Preseason 2024-25 FAB 50: Teams No. 31-50!

Today Ballislife.com tips off its 2024-25 high school basketball coverage with our first installment of the preseason 2024-25 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 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.)

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. (28) Bullis (Potomac, Md.) 27-3
Key Players: C Eric Reibe 7-0 2025 (No. 23 ESPN.com, UConn commit), SG Adrien Stevens 6-4 2025 (No. 83 247Sports.com, Marquette commit), PG Darren Moore 6-1 2025 (Stonehill commit), SG Jeremiah Johnson 6-1 2025, SF Christopher Richards 6-4 2025.
Why This Ranking: The Bulldogs crack the FAB 50 for the second consecutive season led by a core of seven seniors. Two of them, Reibe and Stevens (14 ppg, 43 percent 3-point), are Top 100 players in the country and return with all-league credentials. Reibe is a traditional rim-protector who can also space the floor on offense because of his shooting ability. Stevens is a physical defender and can take it off the glass and initiate offense while taking smaller defenders inside. Coach Bruce Kelley (485-242) had good depth, as Moore is a veteran point guard, Richards is the team’s senior captain and Angelo Dickerson (6-4, 2026) can spell both guard spots. Kelley loves that his rotation features plenty of players with the ability to defend multiple positions.
The Skinny: Last season the Bulldogs started out as the fourth club from the DMV and this year they start out as the No. 5 team from the loaded region. Even though Kelley feels his team’s experience and unselfishness will take it far, he’s a bit concerned about the lack of size outside the 7-foot, 250-pound plus Reibe against the national schedule. Depth will be provided by Johnson, a transfer from Marquette University in Wisconsin, who provides winning intangibles and Xavier Skipworth (6-5, 2028), an incoming freshman known for his versatility who played well at DMV Live during the June Scholastic Live Period. Bullis, gunning for its third consecutive Interstate Athletic Conference (IAC) title and its first ever Maryland Private School crown, will play at the DC Hoopfest at DeMatha Catholic (Dec. 7-8). The Bulldogs will also participate in the Signature Series at the City of Palms Tournament in Florida, at the Jordan Brand Invitational, at the Bass Pro TOC in Missouri with five other potential FAB 50 ranked teams, at the Behan Strong Invitational (Jan. 4) and the IAC vs. MAC Conference Challenge (Jan. 11).

32. (40) Roman Catholic (Philadelphia, Pa.) 26-3
Key Players: PF Shareef Jackson 6-7 2025 (Lafayette commit), SF Sammy Jackson 6-7 2026 (No. 74 On3.com), SG Sebastian Edwards 6-4 2025, PG Tyler Sutton 6-2 2027 (No. 23 ESPN.com).
Why This Ranking: The Cahillites rate as the Philadelphia Catholic League favorites with three starters and seven lettermen returning from last season’s PCL title club. Shareef Jackson is the go-to player (17.3 ppg) and was a first team all-PCL and Class 6A choice last season. Jackson, the son of former NBA forward Marc Jackson, not only has a chance to be a three-time selection but a chance to earn league MVP honors because of his stellar post play and defensive prowess. Sammy Jackson plays like a big guard and is a big-time matchup problem on the high school level with plenty of potential for the next one. Sutton comes over from the George School and is just what the doctor ordered for this team in terms of a true facilitator. Edwards has worked his way up from the freshman team and is a big asset because of his shooting ability, attention to detail and ice water that runs through his veins. “Our strengths are our up tempo pace, playing together and our defensive pressure,” said Chris McNesby, the 2024 PCL Coach of the Year.
The Skinny: Roman Catholic, which has captured 34 PCL titles all-time, is not an overwhelming choice in the rugged league, but until someone beats them when it matters in the playoffs, McNesby’s club gets the nod. Other teams in the running for the league crown are Archbishop Wood and Father Judge with St. Joseph’s Prep also a contender. The Cahillites begin the season a bit higher than they finished last season when they unranked to begin it. Roman also started unranked in 2022-23 when they won the PCL title and finished No. 38 in the FAB 50. Ironically, this program is gunning for a third consecutive league crown, but last won a PIAA Class 6A title in 2021-22 when it finished unranked in the FAB 50 after winning its fourth state title in eight seasons. The overall schedule is tough, too, with trips to the Gonzaga Classic in Washington, D.C. (Dec. 13-15) and the Orange Bowl Classic in Miami.

