We continue our 2024-25 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 25 years ago.
Preseason 2024-25 FAB 50 National
Team Rankings Powered by Ballislife.com
By Ronnie Flores
(Final 2023-24 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 Monday, November 11 and for the preseason Mr. Basketball USA Tracker on Tuesday, November 19.)
RELATED: Preseason 2024-25 FAB 50 (1-15) | Preseason 2024-25 FAB 50 (31-50) | 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 | Preseason FAB 50 Show (REPLAY) | Ballislife Podcast Network | FAB 50 Rankings Criteria | History of High School Team Rankings
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. (29) Sidwell Friends (Washington, D.C.) 27-4
Key Players: SG Jalen Rougier-Roane 6-5 2025, PG Acaden Lewis 6-3 2025 (No. 28 ESPN.com, Ballislife Underclass All-American), PG Caleb Gillus 6-0 2025, SF Jalyn Collingwood 6-6 2026 (No. 112 Rivals.com).
Why This Ranking: The Quakers have built a dynasty in the nation’s capital and it shows now signs of slowing down. There is plenty to like off a team returning three starters and seven lettermen that won its third consecutive District of Columbia Schools Athletic Association (DCSAA) Class AA title. A four-peat is the goal, although FAB 50 title contender Gonzaga and No. 28 St. John’s post formidable challenges. Lewis, the D.C. Gatorade State Player of the Year as a junior, stepped up his game to another notch this summer after averaging 14.5 ppg, 5.7 rpg, 4.3 apg and 1.5 spg. He can get to any spot on the floor and is one of the best finishers and big shot makers of any guard in the country. Rougier-Roane is a returning all-DCSAA first team choice and is a defensive stopper for the Quakers. He also gained confidence competing for Canada’s Bronze Medal-winning team at the 2024 FIBA 18U AmeriCup. Gillus is heavy on experience and is a deft ball-handler that allows Lewis to become a dangerous scorer if necessary. Coach Eric Singletary (279-133) has talented offensive players and experience, but believes playing without the ball is his team’s strength. “Our defining characteristic is our tenacious defense, as we aim to hold opponents under 40 points per game.”
The Skinny: As talented as this team is, the competition in the DMV is as stiff as ever with Gonzaga a FAB 50 title contender, so we’ll start out the Quakers No. 2 in the region just as we did last season behind Paul VI of Virginia, which finished No. 3 in the FAB 50 after starting out at No. 5. Sidwell Friends started off No. 9 in 2023-24, but we’ll bring them in a shade lower than last season because of some concerns over its lack of depth and size. The Quakers will miss Caleb Williams (Georgetown), but Collingwood, a transfer from nearby WCAC program Bishop McNamara, is expected to fill that void. The second team all-WCAC performer can get downhill in a hurry, finish above the rim or score off the dribble. Singletary hopes some of the interior question marks are answered by Ian Condon (6-6, 2027), who has a nose for the ball and can guard bigs down low. Depth is provided by promising point guard Jadah Washington (5-11, 2028) and Eric Green Jr. (6-3, 2028), a versatile offensive player who will be expected to get stops when he gets minutes. The schedule will test every rotation player, as the Quakers eye a fifth DCSAA state title in six years and a Chipotle Nationals berth. It includes stops at the DC National Hoopfest (Dec. 7-8), the John Wall Invitational (Dec. 26-30) and a game versus highly-regarded Owyhee of Idaho at the Spalding Hoophall Classic (Jan. 19).
17. (34) Brewster Academy (Wolfeboro, N.H.) 27-7
Key Players: SF Dwayne Aristode 6-8 2025 (No. 10 On3.com, Arizona commit), PF Preston Fowler 6-8 2025 (No. 134 Rivals.com, James Madison commit), SF Sebastian Wilkins 6-8 2026 (No. 31 Rivals.com, Ballislife Underclass All-American), PF Ater Bol Meen 6-9 2026, SG Darien Moore 6-3 2026 (No. 109 On3.com, Seton Hall commit).
Why This Ranking: The Bobcats entered the EYBL Scholastic League last season and now crack the preseason FAB 50 for the first time. In 2023-24, Brewster Academy opened up No. 16 in the East Region Top 20, three spots outside the FAB 50, but was able to work its way into the national rankings by being competitive with every league foe outside FAB 50 champion Montverde Academy. With the defending league champs perhaps back with the pack and a crop of seven teams fighting to finish in the top, Brewster begins in the middle of the 14-team conference with the personnel and experience to finish in the upper echelon. From the Netherlands, Aristode (12 ppg, 5.1 rpg) is an explosive athlete with a rapidly improving all-around game. Don’t be surprised if he’s a first team all-league performer. Wilkins (11 ppg, 5 rpg) is coming off a fine sophomore campaign and played well at the 2024 NBPA Top 100 Camp, where he displayed a nose for the ball and contributed heavily without needing touches. Fowler (8 ppg, 4.1 rpg) does the dirty work and puts the team before himself, but college coaches surely know his value and so does Smith and his teammates. The talent and experience of this trio give Brewster Academy a good shot at a Chipotle Nationals berth and climbing higher in the league standings than some teams that will start higher in the rankings.
