Preseason Top 25 high school basketball rankings

The last two high school basketball seasons have produced undefeated, consensus national champions. Bob Hurley's St. Anthony (Jersey City, N.J.) Friars went 33-0 last winter en route to the No. 1 ranking, while high-scoring Yates (Houston) blazed a 34-0 trail in 2009-10 to garner the top spot.

Don't expect a three-peat when it comes to an unblemished (mythical) national champion.

There's no lack of talented, well-coached teams in the hunt, but ambitious scheduling will make running the table a monster task for the programs featured in our Preseason Xcellent 25 presented by the Army National Guard.

College football produced a No. 1 vs. No. 2 matchup two months into the season, but high school basketball fans won't have to wait that long. The top two teams in our rankings meet Dec. 3 – and both have other nationally-ranked opponents on the slate before the holiday break.

Events like the City of Palms Classic (Fort Myers, Fla.), Clash at Cameron (Durham, N.C.), Chick-fil-A Classic (Columbia, S.C.), Les Schwab Invitational (Hillsboro, Ore.), Beach Ball Classic (Myrtle Beach, S.C.) and Spalding Hoophall Classic (Springfield, Mass.) all feature multiple preseason ranked teams, providing true national tests for title hopefuls.



To begin counting down the nation's top high school programs, use the "Next" tabs at the top or bottom of the page.
{PAGEBREAK}

25. Southwest DeKalb (Decatur, Ga.)
Head coach: Dwayne McKinney
2010-11 record: 24-6
Players to watch: Shaq Goodwin (6-8, 240, Sr., F), Jordan Price (6-4, 215, Sr., G/F, Auburn verbal commitment)
Panthers scouting report: One of three public high schools from Georgia's DeKalb County featured in the rankings, the Panthers have all the talent and experience necessary for a monster 2011-12 campaign.

But remarkably, they won't be a favorite in their own region. That honor will go to Miller Grove (Lithonia), three-time defending Class AAAA state champion and winner of three of four head-to-head meetings with Southwest DeKalb a year ago.

That's unlikely to deter the Panthers, who handed Miller Grove its only loss a year ago and also beat Norcross, the state's Class AAAAA champion.

Goodwin is the headliner and one of the nation's top recruits (No. 16 in the Class of 2012 Top 100). A testament to his athleticism, he is also playing football this fall and entertaining the idea of doubling up at the college level.

As talented as Goodwin is, Price – another national Top 100 selection – was the team's leading scorer a year ago and also earned Class AAAA All-State honors. Other key returnees include Kadarius Turner (5-9, Sr., G), Greg Crooks (6-1, Sr., G) and Emanuel Walker (5-7, Jr., G).

December will be a challenging month for the Panthers. In addition to a matchup with Miller Grove, the program will make appearances in the Chick-fil-A Classic and Converse Invitational.

{PAGEBREAK}24. Gonzaga (Washington, D.C.)
Head coach: Stephen Turner
2010-11 record: 26-8
Players to watch: Jordan Abdur-Ra'oof (6-6, 185, So., F), Nate Britt (6-1, 165, Jr., G), Charles Glover (6-0, 170, Jr., G), Kris Jenkins (6-6, 245, Jr., F), Will Rassman (6-7, 200, Sr., F, Loyola)
Eagles scouting report: Gonzaga carved out 26 wins a year ago with four sophomores and a freshman getting minutes. That experience should pay off this season in the highly-competitive Washington Catholic Athletic Conference.

Talk of the Eagles begins with Britt, a five-star point guard prospect and All-Met pick as a sophomore after posting 13.6 points and 5.2 assists per game. He is a member of the prestigious D.C. Assault club program, which has sent its last three point guards to Duke (Nolan Smith, Tyler Thornton and Quinn Cook).

Jenkins, who averaged 13.3 points per game as a sophomore, and Rassman give Gonzaga size and skill in the frontcourt. Abdur-Ra'oof should carve out a larger role in his second season in the program.

In addition to the daunting WCAC slate, Gonzaga will face Chicago's Whitney Young at the Cancer Research Classic and Riverside Academy of Louisiana at the Spalding Hoophall Classic. The annual Gonzaga D.C. Classic in December also features a tough lineup, including defending Pennsylvania champ Neumann & Goretti.

{PAGEBREAK}23. Archbishop Mitty (San Jose, Calif.)
Head coach: Tim Kennedy
2010-11 record: 32-2, California Division II state champions
Players to watch: Aaron Gordon (6-7, 205, Jr., F), Neil Vranicar (6-5, 175, Sr., G/F)
Monarchs scouting report: Following a loss to St. Ignatius (San Francisco) in mid-January, the Monarchs got hot and swept through their last 20 games of the 2010-11 season, allowing more than 50 points in just five of those contests. While nine seniors from that team have moved on, the return of Gordon will keep the Monarchs in state championship contention.

Gordon was a legitimate California player of the year candidate as a sophomore and followed by earning a spot on USA Basketball's under-16 developmental national team. In Mexico for the FIBA Americas U16 Championship, he posted team-leading totals of 17 points and 11.2 rebounds per game. Gordon is ranked No. 6 in the MaxPreps Class of 2013 Top 100.



Vranicar was a San Jose Mercury News all-area honorable mention pick as a junior. He's a a dangerous deep threat and also a standout pitcher for the Monarch baseball team.

Gauging Mitty's national standing might be a bit tricky as it probably won't face a non-California opponent. Tournaments in Newark and Torrey Pines are lined up for December. A showdown with Division I state runner-up De La Salle (Concord) comes after the New Year.

