Today Ballislife.com tips off its 2025-26 high school basketball coverage with our first installment of the preseason 2025-26 FAB 50 National Team Rankings. We begin with teams No. 31-50.
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.)
RELATED: Preseason 2025-26 FAB 50 (1-15) | Preseason 2025-26 FAB 50 (16-30) | Preseason East Region Top 20 | Preseason Southeast Region Top 20 | Preseason Midwest Region Top 20 | Preseason Southwest Region Top 20 | Preseason West Region Top 20 | Ballislife Podcast Network | FAB 50 Rankings Criteria | History of High School Team Rankings
GO TO: No. 31 / No. 32 / No. 33 / No. 34 / No. 35 / No. 36 / No. 37 / No. 38 / No. 39 / No. 40 / No. 41 / No. 42 / No. 43 / No. 44 / No. 45 / No. 46 / No. 47 / No. 48 / No. 49 / No. 50
31. (NR) Greensboro Day (Greensboro, N.C.) 31-5
Key Players: SG Marty Giant 6-4 2026, C Mason Robinson 6-9 2027, SF Jagger Emerson 6-6 2027.
Why This Team Can Trend Up: The Bengals have been FAB 50 contenders for over a decade and have what it takes to stay in the rankings this season with 10 lettermen returning off a club that captured the North Carolina Independent Schools Athletic Association (NCISAA) Class 3A state crown. It will be gunning for its seventh title in 12 years with terrific depth, defense and a veteran coach that knows what it takes to win. The team is led by Marty Giant, a returning all-state guard known for quality defense and leadership capabilities. He is going to have to be on point for a team that graduated six seniors off its latest championship team.
X-Factor Player: Mason Robinson. He is quickly receiving major college interest and will be the key piece up front for the Bengals. He runs the floor well, has good length and shot blocking ability, plus good rebounding instincts.
Key Transfer: None. But look for Jagger Emerson to have a major impact on the wing after injuries slowed him down as a sophomore. He started as a freshman (4.7 ppg, 4.2 rpg). Andrew Juergens (6-8, 2028) is another wing expected to make a big leap in production. Grant Duggins (6-8, 2029) is an advanced freshman and Thomas Bowes (6-5, 2028) was the star of last season’s JayVee team and is expected to make an impact at shooting guard.
Key FAB 50 Stat: This program has finished FAB 50 ranked four times, including a No. 13 finish in 2016-17 when its upset IMG Academy at Chipotle Nationals and No. 6 in 2014-15 when it qualified for the event for the first time.
Bet You Didn’t Know: Coach Freddy Johnson is entering his 49th season as head coach of the program. He has a record of 1,221 wins against 333 losses and has won a record 13 NCISAA state titles. He’s third among active coaches in victories behind Gary McKnight of Santa Ana (Mater Dei, Calif.) with 1,294 and Richard Duease of Madison-Ridgeland Academy (Madison, Miss.) with 1,257 wins.
Mark On Your Calendar: Greensboro Day will participate in multiple Phenom Hoops events, including the Carmel Christian Tipoff Classic vs. Carmel Christian (Nov. 8), the George Lynch Invitational vs. Tennessee Collegiate Academy (Nov. 22) and host the coach Freddy Johnson Showcase. The Bengals will also participate in the John Wall Invitational (Dec. 26-30), which includes FAB 50 title contenders IMG Academy of Florida, Petersburg of Virginia, Spire Academy of Ohio and Southeastern Prep of Florida.
32. (NR) Millennium (Goodyear, Ariz.) 20-8
Key Players: SG Cameron Holmes 6-5 2026 (No. 30 247Sports.com, Ballislife Underclass All-American), PG Adan Diggs 6-4 2028 (No. 5 Rivals.com, Ballislife Underclass All-American), SF Trey McKinney 6-5 2028 (No. 21 ESPN.com), SF D.J. Spencer 6-5 2027, PG Adrian Higuera 6-1 2027.
Why This Team Can Trend Up: This team has plenty of firepower returning and some talented newcomers, enough to start out as the top ranked Arizona Interscholastic Association (AIA) team in front of No. 45 Sunnyslope and teams such as Basha and Sandra Day O’Connor. It begins with Cam Holmes, one of the best players in the country who led the Tigers to a main division title at the Section 7 June Live Period event for the second straight year. He enters his senior year with 1,460 career points and is one of the nation’s best scorers. Millennium does have six lettermen back, but a new coach in Rich Thornton, who comes over after serving 13 seasons as a top assistant coach for Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas, Nev.) and helping that program win 11 Nevada state titles. He also coaches the Vegas Elite 17U program on the EYBL circuit, so Thornton has plenty of experience coaching high level talent and that should pay off with this club.
X-Factor Player: D.J. Spencer. This transfer from Desert Vista (Phoenix, Ariz.) is an inside-outside threat and tough on both ends of the floor. Many on the roster can guard multiple positions.
Key Transfer: Aidan Diggs. His poise, ability to separate from defenders and use his size to gain favorable attack position makes Diggs one of the best guards in the country, regardless of class. He has a polished game beyond his years and was nearly our National Freshman of the Year after averaging 17.0 ppg, 5.2 rpg and 3.8 apg at Williams Field (Gilbert, Ariz.). Trey McKinney is also a newcomer (from Bishop Gorman of Nevada). He can defend, is a good passer, and a streaky good shooter. His consistency level will be a key.
Key FAB 50 Stat: This team opened up at No. 29 in the FAB 50 last season, but fell in the AIA open semifinals to No. 45 Sunnyslope. The Tigers will have to win the last game of the AIA playoffs in order to stay in this range in the rankings.
Bet You Didn’t Know: Adrian Higuera backed up Sunnyslope’s Delton Prescott on the Vegas Elite 16U travel ball team. Players on both teams have also played together for AZ Unity when they were younger or in the middle school ranks. Both teams are quite familiar with each other and its going to be a fierce battle to take home the AIA open crown.
Mark On Your Calendar: Millennium plays a national schedule which includes a trip to the Iolani Classic in Hawaii (Dec. 18-23) along with FAB 50 ranked Harvard-Westlake of California. The Tigers also participate in Hoophall West, and if they win their first game vs. Texas Military Institute on New Year’s Day, will take on the winner of FAB 50 title contender Wheeler of Georgia and No. 33 Salesian.
