Mr. Basketball USA Cameron Boozer, national senior of the year Isaiah Collier, and four-year standout D.J. Wagner highlight the 29th annual All-American Elite Team produced by Ballislife.com Grassroots Editor Ronnie Flores. Elite honor squad includes 20-man first team and 30-man second team.
Related: 2022-23 Underclass All-American Elite Team | 2022-23 Mr. Basketball USA: Cameron Boozer | 2022-23 Class Players of the Year | Ballislife Podcast Network | "In The Paint" Show (Spotify)
The 2022-23 All-American Elite Team, now published for the 29th consecutive season and on the Ballislife.com platform for the ninth year, includes 40 of the nation’s best seniors and four terrific sophomores led by Mr. Basketball USA Cameron Boozer of FAB 50 No. 6 Columbus (Miami, Fla.).
Four sophomores from the talented 2025 class and two juniors, including class player of the year Tre Johnson of FAB 50 No. 8 Lake Highlands (Dallas) headline the 20-player overall first team. Two repeaters of last year’s team are seniors D.J. Wagner and Ronald Holland, both second five selections as juniors. Wagner was the class player of the year at Camden (N.J.) his first three seasons of high school. Holland was the top honors candidate off last year’s FAB 50 championship team at Duncanville (Texas) and led this year’s club to a 28-1 record and No. 3 final FAB 50 ranking.
Last year’s 30-player second team included one lone junior: Simeon Wilcher of Roselle Catholic (Roselle, N.J.), who moved up to the first team as a senior (fourth five) after winning his third New Jersey Non-Public state crown. This year’s 30-player second team includes four juniors, including Dylan Harper of Don Bosco Prep (Ramsey, N.J.), who is having a terrific spring grassroots season and joined Wilcher as a first team all-state selection in New Jersey.
All underclassmen are eligible for All-American Elite Team selection. No sophomore was selected for second team and in 29 seasons of publishing annual All-American teams (and on the retroactive teams dating back to the 1954-55 season), no freshman has ever made the first team.
Our national coach of the year is Pat Clatchey of Mt. St. Joseph (Baltimore, Md.). The Gaels finished No. 27 in the FAB 50 after winning a second consecutive Baltimore Catholic League (BCL) title and tying a league mark with 38 victories.
National Grassroots Editor Ronnie Flores selects this performance-based All-American team with input from Mr. Basketball USA panelists. It is chosen after the conclusion of the season, which makes the All-American Elite team more reflective of players who made state championship runs.
This honors squad has been chosen in its current format since the 1994-95 season and is powered by Ballislife.com for the eighth consecutive season. This team is chosen regardless of class and is not exclusive or preferential for seniors named to the Ballislife All-American Game.
2022-23 All-American First Team
First Five
G — Isaiah Collier, Wheeler (Marietta, Ga.) 6-2 Sr.
The top guard in the country, Collier was named National Senior Player of the Year after finishing No. 2 in the Mr. Basketball USA Tracker (76 points, 9 ballots) behind sophomore forward Cameron Boozer. Collier closed out his career strong, netting 22 points and seven assists in the GHSA Class AAAAAAA state title game as Wheeler easily downed Cherokee of Canton, 78-58. In leading the Wildcats to a 27-7 mark and No. 20 FAB 50 National Ranking, Collier averaged 19.6 ppg, 5.1 rpg. 6.8 apg, and 2.3 spg, while shooting 58.7 percent from the field, 33.3 percent from 3-point line and 79 percent from the foul line. Collier helped Wheeler win three state titles and the program went 102-23 in his time. This USC recruit scored a game-high 25 points in the McDonald’s All-American Game.
G — D.J. Wagner, Camden (Camden, N.J.) 6-3 Sr.