{PAGEBREAK}22. Christ the King (Middle Village, N.Y.)
Head coach: Joe Arbitello
2010-11 record: 22-7, CHSAA Class AA champions
Players to watch: Omar Calhoun (6-4, 185, Sr., G, Connecticut verbal commitment), Jordan Fuchs (6-6, 195, Jr., F), Isaiah Lewis (6-3, 170, Jr., G), Jon Severe (6-2, 180, Jr., G)
Royals scouting report: With the closure of rival Rice last spring, Christ the King can solidify its standing as the CHSAA's signature program with another championship season. The Royals have won the last two CHSAA Class AA titles and will be favored to three-peat behind Calhoun – the biggest high school hoops star in the Big Apple.

Calhoun averaged 20.1 points per game and topped the 1,000-point career mark as a junior en route to All-City Player of the Year honors. He will be joined by Lewis and Severe in the backcourt to give Arbitello an elite guard trio.

Fuchs and senior Marthely Senat (6-4, 170, Sr.) return in the frontcourt. Sophomores Adonis De La Rosa (6-9, 250) and Thomas Holley (6-5, 230) provide additional size that Christ the King didn't possess in 2011.

Tournament appearances include the Stop DWI Classic in Binghamton and the Bass Pro Tournament of Champions in Springfield, Mo. The Royals also face defending California Division I state champ Mater Dei (Santa Ana) at the Spalding Hoophall Classic.

{PAGEBREAK}21. Chester (Pa.)
Head coach: Larry Yarbray Sr.
2010-11 record: 31-1, Pennsylvania Class AAAA state champions
Players to watch: Tymier Butler (6-4, 165, Sr., G/F), Richard Granberry (6-5, 210, Jr., F), Rondae Jefferson (6-7, 195, Jr., G/F), Erikk Wright (6-3, 190, Sr., F)
Clippers scouting report: With seven state titles and 16 championship game appearances, history runs deep at Chester and the Clippers could be in the midst of a special era. The school that produced Wisconsin head coach Bo Ryan and Orlando Magic guard Jameer Nelson is coming off a state title and may have its next big star in Jefferson.

The versatile guard/wing is the brother of Temple junior Rahlir Hollis-Jefferson and was a pivotal member of the 2010-11 championship team. He posted 8.2 points, 6.6 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game and could develop into a lead forward in the same mold as UCLA commitment and 2012 star Kyle Anderson.

Butler, Granberry and Wright – who led the team with 22 points in last year's state championship final – are all experienced veterans. A pair of Robinsons – Kareem and Darius – should also play a larger role. Kareem (5-7, Sr., G) is regarded as a defensive specialist while Darius (6-0, Jr., G) had some key postseason games last season.

Big dates on the calendar include an early-season battle with Savon Goodman and Constitution (Philadelphia) and a meeting with NYC power Christ the King (Middle Village, N.Y.) at the Villa Classic on New Year's Day.

{PAGEBREAK}20. Riverside Academy (Reserve, La.)
Head coach: Tim Byrd
2010-11 record: 29-6, Louisiana Class 2A state champions
Players to watch: Louis Dabney (6-3, 185, Sr., G, Tulane verbal commitment), Ricardo Gathers (6-7, 240, Sr., F, St. John's), Lucas Martin-Julien (6-2, 185, Sr., G), Donald Thomas (6-7, 175, Sr., F)
Rebels scouting report: The basketball fortunes of Riverside Academy took a dramatic turn when nearby Reserve Christian closed its doors in 2009. Byrd essentially picked up the program at Reserve Christian and moved it to Riverside, where the Rebels have reeled off back-to-back state titles.

While the 2010-11 squad wasn't quite ready to thrive against national competition, Byrd's third team at Riverside should manage much more successfully.

Gathers is the bell cow, posting 20.7 points and 16.2 rebounds per game as a junior. His brutish style and advanced physique have left some wondering about his upside, but there is no doubt about his ability to produce and win at this level. He's almost a lock for a double-double every time he steps on the court.

Dabney, Martin-Julien and Thomas were all regulars a year ago and twins Trevin and Trevon Woods (both in the 6-6 range) should see an expanded role.

Byrd has always been an ambitious scheduler going back to his days at Reserve Christian and isn't changing the philosophy this season. A trip to Fort Myers, Fla., for the City of Palms Classic is the highlight along with an appearance in the Spalding Hoophall Classic against No. 25 Gonzaga (Washington, D.C.).

{PAGEBREAK}19. Loyola (Los Angeles)
Head coach: Jamal Adams
2010-11 record: 25-6, CIF Southern Section Division I-A champions
Players to watch: Justin Childress (5-11, 150, Sr., G), Julian Harrell (6-5, 190, Sr., G, Pennsylvania verbal commitment), Jacob Hazzard (5-11, 160, Sr., G), Parker Jackson-Cartwright (5-10, 150, So., G)
Cubs scouting report: Loyola is no stranger to success, averaging 24 wins per season since 2007-08. But a talented returning backcourt is ratcheting expectations up a notch for the Los Angeles school, located less than two miles from the Staples Center.

"One of my favorite things about our guys, I never have to worry about them answering the bell," Adams said. "I know they are going to compete and put their best foot forward."

Leading the list of 10 returnees is Harrell, a four-year starter that earned Southern Section Division I-A most valuable player honors a year ago after posting 15.7 points, 6.1 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game.

Sophomore Jackson-Cartwright is also back after a promising freshman campaign (10.4 points, 4.9 assists per game). He is ranked No. 14 in the MaxPreps Class of 2014 Top 50 and could be destined for stardom at the high school level and potentially beyond.

