Preseason MaxPreps Top 25 high school basketball rankings: Players to watch, storylines for No. 18 Hamilton Heights Christian Academy

Hawks look to better last year's No. 11 finish with first-year coach, influx of talented transfers.

Preseason Top 25 high school basketball rankings 577,612 views 7:09

First-year head coach Stephen Cook looks to replicate the success of a Hamilton Heights Christian Academy (Chattanooga, Tenn.) squad that finished last season 28-3 and No. 11 in the final MaxPreps Top 25.

The Hawks, who begin 2020-21 at No. 18, graduated four of their top five scorers, but an impressive influx of talent provides an opportunity to climb the rankings as they gain chemistry throughout the year.

Two returning starters, Reggie Bass and Felix Okpara, are joined by transfers Lewis Duarte, Bretner Mutombo, Jahsemar Olembe and Jaret Valencia to headline the Hamilton Heights roster.

The three-time defending National Association of Christian Athletes Division 1 champions look to qualify for a first GEICO Nationals berth.

Hamilton Heights Christian Academy faces a tough national schedule including trips to the Flyin' to the Hoop Classic, Spalding Hoophall Classic, Dr. Pepper Classic, Lighthouse Classic, Battle at the Rock and Big South Shootout.

Center Felix Okpara

File photo by Dan Browning

Players to watch

G Reggie Bass

Height: 6-5 | Class: Junior (2022)
National rank: 169 | Status: Uncommitted

G Lewis Duarte

Height: 6-5 | Class: Junior (2022)
National rank: 183 NR | Status: Uncommitted

G Yerald Mieses

Height: 6-2 | Class: Senior (2021)
National rank: NR | Status: Uncommitted

C Bretner Mutombo

Height: 6-10 | Class: Senior (2021)
National rank: 249 | Status: Uncommitted

C Felix Okpara

Height: 6-11 | Class: Junior (2022)
National rank: 74 | Status: Uncommitted

W Jahsemar Olembe

Height: 6-5 | Class: Sophomore (2023)
National rank: NR | Status: Uncommitted

F Jaret Valencia

Height: 6-9 | Class: Junior (2022)
National rank: 173 | Status: Uncommitted