33. (BB) Salesian (Richmond, Calif.) 27-4
Key Players: SG Elias Obenyah 6-4 2026 (No. 134 247Sports.com, Stanford commit), SF Carlton Perrilliat 6-5 2026, SF Leon Powe III 6-5 2026, PG Isaiah Davis 5-11 2026, PG Asante Johnson 6-0 2027, SF Jahlil Lindsey 6-5 2026.
Why This Team Can Trend Up: There is plenty to like with four returning starters and nine lettermen off a unit that advanced to the NorCal open semifinals. For the second time in three years, The Pride are the favorites to represent NorCal in the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) open division title game for the second time in three seasons. It begins with Elias Obenyah, a go-to player who nearly willed Salesian to a state title as a sophomore and is the returning leading scorer (13.6 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 2.2 apg). He’s complimented by another all-state candidate in Carlton Perrilliat, a relentless downhill attacker who Salesian went to many times down the stretch when it won titles at both Section 7 and Cali Live ’25 during the NCAA’s June Scholastic Live Period. Perrilliat (12.6 ppg, 3.3 rpg) may be concentrating on football on the next level, but on this level he’s a load for any high school defense to contain.
X-Factor Player: Asante Johnson. He may not start, but it doesn’t matter because Johnson’s shooting will be key for The Pride in their big games. He had a terrific summer and like most Salesian players, prides himself on defensive effort.
Key Transfer: Salesian had two rotation players leave in the off-season, but Tayshaun Bozeman (6-2, 2028) is a welcome addition. He gives this team an element of speed and explosiveness it didn’t have prior and is a nice change of pace off the bench. Jahlil Lindsey is not a transfer, but he’s a football player who makes a huge impact with physicality on the boards and strong finishes.
Key FAB 50 Stat: Salesian has finished FAB 50 ranked four times, with its highest finish at No. 21 in 2012 when it won the CIF D4 state title. The Pride had some trouble in the open division era for 10 years despite two FAB 50 finishes before finally breaking through in the NorCal open regional, making it to the 2024 CIF open title game and finishing No. 32 in the FAB 50.
Bet You Didn’t Know: Coach Bill Mellis is beginning his 28th season as The Pride’s head coach and enters 2025-26 with 668 wins and 185 losses. One of this year’s top players, Leon Powe Jr., is the son of the 2003 McDonald’s All-American out of Oakland Tech who helped the Celtics win the 2008 NBA title.
Mark On Your Calendar: After playing in the long-running Gridley Tournament (Dec. 11-12), the Pride will enter The Classic at Damien (Dec. 26-30) against a field that includes No. 45 Sunnyslope and highly-regarded Redondo Union of Southern California. At Hoophall West on New Year’s Day with one travel day in between, The Pride open the eight-team bracket with FAB 50 title contender Wheeler of Georgia.
34. (30) Bishop O’Connell (Arlington, Va.) 23-10
Key Players: PG Corey Dixon 6-3 2027, PG Darius Bivins 6-2 2026 (No. 59 ESPN.com), SF Jaron Rucker 6-6 2027, SF Justin Edwards 6-7 2026, PF Omar Alp Elitas 6-9 2027.
Why This Team Can Trend Up: The Knights have one of the best backcourts in the country and the right blend of players to compliment its duo and be in the thick of the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference (WCAC) race. The leaders of the pack in the WCAC are defending champ Paul VI of Virginia and Bishop McNamara of Maryland, but the Knights are not far behind led by Darius Bivins, a returning first team all-WCAC performer. His skill and ability to create for teammates makes him the perfect complement to the talents Jaron Rucker, Justin Edwards and Tristan Franklin (6-5, 2027) bring to the table. This team has shown good chemistry and veteran coach Joe Wootten can employ different lineups to create matchup problems.
X-Factor Player: Omer Alp Elitas. A native of Turkey, Alp gives O’Connell another dimension with his size, unselfish and passing ability, but he has to get used to the speed of elite American high school basketball. Once he comes around, Alp will be hard to keep off the floor and Wootten hopes with his improvement the team peaks in time for the WCAC playoffs.
Key Transfer: Corey Dixon. He comes over from Our Lady of Good Counsel in Maryland and shores up the lineup and makes Bivins an even more dangerous threat. He’s a natural scorer with an excellent pull up game who can get his shot off with little space. He’s the son of Juan Dixon, the star of Maryland’s 2002 NCAA title team.
Key FAB 50 Stat: The last time the Knights won the WCAC tourney title in 2013 they were not FAB 50 ranked. Their 2004 WCAC title team in Wootten’s fifth season was ranked No. 41 in the final FAB 50.
Bet You Didn’t Know: Wootten (556-275), in his 27th season, will coach his only son Jackson Wootten (5-10, 2027) this season. He and Connor Cully (6-5, 2028) provide good outside shooting off the bench to compliment the abilities of Bivins and Dixon.
Mark On Your Calendar: The Knights will play at the Thanksgiving Hoopfest in Dallas and face highly-regarded IMG Academy of Florida on Dec. 5. They will face Milton (Ga.) and Dallas Kimball (Texas) at the Hoopfest in Paradise in the Bahamas (Dec. 19-20) before participating in the The Classic at Bristol, Tenn. (Dec. 27-31).
35. (NR) Timpview (Provo, Utah) 20-6
Key Players: SF Dean Rueckert 6-8 2026 (No. 66 ESPN.com, Ballislife Underclass All-American, BYU commit), C William Openshaw 6-10 2026 (BYU commit), PG Mason Ford 6-2 2026, PG Lincoln Holmcombe 6-3 2026, SF Jackson Palmer 6-5 2026.
Why This Team Can Trend Up: The Thunderbirds open up as the No. 1 ranked team in the Utah High School Activities Association (UHSAA) ranks with five returning starters. It’s not just the quantity, but the quality, as Dean Rueckert (18.6 ppg, 4.9 rpg) is one of the best well-rounded talents in the country. He’s an excellent shooter off the catch or move and his offensive polish opens up the rest of his game and opportunities for teammates. This team can guard every position well and has enough length and athleticism to challenge teams on a national scale.
