Preseason 2024-25 FAB 50: Top 15 Teams!

We conclude our 2024-25 preseason FAB 50 National Team Rankings powered by Ballislife.com with an in-depth look at the nation’s top 15 teams. We began with teams No. 31-50, continued with teams No. 16-30 and this is an in-depth look at the nation’s 15 best teams. Columbus of Florida is the nation’s preseason No. 1 team and the first parochial program to begin No. 1 since 2008-09.

All 50 teams are written up with explanations for why they are placed in these positions. The Columbus Explorers are the top-ranked preseason club for the first time, but this is the eighth consecutive season a team from Florida has opened up as the nation’s No. 1 team in the industry’s longest-running weekly national high school basketball rankings.

GO TO: No. 1 / No. 2 / No. 3 / No. 4 / No. 5 / No. 6 / No. 7 / No. 8 / No. 9 / No. 10 / No. 11 / No. 12 / No. 13 / No. 14 / No. 15

2024-25 High School Basketball: Entering A New Era

The COVID-19 era is now one year behind us, as the effects of the early 2020s pandemic lingered during the 2022-23 season with missed games and limited live period viewing for college coaches. The 2023-24 season was one in which the “NIL Era” was in full bloom. After Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) reform hit the NCAA in July 2021, the landscape it created for student athletes trickled down to high school.

In the fall of 2022, nine state associations that fall under the leadership of the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) sanctioned NIL freedoms for its participating student athletes. At this time last year, that number was up to 33, plus Washington, D.C. As of July 2024, only 12 state associations reportedly don’t allow NIL deals and endorsements for its participating student-athletes.

It’s no secret many elite student-athletes have aspirations to take advantage of financial opportunities associated with NIL. While earning a legitimate NIL opportunity may not be easy, the opportunity is what today’s athletes seek, so it is no coincidence many have moved to states and enrolled in programs where those opportunities legally exist.   High school athletes emulate professional and college athletes and there is no doubt NCAA sports is quickly morphing into a professional atmosphere; it’s only a matter of time before NCAA institutions compensate their on-field performers. Because NIL freedoms were not implemented by governing bodies, but rather forced by state laws, NCAA revenue-generating sports are in a state of chaos this fall with disgruntled players leaving football teams after a few games and players transferring on a whim when things don’t go their way or when parties don’t see eye-to-eye on NIL-related transactions.   Not surprisingly the amount of out-of-state transfers in high school basketball is noticeable and with NIL-related compensation on the forefront, loyalty has taken a back seat. Many high school coaches that have a talented freshman entering their program realize there is a good chance he won’t remain in the program for four years. It’s the nature of the game right now.

The amount of talent on independent, academy-type programs such as those belonging to the Nike EYBL Scholastic League and the Grind Session’s Power Conference is staggering. High school basketball has reached the big-time, literally and figuratively, but there is still room for the great high school player on a traditional team that plays for a state championship and deserves nationwide recognition and respect.

Boozers Lead No. 1 Columbus

Unlike last season when Montverde Academy of Florida was an easy choice to begin as the preseason No. 1 team in the FAB 50 National Team Rankings powered by Ballislife.com, in 2024-25 the choice was not so simple. Montverde Academy went on to capture the program’s seventh FAB 50 national title with a 33-0 mark. A majority of the highly-ranked, academy-type programs that regularly challenge the Eagles for EYBL Scholastic League superiority re-tooled their rosters, as did the defending champions.

Two teams from the league were considered to sit atop the preseason FAB 50 perch: Link Academy of Missouri, the 2022-23 FAB 50 champions with arguably the most talented roster in the country, and Montverde Academy as the defending champions.   Neither club was an overwhelming candidate and neither club has a player quite like Columbus (Miami, Fla.) forward Cameron Boozer. With the Duke-bound Boozer leading the way, the Explorers open up 2024-25 as the preseason FAB 50 No. 1 team in the country.  

Boozer was last year’s national junior of the year after leading Columbus to a 28-5 mark and No. 2 FAB 50 ranking behind unbeaten Montverde Academy. He was the first sophomore ever named Mr. Basketball USA in 2022-23 over last year’s winner, Duke freshman Cooper Flagg, and a lot of players who are now NBA rookies. The 6-foot-9, 240-pound power forward is that good.  

