg. Earlier than Montverde’s Cooper Flagg moved within the 2024 class, many thought of Johnson its finest prospect and he’s keen to indicate he could be simply as efficient with the day-in-day-out competitors the NIBC affords. “I knew coming in Tre was a winner and aggressive, however I didn’t understand to that extent how aggressive,” Armstrong stated. “He’s additionally a bit greater than I assumed and has a pleasant tempo to his sport. Actually, he’s higher than I assumed he was.” Johnson has an opportunity to be the perfect participant Armstrong has coached and is doing an excellent job of mixing his sport with extra proficient gamers throughout fall camp. This system’s different Johnson, Jasper, will man one of many guard slots and might be the highest level guard within the junior class. Philon was Alabama’s Class 7A Participant of the 12 months as a mere sophomore and averaged 34.7 ppg and 6.0 rpg as a junior when he was Gatorade State Participant of the 12 months for Baker (Cell, Ala.). He clearly received’t rating like that on this unit, however Philon is an enormous matchup drawback in Armstrong’s three-guard assault. Hyperlink Academy had loads of entrance court docket depth on its title membership final 12 months, however this time across the Lions will likely be extra uptempo offensively, trying to flip groups over, and make up for what they lack in measurement and girth with pace and size. “We’ve an actual alternative to win back-to-back nattys (end No. 1) if we will get out of our consolation zone and method every play to get higher,” Armstrong stated.
The Skinny: It was an in depth name to position the Lions at No. 2 over Columbus, however we like their expertise degree and monitor file in a brief time frame. Two years in the past, the Lions started at No. 40 and final 12 months at No. 11, which was extra sensible for his or her expertise degree. In two journeys to GEICO Nationals in two years, the Lions are 5-1 (.833), which is definitely a greater successful share on the occasion than Montverde Academy, albeit over a shorter time frame. The Lions may have the chance to dwell as much as their preseason billing and construct on that glorious successful share in the event that they rebound and defend the inside on a NIBC championship degree. “We’re dynamic and the sky’s the restrict offensively, however we’ve got a methods to go defensively,” Armstrong stated. “We’ve to discover a solution to grasp in there on the glass.” Brown is a robust piece who can transfer his toes defensively and swap. Brandon Benjamin (6-8, 2024) hardly performed on the championship membership final season, however his defensive size will likely be key this season. Shelley is a pure 3-man, however will likely be extra of a face-up 4-man in Hyperlink’s lineup due to his potential to defend and rebound. Armstrong feels the well being and availability of that trio will likely be key with Andre Iguodala Jr. (6-6, 2025) and Brandon Crawford (6-10, 2024) including depth. Armstrong feels T.J. Stuttley (6-4, 2025) and Iguodala may actually step up and assist this membership and with its schedule, growing depth is important. Final 12 months’s common season was lighter, and the Lions weren’t prepared for Montverde Academy (84-58 loss), however the setback helped them re-group to return into GEICO Nationals with a chip on their shoulder. Hyperlink Academy, which is sanctioned to play Missouri State Excessive College Actions Affiliation (MSHSAA) faculties, have two early video games earlier than taking up NIBC golf equipment Canyon Worldwide Academy (Glendale, Ariz.) and No. 16 AZ Compass Prep on the 5 For The Battle Nationwide Hoopfest (Nice Grove, Utah) on Nov. 21-22. Hyperlink Academy has two high quality opponents on the Thanksgiving Hoopfest in Texas (Nov. 24-25), and can tackle No. 6 Prolific Prep on Dec. 2 on the Derek Smith Shootout in Louisville, Ky. The Lions will play within the Metropolis of Palms Traditional and will face No. 3 Columbus in a monster quarterfinal matchup in the event that they get previous No. 26 North Mecklenburg within the opening spherical. After the New 12 months’s, the Lions face No. 7 IMG Academy (Jan. 15) on the Spalding Hoophall Traditional in Springfield, Mass. After a visit to the Quincy Shootout (Jan. 19-20), the Lions will face No. 4 Lengthy Island Lutheran on the Metro Traditional in New Jersey (Feb. 2). The common season will conclude with the NIBC Closing Showcase (March 8-9) with video games versus No. 23 Wasatch Academy and Oak Hill Academy of Virginia.