33. (BB) St. Joseph (Santa Maria, Calif.) 31-4
Key Players: SF Tounde Yessoufou 6-5 2025 (No. 11 On3.com, Ballislife Second Team All-American, Baylor commit), PG Julius Price 6-3 2026 (No. 71 247Sports.com), C Abdoul Bare 6-9 2026, PF Godson Eyita 6-9 2027, PG Malcolm Price 6-1 2027, SG Gunner Morinini 6-0 2026.
Why This Ranking: The Knights have a chance to make history this season and come in at No. 4 among California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) teams. They return four players with starting experience, nine lettermen and two international transfers that had to sit out the 2023-24 season. It’s not just the quantity of returnees, it’s the quality as Yessoufou is one of the best players in the country and a California Mr. Basketball candidate. As a junior, Yessoufou averaged 32.3 ppg, 10.2 rpg, 2.1 apg, 2.6 spg and 1.3 bpg while earning first team all-state honors for the second straight year and named Mountain League MVP for the third time in a row. Julius Price (19.7 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 7.0 apg) is one of the nation’s best junior point guards. With that duo, St. Joe’s will be a threat in each game it plays on a national schedule. Morinini (5.4 ppg, 3.0 rpg) started every game as a tenth-grader and will be pushed by the newcomers and Malcolm Price, Julius’ brother, will also push the regulars for more playing time. The Knights’ practices will help the team improve and avoid the complacency and monotony of its weak league opponents.
The Skinny: St. Joe’s has a chance to make history in more than one way. The Knights not only are the highest ever preseason ranked team from Santa Barbara County, but also from California’s Central Coast region. They have a chance to go down as the best team ever from the region, but some of that history is muffled for two reasons. One, it wasn’t that long ago St. Joseph was part of the CIF Southern Section and two, it has been placed in both the North and South regional playoffs the past three years as part of the CIF Central Section. In 2022 and 2024, the Knights lost in the SoCal open playoffs, but in 2023 were the NorCal open champions. Although coach Tom Mott (486-204) is a bit concerned about keeping sharp in league play and only having two double-digit scorers last season, he’s excited about the strides Bare and Eyita made in the offseason. Eyita is rapidly developing into one of the better forwards in the national class of 2027 and depth is provided by Mantas Rimkus (6-2, 2025) and Matas Siskauskas (6-6, 2025) and Elijah Ormond (6-5, 2027). Rimkus averaged 25 ppg on last year’s JayVee team. St. Joseph will play in the Philippines over Thanksgiving week, in the Sunshine Series at the City of Palms Tournament in Florida in December, at the Arby’s Classic in Bristol, Tenn. (Dec. 26-31) along with Bartlett of Tennessee, Calvary Christian Academy of Florida, Milton of Georgia and Orem of Utah. St. Joseph plays Holy Innocent’s of Georgia at the Spalding Hoophall Classic (Jan. 18), at the De La Salle MLK Classic (Jan. 20) and at the Crush in the Valley in Napa (Jan. 25).

34. (NR) Winston-Salem Christian (Winston-Salem, N.C.) 34-9
Key Players: SG Adriel Nyorha 6-5 2025 (No. 96 On3.com), PF Elton James 6-8 2026, C Szymon Borowski 6-11 2026, PF Tyson Thompson 6-9 2026, SG Josiah Johnson Freeman 6-5 2027.
Why This Ranking: The Lions opened up at No. 24 last season, and were a talented team that accumulated a few too many losses to remain in that range. Coach Antonio Lowe (214-53) has another talented team, but we’ll slow play them this time around. Nyorha is a Canadian transplant who is a matchup problem at his size and with the ability to use ball screens or play off the ball. James is a quality face-up forward who can handle the ball and knock down the perimeter shot. Borowski, from Poland, moves well without the ball on offense and provides rim protection. “Our strength is our size and the depth we have in the middle, but we are an inexperienced team,” Lowe said.
The Skinny: This freelance-independent club will have a chance to get the kinks out in preparation for a successful run through the Grind Session Power Conference, a 12-team conglomerate of the best programs on the Grind Session that must adhere to its bylaws. Depth will help Winston-Salem Christian, whose program is sanctioned to play both North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA) public schools and schools within the North Carolina Independent Schools Athletic Association (NCISAA), prepare for a schedule that heats up right away. That depth is provided by the likes of Thompson, Freeman, Bradley Floyd (6-5, 2026) and Nicholas McLean (6-8, 2026). Freeman is quite the versatile talent and Floyd is a two-way player with a physical approach. Winston Salem Christian participates in the Carmel Christian Tip-Off Classic, plays in the Phenom Hoops George Lynch Invitational, the Lighthouse Classic, and the Beach Ball Classic, with the Grind Session World Championships, set for March 21-23, in Dallas.

35. (50) Great Crossing (Georgetown, Ky.) 36-2
Key Players: C Malachi Moreno 6-10 2025 (No. 21 On3.com, Ballislife Underclass All-American, Kentucky commit), SF Vince Dawson III 6-6 2025 (Morehead St. commit), PG Junius Burell 5-9 2025, SG Gage Richardson 6-4 2025, PG L.J. Holman 6-1 2027.
Why This Ranking: The Warhawks finished No. 50 in the final 2023-24 FAB 50 and have some unfinished business to take care of. Coach Steve Page (116-44), who had been the head coach since the school first fielded a varsity team, has a unit that has been building to this season and opens as Kentucky’s No. 1 ranked team. Anything less than a Kentucky High School Athletic Association (KHSAA) Sweet 16 crown would be somewhat of a disappointment. Great Crossing fell to eventual one-class Sweet 16 champ Lyon County, 58-49, in the 2024 semis. Page welcomes back four starters, led by Moreno (16 ppg, 13 rpg, 4 bpg, 2 apg), a team-first big man who pounds it inside, has soft hands and keeps the ball high to finish and can hit the trail three. He’s going to play for Big Blue Nation 15 minutes up the road. Dawson (17 ppg, 5 rpg) is the go-to scorer on the wing, while Burrell (11 ppg, 4 apg) is a four-year starting point guard.
The Skinny: The core of this team is back and it’s always nice to have a veteran point guard and with a player like Moreno, a high school team always has a chance. “Our experience is a strength, but we did lose three of our top eight kids, so we need some kids to step into those roles,” Paige said. Richardson (9 ppg), Holman and newcomer Brady Orem (6-6, 2028) are the best bets to fill those roles and keep Great Crossing on track for its ultimate goal. The Warhawks also play a terrific schedule to prepare them for tight Sweet 16 games. Last year their only regular season loss was in double overtime to Washington Catholic Athletic Conference (WCAC) member Bishop O’Connell of Virginia at the Beach Ball Classic in South Carolina and they’ll play in that event once again (Dec. 27-30). Before Christmas, Great Crossing will meet major FAB 50 title contender Columbus of Miami in the first round of the City of Palms Tournament in Ft. Myers, Fla., on Dec. 19.