"He is an outstanding young man and has a lot of great offers from Pac-12 schools," Adams said. "He got a lot better over the summer."

Childress and Hazzard round out the embarrassment of riches in the backcourt. The duo combined to average nearly 20 points per game a year ago. The Cubs aren't entirely perimeter-oriented, however. Four other returners are in the 6-5 to 6-6 range and 6-11 sophomore Tom Welsh could be a factor, according to Adams.



Loyola's depth will be needed against a schedule that three December tournaments and showcase games against SoCal powers Orange Lutheran (Orange) and Taft (Woodland Hills). The Cubs also play in a highly-competitive league that will see them square off twice against Crespi (Encino), Harvard-Westlake (North Hollywood) and fast-rising Alemany (Mission Hills).

{PAGEBREAK}18. Wichita Heights (Kan.)
Head coach: Joe Auer
2010-11 record: 25-0, Kansas Class 6A state champions
Players to watch: Perry Ellis (6-8, 225, Sr., F, Kansas verbal commitment), Terrence Moore (6-0, 170, Sr., G), Gavin Thurman (6-7, 215, Sr., F, Missouri State)
Falcons scouting report: Without an extensive out-of-state resume to review, the Falcons' true standing nationally is a bit of a mystery. What isn't up for debate is the program's ability to dominate Kansas' largest classification and pile up state titles.

Since Ellis took the court as a freshman, the Falcons are 72-3 with three Class 6A championships. Heights enters this season riding a 44-game winning streak.

Ellis, who is joined by sophomore brother Brae on the roster, averaged 22.1 points and 7.9 points per game as a junior. He committed to the Kansas Jayhawks in September.

While Heights lost a valuable contributor in Evan Wessel (Wichita State signee), Moore (12.4 points per game) and transfer Thurman will likely fill the void. Thurman is a versatile forward that posted more than 18 points and nine rebounds a game last season at Southeast High School in Wichita.

The Falcons are a member of the Greater Wichita City League, which means 16 of their 20 regular-season contests will come against teams from Wichita. Expect another glossy record and state title, but that leaves little room for error when it comes to national rankings.

{PAGEBREAK}17. Yates (Houston)
Head coach: Greg Wise
2010-11 record: 26-4
Players to watch: Damyean Dotson (6-5, 195, Sr., G/F, Oregon verbal commitment), Maurice Letcher-Ellis (6-8, 195, Sr., F), Darrion Martin (5-11, 165, Jr., G), Clyde Santee (6-6, 185, Sr., F), Melvin Swift (6-7, 190, So., F)
Lions scouting report: It won't take long to get a gauge on Yates. The Lions open Monday against Fort Bend Travis (Richmond) and star junior twins Aaron and Andrew Harrison. According to the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches, it’s a matchup between the state's top-ranked 4A team (Yates) and No. 7 5A outfit.

If the Lions can survive that early-season test, showcase games against defending 5A champ Marcus (Flower Mound) and Westbury Christian (Houston) in late November and strong fields at the South Padre Invitational and Les Schwab Invitational in Oregon await in December.

Few are equipped to handle a rigorous schedule like Yates, which typically suits up 15 players and comes at opponents in waves with full-court pressure. The Houston school has averaged over 100 points per game each of the past two seasons and set the national record for points per game in 2009-10.

Leading the way will be Dotson and Martin, both regular double-digit scorers a year ago. This Yates club will feature more size than past years with Letcher-Ellis, who sat out due to transfer rules a year ago, Santee and top sophomore recruits Swift and J.C. Washington.

Freshman guard JoJo Anderson also could make noise for Wise.

{PAGEBREAK}16. Columbia (Decatur, Ga.)
Head coach: Phil McCrary
2010-11 record: 30-3, Georgia Class AAA state champions
Players to watch: Damian Goodwin (6-7, 200, Sr.), Jarmal Reid (6-6, 240, Sr., Oregon State verbal commitment), Tahj Shamsid-Deen (5-10, 150, Jr., G), Jhaustin Thomas (6-6, 240, Sr., South Carolina football commitment)
Eagles scouting report: Chris Tucker may be Columbia's most famous graduate, but taking the floor against the Eagles is no laughing matter. The program returns 10 players from a team that won its last 13 games in 2011 by an average of 28.7 points per game. Under McCrary, they are 180-17 since the 2005-06 season with four state titles.

Shamsid-Deen earned Class AAA Player of the Year honors as a sophomore and is one of the nation's most underrated point guards. He averaged over 12 points and nearly nine assists per game en route to the program's second-straight title.

Reid, who posted 11 points and eight rebounds per game last season, leads the frontcourt along with Goodwin and Thomas, a highly-recruited defensive end who hasn't ruled out attempting to play basketball and football at the next level.



No. 25 Southwest DeKalb (Decatur) and Greater Atlanta Christian (Norcross) will provide early-season, in-state tests. The holiday slate includes a trip to South Carolina for the Chick-fil-A Classic and hosting the 16-team Converse Invitational.

{PAGEBREAK}

15. Grace Prep (Arlington, Texas)
Head coach: Ray Forsett
2010-11 record: 30-6, TAPPS 4A state champions
Players to watch: Isaiah Austin (7-0, 210, Sr., F/C, Baylor verbal commitment), Jelon Hornbeak (6-4, 185, Sr., G), Jordan Mickey (6-8, 215, Jr., F), Emmanuel Mudiay (6-4, 180, So., G), Karviar Shepherd (6-9, 215, Jr., F)
Lions scouting report: The talent continues flowing to Grace Prep, a program coached by the brother of Seattle Seahawks running back Justin Forsett. Transfers Mickey and Shepherd bolster a roster that already featured a five-star senior in Austin and sophomore in Mudiay.

