Preseason 2025-26 FAB 50: Teams No. 16-30!

We continue our 2025-26 preseason FAB 50 National Team Rankings powered by Ballislife.com countdown with an in-depth look at teams No. 16-30.

Note: The FAB 50 powered by Ballislife.com is a continuation of the National Sports News Service ratings that began in 1952. These were the first national high school rankings and the late Art Johlfs of Minnesota compiled them. They were compiled for many years by the late Barry Sollenberger of Phoenix, who merged them into the FAB 50 26 years ago.

Preseason 2025-26 FAB 50 National
Team Rankings Powered by Ballislife.com

By Ronnie Flores

(Final 2024-25 ranking in parentheses; *Indicates forfeit wins, forfeit losses not included; **Indicates forfeits and defaults not included; Look for preseason Region-By-Region Top 20 Rankings on Tuesday, November 11 and for the preseason Mr. Basketball USA Tracker on Wednesday, November 19.)

GO TO: No. 16 / No. 17 / No. 18 / No. 19 / No. 20 / No. 21 / No. 22 / No. 23 / No. 24 / No. 25 / No. 26 / No. 27 / No. 28 / No. 29 / No. 30

16. (BB) Dream City Christian (Glendale, Ariz.) 23-9
Key Players: PG Ikenna Alozie 6-3 2026 (No. 27 ESPN.com, Ballislife Underclass All-American), SF Malachi Jordan 6-6 2027 (No. 12 Rivals.com), C Chris Brown 6-10 2027 (No. 73 Rivals.com), SG Mateen Cleaves Jr. 6-4 2028 (No. 51 247Sports.com), PG Keaundre Morris 6-1 2027 (No. 59 ESPN.com), PF Quincy Wright 6-7 2027, SG Martray Bagley 6-6 2028 (No. 67 Rivals.com).
Why This Team is a Contender: The Eagles have a high talent level and a nice blend of size and skill. Ikenna Alozie is an explosive downhill guard who has plenty of experience in big-game situations. Keaundre Morris can slide to the lead guard and is an excellent shooter who keeps defenses honest in guarding Alozie. Mateen Cleaves Jr. will also be counted on in the backcourt.
X-Factor Player: Chris Brown. It’s no secret in order to move up into the Top 15, teams need physicality and size and Brown is that piece for the Eagles. He’s a good rebounder and an excellent passer out of the post. His passing will open up many opportunities for teammates and could help take this team to the next level. He also has a capable backup in Avtandil Bakhtadze (6-11, 2026), a native of the Republic of Georgia.
Key Transfer: Malachi Jordan. No matter who is on the court, he stands out and his talent is undeniable. Jordan was terrific at the Border League fall event in Las Vegas and is primed for a breakout junior season full of national acclaim.
Key FAB 50 Stat: The Eagles start off ranked for the second consecutive season and are now part of the EYBL Scholastic League, which is a 20-team circuit with an East and West Division of 10 teams each. Last season they played in the 12-team Grind Session Power Conference, which now has 16 squads.
Bet You Didn’t Know: The Nike EYBL Scholastic League and the Grind Session Power Conference both have bylaws that don’t allow fifth-year players. As far as age, the Nike EYBL Scholastic League must follow the age cutoff date recommended by the National Federation of State High School Associations (19 before September 1). In the Grind Session Power Conference, players can’t turn 19 before August 1.
Mark On Your Calendar: Dream City Christian gets its Nike EYBL Scholastic League games going vs. The St. James (Springfield, Va.) and No. 28 La Lumiere at the Thanksgiving Hoopfest in Dallas.

17. (NR) Atascocita (Humble, Texas) 28-5
Key Players: PG Jachai Cantave 6-1 2026 (New Mexico St. commit), SG Adam Boyd 6-3 2026 (Louisiana Tech commit), SF Jayson Salanoa 6-7 2026 (Louisiana commit).
Why This Team is a Contender: In recent seasons, the top of the FAB 50 has trended towards elite rosters and major college size, but there is always room for complete high school teams with experience and cohesion. That describes the Eagles in a nutshell, as they are long on speed and experience. Last season, Atascocita fell in the University Interscholastic League (UIL) Class 6A D1 regional semifinals to Katy Seven Lakes, 53-46, and coach David Martinez’s unit has been itching for some get back. Jachai Cantave is underrated nationally, but his importance to Atascocita’s success is paramount as a cool-under-fire lead guard who lets the game come to him and is ready for the big moment. Boyd is a matchup problem because of his physical nature and will make teams pay if they focus their defensive attention on Cantave.
X-Factor Player: Martinez (572-198) is concerned about his team’s rebounding, so Jayson Salanoa’s play will be critical against tough competition. He rebounds well for his size and has that unique combination of shooting ability and toughness every good team needs.
Key Transfer: Royce Shelton (6-0 2027) comes over from Cypress Park and is highly-regarded. He is a gifted scorer and similar to Cantave, knows the game and relishes pressure.
Key FAB 50 Stat: In the FAB 50 under its current format (since 1999-2000), UIL programs have been the top-ranked public school team in the country eight times. The 2008-09 Duncanville (Texas) club was the only one to start out No. 1, but lost in the Class 6A Region 1 semifinals to eventual state champ North Crowley (Ft. Worth, Texas).
Bet You Didn’t Know: The 2015-16 Carsen Edwards-led Atascocita team climbed to No. 4 in the FAB 50 before falling in the UIL Class 6A title game. That team finished 38-1 (No. 12 in the rankings) and Martinez is hoping this club does that terrific team one better.
Mark On Your Calendar: After the Thanksgiving Hoopfest, the Eagles will test their wares against a terrific crop of teams at the Tarkanian Classic in Las Vegas. The field will include FAB 50 title contender Notre Dame of California, No. 35 Timpview and No. 41 Dallas Carter. Atascocita will be opposite of Dallas Carter in the bracket, but plenty of other tough regionally ranked clubs will be potential landmines as well such as Redondo Union of California, Riviera Prep of Florida, Rangeview of Colorado and host Bishop Gorman.