 Boozer is not the sole reason this team checks in at No. 1 to begin 2024-25, as the Explorers have talent across the board, including his twin brother Cayden at point guard, and experienced players to match.Adding highly-regarded forward Caleb Gaskins in late October from Montverde Academy only adds to the pressure of being a No. 1 team and getting opponents' best shot on a loaded schedule. Columbus is going after its fourth consecutive FAB 50 ranking and fourth consecutive Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) Class 7A state title against the backdrop of another challenging national schedule.

“Everyone is mentally focused and our motivation and preparation shows in the work we’ve put in,” Columbus head coach Andrew Moran said.

Columbus seeks to capture the first FAB 50 national title by a parochial school since St. Anthony (Jersey City, N.J.) won the last of four FAB 50 titles in 2010-11. That school is now closed. Columbus is the first parochial program to open No. 1 since 2008-09. That’s when St. Patrick (Elizabeth, N.J.), a team that featured future NBA guard Kyrie Irving and 2011 Mr. Basketball USA Michael-Kidd Gilchrist, finished No. 4 at 30-3. That team was coached by Kevin Boyle, who moved on to Montverde Academy in 2011-12 and now has seven FAB 50 titles (tied for most all-time) on his coaching resume.

What team is the best bet to challenge Columbus for the 2024-25 FAB 50 National crown? Can the Explorers make history and hold the mantle for teams that play for state titles in this new high stakes NIL era of high school basketball?

GO TO: No. 1 / No. 2 / No. 3 / No. 4 / No. 5 / No. 6 / No. 7 / No. 8 / No. 9 / No. 10 / No. 11 / No. 12 / No. 13 / No. 14 / No. 15

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.)

1. (2) Columbus (Miami, Fla.) 28-5
Key Players: PF Cameron Boozer 6-9 2025 (No. 2 247Sports.com, 2022-23 Mr. Basketball USA, 2023-24 Ballislife National Junior of the Year, Two-Time Ballislife First Team All-American, Duke commit), PG Cayden Boozer 6-3 2025 (No. 17 ESPN.com, Duke commit), SG Jaxon Richardson 6-5 2026 (No. 27 On3.com), SF Caleb Gaskins 6-7 2026 (No. 8 Rivals.com), SG Marcellous Jackson Jr. 6-4 2026, PF Keeper Jackson 6-7 2026 (No. 112 On3.com), C Eric Diami Tomou 6-10 2026.
Why This Ranking: It’s been a steady climb to the top of the preseason national poll and the common denominator has been the Boozer twins. Columbus was unranked when the twins were incoming freshmen but finished No. 45 when it won its first of three straight Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) Class 7A state titles. In 2022-23, the Explorers began at No. 18 and finished No. 6 and last season began at No. 3 and finished No. 2. With the talent nucleus at 2023-24 preseason No. 2 Link Academy and No. 1 Montverde Academy graduated, it’s a natural ascension to the top spot for Columbus in 2024-25. Cameron Boozer (who announced along with his twin brother Cayden for Duke on October 11) has been consistently dominant since his freshman year and has been the national class player of the year in each season. Last season’s national junior of the year averaged 22.3 ppg while shooting 62 percent from the field, including 41 percent from the 3-point line, and 82 percent from the line to go along with 11.4 rpg, 2.7 apg and 2.1 bpg. Cayden might get overlooked nationally at times, but he’s a star player in his own right (12.0 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 7.6 apg, 1.8 spg) who will be counted on to score more this year, according to head coach Andrew Moran. The last time a parochial school opened up No. 1 in had three legit stars players (guards Dexter Strickland and Kyrie Irving and forward Michael Kidd-Gilchrist) and so do the Explorers with Richardson, who should greatly improve his numbers from last season (6.6 ppg, 3.4 rpg). “He makes plays off the dribble, has tremendously improved his 3-point shot and added things to his game,” Moran said. Other ranked teams will take their best shot at Columbus, as a win could bolster their national resume, but Moran feels his team is prepared because of improvements on both ends of the floor. He is especially high on the Explorers’ defensive capabilities.
The Skinny: It wasn’t a no-brainer to place Columbus No. 1, but it wasn’t something to overthink, either. No. 2 Link Academy has a whole new roster and a new head coach and No. 3 Montverde Academy lost six seniors who made the nucleus of what could be one of the best teams in high school history. Adding Gaskins in late October also weakens Montverde Academy and makes Columbus better on the boards, defensively and gives the Explorers a mid-range threat. He could have a breakout season after earning National Freshman of the Year honors in 2022-23 at Holy Trinity Episcopal (Melbourne, Fla.). Not only is Columbus talented and experienced, it has a winning resume and arguably the most accomplished high school basketball player of the last 10 years in its lineup. Cameron Boozer likely will be the first three-time first five All-American since LeBron James over 20 years ago. Questions about Columbus’ interior strength last season was a reason the Explorers couldn’t start No. 2, but Moran believes those have been answered with the addition of Diami Tomou and Keeper Jackson. Diami Tomou (from Cameroon via France) is a hard worker and is effective down around the basket with simple hooks and power moves, while Jackson is a strong rebounder and is improving his shot-making, according to Moran. Marcellous Jackson, like Keeper Jackson a transfer from Tennessee, is strong with the ball and can get downhill in a hurry, make plays for others or finish himself. “We know people don’t like to see it or hear about it at times, but with our additions, Cam can be more perimeter oriented as it will open up the floor for us; he can showcase his versatility,” Moran said. That strength and versatility will need to be on display throughout the season, as the Explorers take on No. 8 Prolific Prep on Nov. 14, face No. 24 Wheeler on Nov. 30, host No. 7 Gonzaga on Dec. 7, face No. 6 Long Island Lutheran at the Jordan Holiday Classic (Dec. 27), face defending champion Montverde Academy on Jan. 24 and face No. 2 Link Academy on Jan. 31. The Explorers once again participate in the City of Palms Classic in Ft. Myers, Fla. (Dec. 18-23) and open with No. 35 Great Crossing of Kentucky. A quarterfinal date with No. 12 Grayson is likely and in the semifinals it will likely face another top 10 ranked team in IMG Academy or La Lumiere. Columbus will face No. 11 Perry on MLK Monday (Jan. 20).