3. (6) Columbus (Miami, Fla.) 26-4
Key Gamers: PF Cameron Boozer 6-9 2025 (No. 2 247Sports.com, Mr. Basketball USA), PG Cayden Boozer 6-3 2025 (No. 16 ESPN.com), PF Malik Abdullahi 6-7 2024, PG Jase Richardson 6-2 2024 (No. 28 ESPN.com, Michigan St. commit), SG Jaxon Richardson 6-5 2026 (No. 14 247Sports.com), SG Benny Fragela 6-2 2025.
Why This Rating: The distinction between the packages at Columbus and No. 2 Hyperlink Academy is stark. One is a parochial faculty in a big metropolitan area and the opposite is an academy-program in a metropolis of 15,000 positioned within the Ozark Mountains, however from a rankings perspective they’ve a lot in frequent. Each had been small gamers on the nationwide scene two seasons in the past, however loved robust seasons and completed FAB 50 ranked, as Hyperlink Academy superior to GEICO Nationals title sport and Columbus received the FHSAA Class 7A state title. In 2022-23, the 2 packages took it one step additional, as Hyperlink Academy began out No. 11 and received the legendary FAB 50 title whereas Columbus was a significant FAB 50 title contender, ending No. 6. This 12 months each are prime nationwide champion candidates and the outcomes of their early-season video games will influence the groups within the FAB 50 for the complete season. Columbus has the substances to turn into the primary parochial group to seize the FAB 50 crown because the now defunct St. Anthony (Jersey Metropolis, N.J.) in 2010-11. The one main distinction this 12 months from final is large sport expertise and expectations, as coach Andrew Moran’s membership has the chance to take down a few of the nation’s finest academy-type packages on a nationwide schedule. It begins with Cameron Boozer, who final season averaged 21.1 ppg, 11.2 rpg, 4.2 apg and a couple of.0 bpg, whereas taking pictures 62.1 p.c from the sector, 41.6 p.c from the 3-point line and 89.1 p.c from the road on a group that captured a second consecutive state crown. He was so dominant he grew to become the primary sophomore ever (relationship again retroactively to 1955) to earn Mr. Basketball USA honors as the perfect participant within the nation. It was fairly an announcement as a 15-year previous and Boozer has loads of firepower round him for his group to rank because the heavy favourite to win a 3rd straight Class 7A crown and maybe a first-time No. 1 FAB 50 end for a FHSAA program. Fellow junior Cayden Boozer (15.1 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 4.3 apg, 2.0 spg), Cam’s brother, displayed marked enchancment over the summer season and is a bonafide All-American candidate as a robust play-maker who can get downhill or stroke it from the skin. Abdullahi, an athletic ahead who excels on set performs, usually sparks the Explorers with an enormous offensive end or an enormous defensive play and is a key cog defensively throughout Columbus’ large video games. Fragela (7.2 ppg) is a floor-spacer who performs an necessary function in retaining the protection trustworthy and never collapsing on the group’s star participant.
The Skinny: Solely 3 times within the final 70 years has the perfect participant in highschool basketball returned the next season: Jerry Lucas in 1958, Lew Alcindor in 1965 and LeBron James in 2003. Boozer would be the fourth and generally when you’ve gotten a star participant of his caliber it’s important to place his group excessive and see the place the chips fall. We made the error of not inserting Michael Porter’s group at Nathan Hale (Seattle, Wash.) excessive sufficient within the 2016-17 preseason (No. 38) when he had simply sufficient of a supporting forged round. Final 12 months within the preseason, we talked about the whispers surrounding Cam Boozer stating he was the nation’s finest participant no matter class had been rising louder and he ended up kicking within the door. In the long run, we determined Hyperlink Academy’s post-season pedigree and depth of gamers gave the defending FAB 50 champion the slight edge over the Explorers. Graduated guard Garyn Bess gave Columbus loads of pop and athleticism from the guard place, however the Richardson brothers, transfers from FAB 50 energy Bishop Gorman of Las Vegas, add one other dimension and will make all of the distinction within the shut video games. Jase Richardson can run a membership or slide to the two-guard as a artful finisher, whereas Jaxon Richardson is an explosive wing guard who could make large performs on each ends of the ground. Added depth comes within the type of two proficient freshmen: Anthony Walcott (6-5, 2027) and Zacarus Dawson (5-9, 2027). Clearly retaining the star gamers on the ground will likely be key within the large video games, however do the Explorers have sufficient inside energy to outlive their early-season and schedule and head into 2024 the No. 1 group within the nation? We’ll discover out once they host No. 6 Prolific Prep on Nov. 22, tackle No. 21 McEachern on the Vacation Hoopsgiving (Nov. 24-25) and journey upstate to face top-ranked Montverde Academy on Dec. 1. The Explorers may face MVA a second time later within the month on the Metropolis of Palms Traditional in Ft. Myers, Fla., however they’ll must get by loads of landmines earlier than they’ll take into consideration any potential COP title sport date with the Eagles. Columbus opens with No. 32 Archbishop Ryan and can possible face No. 2 Hyperlink Academy in a COP quarterfinal showdown.

4. (10) Lengthy Island Lutheran (Glen Head, N.Y.) 23-3
Key Gamers: SG V.J. Edgecombe 6-5 2024 (No. 4 On3.com, Ballislife Underclass All-American), PF Godswill Erheriene 6-9 2024 (No. 108 Rivals.com), C Alier Malik 6-10 2025 (No. 21 Rivals.com), SG Kiyan Anthony 6-4 2025 (No. 36 On3.com), PG Nigel James Jr. 6-0 2025, SF Jacob Ross 6-5 2025 (No. 75 247Sports.com), PG Kayden Mingo 6-1 2025 (No. 75 Rivals.com), PG Dylan Mingo 6-3 2026 (No. 13 247Sports.com).
Why This Rating: LuHi cracks the preseason FAB 50 for the seventh consecutive season and this might be this system’s finest unit in that time-frame. It’s not solely that coach Jon Buck (290-59) returns seven lettermen, it’s LuHi’s mixture of expertise degree and expertise in excessive degree video games that places the Crusaders on this place. It begins with Edgecombe, who broke out and was spectacular sufficient as a junior to earn NIBC Participant of the 12 months honors with some eye-popping performances in main LuHi to 9 consecutive convention victories. Edgecombe averaged 15.5 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 2.3 apg and is a shoo-in Mr. Basketball USA candidate if LuHi’s surrounding expertise meshes and performs to his skills. Erheriene (7.7 ppg, 5.3 rpg) is flanked by newcomer Maluk, an elite rim-protector who can rating successfully and is quickly changing into one of many prime junior prospects within the nation. The Crusaders did lose two superb backcourt males in Jayden Reid (South Florida) and Jayden Ross (UConn), however have good inside-out steadiness. They really might be deeper on the perimeter this 12 months than final, with the addition of James, who averaged 13 ppg, 6 rpg, and 4 apg at Cushing Academy (Mass.) and with the continued maturation of Ross and the Mingo brothers, who’re thought of two of the perfect lead guard prospects of their respective class. If Anthony has a breakout season, LuHi will likely be as robust to protect as any group within the NIBC and with the depth may rack up wins even when Edgecombe doesn’t have an enormous scoring night time.
The Skinny: In its first season within the NIBC, LuHi completed 10-2, one sport behind Montverde Academy within the convention standings and certified for GEICO Nationals for the primary time. LuHi is a extra proficient group this season however so are the Eagles so we’ll wait and see if the Crusaders could make one other large convention run with a 12-game convention schedule (every of the 14 groups doesn’t play one convention foe). There may be additionally loads of motivation as LuHi, the defending New York Federation Match of Champions winner, defeated AZ Compass Prep throughout the common season however fell to that very same group at GEICO Nationals by one level, 73-71, in a quarterfinal sport by which Edgecombe shot 4-of-12 from the sector. LuHi has a frightening schedule, however has the depth and size to navigate by it. In accordance with assistant coach Jay David, the group is also constructing good continuity, stating “our schedule is daunting, however I’m excited for the problem; we’ve got 10 D1 guys on this roster and a few actually good youth.” LuHi will head to the Marshall County Hoopfest in Kentucky (Nov. 30), the Hoopfest in Paradise (Dec. 15-16) and are a part of the loaded area on the Metropolis of Palms Traditional in Florida. LuHi will possible play the Don Bosco Prep-McEachern winner within the tourney quarterfinals. Along with its loaded convention schedule, the Crusaders will tackle No. 3 Columbus on the Hoophall Traditional over MLK weekend.

