High school basketball: Best team in all 50 states entering the 2025-26 season

Preseason top 10 programs Archbishop Stepinac, Columbus, Millennium, Petersburg, Sierra Canyon and Wheeler represent their state.

Thumbnail image of this articles writer: Jordan Divens
By
Nov 18, 2025, 1:30pm
Identifying the top high school basketball team in each state is one of the final installments in our preview of the 2025-26 season, preceded by the National Top 10, MaxPreps Top 25, top 100, MaxPreps All-America teams and an extensive list of over 90 of the top events and tournaments.

Additionally, we will highlight the top player in all 50 states later this week.

From Alabama to Wyoming and every state in between, we searched coast-to-coast to find the best team from your state heading into the winter campaign. The list only includes teams that compete for a state championship as a part of a recognized governing body.
(GRAPHIC: Ryan Escobar)
(GRAPHIC: Ryan Escobar)
Alabama — Hoover
2024-25: 35-0, No. 6 in final MaxPreps Top 25
Three-time defending Class 7A state champions have to replace significant losses due to graduation but the Buccaneers return top 100 Vanderbilt commit Jackson Sheffield to anchor the paint while other top players include Michael Glass, Messiah Millin and Kobe Boleware.

2024-25: 24-5
The Grizzlies bring back the majority of a team that earned the top seed in the Class 4A state tournament before falling in the semifinals. Second team all-state selection Bristol Tobin is the player to watch again this season.

Arizona — Millennium (Goodyear)
2024-25: 20-8
Despite the departure of their coach, the Tigers have a potent lineup with top-five sophomore prospect Adan Diggs and top 40 senior Cameron Holmes. Other key pieces in the rotation include junior guards Gabe Coronado and Adrian Higuera, junior forward D.J. Spencer and top 40 sophomore Trey McKinney.

Arkansas — Bryant
2024-25: 23-9
Central Arkansas commit Camarion Bead and senior guard R.J. Young are the top returners for the defending Class 6A state champions.

California — Sierra Canyon (Chatsworth)
2024-25: 27-7
Defending Division I state champions have their eyes set on an even bigger prize this season as the Trailblazers look to capture their first Open Division state title since 2019. Top 20 North Carolina pledge Maximo Adams headlines a lineup that is loaded with talented newcomers including No. 3-ranked senior Brandon McCoy, three-star senior Brannon Martinsen, top 40 junior Josh Lowery and top 100 sophomore J.J. Sati-Grier.

Colorado — Chaparral (Parker)
2024-25: 21-5
Bring back four of their top five scorers from last season as Colorado State commit Luke Howery, junior guard Christian Williams, senior post Luke Williams and junior guard Champ Spears are joined by newcomer Kris Coleman in the starting rotation.

Connecticut — Notre Dame (West Haven)
2024-25: 27-2
Two-time reigning Division 1 state champions boast high expectations with top 30 Arkansas commit Abdou Toure and Sacred Heart pledge Landon Krygier steering the ship again.

2024-25: 17-7
Strong core returns for a unit that reached the state semifinals last season. Senior forward Joshua Obiora will again be the catalyst while juniors Amere Rhoades and Jayden Reid are strong supporting options.

District of Columbia — Sidwell Friends
2024-25: 24-6
Favorites to capture their fourth Class AA state title in the past five seasons, the Quakers bring back three key cogs from last season as four-star Mississippi State commit Jalyn Collingwood, three-star junior Ian Condon and sophomore guard Jadah Washington.

Florida — Columbus (Miami)
2024-25: 30-3, No. 1 in final MaxPreps Top 25
Defending national champions and four-time defending state champions look to go for an unprecedented five state titles in a row. Returning starters include top 10 Miami commit Caleb Gaskins and three-star Memphis commit Cello Jackson. They are joined by four-star Florida Atlantic commit Felipe Quinones, 7-foot-1 junior Akol Nyok and promising freshman Caydin Gaskins.