The Skinny: Losing all-league performer Nojus Indrusaitis (Iowa State) and point guard Elijah Crawford (BYU) means there might be a small adjustment period, but there are more than enough talented newcomers to justify this ranking. Moore will have to step up as a lead guard, and he can excel both on and off the ball with Kylian Toure (6-4, 2025) another talented backcourt performer. The front court depth is provided by Ater Bol Meen (6-9, 2026) and Nnadalu Noble (6-9, 2025). “Our speed, athleticism and defensive versatility are our strengths,” Smith said. The veteran coach is now 641-147 at Brewster Academy, which was opened to students in 1821 and has been operating in its current format as a boarding school since 1965. It’s been part of the New England Preparatory School Athletic Council (NEPSAC) around that same time frame with teams that include post-graduates, but the high school club is the one looking to improve on its four-way tie for fourth place in the EYBL Scholastic League. Brewster Academy will participate in the Iolani Classic (Dec. 17-21) along with FAB 50 title contender Utah Prep, No. 23 Paul VI, No. 24 Wheeler, No. 36 Oak Hill Academy and No. 39 Imhotep Charter.
18. (18) Archbishop Stepinac (White Plains, N.Y.) 26-4
Key Players: PG Danny Carbuccia 6-0 2025 (No. 80 Rivals.com, UMass commit), SG Josiah Jervis 6-4 2026 (No. 49 Rivals.com), SG Hassan Koureissi 6-5 2026 (No. 99 Rivals.com), SF Dylan Perry 6-7 2026, SF Adonis Ratliff 6-8 2026 (No. 69 247Sports.com), C Darius Ratliff 6-11 2026 (No. 50 On3.com).
Why This Ranking: It’s hard to discount the Crusaders, as they are preseason FAB 50 ranked for the fifth time in six seasons. 2022-23 was the season coach Patrick Massaroni’s club was on the bubble and it went on to capture the NYC Catholic High School Athletic Association (CHSAA) AA championship even though we forecasted the Crusaders to come in third place. Coming off back-to-back city and state AA titles, it’s not hard to place Stepinac in the pole position even though two key starters graduated. The returnees are led by Carbuccia (8.7 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 5.9 apg), a unique blend of power and shot-making ability from the lead guard position. Jervis (9.7 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 1.9 apg) had a breakout sophomore campaign and will be counted on to knock down key baskets. Koureissi (7.9 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 1.8 apg) is a big guard with a multitude of skills who gives Massaroni (169-80) multiple lineup options depending on the foe. “I really like the length and size of our team,” Massaroni said. “The roles will definitely expand for some, but of the nine returners, six saw key minutes on a nationally-ranked team.”
The Skinny: Don’t cry for the Crusaders as life without Boogie Fland (Arkansas) begins. He and Braylan Ritvo (Quinnipiac) were go-to players, but there is plenty of depth in the backcourt and the frontcourt could be even more dynamic if young talents develop as expected. In order for this team to play to exceptions and survive its schedule, Perry and the Ratliff brothers (the sons of former NBA shot-blocker Theo Ratliff) will have to step up their production. Adonis Ratliff is a wingman, while Darius Ratliff is more of a traditional pivotman like his father. If Darius can take his game to the next level, this team will be dynamite defensively. The Crusaders’ main competition in the CHSAA is St. Raymond of the Bronx and Christ the King of Middle Village and the schedule includes a stop in the Bahamas for Hoopfest in Paradise (Dec. 17-18). The Crusaders face FAB 50 title contender Columbus on Dec. 14 in Miami and play No. 44 Richmond Heights at the Spalding Hoophall Classic (Jan. 19).
19. (8) Harvard-Westlake (North Hollywood, Calif.) 33-3
Key Players: SF Nikolas Khamenia 6-5 2025 (No. 19 247Sports.com, Duke commit), PG Amir Jones 6-2 2026, C Dominique Bentho 6-8 2026, SG Joe Sterling 6-4 2026 (No. 59 247Sports.com), SF Isaiah Carroll 6-7 2025.
Why This Ranking: This is the third consecutive season the Wolverines begin FAB 50 ranked and once again they are major contenders for both California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) Southern Section and state open championships. In 2022-23, Harvard-Westlake started off No. 2 among CIF schools, but wound up winning the CIF state open crown. Last season, coach Dave Rebibo’s club opened up No. 1 in the state and won both the section and state open crown while competing in a Mission League that saw three of its teams reach No. 1 in the state. This season, Harvard-Westlake begins No. 3 in our California pecking order behind two other CIF Southern Section clubs, but the goals remain the same. With Khamenia in the lineup a third straight state open title is reachable, as the all-state choice is one of the most versatile star players in the country. Khamenia (14.2 ppg, 6 rpg, 4 apg, 1.4 spg) is a good shooter, goes after rebounds and is known for his defensive work on other star players. Carroll is a returning second team all-Mission League choice who will be counted on for increased scoring at the rim while keeping defenses honest with his improved range on his jump shot. Jones can hit the mid-range shot, has speed with the ball and has a nice pace to his game. There is plenty to like about this team and Rebibo (230-57 at the school) does a great job of creating a team-first atmosphere, regardless of personnel.
