The Next 25 (listed alphabetically)
Academy of the New Church (Bryn Athyn, Pa.)
With senior twin towers Rakeem Christmas (6-9, 235, Syracuse) and Malcolm Gilbert (6-11, 230, Pittsburgh) along with superstar junior Savon Goodman (6-5, 205, G/F), things have to go better this winter for the Lions, who struggled to a 13-9 mark a year ago. It won't take long to see where ANC stands as it opens with a three-game slate in Illinois against upstart Indiana program La Lumiere, Brehm Prep and Findlay Prep.
Arlington Country Day (Jacksonville, Fla.)
The Apaches are no longer part of the Florida High School Athletic Association and will be forging on as an independent. That move has opened up the floodgates to poor into the school from all over the world. Delron Summey (6-5, 215, Sr., W) is one of the team's few returnees, but the ACD roster reads like a college team with Pape Morsall (7-1, 190, Jr., F/C), Christian Mwepe (6-11, 240, Jr.,F/ C), Brandon Adams (6-7, 225, Jr., F), Spenser Wells (6-7, 215, Sr., F), Carlos Morris (6-6, 170, Jr., F). Then there is 6-8, 210-pound sophomore Kerem Kanter – the younger brother of in-limbo Kentucky freshman Enes Kanter – and 6-10, 185 freshman Michael Gilmore – nephew of NBA great Artis Gilmore.
Bearden (Knoxville, Tenn.)
The Bulldogs return 11 players from a team that went 32-3 a year ago and played Melrose tough in the state tournament before bowing out. Senior guards Ty Greene (6-0, 165, South Carolina-Upstate) and Rico White (6-1, 150) are the headliners. Bearden faces No. 1-ranked Oak Hill Academy in late January.
Bishop O'Dowd (Oakland, Calif.)
Juniors Brandon Ashley (6-9, 220, F) and Richard Longrus (6-7, 210, F) helped the Dragons go 30-4 as sophomores and reach California's Division III championship game. Nine other players return to help the Oakland power tackle a schedule that includes McClymonds and Sacramento, as well as challenges in tournament play at the Father Barry Christmas Classic and Torrey Pines Classic.
Boys & Girls (Brooklyn, N.Y.)
Ruth Lovelace returns 10 players from a team that went 25-6 and battled Christ the King to the wire in New York's Federation Class AA championship game. Leroy Isler (6-5, Sr., G/F), Jeffland Neverson (6-4, 180, Jr., G/F), Antione Slaughter (5-10, Sr., G) and Michael Taylor (6-3, Sr., G, Rutgers) are among the key cogs in the Kangaroo machine.
Butler (Huntsville, Ala.)
Senior guards Trevor Lacey (6-4, 190) and Justin Pride (5-10, 175) would love to finish their careers with another state championship after going back-to-back in 2008 and 2009. An injury to Lacey – the No. 22 overall prospect in MaxPreps.com's 2011 Top 100 – forced him out of action in the postseason last year and denied the Rebels the opportunity to three-peat. Also keep an eye on 6-6, 220-pound freshman Robert Steele, who contributed for the Rebels last year as an eighth-grader.
Christ School (Arden, N.C.)
The senior trio of Trevonte Dixon (6-4, 190, G, College of Charleston), Damarcus Harrison (6-4, 195, G, BYU) and Marshall Plumlee (7-0, 220, F/C, Duke) could take the rebuilt Greenies a long way if they can find chemistry. Justin Dotson (6-3, 190, So., G) was one of the top freshman in South Carolina a year ago, averaging 13.5 points per game for the state's AAA state champions. The schedule includes Oak Hill Academy, Oak Ridge Military and Westchester Country Day, plus tournament play at the City of Palms Classic and the GlaxoSmithKline Holiday Invitational.
Christ the King (Middle Village, N.Y.)
New York's defending Federation Class AA state champions will be led by the backcourt combination of Omar Calhoun (6-3, 185, Jr., G) and Corey Edwards (5-11, 170, Sr., G, George Mason). Chris Ortiz (6-7, 210, Sr., F) is back at CTK after spending his junior year at Lincoln in Brooklyn. Neumann-Goretti, Gonzaga, Westchester Country Day and South Atlanta dot the schedule.
Dwyer (Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.)
Once he finishes quarterbacking the Panthers' nationally-ranked football team, two-sport sensation Jacoby Brissett will lead the charge for a state title run at Dwyer on the hardwood. The 6-4, 225-pound guard averaged 16.4 points, 7.8 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game as a junior, leading the South Florida school to a 25-4 record. He will be joined by key returners Derrick Davis (6-7, Sr., F), Terrell Harris (6-2, Sr., G), Greg Louis (6-6, Sr., F) and Montel Williams (6-0, Sr., G). Joel James, a 6-9, 260-pound junior, could also see an increased role.