18. (BB) Sierra Canyon (Chatsworth, Calif.) 27-7
Key Players: SG Brandon McCoy Jr. 6-4 2026 (No. 6 Rivals.com), PF Brannon Martinsen 6-8 2026, SF Maximo Adams 6-7 2026 (No. 18 Rivals.com), SG Stephen Kankole 6-4 2026, PG DeLan Grant 6-3 2026 (New Mexico St. commit), SG Josh Lowery 6-4 2028 (No. 11 Rivals.com).
Why This Team is a Contender: The Trailblazers are a talented and deep team that should challenge Mission League foe Notre Dame of Sherman Oaks for the CIF Open title. In fact, with No. 19 Harvard-Westlake right on their tail, it’s the first time three teams opened up as the top-ranked CIF clubs in state history. With its mix of returnees and transfers, the Trailblazers are arguably the deepest team in Southern California led by Maxi Adams, the hero in last year’s CIF D1 state title game.
X-Factor Player: Brannon Martinsen was the co-Trinity League Player of the Year as a sophomore at Mater Dei (Santa Ana, Calif.), but that was two high schools ago and seems like a distant memory. A talented forward with plenty of scoring ability, if the JSerra (San Juan Capistrano, Calif.) can play to the form that once projected him as one of the state’s best players in the 2026 class, Sierra Canyon could move up in the rankings.
Key Transfer: Brandon McCoy Jr. is as talented as they come, but he’s sat out plenty of high school and grassroots games over the past calendar year. He is a terrific scorer and elite athlete, but his struggles on the ball hope to be behind him and he’s hoping a change of scenery is just what the doctor ordered. When he’s on his game, this team will be tough to beat.
Key FAB 50 Stat: The Trailblazers were ranked in the preseason for 10 consecutive seasons (2015-2024) before starting 2024-25 unranked in the West Region Top 20. They went on to capture the CIF D1 state crown and finish No. 7 in the final Cal-Hi Sports state rankings.
Bet You Didn’t Know: Sierra Canyon has produced a whopping 12 NBA players since 2016-17, when coach Andre Chevalier took over for Ty Nichols in the post-season. That team featured Marvin Bagley and since then the others that have played in a NBA regulation game include Duane Washington, Scotty Pippen Jr., K.J. Martin, Cassius Stanley, Christian Koloko, Ziaire Williams, B.J. Boston, Amari Bailey, Trentyn Flowers, LeBron James Jr. and Marcus Bagley. That number is the most in state history for one program, even those that have been producing talented teams for more than 50 years.
Mark On Your Calendar: The Trailblazers face talented JSerra (San Juan Capistrano, Calif.) at UCLA’s Pauley Pavilion as part of the Mission-Trinity League Challenge (Nov. 22). They could face Mission League front-runner Notre Dame at the Les Schwab Invitational in Portland (Dec. 27-30) and play No. 22 Columbus at the Panini Hoophall Classic (Jan. 17). After returning from Massachusetts, Sierra Canyon hosts Harvard-Westlake (Jan. 21).

