High school girls basketball rankings: Incarnate Word Academy tops Preseason MaxPreps Top 25

Head coach: Dan Rolfes
2021-22: 29-0
Final 2021-22 ranking: No. 10
Key players: Natalie Potts, Brooke Coffey, K.J. Janes, Abbie Sextro, Peyton Hill, Nevaeh Caffey, Sophia Otten
Outlook: The Red Knights enter the season with a national-best 67-game win streak and a host of talent looking to extend it further. In addition to Potts, Coffey and Janes, coach Rolfes also has Division I transfer Zoe Best and four freshmen who should see playing time.
Key games: 'Iolani Classic, Raatz Fence/O'Shea's Classic, Whitney Young, Park Hills South, Bishop Miege

2. Sierra Canyon (Chatsworth, Calif.)
Head coach: Alicia Komaki
2021-22: 30-2
Final 2021-22 ranking: No. 3
Key players: Juju Watkins, MacKenly Randolph, Izela Arenas, Crystal Wang, Christy Reynoso, Kayla Malek, Leia Edwards
Outlook: The Trailblazers have the No. 1-rated player in the Class of 2023 in Watkins and Komaki looks to bring her bunch back to the pinnacle with a second-straight CIF Open Division schedule. The Sierra Canyon coach is 5 for 5 in title games and the aggressive national schedule should serve the Trailblazers well in the postseason.
Key games: Utah Holiday Hoopfest (DeSoto, Centennial, Lone Peak), Texas vs. California Showdown (Duncanville, South Grand Prairie), The Chosen 1s Invitational (La Jolla Country Day), Hoophall Classic (Sidwell Friends)

3. Montverde Academy (Montverde, Fla.)
Head coach: Special Jennings
2021-22: 20-3
Final 2021-22 ranking: No. 8
Key players: Mjracle Sheppard, Rusne Augustinaite, Sahnya Jah, Cori Allen, Vivian Iwuchukwu, Lety Vasconcelos, Jordy Griggs
Outlook: The Eagles lost their two top scorers from last season but have a host of talent waiting to step into those roles. Mississippi State commit Sheppard, Illinois commit Allen and transfer and Kentucky commit Griggs give Montverde the depth to tackle what Jennings says is one of the toughest schedules in the country.
Key games: Inside Exposure Thanksgiving event (1 of 1 Academy, Duncanville), Thanksgiving Hoopfest (South Grand Prairie, DeSoto), NIBC event at Montverde, New Years Classic in Fort Lauderdale

4. Etiwanda (Calif.)
Head coach: Stan Delus
2021-22: 29-1
Final 2021-22 ranking: No. 5
Key players: Kennedy Smith, Aliyahna Morris, Sa'lah Hemingway, Majesty Cade, Jaiya Mix, Jada Sanders, Layla Harris
Outlook: The Eagles were young last year with their lone loss to eventual CIF Open Division champion Sierra Canyon in the SoCal Open finals. Smith is the 16th ranked player in the Class of 2024 and Morris is ranked 18th in her class by ESPN HoopGurlz and the state freshman of the year. Delus also has transfers Arynn Finley, Mykelle Richards and Ryann Riddle in the mix to produce a formidable starting five and deep bench.
Key games: Battle at the Beach, Nike TOC, West Coast Jamboree, St. James MLK Classic in Washington, D.C., La Jolla Country Day on Jan. 28.

5. DeSoto (Texas)
Head coach: Andrea Robinson
2021-22: 35-2
Final 2021-22 ranking: No. 2
Key players: Nisaa Muhammad, Mylasia Smith, Ma'Riya Vincent, Vivian Franklin
Outlook: The Eagles are coming off a year in which they won the Texas 6A title while only dropping two games, both to MaxPreps National Champion Sidwell Friends. In addition to Class of 2024 guards Muhammad and Smith, transfers Vincent and Franklin should lead a core that also includes four freshmen — Amayah Garcia, Rieyan DeSouze, Amari Byles and Kamora Pruitt — with multiple Power 5 offers. DeSoto hasn't lost to a Texas team on the court since 2020.
Key games: Baytown Tournament, Thanksgiving Hoopfest in Dallas, Hoopfest in Texarkana, Holiday Hoopfest in Utah, The Circuit Showcase, Boo Williams Christmas Invitational, Duncanville.

