Video: Boys Basketball Preseason Top 25 Find out how the nation's elite stack up heading into the 2017-18 season.
There's a new wrinkle in the rankings this season. Entering our 10th year of recognizing high school boys basketball's premier teams, MaxPreps is returning to an all-comers format for 2017-18.
Building on the initial release last week, we take a deeper dive on the Top 25 this week along with 25 more teams that could crack the rankings at some point this winter.
Keep an eye on the annual City of Palms Classic in December, where three of the top four teams will be in a bracket sure to have national championship implications.
Read on for capsules on each ranked team as well as 25 more to watch.
Preseason High School Top 25 Boys Basketball Rankings presented by the Army National Guard
Last season: 33-3, No. 2 High School Top 25 national ranking, won 3A state title
PLAYERS TO WATCH
PF
James Wiseman (6-11, 210, Jr.) — Heralded transfer is No. 2 recruit nationally in the Class of 2019
SF
Chandler Lawson (6-8, 180, Jr.) — No. 2 prospect in Tennessee in Class of 2019
PG
Alex Lomax (5-11, 189, Sr.) — Two-time reigning Tennessee Mr. Basketball award winner
KEY GAMES
Nov. 25 — vs. Findlay Prep (Henderson, Nev.) @ Larry Finch Classic
Dec. 3 — vs. Aspire Academy (Louisville, Ky.) @ Marshall County Hoopfest
Dec. 9 — vs. Prolific Prep Academy (Napa, Calif.) @ Memphis vs. The World
Dec. 14 — vs. Webster Groves (Mo.) @ ESPN Tip-Off
Dec. 18-23 — City of Palms Classic
Jan. 6 — vs. Simeon (Chicago) @ Penny Hardaway Hoopfest
Head coach: Kevin Boyle
Last season: 25-5, No. 2 Independent Top 10 national ranking
PLAYERS TO WATCH
SF
R.J. Barrett (6-6, 180, Sr.)
— No. 1 prospect in the Class of 2018
PG
Mike Devoe (6-4, 185, Sr.) — Committed to Georgia Tech
SF
Jordan Mitchell (6-7, 192, Jr.)
— Top 100 overall recruit in the Class of 2019
KEY GAMES
Nov. 24 — vs. Trinity Episcopal (Richmond, Va.) @ Holiday Hoopsgiving
Dec. 15-20 — Iolani Classic
Dec. 26-30 — Beach Ball Classic
Jan. 6 — vs. La Lumiere (LaPorte, Ind.) @ Cancer Research Classic
Jan 15 — vs. Mater Dei (Santa Ana, Calif.) @ Spalding Hoophall Classic
Feb. 9 — vs. Roselle Catholic (Roselle, N.J.) @ Metro Classic
Head coach: Gary McKnight
Last season: 33-3, No. 9 High School Top 25 national ranking
PLAYERS TO WATCH
C
Bol Bol (7-1, 225, Sr.)
— No. 3 overall recruit in the Class of 2018
SG
P.J. Fuller (6-4, 155, Jr.) — Prized transfer is a Top 40 prospect in the Class of 2019
PF
Michael Wang (6-10, 211, Sr.) — Committed to Pennsylvania
KEY GAMES
Dec. 18-23 — City of Palms Classic
Dec. 27-30 — Les Schwab Invitational
Jan. 15 — vs. Montverde Academy (Fla.) @ Spalding Hoophall Classic
Head coach: Nick Mariniello
Last season: 26-4
PLAYERS TO WATCH
SF
Louis King (6-8, 195, Sr.) — Committed to Oregon
KEY GAMES
Dec. 18-23 — City of Palms Classic
Jan. 7 — vs. St. Benedict's Prep (Newark, N.J.) @ SFIC Festival Showcase
Jan. 13 — vs. Patrick School (Hillside, N.J.) @ Dan Finn Classic
Head coach: Steve Smith
Last season: 38-5, No. 6 Independent Top 10 national ranking
PLAYERS TO WATCH
SG
Keldon Johnson (6-6, 216, Sr.) — Top-rated player in the state of Virginia
KEY GAMES
Dec. 20-23 — Chick-fil-A Classic
Dec. 27-30 — Les Schwab Invitational
Jan. 11-13 — Bass Pro Shops Tournament of Champions
Jan. 15 — vs. University (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.) @ Spalding Hoophall Classic
Head coach: Sean McAloon
Last season: 26-2, No. 4 Independent Top 10 national ranking
PLAYERS TO WATCH
C
Chol Marial (7-3, 210, Jr.) — No. 2 center in the Class of 2019
SG
Josh Green (6-5, 190, Jr.) — Nation's second-rated shooting guard in the Class of 2019
KEY GAMES
Dec. 9-10 — vs. Wheeler (Marietta, Ga.) @ National High School Hoops Festival
Dec. 20-23 — Chick-fil-A Classic
Dec. 28-30 — John Wall Holiday Invitational
Jan. 6 — vs. Findlay Prep @ Cancer Research Classic
Jan. 13 — vs. Prolific Prep @ Flyin' to the Hoop
Jan. 15 — vs. Westtown (Pa.) @ Spalding Hoophall Classic
Feb. 3 — vs. Patrick School @ Hoops for Troops
Head coach: Billy McKnight
Last season: 29-3
PLAYERS TO WATCH
PF
Jordan Brown (6-10, 195, Sr.)