X-Factor Player: Another returning all-state selection besides Rueckert is Will Openshaw. His game is tailor-made to stretch the floor with his pick-and-pop ability, but the Thunderbirds also need him to dominate the key against the toughest opponents. He averaged 11.6 ppg and 6.3 rpg and look for those numbers to climb this season.
Key Transfer: The team is returning en masse, but Jackson Ford (5-10, 2028) is a youngster that should play a significant role while sharing minutes with Mason Ford and Lincoln Holmcombe in the backcourt. Ford is a combo guard, while Holmcombe is a big lead guard that gives this team versatility.
Key FAB 50 Stat: Timpview started out the 2003-04 season ranked No. 31 in the FAB 50 but finished unranked. In the first season of the FAB 50 (1987-88), Timpview finished 24-0 and was No. 3 in the Midlands Region, but didn’t crack the final Top 20, as the National Prep Poll only went 20 teams deep then.
Bet You Didn’t Know: Rueckert and Openshaw are teammates on the Utah Prospects travel ball club, but it will be a while before they are teammates at BYU. Rueckert reportedly will report to BYU next fall, while Openshaw will serve a two-year Mormon Mission.
Mark On Your Calendar: Timpview showed what it could do last season with a big win over California power Harvard-Westlake and this year would like nothing more than to capture the Tarkanian Classic against a strong field, including No. 41 Carter, plus another top Texas club in Atascocita. The field also includes host Bishop Gorman of Las Vegas, Riviera Prep of Florida, and FAB 50 title contender Notre Dame of California, Harvard-Westlake’s Mission League rival.
36. (NR) The Villages Charter (The Villages, Fla.) 26-6
Key Players: SF Herly Brutus 6-7 2026 (No. 82 ESPN.com, LSU commit), SF Jomar Bernard 6-7 2027 (No. 51 Rivals.com), PG Aaron Britt Jr. 6-0 2027 (No. 54 ESPN.com), PF Kymani Weathers 6-8 2026, SG Miles Simpson 6-5 2028 (No. 47 Rivals.com, Ballislife Underclass All-American).
Why This Team Can Trend Up: The Buffalo have the talent, grit and motivation to capture the FHSAA Class 3A state crown and move up in the rankings. They fell in last year’s 3A title game to Calvary Christian Academy on a last-second put back and are hoping it doesn’t come down to a final possession this season. With talents such as Herly Brutus, Jomar Bernard and Aaron Britt Jr., coach Colt McDowell’s club certainly can put its stamp on the FHSAA scene this season. Brutus (10.5 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 2.8 apg) can be awkward at times with his mode of attack, but he is an incredible downhill scorer, and a relentless play-maker. He will be a big difference-maker in The Village’s big games. Britt (15.8 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 3.8 apg) is a steady guard who gets better the later the game goes. Bernard (8.6 ppg, 4.5 rpg) is a fluid athlete who moves well and is a solid shooter to boot.
X-Factor Player: Kymani Weathers. His coming back from a knee injury and his shot blocking and defense will help take this team to the next level.
Key Transfer: The Buffalo welcome Miles Simpson, who had a terrific freshman campaign at Webster Groves (Mo.). He has a terrific blend of athleticism and skill and figures to get better. The Villages also welcomes Cameron Lee (6-0, 2029) to the fold.
Key FAB 50 Stat: The departure of Jaxon Richardson from defending FAB 50 champ Columbus had created a wide-open race for No. 1 among FHSAA schools. The only preseason ranked club in Class 7A along with the Explorers is Olympia of Orlando, which faces No. 42 Notre Dame at the City of Palms Sunshine Series. No. 39 St. Thomas Aquinas is in Class 6A and highly-regarded Riviera Prep is in 2A.
Bet You Didn’t Know: The Villages fell to No. 33 Salesian in the title game of the AIA Division at Section 7 in Arizona during the June Scholastic Live Period, 63-55. It was the most intense and well-played title game of the event’s main divisions.
Mark On Your Calendar: The Villages will play in the traditional bracket of the City of Palms Classic in Ft. Myers, Fla. The Buffalo face St. John Bosco of California, a team that was recently weakened by the departure of Oregon-bound Tahj Ariza, and could face FAB 50 title contender Archbishop Stepinac of New York in the second round.
37. (BB) Woodward Academy (College Park, Ga.) 27-5
Key Players: SG Myles Hayes 6-5 2028 (No. 11 ESPN.com), SG Jarvis Hayes Jr. 6-5 2027 (No. 29 247Sports.com), PF Bentley Lusakueno 6-10 2028 (No. 5 247Sports.com), SG Braydn Elder 6-5 2027.
Why This Team Can Trend Up: The competition is tough in the Georgia High School Association (GHSA) and perhaps this is the first team in the FAB 50 we’re going out on a limb for. The War Eagles have plenty of talent to compete for the GHSA Class AAAAA title, but Tri Cities of East Point and Alexander of Douglasville will be looking to knock them off their rankings perch. Wheeler is the front-runner in AAAAAA, but Grayson, Pebblebrook and McEachern will be looking to make FAB 50 noise as well. Jarvis Hayes Jr. (13.7 ppg, 6.5 rpg) is the ringleader for coach Anthony Thomas, and is a prime all-state candidate because of combination of size, skill and competitiveness. He can really bring it on the defensive end. Braydn Elder, the son of former Georgia Tech standout B.J. Elder, can play both guard spots and will create a potent three-guard offense alongside the Hayes brothers.
X-Factor Player: Myles Hayes, former NBA player Jarvis Hayes’ younger son, is one of the best 2028 players in the country. His length and instincts stand out and he should greatly improve his 7.7 ppg and 4.0 rpg freshman averages. If Myles takes his game to the next level, Woodward Academy will do well against a tough pre-region schedule.
Key Transfer: Bentley Lusakueno. He comes over from Pace (Atlanta) where he entered high school with sky high expectations. Scouts and recruiters are enamored by his length and frame, but if he can begin to produce at a level similar to what is projected long-term, Woodward Academy can thrive because of its scoring ability.
