MaxPreps Preseason High School Top 25 Boys Basketball National Rankings

Experience on the big stage and nation's most formidable frontline makes Memphis East our choice for preseason No. 1.

High School Basketball Preseason Early Contenders 134,935 views 3:17

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

 

1. Memphis East (Memphis, Tenn.)
Head coach: Penny Hardaway

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

C Malcolm Dandridge (6-8, 200, Jr.) — Top 100 overall recruit in the Class of 2019

PG Alex Lomax (5-11, 189, Sr.) — Two-time reigning Tennessee Mr. Basketball award winner

SF Ryan Boyce (6-5, 180, Sr.) — Committed to UAB

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

Photo Gallery: Memphis East preseason photo shoot

Memphis East head coach Penny Hardaway has a wealth of outstanding talent.

Photo by Randy Satrin

2. Montverde Academy (Fla.)

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 Andrew Nembhard (6-4, 185, Sr.) — Committed to Florida

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

C Makhi Mitchell (6-9, 225, Jr.) — Committed to Maryland

PF Makhel Mitchell (6-9, 230, Jr.) — Committed to Maryland

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

Photo Gallery: Montverde Academy preseason photo shoot

Monverde Academy head coach Kevin Boyle (seated) is shown with his players and coaches.

Photo by Andrew Bershaw

3. Mater Dei (Santa Ana, Calif.)

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

PG Spencer Freedman (5-11, 155, Sr.) — Committed to Harvard

PF Michael Wang (6-10, 211, Sr.) — Committed to Pennsylvania

SF Harrison Butler (6-4, 205, Sr.) — Committed to Southern Utah

KEY GAMES

Dec. 18-23 — City of Palms Classic

Dec. 27-30 — Les Schwab Invitational

Jan. 15 — vs. Montverde Academy (Fla.) @ Spalding Hoophall Classic

Feb. 3 — vs. Chino Hills (Calif.) @ Nike Extravaganza

2017-18 Mater Dei basketball team and staff

Photo by Louis Lopez

4. Hudson Catholic (Jersey City, N.J.)

Head coach: Nick Mariniello

Last season: 26-4

PLAYERS TO WATCH

PG Jahvon Quinerly (6-0, 170, Sr.) — Nation's No. 4-ranked point guard

SF Louis King (6-8, 195, Sr.) — Committed to Oregon

SG Luther Muhammad (6-4, 185, Sr.) — Committed to Ohio State

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

Photo Gallery: Hudson Catholic preseason photo shoot

2017-18 Hudson Catholic basketball team

Photo by John Jones

5.  Oak Hill Academy (Mouth of Wilson, Va.)

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

C David McCormack (6-9, 255, Sr.) — Committed to Kansas

PG Will Richardson (6-4, 170, Sr.) — Top 50 recruit in the Class of 2018

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

Photo Gallery: Oak Hill Academy preseason photo shoot

2017-18 Oak Hill Academy basketball squad

Photo by Randy Sartin

6. IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.)

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

PF Silvio De Sousa (6-9, 242, Sr.) — Committed to Kansas

PF Darius Days (6-7, 218, Sr.) — Committed to LSU

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

Photo Gallery: IMG Academy preseason photo shoot

IMG Academy has several top recruits on its roster.

Photo by Marc Estrada

7. Prolific Prep Academy (Napa, Calif.)

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

SG Jeenathan Williams (6-5, 190, Sr.) — Committed to Buffalo

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

8. Findlay Prep (Henderson, Nev.)

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

PF Reggie Chaney (6-7, 215, Sr.) — Committed to Arkansas

C Connor Vanover (7-2, 210, Sr.) — Committed to Memphis

SG TJ Moss (6-3, 175, Sr.) — Top 60 recruit in the Class of 2018

SG Kyler Edwards (6-4, 195, Sr.) — Committed to Texas Tech

PF Nathan Mensah (6-10, 210, Sr.) — Committed to San Diego State

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

9. Clarkston (Mich.)

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

PF Thomas Kithier (6-8, 225, Sr.) — Committed to Michigan State

PF Taylor Currie (6-8, 200, Sr.) — Committed to Wisconsin

KEY GAMES

Feb. 20 – vs. Romulus (Mich.)

Feb. 27 – vs. West Bloomfield (Mich.)

10. Wesleyan Christian Academy (High Point, N.C.)

Head coach: Keith Gatlin

Last season: 28-5

PLAYERS TO WATCH

SF Jaylen Hoard (6-8, 195, Sr.) — Committed to Wake Forest

SF Aaron Wiggins (6-6, 180, Sr.) — Committed to Maryland

PG Kobe Langley (6-1, 150, Jr.) — Committed to Virginia Tech

PG Keyshaun Langley (6-0, 140, 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.)