The Skinny: Last season Harvard-Westlake accomplished what no CIF program has since 2018-19: that is begin No. 1 in the state and win both CIFSS and state open championships. Sierra Canyon of Chatsworth did that after starting No. 8 in the FAB 50 and even though the Wolverines start a notch below last year (No. 11) because of the graduation of California Mr. Basketball Trent Perry (UCLA) and Robert Hinton (Harvard), they have the personnel to become the first program ever to win three consecutive CIF open titles. In order for Harvard-Westlake to three-peat, Sterling must continue to improve his overall play-making and last year’s role players must take their game to the next level. Sterling, a transfer from Mission League foe Crespi of Encino, is an all-state level player who is one of the best knock down shooters in the West Region. Dominique Bentho (6-8, 2026) and Barron Linnekens (6-9, 2026) are space eaters inside, while JayVee move-ups Cole Holden (6-2, 2027) and Pierce Thompson (6-4, 2027) come highly-regarded. The Wolverines will play highly-regarded Bartlett of Tennessee and Timpview of Utah at the Salt Lake Hoopfest (Dec. 13-14), will be the favorites to win the The Desert Holiday Classic (Dec. 26-30), and will play in the top bracket at the Nike Tournament of Champions (Jan. 2-4) along with FAB 50 title contenders Gonzaga of Washington, D.C. and Perry of Arizona, along with No. 45 Duncanville, and highly-regarded Sunnyslope of Arizona, Christ the King of New York, Chaminade of Missouri, and CIF open title contender De La Salle of Concord. The Wolverines and Perry meet in a monster opening-round game with the winner likely facing Gonzaga.
20. (27) John Marshall (Richmond, Va.) 25-3
Key Players: C Latrell Allmond 6-8 2026 (No. 31 On3.com, Ballislife Underclass All-American), PG Aiden Argabright 5-11 2025 (Richmond commit), PF Ladarius Givan 6-9 2026 (No. 55 Rivals.com, Mississippi St. commit), PG Troy Henderson 6-1 2025 (Fordham commit).
Why This Ranking: The Jayem Justices are ranked a bit higher than they finished last season after winning their third consecutive Virginia High School League (VHSL) Class 2A state title. They are the prohibitive favorites to capture another state crown and are the VHSL’s No. 1 team over clubs such as South Lakes of Reston (6A), Woodside (5A) and Hayfield of Alexandria (6A) on the strength of three returning starters and three talented newcomers. Allmond (14.0 ppg, 9.9 rpg, 2.1 bpg) is a load at the high school level and will be counted on for more scoring punch. Argabright (14.3 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 2.8 apg, 2.1 spg) is one of the best scoring guards in the region and is a terrific decision-maker at full speed. He’s also a gamer who provides steady senior leadership. Argabright was one of the best guards on the Adidas 3SSB circuit and should have a standout senior year. Desmond Rose (6-6, 2025) is an athletic wing and his numbers (6.6 ppg, 3.3 rpg) are not indicative of his value to this winning program. “I really like our shot-making ability, senior leadership and inside presence,” coach Ty White (297-58) said.
The Skinny: The Jayem Justices started out No. 8 last season with FAB 50 title aspirations, but fell to FAB 50 ranked foes Myers Park of North Carolina and Ridge View of South Carolina, plus Virginia Independent program St. Christopher’s. The expectations are a bit tempered this year, but John Marshall is still the top-ranked VHSL team by a sizable margin. They did lose big man Marcus Jackson to transfer, but Gavin, a transfer from Jefferson Davis (Montgomery, Ala.), brings versatility to the front court and will open up lanes for Allmond to operate as he can play away from the basket. Henderson is another impact transfer with an impressive resume who pushes the ball in the open court, possesses a nice pull-up game and brings a scoring punch, even though his individual numbers won’t be the same on a team with many weapons. He averaged 25.9 ppg and scored over 1,800 points in three seasons and was a two-time VHSL Class 1A Player of the Year at Lancaster. Once again, it would be quite an upset for this team to lose to another VHSL club, as its FAB 50 ranking will be determined by results versus out-of-state foes at events such as the John Wall Holiday Classic and the Spalding Hoophall Classic in Springfield, Mass. John Marshall technically has won four consecutive state titles (its 2020-21 team began No. 24 in the FAB 50 but did not play any sanctioned games) and enters 2024-25 having won 24 consecutive VHSL playoff games.
21. (NR) Dream City Christian (Glendale, Ariz.) 27-7
Key Players: PG Ikenna Alozie 6-3 2026 (No. 6 Rivals.com, Ballislife Underclass All-American), SG Jalin Holland 6-5 2025 (No. 126 247Sports.com, Colorado commit), C Fawaz “Tacko” Ifaola 6-11 2025 (Colorado commit), SF Brayden Boe 6-4 2025 (Utah St. commit), C Alejandro Aviles 6-8 2025 (No. 100 On3.com, San Diego commit).