36. (NR) Oak Hill Academy (Mouth of Wilson, Va.) 23-6
Key Players: PF Deondrea Lindsey 6-8 2025 (No. 117 247Sports.com), PG Courtland Muldrew 6-2 2025 (No. 96 247Sports.com, Washington commit), SG DeMarco Johnson 6-2 2025 (No. 142 Rivals.com), C Francis Chukwudebelu 6-10 2025 (No. 146 Rivals.com, Santa Clara commit).
Why This Ranking: The legendary Warriors program will start off with seven EYBL Scholastic League teams ahead of them in the FAB 50 and coach Derrick Stoneman, now in his third season, knows the time is now for his program to win. A middle of the road team in Oak Hill’s league is still very formidable and worthy of national acclaim, but likely won’t qualify for Chipotle Nationals (April 3-5 in Indianapolis). Stoneman is confident his club will be more formidable than last season when it came in sixth place because of its guard play and depth. Lindsey, who is still growing physically, is one of the best rebounders in the league and brings the experience of knowing what it takes to battle in the interior in the nation’s toughest league. Muldrew was an all-state selection at Springdale Har-Ber (Ark.) after averaging 24 ppg, 5 rpg and 4 apg and is an honors candidate in Stoneman’s rebuilt backcourt. Johnson is a slashing combo guard who can put up points and plays with plenty of intensity. Oak Hill’s backcourt depth is bolstered by Donovan Williams (6-3, 2026) and Howard Williams (6-5, 2027). Ethan Mgbako (6-6, 2026) is another talent who should contribute on the wing.
The Skinny: In legendary coach Steve Smith’s last season, the Warriors opened No. 6 and finished No. 8 and in Stoneman’s first season (2022-23) expectations were tempered, as Oak Hill began at No. 30. The Warriors finished unranked for the first time in 34 seasons (1987-88) and were not preseason ranked in 2023-24 for the first time in 34 seasons (1988-89). After two seasons of not being FAB 50 ranked to close the season, Stoneman is eager to start new streaks of excellence and is confident this team can get it done. He feels his backcourt is on par with others in the league and that perhaps the big men in 2024-25 overall are not what they were last season. That gives Lindsey an advantage and Chukwudebelu should see a big uptick in production. The Warriors will make the regular EYBL Scholastic stops and also participate in the Iolani Classic in Hawaii (Dec. 17-21) with five additional FAB 50 ranked clubs.

37. (NR) Owasso (Owasso, Okla.) 26-4
Key Players: SF Jalen Montonati 6-6 2026 (No. 14 Rivals.com, Ballislife National Sophomore of the Year, Ballislife Underclass All-American), SG Boden Williams 6-1 2026, SF Julius Wilson 6-4 2026, C Jax Kerr 6-11 2025 (St. Louis commit).
Why This Ranking: The Rams are the defending Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association (OSSAA), return three starters and nine lettermen, plus have a strong enough schedule to earn this rankings position. They don’t return just some run-of-the-mill veterans, either, as Montonati is Oklahoma’s best player, returning with averages of 23.6 ppg, 5.0 rpg, and 2.0 apg for a team that finished No. 7 in the Southwest Region Top 20. The son of coach Brian Montonati (129-54) scored 34 points in the Class 6A state title game overtime win over Edmond North. Kerr (12 ppg, 8 rpg, 2 bpg) is an underrated big man and was the hero in the state semifinal win over Broken Arrow with 21 points and 12 rebounds. Williams (12 ppg, 4 rpg, 3 apg) is not afraid to take the big shot, and has the ability to knock many of them down.
The Skinny: Brian Montonati has a quality team that could lose a few games on its national schedule, but can’t afford to lose more than one in-state game during the regular season in order to move up in the rankings. “Our strengths are experience and the ability to score the ball,” Brian Montonati said. “Defensively, we’re very versatile but our weakness is depth at the center position.” The Rams don’t have interior size after Kerr, but do have solid perimeter depth to switch defenses up and keep players fresh with the likes of Wilson and Kobe Freeman (5-10, 2025). Even though the Rams just missed the final FAB 50 in 2023-24, we place them in front of No. 48 Northwest even though that club finished in front of them in the final 2024 Southwest Region pecking order because of the loaded schedule. The Rams will participate in the Iverson Classic in Memphis, the Bill Hanson Memorial in Kansas, the Tournament of Champions in nearby Tulsa and in the City of Palms Classic in Florida (Dec. 18-23). Owasso will open the prestigious COP with FAB 50 national title contender Long Island Lutheran of New York.