Key FAB 50 Stat: This is the first time the War Eagles program has appeared in the FAB 50.
Bet You Didn’t Know: Woodward Academy is a prestigious academic institution that opened in 1900 and is a desirable destination for academic-minded students throughout the greater Atlanta metro. It serves grades pre-k to 12th at two different locations.
Mark On Your Calendar: The War Eagles will be tested right away at the Hoops4Hunger Tip Off Classic vs. Westlake (Atlanta) and at the Hawks/Naismith Classic vs. Holy Innocents. Woodward Academy then takes on highly-regarded McEachern at the On The Radar Thanksgiving Showcase before taking on defending FAB 50 champion Columbus of Florida at the Holiday Hoopsgiving.
38. (BB) Father Judge (Philadelphia, Pa.) 24-7
Key Players: SG Derrick Morton-Rivera 6-3 2026 (Temple commit), PG Rocco Westfield 6-0 2026 (Merrimack commit), SF Max Moshinski 6-6 2026 (Iona commit), SG Max Tyler 6-3 2027.
Why This Team Can Trend Up: The Crusaders rate as the preseason team to beat in the competitive Philadelphia Catholic League (PCL) in front of Archbishop Wood (Warminster, Pa.) and Neumann-Goretti. Coach Chris Roantree counts four returning starters and two newcomers that could take this team towards the Top 25 of the FAB 50. It begins with Derrick Morton-Rivera, a two-time all-PCL selection who could be in line for Player of the Year honors because of his elite scoring and play-making ability. Rocco Westfield is a three-year contributor who controls tempo and knocked down the 3-point shot at a 43 percent clip as a junior.
X-Factor Player: Max Moshinski. He was a starter last year before getting hurt during the holiday tournament season and missing the rest of the year. Moshinski is a versatile talent and his improvement will make a marked difference for Father Judge in PCL play.
Key Transfer: The Crusaders added some length and size with Rezon Harris (6-7, 2027). He comes over from Imhotep Charter, Philadelphia’s top public school team. Father Judge also added Jamal Hamidu (7-0, 2027), a budding talent from Lawrence Academy (Woodmere, N.Y.).
Key FAB 50 Stat: The Crusaders have never finished ranked in the FAB 50.
Bet You Didn’t Know: Father Judge won its first Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) state title (in Class 6A) in program history last season and its PCL title was the first since 1997-98.
Mark On Your Calendar: The Crusaders will get a good test against FAB 50 title contender vs. Paul VI of Virginia at the Mayhem on Military (Nov. 29). Father Judge will also play in the Beach Ball Classic in Myrtle Beach, S.C.
39. (39) St. Thomas Aquinas (Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.) 30-2
Key Players: PG D.J. Sandi 6-2 2026, PG C.J. Westbrook 6-1 2027, SG K.J. Sandi 6-2 2027, SF Nate Accius 6-5 2027.
Why This Team Can Trend Up: The competition is fierce among the top Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) clubs. They often play in different classifications in the post-season, but there are plenty of teams worthy of national acclaim. Columbus of Miami is the defending FAB 50 champ and will start off the highest ranked, but the Raiders are in the mix to challenge for the state’s No. 1 spot along with No. 36 The Villages, Riviera Prep of Miami, Calvary Christian of Ft. Lauderdale and Olympia of Orlando. We like the Raiders in the spot it finished last season because of their four returning starters off a club that captured the Class 6A state crown. C.J. Westbrook is the ring-leader and is coming off a dynamic season in which he averaged 17.3 ppg while shooting 42 percent from 3-point range and 81 percent from the free throw line. The guard play on this team is top notch as is the chemistry, as the returnees have played together since grade school.
X-Factor Player: K.J. Sandi. His brother D.J. Sandi (9.5 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 7.5 apg, 3.3 spg) handles the point guard duties, but K.J. is an efficient scorer who will be counted on to take his game to the next level. In fall ball, it was clear St. Thomas Aquinas missed Dwayne Wimbley Jr. (Florida St.) and K.J. is going to be counted on to knock down big shots for the Raiders. He has a quick release on his shot and has the ability to create open space and scoring opportunities for his brother and Westbrook.
Key Transfer: This team is pretty well established, but Carter Florient (6-7, 2028) is a talented newcomer from Archbishop McCarthy of Ft. Lauderdale. He has a 6-10 wingspan and should contribute along with another talented sophomore, Rocco Jean (6-4, 2028).
Key FAB 50 Stat: The Raiders were not ranked in the preseason FAB 50 last season, but secured their spot with a 71-63 victory over Evans of Orlando. The Raiders are once again the favorites in Class 6A, as the top teams are spread out over 7A-3A.
Bet You Didn’t Know: This is St. Thomas Aquinas’ first appearance in the preseason FAB 50. The only other time, besides last season, in which it was FAB 50 ranked was when the program captured its first state title in 2000-01 in Class 5A and finished No. 34.
Mark On Your Calendar: Coach Julius Sandi (the father of the Sandi boys) is going to have to show he can navigate his troops through a tough schedule without a true post player. The Raiders could meet Class 7A contender Olympia in the City of Palms Classic Sunshine series and will also participate in The Classic at Bristol, Tenn. (Dec. 27-31).
40. (36) Sidwell Friends (Washington, D.C.) 24-6
Key Players: SF Jalyn Collingwood 6-6 2026 (No. 88 247Sports.com, Mississippi St. commit), PF Ian Condon 6-6 2027, PG Jadah Washington 6-0 2028.
Why This Team Can Trend Up: This team has eight returning lettermen from a team that just came up short in its bid for a fourth consecutive District of Columbia Schools Athletic Association (DCSAA) Class AA title. The Quakers had major backcourt injuries, but now the young players who were forced into action are a year older and better. Jalyn Collingwood is the ringleader after averaging 13.9 ppg and 4.9 rpg as a junior. There is not an aspect of the game he is not solid at and is primed for a big season after a standout summer. Collingwood is the only senior in the rotation.