2. (6) Link Academy (Branson, Mo.) 26-7
Key Players: PF Chris Cenac Jr. 6-10 2025 (No. 5 On3.com), SG Jerry Easter II 6-4 2025 (No. 26 Rivals.com, Ballislife Underclass All-American), SF Davion Hannah 6-5 2025 (No. 22 ESPN.com, Ballislife Underclass All-American), PF A’mare Bynum 6-8 2025 (No. 84 On3.com), SG Legend Smiley 6-5 2025 (No. 87 ESPN.com), SF Trent Perry 6-4 2026 (No. 35 Rivals.com, Ballislife Underclass All-American).
Why This Ranking: This team was strongly considered for preseason No. 1, but will open at No. 2 for the second consecutive season. This program has been FAB 50 eligible since the 2021-22 season and similar to No. 1 Columbus has quickly ascended to the top of the polls. Under coach Rodney Perry, Link started at No. 40 that season and finished No. 4. In the first season under coach Bill Armstrong, the Lions started 2022-23 No. 11 and wound up as FAB 50 national champions. With expectations higher and a re-tooled roster, Link Academy started No. 2 last season and finished No. 6 after advancing to the semifinals of Chipotle Nationals, the end-of-season tournament that usually goes a long way in determining the final No. 1 team. With arguably the most talented roster in high school basketball, new coach Chad Myers (the associate head coach under Armstrong, a former New Mexico St. assistant coach and the IMG Academy post-grad coach for five years) has plenty of combinations to work with to implement his offense and the comfort of knowing the players understand the winning environment. In fact, in fall practices so far, Myers feels the chemistry between the newcomers is ahead of schedule. Cenac, the MVP of the prestigious 2024 NBPA Top 100 Camp, is the highest rated player on the team and has assumed some of the leadership role, as Myers is looking for better production from this year’s front line than last year’s perimeter-oriented team. That means Bynum will play a key role. There is an assortment of playmakers and initiators on the roster, so Myers is confident Easter will excel on the ball even though he’s a natural combo. “Whoever can rebound can initiate, as long as we have guys filling the proper spots in transition and then get into our motion offense,” Myers said.
The Skinny: Link Academy is the early front-runner to wrestle away the EYBL Scholastic (formerly NIBC) League title from Montverde Academy, which has won the league crown three times in the four seasons of its existence, with Sunrise Christian of Kansas winning the 2021-22 regular season championship. Last season Link Academy finished 9-3, one game behind No. 6 Long Island Lutheran and three games behind unbeaten Montverde Academy. This season, there will be 11 EYBL Scholastic games, as each team won’t play against two of the league’s 14 teams. At this level, just as with NCAA basketball, re-loading rosters is not something the top teams are not used to, so in many respects having returnees is a bit over-stated as the right personnel can build chemistry rather quickly. For this Link Academy team, perhaps it’s a good omen that Myers is a first-year coach, as the Lions won their FAB 50 title in 2022-23 with Armstrong in his first year at the helm. Andre Iguodala Jr. (6-6, 2025) is the only returnee and will have a prominent role, as will Hannah. Smiley, Keonte Greybear (6-1, 2026) and Perry are pushing for more minutes and the spirited play in practice will pay off for this team down the line with Malachi Jordan (6-6, 2027) and John Clark (6-9, 2025) adding depth. “We’ll have eight or nine guys playing every night and we have multiple guys that can do multiple things,” Myers said. Link Academy, which is now 6-2 (.750) in three trips to Chipotle Nationals, will play No. 14 Utah Prep at the Five For The Fight National Hoopfest (Pleasant Grove, Utah) on Nov. 26 and plays Dynamic Prep and Parish Episcopal at the Thanksgiving Hoopfest in Texas (Nov. 29-30). Link Academy, which is sanctioned to play Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA) programs, then has two games at the Marshall County Hoopfest (Benton, Ky.), Dec. 2-3, before playing at the NBA Cup (Dec. 15) and Tarkanian Classic (Dec. 17) in Las Vegas before Christmas. After the holiday (Dec. 28-29), the Lions will play two games at the Jumpman Holiday Classic in New York before going back West to play two games at the Nike Tournament of Champions in Scottsdale, Ariz., Jan. 2-3. Myers’ crew will have a league game at the LaPorte Invitational in Indiana, Jan. 11, before participating in the Bass Pro Tournament of Champions (Jan. 16-18) along with three other FAB 50 ranked clubs and two more on the bubble. Link Academy plays at the Quincy Shootout in Illinois (Jan. 24-25.) before facing Columbus in Miami on Jan. 31. That would be a monster No. 1 vs. No. 2 game at that point in the season if both teams survive the meat of their schedule.