Why This Ranking: The Eagles crack the FAB 50 for the first time as a member of the Grind Session Super Power Conference, a conglomerate of academy-type programs from around the country and Canada. According to their bylaws, there are no fifth-year players and there is an age requirement (can’t turn 19 before August 1). Prolific Prep of California is part of the conference, as is No. 34 Winston-Salem Christian, FAB 50 title contender Utah Prep and other top FAB 50 and conference contenders, including DME Academy of Florida and Bella Vista Prep of Arizona. We like the Eagles’ blend of talent and size, as Alozie (24.1 ppg, 10.1 rpg, 4.7 apg, 2.1 spg) is one of the most explosive guards in the country and capable of dominating a game. Holland is a terrific talent originally from Los Lunas, New Mexico and the uptick in talent around him and that he’s going up against should take his game to the next level. Ifaola is a well-traveled and intriguing talent with a nice face-up game and is a strong two-hand finisher. He brings even more rim protection to a team with incredible size. Boe is a shooter with size and a good feel for the game who plays under control.
The Skinny: There is plenty of talent in the Grind Session’s Power Conference, but the top-tier teams could beat up on each other and the ones with the most cohesiveness will challenge FAB 50 title contender Prolific Prep for the Grind Session World Championships, which will take place March 21-23 in Dallas. We like Dream City in this spot because it advanced to the championship game last year in Chicago where it fell to Prolific Prep, 84-74. The Eagles don’t have an abundance of bodies to survive a tough schedule, so its health and teamwork will be paramount. What coach Kyle Weaver does have is big-time size, as Avtandil Bakhtadze (6-10, 2026) and Chris Brown (6-10, 2027) aid Tacko inside while Aviles is a quality pick-in-roll artist who can defend. The schedule includes the regular Grind Session stops, but a trip to the City of Palms Tournament Signature Series, which includes No. 31 Bullis, DME Academy and Dynamic Prep of Texas.
22. (15) Oak Ridge (Orlando, Fla.) 27-4
Key Players: SF Jamier Jones 6-6 2025 (No. 32 ESPN.com, Ballislife Second Team All-American, Providence commit), PG Jalen Reece 5-11 2025 (No. 59 Rivals.com, LSU commit), PF Zay Mosely 6-7 2025 (Ohio commit).
Why This Ranking: The core of a team that advanced to the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) Class 7A title game before losing to No. 1 Columbus in overtime, 72-67, returns. Had Reece’s 3-point attempt not rimmed out at the regulation buzzer, this year’s preseason FAB 50 would have a completely different look and feel to it. Oak Ridge has plenty of firepower back and talented newcomers to once again begin the season rated as the No. 2 FHSAA team behind Columbus. Reece (15.4 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 7.7 apg, 3.3 spg), the son of coach Steve Reece, is a knockdown shooter, can create off ball screens or on an island and is an instinctual player on both ends of the floor. Jones (19.2 ppg, 8.5 rpg, 3.2 apg, 1.2 spg) had a terrific junior campaign and is a shoo-in for the 2025 McDonald’s All-American Game. That experienced duo will keep Oak Ridge in plenty of games and they have the experience and athleticism to challenge the nation’s best teams.
The Skinny: Once again Florida has a host of FAB 50 title contenders in Columbus, Montverde Academy and IMG Academy and the Pioneers. Columbus and Oak Ridge lead the pack in Class 7A, Calvary Christian of Ft. Lauderdale and Sagemont of Weston lead the way in Class 3A, with Westminster Academy the favorite in Class 2A. The Sunshine Independent Athletic Association (SIAA) also has strong teams and players, but the spotlight will be on Columbus and if Oak Ridge can challenge them in the post-season. In order for a FHSAA team to qualify for Chipotle Nationals, it must win its state title. Oak Ridge loses three quality wing forwards who went D1, but gain Mosely from Winter Haven, the team that was ranked No. 46 in the FAB 50 when the Pioneers beat them in the state semifinals behind Jones’ 29 points. Mosley (11.8 ppg, 7.8 rpg) is crafty around the rim and excels cleaning up plays in transition. Depth is added by the likes of Torrence Moore (6-0, 2027) and Maddox Harden (6-8, 2027), the latter who will be needed on the interior. If Mosely fits in and Maddox steps up his production, Oak Ridge will be a tough out. The Pioneers have a loaded schedule that includes a date with No. 38 Faith Family at the Thanksgiving Hoopfest (Nov. 30) in Dallas and with No. 7 Gonzaga on Dec. 6 in Miami. Oak Ridge is in the City of Palms Classic and takes on talented Bishop McNamara of Maryland in an attractive opening round matchup. Reece’s club will also compete in the 40th Annual Bass Pro Tournament of Champions in Missouri along with No. 2 Link Academy, No. 29 Millennium, and No. 31 Bullis.