19. (12) Harvard-Westlake (North Hollywood, Calif.) 31-3
Key Players: PG Amir Jones 6-2 2026 (Georgia St. commit), C Dominique Bentho 6-8 2026, SG Joe Sterling 6-4 2026 (No. 93 ESPN.com, Texas commit), PG Cole Holden 6-3 2027, SG Pierce Thompson 6-3 2027.
Why This Team is a Contender: The Wolverines have a terrific blend of skill, speed and just enough size to battle for the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) Southern Section and state open title. They also have a terrific team-first culture and play good team defense under veteran coach Dave Rebibo (380-131). The ringleader is all-state guard Joe Sterling, a terrific shooter and clutch performer who averaged 18 ppt, 5 rpg and 4 apg as a junior. Amir Jones (10 ppg) is another honors candidate who is hard to stay in front of and can get in a stance and slow down the opposition.
X-Factor Player: Dominique Bentho. His improvement is key because not too many CIF programs have a true big that is skilled and experienced. If Bentho takes a step up in production, Harvard-Westlake could win or grab a share of the Mission League title, something the program has done seven consecutive seasons.
Key Transfer: None. This program usually builds up from its JayVee club and that’s why the progression of players such as Cole Holden and Pierce Thompson in the backcourt will be a key to the success, especially with Holden holding plenty of the point guard duties. Both played JayVee in the ninth-grade and are future D1 guards.
Key FAB 50 Stat: The Wolverines are preseason FAB 50 ranked for the fourth consecutive season. They won back-to-back CIF open titles in 2023 and 2024, only lost to the two CIF programs ranked ahead of them last year and besides eventual CIF open champ Roosevelt (Eastvale), were the only club to spend time at No. 1 in the Cal-Hi Sports State Rankings.
Bet You Didn’t Know: Harvard-Westlake does get an occasional transfer, but as one of the top academic institutions in the West Region doesn’t accept senior transfers.
Mark On Your Calendar: The Wolverines take on highly-regarded St. John Boso (Bellflower, Calif.) in the Trinity-Mission League Showcase on Nov. 22 and also will participate in the Iolani Classic in Hawaii (Dec. 18-23).

20. (NR) Petersburg (Petersburg, Va.) 14-10
Key Players: C Latrell Allmond 6-8 2026 (No. 31 247Sports.com, Ballislife Underclass All-American, Oklahoma St. commit), PF Ladarius Givan 6-10 2026 (No. 139 Rivals.com, Mississippi St. commit), SG Samir Wyche 6-2 2027, PG Kelvin “Pop” Anderson 6-2 2028 (No. 39 247Sports.com), SG King Bacot 6-4 2029.
Why This Team is a Contender: Don’t pay attention to last season’s won-loss record, as new coach Ty White has brought enthusiasm and high expectations to his alma mater. White led the program at John Marshall (Richmond, Va.) to seven Virginia High School League (VHSL) state titles and national acclaim and aims to do the same for the Blue Jays. With an influx of talent and White’s affiliation to the Team Loaded travel ball club, he’ll have good teams for years to come.
X-Factor Player: Ladarius Givan. He’s a steady rebounder and operates well from the high post and although he’s slender, Givan can neutralize the opposition’s paint scores while taking some of the pressure off star player Latrell Allmond.
Key Transfer: Allmond is the star that stirs the drink for Petersburg. Last season’s VHSL D2 Player of the Year averaged 21.8 ppg, 7.8 rpg, 1.7 spg and 2.3 bpg and will post similar numbers as a senior. He will be one of the nation’s most productive big men as long as White’s youthful backcourt can deliver the ball and keep defenses honest. Pop Anderson is a good outside shooter, so that shouldn’t be a problem.
Key FAB 50 Stat: The only time Petersburg has been ranked in the FAB 50 era was in 2008-09. It finished 30-1 and ranked No. 45 after losing in the Group AAA state semifinals.
Bet You Didn’t Know: Petersburg is the alma mater of Moses Malone, who went straight to the ABA out of high school. He’s considered one of the five best high school players ever, is the 1974 Mr. Basketball USA and became a three-time NBA MVP.
Mark On Your Calendar: White won his last 30 consecutive VHSL playoff games and should continue that personal winning streak with his new program. It’s imperative Petersburg do well in its big showcase games because of the relatively weak competition in the VHSL post-season.

21. (8) Wasatch Academy (Mt. Pleasant, Utah) 25-6**
Key Players: SG Katrelle Harmon 6-3 2026 (No. 53 ESPN.com, Creighton commit), PG Junior County 6-5 2026 (No. 29 247Sports.com, UConn commit), SG Mariano Manciel 6-3 2026, SF Chidi Nwigwe 6-7 2026 (No. 48 ESPN.com, Ballislife Underclass All-American), C Vuk Lazarevic 7-1 2026.
Why This Team is a Contender: The Tigers are coming off a terrific season in which they captured a share of the EYBL Scholastic League title (9-2) along with FAB 50 title contenders Brewster Academy of Massachusetts and CIA Bella Vista of Arizona and could be better in 2025-26 if the chips fall into place. Wasatch Academy had a guard-heavy team last year and coach Paul Peterson feels this team will be more balanced. Vuk Lazarevic and Stra Zelic (6-11, 2028) can really knock down the perimeter shot and that creates more space and scoring opportunities for the Tigers’ highly-regarded guards, led by all-League candidate Katrelle Harmon.
X-Factor Player: Junior County. Coach Peterson points to his marked improvement and most importantly, County’s ability to slow down the opposition’s best perimeter offensive threat.
Key Transfer: Mana Winitana. The 6-foot-2, 2027 (junior) guard is solid in every aspect of the game. His motor is non-stop and the team’s energy level goes up a notch when Winitana checks into the ball game.
Key FAB 50 Stat: This program has been preseason FAB 50 ranked nine of the past 10 seasons and puts together good teams and earns national respect with little fanfare.
Bet You Didn’t Know: Winitana is from New Zealand and moved to Utah in the fifth grade. His father is a former pro player, high school coach and Bishop in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Mark On Your Calendar: Peterson is looking to have his team right on track from the jump in the EYBL Scholastic’s loaded West Division. The Tigers begin league play with FAB 50 title contender Link Academy and No. 30 Sunrise Christian Academy. At the next stop at the Sunshine Classic (Montverde, Fla.), they have a road game vs. FAB 50 power Montverde Academy, hence Peterson’s emphasis on coming together quickly.