Joined his grandfather (1981 third five All-American Milt Wagner) and his father (2001 Mr. Basketball USA Dajuan Wagner) as the first three-generation McDonald’s All-Americans. Although he didn’t sweep class player of the year honors all four years, Wagner was one of the nation’s finest players over the last two seasons and as a senior finished fourth (56 points) in the Mr. Basketball USA Tracker. As a junior, Wagner averaged 19.8 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 3.5 spg, and 3.3 apg and as a senior sported norms of 22.5 ppg, 3.3 rpg and 3.0 apg. The Kentucky signee led Camden to a 23-2 on-court record and No. 12 FAB 50 ranking with losses to No. 6 Columbus (FL) and No. 23 Centennial (CA). He had 32 points vs. Columbus and 27 points vs. Centennial and was one of the nation’s best scorers since his freshman season. The 2021-22 NJ.com Player of the Year, he was also named Gatorade State POY three times and led The High to a 94-5 career record while scoring 2,040 career points (20.6 ppg) against quality local and national competition. Wagner had a team-high 19 points, including three 3-pointers, in his team’s come-from-behind win at the McDonald’s All-American Game.
F — Ronald Holland, Duncanville (Duncanville, Texas) 6-8 Sr.
Similar to D.J. Wagner, Holland moves up for the second five as a junior and was a serious candidate for Mr. Basketball honors, finishing No. 3 in the balloting behind Isaiah Collier and honoree Cam Boozer. Coaches and scouts raved about his work ethic and court presence at the McDonald’s All-American Game and Duncanville was always in the game as long as this dynamic forward was on the court. In his four seasons, the Panthers were FAB 50 ranked each season and finished an incredible 123-6. As a junior, Holland averaged 15 ppg (60 percent FG), 8 rpg, 2 spg on the No. 1 team in the country and this season sported norms of 20.3 ppg, 10.1 rpg, 2.4 apg and 2.0 spg while shooting 54.4 percent from the field and 79.3 percent from the free throw line for a 28-1 team that finished No. 3 in the FAB 50. He took over the game down the stretch in a win over No. 23 Centennial (Corona, Calif.), finishing with 24 points, and the next night had 25 points and 8 rebounds in a win over Boozer and No. 6 Columbus (Miami, Fla.). A two-time District 11-6A Player of the Year, Holland was committed to Texas but recently re-opened his recruitment.
F — Cameron Boozer, Columbus (Miami, Fla.) 6-9 Soph.
Only three underclassmen other than Boozer have been named Mr. Basketball USA: Jerry Lucas in 1957 (retroactively), Lew Alcindor in 1964 (retroactively) and LeBron James in 2002. Sure, every class is different and 2023 is not considered one of the stronger in recent seasons, but the fact only three players have done it before Boozer and all of them will be in the NBA Hall of Fame speak volumes. In fact, James beat out senior Carmelo Anthony, Alcindor beat out senior Wes Unseld and Lucas beat out senior Tony Jackson, and all three of those runner-ups also made the NBA. Boozer, whose father Carlos Boozer was a second five Elite All-American in 1999, led the Explorers to a second consecutive FHSAA Class 7A crown and FAB 50 ranking by averaging 21.1 ppg, 11.2 rpg, 4.2 apg and 2.0 bpg, while shooting 62.1 percent from the field, 41.6 percent from the 3-point line and 89.1 percent from the charity stripe. The class of 2025 is considered a terrific one, as three other tenth-graders made the 20-man first team all-American squad this season. Before this season, only Emoni Bates (in 2020) and James (in 2001) were first five choices as sophomores and only three others have been second five All-Americans.
F — Justin Edwards, Imhotep Charter (Philadelphia, Pa.) 6-7 Sr.
Arguably the most versatile elite offensive talent in the country, Edwards is the first player from the Philadelphia Public League to being named a McDonald’s All-American since 1993 Mr. Basketball USA choice Rasheed Wallace (Simon Gratz). Edwards came up big in key contests for a team that finished 30-3 and No. 13 in the FAB 50. Edwards had 16 points, six rebounds and three blocks to lead his team to the prestigious City of Palms title over Cameron Boozer and Columbus (Miami, Fla.), 25 points, 12 rebounds, four assists and six steals in a big win at the Spalding Hoophall Classic over Cardinal Hayes (Bronx, N.Y.) and 16 points and 10 rebounds in a loss to D.J. Wagner and Camden (N.J.) He also did well locally, leading Imhotep to three consecutive Philadelphia Public League titles 23 years after his mom (Ebony Twiggs) led University City to two city titles. The PIAA Class 5A Player of of the Year, this Kentucky recruit went for 16 points in the state title game and for the season averaged 17.9 ppg and 7.5 rpg. Edwards went for 10 and 11 points, respectively, at the McDonald’s All-American Game and Nike Hoop Summit and closed his career with a 27-point, MVP performance at the Ballislife All-American Game.