Georgia — Wheeler (Marietta)
2024-25: 29-3, No. 7 in final MaxPreps Top 25
After capturing the program's fourth state championship since 2020 and 10th overall, the Wildcats are again the team to beat behind top 30 Connecticut commit Colben Landrew and top 50 junior Kevin Savage. Three-star Mississippi pledge Jaron Saulsberry is the top newcomer for the defending Class AAAAAA champs.

Hawaii — Punahou (Honolulu)
2024-25: 28-8
Defending Division I state champions return all-state selection Tanoa Scanlan, who is expected to anchor Punahou again this season.

2024-25: 23-4
This program has quickly become the standard in The Gem State, winning three state titles and compiling a record of 92-16 since opening its doors in 2021. Utah Valley commit Logan Haustveit is expected to be the catalyst.

Illinois — DePaul College Prep (Chicago)
2024-25: 33-4
Three-time defending Class 3A state champions bring back Toledo commit Rashaun Porter, Brown pledge Rykan Woo and Michigan Tech-bound A.J. Chambers from last year's title run.

Indiana — Saint Joseph (South Bend)
2024-25: 27-3
Following a run to the school's first state championship last season, the Huskies look to repeat with four starters returning and a few impact transfers joining the fold. Newcomers K.J. Avery and junior wing Peyton Miamba are expected to join returners Ethan Roseman, Notre Dame commit Nick Shrewsberry and junior guard Elijah King in the starting rotation.

2024-25: 22-4
Despite graduating their top two scorers from a group that reached the Class 4A state title game, the Wolves return virtually all other production headlined by top 75 Nebraska commit Colin Rice and three-star Illinois pledge Landon Davis.

2024-25: 21-2
This squad has plenty to prove after bowing out of the Class 6A state tournament in the first round despite entering postseason play as the top seed. Second team all-state selection Drake DeBaun and honorable mention selection Conor Kerrigan spearhead the rotation.

Kentucky — St. Xavier (Louisville)
2024-25: 31-3
Following an appearance in the Sweet 16 state tournament, the Tigers begin the season as the team behind key returners senior wing Jeremiah Jackson, junior guard Chief Cameron and top 40 sophomore Josh Lindsay.

2024-25: 29-8
Defending Division III Select state champions bring back four starters from last year's team as seniors Kellen Brewer, Herm Dyson, and Brennan White and sophomore Curtis McAllister return to the starting five.

Maine — Windham
2024-25: 20-4
Two-time defending Class AA state champions will be a formidable unit again this season behind returning seniors Tyrie James and Adrian Moody.

Maryland — Bishop McNamara (Forestville)
2024-25: 14-15
The Mustangs couldn't overcome an 0-9 start to the season in 2024-25 despite a talented young roster. Although they struggled a year ago, it is hard to ignore a loaded rotation that features top 20 senior Qayden Samuels, three-star senior Kirby Duran, top 130 Indiana commit Prince Moody and top 40 junior Brandon Woodard. Jahmai Drayton, a 6-11 center, and sophomore guard Terry Brooks are the top newcomers for a team looking to capture its first WCAC title since 1995.

Massachusetts — Central Catholic (Lawrence)
2024-25: 20-4
Following a run to the Division 1 state semifinals, the Raiders are a contender to capture the title this season behind senior Javi Lopez and sophomore Elkin Pena, who each earned all-conference honors last season.

Michigan — East Lansing
2024-25: 27-1, No. 22 in final MaxPreps Top 25
Defending Division 1 state champions return Bowling Green commit Kelvin Torbert, Jr., junior wing Kingston Thomas and senior forward Dequarius Stewart.

Minnesota — Wayzata (Plymouth)
2024-25: 28-4
Following a run to the program's third state title in the past five seasons, the Trojans return each of their top three scorers from last season as four-star Iowa State commit Christian Wiggins, three-star Minnesota commit Nolen Anderson and Duluth pledge Isaac Olmstead will lead the charge again this season.

