The Lone Star State takes over the MaxPreps Top 25 rankings this week after impressive results over the weekend. On Saturday, Richardson (Texas) scored a 61-38 win over AZ Compass Prep (Chandler, Ariz) — No. 1 in the MaxPreps National Top 20, a separate ranking that's comprised of academy and independent programs. The same day, Duncanville (Texas) defeated Sierra Canyon (Chatsworth, Calif.) 80-73 at the Thanksgiving Hoopfest showcase in Fort Worth to replace the Trailblazers atop the MaxPreps Top 25.
As a result, the top two spots in this week's rankings belong to the Texas public schools which will each be competing for the UIL Class 6A state crown this season. The MaxPreps Top 25 ranks teams that play for state titles within its respective state associations.
Two-time defending state champion Duncanville, which began the season at No. 5, jumps to the top spot after its third consecutive victory against a ranked opponent. The Panthers previously knocked off No. 21 Wheeler (Marietta, Ga.) 80-58 and No. 10 Centennial (Corona, Calif.) 75-70.
Richardson climbs five spots after four-star Alabama signee
Rylan Griffen helped the Eagles jump to a 30-12 lead at the half while scoring 20 of his game-high 26 points against the Dragons. Five-star Kentucky signee
Cason Wallace chipped in 22 points and was the catalyst in the second half during his his team's surprisingly lopsided win over AZ Compass Prep.
The Eagles are in search of their first state championship after advancing to their only state semifinal appearance last season.
The biggest climb in this week's rankings came from Greensboro Day (Greensboro, N.C.), which went from unranked to No. 11 after a signature early-season victory over perennial basketball powerhouse Oak Hill Academy (Mouth of Wilson, Va.).
Duncanville takes over the top spot in the MaxPreps Top 25 after defeating Sierra Canyon 80-73 over the weekend at Holiday Hoopfest.
Photo by Robbie Rakestraw
Record: 5-0 | Preseason: 5
Record: 7-0 | Preseason: 7
In addition to their big win over AZ Compass Prep, the Eagles own wins over top in-state opponents Mansfield Timberview (Arlington) and Clear Brook (Friendswood), among others.
Record: 0-0 | Preseason: 3
Tip off their 2021-22 campaign Wednesday with Coolidge (Washington, D.C.) before taking on Top 25 contender Westtown (West Chester, Pa.) on Saturday.
Record: 0-0 | Preseason: 4
Open the year with a showdown against No. 14 Roselle Catholic on Dec. 17 on ESPNU. Top-ranked junior prospect
D.J. Wagner brings high expectations for the Panthers.
Record: 4-1 | Preseason: 1
The Trailblazers haven't played with their full unit yet while awaiting the eligibility of five-star sophomore transfer
Isaiah Elohim and return from injury of reigning California Player of the Year
Amari Bailey.
Record: 3-0 | Preseason: 6
Picked up a pair of impressive wins at the Thanksgiving Hoopfest, defeating Kimball (Dallas) 72-70 and Oak Cliff Faith Family Academy (Dallas) 79-63. Five-star center
Kel'el Ware had a pair of dominant performances with a combined 51 points and 34 rebounds.
Record: 1-0 | Preseason: 2
Dealing with the implications of losing two key players due to legal issues, the Eagles drop five spots from their lofty preseason perch despite winning their only game 83-47 against Roswell.
Record: 0-0 | Preseason: 9
Host St. Mary's (Manhasset) on Wednesday to open the season. The Crusaders played three games last season due to COVID-19 cancellations.
Record: 1-0 | Preseason: 10
Defeated Highlands Christian (Pompano Beach) 82-30 in their opener. Return to the court Thursday to face American Heritage (Delray Beach).
Record: 4-1 | Preseason: 12
Lived up to their preseason billing, narrowly losing to top-ranked Duncanville 75-70 and picking up a pair of solid victories over Notre Dame (Sherman Oaks) 85-79 and Kimball (Dallas) 67-59.
Record: 8-0 | Preseason: Not Ranked
Pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the young season, defeating Oak Hill Academy (Mouth of Wilson, Va.) — No. 4 in the Preseason National Top 20 — 55-54 back on Nov. 13. Senior
Michael Zanoni is the Bengals leading scorer, averaging 12.4 points.
Record: 1-0 | Preseason: 13
Knocked off Wekiva (Apopka) 69-59 in their season opener paced by 24 points from
A.J. Brown. The Warriors return to the hardwood Wednesday against Olympia (Orlando).
Record: 0-0 | Preseason: 14
Tip off the year with a trip to the City of Palms Classic where they face No. 16 Whitney Young in a Dec. 17 first-round contest.
Record: 0-0 | Preseason: 15
Open the year with a highly anticipated in-state matchup against No. 4 Camden Dec. 17 on ESPNU.
Record: 0-0 | Preseason: 16
Commence their 2021-22 campaign on Saturday with a tough in-state opponent in Lower Merion (Ardmore).
Record: 0-0 | Preseason: 17
Start the season on Saturday in showdown against No. 23 Gonzaga at the Chicago Elite Classic.
Record: 0-0 | Preseason: 18
Take on Miamisburg on Dec. 7 to tip off the season.
Record: 0-0 | Preseason: 20
Travel to the Wild West Shootout on Thursday to open the season against Folsom (Calif.) in a first-round contest.
Record: 4-0 | Preseason: 22
The Fighting Irish blew past their first four opponents by an average margin of 31 points per contest behind
B.J. Edwards averaging 21.5 points, 7.8 assists. 5.3 assists and 4.3 blocks. The team has a challenging in-state foe in Bearden (Knoxville) today.
Record: 3-0 | Preseason: 24
The Hilltoppers coasted through their first week of games, winning by an average margin of 37 points.
Record: 0-0 | Preseason: 25
The Panthers open Wednesday against National Christian Academy (Fort Washington, Md.) before taking on Patrick School (Hillside, N.J.) and Archbishop Spalding (Severn, Md.) at the National High School Hoops Festival.
Record: 0-0 | Preseason: Not Ranked
First game of the season is Dec. 10 against No. 15 Imhotep Charter for early season Keystone State bragging rights.
Record: 2-0 | Preseason: Not Ranked
Captured the Mid-Atlantic Invitational Tournament title with an 81-67 championship game victory over Goretti (Hagerstown, Md.).
Devin Dinkins earned tournament Most Outstanding Player award after scoring a game-high 30 points in the win.
Record: 4-0 | Preseason: Not Ranked
Picked up a quality victory over Class 7A contender Norcross 83-67 on Nov. 20. Travel to one-loss Archer (Lawrenceville) today.
Record: 1-2 | Preseason: 21
The Wildcats lost to the nation's two top-ranked teams in No. 1 Duncanville 80-58 and National Top 20 No. 1 Montverde Academy 70-55.