Second Five
G — Jeremy Fears, Joilet West (Joliet, Ill.) 6-2 Sr.
A natural leader that plays to win, Fears defensive effort and intensity were on full display at the Ballilsife All-American Game, where he led his team to a come-from-behind overtime win with 11 points, nine assists and hellacious defense in crunch time. Fears was also named a McDonald’s All-American after a season in which he led the Tigers to a 28-6 mark and a Class 4A sectional final appearance. Playing alongside his brother and Underclass All-American Jeremiah Fears, Jeremy averaged 18.8 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 5.3 apg and 2.0 spg while earning praise for his efficiency. He shot 59 percent from the field, 41 percent from 3-point range and 88 percent from the charity stripe. Fears spent two seasons at NIBC program La Lumiere (La Porte, Ind.) after starting his career Joliet West where as a freshman he helped the Tigers to a 29-4 mark before COVID-19 shut down the season before the sectional final. He ended his career as the The News-Gazette’s All-State Player of the Year and as the leading vote-getter on the A.P. Class 4A All-State team.
G — Jackson Shelstad, West Linn (Ore.) 6-0 Sr.
No player in the country used his senior season campaign to boost his All-American candidacy as much as this Oregon-bound point guard. A four-year starter and two-time Gatorade State POY, Shelstad saved his best for last, leading the Lions to the Class 6A state title game and No. 30 FAB 50 National Ranking. He led West Linn to the Les Schwab Invitational title, the first for an Oregon team since 2012, by handing FAB 50 No. 3 Duncanville (Texas) its only loss of the season. Shelstad went for 30 points in the signature title game win and averaged 33 ppg over four tourney games. On the season, the future Duck averaged 28.3 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 3.6 apg and 2.0 spg for a 28-2 team. He also shot 59 percent from the field, 41 percent from 3-point range and 84 percent from the free throw line. He concluded one of the most honor-filled careers in Oregon history by earning Three Rivers League Player of the Year three times after earning second team all-league honors as a freshman. He was rewarded for his stellar play with a selection to represent Team USA at the Nike Hoop Summit.
G — Tre Johnson, Lake Highlands (Garland, Texas) 6-5 Jr.
The first player ever from Texas to earn National Junior Player of the Year honors, Johnson was recently named the state’s Mr. Basketball by the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches (TABC). He was able to early these lofty honors by averaging 21.8 ppg, 6.4 rpg, 2.7 apg, and 1.7 spg while shooting 53 percent (272-513) from the field, 42 percent (84-201) from 3-point range and 91 percent (177-194) from the line. He closed out his impressive campaign with a 29-point, 8-rebound performance in a victory over FAB 50 ranked Beaumont United that gave Lake Highlands the UIL Class 6A state title. A gifted wing guard, the Dallas Morning News Player of the Year is considered by many the No. 1 prospect in the national 2024 class.
F — Cooper Flagg, Montverde Academy (Montverde, Fla.) 6-8 Soph.
On a talented team that finished No. 2 in the FAB 50, this tenth-grader was the Eagles’ most talented player. He helped MVA win the National Interscholastic Basketball Conference (NIBC) regular season title (11-1) and led the Eagles to their 11th consecutive appearance at GEICO Nationals while officially being named second team all-NIBC. Flagg is known for his versatility, big play-ability and defensive prowess and on a team where four players averaged between 9-14 points, he averaged 9.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 2.2 blocked shots per game. He was the first freshman to earn Gatorade State POY honors in Maine at Nokomis Regional in Newport (20,5 ppg, 10.0 rpg, 6.2 apg, 3.7 spg, 3.7 bpg) and was the leader of Team USA’s club that captured the 2022 FIBA U17 World Cup. For his performances he was named 2022 USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year. He’s only the third sophomore to earn first or second five All-American honors in the last ten years, joining Emoni Bates in 2020 (first) and DeAndre Ayton in 2015 (second).
C — Aaron Bradshaw, Camden (Camden, N.J.) 7-0 Sr.