22. (1) Columbus (Miami, Fla.) 30-3
Key Players: SF Caleb Gaskins 6-7 2026 (No. 4 Rivals.com, Ballislife Underclass All-American, Miami commit), SG Marcellous Jackson Jr. 6-4 2026 (No. 126 247Sports.com, Memphis commit), PG Felipe Quinones 6-4 2026 (No. 62 Rivals.com, Florida Atlantic commit), SG Caydin Gaskins 6-3 2029, C Akol Nyok 7-1 2027.
Why This Team is a Contender: Don’t cry for the Explorers as life without Cam and Cayden Boozer (both now at Duke) begins. The defending FAB 50 national champions still have a strong club with two returning starters and six lettermen, although any team losing a two-time Mr. Basketball USA (as Cam was in 2023 and 2025) is going to feel the pinch. Jaxon Richardson was going to be the go-to player, but he recently transferred out and that drops this team from the Top 15. That means Caleb Gaskins and his young brother Caydin Gaskins, one of the most physically imposing 2029 players in the country, are going to have to step up big time for this team to remain in contention. Cello Jackson also returns in the backcourt and is a matchup problem because of his physicality and can excel off or on the ball. He also is a capable defender.
X-Factor Player: Caleb Gaskins has always been considered one of the top players in his class nationally, and brings versatility on both ends of the floor. In order for the Explorers to keep up with the national teams on their schedule, however, he is going to need to uptick his production and keep defenders honest with increased perimeter range.
Key Transfer: Felipe Quinones is a capable combo guard who has plenty of international experience playing for Puerto Rico and against high level high school teams while at IMG Academy. Quinones is capable of big scoring outbursts and new coach Jorge Milo is concerned about the lack of 3-point shooting among the veterans, so his skill set is just what the doctor ordered. With Richardson gone, his role just became even more important.
Key FAB 50 Stat: This team steadily rose in the preseason rankings each year of the Boozer era, culminating with starting out and finishing No. 1 in 2024-25. Columbus was the first parochial or public school to start and finish No. 1 since the Greg Oden-led Lawrence North (Indianapolis, Ind.) team in 2005-06. That team realistically had no shot to repeat with Oden and Mike Conley, another future NBA player, graduating and Columbus has its work cut out to try to be at that level once again.
Bet You Didn’t Know: No team that is a full-time member of a state athletic association and plays for a state title has ever repeated as FAB 50 champ. Only the academy-type programs have.
Mark On Your Calendar: The defending champs will participate in the City of Palms Classic in Florida, where it opens with No. 49 Principia and could take on the winner of Bishop McNamara (Md.) and Wheeler (Ga.) in the quarterfinals. FAB 50 title contender Paul VI of Virginia is also on its side of the bracket. The Explorers will also play in the Holiday Hoopsgiving in Atlanta vs. No. 37 Woodward Academy and highly-regarded Davidson Day of North Carolina (Nov. 28-29) and participate in the Les Schwab Invitational in Portland, Ore. after Christmas. They will likely meet either FAB 50 contender Notre Dame or No. 18 Sierra Canyon in a LSI semifinal contest.