6. La Jolla Country Day (La Jolla, Calif.)
Head coach: Terri Bamford
2021-22: 25-3
Final 2021-22 ranking: No. 9
Key players: Jada Williams, Breya Cunningham, Tajianna Roberts, Naomi Panganiban, Alea Tufaga
Outlook: Bamford is bullish on her team's outlook and who can blame her? She returns all five starters from last year's 25-3 team and all five are Division I-bound. LJCD also has some promising freshmen ready to contribute. The Torreys have lined up a tough schedule in hopes of preparing themselves for a state title run.
Key games: GEICO Texas vs. California Showdown (South Grand Prairie, Duncanville), Sparks N Sharks Thanksgiving Classic, Nike TOC, The Chosen 1s Invitational vs. Sierra Canyon, HoopHall Classic, GEICO Girls Basketball Invitational

7. Sidwell Friends (Washington, D.C.)
Head coach: Tamika Dudley
2021-22: 30-0
Final 2021-22 ranking: No. 1
Key players: Jadyn Donovan, Leah Harmon, Khia Miller, Kendall Dudley, Zania Socka
Outlook: The reigning MaxPreps National Champions lose Kiki Rice, the MaxPreps National Female Athlete of the Year, to graduation but plan to reload rather than rebuild. And with Donovan leading the charge that's a fair plan as she's the No. 3-ranked player in the Class of 2023. The coaching staff feels they might be deeper than last year and "our size, depth and balance is going to make us difficult to beat." Freshmen Jayla Jackson and Ava Yoon already have Division I offers and the 6-4 Socka offers an imposing post presence.
Key games: Bishop McNamara, Art Turner Memorial (St. Paul VI), Capital Invitational, She Got Game Classic, Nike TOC, HoopHall, GEICO Girls Basketball Invitational

8. Lake Highland Prep (Orlando, Fla.)
Head coach: Al Honor
2021-22: 26-5
Final 2021-22 ranking: No.15
Key players: Eleecia Carter, Lexi Blue, Camila DePool, Bri Rivera, Ari Woodard, Alla Oskarsdottir, Jada Eads
Outlook: Carter, Rivera and Blue were Nos. 2-4 in scoring behind the graduated Nyla Harris as the Highlanders won the 4A state title and finished runner-up at the GEICO State Champions Invite. They added 2024 Eads, who was the 6A player of the year at Wekiva.
Key games: IE Pre Thanksgiving Tournament, FR Thanksgiving Tournament, Tampa Bay Christmas Invitational, Nike TOC

9. Hopkins (Minnetonka, Minn.)
Head coach: Tara Starks
2021-22: 28-1
Final 2021-22 ranking: No. 6
Key players: Taylor Woodson, Nunu Agara, Liv McGill, Kelly Boyle, Jazzy DuPree, Macaya Copeland, Tatum Woodson
Outlook: The Royals have lost two games in four seasons and return a big portion of the lineup that only dropped a game to last season's MaxPreps National Champion Sidwell Friends. McGill is the No. 14 player in the Class of 2024 while Stanford commit Agara is No. 37 in the 2023 class and Michigan commit Taylor Woodson No. 59. The Royals should get depth from sophomores London Harris, Lauren Hillsheim and Dilan Tubbs.
Key games: Thanksgiving Tip Off Classic, Breakdown Tip Off

10. St. John-Vianney (Holmdel, N.J.)
Head coach: Dawn Karpell
2021-22: 31-1
Final 2021-22 ranking: No. 4
Key players: Zoe Brooks, Janie Bachmann, Breana Delaney, Ashley Sofilkanich, Mikaela Hubbard, Aleena Dinker, Julia Karpell
Outlook: Brooks, ranked ninth by ESPN HoopGurlz, is a do-it-all player who looks to take over the lead role after Madison St. Rose's graduation. She averaged 18.1 points, 4.5 rebounds, 3.8 steals and 3.7 assists as the Lancers only lost to Sidwell Friends. Bachman, a Holy Cross commit, is a 6-foot swing who's comfortable on the perimeter or in the paint. Delany, Sofilkanich, Hubbard, Dinker and Karpell help the Lancers with an in-your-face press defense and an attack, up-tempo offense.
Key games: TBD