11. Cypress Falls (Houston)

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

12. McEachern (Powder Springs, Ga.)

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

13. Webster Groves (Mo.)

Head coach: Jay Blossom

Last season: 29-2, No. 13 High School Top 25 national ranking, won Class 5A state title

PLAYERS TO WATCH

PG Courtney Ramey (6-3, 170, Sr.) — Top-rated player in Missouri.

PF Carte'Are Gordon (6-8, 245, Sr.) — Committed to Saint Louis

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

14. Simeon (Chicago)

Head coach: Robert Smith

Last season: 27-4

PLAYERS TO WATCH

SF Talen Horton-Tucker (6-5, 210, Sr.) — Committed to Iowa State

CG Kezo Brown (6-0, 160, Sr.) — Committed to Chicago State

SF Messiah Jones (6-5, 155, Sr.) — Committed to Drake

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

15. Westlake (Austin, Texas)

Head coach: Robert Lucero

Last season: 29-7

PLAYERS TO WATCH

PF Will Baker (6-10, 220, Jr.) — No. 3 junior recruit in Texas

SF Matthew Mayer (6-7, 190, Sr.) — Committed to Baylor

SF Brock Cunningham (6-7, 205, Sr.) — Committed to Texas

SG Keonte Kennedy (6-4, 175, Sr.) — Committed to Xavier

KEY GAMES

Nov. 25 — vs. Guyer (Denton, Texas) @ Thanksgiving Hoopfest

Dec. 26-30 — Rancho Mirage Holiday Invitational

16. La Lumiere (LaPorte, Ind.)

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

17. Westtown (West Chester, Pa.)

Head coach: Seth Berger

Last season: 32-2, No. 7  Independent Top 10 national ranking

PLAYERS TO WATCH

SF Cameron Reddish (6-7, 205, Sr.) — Committed to Duke

PF Jake Forrester (6-8, 215, Sr.) — Committed to Indiana

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

18. Greensboro Day (N.C.)

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 John Newman (6-5, 180, Sr.) — Committed to Clemson

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.)

19. Archbishop Wood (Warminster, Pa.)

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

SG Tyree Pickron (6-3, 180, Sr.) — Committed to Quinnipiac

SG Andrew Funk (6-3, 160, Sr.) — Committed to Bucknell

SF Karrington Wallace (6-6, 180, Sr.) — Committed to Central Connecticut State

KEY GAMES

Dec. 2 — vs. Paul VI

Dec. 10 — vs. DeMatha @ National High School Hoops Festival

Jan. 5 — vs. Montverde Academy @ Cancer Research Classic

20. Roselle Catholic (Roselle, N.J.)

Head coach: Dave Boff

Last season: 18-10

PLAYERS TO WATCH

PF Nazreon Reid (6-9, 220, Sr.) — Committed to LSU

SF Kahlil Whitney (6-6, 190, Jr.) — Top 50 recruit in the Class of 2019

PG Joshua Pierre-Louis (6-1, 165, Jr.) — Top 200 prospect in the Class of 2019

PF Alanzo Frink (6-8, 215, Sr.) — Holds six Division I offers

PG Ithiel Horton (6-3, 180, Sr.) — Committed to Delaware

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

21. Paul VI (Fairfax, Va.)

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

SG Brandon Slater (6-6, 180, Sr.) — Committed to Villanova

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

22. Patrick School (Hillside, N.J.)

Head coach: Chris Chavannes

Last season: 29-4, No. 7 High School Top 25 national ranking, won NJSIAA Tournament of Champions

PLAYERS TO WATCH

PF Valdir Manuel (6-8, 210, Sr.) — No. 6 prospect in New Jersey

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

23. University (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.)

Head coach: Adrian Sosa

Last season: 20-7

PLAYERS TO WATCH

PF Vernon Carey Jr. (6-10, 245, Jr.) — No. 1 recruit in the Class of 2019

SF Scottie Barnes (6-7, 175, So.) — Top-rated sophomore in Florida

SG Trey Doomes (6-3, 185, Sr.) — Committed to West Virginia

PG Drue Drinnon (6-0, 165, Sr.) — Committed to New Mexico

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

24. Ranney (Tinton Falls, N.J.)

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

25. Garfield (Seattle)

Head coach: Brandon Roy

Last season: 23-6

PLAYERS TO WATCH

SG MarJon Beauchamp (6-5, 160, So.) — No. 1 sophomore recruit in Washington

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 26-50
26. 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)