23. (3) Paul VI (Fairfax, Va.) 35-3
Key Players: PF Adlan Elamin 6-9 2025 (No. 92 Rivals.com, Utah St. Commit), SF Jaquan Womack 6-7 2025 (Towson commit), SG Jordan Smith Jr. 6-3 2026 (No. 6 ESPN.com, Ballislife Underclass All-American), PG Lawrence “Turk” Brown 6-1 2026 (No. 134 247Sports.com), SG Jordan Hunter 6-2 2026 (No. 113 247Sports.com), SG Troy Tomlin 6-3 2027 (No. 40 Rivals.com), C Cooper Sundra 6-8 2026.
Why This Ranking: With their track record, talent level and rugged schedule, we peg the Panthers as the No. 2 team in the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference (WCAC) behind Gonzaga, the team it edged in the 2024 WCAC championship game. Coach Glenn Farello (584-210) returns his star guard and six lettermen off a team that also captured its third straight VISAA D1 state crown and lost in the title game of Chipotle Nationals. Smith is that standout and he can single-handedly overwhelm backcourts and game plans with his defensive tenacity and also improved his offense game over the summer. Womack is another honors candidate and displayed his budding game at DMV Live during the June Scholastic Live period when he averaged over 20 ppg and 6 rpg. Elamin has played a complimentary role so far, but has the tools to have a breakout season. Hunter, the younger brother of NBA guard Jaden Ivey, leads a deep group of up-and-coming perimeter players who will fight to be on the floor during crunch time. “Our speed and quickness is definitely one of our strengths,” Farello said.
The Skinny: The Panthers have been preseason ranked 11 of the past 13 years in the FAB 50. The 2022-23 team did spend some time No. 1 in the FAB 50 and last year’s team went unbeaten in the ultra-competitive WCAC. The team did graduate five D1 bound seniors who contributed to those two clubs, so this team may be a notch below the ones that started No. 5 and No. 3, respectively in the preseason FAB 50. It doesn’t mean, however, that Paul VI won’t be formidable and a threat nationally. Perhaps it’s a good omen there is less pressure on this team, because in 2021-22, we started the Panthers No. 4 in the WCAC, and they went on to win their first WCAC tourney crown since 2013-14. Depth is provided by tenth-graders Dereck “Beau” Daniels (6-7, 2027), Andrew Ross (6-3, 2027) and Matthew Mena (6-8, 2027). The schedule includes trips to the Iolani Classic in Hawaii (Dec. 17-21) with the likes of No. 17 Brewster Academy, No. 24 Wheeler, No. 36 Oak Hill Academy No. 39 Imhotep Charter and FAB 50 title contender Utah Prep. They will play FAB 50 title contender St. John Bosco of California (Jan. 18) at the Spalding Hoophall Classic. The Panthers will also play in the Jordan Brand Classic in New York, the Behan Strong Classic and the Capital Hoops Classic.
24. (NR) Wheeler (Marietta, Ga.) 25-6
Key Players: PF Tylis Jordan 6-9 2025 (No. 27 On3.com, Ole Miss commit), SF Colben Landrew 6-6 2026 (No. 63 On3.com), PG Kota Suttle Jr. 6-2 2026, PG Kevin Savage III 5-9 2027 (No. 47 On3.com).
Why This Ranking: The Wildcats rate as a solid No. 2 among Georgia High School Association (GHSA) club after falling in last year’s Class AAAAAAA semifinals, 63-56, to runner-up McEachern. There is plenty to like as coach Larry Thompson (222-59) welcomes back three starters, seven lettermen and adds a talented newcomer. Last year, the Wildcats started a freshman and two sophomores in the GHSA Final Four and this year those young guards are vastly improved. Savage, Suttle and Lamarrion Lewis (6-1, 2026) make up the three-guard offense for Thompson and if they play as good as advertised Wheeler could win the highest classification state crown for the second time in three seasons. “Our guard play is much different from last season and we have depth at all three guard spots. Jacob Taylor (6-3, 2025) is another key piece for a team that plays a national schedule.
The Skinny: This is a well-rounded team that has the necessary firepower to capture its second AAAAAAA state title in three years and third since 2019-20. What could get this club over the hump is the bolstered front court. Jordan was a double-double machine (21.3 ppg, 10.3 rpg) and all-state selection at Shiloh (Ga.). Thompson is also excited by the addition of Landrew, an explosive wing from Alabaster (Ala.) who is one of the best players in the national class of 2026. Amare James (6-6, 2026) is another forward who will contribute. If Jordan and Landrew fit in seamlessly with the veteran backcourt, this team will be tough to knock off in the playoffs. Wheeler will be tested right away and could even take an early loss and be able to bounce back rankings-wise. The Wildcats will face highly-regarded Timpview of Utah and FAB 50 title contender Prolific Prep of California on Nov. 26-27 at the Five For The Fight National Hoopfest (Pleasant Grove, Utah) and face FAB 50 title contender Columbus of Miami at the Holiday Hoopsgiving in Atlanta (Nov. 30). Wheeler will head back out West in December to participate in the Iolani Classic in Hawaii (Dec. 17-21) along with No. 17 Brewster Academy, No. 23 Paul VI, No. 36 Oak Hill Academy, No. 39 Imhotep Charter and highly-regarded Utah Prep.