38. (BB) Oak Cliff Faith Family (Dallas, Texas) 25-11
Key Players: PF Davion Adkins 6-6 2026 (No. 23 On3.com), SG King Grace 6-4 2025 (No. 47 247Sports.com, Mississippi St. commit), SF Anthony Spencer 6-7 2026, SF Lamont Hartfield 6-5 2025, PG Tahsheim Gary 6-1 2025, SG L.D. Jones 6-3 2025.
Why This Ranking: The Eagles finished right in this range of the FAB 50 in 2021-22 and 2022-23, but against a national schedule last season, racked up too many losses to finish nationally ranked. Faith Family, however, captured its third consecutive University Interscholastic League (UIL) Class 4A crown and finished No. 16 in the Southwest Region Top 20. Coach Brandon Thomas (356-97) has a club worthy of a preseason ranking for the second consecutive season, led by three players with starting experience and three talented newcomers. With his ability to be a terror on both ends of the floor, Adkins is a top honors candidate and one of the best forwards in the national junior class. Spencer is a nice compliment up front and will get plenty of college interest himself. Hartfield has worked hard to improve his conditioning and is a terrific knock down shooter. Thomas has to replace his all-state backcourt of Isaac Williams and Jazz Henderson, but is confident Gary, one of the top reserves last season, is ready to step up as a senior.
The Skinny: This program has not only won three consecutive state titles, but four in the past six seasons with the talent in place to continue the dynasty. Faith Family has been moved up this season to the UIL 5A classification from 4A where the post-season competition should be stiffer with teams such as The Colony, but there is no reason why the Eagles can’t challenge to be UIL’s best overall club if they do well against a challenging schedule. Grace gives this club a shot in the arm in the backcourt after averaging 22 ppg at Waxahatchee (Texas). Jones transfers in from Camden (N.J.) and can excel both on and off the ball and can take some of the pressure off Grace, while Greg Lawson (6-3, 2025) comes in highly-regarded from Davison (Mich.). Thomas loves his length and athleticism, but feels his team needs to shore up on getting the ball inside in its half court offense. “We have big guards who can board inside and bigs who are versatile enough to guard the perimeter,” Thomas said. The schedule is loaded with stops at the Marshall County Hoopfest, the Thanksgiving Hoopfest (Nov. 29-30), the Nike Tournament of Champions (Jan. 4) and the prestigious City of Palms Tournament in Florida. Faith Family plays Sagemont Prep and highly-regarded Oak Ridge, both of Florida, at the Hoopfest and FAB 50 national title contender Utah Prep right after New Year’s. The Eagles will open up the COP with FAB 50 national title contender IMG Academy of Florida.

39. (NR) Imhotep Charter (Philadelphia, Pa.) 29-3
Key Players: SG Carnell Henderson 6-3 2025, PF Zion Green 6-7 2027 (No. 12 On3.com), SF Zaahir Muhammad-Gray 6-6 2026, PG R.J. Smith 5-9 2026.
Why This Ranking: The Panthers rate as the top Philadelphia Public League team and get our nod as the second ranked Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) team behind No. 32 Roman Catholic. Imhotep returns three regulars off a club that won its third consecutive Class 5A state title and became the second Philly Public school to win four consecutive league titles. Henderson is expected to be one of the key players who makes a big jump this season for veteran coach Andre Noble (501-102). Green is in line to be the public league’s next big star and is one of the top players nationally in the 2027 class. Muhammad-Gray is rapidly improving and will be a double-double threat for the Panthers. Smith is an ace defender and clutch performer who will be counted on for his on-court leadership. “Our starting five is strong with good balance, but I am a bit concerned about our depth inside,” Noble said.
The Skinny: The Panthers’ track record and talent level makes them a solid choice to begin in this spot after finishing No. 15 in the East Region Top 20 and just outside the FAB 50. Imhotep, after all, has captured seven of the past eight Philly Public League titles and 12 overall under Noble. The Panthers will be gunning for their fourth state title in a row and have never lost in a PIAA state title game (10-0). The 2018-19 club, which began at No. 7 and the 2022-23 team (preseason No. 10) had FAB 50 title aspirations and that’s what makes this team dangerous because it doesn’t have that kind of pressure on it. Imhotep has three losses in each of the past two seasons and to move up into the Top 25 would need to once again be in that loss range. The schedule includes a trip to the Iolani Classic in Hawaii (Dec. 17-21) vs. the likes of FAB 50 title contenders Utah Prep, Paul VI of Virginia, Wheeler of Georgia, Brewster Academy of New Hampshire and No. 36 Oak Hill Academy.

40. (BB) Wasatch Academy (Mt. Pleasant, Utah) 15-7
Key Players: SG Isiah Harwell 6-5 2025 (No. 8 On3.com, Houston commit), SG Katrelle Harmon 6-3 2026 (No. 31 ESPN.com), PG Junior County 6-5 2026 (No. 77 247Sports.com), C Augustine Ekwe 6-9 2025 (New Mexico St. commit), SF Austin Ouko 6-7 2026, SG Mariano Manciel 6-3 2026, PF Sage Hanson 6-9 2026.
Why This Ranking: The Tigers have a solid track record, good talent and will look to finish among the upper echelon of the EYBL Scholastic League. Wasatch Academy is able to edge No. 41 Sunrise Christian in the conference forecast because of their experienced players in the backcourt. Harwell is one of the most talented guards in the national 2025 class and is an all-conference candidate. Coach Paul Peterson will employ a potent three-guard lineup with Harmon and County and it should bring quality results. Harmon is a terrific play-maker who can play off or on the ball, while County is a smooth operator who can get to sweet spots on the court and utilize his deft stroke. Ekwe mans the post with physicality and is a strong presence on the boards. This team has plenty of talent, but also has its work cut out for it.
The Skinny: Wasatch Academy is trying to get out of the middle of the glut of teams in its league, but more importantly, is looking for continuity and to peak at the right time. In 2022-23, Wasatch Academy was unranked in the preseason for the first time since 2016-17, but ended up tied for fifth place with Sunrise Christian Academy at 7-5. Last season, expectations were a bit higher as the Tigers started No. 23 and were supposed to have their best team on paper since finishing No. 2 in the FAB 50 in 2019-20, but because of injuries and defections once again went 7-5. They finished in a four-way tie for fifth place and finished No. 13 in the West Region. Expectations won’t be so high and we’ll slow play them this time around, but Peterson is looking to have a healthy Harwell (who missed time last season with an ACL injury) and to keep his club focused while developing for a serious Chipotle Nationals run. That was hard last season because the team did not play a game for an exact calendar month. Ouko is a nice piece at forward, James Miller (6-4, 2025) provides shooting and Hanson provides depth on the interior. The Tigers face defending FAB 50 champ Montverde Academy of Florida at the Five For The Fight National Hoopfest (Pleasant Grove, Utah) on Nov. 25.