5. (18) Paul VI (Fairfax, Va.) 31-4
Key Gamers: SF Darren Harris 6-5 2024 (No. 45 ESPN.com, Ballislife Underclass All-American, Duke commit), SF Isaiah Abraham 6-6 2024 (No. 41 On3.com, UConn commit), C Garrett Sundra 6-10 2024 (No. 124 247Sports.com, Notre Dame commit), PG Ben Hammond 5-11 2024 (Rhode Island commit), C Patrick Ngongba II 6-11 2024 (No. 19 ESPN.com), SF Adlan Elamin 6-8 2025 (No. 69 247Sports.com), SF Jaquan Womack 6-7 2025.
Why This Rating: Because the abbreviated 2020-21 season, the Panthers have been fairly dominant within the rugged Washington Catholic Athletic Convention (WCAC) and are deserving of a excessive rating for the second consecutive season. In 2021-22, the Panthers captured this system’s first WCAC tourney crown since 2013-14 and final season got here inside one possession of changing into the primary convention group since their 2012 unit to go unbeaten by the WCAC common season and playoffs. With 4 starters and 10 lettermen returning and loads of depth and expertise, Paul VI is as soon as once more a legit FAB 50 title contender and will doubtlessly be higher than final 12 months’s membership that started at No. 3 and spent a while at No. 1. The lone graduating starter is an enormous loss, WCAC MVP DeShawn Harris-Smith (Maryland), however Harris will easily step within the go-to function and is able to 20-point plus nightly outings. He was an all-WCAC and second 5 Washington Put up All-Met selection final 12 months and comes into this season on a excessive observe, after incomes Nike Peach Jam MVP honors in main Crew Closing to the distinguished tourney title. Abraham is a stable shooter who can play each forwards sports activities and will get it performed on each ends of the ground. The inside is roofed by Sundra, who gained loads of expertise in a supporting function final season whereas Ngongba is fast-riser who ought to parlay an enormous summer season right into a terrific senior season. Elamin, a switch from No. 43 Bishop O’Connell, is a fluid athlete that may assist the Panthers go small or large when the scenario requires it. It’s laborious to discover a shortcoming with this unit and it must be within the thick of the FAB 50 title combine even when it drops a sport early.
The Skinny: Final 12 months’s younger group spent a while at No. 1, however a majority of the roster is extra bodily stronger and skilled than a 12 months in the past and that ought to pay dividends. Hammond returns as a lead guard and Harris has expertise at that place, too, if coach Glenn Farello (549-207) needs to maintain groups off steadiness with numerous lineups. Not solely that, Jordan Smith Jr. (6-3, 2026) is among the finest guards within the nation in his class and had loads of standout video games as a freshman. Anthony Brown Jr. (6-1, 2026) just isn’t too far behind, Jordan Hunter (6-2, 2026) could be a starter at a overwhelming majority of the packages within the nation and Troy Homlin (6-3, 2027) joins the fold. The pace, quickness and size is spectacular and there may be sufficient firepower and expertise for the Panthers to begin out because the No. 1 WCAC membership over No. 12 Gonzaga, which misplaced to the St. John’s membership that beat the Panthers within the 2023 WCAC match championship sport. Paul VI has been preseason ranked 10 of the previous 12 years, began out No. 4 in 2019-20 and 2020-21 and No. 3 final season, however despite the fact that this membership begins off a tad decrease it might need the perfect likelihood of Farello’s current models to complete No. 1. The Panthers will participate within the D.C. Hoopfest (Dec. 9-10) after which will enter the Metropolis of Palms Match (Dec. 18-23), together with 12 different FAB 50 ranked foes, because the No. 4 seed. They open with Millennium (Goodyear, Ariz.) and can face the IMG Academy-Richmond Heights winner within the quarterfinals. After New 12 months’s, a sport with No. 3 Columbus on the Spalding Hoophall Traditional (Jan. 15) may have main FAB 50 title implications. This 12 months, Paul VI will make the vaunted “Springfield Double” trek, collaborating within the Bass Professional Match of Champions in Springfield, Mo. (Jan. 11-13) together with No. 19 St. John Bosco, No. 21 McEachern, and No. 34 Edmond North.