3. (1) Montverde Academy (Montverde, Fla.) 33-0
Key Players: SF Hudson Greer 6-6 2025 No. 27 ESPN.com, Ballislife Underclass All-American, Creighton commit), SG Dante Allen 6-3 2025 (No. 50 ESPN.com, Villanova commit), PG Mazi Mosley 6-5 2025 (No. 45 Rivals.com), PF Trent Sisley 6-7 2025 (No. 65 Rivals.com, Indiana commit), SF Kayden Allen 6-6 2026 (No. 5 On3.com).
Why This Ranking: The Eagles were considered for No. 1 based on their talent, track record and status as the defending FAB 50 national champions. Similar to the majority of the teams in the EYBL Scholastic League, Montverde Academy had to rebuild its roster, but no FAB 50 title contender has to replace more, as the Eagles 2023-24 roster had six seniors worthy of All-American acclaim, including two first five All-Americans in Derik Queen (Maryland) and Cooper Flagg (Duke), last season’s Mr. Basketball USA. Coach Kevin Boyle (344-26 in 13 seasons at MVA, 854-158 overall) has another talented roster, but only four seniors so it begins behind league foe Link Academy in our preseason forecast. Greer is a talented wing with great energy and bounce who will be one of the go-to offensive players with Boyle hoping to get more board work out of him. Dante Allen is a physical scorer who plays hard on both ends, has plenty of big-game experience on the grassroots level and comes over to MVA as a two-time state champion from Riviera Prep in Miami. Sisley is a good 3-point shooter, can battle on the boards and is a throwback type of player who will scrape his elbows and run through a wall for the good of the team while staying under control. Hakeem Weems (6-9, 2025) is an under-the-radar type, but he provides great energy and can score around the basket. Mosley is a lengthy guard who has shown flashes of brilliance and if he takes his game to the next level, Montverde Academy will be in position to challenge for another FAB 50 national title. Kayden Allen and point guard Dhani Miller (6-3, 2026) return from last season’s FAB 50 No. 1 team and an uptick in production is expected. “On paper, we can beat anyone,” Boyle said. “We’re not as good as last year’s team, but nobody has the resume of that team that you can support with proof (wins over ranked teams). We’ll be good, but we’ll see how good we can be. 10 years ago, you had five or six games that you had to win, now that number is 13 or 14. If we go 11-2 in those games, we’ll be right there.”
The Skinny: Last season Montverde Academy tied two records set by Oak Hill Academy of Virginia. The program started out as preseason No. 1 for the ninth time and captured its seventh FAB 50 title. MVA’s national titles have all come in the past 12 seasons and for the last seven years the expectations have gone through the roof. The Eagles started out No. 1 in six of those seven seasons and only finished lower than No. 2 once in 2018-19, when it lost in the Chipotle Nationals semifinals and finished No. 4. This unit marks only the third time in Boyle’s MVA tenure that the Eagles start out lower than No. 2, as the 2016-17 club started out No. 5 and the 2011-12 club started out No. 10 in the veteran coach’s first season. Sure, Montverde Academy may be a notch or two down from last year’s team, but that is in comparison to its own lofty standards. Against the rest of the current field, however, it might be a different story as the Eagles have scoring strength on the wings and capable guards. According to Boyle, Cayden Allen’s commitment to being a point guard is one of the keys to this year’s team as he is capable of handling the ball, rebounding and sharing it. There is good depth as well with small forward Nikos Koulisianis (6-9, 2026), small forward Gabe Weis (6-7, 2026), guard Aidan Dayco-Green (6-4, 2027) and Trace Lopez (6-8, 2028) pushing the regulars. Montverde’s national title-winning teams have been led by an elite talent (Ben Simmons, R.J. Barrett, Cade Cunningham, Jalen Duren, Dariq Whitehead, Cooper Flagg) and not only did MVA suffer heavy graduation losses, it doesn’t have a sure-fire Mr. Basketball USA candidate on the roster for the first time since 2016-17. Having that game-changing talent could make a big difference and is one of the reasons Columbus begins at No. 1. If any program deserves the benefit of the doubt rankings-wise, it’s MVA because of its tradition and the coaching staff’s big-game experience. If this unit comes together, it will compete for the FAB 50 crown. The program’s 29-6 (.829) all-time record at Chipotle Nationals (set for April 4-6, 2025 in Indianapolis) pales in comparison to the next best team and when the rotation settles in and even tightens up, if necessary as it did last year, this team will be very dangerous heading into the EYBL Scholastic Conference Tournament, March 5-8, in North Augusta, S.C. “Teams feel they can beat us, so how quickly we get it together will be key,” Boyle said. Montverde’s schedule once again includes stops at the City of Palms Tournament, where it could face No. 29 Millennium in the second round and has No. 6 Long Island Lutheran and No. 22 Oak Ridge on its side of the bracket. The Eagles will face LuHi in a league contest on Nov. 8. At the Spalding Hoophall Classic, MVA will face No. 14 Utah Prep (Jan. 19) and No. 5 AZ Compass Prep (Jan. 20) with big games at the end of January with top-ranked Columbus and vs. No. 2 Link Academy.