41. (NR) Sunrise Christian Academy (Bel Air, Kan.) 11-12
Key Players: PF Ivan Juric 6-10 2025, SF Noah Hill 6-10 2026, PG Luke Moore 6-2 2025, SF Chidi Nwigwe 6-7 2026 (No. 27 ESPN.com), SF Aidan Chronister 6-7 2026 (No. 47 On3.com), PF Gavin Placide 6-8 2026 (No. 101 247Sports.com), SG Alex Barther 6-5 2026 (No. 92 Rivals.com).
Why This Ranking: The Buffaloes began last season No. 14 as they looked to compete with the top teams in the EYBL Scholastic League. After beginning among the Top 3 in the preseason FAB 50 for three consecutive seasons 2021-2023) under Luke Barnwell, Sunrise Christian was expected to take a step back in 2023-24. What actually transpired is the season got sidetracked before it ever really started for new coach Kyle Lindsted. The Buffaloes lost 10 seniors and point guard Jeremiah Green left 12 days before the season started and the unit could never recover, quickly falling out of the FAB 50. Linsted was with the program for 16 years before Barnwell and is confident he now has the right mix of players to be plenty more competitive in the top league for academy programs in the country. There is good size throughout the roster, as last year’s team didn’t have a true pivotman or true point guard. Juric is talented and a good athlete and is getting tons of high major interest. Hill is an active athlete who is improving his basketball skill. Moore is tough and his play makes everyone around him better. Lindsted is counting on Nwigwe to have a breakout campaign.
The Skinny: The Buffaloes have some terrific talent but even more so than the talent level, it’s the type of players that makes Linsted confident in a major turnaround. “We make a concerted effort to get guys that want to get better and want to be coached,” Linsted said. “We have a little less high profile guys. Everyone knows we expect them to defend and rebound.” That approach should help the Buffaloes improve on last year, when it went 3-9 in league play, two games away from the cellar in a 14-team league. There is good talent and better chemistry in Linsted’s second year, but we’ll take a cautious approach rankings wise because of the league mark and the youth on the roster. Chronister is one of the talented juniors, and when he was away from the team on a recruiting visit during fall practice, there was a noticeable drop-off in intensity and energy. Chronister has the necessary intangibles and the talent meshes well, but the ball-handling and scoring must improve if this unit is to survive the normal EYBL Scholastic stops on its schedule.

42. (BB) Notre Dame (Sherman Oaks, Calif.) 31-4
Key Players: PG Angelino Mark 6-3 2025 (No. 139 On3.com, Rutgers commit), SF Tyran Stokes 6-7 2026 (No. 1 247Sports.com, Ballislife Underclass All-American), SG Caleb Ogbu 6-2 2026, PF Zach White 6-6 2026, SG Josiah Nance 6-5 2027.
Why This Ranking: The Mission League once again is one of the best in the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) ranks along with the Trinity League. Last season, three Mission League clubs climbed to No. 1 in California at various times. In 2024-25, eventual CIF Southern Section and CIF state champ Harvard-Westlake in once again a FAB 50 title contender while Sierra Canyon, the third Mission League club, is a notch down this season in talent. That puts Notre Dame at No. 2 in the Mission League and No. 4 among CIFSS club behind the Wolverines, Trinity League club St. John Bosco of Bellflower and Roosevelt of Corona, the runner-ups to Harvard-Westlake at the section and regional level. Although standout guard Mercy Miller is now at Houston, there is plenty of firepower still around plus coach Matt Sargeant (217-123) adds one of the nation’s best players to his lineup. Mark (16.5 ppg, 4.5 apg) is one of California’s best guards, while Stokes comes over from Prolific Prep in Napa, an academy-type program not part of the CIF. Stokes is a powerful wing who can score from the outside or overpower foes around the basket. His impact will be felt and if his talent meshes with the veterans, Notre Dame can move up in the rankings.
The Skinny: The Knights’ talent level is on par with Harvard-Westlake, but we give the defending section and state champs the benefit of the doubt to start off the season. Stokes is also in a cast with a hand injury, so Notre Dame hopes to avoid a slow start and that role players step up so the team is ready for the Tarkanian Classic (Dec. 18-21), where it could potentially meet Roosevelt in the title game. White (11 ppg, 5 rpg, 3 apg) is one of the best defenders in the state and an indispensable cog, while Ogbu (5.3 ppg) is the third returning starter and is capable of big scoring outings. Mark Lewis (6-8, 2025) has starting experience and will be key when Stokes is out and when Notre Dame plays national level teams. Nance is a terrific talent, while depth is provided by Paul VI of Virginia transfer NaVorro Bowman (6-1, 2027) and two stalwarts up from a 27-1 JayVee club: Dylan Northcutt (6-1, 2027) and Temidayo Olafisoye (6-8, 2026). In addition to the Tark Classic, Notre Dame will play at the Nike Tournament of Champions in Arizona (Jan. 2-4) and at the brand new Intuit Dome (home of the L.A. Clippers) vs. Sierra Canyon on national television (Jan. 10). Notre Dame has a huge opportunity vs FAB 50 title contender Columbus of Miami at the Spalding Hoophall Classic in Massachusetts (Jan. 18).