6. (NA) Prolific Prep (Napa, Calif.) 35-2
Key Gamers: SF Tyran Stokes 6-7 2026 (No. 1 247Sports.com, Ballislife Underclass All-American), SF A.J. Dybansta 6-8 2025 (No. 1 247Sports.com, Ballislife Underclass All-American), PG Zoom Diallo 6-4 2024 (No. 19 247Sports.com), SF Derrion Reid 6-7 2024 (No. 9 ESPN.com), C Aiden Sherrell 6-11 2024 (No. 14 On3.com, Alabama commit), SG Mikey Lewis 6-3 2024 (No. 52 Rivals.com, St. Mary’s commit).
Why This Rating: The Crew, an academy-type program primarily based out of Napa Christian (a member of the California Interscholastic Federation’s North Coast Part) just isn’t new to the nationwide highschool scene by any means. They’re FAB 50 eligible for the primary time and must be on the spot title contenders with their blinding expertise, large sport expertise and nationwide schedule. Prolific Prep has performed for 9 seasons on the Grind Session, a unfastened conglomerate of academy-type packages across the nation. One of many stipulations to be FAB 50 eligible is to play in a league or convention with structured bylaws and this season Grand Session packages with the strongest infrastructure and finest reputations have fashioned a 12-team league referred to as the Energy 10 Convention. All Energy 10 members have to be acknowledged by the NCAA Eligibility Heart and every program will need to have a chosen faculty official, that’s not a part of the teaching employees, to assessment eligibility issues. Prolific Prep has been knocking on the door of the nation’s FAB 50 powers for over 5 years and Ryan Bernardi, a particularly constructive 26-year previous coach, will area this system’s best group so far. Diallo, Reid and Sherrell are reliable McDonald’s All-American candidates and it says one thing that the senior trio just isn’t this system’s finest expertise. That may be Dybansta, a dynamic wing scorer whose bodily make-up is almost as spectacular as his elite scoring package deal. As a freshman, Dybansta was an all-New England Prep College Athletic Council (NEPSAC) Class A selection and was a standout on the Nike Elite Youth Basketball League (EYBL) 17U circuit. He’s going to finish up the most important sports activities identify out of Brockton, Mass., because the late, nice boxing champ Marvin Hagler and there are some who really feel he’s the perfect prospect in all of highschool basketball. The Crew has three lettermen again and the one who bought vital minutes was freshman starter Stokes, who just isn’t far behind Dybansta as a prospect and is now the consensus No. 1 prospect amongst sophomores now that his teammate has re-classed as much as the 2025 class. He’s extra bodily dominant than his teammate and retains on including to his taking pictures vary and play-making potential. The opposite two holdovers are Vladimir Kharyapa (6-6, 2024) and Alek Giotopoulos-Moore (6-5, 2024).
The Skinny: Not solely is the Crew proficient, they’re good and deep at every place, with a terrific lead guard, wings galore and an inside presence. Diallo runs the present and is a quintessential level guard with instincts who also can get paint touches and make the fitting play. Sherrell is a standard put up who controls the paint and Reid is a terrific all-around expertise that would be the difference-maker in loads of video games. He’ll have loads of alternatives to punish defenses when the opposition focuses an excessive amount of on Dybansta or Stokes. Lewis is the primary man off the bench and brings on the spot offense, whereas Winters Grady (6-6, 2025) brings positional measurement and a pleasant taking pictures stroke. Emmanuel Jamgbadi (6-7, 2026), a bodily specimen with broad shoulders, is the primary large off the bench and is a little more expert than Joel Mokweza (6-8, 2026), who has unimaginable size. The principle focus for Bernardi is getting the items acclimated however thus far in fall coaching camp the practices have been spirited and excessive degree to organize the group for its loaded schedule. The Crew will play proficient Our Savior Lutheran of New York on Nov. 9 and tackle No. 24 Winston Salem Christian in Ft. Erie, Canada two nights later. Bernardi’s boys have an enormous check on Nov. 22 once they face No. 3 Columbus in Miami. The Crew will face No. 2 Hyperlink Academy on Dec. 2 on the Derek Smith Shootout in Louisville and have a Jan. 14 date with top-ranked Montverde Academy on the Spalding Hoophall Traditional in Springfield, Mo. In between their video games with the preseason prime two, The Crew will play on the Tarkanian Traditional (Dec. 16-17) and the Chick Fil-A Traditional in Columbia, S.C. (Dec. 28-30). Prolific Prep expects to make the Grind Session Closing 4 (Mar. 15-17) and can look to qualify for GEICO Nationals for the fifth consecutive 12 months, the place it holds a 2-3 (.400) all-time mark.

7. (19) IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.) 17-8
Key Gamers: PF Khani Rooths 6-8 2024 (No. 22 On3.com), PF Donnie Freeman 6-9 2024 (No. 28 247Sports.com, Ballislife Underclass All-American, Syracuse commit), PG Darius Acuff Jr. 6-2 2025 (No. 7 247Sports.com, Ballislife Underclass All-American, Syracuse commit), SG Cole Certa 6-4 2024 (No. 74 247Sports.com, Notre Dame commit), SF Chase McCarty 6-5 2024 (No. 55 247Sports.com, Houston commit), SF Amari Allen 6-5 2025 (No. 65 247Sports.com).
Why This Rating: The Ascenders are in an identical place to the place they had been final season once they started No. 6 within the FAB 50: One of many nation’s most proficient golf equipment, however in a spread the place there’s a skinny line between difficult for the NIBC title and being in the course of the pack in a 14-team convention. Coach Sean McAloon has a membership that may problem the convention’s prime groups and is aware of what it takes to get to the top of highschool basketball. To get there McAloon needs gamers who wish to purchase into his system and Acuff, who led Cass Tech (Detroit) to a Division I state title and averaged greater than 21.4 ppg factors and 5.7 apg as a sophomore, is a kind of kinds of gamers. He ought to deliver a few of the calming court docket affect Jacoi Hutchinson (George Washington) delivered to final 12 months’s membership. Certa is one other winner, as he led Central Catholic (Bloomington, Unwell.) to a state title sport and is an extended vary sniper who will simply modify to scoring much less (26 ppg). Freeman is an lively and rangy ahead who can step out and guard on the wing and in addition has a successful pedigree. McCarty is a proficient wing who averaged 23.7 ppg and 6.5 rpg as a junior in main Westminster Christian (Huntsville, Ala.) to the Class 4A state title sport. There may be loads of expertise on deck, it’s only a matter of growing chemistry and getting over the hump towards a loaded nationwide schedule.
The Skinny: The Ascenders are preseason FAB 50 ranked for the eighth consecutive season and McAloon has been on the helm the final seven of these. This system started at No. 1 the season after capturing the 2018-19 GEICO Nationals title and was No. 2 the next two seasons. Wanting again on the roster final season, it regarded like IMG Academy could be within the place it was from 2020-22 to start 2023-24, however three of the extra proficient underclassmen didn’t return. The Ascenders fielded a superb 2022-23 group, however there have been roster defections in the course of the season and the ultimate rotation wasn’t what the teaching employees envisioned throughout fall coaching camp. McAloon is in search of continuity and does have two veterans again in Rooths, a returning starter who can block photographs and stroke the perimeter shot with consistency. Allen can also be again and will have an expanded function, as he has an excellent really feel and alter of tempo to his offensive sport. McAloon also can go large if vital or push the tempo with the depth offered by Felipe Quinones (6-6, 2026), Kareem Stagg (6-8, 2025) and Oliver Roux (7-7, 2024). Another excuse to love a membership that completed tied for third place in convention play final season is its monitor file at GEICO Nationals. This system is now 6-4 (.600) all-time after advancing to the semifinals in 2022-23, the third consecutive season IMG received no less than one sport on the end-of-season occasion. The schedule is the same old gauntlet and features a Metropolis of Palms Traditional look, the place McAloon’s membership is the No. 5 seed and opens with No. 10 Richmond Heights. The winner possible faces No. 5 Paul VI within the quarterfinal spherical. The Ascenders will tackle No. 2 Hyperlink Academy on MLK Monday on the Spalding Hoophall Traditional.