Much of the attention at Grace Prep will go to Austin, a tantalizing talent who averaged 14 points, nine boards and six rejections as a junior. He finished the 2010-11 in dubious fashion, however, getting suspended for Grace Prep's championship game against Westbury Christian (Houston). Grace Prep went on to win without him. Ranked No. 4 in the MaxPreps Class of 2012 Top 100, the future Baylor Bear is about as skilled as 7-footers come.

Mudiay earned Freshman All-American honors from MaxPreps last winter after averaging 11 points per game. He is a Top prospect in the Class of 2014 with much of the Big 12 in hot pursuit already.

The transfers of Mickey (Richardson Berkner) and Shepherd (DeSoto) were two of the bigger moves in Texas during the offseason. Both came from successful programs and should help keep Grace Prep in the national picture for at least another year.

Meetings with Wheeler (Marietta, Ga.) and Fort Bend Travis (Richmond) at the Thanksgiving Hoopfest Nov. 25-26 should have the Lions battle-tested for the prestigious City of Palms Classic in December.

{PAGEBREAK}14. Christ School (Arden, N.C.)
Head coach: David Gaines
2010-11 record: 32-5, NCISAA 3A state champions
Players to watch: Jaylen Allen (6-3, 170, Jr., G), Jerome Hairston (6-2, 185, Sr., G, Towson), Shannon Hale (6-8, 205, Jr., F, Alabama), Eric Johnson Jr. (6-2, 175, So., G), Josh Level (6-5, 205, So., G/F), Will Weeks (6-6, 220, Sr., F)
Greenies scouting report: Under Gaines, the Greenies have become one of the most consistent winners in North Carolina with six state titles since 2005 and five-straight 30-win seasons.

This will be a bit of a new-look roster but one built around and handful of Division I prospects, including newcomer Hale – a native of Tennessee and early verbal commitment for the Alabama Crimson Tide.

First-year Greenies Allen, Hairston and Johnson will operate in a re-vamped backcourt with Level on the wing. Both Johnson and Level are considered elite sophomore recruits.

With all the new faces, Gaines can lean on underappreciated forward Weeks, a rough-and-tumble competitor and consistent double-double producer last season.



Tournament appearances at the Chick-fil-A Classic in South Carolina and Arby's Classic in Tennessee highlight the schedule. Christ School also meets Oak Hill Academy (Mouth of Wilson, Va.) in February.

{PAGEBREAK}13. DeMatha (Hyattsville, Md.)
Head coach: Mike Jones
2010-11 record: 26-9, Alhambra Catholic Invitational champions
Players to watch: BeeJay Anya (6-8, 260, Jr., C), Jerami Grant (6-7, 190, Sr., F, Syracuse verbal commitment), Jairus Lyles (6-1, 170, Jr., G), James Robinson (6-2, 200, Sr., G, Pittsburgh)
Stags scouting report: With two seniors bound for soon-to-be ACC schools, it's tough to envision the Stags approaching nine losses again. Then again, Jones isn't doing himself any favors in the scheduling department.

A rapidly reoccurring theme, DeMatha's gauntlet includes DaJuan Coleman and Jamesville-DeWitt (DeWitt, N.Y.), Neumann & Goretti (Philadelphia), Northwest Catholic (West Hartford, Conn.) and Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas) – plus a trip to the left coast for a tournament in California. Oh, and the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference is one of the toughest league-level affiliations in the country.

Perhaps it was savvy senior Robinson that gave Jones the confidence to challenge his team. The football-framed point guard is a coach's dream and led Team Takeover to a 17-0 regular-season record on Nike's EYBL circuit over the summer.

Grant, No. 48 in the MaxPreps Class of 2012 Top 100, defines wing-forward. He is the son of retired NBA vet Harvey Grant.

Anya is poised for a huge junior season after competing for a spot on USA Basketball's under-16 team and shedding around 30 pounds over the last year.

{PAGEBREAK}12. Montverde Academy (Fla.)
Head coach: Kevin Boyle
2010-11 record: 22-4
Players to watch: Anthony Cortesia (6-8, 200, Sr., F, Mississippi verbal commitment), Chris Davenport (6-7, 200, Jr., F), Michel Enanga (6-6, 190, Sr., G/F), Jamar Ergas (6-3, Fr., G), Michael Frazier (6-4, 185, Sr., G, Florida), Patricio Garino (6-7, 190, Sr., G/F), Kasey Hill (6-1, 175, Jr., G), Embiid Joel-Hans (6-10, Jr., C), Landry Nnoko (6-11, 220, Sr., C)
Eagles scouting report: After winning five New Jersey Tournament of Champions titles at St. Patrick (Elizabeth, N.J.) and pumping out the likes of Samuel Dalembert, Corey Fisher, Al Harrington, Kyrie Irving, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist and Dexter Strickland, Boyle's move to Montverde sent reverberations through the high school basketball world.

Boyle instantly upped the profile at Montverde Academy, a school that already had a burgeoning reputation for success on the hardwood. And early indications are that the international pipeline to the Orlando-area school is still flowing as newcomers from Brazil, Canada and Nigeria are on the roster.

Tough guard play was always a hallmark of Boyle's teams at St. Patrick and Frazier and Hill should continue that tradition. Frazier was a prolific scorer in the Tampa area, pouring in 29.7 points per game as a junior. Hill developed a rep as one of the nation's top junior point guards over the summer with the Florida Rams club program.