Garfield (Seattle, Wash.)
Do-it-all star Tony Wroten Jr. (6-4, 195, Sr., G, Washington) led the Bulldogs to a 23-4 record and Washington's Class 4A state championship game as a sophomore before missing his entire junior campaign with an injury. His absence allowed Glenn Brooks (6-0, 175, Sr., G), Des'Juan Newton (6-1, 185, Sr., G/F) and Pierre Wright (5-11, 190, Jr., G) to shine. Garfield also showcased the state's best freshmen class last winter, including Aja Buchanan (5-8, 160, So., G), Will Dorsey (5-6, 145, So., G), Daeshon Hall (6-6, 200, So., F), DeMario Hall (5-10, 170, So., G) and Tucker Haymond (6-3, 175, So., G/F). With Wroten back from injury, Brandon Roy's alma mater is the favorite in the state's largest classification. The schedule includes a trip to the Hoophall Classic in Springfield, Mass., for a clash with Morgan Park of Chicago.
Gonzaga (Washington, D.C.)
The Eagles might be a year away from big things, but a quartet of sophomores will ensure plenty of buzz remains around the program this season. Nate Britt (6-1, 170, G), Charles Glover (6-0, 165, G), Kris Jenkins (6-6, 245, F) and Seattle transfer Derrick "D.J." Fenner (6-5, 200, G/F) give Gonzaga a rock-solid nucleus for the next three years. Fenner was the top frosh in the state of Washington last winter, averaging over 18 points per game in the rugged Metro League. Junior Will Rassman (6-7, 190, F) is being recruited by Cornell. Seniors Ben Dickinson (6-9) and Oliver Ellison (6-8) add even more size.
Greater Atlanta Christian (Norcross, Ga.)
University of Virginia commitment Malcolm Brogdon (6-4, 200, Sr., G/F) is back after leading the Spartans to a 32-1 record and Georgia's Class AA title as a junior. The only loss last winter came to Melrose at the Arby's Classic in Tennessee. Brogdon's 20.6 points, 6.9 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game will be supported by fellow returnees A.J. Davis (6-6, So., F), Paul Dawson (5-10, Sr., G) and Dylan Harper (6-6, Sr., F). Key games include in-state tangles with South Atlanta and Milton, as well as trips out-of-state for the Beach Ball Classic and Bass Pro Tournament of Champions.
Jamesville-DeWitt (DeWitt, N.Y.)
Reigning MaxPreps.com National Sophomore of the Year DaJuan Coleman (6-8, 265, Jr., F/C) is back after leading the Red Rams to a 25-1 record last winter. The No. 3 overall prospect in the 2012 class, Coleman posted 24.1 points and 15.4 rebounds per game. J-D is 52-3 since the big man joined the program as a freshman.
Jesuit (Portland, Ore.)
The Crusaders lost eight seniors from last year's nationally-ranked, Class 6A state championship team, but the most important player is back – senior star Kyle Wiltjer (6-9, 220, F). The Kentucky verbal commitment anchored title teams the last two years at Jesuit and will be joined by fellow battle-tested seniors Jordan Akwenuke (6-5, 185, G/F) and Jack Grodahl (6-2, 190, Sr., G). The Portland powerhouse could encounter the likes of Bishop Gorman and DeMatha at the Les Schwab Invitational in December.
La Verne Lutheran (La Verne, Calif.)
California's defending Division V state champions return nearly intact. Grant Jerrett (6-8, Jr., F) was the team's leading scorer a year ago at over 18 points per game, but head coach Eric Cooper's nephew C.J. Cooper (6-0, Sr., G, Texas-El Paso) is the three three-time league MVP and team catalyst. Bruce English (6-1, Sr., G, Loyola Marymount) is the third double-digit scorer back from last season. Kevin Payne (6-2, Sr., G), Xavier Jones (6-8, Sr., F) and coach's kid Eric Cooper Jr., provide a solid support unit. "I want us to play every single second like it's our last," Eric Cooper. "If we play hard every single night out, I'll be happy."
Lincoln (Dallas, Texas)
LeBryan Nash (6-7, 220, Sr., F, Oklahoma State) and Keaton Miles (6-6, 190, Sr., G/F, West Virginia) are back after leading the Tigers to a 24-3 mark last season. With Yates re-tooling, the 4A title could be there for the taking. If Lincoln can get through the early part of its schedule – which includes Prestonwood Christian and a trip to El Paso for the McDonald's Classic – unscathed, a rapid climb in the rankings could transpire.
Mater Dei (Santa Ana, Calif.)