8. (5) John Marshall (Richmond, Va.) 28-0
Key Gamers: PG Damon “Redd” Thompson Jr. 6-0 2024 (James Madison commit), PF Marcus Jackson 6-7 2025 (No. 106 247Sports.com), C Latrell Allmond 6-8 2026 (No. 21 ESPN.com, Ballislife Underclass All-American), PG Aiden Argabright 5-11 2025, PG Dominique Bailey 6-2 2024 (Chowan commit).
Why This Rating: The Jayem Justices captured their second consecutive Virginia Excessive College League (VHSL) Class 2A state and as soon as once more are simply the group to beat amongst Virginia public faculties. Coach Ty White welcomes again a whopping 12 lettermen from final 12 months’s membership that utterly dominated in-state competitors and in addition recorded key wins on the Chick-fil-A Traditional in South Carolina. It begins with the fast Thompson, who averaged 14.5 ppg and three.6 apg, however extra importantly set the tone on each ends of the ground. Bailey (9.0 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 4.6 apg, 3.8 spg) is an skilled guard who can do a little bit of every little thing and is a menace within the Justices’ vaunted full-court press. Much more backcourt depth is added by Ashaun Moore (6-4, 2024), who began as a sophomore however missed final season due to damage. Final season Allmond (14.2 ppg, 9.2 rpg, 3.6 bpg) was anticipated to be one of many nation’s finest freshmen and he delivered due to his outstanding ability set, intuition and fluidity for a younger large. Allmond is beginning to stretch the ground a bit together with his taking pictures, which ought to develop Marshall’s efficiency. Desmond Rose (6-6, 2025) averaged 5.9 ppg and three.4 rpg, however that doesn’t measure his influence, as he makes use of his athleticism and defensive talents to wreak havoc on the opposition with out taking something away from the group’s large weapons. Merely put, there may be a lot to love about this group and its depth helps put on groups out.
The Skinny: As if the returnees didn’t provide sufficient firepower, Marshall now has Jackson, an explosive and athletic lefty from Edmondson-Westside (Baltimore, Md.), within the fold together with Argabright, a switch from St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes (Alexandria, Va.). Argabright has lead guard measurement, however he’s a terrific deep vary shooter each off the catch or dribble and can assist maintain the protection trustworthy on Thompson. Class 6A contenders Patriot and South Lakes and 3A chief within the clubhouse Lake Taylor are high quality VHSL golf equipment, however John Marshall is solely on one other degree and is ranked accordingly. In truth, there’s an argument this membership might be ranked preseason No. 1 in Virginia over Paul VI. In any case, the Justices did beat FAB 50 title contender Columbus final season. John Marshall has now received 46 of its final 47 video games and most in dominant trend, however we ranked Paul VI and Columbus greater as a result of their schedules are extra nationwide in scope and since Paul VI’s convention and post-season foes are a lot more durable. Marshall is ranked 14 spots greater than within the preseason final season and as a way to have a legit shot at No. 1 it could actually’t afford a loss to a different VHSL membership. “We’re self-motivated and pleasure ourselves on being the perfect,” coach Ty White stated. “That is our deepest group ever. Might it’s our greatest ever? That’s an excellent query as a result of that 2020-21 group (that didn’t play) was a scary-good group.” The defending champions of the Chick-fil-A American Bracket Division, coach White’s membership will look to defend its tourney title towards the likes of No. 29 Grayson and highly-regarded Grey Collegiate Academy of South Carolina. John Marshall additionally has a date with No. 9 Sidwell Pals on the D.C. Nationwide Hoopfest (Dec. 9-10).

9. (16) Sidwell Pals (Washington, D.C.) 29-4
Key Gamers: PF Caleb Williams 6-7 2024 (No. 136 On3.com, Georgetown commit), SG Jalen Rougier-Roane 6-4 2025 (No. 144 On3.com), PG Acaden Lewis 6-3 2025 (No. 69 Rivals.com), SG Jake Williams 6-4 2024, PG Caleb Gillus 6-0 2025.
Why This Rating: The Quakers constructed upon an awesome 2021-22 season when it received the District of Columbia Faculties Athletic Affiliation (DCSAA) Class AA title by repeating as champions and happening to seize the second annual State Champions invitational (SCI). After breaking on to the nationwide scene two seasons in the past, coach Eric Singletary’s (252-129) membership exceeded preseason expectations final 12 months regardless of main participant Caleb Williams lacking 13 video games as a consequence of damage. For the second consecutive season, Williams led the Quakers in scoring (12.8 ppg, 40.7 3-point) and rebounding (6.0 rpg) whereas including 1.8 apg and 1.0 spg. Regardless that he’s headed to Georgetown, Williams is grossly underrated nationally and the teaching employees feels he’s improved his general play-making and management qualities. Singletary has two different returning starters and 7 letterman again together with Lewis (8.9 ppg, 2.2 apg, 1.1 spg), who is about to take over a few of the on-court quarterbacking and clutch play-making that graduated Cam Gillus (Lehigh) offered. Rougier-Roane (11.8 ppg, 1.6 spg) is a flexible expertise who’s enhancing fairly quickly and will likely be necessary to Sidwell Pals’ potential to rebound the basketball at a degree excessive sufficient to maneuver up within the rankings from this spot. “Our biggest energy is our group tradition, which is outlined by core values of perspective, toughness, and intelligence,” Singletary stated.
The Skinny: Singletary and the teaching employees love the continuity the veterans create, however we charge Paul VI because the DMV’s preseason No. 1 group regardless of the Quakers beating that membership final season as a result of there are small query marks about Sidwell Good friend’s measurement and inside depth because it pertains to beating the perfect groups within the FAB 50. Clearly the well being of Caleb Williams and Rougier-Roane will likely be essential whereas the perimeter depth is bolstered by Jake Williams and Caleb Gillus, Cam’s youthful brother. Another excuse to love this membership’s possibilities to maneuver up is the presence of Ian Condon (6-5, 2027). He’s solely a freshman, however over the summer season throughout the June scholastic dwell interval Condon confirmed he may compete on the excessive main degree of highschool hoops. His 195-pound body makes him a terrific downhill menace and he also can knock down the deep perimeter shot. In 2021-22, Sidwell Pals was a bit overwhelmed of their first CSI look towards eventual champion (Calvary Christian Academy of Florida), however that have helped it return to that occasion and excel. Sidwell Pals is assured it could actually 3-peat its common season, convention and state titles, however might want to present it could actually rebound and make photographs towards nationwide degree measurement as a way to knock off the groups ranked forward. The schedule will give this membership the chance to do exactly that, as it can take part within the Chicago Elite Traditional (Dec. 1-2), on the D.C. Hoopfest (Dec. 9-10), DMV Elite Traditional (Dec. 17), the Governor’s Problem (Dec. 27), the Jordan Model Vacation Traditional (Dec. 29-30), the MLK Traditional (Jan. 13-15) and the “Melo” Jordan Model Traditional (Feb. 3).