4. (17) IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.) 18-9
Key Players: PG Darius Acuff Jr. 6-2 2025 (No. 5 247Sports.com, Ballislife Second Team All-American, Arkansas commit), PF Sadiq “A.J.” White Jr. 6-8 2025 (No. 15 ESPN.com, Syracuse commit), SG Felipe Quinones-Garcia 6-5 2026 (No. 32 On3.com), PF Kareem Stagg 6-8 2025 (No. 72 247Sports.com, Georgia commit), PF Chase Foster 6-8 2026 (No. 37 ESPN.com), SG Jermal Jones Jr. 6-4 2026 (No. 27 247Sports.com).
Why This Ranking: The last time this program started outside the preseason Top 7 was in 2017-18 when it began No. 24. Last year’s team was talented, but wasn’t playing up to par until it had what veteran coach Sean McAloon described as a “Come To Jesus” moment in which the staff and players left it all on the table as it relates to the team’s shortcomings. After that, the Ascenders won nine of their last ten games of the regular season, with their only loss a 83-81 setback to second place EYBL Scholastic League finisher Long Island Lutheran. McAloon style is to put blame on himself and his staff (never the players) and is confident this team won’t need that type of moment. One big plus is the return of three veterans, all who have matured according to McAloon, including the league’s best scorer. Acuff is that player and he returns with averages of 20.4 ppg and 5.5 apg. He was also the top scorer in EYBL Scholastic games (21.3 ppg) and could develop into a Mr. Basketball USA candidate if he puts up big numbers and keeps everyone on the same page. Stagg has improved his physical conditioning from last season while Quinones-Garcia’s leadership is setting the tone. He’s usually first in every drill and competition and that is helping the newcomers find their roles. “We continue to fight for our culture,” McAloon said. “Our news kids not only have talent, but are hungry and coachable. Everybody is getting extra lifts and putting up extra shots.”
The Skinny: This team is one of the nation’s best, but recent history also shows there is a fine line between being in the hunt for the FAB 50 title and finishing in the middle of the pack in a 14-team league. After finishing in a tie for third place in 2022-23, the Ascenders were tied for fifth place (7-5) with No. 17 Brewster Academy last season. This team has the ability to battle for first or second place because of the talent level and work ethic of the newcomers. White, known for his ability to defend all five positions for this team and for his competitive nature, is an All-American candidate. Foster can handle the ball well and is a deft 3-point shooter who blocked five shots per game at Edmondson-Westside (Baltimore, Md.). Jones is another stat-stuffer who realizes he’ll sacrifice stats for winning. Cody Peck (6-9, 2026), Cam Miles (6-2, 2025) and Trey Beamer (6-3, 2026) provide excellent depth. “Everyone on our team has to get lost in winning; all of the teams in this league are pretty talented and good,” McAloon said. The schedule is loaded once again and like the other EYBL Scholastic teams, IMG will not play two conference foes during the regular season. The Ascenders will also line it up against No. 8 Prolific Prep, No. 14 Utah Prep, and No. 1 Columbus. IMG also participates in the 40th annual Bass Pro Tournament of Champions in Missouri (Jan. 16-18), which features No. 2 Link Academy, No. 22 Oak Ridge, No. 29 Millennium, and No. 31 Bullis, along with highly-regarded Christ The King of New York and Milton of Georgia. IMG Academy, which is now 6-5 (.545) all-time at Chipotle Nationals, also will play in the City of Palms Tournament. IMG opens with No. 38 Faith Family Academy and could face No. 9 La Lumiere in an attractive COP quarterfinal matchup.