43. (NR) Cathedral (Indianapolis, Ind.) 18-6
Key Players: PF Brady Koehler 6-9 2025 (No. 98 ESPN.com, Notre Dame commit), SF Keaton Aldridge 6-4 2026, PG Deric Cannady 5-11 2025, PG Lebron Gough 6-0 2025, SF Aidan Hughes 6-3 2025.
Why This Ranking: The Fightin’ Irish have the talent and depth it takes to capture the Indiana High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) Class 3A state crown. Usually the Hoosier State’s top ranked team hails from the 4A ranks, but this season Cathedral gets the nod over the 4A favorites. Coach Jason Delaney (329-152) has his team back en masse and has two talented newcomers, plus his son Jaxson Delaney (6-4, 2028), to challenge not only for a state crown but to be one of the best teams in the entire Midwest Region. It begins with Koehler (15.5 ppg, 6.5 rpg, 2.3 bpg), a southpaw face up four who can knock down shots from the outside and is versatile defensively. Aldridge (15.3 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 2.1 spg) is another lefty shooter who always finds the ball and excels in the paint. Cannady (9.0 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 2.3 apg) is an athletic combo guard who can finish or distribute. Gough (8.2 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 4.4 apg, 1.9 spg) always finds the open man and can break down defenders off the dribble. Hughes (8.3 ppg, 5.1 rpg) is a Grid-Hoop stud with a high IQ. In fact he’s an Ivy League football recruit. “We return the core of our team from last season and feel confident with the development and additions,” Delaney said.
The Skinny: It’s “now or never” time for the Irish, as they have the experience and talent to win their final game of the season. As if the five regulars are not enough, Cathedral has added Julien Smith (6-0, 2026) and R’Mani Wells (6-6, 2026), transfers from Mt. Vernon of Fortville. Smith is an all-state level talent with D1 offers while Wells is oozing with potential. The core is seniors and the pressure is on, especially after Cathedral’s successful summer. In 2022-23, Cathedral started at No. 13 with a club led by Xavier Booker (Michigan St.) and last season started at No. 11 in the Midwest Region Top 20, and No. 3 among IHSAA teams. Cathedral finished unranked both seasons. Teams such as Fishers, Ben Davis, Jeffersonville and Lawrence North are quality clubs in 4A, but it was the Irish that went unbeaten during the June Scholastic Live period. At Midwest Live, they defeated No. 44 Richmond Heights (59-44) and also recorded June wins over Greenfield Central and Ben Davis. The schedule includes a Dec. 6 date with Norcross of Georgia and a New Year’s showdown with FAB 50 title contender Orchard Lake St. Mary of Michigan.

44. (NR) Richmond Heights (Richmond Heights, Ohio) 19-9
Key Players: SG Dorian Jones 6-4 2025 (No. 67 Rivals.com, Ohio St. commit), PG De’Erick Barber 5-11 2025 (UTEP commit), SG Demarris Winters Jr. 6-3 2025 (Texas-Rio Grande Valley commit).
Why This Ranking: For the second consecutive season, the Spartans open up as the preseason top-ranked Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) club after capturing their third consecutive D4 state crown. There is plenty to like about this club even though two seniors graduated and star forward T.J. Crumble is now back at Lutheran East of Cleveland Heights after an eligibility spat. Coach Quinten Rogers (151-34) welcomes back not only three regulars, but three standouts who were all-Ohio D4 picks by the Ohio Prep Sportswriters Association. Jones (14.1 ppg) feels he’s now focused on a monster senior campaign after committing to stay home and play college for the Buckeyes. Barber (10.2 ppg), who joined Jones as a first team choice, is an on-court leader and the defense and intangibles he provides are vital to Richmond Heights’ success. Winters (12.2), a third team choice, is another three-year standout who excels as a perimeter shooter and can also play on the ball. In terms of speed, shooting and defense, this team has many weapons and a variety of ways it can win.
The Skinny: Last year this club had FAB 50 title aspirations and entered the season on a 49-game winning streak, but couldn’t navigate a national schedule and racked up too many losses to stay ranked. The distractions of Crumble’s eligibility likely didn’t help matters and that factor is now gone and it also helps to have a senior-laden club that now has experience against a big-time schedule. There is also depth coming up from a 20-1 JayVee club. The schedule includes a trip to the Burger King Classic in Erie, Pa., a matchup with Dynamic Prep of Texas at the Flyin’ To The Hoop in Dayton (Jan. 17) and a game with highly-regarded Archbishop Stepinac of New York at the Spalding Hoophall Classic (Jan. 19).

45. (21) Ridge View (Columbia, S.C.) 27-2
Key Players: SF Korie Corbett 6-3 2026 (No. 87 247Sports.com, Ballislife Underclass All-American), SG D.J. Wylie 6-3 2027 (No. 50 On3.com), PG Yale Davis 6-0 2026 (No. 145 On3.com).
Why This Ranking: The Blazers have three returning starters and are the team to beat among South Carolina High School League (SCHSL) clubs. Coach Joshua Stanley (415-123) has a club with talent, a go-to player and plays a tough schedule. Corbett scored 18 points in the AAAA state title game 58-52 victory over Riverside. The all-state choice averaged 16.0 ppg, 7.3 rpg, 2.1 apg and 2.3 spg for a club that beat both in-state clubs it lost to in 2023-24. Davis is a terrific ball-handler and passer who can score from the outside or thread the needle while driving. He averaged 12 ppg, 5 apg, and 3 spg while shooting at a 40 percent clip from 3-point range. Wylie contributed to last year’s state title run and will be counted on to make a big impact against Ridge View’s toughest foes. Trey Smith (6-7, 2025) leads the charge up front on a team with good length and depth.
The Skinny: Ridge View is gunning for its sixth SCHSL state title in eight years and there is no reason why it can’t climb towards its final ranking last year. That was predicated by big wins over Grayson of Georgia and John Marshall of Virginia, two excellent teams that begin higher than Ridge View in 2024-25. The Blazers’ national ranking will once again be determined by out-of-state results and to get those key wins the frontline must step up. Ethan Cohen (6-3, 2026) is an important glue piece and Smith will need freshmen C.J. Moore (6-6, 2028) and R.J. Davis (6-6, 2028) to grow up in a hurry. “We have multiple 3-level scorers and play good defense,” Staley said. “We will be young early, so our guard play has to be good enough to allow the young guys to mature. The growth will occur at events such as the Tampa Hoopfest and Beach Ball Classic in Myrtle Beach, S.C. (Dec. 27-30).