10. (28) Richmond Heights (Richmond Heights, Ohio) 29-0
Key Gamers: SG Dorian Jones 6-4 2025 (No. 29 247Sports.com, Ballislife Underclass All-American), PF T.J. Crumble 6-8 2026 (No. 11 Rivals.com), SF Hosea Steele Jr. 6-4 2024, PG De’Erick Barber 5-11 2025, SG Demarris Winters Jr. 6-3 2025, PF Jeremy Wilson 6-5 2024.  
Why This Rating: Normally the preseason top-ranked Ohio Excessive College Athletic Affiliation (OHSAA) squad hails from the affiliation’s D1 ranks, however that’s not the case this season as coach Quinten Rogers’ membership is a slam dunk preseason state No. 1 selection. The 2-time defending D4 state champs had no bother with in-state foes final season and will likely be significantly better this season. Even when they didn’t add Crumble, who led Lutheran East of Cleveland Heights to the D3 state crown as a mere freshman, the Spartans would nonetheless be higher than final season and deserving of the highest billing amongst Midwest Area groups. That’s as a result of Richmond Heights returns all 5 starters and all however one letterman from an undefeated championship membership. Crumble offers this unit extra muscle inside and will make Jones, the returning D3 state participant of the 12 months, that rather more harmful. He averaged 21.9 ppg, 7.1 rpg and three.0 spg and was joined on the all-state group by Barber (8.9 ppg, 3.9 spg). Barber is the group’s quarterback and is a ball-hawk of protection. Steele (15.7 ppg, 10.2 rpg, 4.9 apg), one other all-state honoree, is a terrific all-around expertise whereas Winters (14.5 ppg) and Wilson (12.4 ppg, 9.2 rpg) are high quality shooters. Steele’s and Wilson’s rebounding numbers may go down with Crumble within the fold, however the lower may result in extra success on a nationwide scale if the proficient sophomore meshes with the veterans.
The Skinny: This membership hasn’t misplaced because the second day of 2022 and enters the season using a 49-game successful streak. Rogers (135-25) loves his group’s make-up and feels regardless of all of the returning expertise, the group is unselfish and likes to share the ball. Rogers additionally feels their self-discipline will make a distinction within the large video games, which there are numerous extra of this 12 months. That successful streak will severely be examined and even when the Spartans drop a sport in 2023-24, it received’t essentially imply they don’t seem to be a greater membership than the 2022-23 unit. Richmond Heights participates within the Scholastic Play-By-Play Showcase vs. No. 37 St Ignatius in a battle of Ohio’s prime two preseason ranked golf equipment. The Spartans additionally tackle highly-regarded Huntington Prep of West Virginia in Canton. It additionally travels to Florida for the Metropolis of Palms Traditional, the place the Spartans have a monster opening-round sport vs. No. 7 IMG Academy. If this membership exhibits it could actually battle on the inside with a few of the nation’s finest, there is no such thing as a motive why it could actually’t transfer up within the rankings.

11. (11) Harvard-Westlake (North Hollywood, Calif.) 33-2
Key Gamers: SG Trent Perry 6-3 2024 (No. 36 On3.com, Ballislife Underclass All-American, USC commit), SG Robert Hinton 6-4 2024 (No. 99 247Sports.com, Harvard commit), SF Nikolas Khamenia 6-5 2025 (No. 34 On3.com).
Why This Rating: This program began out at No. 2 amongst CIF packages final season behind a senior-oriented membership at Centennial of Corona, however got here out the winner of the CIF’s large prize, the state open division crown, to complete because the state’s prime ranked group and proper within the vary anticipated of it within the preseason (No. 15). Coach Dave Rebibo (193-54 at Harvard-Westlake) counts three starters again, however of the 4 lettermen who graduated solely these two senior starters logged vital minutes. The younger gamers who had main roles off the bench are higher and there is a little more depth to navigate its protection of the state open crown. Perry (16 ppg, 7 rpg, 6 apg) is the catalyst and might rating in quite a lot of methods or change the momentum of a sport with an enormous play at both finish. Hinton (10 ppg, 4 rpg, 51 p.c taking pictures) has tons of expertise, is artful and is a tricky shot-maker. Khamenia’s (9.9 ppg, 6 rpg, 4 apg) influence on final 12 months’s group can’t be measured by stats alone, as he can dissect defenses with pin-point precision, can rating in bunches or function as a setup man. Khamenia additionally has a imply streak and was lauded for his defensive work on highly-regarded junior Toude Yessoufou of St. Joseph (Santa Maria, Calif.) within the CIF open title sport.
The Skinny: This membership opened at No. 2 in California final 12 months and it was preseason No. 1 Centennial that received the CIF Southern Part open crown after the Wolverines had been knocked out throughout pool play. Rebibo and crew would love to perform what Centennial did in 2021-22 when it completed No. 5 within the FAB 50: that’s win each part and state open crowns. The Wolverines have the personnel to do it and will transfer up from this place ought to they achieve this. From a nationwide perspective, Harvard-Westlake should present it could actually rebound and maintain its personal on the inside and end on the rim at a excessive share versus its FAB 50 degree foes. Dominique Bentho (6-8, 2026) is that bodily presence inside and he should change the ten rebounds per sport graduated large Jacob Huggins (Princeton) produced. Christian Horry (6-3, 2024) is a top quality playmaker and Amir Jones (6-2, 2026) gives loads of spark if Rebibo needs to vary lineups and beat groups down the ground. The Wolverines face highly-regarded Perry of Arizona at Hoophall West in Scottsdale, Ariz. (Dec. 2), head to the Les Schwab Invitational in Portland, Ore. (Dec. 27-30) with out-of-state groups resembling Perry and No. 3 Columbus, and meet No. 21 McEachern on nationwide tv on the Spalding Hoophall Traditional on MLK Monday.