The international flair will show up on the wing and in the post with Cortesia (Brazil), Enanga (Cameroon), Garino (Argentina), Joel-Hans (Nigeria) and Nnoko (Cameroon) all figuring in to the rotation.

The Eagles could have been even better down low with the addition of 6-foot-10 super sophomore Dakari Johnson, who followed Boyle from St. Patrick as was forced to sit out the 2010-11 year due to transfer rules.

Boyle will have an immediate statement opportunity with his new program at the City of Palms Classic in December. He will be looking for a repeat of sorts as St. Patrick won a dramatic final a year ago.

{PAGEBREAK}11. Arlington Country Day (Jacksonville, Fla.)
Head coach: Rex Morgan
2010-11 record: 21-2
Players to watch: Ian Baker (6-1, 175, Sr., G, South Carolina verbal commitment), Junior Etou (6-7, 215, Jr., F), Jordan Goodman (6-9, 215, Sr., F, Texas Tech), Torian Graham (6-4, 190, Sr., G), Carlos Morris (6-5, 190, Sr., G/F, South Carolina)
Apaches scouting report: Arlington Country Day's only losses a year ago came to Top 10 finishers Montrose Christian (Rockville, Md.) and Oak Hill Academy (Mouth of Wilson, Va.). In their first season outside of the Florida High School Athletic Association, the Apaches thrived as an independent with wins over national programs like Norcross (Ga.), Our Savior New American (Centereach, N.Y.), St. Benedict's Prep (Newark, N.J.) and United Faith Christian Academy (Charlotte, N.C.).

ACD finished the season ranked No. 17 nationally and with seven players returning, could be even better. Morgan has six players listed at 6-foot-8 or taller, led by Goodman. The Texas Tech commitment has a nice stroke from the outside and led the Apaches in scoring a year ago.



Graham was a huge offseason addition. He tacked up 19 points per game as a junior at Word of God in North Carolina. A pair of South Carolina commitments in Baker and Morris will join Graham in the backcourt.

Morgan has a couple of other interesting names on the roster. Kerem Kanter (6-8, 210, Jr., F), a native of Turkey, is the younger brother of recent NBA first-round draft pick Enes Kanter. Michael Gilmore (6-10, 185, So., F/C) is the nephew of NBA great Artis Gilmore.

{PAGEBREAK}10. St. Anthony (Jersey City, N.J.)
Head coach: Bob Hurley
2010-11 record: 33-0, New Jersey Tournament of Champions winner, consensus national champion
Players to watch: Kyle Anderson (6-7, 215, Sr., G/F, UCLA verbal commitment), Rashad Andrews (6-4, 180, Sr., G/F), Josh Brown (6-2, 180, Jr., G), Tariq Carey (6-2, 180, Sr., G), Hallice Cooke (6-3, 185, Jr., G), Jordan Forehand (6-1, 175, So., G), Jerome Frink (6-4, 205, Sr., F), Jimmy Hall (6-7, 215, Sr., F)
Friars scouting report: St. Anthony experienced a Hollywood-like 2010-11 season with Hurley getting his 1,000th career victory, dominating archrival St. Patrick (Elizabeth) en route to New Jersey's Tournament of Champions title and earning a consensus nod as national champion.

With one of the nation's most unique and special performers back on the roster, a duplicate effort isn't out of the question. Anderson can play all five positions at the high school level and may eventually develop into a true point guard at nearly 6-8. He outshined current Kentucky frosh phenom Michael Kidd-Gilchrist in his final game at St. Patrick and can score, pass, rebound and lead.

Myles Mack, Anderson's longtime tag-team partner, is now at Rutgers, but Hurley has plenty of other pieces to work with. Frink, Hall and Andrews are experienced veterans. Brown and Cooke both made some noise on the summer circuit.

The schedule is manageable early, but picks up after the New Year with games against St. Benedict's Prep (Newark), Miller Grove (Lithonia, Ga.) and Huntington Prep (Huntington, W.Va.). The Friars also return as defending champ to the SNY Invitational, featuring Cardozo (Bayside, N.Y.), Jefferson (Brooklyn, N.Y.) and St. Raymond (Bronx, N.Y.).

{PAGEBREAK}9. Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas)
Head coach: Grant Rice
2010-11 record: 25-6
Players to watch: Rosco Allen (6-8, 210, Sr., F), Ben Carter (6-8, 215, Sr., F), Demetris Morant (6-8, 210, Sr., F, UNLV verbal commitment), Rashad Muhammad (6-4, 170, Jr., G), Shabazz Muhammad (6-6, 205, Sr., G), Noah Robotham (5-9, 160, So., G), Stephen Zimmerman (6-10, 225, Fr., C)
Gaels scouting report: A shocking loss in last year's state playoffs should make the Gaels hungry to capture a fifth championship under Rice. Bishop Manogue ended Gorman's season last February in the 4A semifinals, then got hammered by 35 points in the title game.

"I think it was kind of a reality check for our guys, kind of humbling to lose in the way that we did," Rice said. "We had some big wins, beating Long Beach Poly, and were playing our best basketball of the season. Those things happen for a reason. The only thing we can do is learn from it and prepare."

And preparation is always a little easier when you have the nation's No. 1 prospect on the roster. Shabazz Muhammad will be the focal point for opposing defenses – and college recruiters as he is still undecided on his next-level destination. Rice doesn't expect the hype surrounding his senior star to be a distraction.