5. (16) AZ Compass Prep (Chandler, Ariz.) 27-6
Key Players: SF Davis Fogle 6-7 2025 (No. 33 247Sports.com, Gonzaga commit), PG Jeremiah Green 6-3 2025 (No. 63 Rivals.com, Texas A & M commit), PG Kaden House 6-4 2026 (No. 14 ESPN.com, Ballislife Underclass All-American), PF Miikka Muurinen 6-11 2026 (No. 5 ESPN.com), SG Jacob Lanier 6-6 2026 (No. 25 On3.com, Ballislife Underclass All-American), SG Quincy Wadley 6-4 2026 (No. 16 ESPN.com).
Why This Ranking: The Dragons have the talent and track record to earn this ranking and compete for the EYBL Scholastic League crown. The competition is stiff in league play and the two main questions that must be answered are just how good preseason front-runner Link Academy is and has defending FAB 50 champ Montverde Academy fallen back with the pack? Since it seems as if there is no super team, AZ Compass Prep coach Pete Kaffey is quite confident his team has what it takes to win its first-ever league title. House is a competitive demon who can take this team up a notch with his scoring and play-making. In fall league contests, he surprisingly has been the team’s best 3-pointer shooter (percentage wise) while his brother Kalek House (6-3, 2026) guards at a high level and is tough defensively. Green can put pressure on defenses with his dribble-drive ability, while Wadley is a high-level shot-maker. Muurinen can stretch defenses with his shooting stroke and his rebounding will be key because the Dragons want to rebound and get out in transition. Fogle has a real nose for the ball, plays well off the dribble and is a key component because his all-around game gives AZ Compass Prep the ability to use different lineups.
The Skinny: Along with Link Academy, the Dragons arguably have as talented a roster as any program in the country. In fact, Kaffey feels this is the most talented roster the program has ever had. The Dragons only lost to eventual FAB 50 champ Montverde Academy by two points in the 2021 Chipotle Nationals semifinals, opened up No. 4 in the FAB 50 in 2022-23 and eventually rose to No. 1 during the regular season and last season finished in the same rankings position as it started. Last year’s team had length underneath, but very little, if any, scoring punch and that won’t be the case at all this season. Kaden House, Wadley, and Fogle can convert tough buckets and the units have always played hard defensively for Kaffey and his staff. The concern he does have is interior rebounding and that’s what Muurinen will have to address, while the contributions of Nicholas “Butters” Randall (6-9, 2025) will be key. So far Randall has answered the call with his hustle and determination. “We’ve been really blessed to be with the cream of the crop at the top of the league,” Kaffey said. “We just have to stack consistent wins and as long as we can go 8-3 we’ll be right there in the end.” The Dragons are 3-4 (.429) all-time at Chipotle nationals and will look to qualify for it for the fifth consecutive season. The schedule opens with a talented Skyline Prep of Arizona club on Nov. 1 and right away key league tests come against No. 9 La Lumiere (Nov. 25) and No. 4 IMG Academy (Nov. 27) at the Five For The Fight National Hoopfest (Pleasant Grove, Utah). The Dragons face No. 17 Brewster Academy and No. 41 Sunrise Christian Academy at the NBA Cup in Las Vegas (Dec. 14-15) and face No. 8 Prolific Prep at the Flyin’ To the Hoop in Dayton, Ohio (Jan. 17). The Dragons also play at the Spalding Hoophall Classic vs. No. 3 Montverde Academy (Jan. 20), in addition to the regular league stops.