23. (38) Our Lady of Mt. Carmel (Baltimore, Md.) 34-4
Key Players: SF Ralphs Rudusans 6-9 2026 (LeHigh commit), C Junior Mancho 6-9 2027, PF Gage Howard 6-7 2026, PG Samartine Hill 5-8 2027, SG Tristen Wilson 6-4 2026 (Holy Cross commit), PG Kiyen Alexander 5-9 2027.
Why This Team is a Contender: This team has the size, depth and experience to take on some of the nation’s best teams. Coach Tony Martin’s club is led by Tristen Wilson, as he is the roster’s most well-rounded talent and a stat-stuffer who can take over games. The Cougars also have plenty of size to defend their Baltimore Catholic League (BCL) regular season and tournament titles, but need health and consistency at the point guard position.
X-Factor Player: Ralphs Rudusans has terrific long-term potential and is known for his versatility. If he has a big season, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel can climb in the rankings. Gage Howard, who starred as a freshman at St. Frances Academy and is referred to as “Baby Derik Queen” will also be a difference-maker, while Junior Mancho is the anchor inside. Rudusans had 17 points and Macho 11 points, seven rebounds and three steals in last season’s Maryland Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) “A” Conference title game.
Key Transfer: Kiyan Alexander is known for his basketball I.Q. and strength in finishing inside vs. length. He moved in from Delaware and his play will be key as Samartine Hill recovers from injury. Hill was terrific at DMV Live during the June Scholastic period and when he rounds into shape, Martin will have a two-headed monster at lead guard.
Key FAB 50 Stat: Martin has coached over 110 players who earned scholarships at the next level. His team at John Carroll School (Bel Air, Pa.) participated in the first Chipotle Nationals (then known as the National High School Invitational) in 2008-09.
Bet You Didn’t Know: Okojie Harmony is a Nigerian native via Canada who jumps out of the gym and has a 7’4 wingspan. He’s overcome plenty of hardships as a youngster, so Martin is hoping a more stable situation will lead to a breakout season.
Mark On Your Calendar: The Cougars rate as strong BCL favorites over Archbishop Spaulding, with Mt. St. Joseph and St. Frances Academy right on their heels. Ultimately, however, this club’s ranking will be weighted by its results against other FAB 50 ranked clubs. The Cougars face St. Frances Academy at home Nov. 25, participate in The Classic at Bristol, Tenn. (Dec. 27-31) and meet FAB 50 title contender Spire Academy of Ohio on Jan. 10 at Baltimore City College.

24. (43) Winston-Salem Christian (Winston-Salem, N.C.) 35-7
Key Players: PF Elton James 6-8 2026, SG Josiah Johnson Freeman 6-5 2027, PG Bradley Floyd 6-5 2026, PG Kenyon St. Louis 6-2 2028, C Williams Itumo 6-10 2026 (Jacksonville St. commit), SF Nicholas McLean 6-9 2026 (Queens University).
Why This Team is a Contender: The Lions return three starters from a nationally-ranked club that finished in third place in the Grind Session Power Conference. This is a good shooting team with plenty of experience and depth and if it plays defense the way coach Antonio Lowe (248-47) believes it’s capable of, it could move up in the rankings. Lowe loves the improvement he sees in Elton James and Josiah Johnson Freeman, two of the returning starters, and expects a big jump in production from Nicholas McLean, a reserve last season who has improved the most.
X-Factor Player: Bradley Floyd. He was one of the two best players on the team last year alongside graduated guard Adriel Norah (USF) and will be counted on in crunch time. He averaged 14 ppg last season and he doesn’t necessarily have to improve that average, just be the steady force on a team that can beat you in many ways.
Key Transfer: Kenyon St. Louis. This Canadian transplant is oozing with talent and potential and even though WSC is young at the guard position, St. Louis’ presence will make a difference. There may be a small adjustment period, but watch out when he gets comfortable. He starred on Canada’s 16U national team, led Canada Elite to the UAA 15U title and recently has picked up high major offers.
Key FAB 50 Stat: Winston-Salem Christian is preseason FAB 50 ranked for the third consecutive season.
Bet You Didn’t Know: WSC is a member of the North Carolina Association of Independent Schools and offers a curriculum of Pre-K through 12 grade. The program also fields a successful post-grad team.
Mark On Your Calendar: The Lions play highly-regarded Davidson Day of North Carolina at the Phenom Tip-Off Classic (Nov. 15) and play FAB 50 title contender Bishop McNamara of Maryland at the Mayhem on Military (Nov. 29) in Washington, D.C. FAB 50 title contender CIA Bella Vista of Arizona sits on the same side of the bracket at the Beach Classic Classic (Dec. 27-30) in South Carolina. And of course, matchups with Southeastern Prep and Prolific Prep, both of Florida, await in the Grind Session Power Conference.