12. (BB) Gonzaga (Washington, D.C.) 26-11
Key Gamers: PG Nyk Lewis 6-2 2025 (No. 32 ESPN.com, Ballislife Underclass All-American), SF Derek Dixon 6-5 2025 (No. 74 247Sports.com), SF Alex Touomou 6-6 2025, C Christian Gurdak 6-9 2025 (No. 91 247Sports.com).
Why This Rating: The Purple Eagles have been a staple within the FAB 50 within the 2010s and 2020s and return to the preseason fold as a significant FAB 50 title contender. Final season, coach Stephen Turner (440-165) had a group that was one of many first bubble golf equipment at No. 16 within the East Area, and it completed in that very same spot after tying for fourth place within the highly effective Washington Catholic Athletic Convention (WCAC). With 4 starters and 10 lettermen returning, Turner is assured this group can seize this system’s first WCAC Tourney crown since 2018-19. It begins with Lewis, an all-WCAC and first 5 Washington Put up All-Met selection as a sophomore after averaging 17.1 ppg, 6.9 rpg, 4.0 apg and 1.6 spg. Dixon (14 ppg, 4 rpg, 3 apg) is a knockdown shooter with measurement with a good sufficient deal with to take strain off Lewis. Touomou (6 ppg, 4 rpg, 1 bpg) has nice defensive instincts, can block photographs with each fingers and run the ground to complete performs. Turner’s lineup has loads of versatility and expertise to outlive its robust convention foes and a nationwide schedule.
The Skinny: The Purple Eagles charge as a stable WCAC No. 2 behind No. 5 Paul VI of Virginia and in entrance of No. 43 Bishop O’Connell. In any case, Gonzaga was ranked within the preseason between No. 10 and No. 47 each season between 2015-16 and 2021-22 and is motivated to get again within the FAB 50 dialog after final season. “I like our depth, potential to defend in any respect positions, and the very fact we prefer to share the ball,” Turner stated. The veteran coach is a bit involved about rebounding, however with Gurdak (7 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 2 apg, 1.3 bpg) coming over from Paul VI most of that concern has been addressed. William Harper (6-4, 2025) and Blake Harper (6-5, 2024) add measurement and depth on the perimeter whereas Tyson Harley (6-4, 2026) and Carter Meadows (6-6, 2026), each Grid-Hoop studs, add toughness on the inside. Three WCAC groups are preseason ranked for the tenth time up to now 12 seasons and Gonzaga’s schedule is as soon as once more nationwide in scope. Turner’s membership is scheduled to compete within the Chicago Elite Traditional (Dec. 1-2), will host its personal Gonzaga Traditional (Dec. 8-10) and is slated to play No. 36 Hudson Catholic on the Spalding Hoophall Traditional in Massachusetts on Jan. 14. Gonzaga may even take part within the King Cotton Vacation Traditional in Pine Bluff, Ark. (Dec. 27-29).

13. (BB) Archbishop Stepinac (White Plains, N.Y.) 22-10
Key Gamers: PG Boogie Fland 6-3 2024 (No. 7 Rivals.com, Ballislife Underclass All-American, Kentucky commit), PG Danny Carbuccia 6-0 2025 (No. 32 Rivals.com), PF Braylan Ritvo 6-7 2024.
Why This Rating: The Crusaders are preseason FAB 50 ranked for the fourth time in 5 years, as final season was the one one by which they had been simply out of vary. We pegged Cardinal Hayes (Bronx, N.Y.) and Christ the King (Center Village, N.Y.) because the NYC Catholic Excessive College Athletic Affiliation (CHSAA) AA title favorites. It was Archbishop Stepinac, nonetheless, that defeated Hayes, 69-66, to win the title and coach Patrick Massaroni (143-76) has practically his complete unit again. With Hayes’ Ian Jackson transferring to Our Savior Lutheran, Fland (17.9 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 3.7 apg) is the CHSAA’s prime participant and might be in line for All-American acclaim if the Crusaders play as much as par. Carbuccia (10.7 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 4.4 apg) is sort of the specimen at lead guard together with his deal with, pace and shot-making potential. Ritvo is the proper complement to Stepinac’s proficient backcourt, as he can excel with out the ball, is a board man and retains defenses trustworthy together with his exterior taking pictures. Merely put, this group has loads of weapons and depth.
The Skinny: With 4 starters and 10 lettermen returning there’s a lot to love a couple of program that has been remarkably constant from a nationwide perspective and charges because the early CHSAA favourite over Christ the King and St. Raymond’s (Bronx, N.Y.). Stepinac opened up No. 34 in 2022, No. 35 in 2021 and No. 36 in 2020 and despite the fact that it wasn’t preseason ranked final season, the Crusaders broke into the rankings earlier than falling to Lengthy Island Lutheran within the New York Federation AA title sport, 81-57. Massaroni is a bit involved about his inside as a way to compete with groups resembling LuHi, however loves his group’s depth, protection and unselfishness. The fourth returning starter is Jordan Gabriel (6-8, 2025) whereas the depth is offered by Hassan Koureissi (6-4, 2026), Josiah Jervis (6-4, 2026), Dylan Perry (6-7, 2026) and Adonis Ratliff (6-7, 2026). The Crusaders all the time schedule robust exterior the CHSAA and this season will tackle No. 33 Perry and highly-regarded Centennial (Corona, Calif.) at Hoophall West (Dec. 1-2), play highly-regarded St. Frances Academy of Baltimore (Dec. 8) plus No. 18 Don Bosco Prep on the Spalding Hoophall Traditional in Massachusetts (Jan. 14). The Crusaders tackle the winner of top-ranked Montverde Academy and the Cannon College of their first sport on the Metropolis of Palms Match in Florida on Dec. 21.

