MaxPreps Academy Top 10 basketball rankings

The two most recognizable independent programs in the country top our first edition of the MaxPreps Academy Top 10 Basketball Rankings presented by the Army National Guard.

The rosters at Findlay Prep (Henderson, Nev.) and Oak Hill Academy (Mouth of Wilson, Va.) feature at least 20 future Division I players and 12 prospects regarded as Top 100 talents in their respective classes.

Findlay Prep is 158-7 (.975) over the past five years with National High School Invitational titles in 2009 and 2010. Oak Hill Academy is 172-14 (.924) over the same span and was ranked No. 1 nationally to end the season by at least one media outlet in 2007 and 2009. The Warriors have won eight national championships under legendary head coach Steve Smith.

And yet the programs have met just once – a 74-66 win for Findlay Prep in the final of the 2009 National High School Invitational. Perhaps this is the year the juggernauts cross paths in the long-awaited postseason rematch.

For more on our decision to roll out separate rankings for traditional high schools (National Federation of State High School Associations-affiliated schools) and independent/academy programs, click here.

ACADEMY TOP 10 PRESENTED BY THE ARMY NATIONAL GUARD

1. Findlay Prep (Henderson, Nev.) (5-0)
The Pilots are plowing through early-season competition, averaging 105.2 points per game while allowing 72.2. The competition will get much stiffer Saturday as Findlay Prep takes on Marcus (Flower Mound, Texas) – the top-ranked high school team in the country.

2. Oak Hill Academy (Mouth of Wilson, Va.) (10-0)
Like Findlay, the Warriors haven't had a serious test yet. That should change Saturday at the Marshall County Hoopfest in Kentucky as No. 8 La Lumiere (LaPorte, Ind.) comes calling.

3. Montrose Christian (Rockville, Md.) (0-0)
Opens season Friday vs. Hayfield (Alexandria, Va.).

4. Huntington Prep (W.Va.) (5-1)
After knocking off Sunrise Christian Academy (Bel Aire, Kan.) and Trent Internationale (Sugar Land, Texas) at the State Farm Tournament of Champions in Illinois, the Express were dealt their first loss of their season against Tilton. No shame in losing to one of the top prep school programs in the country, which features several members of last summer's top club program (Boston Amateur Basketball Club).

5. Arlington Country Day (Jacksonville, Fla.) (2-0)
The Apaches own lopsided wins over Potter's House Christian (Jacksonville) and Oldsmar Christian (Oldsmar), winning by an average margin of more than 40 points per game. Transfer Torian Graham has provided instant offense for ACD, averaging 30 points per game in those contests. Friday's matchup with Southwind (Memphis, Tenn.) is suddenly a big one after the Jaguars rolled to the tournament title at the Rumble on the Ridge in Arkansas over the weekend.

6. Montverde Academy (Fla.) (2-0)
New head coach Kevin Boyle is off to an impressive start with his new team, thrashing Forest Lake Academy (Apopka) 80-27 and beating a tough Orlando Christian Prep squad 74-62. The schedule looks favorable for the Eagles leading up to the City of Palms Classic and Kingdom of the Sun Classic during the latter half of December.

7. Christ School (Arden, N.C.) (3-0)
Typical of David Gaines' recent teams, the Greenies are getting balanced scoring with three players averaging double figures and seven players averaging five points per game or more. Post men Will Weeks and Shannon Hale lead the way at more than 14 points per game.

8. La Lumiere (LaPorte, Ind.) (5-0)
The Lakers have a chance to put their program on the map Saturday at the Marshall County Hoopfest against No. 2 Oak Hill Academy. La Lumiere is loaded with talent – including five seniors who signed with Division I schools earlier this month – but hasn't seen anyone quite like the storied Warriors in going 5-0.

9. Quality Education Academy (Winston-Salem, N.C.) (6-1)
After dropping its season opener to No. 2 Oak Hill Academy, QEA has downed each of its last six opponents by 13 points or more. Key Fighting Pharaohs include senior point guard Jevon Thomas (Dayton), 6-11 senior center Brandon Bolden (Georgetown) and uncommitted 6-7 forward Cinmeon Bowers.

10. Friends' Central (Wynnewoode, Pa.) (0-0)
Opens season Saturday vs. Mercersburg Academy.