"He is such a humble kid. Off the court, he is just a soft-spoken, simple, nice kid," Rice said. "This has been going on for three years for him and his family has handled it so professionally."



Muhammad will be joined by a tall and talented frontline in Allen, Carter and Morant. And if that wasn't enough, the Gaels also welcome ballyhooed freshman Zimmerman, a legitimate 6-10 and likely growing.

"He's as skilled as any freshman that I've seen," Rice said of Zimmerman. "He plays really hard and could be one of our guys that's in there during crunch time."

Highlights of the schedule include back-to-back trips east for the City of Palms Classic and Beach Ball Classic. DeMatha (Hyattsville, Md.), Findlay Prep (Henderson, Nev.) and Whitney Young (Chicago, Ill.) will also test the Gaels.

{PAGEBREAK}8. Simeon (Chicago)
Head coach: Robert Smith
2010-11 record: 30-2, Illinois Class 4A state champions
Players to watch: Jelani Neely (5-10, 160, Sr., G), Kendrick Nunn (6-1, 175, Jr., G), Jabari Parker (6-8, 225, Jr., G/F), Kendall Pollard (6-4, 190, Jr., G/F), Jaylon Tate (6-1, 170, Jr., G), Steve Taylor (6-7, 200, Sr., F, Marquette verbal commitment)
Wolverines scouting report: The Wolverines have captured back-to-back 4A state titles and won 37 of their last 39 games overall. Youth and out-of-state experience are about the only question marks for a team that may feature one of the top young talents in the world in Parker.

While speaking of Parker's talent on a global scale may sound like hyperbole, he is at least one of the best in the Western Hemisphere after earning MVP honors and leading the United States to a gold medal at the FIBA Americas U16 Championship over the summer. Parker led Simeon in scoring as a sophomore at 15.3 points per game to go along with 5.9 rebounds and 2.2 assists.

Senior Taylor (9.7 points per game last season) and junior Nunn (8.3) are both Top 100 selections in their respective classes. Neely, Pollard and senior guards Reginald Norris and Dwaun Stewart should also find a spot in the rotation.

Simeon's first big test will come Dec. 17 at Cameron Indoor Stadium – home of the Duke Blue Devils – as it faces No. 5 Huntington Prep (Huntington, W.Va.). Miller Grove (Lithonia, Ga.) and Findlay Prep (Henderson, Nev.) dot the schedule following the New Year.

{PAGEBREAK}7. Miller Grove (Lithonia, Ga.)
Head coach: Sharman White
2010-11 record: 31-1, Georgia Class AAAA state champion
Players to watch: Justin Colvin (6-2, 170, Sr., G), Tony Evans (6-5, 195, Sr., F), Christian Houston (5-11, 165, Sr., G), Brandon Morris (6-7, 190, Sr., F, Georgia verbal commitment), Tony Parker (6-9, 270, Sr., F/C), Davante Provost (6-0, 165, Sr., G)
Scouting report: Miller Grove High School opened in 2004. Basketball-wise, many in Georgia would probably like to see it disappear. The Wolverines have rattled off five-consecutive 20-win seasons and three-straight Class AAAA state titles.

"We envisioned this and now it is coming to fruition," White said of the school's basketball ascension. "Now we want to keep it going."



Miller Grove will be favored to four-peat behind Parker, MaxPreps.com's National Junior of the Year last season. Being pursued by the likes of Duke, Memphis, UCLA and Ohio State, Parker dominated on the big stage in 2010-11, including 21 points and 22 rebounds against Rockdale County in the state championship game.

Colvin, Evans, Houston, Morris and Provost have all contributed for past championship teams at Miller Grove and the group of six experienced seniors (along with Parker) will be counted on to manage a daunting schedule.

From Dec. 15 to Jan. 16, the Wolverines will face a grueling stretch of games. The challenge begins with Oak Hill Academy (Mouth of Wilson, Va.), includes stops in Fort Myers, Fla., for the City of Palms Classic and Springfield, Mo., for the Bass Pro Tournament Champions and showdowns against Simeon (Chicago, Ill.) and St. Anthony (Jersey City, N.J.) are thrown in for good measure. Then there is Southwest DeKalb (Decatur), a region rival MG met four times last season. White says he has no second thoughts about putting together the slate.

"These opportunities don't come around very often. They aren't guaranteed," White said. "So when you have the opportunity, I think you have to take it. We've got the pieces and we think we have what we need to take it on."

{PAGEBREAK}6. Montrose Christian (Rockville, Md.)
Head coach: Stu Vetter
2010-11 record: 25-1, National High School Invitational champion
Players to watch: Justin Anderson (6-7, 220, Sr., F, Virginia verbal commitment), Michael Carrera (6-6, 205, Sr., F), Kevin Larsen (6-10, 240, Sr., F/C), Ishmail Wainright (6-6, 220, Jr., G/F), Kevin Zabo (6-2, 180, So., G)
Mustangs scouting report: Montrose doesn't lose much from a team that beat Findlay Prep (Henderson, Nev.) and Oak Hill Academy (Mouth of Wilson, Va.) during the home stretch of the 2010-11 season. The Mustangs captured the National High School Invitational by beating the latter and Vetter has loaded up for a repeat run.

Though point guard Tyrone Johnson is now at Villanova, Anderson and Carrera shined in the NHSI. Larsen, a native of Denmark, should play a larger role and has been offered by programs like Gonzaga and Virginia Tech.

Newcomers Wainwright and Zabo generated headlines with their respective transfers to the Maryland program over the summer. Wainwright, a Missouri native, earned MVP honors at the Fab 48 tournament in Las Vegas while leading the Kansas City 76ers to the title. Zabo is the heir apparent to Johnson at point guard and is originally from Canada.