—
Nation's No. 2 power forward in the Class of 2018
PF
Amadou Sow (6-9, 225, Sr.) — Committed to UC Santa Barbara
PG
Nimari Burnett (6-3, 185, So.)
— Helped Morgan Park win state title in Illinois last season
KEY GAMES
Nov. 25 — vs. Sunrise Christian Academy (Bel Aire, Kan.) @ Lighthouse Thanksgiving Classic
Dec. 2 — vs. Huntington St. Joseph Prep (Huntington, W. Va.) @ Marshall County Hoopfest
Dec. 20-23 — Chick-fil-A Classic
Jan. 13 — vs. IMG Academy @ Flyin' to the Hoop
Head coach: Paul Washington
Last season: 34-4, No. 3 Independent Top 10 national ranking
PLAYERS TO WATCH
PG
Jamie Lewis (6-3, 185, Sr.)
— Committed to Wake Forest
SG
TJ Moss (6-3, 175, Sr.) — Top 60 recruit in the Class of 2018
KEY GAMES
Nov. 25 — vs. Memphis East @ Memphis Thanksgiving Tournament
Dec. 20-23 — Chick-fil-A Classic
Jan. 6 — vs. IMG Academy @ Cancer Research Classic
Jan. 11 — vs. Huntington St. Joseph Prep @ Flyin' to the Hoop
Jan. 26 — Montverde Academy Invitational
Feb. 1-3 — St. James Invitational
Head coach: Dan Fife
Last season: 27-1, No. 19 High School Top 25 national ranking, won Class A state title
PLAYERS TO WATCH
PG
Foster Loyer (6-0, 170, Sr.) — Committed to Michigan State
KEY GAMES
Feb. 20 – vs. Romulus (Mich.)
Feb. 27 – vs. West Bloomfield (Mich.)
Head coach: Keith Gatlin
Last season: 28-5
PLAYERS TO WATCH
PG
Kobe Langley (6-1, 150, Jr.)
— Committed to Virginia Tech
KEY GAMES
Nov. 25 — vs. Norcross (Ga.) @ Holiday Hoopsgiving
Dec. 9 — vs. Paul VI (Fairfax, Va.) @ National Hoopfest DC
Dec. 18-23 — City of Palms Classic
Dec. 28-30 — John Wall Holiday Invitational
Jan. 30 — vs. Greensboro Day (Greensboro, N.C.)
Head coach: Richard Flores
Last season: 35-3, No. 15 High School Top 25 national ranking, won Class 6A state title
PLAYERS TO WATCH
SG
Nigel Hawkins (6-2, 175, Sr.)
— Averaged a team-high 21.1 points per game last year
SF
Deshang Weaver (6-6, 185, Sr.) — Pivotal to team's 25-game win streak
PG
Trajan Wesley (5-9, 150, Sr.)
— Committed to Louisiana-Lafayette
PF
Kendall Scott (6-7, 190, Sr.)
— Averaged 10.4 points and 7.2 rebounds per game last season
KEY GAMES
Nov. 22 — vs. Wagner (San Antonio) @ Cypress Hoopgiving Classic
Nov. 30-Dec. 2 — Carlisle-Kruegar Classic
Dec. 7-9 — Cypress Hoops Invitational
Head coach: Mike Thompson
Last season: 29-1
PLAYERS TO WATCH
SG
Isaac Okoro (6-5, 201, Jr.)
— No. 3 shooting guard in the Class of 2019
PG
Sharife Cooper (5-10, 120, Jr.)