Mississippi — Starkville
2024-25: 24-8
Notched a big victory over three-time defending Alabama state champion Hoover 59-49 to snap their 48-game winning streak. Returning second team all-state selection Jaden Tate is expected to be the catalyst.

Missouri — Principia (St. Louis)
2024-25: 30-1
Defending Class 3 state champions take on a loaded schedule that includes trips to the City of Palms Classic and Bass Pro Shops Tournament of Champions. Top 100 Wake Forest commit Quentin Coleman will again be the go-to guy while three-star junior Sekou Cisse provides a strong second option.

Montana — Lockwood (Billings)
2024-25: 18-4
After making a run to the Class A state championship game, the Lions will look to get over the hump this season with three starters returning in Kobe Blake, Zicciah Callison-Blake and Nate Davis.

Nebraska — Omaha Westside (Omaha)
2024-25: 24-5
Coming off a run to the Class A state championship game, the Warriors will be a tough out behind top returners Emre Gedik, three-star junior London Dada and four-year varsity contributor Donnie Barfield.

Nevada — Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas)
2024-25: 24-5
The Gaels don't feature highly-regarded prospects like past seasons, but a cohesive group aims for the program's 24th state championship led by key returners Kameron Cooper, Ty Johnson and Dino Roberts.

New Hampshire — Portsmouth
2024-25: 17-4
Return a pair of all-state selections from a group that advanced to the Division I state semifinals as senior Isaiah Reis and promising senior Derek Swartz are the catalysts again in 2025-26.

New Jersey — Plainfield
2024-25: 29-3
Begin the season as the team to beat from the Garden State after capturing the Group 4 state championship last season. Top 50 junior Micah Gordon is back to lead the charge while seniors Marcus Richards, Devin Thomas and Rashawn Williams returning to the starting five.

New Mexico — Sandia (Albuquerque)
2024-25: 27-4
Following a run to the Class 5A state championship game last season, the Matadors are expected to be formidable this season behind returning all-state honorable mention selections Isaiah Brown and Gad Harris.

New York — Archbishop Stepinac (White Plains)
2024-25: 26-4, No. 24 in final MaxPreps Top 25
The Crusaders begin the season as the top-ranked team in the Preseason MaxPreps Top 25. A trio of top 50 seniors lead the way as USC commits Adonis and Darius Ratliff form the tallest frontcourt in high school basketball while Michigan State pledge Jasiah Jervis is again the expected catalyst for the experienced group.

North Carolina — Greensboro Day (Greensboro)
2024-25: 31-5
Head coach Freddy Johnson enters his 49th season with a record of 1,221-333 and 13 state championships. A talented group will lean on senior guard Marty Giant along with juniors Jagger Emerson and Mason Robinson.

North Dakota — Kindred
2024-25: 27-1
Although the defending Class A state champions have heavy turnover due to graduation, highly-regarded football prospect Brooks Bakko returns to lead the charge after earned first team all-state honors as a sophomore.

Ohio — Lakota West (West Chester)
2024-25: 21-6
Following a run to the Division I state semifinals last season, the Firebirds look to build on their success behind top 125 juniors Josh Tyson and Bryce Curry.

Oklahoma — Owasso
2024-25: 25-5
A two-point upset loss to Deer Creek in the first round of the Class 6A state tournament put a halt to the Rams' repeat bid last season. Top 60 Oklahoma State commit Jalen Montonati will again be the go-to guy while fellow returning senior starters Julius Wilson and three-star Oral Roberts pledge Boden Williams are expected to see elevated roles.

Oregon — Grant (Portland)
2024-25: 18-9
Bring back three starters in Keone Gates, Varryk Hardges and Keion James while the addition of promising Class of 2028 prospect Carter Lockhart will bolster the rotation.