X-Factor Player: Ian Condon. He brings a physical presence and is an excellent shooter. Last season he averaged 12.9 ppg and 5.9 rpg and is another that had a big summer for Team Melo 16U (14.1 ppg). Jadah Washington (2.9 spg, 3.4 deflections) was pressed into action last season after All-American Acaden Lewis came down with injuries and he’s much improved after leading Team Takeover to the EYBL Peach Jam 15U title.
Key Transfer: Andrew Ross (6-5, 2027). Comes over from Paul VI in Virginia and carries a nice blend of size, skill and athleticism. Ross can play on the ball or help out on the boards, while shooting a solid percentage from 3-point range. Another newcomer to watch for is Elijah Schneeberg (6-5, 2029).
Key FAB 50 Stat: The Quakers have been ranked in the preseason FAB for four consecutive seasons. Last year, coach Eric Singletary (305-139) had FAB 50 title aspirations, but this year the expectations are a bit tempered because of the team’s relative youth.
Bet You Didn’t Know: The program has posted a 111-16 record over the past four seasons. Sidwell Friends will look to capture its fifth DCSAA state title in six years.
Mark On Your Calendar: As usual, the Quakers have a loaded schedule, including a contest vs. Riverdale Baptist on Dec. 2. After that, they’ll take on Marist (Ill.) at the Chicago Elite Classic (Dec. 6) and play at the D.C. Hoopfest (Dec. 13-14), the Jordan Jumpman Holiday Classic (Dec. 27-28) and vs. highly-regarded Bullis at the IAC/MAC Challenge (Jan. 10).
41. (NR) Carter (Dallas, Texas) 28-8
Key Players: PG Amarion Hunter 6-3 2027, SF Shaqere Kizzee 6-10 2027, PF Terrell Jackson 6-10 2028 (No. 59 Rivals.com), SG Kaiden Eason 6-6 2027.
Why This Team Can Trend Up: Youthful team with length and speed, the Cowboys open as the top-ranked University Interscholastic League (UIL) Class 4A club and in contention for UIL’s overall No. 1 alongside teams such as North Crowley, Katy Seven Lakes, Atascocita and San Antonio Brennen. Incredibly, Carter came in at No. 7 in the TABC Preseason Class 4A rankings. With five returning starters off a club that lost in the regional final, we know better as Amarion Hunter is coming off a season in which he was named all-region and will likely be all-state as a junior. Jackson was the District 10-4A Freshman of the Year and its defensive player of the year and is one of the top players nationally in his class. He was recently named the top performer at the Pangos All-South Fr/Soph Camp by the HOOP SCOOP and is primed for a big season.
X-Factor Player: Kaiden Eason. Ironically, he is not related to Houston Rockets’ Tari Eason but he carries many of the same attributes. He’s an athletic slasher with a high-end motor who is asked to do a lot on this club. This ultimate glue player is a quality defender and is capable of big scoring outings.
Key Transfer: The Cowboys don’t have one with eight returning lettermen, but Shaqere Kizzee is like a whole new player. Kizzee has grown approximately 4-5 inches in the past year and is a matchup problem with his combination of length and wing skills. If Kizzee and Jackson live up to their potential, Carter could be in store for a state title.
Key FAB 50 Stat: The Cowboys were ranked in the Southwest Region in 2004-2005 (No. 13) and in 1999-2000 (No. 11), but have never finished FAB 50 ranked.
Bet You Didn’t Know: Carter has produced numerous future NFL athletes and even a couple of pro basketball players, including DeWayne Scales, but its most famous alum is super sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson.
Mark On Your Calendar: After playing at the Thanksgiving Hoopfest in Dallas, the Cowboys will venture to Las Vegas to play in perhaps the strongest Tarkanian Classic field in years. Class 6A front-runner Atascocita will also play in the Tark Classic, along with FAB 50 title contender Notre Dame of California, No. 35 Timpview and highly-regarded clubs Riviera Prep of Florida, Santa Margarita and Redondo Union of Southern California, plus Rangeview of Colorado.
42. (BB) Notre Dame (West Haven, Conn.) 26-2
Key Players: SF Abdou Toure 6-5 2026 (No. 29 Rivals.com, Ballislife Underclass All-American, Arkansas commit), SF Landon Krygier 6-5 2026 (Sacred Heart University commit), PG Kadrian Reeves 6-1 2027.
Why This Team Can Trend Up: The Green Knights are the two-time defending Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference (CIAC) D1 champs and return their entire team. Notre Dame finished No. 16 in the East Region Top 20 in 2024-25, but could be much better if everyone stays focused and continues to play for each other. It begins with Abdou Toure, already a two-time state player of the year who could be in line for major national post-season honors. He averaged 25.2 ppg, 6.5 rpg, 3.3 apg and 2.3 spg as a junior.
X-Factor Player: Toure gets plenty of deserved ink, but Landon Krygier also makes his fair share of big plays and shots, including a buzzer-beating 3-pointer to send the state semifinal game into overtime as a sophomore. He averaged 15.5 ppg and 5.8 rpg as a junior. Coach Jason Shea (238-51) also singled out the clutch contributions of point guard Kadrian Reeves.
Key Transfer: There are not any newcomers, and many of the seniors also starred on the state championship team as sophomores. Sacred Heart doesn’t have a traditional big man among its veterans, and that is an area of concern for Shea against a national schedule.
Key FAB 50 Stat: The last CIAC team to be FAB 50 ranked came in 2014-15, when Sacred Heart (Waterbury, Conn.) went 28-0 and finished No. 26. That team was led by junior Mustapha Heron. The highest ranked team ever from Connecticut is Bassick of Littleton, which finished No. 19 in 1988-89.
Bet You Didn’t Know: There are no newcomers, per se, but Notre Dame welcomes back two players who saw their season end early because of injury. One of them is Sekou Toure, a talented 6-foot-3 sophomore (2028) who started for Guinea on its FIBA 17U World Cup team last year. The other is Cyle Gore (6-1, 2027).
Mark On Your Calendar: The Green Knights are going to have to prove it can win the big out-of-state game to move up. Last year it fell in the Kingdom of the Sun Tournament quarterfinals and that is a reason why it begins ranked behind Florida clubs St. Thomas Aquinas and The Villages. They could meet St. Thomas Aquinas in the City of Palms Sunshine Series title game if they get by highly-regarded Olympia of Orlando. They also face high scoring guard Jason Crowe and Inglewood (Calif.) at the Panini Hoophall Classic.