25. (NR) Christ School (Arden, N.C.) 26-5
Key Players: PF Zymicah Wilkins 6-8 2025 (No. 54 ESPN.com, North Carolina St. commit), PG Madden Collins 6-3 2025 (American University commit), SG Tyler Jones 6-3 2026, SG Dacen “Pop” Petty 6-4 2026, SF Mason Collins 6-7 2028.
Why This Ranking: The Greenies have won two consecutive North Carolina Independent Schools Athletic Association (NCISAA) Class 4A state titles and are once again the team to beat among the independent clubs. Coach Josh Coley (249-94) has three starters and two talented newcomers to bolster his lineup and make a three-peat a reality. “Mikey” Wilkins (13.4 ppg, 7.2 rpg, 2.8 apg, 1.4 spg, 1.1 bpg) is the go-to player in crunch time and could end his career as a three-time all-state choice. Madden Collins (6.1 ppg, 2.2 rpg, 2.2 apg) is creative off the dribble and is a good set-up man to boot. Mason Collins (4.4 ppg) played plenty for the Greenies as an eighth-grader and he’ll make a big leap in production this season. He was invited to the October USA Basketball Mini-Camp and has a bright future in the game. “We will be strong defensively and with our size and toughness will make it difficult for other teams to score,” Coley said. “We have lots of skilled players surrounding the top player in North Carolina (Wilkins) where we’ll create difficult matchups.”
The Skinny: There is little doubt the Greenies will be talented and win many games, but we will slow play them up in the rankings because they did lose nine seniors off a championship club and those intangibles are not easily replaced. The newcomers are what could put this team over the top, as Jones is an explosive athlete with a good handle. He was a standout on the EYBL 16U circuit with Team Thad and that should carry over for Christ School. Petty had a monster season for East Rutherford of Forest City, N.C., averaging 31 ppg, 6rpg and 6rpg, and was his region’s player of the year. Between Jones’ toughness and Petty’s scoring ability, Christ School has plenty of weapons and more than one way to defeat opponents. The Greenies will test themselves at the Phenom Hoops National Tip-Off, the Phenom Hoops George Lynch Invitational, the Stars & Stripes Invitational in South Carolina, the John Wall Holiday Invitational and the Capital City Hoops Classic in Washington, D.C.
26. (NR) Bergen Catholic (Oradell, N.J.) 22-8
Key Players: SF Declan Wucherpfennig 6-7 2025 (Fairfield commit), PF Julius Avent 6-7 2026 (No. 53 Rivals.com), PG Naiim Parrish 5-11 2025 (Minnesota commit football), SF A.J. Williams 6-7 2026 (No. 100 Rivals.com), PG Tyler McQuaid 6-0 2025.
Why This Ranking: The Crusaders get the nod as our top team among New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) programs in what has been deemed as a wide open year where there is no team on paper head and shoulders above the rest. We like Bergen Catholic’s combination of size, talent and motivation to capture not only a Bergen County title, but a NJSIAA state title. Avent, the son of former NBA player Anthony Avent, is a versatile, inside-out talent that can finish and attack with either hand. He could garner underclass All-American acclaim if Bergen Catholic has a big season. Wucherpfennig is another honors candidate who averaged 16 ppg and 8 rpg and is also a threat from the perimeter. He’s a terrific all-around talent who is underrated nationally, but coaches in Jersey know what he’s capable of. Williams is an active board man who doesn’t need to score big to make an impact. The backcourt is in good hands with Parrish and McQuaid, as Parrish led the team in assists and was second in 3-pointers made behind Avent.
The Skinny: The Crusaders are not only talented, they gained plenty of experience last year and only carried one senior on the 2023-24 roster. The motivation comes from falling in the Non Public North A semifinals to St. Peter’s Prep, 53-51. That club fell in the title game to Don Bosco Prep, which is another team that was considered for the FAB 50. This year, we decided to let independent clubs Patrick School and College Achieve Charter, which are both very talented, work their way in if the wins start racking up. Perhaps it’s a good omen for Bergen Catholic that it starts in this range and not in the Top 15 as New Jersey’s top ranked club usually does. The Crusaders began at No. 38 in 2021-22 when it fell to Roselle Catholic in the semifinals of the final Tournament of Champions after capturing the Non Public A state title.
27. (NR) Allen (Allen, Texas) 32-6
Key Players: PF Deandre Thomas 6-8 2025 (North Texas commit), PG Trent Pane 5-11 2025, SG Antoine Shannon 6-4 2025, SG Antonio Shannon 6-4 2025.