11. South Grand Prairie (Grand Prairie, Texas)
Head coach: Brion Raven
2021-22: 35-5
Final 2021-22 ranking: NR
Key players: Adhel Tac, Taylor Barnes, Joy Madison-Key, Taliyah Parker, Ahrianna Morgan, Erica Carr
Outlook: The Warriors return everyone from a youthful squad that went to the 6A finals against DeSoto. Tac is the No. 12 player in the Class of 2024 and the 6-5 post averaged 14.1 points and 8.8 rebounds as the Dallas Morning News Newcomer of the Year. Parker, a five-star guard and No. 6 player from the Class of 2023, transferred from Putnam City West and gives them another weapon as they compete in an aggressive national schedule.
Key games: GEICO Texas vs. California Showdown (Sierra Canyon, La Jolla Country Day), Capital Invitational (St. John's), She Got Game Classic in Dallas and D.C.

12. Garfield (Seattle)
Head coach: Kelvin Washington
2021-22: 20-0
Final 2021-22 ranking: No. 21
Key players: Katie Fiso, Malia Samuels, Rakiyah Jackson, Imbie Jones, Sarah Lessig, Jayda Lewis, Naima Joseph, Navaeh Talbert
Outlook: The Bulldogs were young when they ran the table last year en route to a 3A state title and No. 21 finish in the MaxPreps Top 25. Fiso shined with 22.7 points, 6.7 rebounds and 6.3 assists while Samuels is committed to USC and Jones headed to Wisconsin.
Key games: No national games or tournaments scheduled.

13. Conway (Ark.)
Head coach: Ashley Hutchcraft
2021-22: 29-2
Final 2021-22 ranking: No. 20
Key players: Chloe Clardy, Savannah Scott, Kamille Brown, Kaidyn Beckwith, Emerie Bohanon, Alexis Cox
Outlook: The Wampus Cats return a core that finished ranked but fell in the Arkansas 6A quarterfinals. Stanford commit Clardy draws comparisons to Christyn Williams of the Washington Mystics and averaged 24.5 points, seven rebounds and 3.4 steals last season. Scott, headed to Auburn, is a 6-5 post presence who is great with her back to the basket or cleaning up off the glass. The aggressive non-conference schedule should prepare them for a state title run and redemption.
Key games: Parkway (La.), She Got Game, Dallas, Santa Meadows Classic, GEICO Girls Basketball Invitational

14. Lone Peak (Highland, Utah)
Head coach: Nancy Warner
2021-22: 23-0
Final 2021-22 ranking: No. 22
Key players: Kailey Woolston, Makeili Ika, Shawnee Nordstrom, Naia Tanuvasa, Sarah Bartholomew, Kennedy Woolston
Outlook: BYU commit Kailey Woolston was the state player of the year averaging nearly 20 points and six rebounds. She leads a squad that Warner says is relentless on both ends of the floor while Ika averaged 10.7 ppg while shooting 50 percent from range. The addition of the younger Woolston, an all-around player on offense, will make an immediate impact as the Knights will test themselves early in the season.
Key games: Timpview, Utah Holiday Hoopfest (Centennial, Sierra Canyon), Nike TOC

15. Hazel Green (Ala.)
Head coach: Tim Miller
2021-22: 35-0
Final 2021-22 ranking: No. 13
Key players: Leah Brooks, Nyla Collier, Amiya Redus, Sydney Steward, Zyriah Price, Jaden Toney
Outlook: Miller has led the Trojans to the state tournament each of the past eight seasons, winning five straight. Last year's MaxPreps National Coach of the Year is zeroing in on 700 wins and returns four starters from last year's unbeaten squad. Brooks, an Alabama commit, averaged 14.1 points and 8.6 rebounds last season and leads a stout junior class that also includes Redus, Steward and Price.
Key games: Hazel Green Lady Trojans Tip-Off, Balloon Prep Thanksgiving Bask, Gulf Shores Holiday Beach Bash, BallN Preps National Girls Showcase