It was a terrific year for talent in the Garden State and some feel Bradshaw could be its most talented prospect. He’s a consensus top five national prospect and will join high school teammate and first five selection D.J. Wagner at Kentucky. Bradshaw helped The High capture its twelfth NJSIAA state title as a junior when he averaged 8.9 ppg, 7.4 rpg and 3.2 bpg but was more polished and productive as a senior. He sported norms of 12.0 ppg, 9.4 rpg and 2.4 bpg for a team that finished No. 12 in the FAB 50 with a 23-2 mark, but wasn’t able to defend its title because of a brawl in the county title game. A first team all-state selection by NJ.com, Bradshaw was selected for the McDonald’s All-American Game, where he displayed the ability that makes him the nation’s top pivot player. He finished with a team-high 18 points and eight rebounds.
Third Five
G — Jared McCain, Centennial (Corona, Calif.) 6-3 Sr.
Last season the Huskies had a third five selection in Donovan Dent (New Mexico) and this year the Duke-bound point guard matches his former teammate. McCain, a social media sensation who took advantage of NIL opportunities afforded student-athletes in California, captured many of the same honors this season Dent did in 2021-22: Inland Player of the Year by the Riverside Press Enterprise, Southland Player of the Year by the L.A. Times and State Mr. Basketball by Cal-Hi Sports. McCain earned Gatorade State POY honors in 2021-22 when he led the Huskies to a 33-1 record, No. 5 FAB 50 Rankings and the program’s first ever CIF Open Division title by leading the team in scoring (16.8 ppg) to go along with 4.6 rpg and 2.1 apg. He repeated that honor this season by averaging 18.0 ppg, 7.1 rpg, and 4.0 apg while shooting 36 percent from 3-point range and 83 percent from the line. Centennial, the No. 23 team in the FAB 50, advanced to the SoCal open final. In all, McCain helped Centennial capture three CIF Southern Section open titles and is one of the most highly-decorated players in Riverside County history.
G — Caleb Foster, Notre Dame (Sherman Oaks, Calif.) 6-4 Sr.
If second five selection Jackson Shelstad is not the biggest McDonald’s All-American snub, then this explosive North Carolina native is. Foster's strength, skill level and explosiveness was just too much for nearly any guard in the country to he wasted no time making an impact at Notre Dame after two terrific seasons at powerhouse Oak Hill Academy in Virginia. Foster followed up on an All-American Underclass season by leading the Knights to a CIF D1 state crown and a No. 46 FAB 50 Ranking. Foster came through in the big games, going for 28 points in the D1 regional final victory over Mission League foe Sierra Canyon and 33 points in the state final vs. Granada of Livermore, the latter a CIF championship game D1 record. In four victories over Sierra Canyon, Foster averaged 20.5 ppg and for the season averaged 21.4 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 3.9 apg and 1.2 spg. On top of that, he kept defenders honest by shooting 38 percent from 3-point range. He’s considered the state Mr. Basketball runner-up to fellow third five selection Jared McCain, who will join Foster in Durham.
G — Ja’Kobe Walter, Link Academy (Branson, Mo.) 6-5 Sr.
After earning underclass All-American honors at McKinney (Texas), Walter moved over to the independent program and immediately helped the Lions emerge as a FAB 50 title contender. After entering GEICO Nationals as the No. 2 team in the FAB 50, Walter led the program to its first national title in the program’s second year by averaging 21.3 ppg in three victories. This top-flight shooting guard netted 37 points against Paul VI (Fairfax, Va.) in the quarterfinals and went for 21 points, on 6-of-8 shooting from the field, including 3-of-4 3-point shots, in the championship game victory over AZ Compass Prep (Chandler, Ariz.). On a well-balanced 27-1 unit, Walter averaged 14.4 ppg (37.8 percent from 3-point range) 4.0 rpg and 1.7 spg. Selected for both the McDonald’s All-American and Nike Hoop Summit, Walter is headed to Baylor.
F — Koa Peat, Perry (Gilbert, Ariz.) 6-8 Soph.
