MaxPreps Preseason High School Basketball Top 25: No. 20 Hamilton Heights Christian Academy

After finishing last season ranked No. 25, four returning starters look to build on program's recent success.

Thumbnail image of this articles writer: Jordan Divens
By
Nov 6, 2019, 9:30am
Video: Preseason Top 25 basketball rankings
Breaking down the national contenders heading into the 2019-20 season.


Head Coach: Zack Ferrell
Last Season: No. 25 in final Top 100, 34-4

Key Contributors:
Reggie Bass (6-foot-4, So., G)
Andersson Garcia (6-7, Sr., W)
Bayron Matos (6-9, Sr., F) — Committed to New Mexico
Felix Okpara (6-11, So., C)
Dominiq Penn (6-0, Jr., G)
Samson Ruzhentsev (6-7, Sr., W) — Committed to Florida
Marcus Tankersley (6-3, Sr., G)
Drew Williams (6-7, Jr., W)
Forward Bayron Matos
Forward Bayron Matos
File photo by Andy Mitchell
Key Games/Events:
Nov. 29-30 vs. Orangeville Prep (Canada) (first round) — Lighthouse Classic
Dec. 7 vs. Hillcrest Prep (Phoenix) — Hoophall West
Dec. 20-22 vs. West Oaks Academy (Orlando, Fla.) (first round) — City of Palms Classic
Jan. 4 vs. Crestwood Prep (Canada) — ARS National Hoopfest (Memphis)
Jan. 24 vs. Mehlville (St. Louis) — Quincy Shootout
Jan. 31-Feb. 1 vs. TBD — Dr. Pepper 10 Classic
Wing Samson Ruzhentsev
Wing Samson Ruzhentsev
File photo by Andy Mitchell
Season Preview:
The Hawks begin the season five spots higher than they finished 2018-19, returning four starters and adding a pair of impact transfers.

Talented junior transfer Penn likely will fill the open spot in the starting rotation, while Bass, a highly regarded sophomore transfer, will see significant minutes off the bench.

Returning to the starting lineup, their second leading scorer from last year, Ruzhentsev, will become the go-to guy with Matos, Garcia and Williams playing pivotal roles again this season.

This experienced group will be tough to beat, as a group comprised of mostly juniors and seniors looks to put together another strong season.

Hamilton Heights faces some tough national competition this season, headlined by contests against Teays Valley Christian, No. 24 Hillcrest Prep, West Oaks, Mehlville and a trip to the City of Palms Classic to compete in the Signature Series.

If supporting players can step up and increase their production around Ruzhentsev, this team could climb to a high national ranking at season's end.

Related Content