16. Paul VI (Haddonfield, N.J.)
Head coach: Orlando Hidalgo
2021-22: 20-3
Final 2021-22 ranking: NR
Key players: Hannah Hidalgo, Mikayla Young, Shariah Baynes, Eva Andrews, Azanah Campbell, Marley Ruiz, Rachael Tacher
Outlook: The Eagles will be led by Hidalgo, the No. 5 ranked player in the Class of 2023 who's being courted by Duke, Michigan, Notre Dame and Stanford. She's 61-9 at Paul VI and averaged 7.7 points and 2.1 rebounds with the gold medal U.S. U17 team over the summer. Paul VI fell to St. John-Vianney last season in the South Jersey Non-Public A finals, which will fuel the fire for Hidalgo, 6-2 senior forward Young and a tough group of underclassmen.
Key games: She Got Game Classic, No Boyz Allowed Christmas Tournament, Jordan Brand Jumpman Classic (Monsignor Scanlon), Blue Star Showcase (Morris Catholic),

17. West Bloomfield (West Bloomfield, Mich.)
Head coach: Darrin McAllister
2021-22: 25-1
Final 2021-22 ranking: No. 25
Key players: Sydney Hendrix, Indya Davis, Summer Davis, Kendall Hendrix, Destiny Washington, Gabby Hale, Ava Lord, Sheridan Beal
Outlook: The Lakers blitzed their way to the school's first Division I state title behind rising junior twins and Michigan State commits Indya and Summer Davis, both top 60 recruits. Rising senior Sydney Hendrix is committed to Florida A&M and McAllister returns five of his top seven players from a squad that is riding a 25-game win streak into the season.
Key games: Best of Michigan Classic, vs. South Bend Washington, Kenwood Roundball Classic, MLK Showcase vs. Cass Tech

18. Archbishop Mitty (San Jose, Calif.)
Head coach: Sue Phillips
2021-22: 30-2
Final 2021-22 ranking: NR
Key players: Morgan Cheli, Maya Hernandez, Elle Hanson, Layla Woods, April Chan, Haley Hernandez
Outlook: Cheli, a 6-2 combo guard with 40-plus Division I offers, had a standout performance as a sophomore in the CIF Open Division finals against Sierra Canyon. She also played on the U.S. U17 gold medal team coached by Phillips. The Monarchs have depth to surround Cheli with 6-1 and 6-foot twins Maya and Haley Hernandez, combo guard Chan and a pair of 6-1 transfers in Weisman and Bramer. Add in freshman center Woliczko and Phillips' bunch could be the NorCal team to emerge to try and take down whoever is last standing from Southern California.
Key games: Nike TOC, Valley Vista showcase game

19. Clark (San Antonio)
Head coach: Rihana Houy
2021-22: 35-3
Final 2021-22 ranking: NR
Key players: Natalie Huff, Ramsey Robledo, Arianna Roberson, Sydney Pritchard, Bolu Odumosu, Raya Kolysko, Kaitlin Whitlock
Outlook: The Cougars enter the 2022-23 season ranked third by the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches (behind DeSoto and South Grand Prairie) and return seven players, including three starters, from last year's team. Roberson, a 6-3 junior center, averaged 11.1 points, 9.0 rebounds as a sophomore while point guard Huff added 8.3 points and 3.3 assists.
Key games: BeYoutiful Classic, Allen Hoopfest

20. Sacred Heart (Louisville, Ky.)
Head coach: Donna Moir
2021-22: 36-3
Final 2021-22 ranking: NR
Key players: ZaKiyah Johnson, Triniti Ralston, Reagan Bender, Angelina Pelayo, Claire Russell, Emi-Lee Howe, Kat Cummins, Shamari Robertson
Outlook: Johnson, the MaxPreps National Freshman of the Year, averaged 17.8 points and 7.8 boards for the two-time state champions. The No. 2 prospect in the Class of 2025 by ESPN HoopGurlz leads a nucleus of six contributors from last year, including junior Bender (11.4 ppg), Pelayo (9.5 ppg) and Ralston (8.3 ppg, 3.8 apg).
Key games: Hoops for Harvest (Purcell Marian), Nike TOC, Classic in the City (Archbishop Alter), Raatz Fence / O'Shea's Classic (Incarnate Word), Louisville Invitational Tournament