43. (34) Webb (Knoxville, Tenn.) 34-2
Key Players: SF Cam Swearengen 6-5 2026 (South Dakota State commit), SF Alex Leeth 6-7 2026 (Rice commit), PG Owen Lentz 6-1 2026 (Alabama-Huntsville commit), SG Brayden Hazelbaker 6-1 2026 (Virginia-Wise commit), SG Wilson Luton 6-4 2026.
Why This Team Can Trend Up: The Spartans have four starters and a whopping 10 lettermen back, as they hunt their second straight Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association (TSSAA) Division II Class AA crown. This team is balanced and knows how it will attack opponents, which includes a healthy dose of quality outside shots. Owen Lentz (13.7 ppg, 4.7 rpg) is a terrific catch-n-shoot marksman and can also distribute at a high level. He is complimented in the backcourt by Wilson Luton, a solid athlete and all-around player. Cam Swearengen (11.4 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 2.5 apg) can play inside-out and was the MVP of last season’s state tournament.
X-Factor Player: Alex Leeth. The Spartans don’t have a true big, so Leeth’s play and health is of utmost importance. Leeth has a nice combination of finesse, versatility and skill and is coming off a season in which he averaged 10.4 ppg and 4.5 rpg.
Key Transfer: Brayden Hazelbaker. The all-state guard comes in from Maryville (Tenn.) after earning district tournament MVP and all-state honors. Ethan Woolard (6-4, 2028) is also highly-regarded.
Key FAB 50 Stat: Last year was the first time the program finished FAB 50 ranked after starting the season unranked. Lentz made 4-of-7 3-pointers in the state title game and Swearengen made 3-of-4.
Bet You Didn’t Know: Last season, Webb lost only to Moravian Prep of North Carolina (not FAB 50 eligible) and to the Calvary Christian Academy club No. 36 The Villages lost to at the buzzer in its state title game in Florida.
Mark On Your Calendar: The Spartans play in many competitive events before taking on the stiff competition The Classic at Bristol, Tenn. (Dec. 27-31) contains. They will play in the Holiday Hoopsgiving (Rocket City Edition), The Iverson Classic, Turnkey Hardwood Classic and The 901 Tournament of Champions.
44. (41) Christ School (Arden, N.C.) 28-3
Key Players: SG Tyler Jones 6-3 2026 (Albany commit), SG Dacen “Pop” Petty 6-4 2026, PG Kingston Whitty 6-2 2026 (West Virginia commit), PF Trevor Manhertz 6-9 2027 (No. 60 Rivals.com).
Why This Team Can Trend Up: The Greenies captured their third consecutive North Carolina Independent Schools Athletic Association (NCISAA) Class 4A state title last year and look to make a national splash this year. Christ School has joined the EYBL Scholastic League and has the talent to compete in the league’s East Division. Dacen “Pop” Petty leads the charge and enters the season with plenty of momentum after scoring 18 points in last season’s state title game win. The program plays to a high standard with high expectations, but also has a plethora of new faces and a new coach in Erasto Hatchett, so we’ll slow play the Greenies as a middle-of-the-pack EYBL Scholastic club.
X-Factor Player: Tyler Jones. He’s the other regular back alongside Petty and is an indispensable cog. Jones averaged 8.3 ppg and 3.3 rpg, but it’s what he does that doesn’t always appear in the state sheet that makes a difference. Jones is an ace defender and team-first player who was rewarded with a college scholarship.
Key Transfer: Kingston Whitty comes over from Holy Innocents (Ga.) and is capable of averaging 15 ppg for this club. He’s a great two-way athlete (also a track standout), a good student and played well this spring on the UAA circuit. Also watch for Trevor Manhertz (6-7, 2027)
Key FAB 50 Stat: The Greenies opened up at No. 25 last year and finished FAB 50 ranked for the second time in three seasons. In 2022-23, they finished No. 36 after downing preseason North Carolina Independent Schools Athletic Association (NCISAA) No. 1 Carmel Christian. The program was FAB 50 ranked for three consecutive seasons between 2009-2011 and qualified for the National High School Invitational (now Chipotle Nationals) in 2010.
Bet You Didn’t Know: Christ School has won nine overall NCISAA state crowns and has lost in the state title game just twice. Last season in an attempt to qualify for Chipotle Nationals for the second time, the Greenies lost to A.J. Dybansta and Utah Prep in the semifinals of the Nike Invitational Postseason Tournament.
Mark On Your Calendar: In addition to playing on the regular EYBL Scholastic League stops, Christ School will participate in the George Lynch Invitational and the John Wall Invitational.
45. (BB) Sunnyslope (Phoenix, Ariz.) 21-9
Key Players: SG Rider Portela 6-5 2026 (No. 146 247Sports.com, Colorado commit), C Darius Wabbington 6-10 2027 (No. 20 ESPN.com, Ballislife Underclass All-American), PG Delton Prescott 6-0 2027, PF Christian Simmons 6-8 2026, SF Nash Parmley 6-6 2026.
Why This Team Can Trend Up: The four-year grip held by Perry (Gilbert, Ariz.) on the Arizona Interscholastic Association (AIA) playoffs is over and the Vikings will look to take the reins as the 2025-26 AIA open champion. Veteran coach Ray Portela returns four starters from a club that lost to Perry in the state title game and the necessary ingredients to challenge Millennium of Goodyear as the preseason favorite to win the open title. Rider Portela, the coach’s son, is a winner and can contribute in every aspect of the game. Sunnyslope also has a high-level point guard in Delton Prescott, one of three all-state candidates for the Vikings.
X-Factor Player: Darius Wabbington. He’s a unique traditional post talent who is starting to reach his vast potential. Colleges coaches are enamored with him, but his level of dominance is going to determine if Sunnyslope can get past Millennium or teams such as Basha of Chandler or Sandra Day O’Connor to win the coveted AIA open title.