The Monarchs lost all five starters and 11 seniors from last year's 32-2 Southern Section Division I-AA championship team, but don't expect head coach Gary McKnight's team to disappear from title contention in the Golden State. Transfer Xavier Johnson (6-7, 190, Jr., G/F) and talented freshmen Shaqquan Aaron (6-6, 160, G) and Stanley Johnson (6-5, 190, F) join mainstays David Brown (6-3, 180, Sr., G), Josh Cook (6-4, 200, Jr., F), Katin Reinhardt (6-5, 200, Jr., G/F) and Eli Stalzer (6-3, 190, Jr., G) to give Mater Dei seven capable starters. Sophomore Jordan Strawberry (6-3, 195, G) is also expected to contribute heavily. The schedule is challenging with a trip to the City of Palms Classic in December and a showdown with Los Angeles power Price in February.
Memphis Central (Memphis, Tenn.)
With all the great teams in Memphis a year ago, this one got overlooked a bit despite beating Melrose twice. Junior bruiser Jarnell Stokes (6-8, 250, F/C) is the focal point, but the Warriors also feature tight end recruit Cameron Clear (6-6, 265, Sr., F/C), D'Airrius Sorrell (6-6, 185, Jr., G/F) and Andre Applewhite (6-4, 205, Jr., G). Georgia powers Norcross and Rockdale County, Findlay Prep and all the usual suspects in Memphis (Melrose, White Station, Southwind) are on the schedule.
Montrose Christian (Rockville, Md.)
Last season was a bit of a down year by Montrose Christian standards, going 16-6 with an early exit from the National High School Invitational. Senior guard Tyrone Johnson (6-3, 190, Villanova) and junior wing Justin Anderson (6-7, 225) should help put head coach Stu Vetter's program back on the right track this winter. Arlington Country Day, Findlay Prep and St. Benedict's Prep are among the high-profile games on the schedule, as well as a trip to Puerto Rico in December to participate in a 16-team tournament.
Rainier Beach (Seattle, Wash.)
The Vikings will be favored over South Seattle rival Franklin to come out on top in the state's 3A classification. University of Washington commitment Hikeem Stewart (6-2, 185, Sr., G) is the latest star at a school that has also produced Doug Christie, Jamal Crawford and Nate Robinson, as well as Stewart's older twin brothers Lodrick and Rodrick. Michael Middlebrooks (6-8, 190, Sr., F/C), Jeff Perkins (6-5, 180, Sr., G/F), Kadeem Stewart (5-8, 150, Sr., G) and Joe Stroud (6-6, 190, Sr., F) are also back for head coach Mike Bethea.
Sacramento (Sacramento, Calif.)
Arizona commitment Josiah Turner (6-3, 185, Sr., G) is back after pouring in 26.7 points per game as a junior and helping the Dragons go 26-7. Other key returnees include Robert Garrett (6-11, Sr., F/C, Santa Clara), Darius Graham (5-9, Jr., G) and Leander Carter (5-10, Sr., G).
South Atlanta (Atlanta, Ga.)
Head coach Michael Reddick's squad could find itself back in the national spotlight it enjoyed during the Derrick Favors era. South Atlanta's big three of Nick Jacobs (6-9, 250, Sr., F, Alabama), Dominique McKoy (6-7, 205, Sr., F) and Rashaud Bell (6-6, 200, Sr., G/F) were the nucleus for a 28-3 team in 2009-10 and will look to help land the program its second state title in three seasons.
Taft (Woodland Hills, Calif.)
The Toreadors took a big hit when De'Andre Daniels left to spend his senior season at IMG Academies in Florida. Kevin Johnson (6-10, 260, Sr., F) will look to pick up the slack along with summer star Spencer Dinwiddie (6-4, 165, Sr., G), Brandon Perry (6-6, 245, Jr., F) and C.J. Blackwell (6-5, 215, Sr., G/F). The schedule includes three major tournaments in late November and December, as well as New York's Mount Vernon at the Spalding Hoophall Classic.
Westchester Country Day (High Point, N.C.)
Baylor commitments Quincy Miller (6-9, 210, Sr., F) and Deuce Bello (6-4, 175, Sr., G) along with Ike Nwamu (6-3, 210, Sr., G/F, Cleveland State) lead what head coach Pat Kahny calls "one of our deeper teams." The schedule will be a major challenge with games against Christ School, Christ the King and Norfolk Christian. The Wildcats will also participate in the City of Palms Signature Series and the GlaxoSmithKline Holiday Invitational in December.
Yates (Houston, Texas)
The defending national champions lost a ton of talent and production from last year's team. But as impressive as Joseph Young and Brandon Peters were individually, it was more about the system than it was overwhelming talent. Head coach Greg Wise's assaulting full-court style has resulted in 58-straight victories entering this season and back-to-back 4A state titles. The 2009-10 Lions were the highest-scoring team in high school basketball history. Junior forward Clyde Santee (6-7, 190) leads the short list of returnees.