21. Morris Catholic (Denville, N.J.)
Head coach: William Lovett
2021-22: 26-2
Final 2021-22 ranking: NR
Key players: Mia Pauldo, Mya Pauldo, Daniella Matus, Natalie Stoupakis, Alexis Rosenfeld, Bliss Vimbor, Lentia Hassan, Kamaria Bowens, Charlize Olmo
Outlook: The Crusaders started four freshmen and a junior last season, losing only to St. John-Vianney and Saddle River Day in the North Jersey Non-Public B finals. Mia Pauldo led the team with 23.0 points, 9.7 rebounds and 6.8 assists per night while twin Mya added 17.7 points and 9.9 boards and 6.3 dimes. Matus averaged 15.2 points and rising senior Stoupakis 11.1. An aggressive national schedule should showcase the Garden State talent.
Key games: She Got Game Showcase, John Wall Invitational, Hoophall Showcase (St. Paul VI), St. James Invitational (Etiwanda), Big Hoops Shootout (Montverde Academy), Big Hoops Shootout (Keenan), Blue Star Showcase (Paul VI, New Jersey)

22. Long Island Lutheran (Brookville, N.Y.)
Head coach: Christina Raiti
2021-22: 14-8
Final 2021-22 ranking: NR
Key players: Kate Koval, Olivia Jones, Uta Nakamura, Diora Ressaissi
Outlook: LuHi lost McDonald's All American Paris Clark but Koval, Nakamura and Ressaissi all return and 5-7 freshman guard Jones joins the lineup having already received multiple Division I offers. Koval, a 6-5 post who dropped an 18.7-12.0 double double last year, has seen her stock rise over the club season. She's physical on the block and can be a matchup nightmare.
Key games: Montverde Academy, West Catholic (Philadelphia), Riverdale Baptist

23. Centennial (Las Vegas)
Head coach: Karen Weitz
2021-22: 18-4
Final 2021-22 ranking: NR
Key players: Asani Ceaser, Charlece Ohiaeri, Kaniya Boyd, Danae Powell, Cici Ajomale, Ayla Williams
Outlook: While Weitz, the winningest coach in state history, has taken on the Bulldogs' boys team as well, she remains committed to running toward an eighth straight title on the girls side. Losing Montaya Dew to early graduation hurts, but Boyd, Powell and Ohiaeri all were key parts to last season's title.
Key games: Utah Holiday Hoopfest, Nike TOC, St. Mary's MLK Showcase

24. The Webb School (Bell Buckle, Tenn.)
Head coach: Matt Shewmake
2021-22: 31-6
Final 2021-22 ranking: NR
Key players: Aalyah Del Rosario, Bree Robinson, Angelica Velez, Tatianna Stovall
Outlook: The Feet (maybe the game's greatest mascot) won a second-straight Division II-A title last year, and 6-6 traditional post Del Rosario has emerged as a force as part of the US U18 gold medal-winning team over the summer. The LSU commit averaged 7.3 points and a team-high 7.8 boards. Robinson was part of Team Canada at the U17 and Velez also is headed to LSU with Del Roasrio.
Key games: Hamilton Heights Christian Academy, La Lumiere, Montverde Academy

25. IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.)
Head coach: Sell Dailey
2021-22: 11-6
Final 2021-22 ranking: NR
Key players: Keegan Spencer, Kelis Fisher, Olivia McGhee, Asia Boone, Tayla Thomas, Sarah Rambus, Sienna Dauer, Ella Wigal, Wesleigh Ferguson
Outlook: Dailey says this Ascenders' team is far more talented than last season, especially with the addition of 2025 standout Fisher, 6-4 Oregon commit Rambus and 6-3 McGhee, who's headed to Virginia. Though young, Dailey says the depth will offset any growing pains and lay a foundation for success.
Key games: Inside Exposure Thanksgiving Classic, Capital Invitational, She Got Game, DME Academy Tournament. St. James MLK Tournament

On the Bubble: Duncanville (Texas), Bishop McNamara (Forestville, Md.), St. Paul VI (Chantilly, Va.), Northern Guilford (Greensboro, N.C.), Plymouth Whitemarsh (Plymouth Meeting, Pa.), Ensworth (Nashville, Tenn.), Hoover (Ala.), Johnston (Iowa), St. John's (Washington, D.C.),  South Bend Washington (South Bend, Ind.)