This strong-bodied forward already has won two state titles and has scored over 1,000 points with two high school seasons to go. He followed up a freshman season in which he averaged 15.0 ppg and 6.1 rpg while helping Perry to its first Class 6A state crown by leading the Pumas to the first ever AIA open division state crown. In the title game, Peat finished with 35 points in a 74-58 victory over Sunnyslope of Pheonix. For the season, the talented tenth grader averaged 19.7 ppg, 9.4 rpg, 3.0 apg, 1.7 bpg and 1.3 spg for the No. 22 team in the FAB 50. Peat is considered one of the best overall prospects in high school basketball and is the first sophomore ever from Arizona to make the Elite All-American first team.
C — Flory Bidunga, Kokomo (Ind.) 6-10 Jr.
Led the Wildkats to their first state title game appearance since 1989 with a series of dominant performances after emerging as one of the nations’ dominant post players at the Pangos All-American Festival in August. Bidunga is not only a terrific post defender, he can move out and guard the perimeter and never takes a bad shot. In leading basketball-crazed Kokomo to a 24-5 mark, Bidunga averaged 20.2 ppg, 13.8 rpg and 4.5 bpg while making 81 percent (207-263) of his shots from the floor. He recorded 27 double-doubles in 29 outings and was the second-leading vote-getter on the Indiana A.P. All-State team behind second teamer Markus Burton.
Fourth Five
G — Simeon Wilcher, Roselle Catholic (Roselle, N.J.) 6-4 Sr.
Moves up from the second team after another stellar season that saw this strong and athletic guard win his third state title. On a talented team that finished No. 21 in the FAB 50, Wilcher averaged 15.4 ppg, 4.7 rpg and 5.7 apg while posting a 22-6 record. That record is a bit deceiving because the Lions did not lose in-state against tough competition and Wilcher played on teams that went 17-0 in the NJSIAA state tournament during his career. A two-time NJ.com first team all-state choice, Wilcher averaged 16.9 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 5.1 apg and 2.0 spg as a junior when Roselle Catholic defeat Camden (N.J.) to capture the final New Jersey Tournament of Champions. Wilcher is headed to North Carolina.
G — Meleek Thomas, Lincoln Park Performing Arts (Midland, Pa.) 6-3 Soph.
The fourth tenth-grader to earn first team honors, Thomas has the ability to be the WPIAL’s finest player since its hoops heyday in the 1960s and early 1970s. Thomas is that talented and is known for his relentless motor and intensity. After averaging 18.9 ppg as a freshman, he teamed with junior Brandin Cummings (23.1 ppg) to lead the Leopards to the WPIAL title and PIAA Class 4A state title. Thomas scored 25 points in the WPIAL title game and 22 points, including the game winner bucket, in the state title win over Philly power Neumann-Goretti. The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review Player of the Year Thomas averaged 24.9 ppg as the Leopards finished 30-1 and No. 50 in the FAB 50.
F — DeShawn Harris-Smith, Paul VI (Fairfax, Va.) 6-6 Sr.
Highly-honored forward capped his career by leading the Panthers to their first ever berth in GEICO Nationals. Harris-Smith netted a team-high 18 points in a close 68-65 loss to eventual tourney champ and FAB 50 No. 1 Link Academy of Missouri. He was consistently productive for a team that played stellar competition, spent some time in the regular season at No. 1 in the FAB 50 and finished 31-4 and No. 18, averaging 17.8 ppg, 7.4 rpg, 6.3 apg and 2.6 spg. The Panthers won the VISAA D1 state title and Harris-Smith was named MVP of the prestigious Washington Catholic Athletic Conference. He’s headed to Maryland.
C — Brandon Garrison, Del City (Del City, Okla.) 6-9 Sr.
Capped off an honors-filled career by scoring 17 points, including the game-winning lay-up with 35 seconds remaining in overtime, to lift the Eagles to the Class 5A state title over district rival Carl Albert. Garrison played a big role in Del City winning two state titles and making three state title game appearances. He had 18 points and six rebounds in the semifinals to avenge last year’s loss in the state title game to Tulsa Memorial. For the season, Garrison averaged 15.9 ppg, 9.0 rpg and 2.3 apg and was showered with post-season accolades. The Oklahoman Super 5 Player of the Year was also named Suburban Conference Player of the Year, state player of the year by Gatorade and was chosen a McDonald’s All-American. He’s headed to Oklahoma St.