25. (29) Brennan (San Antonio, Texas) 33-3
Key Players: SF Donovan Criss 6-5 2026 (No. 138 Rivals.com, UTEP commit), SG Isaiah Ward 6-6 2026 (Denver commit), PG Talon Todd 6-0 2026 (Austin Peay commit), C Delano Tarpley 6-10 2026, PG Jacob Padilla 5-11 2027.
Why This Team is a Contender: For the third consecutive season, Brennen is a major contender for the University Interscholastic League’s top prize (the Class 6A, D1 title) and is hoping the third time is the charm. Last season, the Bears were No. 3 in the FAB 50 when they were stunned in the state semifinals after falling in the regional semifinals in 2023-24. Don’t fret for the Bears as life begins without All-American Kingston Flemings (Houston), as they return six of their top eight players. Their strengths are the length and ability on the wings with players such as Donovan Criss and Isaiah Ward. The team also has capable knock down shooters.
X-Factor Player: Jacob Padilla is a coach’s dream and a playmaker, whether on the ball or off it when Talon Todd is running point. He showed what he could do with 18 points vs. highly-regarded Allen when coach Koty Cowgill (339-112) had two regulars out. Cowgill expects him to play a much bigger role and if Brennan gets over the hump, he’ll be a big reason why.
Key Transfer: Delano Tarpley. He left for a prep school for a season, but is back in the fold and his size and presence is just what this team needs in the big games. Cowgill is expecting him to make a big impact and bring a dimension that last year’s team lacked.
Key FAB 50 Stat: The Bears started off No. 30 for two consecutive seasons and are a tad higher this season. The UIL’s top ranked teams are a bit more spread out and a number of teams could contend for a FAB 50 spot, such as Katy Seven Lakes, North Crowley, Allen and Duncanville, the latter who was tabbed the preseason No. 1 Class 6A club in the TABC Rankings.
Bet You Didn’t Know: The last San Antonio area club to win the UIL title in the highest classification is John Jay (San Antonio) in 2001-02. That nine-loss Class 5A champ finished No. 15 in the Southwest Region Top 20. The highest ranked team ever from the area would be East Central (San Antonio), which finished No. 5 in 1994-95 at 35-0 and the Class 5A state champs.
Mark On Your Calendar: The Bears face B.T. Washington (Tulsa, Okla.) at the Thanksgiving Hoopfest and play Parish Episcopal and South Central Prep of Oklahoma at the Noble Classic at Arlington Martin. This team, of course, is only concerned with how it finishes the season in the Class 6A, D1 playoffs.

26. (26) Fishers (Fishers, Ind.) 30-1
Key Players: PG Jason Gardner Jr. 6-1 2027 (No. 26 247Sports.com, Ballislife Underclass All-American), PG Cooper Zachary 5-9 2027, PF Kai McGrew 6-9 2026.
Why This Team is a Contender: This program is 59-2 the past two seasons and has enough returning talent to warrant the No. 1 spot among Indiana High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) clubs. Fishers also has plenty of motivation after winning the Class 4A state title in 2023-24 and finishing No. 9 in the FAB 50, as the team was 29-0 and No. 10 in the FAB 50 before falling in the state title game. It begins with Jason Gardner Jr., one of the best guards in the country, regardless of class, who averaged 14.5 ppg, 2.9 rpg and 5.3 apg. He was terrific at the 2025 Pangos All-American Camp and is primed to lead this club on another state title run.
X-Factor Player: Cooper Zachary. Big game performer had an outstanding summer for Indiana Elite on the Adidas 3SSB circuit as an elite, yet efficient scorer. As a sophomore he averaged 11.2 ppg, 2.5 rpg and 2.6 spg and leads the Tigers’ defensive charge up front. He will have to be in the lineup in order for a team that lost five seniors to make a run at a second state title in three years.
Key Transfer: Kai McGrew. A talented big man, he was initially granted limited eligibility by the IHSAA, but was given full eligibility in recent weeks. He comes over from Lawrence North after averaging 11.7 ppg, 7.4 rpg and 2.2 bpg. He will anchor the paint and allow coach Garrett Winegar (120-30) to employ 84-feet pressure defense to a high level and dictate the pace of games.
Key FAB 50 Stat: Before this recent run of success, Fishers had never been ranked in the FAB 50.
Bet You Didn’t Know: IHSAA basketball was famous for its single-class tournament until it was discontinued after the 1996-97 season after a 87-year run. The final team to win the single-class state title was North (Bloomington, Ind.), which went 28-1 and finished No. 24 in the National Prep Poll (FAB 50 precursor).
Mark On Your Calendar: Coach Winegar’s club plays one of the toughest schedules in Indiana, beginning with the Tipoff Classic in Southport and Sneakers for Santa in Brownsburg. It will also host the Fishers Holiday Hoops Classic and will compete in the Highland Optimist Shootout in St. Louis, Mo. At the Flyin’ To the Hoop Classic in Dayton, Ohio (Jan. 17), Fishers takes on Centerville (Ohio).