Mid-December will be a key stretch for Montrose as it faces No. 2 Marcus (Flower Mound, Texas) en route to the Iolani Classic in Hawaii, where De La Salle (Concord, Calif.), Orlando Christian Prep (Orlando, Fla.) and Westbury Christian (Houston, Texas) await.

{PAGEBREAK}5. Huntington Prep (Huntington, W.Va.)
Head coach: Rob Fulford
2010-11 record: 22-3
Players to watch: Tanveer Bhullar (7-2, 290, Jr., C), Javontae Hawkins (6-5, 185, Sr., G/F, South Florida verbal commitment), Stefan Jankovic (6-10, 235, Sr., F/C), Elijah Macon (6-8, 230, Sr., F, West Virginia), Evan Payne (6-1, 180, Sr., G), Xavier Rathan-Mayes (6-3, 185, Jr., G), Negus Webster-Chan (6-7, 195, Sr., G/F, Missouri), Andrew Wiggins (6-7, 200, So., G/F)
Express scouting report: Could too much talent be the biggest issue for upstart Huntington Prep? The Express feature four players already committed to high-major programs and a handful of other Division I prospects on the roster.

"We addressed that in our first team meeting," Fulford said. "We do have a lot of really good players, but roles are established pretty quick. Playing time is going to be predicated on defense."

Incredibly, the main attraction at Huntington Prep this winter won't be one of the four committed seniors (Hawkins, Jankovic, Macon and Webster-Chan). Wiggins – a Canadian native – is MaxPreps.com's No. 1-ranked sophomore nationally and piled up 25 points and nine boards in his debut with the program Oct. 29.

"He's an unbelievable talent," Fulford said of his young star. "It would be very difficult with him being as good as he is if he was cocky and mouthed off to everybody. But he's very humble, we can barely get him to talk."

A challenging schedule includes Simeon (Chicago, Ill.) at Cameron Indoor Stadium, defending Ohio state champ Taft (Cincinnati) and defending national champion St. Anthony (Jersey City, N.J.). Fulford hopes this team can begin a legacy for the program in line with some of high school basketball's other powers.

"Carmelo Anthony has his jersey hanging on that wall at Oak Hill," Fulford said. "We told our guys, 'Start your own legacy.' That's one of the things that we've targeted here."

{PAGEBREAK}4. Oak Hill Academy (Mouth of Wilson, Va.)
Head coach: Steve Smith
2010-11 record: 29-4, National High School Invitational participant
Players to watch: Jordan Adams (6-5, 215, Sr., G, UCLA verbal commitment), A.J. Hammons (6-10, 275, Sr., C, Purdue), Tyler Lewis (5-11, 165, Sr., G, North Carolina State), D'Vauntes Smith-Rivera (6-2, 215, Sr., G, Georgetown), Jordan Tebbutt (6-4, 220, Sr., G/F), Damien Wilson (6-5, 190, Sr., G/F, Memphis)
Warriors scouting report: Under Smith, Oak Hill Academy has gone undefeated five times with eight one-loss seasons. The Warriors have been crowned national champion by one media outlet or another eight times.

The talent is there for Oak Hill to add to that legacy this season, but with 13 losses over the last four seasons, the program doesn't look quite as untouchable as it once did. But don't tell that to the Warriors' first four opponents this season, who have been dispatched by an average margin of 32.5 points per game (yes, OHA has already played four games).

The Warriors will look to regain their place at the top of high school basketball with a guard- and wing-heavy roster. Lewis, Smith-Rivera and Tebbutt all averaged over 20 points per game last season with different programs before heading to Virginia. They join mainstays Adams and Wilson to give Smith plenty of options on the perimeter.

Purdue commitment Hammons is another returnee that will be the centerpiece in the paint. Forwards Montarius Hall (6-7, 255, Sr.) and Darion Clark (6-6, 225, Sr.) are unheralded additions that provide depth at the post positions.



Oak Hill plays teams from 13 states and Canada. Highlights include matchups with Grace Prep (Arlington, Texas) and Miller Grove (Lithonia, Ga.), as well as appearances in the Chick-fil-A Classic and Les Schwab Invitational.

{PAGEBREAK}3. Mater Dei (Santa Ana, Calif.)
Head coach: Gary McKnight
2010-11 record: 32-3, California Division I state champion
Players to watch: Elijah Brown (6-3, 175, Jr., G), Stanley Johnson (6-6, 210, So., G/F), Xavier Johnson (6-6, 190, Sr., G/F, Colorado verbal commitment), Katin Reinhardt (6-4, 200, Sr., G, UNLV), Eli Stalzer (6-2, 190, Sr., G)
Monarchs scouting report: Somehow Mater Dei – a perennial national power – managed to sneak up on people last season. Unranked nationally and overshadowed locally by Long Beach Poly, the Monarchs used a young and guard-heavy lineup to capture another state title.

"The last five games (of last season) we were about as good as any team I've ever had," McKnight said. "We played every type of team possible and the kids played out of their heads."

There will be no element of surprise this season, however. The Monarchs will go at least nine deep led by Colorado commitment Xavier Johnson, Reinhardt, a future Runnin' Rebel, and unheralded Stalzer, whose talents on the piano are drawing as much interest from colleges as his savvy with the ball in his hands.

"This is a really good group with good depth," McKnight said. "What I like most is that when somebody isn't playing well I've got somebody to put in for them. There is nobody in the starting lineup that isn't replaceable."