46. (39) Reidsville (Reidsville, N.C.) 29-0
Key Players: PF Kendre Harrison 6-7 2026 (No. 28 Rivals.com, Ballislife Underclass All-American), PG Dionte Neal 5-9 2026 (Ballislife Underclass All-American), SG Johnniyus Sharpe Jr. 6-3 2025, SF Cam’Ron Jones 6-3 2025.
Why This Ranking: The Rams return their three big guns and eight lettermen total from their North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA) Class 2A state title-winning club. It wasn’t easy, as the Rams outlasted Farmville Central by one point in overtime, 78-77. Without Sharpe (18.2 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 2.7 apg, 1.7 spg) it’ safe to say Reidsville would have lost in the title game, as he made all 10 of his free throws (the team went 13 for 13) and had 29 points, including 3-of-6 3-pointers. It’s also safe to say Reidsville wouldn’t have been in position to make the title game and finish unbeaten if it wasn’t for Harrison. The nation’s top Grid-Hoop athlete as a mere tenth-grader, Harrison finished the state title game with 19 points, 17 rebounds and blocked five shots. Harrison is just too athletic and powerful for all but a few of the nation’s forwards to handle, as he posted 25 double-doubles and averaged 19.4 ppg, 15.1 rpg, and 3.7 bpg while shooting 67 percent from the field. Neal (19.0 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 10.7 apg, 4.2 spg) can put the ball in the hole, but is also a terrific penetrator and distributor who also has terrific instincts. He uses those instincts on the Grid-Iron as a punt returner and defense back and is now getting P4 looks in football.
The Skinny: It looked like the Rams wouldn’t be in the preseason FAB 50 when Harrison, who is the nation’s top junior tight end prospect, transferred to Providence Day for the start of football season but promptly went back to Reidsville. The Rams would still have been a quality team without him, but not a national one capable of maintaining a ranking in the range of last year’s club. After highly-regarded Christ School, Davidson Day and Providence Day (even without Harrison) figure to be the top North Carolina Independent Schools Athletic Association (NCISAA) teams in 2024-25 with North Mecklenburg and Farmville Central also strong among the publics. It could be a slow start for Reidsville’s star players as they transition to hoops, as Sharpe and Jones (7.0 ppg, 7.8 rpg, 1.8 spg, 1.5 bpg) are also Grid-Hoop studs. It wasn’t a problem last season, but teams will be gunning for the Rams all season long because of the attention they get.

47. (NR) Duncanville (Duncanville, Texas) 19-10
Key Players: SG Kayden “Bug” Edwards 6-3 2025 (No. 55 Rivals.com, TCU commit), PF Cam Smith 6-7 2025, PG Beckham Black 6-2 2027 (No. 36 Rivals.com), PG Christopher Hunt 6-1 2027.
Why This Ranking: Since winning a University Interscholastic League (UIL) Class 6A state crown in 2018-19 when they just missed the preseason FAB 50, the Panthers have been ranked in our preseason poll for six consecutive seasons. Duncanville peaked at No. 7 in 2021-22 when it won the FAB 50 title (on the court) and is looking to get back to that level. Coach David Peavy’s club has the talent and motivation to get back close to where the program was in 2022 and 2023 when it was in the thick of the FAB 50 title race. The talent begins with Edwards, a TABC All-State choice as a junior after averaging 23.2 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 2.4 apg, and 1.4 spg. Smith (6.2 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 1.1 bpg) is quite talented on both ends of the floor and numbers don’t do justice as to what he means to Duncanville’s 2024-25 success. Expect Black (5.5 ppg, 2.4 rpg, 3.2 apg) to definitely double his numbers, as he has a world of talent and plenty of big-game experience. Hunt (5.6 ppg) is another capable guard who can attack both ways and knock down the jumper consistently with his smooth lefty stroke.
The Skinny: The talent is in place with 10 returning lettermen improved, as last year’s team included five freshmen or sophomores. The motivation comes from being upset by Wylie East in the second round of the UIL Class 6A playoffs. Losing senior B.J. Davis-Ray to transfer does hurt in the scoring department, but Peavy has players ready to step up and defense will always be the program’s calling card. Allen and Brennan lead the pack in the UIL Class 6A pecking order, with the Panthers and clubs such as Atascocita and Stony Point, last year’s state runner-up, right on their tail. The schedule is loaded once again and includes games with Class 4A state title contender Dallas Kimball (Nov. 12) and Class 5A state title contender The Colony (Nov. 16).