Why This Ranking: Obviously the Top 15 FAB 50 teams are loaded with future D1 college standouts and even some future NBA players. The team at Allen is what, at its core, the FAB 50 is all about. The Eagles are just a quality team that plays hard and with togetherness with players looking for a chance to play D1 or high D2 college basketball. With four returning starters and eight lettermen, we give the Eagles a close nod as the University Interscholastic League (UIL) No. 1 ranked team over No. 38 and Class 5A favorite Oak Cliff Faith Family and No. 30 and fellow Class 6A contender San Antonio Brennan. Pane (14 ppg, 2.4 spg) already has over 1,000 career points and is a quality defender. Thomas (12 ppg, 6 rpg) leads the charge up front and is long enough to clog the paint and athletic enough to take less athletic bigs outside. Antonie Shannon (9 ppg, 7 rpg) is a versatile wing with a non-stop motor, while Antonio Shannon is a knock down shooter (40 percent 3-point). “We have toughness and a good skill level at every position,” coach Clark Cipoletta (208-91) said.
The Skinny: It was a close call to place Allen as the UIL Class 6A favorite over No. 30 Brennan and major contender DeSoto, but we like the Eagles’ depth and grit. It’s always a grind to win the UIL Class 6A title and even though the eventual winner usually finishes high in the FAB 50, the favorite many times isn’t the team that survives. When Allen won its first UIL state title in 2017-18, it was unranked the begin the season, but knocked off then No. 8 Denton Guyer in the regional final, defeated a Austin Westlake team that spend most of the season in the FAB 50 before downing Katy Thompkins in a dramatic overtime finish. This Allen team’s depth will be necessary to win in the playoffs and is provided by Nnamdi Ubawike (6-3, 2025), underrated Isaiah Dozier (6-7, 2025), a good rebounder and shot-blocker, and newcomer Dylan Matlock-Reed (6-4, 2027). The glue player is Nehemiah Lawrence (5-6, 2026), who despite his diminutive stature is a player Allen cannot do without. He averaged 9 ppg, 5 apg, and 3 spg and was the team’s defensive MVP. While Cipoletta loves his unit, it has to work on shot selection and knowing when to push the ball or get into the half court set. Allen will play at the Thanksgiving Hoopfest, McDonald’s Invitational in Pasadena, the Noble Classic at The Colony and host the In-N-Out Invitational.
28. (NR) St. John’s (Washington, D.C.) 15-13
Key Players: SG Omari Witherspoon 6-4 2025 (No. 104 247Sports.com, Pittsburgh commit), SF Jon Barton 6-4 2025 (Towson commit), SF Oladeji Olorungbohunmi 6-5 2027, PG Geremy Clark 5-11 2026, SG Devin Toatley 5-11 2026.
Why This Ranking: This year in the powerful Washington Catholic Athletic Conference (WCAC), longtime power DeMatha Catholic of Maryland and Bishop McNamara of Maryland are contenders, but it’s the Cadets and defending conference champ Paul VI with the best chance to battle Gonzaga of Washington, D.C. for the crown. The Cadets get the nod as the No. 3 WCAC club on the strength of four returning starters and 11 lettermen. Witherspoon is a big-body guard who is a matchup problem for small guards who can’t handle his physicality. He can play position-less basketball for a team with versatility and experience. Barton is built in the same mold; a physical downhill lefty that also relishes defense. Clark and Toatley lead a strong junior class that contains six contributors, including two Grid-Hoop standouts with big-time offers from all over the country. Coach Patrick O’Connor can utilize a “next man up” approach and the Cadets can beat teams in many ways. “We have depth and good balance, but lack true size,” O’Connor said.
The Skinny: Three WCAC teams are preseason ranked for the eleventh time in the past 13 seasons, as No. 23 Paul VI starts out in front of the Cadets with Gonzaga of Washington, D.C. a true FAB 50 title contender. Since playing only one sanctioned game during the COVID-19 season of 2020-21, the Cadets have been preseason FAB 50 ranked in three of the four seasons since, only missing out last year because of the uncertainty surrounding coach Patrick Behan’s availability; he had to step down in August of 2023 because of his battle with ALS. In order to keep up near the top of the WCAC standings this season, St. John’s will need to record some key conference road wins and O’Connor is confident his team will because of last year’s experience. If point guard Jymin Veney (6-3, 2027) lives up to expectations and Kareem Smith-Bey (6-4, 2028), who already holds two D1 offers, develops as planned, this team will be much improved in March and could be dynamite in 2025-26. The Cadets will play in the Mayhem on Military Road (Nov. 30-Dec. 1), at the DMV Hoopfest (Dec. 6-8), the DMV Tip-Off Classic (Dec. 21), the Beach Ball Classic in South Carolina (Dev. 27-30), will host the Behan Strong Invitational (Jan. 4), play at the Capital Hoops Challenge (Jan. 11) and at the Garner MLK Showcase in North Carolina (Jan. 18-20).
29. (42) Millennium (Goodyear, Ariz.) 25-5
Key Players: SG Cameron Holmes 6-5 2026 (No. 13 On3.com, Ballislife Underclass All-American), SF Kingston Tosi 6-7 2025 (No. 120 247Sports.com, Utah St. commit), PG Quincy Everson 6-1 2025, PG J.T. Amundsen 5-9 2025, SG Jaelon Germany 6-2 2026.