27. (BB) Bergen Catholic (Oradell, N.J.) 27-5
Key Players: PF Julius Avent 6-7 2026 (No. 70 ESPN.com, Michigan St. commit), SG Jaden “Jay Boogie” Brown 6-3 2026 (Fairfield commit), PG Sean “Money” Forbes 5-10 2028, SF Luka Kuqo 6-9 2027.
Why This Team is a Contender: The Crusaders return three talented starters from a unit that defeated Camden Catholic in the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) Non-Public A state title game. For the second consecutive season, Bergen Catholic opens as the NJSIAA’s top ranked club in what is considered a pedestrian year in terms of team strength. The Crusaders employ a relentless full court press and want to turn teams over to employ a fast-paced offense. Julius Avent, the son of former NBA player Anthony Avent, led the way averaging 14.5 ppg, and has expanded his offensive game from the outside. He’s coming off a terrific Nike Peach Jam for the PSA Cardinals in which he averaged 17.3 ppg and 6.5 rpg and will be in line for national honors with a big season. Jaden Brown can shine at both guard sports and he too had a solid Peach Jam performance, netting 12.5 ppg.
X-Factor Player: There is some concern about rebounding and letting teams back into games, and that’s where the play of Luka Kuqo will be key. He’s shown marked improvement and will play a bigger role on a deep club that will need his switchable defense, rebounding and ability to keep defenses honest with his shooting in order to meet its lofty goals.
Key Transfer: Kieren Quinn (6-7, 2027). He’s a talented wing who can score at all three levels, covers ground, moves well without the ball and is a solid passer. He was a standout at EuroBasket 18U for Ireland and will be a shot in the arm for this lineup after playing last season at Gill St. Bernard (Gladstone, N.J.).
Key FAB 50 Stat: Bergen Catholic opened up No. 26 in the FAB 50 last season but dropped three in-state games that prevented it from finishing FAB 50 ranked, even though the Crusaders captured a state title.
Bet You Didn’t Know: Bergen Catholic has won 13 sectional titles and six state titles (1978, 1994, 2002, 2019, 2022, 2025).
Mark On Your Calendar: The Crusaders will make appearances in the Jordan Jumpman Holiday Classic in Brooklyn, N.Y., the Made Hoops Delaware Showcase and Kruel Christmas Classic in Coral Springs, Fla. Bergen Catholic faces Central Catholic of Massachusetts at the Panini Hoophall Classic (Jan. 18) and FAB 50 title contender Spire Academy at the Metro Classic in Tom’s River, N.J. (Feb. 6-7).

28. (NR) La Lumiere (La Porte, Ind.) 19-12
Key Players: PG Cuba Smith 6-4 2026, PG Jonathan Sanderson 6-2 2026 (No. 55 ESPN.com, Ballislife Underclass All-American, Notre Dame commit), SF Gabe Weis 6-6 2026 (Western Kentucky commit), PF Rivers Knight 6-8 2026 (Purdue commit), SF Ferlandes Wright 6-7 2027 (No. 150 247Sports.com), PG Devin Cleveland 6-3 2027 (No. 22 ESPN.com, Ballislife Underclass All-American), SG Jacob Webber 6-6 2026 (No. 33 Rivals.com, Purdue commit), C Gan-Erdene Solongo 7-0 2026 (No. 93 Rivals.com, Notre Dame commit).
Why This Team is a Contender: The Lakers are one of 13 FAB 50 entrants from the EYBL Scholastic League and are going to have to work themselves up after a disappointing 2024-25 season. Coach Patrick Holmes certainly has the roster to make a move in the league’s East Division. Obviously, the talent level could easily warrant a move up, but more than the talent LaLu is looking for better roster cohesion and better overall shooting from its core.
X-Factor Player: Jonathan Sanderson. He’s a leader and vocal player and carries the qualities Holmes is looking for: easy to play with and wants to win. As Sanderson goes, so does this team.
Key Transfer: There are two of them: Gabe Weis and Jacob Webber. Weis is able to shoot the ball and stretch the floor for the Lakers. Webber is the team’s best overall shooter. Holmes feels he has seven players that could average double figures and if he can get all of them to understand the group is better when they are making plays for each other, the Lakers have a chance to challenge for the best record in the East Division.
Key FAB 50 Stat: Incredibly, LaLu has been FAB 50 ranked for 14 consecutive seasons, peaking at No. 2 in 2016-2017 when it finished No. 2 after capturing Chipotle Nationals. Last season, the Lakers opened up at No. 9, but underachieved, finishing with a 3-8 league mark. We’ll slow play this team as there are less expectations despite a formidable roster.
Bet You Didn’t Know: Gan-Erdene Solongo, a 7-foot, 270-pound senior, is the World’s tallest living Mongolian.
Mark On Your Calendar: As many coaches in the EYBL Scholastic League are, Holmes is emphasizing a strong start. He felt a crushing loss in late November to IMG Academy when his team was up 15 points really hurt his 2024-25 team’s momentum despite two McDonald’s All-Americans on the roster. This year, the Lakers have two league games before January vs. No. 29 Oak Cliff Faith Family and No. 16 Dream City Christian at the Thanksgiving Hoopfest in Dallas.