Key Transfer: Jaylin Ideran (6-1, 2026). The senior transfer from Camelback (Ariz.) will be the sixth man and a nice piece for a club concerned about its depth. He can both facilitate and score at a solid clip.
Key FAB 50 Stat: Sunnyslope was ranked No. 46 in the 2020-21 FAB 50 when it captured the AIA Class 6A state crown. Sunnyslope finished No. 32 in 2001-02.
Bet You Didn’t Know: Sunnyslope appeared in the first AIA open title game in 2022-23, when it fell to Perry. The program will be gunning for its third title game appearance in the four seasons the open division has existed.
Mark On Your Calendar: Sunnyslope will battle highly-regarded Redondo Union of California at The Battlezone in SoCal (Nov. 22). It will face Amador Valley (Pleasanton, Calif.) at the NorCal Tip-Off Classic (Nov. 27) and play in The Classic at Damien (Dec. 26-30), which also includes Redondo Union and No. 33 Salesian.
46. (44) DePaul College Prep (Chicago, Ill.) 33-4
Key Players: PF Rashaun Porter 6-7 2026 (Toledo commit), PG Rykan Woo 6-1 2026 (Brown commit), SG A.J. Chambers 6-0 2026 (Michigan Tech commit)
Why This Team Can Trend Up: The Rams return three regulars and eight lettermen from a club that won their third straight Illinois High School Association (IHSA) Class 3A state crown. Rashaun Porter had some big moments in last year’s post-season and has improved his physique and repertoire. He’s also a versatile defender. A.J. Chambers is known for his tenacity and ability to make shots.
X-Factor Player: Rykan Woo. One of the heroes of last year’s state title game, Woo is an ace defender and steadying force on a team that relies on its switching defensive capabilities and transition game. Woo will be counted on in crunch time.
Key Transfer: Zion Lee (6-5, 2026) comes over from Sacred Heart-Griffin and will be a keg cog. Lee is capable of big scoring outings and his ability on the wing will give this team an added dimension. He is in line for a high D2 scholarship.
Key FAB 50 Stat: Last season was the first time DePaul Prep was FAB 50 ranked at the end of the season. We began the Rams No. 11 in the preseason Midwest Region Top 20.
Bet You Didn’t Know: Head coach Tommy Kleinschmidt played at Gordon Tech (Chicago) and led his team to the IHSA state title game as a junior in 1990, where it lost to FAB 50 No. 1 Chicago King. Kleinschmidt was a 1991 McDonald’s All-American.
Mark On Your Calendar: DePaul Prep will play highly-regarded La Lumiere of Indiana at the Chicago Elite Classic and must win big games to hold off teams such as Benet Academy and Warren Township as Illinois’ top-ranked club.
47. (NR) Bartlett (Bartlett, Tenn.) 23-9
Key Players: PF Axton Perry 6-8 2026 (Southeast Missouri St. commit), SF Dylan Jones 6-7 2027 (No. 55 Rivals.com), SF D.J. Okoth 6-8 2028 (No. 9 Rivals.com), PG Braylon Williams 6-0 2028.
Why This Team Can Trend Up: Rounding out our teams from the Southeast Region are the Panthers, who return four starters and a whopping ten lettermen off a club that played a tough schedule and came up short of its goal of a state title. Bartlett fell in the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association (TSSAA) Class 4A-Region 8 semifinals, but should be much better with young talents such as Braylon Williams and D.J. Okoth having a year of experience under their belt. Williams (12.7 ppg, 4.1 apg, 1.3 spg) is an exciting lead guard who makes big plays, while Okoth (10.2 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 1.1 bpg) is one of the best 2028 prospects in the country who can both blocks shots or knock down the outside shot.
X-Factor Player: Dylan Jones. He’s quickly moving up the recruiting charts of the 2027 national class after a standout summer and will be counted on for his scoring punch in the national level games. Jones averaged 15.4 ppg and 5.4 rpg as a sophomore.
Key Transfer: The Panthers don’t have any newcomers from other programs, but two freshmen to watch are Malachi Hill (6-1, 2029) and Kaleb Taylor (6-6, 2029).
Key FAB 50 Stat: Veteran coach Dion Real (442-187) has a club that was preseason FAB 50 ranked to begin 2022-23, but finished unranked. The 2000-01 club finished No. 13 in the final Southeast Region rankings at 33-5.
Bet You Didn’t Know: Middle school games at Elmore Park (Bartlett, Tenn.) were high level affairs with big crowds to check out Okoth and Williams. In some regions of the country, Middle School games are well attended and include playoffs, while in other regions the schools do not have teams that play in sanctioned leagues against other schools.
Mark On Your Calendar: We pegged Bartlett as the preseason No. 1 TSSAA club, but others from the Southeast Region knocking on the door include Tri Cities of Georgia, McEachern of Georgia, Grayson of Georgia and both Riviera Prep and Calvary Christian Academy of Florida. Bartlett will have to survive a loaded schedule that includes a trip to the City of Palms Classic in Florida, where it opens up with FAB 50 title contender Long Island Lutheran of New York. They will also participate in the Bass Pro Tournament of Champions in Springfield, Mo. (Jan. 15-17).
48. (50) East Lansing (East Lansing, Mich.) 27-1**
Key Players: SG Kelvin Torbert Jr. 6-2 2026 (Bowling Green St. commit), SF Kingston Thomas 6-4 2027, PF Dequarius Stewart Jr. 6-6 2026, SG Henry Peck 6-4 2026, PG Kellen Lott 5-11 2026.
Why This Team Can Trend Up: The Trojans get the nod as our final Midwest Region team in the rankings, as they narrowly beat out Brother Rice of Bloomfield Hills and Rockford as the preseason No. 1 Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) unit. We like East Lansing as it returns three regulars off a team that captured the MHSAA D1 state crown and earned the final spot in the 2024-25 FAB 50. Kelvin Torbert Jr. is coming off a junior season in which he averaged 20.6 ppg, 5.7 rpg and 1.7 spg. He will be the focal point of many defenses, but he has plenty of weapons around him on a team that also takes pride in its own defense.
