MaxPreps 2013-14 Preseason Top 25 high school basketball rankings presented by the Army National Guard

Loaded with eight players already committed to Division I college basketball programs (and likely more to come), head coach Kevin Boyle and Montverde Academy begin the season at No. 1.

Thumbnail image of this articles writer: Jason Hickman
By
Nov 6, 2013, 12:17am
From left to right, Chris Chiozza, Nych Smith, Curtis Phillips and LeRon Black hope to deliver another successful chapter to White Station's storied hoops history.
From left to right, Chris Chiozza, Nych Smith, Curtis Phillips and LeRon Black hope to deliver another successful chapter to White Station's storied hoops history.
Photo by Jann Hendry
No. 16 White Station (Memphis, Tenn.)
Head coach: Jesus Patino
2012-13 record: 22-6
Players to watch: LeRon Black (6-8, Sr., F, Illinois verbal commitment), Chris Chiozza (6-0, Sr., G, Florida verbal commitment), Curtis Phillips (6-4, Sr., G), Davell Roby (6-5, Sr., G/F, Saint Louis verbal commitment), Nych Smith (5-11, Jr., G), Blake Williams (5-10, Fr., G)

Breaking down the Spartans

From last year's preseason Xcellent 25, where White Station was slotted in the No. 20 spot:

"Are the Spartans still a year away? Going from 15-15 to preseason Xcellent 25 is a big step. Is Patino's team ready to contend, or will this simply be the run-up to a potentially special 2013-14 campaign?"
Jesus Patino has won 198 games and a state title in eight seasons at White Station.
Jesus Patino has won 198 games and a state title in eight seasons at White Station.
Photo by Jann Hendry

Turns out the Spartans were still a year away, at least in terms of measuring up nationally.

But now players like Black, Chiozza, Phillips and Roby are seniors. White Station has played in nine state championship games since 1996 and won five of them, so the Spartans won't fall off the map after the aforementioned group's departure, but this is their final shot at doing something big.

Black was White Station's leading scorer and rebounder a year ago at more than 18 and 10 per game. The Illinois pledge is a dynamic forward who has been a national name since his freshman year due to his play with the Spartans and club outfit Team Thad.

Chiozza, a future Florida Gator, provides some sizzle at the point guard position. He's fun to watch unless you happen to be on the other bench.

Phillips, Roby and Smith are all experienced performers while Williams is one of the nation's most highly touted freshmen.

Key dates
Dec. 3 – vs. Ridgeway (Memphis, Tenn.)
Dec. 7 – vs. Prime Prep (Dallas) at Marshall County Hoopfest
Dec. 17-21 – Iolani' Classic
Jan. 11 – at Ridgeway
Jan. 16-18 – Bass Pro Shops Tournament of Champions
Jan. 23 – vs. Sunrise Christian Academy (Bel Aire, Kan.) at Penny Hardaway Hoopfest
Jan. 25 – vs. Hamilton (Memphis, Tenn.)
Jan. 27 – at Hamilton

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