Preseason Top 25 High School Basketball Rankings: No. 19 Gonzaga Prep

Gonzaga pledge Anton Watson looks to guide the Bullpups to back-to-back state titles.

Preseason Top 25 Basketball Rankings 47,581 views 4:03

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Breaking down the national contenders heading into the 2018-19 season.

No. 19 Gonzaga Prep (Spokane, Wash.)

Head Coach: Matty McIntyre

Last Season: 26-0 (WIAA Class 4A state champions)

The Bullpups are seeking back-to-back state championships.

File photo by Vince Miller

Player to Watch:

Sheadon Byrd (6-foot-2, Sr., G)

Noah Drynan (5-11, Sr., G)

Jamaari Jones (6-3, Sr. F)

Liam Lloyd (6-4, Jr., G)

Jake Parola (5-10, Sr., G)

Carter Sonneborn (6-3. Sr., F)

Anton Watson (6-7, Sr., F) — Committed to Gonzaga

Key Games/Events:

Dec. 7 - vs. Modesto Christian (Modesto, Calif.) — Hoophall West (Phoenix)

Dec. 8 - vs. Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas, Nev.) — Hoophall West)

Dec. 26-29 - Les Schwab Invitational (Hillsboro, Ore.)

Forward Anton Watson

File photo by Paul Caldwell

Season Preview:

Gonzaga Prep is coming off its best season in school history, finishing 26-0 season while grabbing the second state championship in school history.

This year, the Bullpups fate on the national stage will be determined early in the season with trips to the Hoophall West and Les Schwab Invitational looming in December.

Gonzaga Prep returns four of five starters from last season, with Associated Press Class 4A Player of the Year Watson back to lead the charge.

The biggest concern for the experienced group is the ability to compete with teams who possess players with high major size in the frontcourt.

The Bullpups enter the season with lofty expectations of repeating as Washington state champions and earning a GEICO Nationals invitation.