— Third-rated junior prospect in Georgia
C
Jared Jones (6-9, 232, Jr.) — Key transfer is the No. 5 junior recruit in Georgia
KEY GAMES
Nov. 11 — vs. Wheeler (Marietta, Ga.) @ Georgia Elite Tip-Off Classic
Nov. 24 — vs. Christ School (Arden, N.C.) @ Holiday Hoopsgiving
Dec. 9 — vs. Porter-Gaud (Charleston, S.C.) @ Buford Showcase
Dec. 18-23 — City of Palms Classic
Jan. 6 — vs. DeMatha (Hyattsville, Md.) @ Cancer Research Classic
Jan. 15 — vs. Pickerington Central (Pickerington, Ohio) @ Flyin' to the Hoop
Head coach: Jay Blossom
Last season: 29-2, No. 13 High School Top 25 national ranking, won Class 5A state title
PLAYERS TO WATCH
SF
Amorey Womack (6-1, 165, Jr.) — Transfer averaged 16 points and 6.4 rebounds per game last year
KEY GAMES
Dec. 14 — vs. Memphis East @ ESPN Tip-Off
Dec. 18-23 — City of Palms Classic
Jan. 6 — vs. Wheeler @ Cancer Research Classic
Jan. 11-13 — Bass Pro Shops Tournament of Champions
Head coach: Robert Smith
Last season: 27-4
PLAYERS TO WATCH
CG
Kezo Brown (6-0, 160, Sr.) — Committed to Chicago State
KEY GAMES
Dec. 2 — vs. Chaminade (St. Louis, Mo) @ Chicago Elite Classic
Dec. 9 — vs. Morgan Park (Chicago)
Dec. 16 — vs. Waxahachie (Texas) @ National Hoopfest
Dec. 18-23 — City of Palms Classic
Jan. 6 — vs. Memphis East @ National Hoopfest
Jan. 13 — vs. Montverde Academy @ Spalding Hoophall Classic
Head coach: Robert Lucero
Last season: 29-7
PLAYERS TO WATCH
PF
Will Baker (6-10, 220, Jr.)
— No. 3 junior recruit in Texas
KEY GAMES
Nov. 25 — vs. Guyer (Denton, Texas) @ Thanksgiving Hoopfest
Dec. 26-30 — Rancho Mirage Holiday Invitational
Head coach: Patrick Holmes
Last season: 28-1, Dick's Sporting Goods High School Nationals title, No. 1 Independent Top 10 national ranking
PLAYERS TO WATCH
C
Isaiah Stewart (6-8, 243, Jr.) — Top 30 prospect in the Class of 2019
PG
Tyger Campbell (6-0, 165, Sr.)
— One of the top true point guards in the country
SG
Charles Smith (6-5, 180, Jr.) — No. 7 shooting guard in the Class of 2019
KEY GAMES
Dec. 2 — vs. Sunrise Christian Academy @ Chicago Elite Classic
Jan. 5 — vs. Imhotep Charter (Philadelphia) @ Cancer Research Classic
Jan. 6 — vs. Montverde Academy @ Cancer Research Classic
Jan. 11-13 — Bass Pro Shops Tournament of Champions
Jan. 15 — vs. Aspire Academy (Louisville, Ky.) @ Flyin' to the Hoop
Head coach: Seth Berger
Last season: 32-2, No. 7 Independent Top 10 national ranking
PLAYERS TO WATCH
SF
Noah Collier (6-8, 200, So.)
— No. 3 small forward in the Class of 2020
PG
Jalen Gaffney (6-3, 170, Jr.) — 3-star prospect has 14 Division I offers
KEY GAMES
Dec. 20-23 — Chick-fil-A Classic
Jan. 15 — vs. IMG Academy @ Spalding Hoophall Classic
Head coach: Freddy Johnson
Last season: 34-4, No. 6 High School Top 25 national ranking, won NCISAA Class 3A state title
PLAYERS TO WATCH
SG
Will Dillard (6-3, 175, Sr.)
— Combines with Newman to form dynamic backcourt
SG
Tripp Greene (6-2, 170, Sr.) — Talented transfer averaged 18 points per game last year
SG
Carson McCorkle (6-1, 170, So.) —
Already holds five major Division I offers
KEY GAMES
Nov. 17 — vs. Christ School (Arden, N.C.)
Nov. 28 — vs. Providence Day (Charlotte, N.C.)
Dec. 15-20 — Iolani Classic
Jan. 30 — vs. Wesleyan Christian Academy (High Point, N.C.)
Feb. 8 — vs. Spartanburg Day (S.C.)
Head coach: John Mosco
Last season: 28-3, No. 20 High School Top 25 national ranking, won Class AAAAA state title
PLAYERS TO WATCH
PF
Seth Pinkney (6-9, 200, Sr.)
— Helped Vikings reel off 22 straight victories
KEY GAMES
Dec. 2 — vs. Paul VI
Dec. 10 — vs. DeMatha @ National High School Hoops Festival
Jan. 5 — vs. Montverde Academy @ Cancer Research Classic
Head coach: Dave Boff
Last season: 18-10
PLAYERS TO WATCH
SF
Kahlil Whitney (6-6, 190, Jr.) — Top 50 recruit in the Class of 2019
PF
Alanzo Frink (6-8, 215, Sr.) — Holds six Division I offers
KEY GAMES
Dec. 17 — vs. Imhotep Charter @ All City Classic Philly Showcase
Dec. 23 — vs. Gill St. Bernard's (Gladstone, N.J.) @ Gill St. Bernard's
Jan. 20 — vs. Patrick School @ Investors Classic
Jan. 27 — vs. Paul VI @ D.C. vs. N.J. Challenge
Jan. 31 — vs. Ranney (Tinton Falls, N.J.) @ Jersey Shore Challenge
Feb. 9 — vs. Montverde Academy @ Metro Classic
Head coach: Glenn Farello
Last season: 29-8
PLAYERS TO WATCH
PG
Jeremy Roach (6-2, 165, So.)