C — Xavier Booker, Cathedral (Indianapolis, Ind.) 6-9 Sr.
Followed up a terrific summer in which he was named MVP of the Pangos All-American Camp with a fine senior campaign in which he was honored as a McDonald’s All-American. Booker averaged 15.2 ppg, 8.3 rpg, 1.8 apg and 1.9 bpg for a 19-6 Fightin’ Irish club. As a junior, he averaged 12.5 ppg, 6.7 rpg, 2.3 bpg as Cathedral captured the coveted Class 4A state crown and finished No. 42 in the FAB 50. Booker will join a star-studded Michigan St. recruiting class that includes second five selection Jeremy Fears and second teamer Coen Carr.
2022-23 All-American Second Team
F — Omaha Biliew, Waukee Senior (Waukee, Iowa) 6-7 Sr.
C — Blake Buchanan, Coeur D’Alene (Idaho) 6-11 Sr.
G — Markus Burton, Penn (Mishawaka, Ind.) 5-10 Sr.
F — Matas Buzelis, Sunrise Christian Academy (Bel Aire, Kan.) 6-9 Sr.
G — Elliot Cadeau, Link Academy (Branson, Mo.) 6-2 Jr.
G — Blue Cain, IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.) 6-4 Sr.
F — Coen Carr, Legacy Early College (Greenville, S.C.) Sr.
G — Stephon Castle, Newton (Covington, Ga.) 6-6 Sr.
G — Mookie Cook, AZ Compass Prep (Chandler, Ariz.) 6-6 Sr.
G — Gabe Cupps, Centerville (Centerville, Ohio) 6-2 Sr.
G — Josh Dotzler, Bellevue West (Bellevue, Neb.) 6-3 Sr.
C — Baye Fall, Denver Prep (Denver, Col.) 6-10 Sr.
F — Amani Hansberry, Mt. St. Joseph (Baltimore, Md.) 6-7 Sr.
G — Dylan Harper, Don Bosco Tech (Ramsey, N.J.) 6-4 Jr.
G — Aden Holloway, Prolific Prep (Napa, Calif.) 6-0 Sr.
G — Josh Hubbard, Ridgeland Academy (Madison Miss.) 5-10 Sr.
G — Jizzle James, Olympia (Orlando, Fla.) 6-1 Sr.
G — Malik Mack, St. John’s (Washington, D.C.) 6-1 Sr.
F — Liam McNeeley, Montverde Academy (Montverde, Fla.) 6-7 Jr.
F — Mackenzie Mgbako, Roselle Catholic (Roselle, N.J.) 6-7 Sr.
F — Milan Momcilovic, Pewaukee (Wis.) 6-9 Sr.
F — Dennis Parker, John Marshall (Richmond, Va.) 6-6 Sr.
G — Kris Parker, Crossroad Academy (Quincy, Fla.) 6-6 Sr.
G — Ruben Rodriguez, Reading (Pa.) 6-1 Sr.
F — Devin Royal, Pickerington Central (Pickerington, Ohio) 6-7 Sr.
G — Reed Sheppard, North Laurel (London, Ky.) 6-3 Sr.
G — R.J. Taylor, Grand Blanc (Mich.) 5-11 Sr.
F — Cody Williams, Perry (Gilbert, Ariz.) 6-7 Sr.
G — Robert Wright II, Neumann-Goretti (Philadelphia, Pa.) 6-0 Jr.
G — Wesley Yates III, Beaumont United (Beaumont, Texas) 6-4 Sr.
Related: 2022-23 Underclass All-American Elite Team | 2022-23 Mr. Basketball USA: Cameron Boozer | 2022-23 Class Players of the Year | Ballislife Podcast Network | "In The Paint" Show (Spotify)
Note: ESPN selections 2010-2012; EA SPORTS selections 2003-2009; Student Sports selections prior to 2003; Selections are based on high school accomplishment, not future college/pro potential, and are reflective of those that lead their teams to state championships. The editors of Ballislife.com do not knowingly select fifth-year players, and those ineligible due to age or academics, Mr. Basketball USA or to its various All-American teams.
Ronnie Flores is the national Grassroots editor of Ballislife.com. He can be reached at [email protected]. Don't forget to follow him on Twitter: @RonMFlores