X-Factor Player: Kingston Thomas had 19 points and 12 rebounds in the state title game win and much of his production (8.6 ppg, 4.1 rpg) is self-driven. He doesn’t get many plays run for him, as he puts the team first and colleges are beginning to take notice. Dequarius Stewart Jr. should also see a major uptick in production.
Key Transfer: Up from the lower level club that should make an impact for coach Ray Mitchell (126-34) are Robert Crews Jr. (5-8, 2028) and Tyree Anthony (6-2, 2028).
Key FAB 50 Stat: Last year was the first time East Lansing finished FAB 50 ranked. It opened up No. 17 in the Midwest Region Top 20. The school is approximately a mile north of the Michigan State campus.
Bet You Didn’t Know: Kelvin Torbert Jr.’s father was the 2001 Gatorade National Player of the Year at Northwestern (Flint, Mich.). Thomas’ father, David Thomas, was a member of the Michigan St. 2000 NCAA championship club.
Mark On Your Calendar: The Trojans play a regional schedule, including games at the Flint Stone Classic, Money Classic and Motor City Roundball Classic.
49. (BB) Principia (St, Louis, Mo.) 31-1
Key Players: SG Quentin Coleman 6-4 2026 (No. 73 Rivals.com, Wake Forest commit), PF Sekou Cisse 6-9 2027 (No. 67 Rivals.com), SG Kingston Money 6-3 2027, PG Gassim Toure 6-3 2027.
Why This Team Can Trend Up: The Bears return all their regulars off a club that captured the Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA) Class 3 state title. Coach Jay Blossom (585-208) has a lengthy team that prides itself on playing tough defense. The ringleader is Quentin Coleman, who could gain some All-American acclaim with a big season. He averaged 19.4 ppg, 6.5 rpg, 3.7 apg and 2.7 spg as a junior.
X-Factor Player: Sekou Cisse. He brings a dimension of size and versatility not many MSHSAA clubs contain. He runs the floor hard, can finish with touch or power his way to the rim with either hand, off one foot or two. If Cisse has a big season, Principia could rise in the rankings. Gassim Toure is another junior getting major college interest all around the country.
Key Transfer: Principia doesn’t have new varsity players, but welcomes two talented freshmen to the club. Piotr Rychlewski (6-6, 2029) and Majok Manyuen Kau (6-8, 2029). Rychlewski is a shooting guard prospect and Manyuen Kau is a power forward.
Key FAB 50 Stat: The MSHAA has had its fair share of FAB 50 ranked clubs with the highest being the AAAA champ South (Raytown, Mo.) club of 1989-90. That club finished 32-0 at No. 4 in the FAB 50 despite Kansas recruit Chris Lindley losing his leg in a train accident in January of his senior year.
Bet You Didn’t Know: Blossom previously led teams at Webster Groves, including the 2016-17 team that won the Class 5A state crown and finished No. 22 in the FAB 50. Noted trainer Drew Hanlen played on the 2007-08 team that finished No. 46 in the FAB 50.
Mark On Your Calendar: The Bears play a loaded schedule, including trips to the Bass Pro Tournament of Champions in Springfield, Mo. (Jan. 15-17) and the City of Palms Tournament in Florida before Christmas. At the COP, Principia opens with defending FAB 50 champ Columbus of Florida.
50. (BB) Owasso (Owasso, Okla.) 24-5
Key Players: SF Jalen Montonati 6-6 2026 (No. 44 ESPN.com, Ballislife Underclass All-American, Oklahoma St. commit), PG Boden Williams 6-2 2026 (Oral Roberts commit), SF Julius Wilson 6-4 2026.
Why This Team Can Trend Up: Getting the nod as our final team from the Southwest Region and in the 2025-26 preseason rankings is the Rams over clubs such as Katy Seven Lakes of Texas, North Crowley of Texas, Pike of Indiana and Lakota West of Ohio. We give Owasso the nod on the strength of playing a tough schedule and returning three standouts, including one of the nation’s finest players. Jalen Montonati has been Oklahoma’s best player the past two years and could be in store for national acclaim with a good start to his senior year. He returns with averages of 23.3 ppg, 6.0 rpg, and 3.0 apg (similar numbers to when he was named National Sophomore of the Year in 2023-24) and is highly-motivated for a big senior campaign.
X-Factor Player: Not only does Owasso return the son of coach Brian Montonati, but also one of the state’s better players in Boden Williams. He can play multiple positions and excels both on and off the ball. His averages of 12 ppg, 5 rpg and 5 apg should go up after a terrific summer campaign.
Key Transfer: Brian Montonati doesn’t have any newcomers of note, but Julius Wilson will be a key to the team’s success. Wilson (10 ppg, 4 rpg, 2 apg) is a terrific athlete and defender who has a future on the gridiron. But before he leaves to college, he and his teammates are highly-motivated to recapture the Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association (OSSAA) Class 6A crown they won in 2024 that eluded them last year when Owasso fell in the quarterfinals.
Key FAB 50 Stat: The Rams opened up No. 37 in the FAB 50 last season, but we’re taking a more cautious approach this time around after they lost twice in-state and to three out-of-state clubs, including No. 47 Bartlett. The Rams will have a chance to move up, but must win the Gold Ball for the second time in three years in order to do so.
Bet You Didn’t Know: The highest ranked FAB 50 club ever from the OSSAA ranks is Midwest City in 2000-01. That team featured future Duke forward Sheldon Williams.
Mark On Your Calendar: The Rams are one of 11 FAB 50 ranked teams that will participate in the traditional bracket at the City of Palms Tournament in Florida. Owasso opens up with highly-regarded Calvary Christian Academy of Florida and the winner is likely to take on FAB 50 title contender Paul VI of Virginia in the second round. The Rams also will play in the Thanksgiving Hoopfest in Dallas and at the Tournament of Champions in Tulsa, Okla.
RELATED: Preseason 2025-26 FAB 50 (1-15) | Preseason 2025-26 FAB 50 (16-30) | Preseason East Region Top 20 | Preseason Southeast Region Top 20 | Preseason Midwest Region Top 20 | Preseason Southwest Region Top 20 | Preseason West Region Top 20 | Ballislife Podcast Network | FAB 50 Rankings Criteria | History of High School Team Rankings
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.
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