— Top 20 recruit in Class of 2020
PG
Anthony Harris (6-3, 180, Jr.)
— Top 60 prospect in the Class of 2019
KEY GAMES
Dec. 9 — vs. Wesleyan Christian Academy (High Point, N.C.) @ National Hoopfest DC
Dec. 20-23 — Chick-fil-A Classic
Jan. 6 — Brentwood Academy (Tenn.) @ Penny Hardaway National Hoopfest
Jan. 9 — vs. Gonzaga (Washington, D.C.)
Jan. 16 — vs. DeMatha
Head coach: Chris Chavannes
Last season: 29-4, No. 7 High School Top 25 national ranking, won NJSIAA Tournament of Champions
PLAYERS TO WATCH PG
Markquis Nowelll (5-8, 165, Sr.)
— Gritty 3-star guard with nine Division I offers
PG
Atiba Taylor (6-3, 160, Jr.) — Committed to Youngstown State
CG
Al-Amir Dawes (6-1, 170, Jr.)
— Ninth-rated combo guard in the nation
KEY GAMES
Dec. 16-20 — Kreul Classic
Jan. 6 — vs. Ranney (Tinton Falls, N.J.) @ Battle at the Boardwalk
Jan. 13 — vs. Hudson Catholic (Jersey City, N.J.) @ Dan Finn Classic
Jan. 20 — vs. Roselle Catholic @ Investors Classic
Feb. 3 — vs. IMG Academy @ Hoops for Troops
Head coach: Adrian Sosa
Last season: 20-7
PLAYERS TO WATCH
SG
Trey Doomes (6-3, 185, Sr.) — Committed to West Virginia
KEY GAMES
Dec. 18-23 — City of Palms Classic
Dec. 28-30 — John Wall Holiday Invitational
Jan. 15 — vs. Oak Hill Academy @ Spalding Hoophall Classic
Head coach: Tahj Holden
Last season: 22-6
PLAYERS TO WATCH
SF
Scottie Lewis (6-5, 177, Jr.) — No. 1 small forward in the Class of 2019
CG
Bryan Antoine (6-4, 175, Jr.)
— Top-rated combo guard in the Class of 2019
KEY GAMES
Dec. 18-23 — City of Palms Classic
Jan. 6 — Patrick School @ Battle at the Boardwalk
Jan. 14 — Mount St. Joseph (Baltimore) @ Spalding Hoophall Classic
Jan. 31 — Roselle Catholic @ Jersey Shore Challenge
Head coach: Brandon Roy
Last season: 23-6
PLAYERS TO WATCH
PF
J'Raan Brooks (6-8, 215, Sr.)
— No. 2 senior prospect in Washington
SF
Ed Chang (6-7, 180, Sr.) — Committed to Washington
SF
Jamon Kemp (6-5, 160, Jr.) — Son of former six-time NBA All-Star Shawn Kemp
KEY GAMES
Dec. 26-30 — Rancho Mirage Holiday Invitational
TEAMS 26-5026.
Jefferson (Portland)27.
Gill St. Bernard's (Gladstone, N.J.)28.
Christ School (Arden, N.C.)29.
Morgan Park (Chicago)30.
Bishop Montgomery (Torrance, Calif.) 31.
St. Benedict's Prep (Newark, N.J.) 32.
Sunrise Christian Academy (Bel Aire, Kan.)33.
Huntington St. Joseph Prep (Huntington, W.Va.) 34.
Imhotep Charter (Philadelphia)35.
Mount St. Joseph (Baltimore)36.
Cretin-Derham Hall (St. Paul, Minn.)37.
Clark (Las Vegas) 38.
Fairfax (Los Angeles)39.
Guyer (Denton, Texas)40.
Long Island Lutheran (Brookville, N.Y.)41.
Pickerington North (Pickerington, Ohio)42.
Aspire Academy (Louisville, Ky.) 43.
Trinity Episcopal (Richmond, Va.)44.
Olive Branch (Miss.)45.
Archbishop Moeller (Cincinnati, Ohio)46.
Norcross (Ga.)47.
Apple Valley (Minn.)48.
Archbishop Molloy (Queens, N.Y.)49.
DeMatha (Hyattsville, Md.) 50.
Shadow Mountain (Phoenix)