29. (NR) Oak Cliff Faith Family (Dallas, Texas) 27-9
Key Players: PF Gavin Placide 6-8 2026 (No. 43 Rivals.com, Wake Forest commit), PF Gallagher Placide 6-8 2026 (No. 56 Rivals.com, Wake Forest commit), PG Josiah Rose 6-3 2027 (No. 20 Rivals.com), C Xavier Young 6-10 2028 (No. 12 247Sports.com), SG Tayshaun Williams 6-4 2026, SG Brayden Williams 6-3 2027, PG Kayden Johnson 6-3 2026, SG Josiah Jones 6-1 2027.
Why This Team is a Contender: It has a plethora of talent at its disposal as it enters the EYBL Scholastic League. The Eagles can score the ball, led by twin brothers Gavin and Gallagher Placide. They played in the League last year at Sunrise Christian Academy and will no doubt look to be two focal points of the offense after a big summer. Coach Brandon Thomas (415-108) has many able bodies and will look to settle into his rotation in preparation to battle the teams in the loaded West Division. It plays to this team’s advantage that its first league contest is not until the weekend of Dec. 13-14 vs. famed Oak Hill Academy of Virginia.
X-Factor Player: Xavier Young. He’s oozing with talent and potential and his production will be key to compliment and take some of the defensive focus off the Placide twins. Young has a quality post game for his age with great hands, and is a big-time rebounder and finisher in the key.
Key Transfer: With the late fall departure of SMU-bound point guard Cameron Lomax, Kayden Johnson will have to step into a bigger role for a team looking to find its identity with so many newcomers. Johnson is physically strong, gets into the key at will and is a tough finisher and ultra-competitive. Thomas is confident this team will jell by competing hard every day in practice and because of the presence of Josiah Rose, the only returnee who is long on talent and experience.
Key FAB 50 Stat: This is the third consecutive season that Faith Family in preseason FAB 50 ranked. Thomas feels the best Faith Family team was the 2021-22 club that finished No. 30 in the FAB 50 and defeated clubs from seven different states.
Bet You Didn’t Know: The program won three consecutive UIL Class 4A state titles between 2022 and 2024, four since 2019 and were moved up to Class 5A for 2024-25. Right before the season began, however, it dropped out of the UIL in all sports after heavy sanctions were levied against its girls basketball program. The team competed in and won the national championship of the Elite Interscholastic Basketball Conference (EIBC) before joining the EYBL Scholastic League for 2025-26.
Mark On Your Calendar: Coach Thomas always plays a tough national schedule and too many overall losses likely kept the program outside the final FAB 50 the past two seasons. This season is no different as the Eagles are scheduled to play in the Thanksgiving Hoopfest, D.C. Hoopfest, King Cotton Holiday Classic, Hoophall West, Panini Hoophall Classic, the Quincy Shootout in Missouri and Montverde Academy Invitational (MAIT).

30. (18) Sunrise Christian Academy (Bel Air, Kan.) 16-7
Key Players: PF Stefan Marjanovic 6-11 2026, PG Christian Matos 6-3 2026, PF Jon Dzabatou 6-8 2026 (No. 137 Rivals.com), SG Caeden Hutcherson 6-4 2026, SF Abraham “Miracle” Taiwo 6-8 2028 (No. 54 Rivals.com).
Why This Team is a Contender: The Buffaloes started at No. 41 last year and actually were better than that, finishing in a four-way tie for second place in the EYBL Scholastic League standings. We’re starting coach Kyle Lindsted’s club higher than it did last season, but it won’t be easy to move up because of the sheer amount of talented teams in the league it must get past in order to finish in the top 3 in the West Division standings. Lindsted’s focus is not on just attracting the best talent his program can, but also the right kind of personnel that can fit into the program and excel in a role. He’s hoping that approach will pay dividends, as he enjoys the group of kids in the program and looks to build continuity, as Abraham “Miracle” Taiwo is the only player on the roster with experience in the talent-laden league.
X-Factor Player: Among the bigs, Serbian transplant Stefan Marjanovic is a good shooter and the Buffaloes need his size and presence to remain competitive with the top teams in the EYBL Scholastic’s West Division. He will be a go-to player in crunch time.
Key Transfer: Christian Matos comes over from Archbishop Carroll (Radnor, Pa.) and is a play-maker who will be counted on to create offense. Coach Linsted always likes the improvement he sees in Caeden Hutcherson from Mitty (San Jose, Calif.).
Key FAB 50 Stat: The program is preseason FBA 50 ranked for the eighth consecutive season. On many occasions such as last season, it has exceeded preseason expectations. In order for that to happen this year, everything is going to have to fall in place quickly.
Bet You Didn’t Know: Lindsted is now in his third season under the helm, but he actually was part of the Sunrise Christian coaching staff for 16 years at a time before the EYBL Scholastic League was formed. It was a private Christian school that played other local Christian schools and the best public school competition it could find. The program then added a post-graduate team in 2012.
Mark On Your Calendar: The Buffaloes take on FAB 50 title contenders Long Island Lutheran and Brewster Academy at the NBA Cup in Las Vegas (Dec. 12-14). The program doesn’t have any games between Dec. 18-Jan. 5, then it has a gauntlet of tough games and in order to win a majority of them, this team will have to defend and rebound at a high level.

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

Editor's Pick

Preseason 2025-26 FAB 50: Teams No. 31-50!

Preseason 2025-26 FAB 50: Teams No. 16-30!

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1

Columbus (Fla.) 30-3

Ranked #1 Last Week

2

Brewster Academy (N.H.) 28-5

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3

Prolific Prep (Calif.) 35-6

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4

Long Island Lutheran (N.Y.) 21-7

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5

Roosevelt (Calif.) 35-2

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