48. (49) Northwest (Shawnee Mission, Kan.) 25-0
Key Players: SG Keaton Wagler 6-6 2025 (No. 150 247Sports.com, Illinois commit), C Ethan Taylor 6-10 2026 (No. 40 On3.com), SF Tyler Salmon 6-7 2025, PG Van Collins 6-4 2025, SG Aiven Riley 6-3 2025.
Why This Ranking: The Cougars return their team en masse from a club that captured the Kansas State High Schools Activities Association (KSHSAA) Class 6A state title. The program had made 14 trips to the state tourney since 1973 but finally got over the hump for the first time behind a terrific junior class plus Taylor, one of the top rising junior big men in the country. Taylor is a terrific rim protector (3.5 bpg), rebounds well (10 rpg) and allows Northwest’s lengthy wing defenders to use multiple defensive attacks. He averaged 11.7 ppg in three state tournament games, while Wagler, a first team all-state choice, averaged 14.3 ppg. Wagler is a smooth operator with terrific size and a triple-double threat. Salmon (10.7 ppg in state tourney) is a terrific shooter who shot 43 percent from 3-point range and can take smaller defenders inside. Collins is a combo guard and was the team’s leading scorer (13 ppg). Riley, a Grid-Hooper, had a terrific summer and established himself as a legit college prospect. Riley can finish over big players and totally disrupt the opposition with his ball-hawking.
The Skinny: This team deserves to start a bit higher than it finished last season when it broke in the FAB 50 as the sixth and final team from the Southwest Region. Yes, Owasso of Oklahoma is starting higher even though it was on the bubble at the end of last season. That’s because Owasso will play a national schedule and will get its chance against many FAB 50 title contenders at the City of Palms Tournament. For Northwest coach David Birch (94-21), he knows his team will have a bulls-eye on its back and it won’t be necessarily easy to repeat last year’s unbeaten run. One thing the Cougars can count on is stifling defense using its length and going to a zone defense that totally threw Wichita Heights off its game in last year’s state championship. Northwest will have a big opportunity late in the regular season when it plays FAB 50 national title contender Link Academy at the Quincy Shootout (Jan. 25).

49. (BB) Hoover (Hoover, Ala.) 30-3
Key Players: C Dewayne Brown 6-9 2025 (No. 66 ESPN.com, Ballislife Underclass All-American, Tennessee commit), SF Salim London 6-3 2025 (No. 91 ESPN.com, UA-Birmingham commit), PG Jarett Fairley 6-1 2025, PG Seneca Robinson 5-9 2025, SG Austin Dudley 6-2 2025.
Why This Ranking: The Bucs nab the final spot among teams from the Southeast Region, one loaded with many clubs that are talented enough to break into the rankings. We like Scott Ware’s club as the fifth-year coach brings back all five players who started in last year’s Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) Class 7A state title game. It begins with Brown, one of the nation’s best big men who was named Class 7A tourney MVP after recording 15 points, 11 rebounds and three blocks in the 59-34 title game victory over Enterprise. For the season, Brown shot an incredible 70.5 percent from the field while averaging 15.5 ppg, 9.5 rpg, 2.1 apg and 2.7 bpg. London had 20 points, seven rebounds and five assists and this came a year after he dropped 34 points in the Class 7A state title game win over Central-Phenix City when Ware’s group were “Super Sophomores”. Obviously with Brown and London, the state tourney MVP in 2022-23, Hoover is a load for any in-state club to handle.
The Skinny: This club obviously has talent and experience, but its role players are what make the team quite formidable. Dudley excels on the break and can get hot in a hurry from 3-point range. Fairley can play both on and off the ball and is an important cog because of his defense and athleticism. Robinson is a quick lead guard who got plenty of recognition over the summer. The Bucs will have a chance to move up slowly and obviously will need to 3-peat to finish FAB 50 ranked, unless another team emerges in Alabama that Hoover plays. The starters log plenty of minutes, so it’s important that Jackson Sheffield (6-9, 2026) and Cameron Torbor (6-4, 2025) continue to develop.

50. (NR) Totino-Grace (Fridley, Minn.) 27-5
Key Players: SF Dothan Ijadimbola 6-6 2026 (No. 59 On3.com), PG Chace Watley 6-1 2025 (Wofford commit), SF Tyler Wagner 6-5 2025, SG Tian Chatman 6-4 2026, PG Malachi Hill 6-0 2027.
Why This Ranking: The Eagles have four starters returning from a club that captured a third consecutive Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) Class AAA state crown. Coach Nick Carroll (141-62) has a club with great positional size for its competition level and comes in as the No. 7 team from the Midwest Region. Ijadimbola replaces graduated standout Isaiah Arigu-Johnson (Miami) as the go-to player on the wing and he doubles as a lock-down defender who can make the big play. Watley can get in the paint with ease or knock down his smooth lefty jumper. He really came on last year and his leadership on the court is vital. Wagner is a knock down shooter who keeps defenses honest and Chatman is a matchup nightmare because of his combination of size, handle and craftiness.
The Skinny: This club began at No. 49 in the FAB 50 in 2023-24 after losing three scholarship players. It lost early showdowns to 2023 Class AAAA champ Wayzata and to Bellevue West of Nebraska, which started one spot higher at No. 48, and Totino-Grace never really broke back into the rankings. Sure, Totino-Grace must replace Arigu-Johnson this time around, but it gained plenty of experience last season. The veterans are also physically bigger and stronger and that will be a differentiator. Hill is one of at least three highly-regarded sophomores who are expected to make a big contribution and among the regulars is the only one who isn’t a size mismatch in most games. The schedule once again includes an early showdown with Wayzata, which was upset by Minnetonka in last season’s AAAA final, and quality opponents at the Hoop City Classic in South Dakota.

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

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Preseason 2024-25 FAB 50: Teams No. 31-50!

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Montverde Academy (Fla.) 33-0

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