Pennsylvania — Father Judge (Philadelphia)
2024-25: 24-7
Captured the program's second Philadelphia Catholic League title and their first state title last season. Temple commit Derrick Morton-Rivera, Merrimack pledge Rocco Westfield and Iona-bound Max Moshinski are expected to provide the bulk of the production.

Rhode Island — Barrington
2024-25: 19-7
After advancing to the Division 1 state quarterfinals last year, the Eagles are expected to return the bulk of their team centered around seniors Caleb Satisfield, Ryan Rigamonti and Colin McDermott.

South Carolina — Ridge View (Columbia)
2024-25: 23-7
Two-time defending state champions remain one of the top teams in the Palmetto State behind senior guard Talan Staley, three-star junior Robert Wylie, junior guard Joshua Van Kallen and top 100 sophomores C.J. Moore and R.J. Davis.

South Dakota — West Central (Hartford)
2024-25: 22-4
Bring back second team all-state selection Connor Mebius and all-state honorable mention selection Will Kuhl from a group that reached the Class A state quarterfinals last season.

Tennessee — Webb (Knoxville)
2024-25: 34-2
Reigning Division II Class AA state champions bring back four starters from last season and add all-state selection and Virginia-Wise commit Brayden Hazelbaker along with all-district pick Ethan Woolard. The four returners to the starting five include seniors Wilson Luton, South Dakota State commit Cameron Swearengen, Rice commit Alex Leeth and Alabama-Huntsville pledge Owen Lentz.

Texas — Seven Lakes (Katy)
2024-25: 33-6
In search of its first state championship, Seven Lakes brings back four starters from a group that advanced to the Conference 6A Division 1 state quarterfinals. Seniors Jose Martins and Sean Mwesigwa along with juniors Dean Spencer and top 110 prospect Isaiah Santos return to the starting five while three-star UTSA commit Nasir Price will be a welcome addition.

Utah — Timpview (Provo)
2024-25: 20-6
The Thunderbirds return all five starters from a group that reached the Class 5A state semifinals. BYU commits Dean Rueckert and Will Openshaw are the centerpieces with Mason Ford, Lincoln Holcombe and Jackson Palmer rounding out the starting five again.

2024-25: 20-7
The 16-time state champions are coming off their 28th state title game appearance and add all-state selection Pascal Munezero to the mix. The Green Knights have appeared in the Division 1 state championship game in six straight seasons.

Virginia — Petersburg
2024-25: 14-10
Head coach Ty White takes over at his alma mater after a success stint at John Marshall (Richmond, Va.) that saw him win seven state titles. Petersburg will be a tough out behind top 30 Oklahoma State commit Latrell Allmond, three-star Mississippi State pledge Ladarius Givan, top 60 sophomore Kelvin Anderson and promising freshman King Bacot.

Washington — Rainier Beach (Seattle)
2024-25: 28-3
Reigning Class 3A state champions have lofty expectations heading into the season following the last-minute addition of top-ranked senior Tyran Stokes. He joins freshman J.J. Crawford, the son of Jamal Crawford, along with key returners Marques and Micah Ili-Menesse.

2024-25: 24-2
Coming off a run to their first Class AA state title since 2018, the 13-time state champions appear to be the team to beat again behind reigning MaxPreps West Virginia Player of the year Eli Sancomb, who is committed to Liberty.

Wisconsin — Wisconsin Lutheran (Milwaukee)
2024-25: 28-2
Two-time defending Division 1 state champions are equipped to continue their dominance behind the Knueppel family as top 120 junior Kager Knueppel and top 60 sophomore Kinston Knueppel join fellow key returners Riley Walz and Northern Iowa commit Zavier Zens. Also an offensive tackle on the football field, the addition of Jamail Sewell will provide a post presence this season. 

Wyoming — Sheridan
2024-25: 24-4
Return a pair of Class 4A all-state selections as Wyoming football commit Beck Haswell and Nate Miner are expected to be the catalysts for a group that reached the state semifinals last year.

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