16. Windward (Los Angeles) (29-4)
Imani Stafford and Windward will tryto defend their California state title.
File photo by Dennis Lee
It's pretty simple: If 6-7 junior
Imani Stafford, daughter of former USC and WNBA star Pam McGee, is healthy and focused, the Wildcats are one of the best teams in the country. But Stafford may not be back until late December due to an injury, so like Buford, Windward must drop back. With sophomore point guard
Jordin Canada running the show and plenty of talent on the wings, if the athletic Stafford is on the court, Windward can play with anyone.
17. Nazareth (Brooklyn, N.Y.) (27-3)Apache Paschall has been battling health problems for a year, but his powerhouse team shows no signs of slowing down. In fact, the Kingsmen might be better this year if their elite transfers are eligible. At this writing, they're not, so Nazareth slides to 20. But if all the players at the school get on the court (appeals are pending), the Kingsmen are Top 5 material.
18. Potter's House Christian (Jacksonville, Fla.) (38-1) Due to an ongoing bureaucratic battle with the Florida High School Athletic Association, Potter's House can't play other teams in Florida and more than a few out-of-state opponents. Even so, the Lions' talent is undeniable, despite the loss of three D-1 players.
Antoinette Bannister and
Hillary Fuller will keep the Potter's House train rolling along.
19. Shabazz (Newark, N.J.) (33-1)The Bulldogs lost just once last year, but it was in the last game of the season — and two valuable seniors moved on. Still, coach Vanessa Watson has plenty of talent left, including
Aliyyah Hanford and
Zaire O'Neil, and Shabazz looks to be the best of New Jersey.
20. Buford (Ga.) (30-3)If
Andrea Carter were healthy, this ranking would be higher, but even though she may come back this season, the loss of the dynamic point guard is a major blow.
Kaela Davis is the real deal, and even though the Atlanta area is loaded this year, the Wolves should still stay in the Top 15 if they can survive the TOC without Carter.
