Head coach: Chris Mayberry
2011-12 record: 27-4, TAPPS Class 5A state champions
Seniors (from left to right) Chas Taylor, Julius Randle and Marquan Botley have helped Prestonwood Christian emerge as an elite national program.
Photo by Jim Redman
(6-8, Sr. F),
Mickey Mitchell (6-7, So., G/F),
Marquan Botley (5-8, Sr., G),
Chas Taylor (5-10, Sr., G)
Strengths: Randle, who at 6-8 and 240 pounds has the look of an NBA veteran, is the No. 4 overall prospect in the MaxPreps Class of 2013 Top 100 and posted more than 21 points and eight rebounds per game as a junior. He was the MVP of the City of Palms Classic and has Florida, Kansas and Kentucky – among others – battling for his services. Mitchell, also a burgeoning quarterback prospect, is a versatile perimeter player. He averaged 10.1 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game as a freshman.
Question marks: PCA's roster appears to be a little more top-heavy than some of the other elite teams nationally. That could make things more difficult as they attempt to manage a grueling schedule. Mayberry's club will return to the City of Palms Classic as the defending champions and also heads to the always-tough Bass Pro Tournament of Champions in January. Games against No. 1
Simeon (Chicago) and
Archbishop Mitty (San Jose, Calif.) also dot the slate.