Why This Ranking: This team has plenty of experienced talent and motivation to make another serious run at the Arizona Interscholastic Association (AIA) open division championship. They are a relatively easy call to begin No. 2 among AIA schools behind FAB 50 title contender Perry and in front of contenders such as Sunnyslope and Sandra Day O’Connor. Coach Ty Amundsen (367-107) not only has three starters returning off a state open runner-up team, they are quality players with plenty of experience together. Holmes is a big-time talent who is proving to be one of the nation’s best players in his class after averaging 18.1 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 4.1 apg and 2.5 spg as a sophomore. Tosi displayed great improvement when Millennium won a top bracket at the Section 7 Team Camp during the NCAA’s June Scholastic Live period and was terrific at the Border League fall event. Both Holmes and Tosi already have 1,000 career points for the Tigers. Everson is a quality shooter and defensive stopper, while Amundsen has drained 172 3-pointers going into his senior season and knows what it’s like in pressure-packed situations as Millennium once again plays a national schedule.
The Skinny: Similar to Brewster Academy in the East Region, Millennium started off on the FAB 50 bubble as the No. 17 Team in the West Region behind three AIA teams. That proved to be a bit low as it looked like the Tigers were on their way to the coveted open state title before losing an early 17-point lead and falling to Perry, 71-67. If the Tigers win that game and enter this season as the defending champs, their and Perry’s ranking would essentially be flipped. That was Millennium’s only loss to an AIA club and to survive the national schedule Germany, who is capable of double-digit scoring, will have to make a seamless transition into the line up after transferring in from Texas while Adrian Huguera (6-1, 2027) is a good all-around player. Millennium might have started a few spots higher had some key role players not transferred out in the off-season. Millennium plays Sierra Canyon of California and JSerra of California at the Jordan Brand Take Flight Challenge (Dec. 6-7) and will participate in both the City of Palms Tournament before Christmas and at the Bass Pro Tournament of Champions in Springfield, Mo., in January. Millennium most likely will face defending FAB 50 champ Montverde Academy in the quarterfinals at the COP.
30. (NR) Brennan (San Antonio, Texas) 31-5
Key Players: PG Kingston Flemings 6-3 2025 (No. 13 On3.com, Ballislife Underclass All-American), SG Isaiah Ward 6-6 2026 (No. 75 Rivals.com), SG Camden Cowgill 6-2 2025, PG Talon Todd 6-0 2026, SF Donovan Criss 6-5 2026.
Why This Ranking: For the second consecutive season, the Bears begin in this preseason rankings position. Coach Koty Cowgill (301-109) has a veteran team that not only has been eying this season, but has plenty of motivation. Flemings is a strong McDonald’s All-American Game candidate and returns after leading the Eagles with norms of 17.1 ppg, 7.1 rpg, 5.5 and 2.0 spg. Joining Flemings on the 2024 TABC All-State team was Ward (14.5 ppg, 6.9 rpg, 3.5 apg, 1.3 spg), a forward who can beat teams with his athleticism, skill or smarts. In the classroom, he’s part of the National Junior Honors Society. Cowgill (13.5 ppg), the coach’s son, made strides last season and led the team with 106 3-pointers while shooting 82 percent from the line. Another advantage is the familiarity the core has with each other as Brennan looks to get over the hump in the ultra-competitive University Interscholastic League Class 6A playoffs, the UIL’s top classification.
The Skinny: This core starts out as the No. 2 UIL team for the second consecutive season. Last season, Brennan started behind Oak Cliff Faith Family and were a slight 6A favorite in front of Duncanville, South Grand Prairie, Plano East and Round Rock Stony Point. Brennan is not only talented and experienced, but after losing in the Class 6A semifinals in 2022-23, last season the Bears lost to eventual Class 6A runner-up Stony Point on a 3-pointer on the buzzer by a center who had badly missed a 3-point shot on the previous possession so Brennan is on a mission. In order to complete the task, players such as Todd (7.8 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 2.2 apg) and Criss (7.9 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 1.5 apg) will look to take their game to the next level. Cowgill has a team that is versatile and can score in a variety of ways, but no longer has a true pivotman after 6-foot-10 Delano Tarpley transferred to SoCal Academy. If Brennan can rebound and defend the interior at a high level, it will have a chance to move up because of its loaded schedule. The Bears play talented Dynamic Prep at the Noble Classic, play Bishop O’Connell of Virginia and FAB 50 title contender Roosevelt of California at the Thanksgiving Hoopfest in Dallas (Nov. 29-30), play highly-regarded DeMatha Catholic of Maryland and St. Frances of Baltimore at the DC Hoopfest (Dec. 6-7).
RELATED: Preseason 2024-25 FAB 50 (1-15) | Preseason 2024-25 FAB 50 (31-50) | 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 | Preseason FAB 50 Show (REPLAY) | 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 25 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