Stanley Johnson played with USA Basketball's U16 developmental team over the summer and is emerging as one of the nation's top sophomores. Soto, another sophomore, will round out the starting lineup. A notable addition to the program is Brown, who moved to California from Ohio with his father Mike – the new head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers.

{PAGEBREAK}2. Marcus (Flower Mound, Texas)
Head coach: Danny Henderson
2010-11 record: 39-1, Texas 5A state champion
Players to watch: Nick Banyard (6-7, 195, Sr., F, New Mexico verbal commitment), Phil Forte (5-11, 180, Sr., G, Oklahoma State), A.J. Luckey (6-0, 180, Sr., G), Marcus Smart (6-3, 205, Sr., G, Oklahoma State)
Marauders scouting report: The duo of Forte and Smart has been tough to beat over the past couple of years. The future Oklahoma State teammates have helped Marcus go 76-4 over the past two seasons with a state title in 2011. They also led club team Texas Assault to age-group titles each of the past two summers at the prestigious adidas Super 64 in Las Vegas.

Smart earned MVP honors in last season's state finals and is one of the nation's top prospects. No. 11 in the MaxPreps Class of 2012 Top 100, Henderson once compared him to a shorter version of Magic Johnson with his ability to pass and dominate games without scoring. Smart is also capable of rebounding in bunches and is a dogged defender.

Forte led the Marauders in scoring last year and is a deadly 3-point shooter. Forte and Smart have been close since the third grade and played virtually every game since together in the same backcourt.



Banyard joined the program last season and has seen his stock rise. Now regarded as a Top 100 prospect, the future New Mexico Lobo has a developing 3-point game and is an ultra-athletic finisher and defender. Luckey is a veteran of Marcus' success over the past two seasons.

As good as Marcus is, surviving the next month unscathed will be a challenge. The Marauders take on Yates (Houston) Nov. 25 at the Thanksgiving Hoopfest and No. 1 Findlay Prep (Henderson, Nev.) just eight days later.
{PAGEBREAK}1. Findlay Prep (Henderson, Nev.)
Head coach: Michael Peck
2010-11 record: 28-4, National High School Invitational participant
Players to watch: Dominic Artis (6-0, 165, Sr., G), Brandon Ashley (6-8, 225, Sr., F, Arizona verbal commitment), Anthony Bennett (6-7, 235, Sr., F), Winston Shepard (6-8, 205, Sr., F), Nigel Williams-Goss (6-3, 180, Jr., G), Christian Wood (6-7, 190, Jr., F, UNLV)
Pilots scouting report: Peck isn't exactly sandbagging, but even with a half-dozen Top 100-caliber prospects on the roster he is taking a cautious approach to forecasting the 2011-12 season.

"We've got talent, but talent has got to produce and be effective in a system," Peck said. "After going through this five years now, you never know. I feel really good about our team but a lot of it is going to be up to them."

The Pilots were picked preseason No. 1 by MaxPreps two years ago, but faltered twice, including a loss against Jared Sullinger and Northland of Columbus, Ohio. Defending the Sullingers of the high school basketball world should be a strength for Findlay Prep this winter as eight players measure in at over 6-foot-7.

That group includes the tandem of Ashley and Bennett, a pair of five-star forwards. Their presence should allow 6-8 Shepard to play some on the wing and perimeter, where he showed promise on the summer circuit with club team Dream Vision.

Not to be ignored, Artis, Williams-Goss and Italian import Amedeo Della Valle provide plenty of firepower in the backcourt.

The schedule is brutal – as usual – with showdowns against nationally-ranked Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas, Nev.), Marcus (Flower Mound, Texas) and Simeon (Chicago, Ill.). The Bishop Gorman and Simeon games are just five days apart in January, but Peck isn't looking that far ahead.



"You can make yourself sick thinking about this and that," Peck said. "I'm just looking at things one day at a time and locked in on our team."

[Continue to next slide for Preseason Xcellent 25 quick list]

{PAGEBREAK}

Preseason Boys Basketball Xcellent 25 presented by the Army National Guard

1. Findlay Prep (Henderson, Nev.) +
2. Marcus (Flower Mound, Texas) * +
3. Mater Dei (Santa Ana, Calif.) * +
4. Oak Hill Academy (Mouth of Wilson, Va.) +
5. Huntington Prep (Huntington, W.Va.)
6. Montrose Christian (Rockville, Md.) +
7. Miller Grove (Lithonia, Ga.) * +
8. Simeon (Chicago, Ill.) * +
9. Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas, Nev.)
10. St. Anthony (Jersey City, N.J.) * +
11. Arlington Country Day (Jacksonville, Fla.) +
12. Montverde Academy (Montverde, Fla.)
13. DeMatha (Hyattsville, Md.)
14. Christ School (Arden, N.C.) *
15. Grace Prep (Arlington, Texas) *
16. Columbia (Decatur, Ga.) *
17. Yates (Houston, Texas)
18. Wichita Heights (Wichita, Kan.) * +
19. Loyola (Los Angeles, Calif.)
20. Riverside Academy (Reserve, La.) *
21. Chester (Pa.) * +
22. Christ the King (Middle Village, N.Y.)
23. Archbishop Mitty (San Jose, Calif.) *
24. Gonzaga (Washington, D.C.)
25. Southwest DeKalb (Decatur, Ga.)

* Defending state champions
+ Appeared in final 2010-11 Xcellent 25

Quick links

Class of 2012 Top 100 / Class of 2013 Top 100 / Class of 2014 Top 50
Final 2010-11 Xcellent 25 / 2010-11 MaxPreps All-American Team