14. (14) Dawn Christian Academy (Bel Air, Kan.) 22-8
Key Gamers: PG David Castillo 6-1 2024 (No. 45 Rivals.com, Kansas St. commit), SF Miikka Muurinen 6-9 2026, PG Jeremiah Inexperienced 6-2 2025 (No. 48 ESPN.com), SG Elijah Elliott 6-4 2024 (Florida Atlantic commit), PF Spencer Ahrens 6-9 2025 (No. 119 On3.com).
Why This Rating: The Buffaloes have the power to compete with practically any group within the nation and begin off in the very same spot they completed in 2022-23, however a notch under their preseason forecast of the previous two seasons. Final season, they started No. 2 with a veteran membership, however dropped a number of extra common season video games than anticipated and completed fifth in NIBC play. In 2021-22, they completed No. 3 after starting at No. 3 and in 2020-21, the Buffaloes completed No. 2 after starting at No. 3. This 12 months expectations are a bit tempered as coach Kyle Lindsted takes over this system from Luke Barnwell (now on the employees at Texas Tech). Linsted is again, as he was at Dawn Christian for 16 years earlier than Barnwell and has eight years of expertise on the collegiate and NBA ranges. This unit should present it could actually play at a NIBC championship degree and Castillo is a superb place to begin. He leads by instance in follow and is a culture-first participant. Inexperienced is a proficient lead guard and has assumed a management function and Elliot also can play on the ball. “All three can play the purpose and all can play off the ball,” Linsted stated. “The interchangeability of these guys goes to be an issue.” Ahrens and Kany Tchanda (6-9, 2024) are expert face-up fours and will doubtlessly make the Buffaloes robust to match up with defensively. Muurinen might be the X-factor, as he’s ultra-talented and on the radar of professional scouts already. He can shoot it from the skin and goes to be one the perfect prospects in his class down the road. If he adjusts to NIBC play and the inside items mesh, Dawn Christian may transfer up within the rankings.
The Skinny: Positive, there are a bunch of latest faces and a brand new head coach, however Branson, Mo., is acquainted floor for Lindsted. Barnwell really included a few of the issues Linsted delivered to this system, so the transition could also be smoother than a standard teaching change at this degree. As a lot as Lindsted likes his unit’s offensive versatility, athleticism and wing and backcourt depth, he’s involved about rim safety towards the nationwide schedule his group will face. A late key addition was Bronson Schmidt-Uili (6-11, 2024), who performed final season at Oak Hill Academy of Virginia, and extra depth is offered by Nicolas Niare (6-6, 2025) and Seven Bahati (6-5, 2024). Schmidt-Uili is the closest factor Dawn Christian has to a standard put up participant, so if he can get the job performed, it can solely make Ahrens and Muurinen that rather more efficient and the group more durable to sport plan for. The Buffaloes will take part within the Dr. Pepper Traditional, the Heartland Hoops Traditional and Jumaine Jones Traditional. At GEICO Nationals, this system is 3-4 (.429) all-time after upsetting Montverde Academy within the quarterfinals final 12 months earlier than falling to eventual champion Hyperlink Academy within the semifinals, 67-61.

15. (BB) Myers Park (Charlotte, N.C.) 28-4
Key Gamers: SF Sir Mohammed 6-6 2024 (No. 54 247Sports.com, Ballislife Underclass All-American, Notre Dame commit), PG Bishop Boswell 6-4 2024 (No. 69 ESPN.com, Tennessee commit), PF Sadiq “A.J.” White Jr. 6-8 2025 (No. 27 Rivals.com, Ballislife Underclass All-American).
Why This Rating: The Mustangs had been the preseason No. 1 North Carolina Excessive College Athletic Affiliation (NCHSAA) group final season and ended their season in grand trend, capturing the Class 4A state title of their first championship look since 1966. With three starters and 9 lettermen returning, Myers Park is the NCHSAA preseason No. 1 as soon as once more as a result of all three of them are main faculty prospects and productive highschool gamers. Mohammed (13.5 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 4.9 apg, 1.9 spg) is among the most versatile gamers within the nation and a nightmare matchup as an enormous guard. White (11.4 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 1.5 spg, 1.5 bpg) doubled his manufacturing from a highly-anticipated freshman marketing campaign and is simply getting higher. Boswell (12.0 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 5.3 apg, 1.7 spg), who scored 22 factors within the state title sport win over Richmond, has a soccer background and makes use of that toughness on the hardwood. He was lauded for his defensive work within the 2023 state title sport on N.C. State-bound Paul McNeil Jr. “With our size and flexibility, we’ve got guys who could make performs in quite a lot of methods and it offers us the power to match up (defensively) in quite a few completely different conditions,” stated coach Scott Taylor.
The Skinny: The Mustangs’ expertise degree is on par with groups on this vary, however they start greater than final season (No. 26) due to the expertise. As a way to transfer up from this spot, the Mustangs should win the large out-of-state matchups, which will likely be extra plentiful in 2023-24. Final 12 months, Myers Park misplaced to regionally-ranked Archbishop Stepinac of New York and to FAB 50 title contender Columbus of Miami, but in addition to Carmel Christian and Chambers in-state, neither which captured a state title. Main scorer Elijah Robust (Wofford) strikes on, however Taylor is assured in his group’s depth. John Hines (6-2, 2026) is one other with a soccer background who is able to develop his function, Ashton King (6-4, 2025) is a bodily play-maker and defender, whereas A.J. Jamison (6-3, 2025) is a zone buster who Taylor feels can actually make a distinction. Myers Park has a loaded schedule that features video games on the D.C. Hoopfest (Dec. 9-10), the Metropolis of Jasper Traditional (Dec. 19-20) and the John Wall Invitational (Dec. 27-30).

Word: The FAB 50 powered by Ballislife.com is a continuation of the Nationwide Sports activities Information Service scores that started in 1952. These had been the primary nationwide highschool rankings and the late Artwork Johlfs of Minnesota compiled them. They had been compiled for a few years by the late Barry Sollenberger of Phoenix, who merged them into the FAB 50 23 years in the past.

Ronnie Flores is the nationwide Grassroots editor of Ballislife.com. He could be reached at [email protected]. Do not forget to observe him on Twitter: @RonMFlores

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