6. (5) Long Island Lutheran (Glen Head, N.Y.) 21-5
Key Players: SG Kiyan Anthony 6-5 2025 (No. 30 On3.com), PG Nigel James Jr. 6-0 2025 (No. 88 247Sports.com, Marquette commit), PG Kayden Mingo 6-3 2025 (No. 43 247Sports.com, Ballislife Underclass All-American, Penn St. commit), PG Dylan Mingo 6-5 2026 (No. 9 On3.com), SF Moussa Kamissoko 6-7 2027 (No. 9 On3.com).
Why This Ranking: LuHi cracks the preseason FAB 50 for the eighth consecutive season and is in prime position to challenge for the program’s first FAB 50 title. The expectations have heightened plenty for this program the past three seasons after the 2021-22 unit finished on the FAB 50 bubble. The Crusaders opened up No. 25 in 2022-23 and No. 5 last season and finished in second place in the EYBL Scholastic League standings both seasons, going 10-2. This season, LuHi is projected to finish in fourth place, but the difference between second place and fifth is minimal this season. Based on its veteran roster and overall talent level, LuHi is a threat to win the league title as there doesn’t appear to be a super team on paper. Coach Jon Buck (311-64) returns five lettermen from a club that lost twice to preseason No. 1 Columbus and No. 3 Montverde Academy, but also beat No. 2 Link Academy twice, led by Kayden Mingo. He was a third team all-EYBL Scholastic selection as a junior, averaging 15.2 ppg in league play. Mingo has a terrific offensive package and is a smooth ball-handler with good defensive instincts. His brother Dylan Mingo attacks the basket well and will make a big impact, if his summer play is any indication. James’ ability and experience gives Buck the luxury of one of the nation’s best backcourts, as the Marquette-bound point guard is a pesky defender who can distribute or take matters into his own hands scoring wise. Anthony is a big-time scoring wing who is capable of putting up 30 plus points on any given night. If Anthony hits his scoring stride and uses the defensive attention to create for others, this club will have a good opportunity to capture its first league crown. “We are deeper, longer and more athletic compared to last season,” assistant coach Jay David said. “We are relatively young with only four seniors, but still a top 5-7 team in the country."
The Skinny: LuHi has qualified for Chipotle Nationals for the past two seasons and should once again have a deep and talented roster. There is plenty of motivation, too, as LuHi fell in a close game (73-71) to AZ Compass Prep at the end-of-season tourney in 2023 after beating that club during the regular season and suffering another first round loss to Columbus (71-58) last year. What will take this team to the next level, and to fare well at Chipotle Nationals, is the newcomers. The front line welcomes Omar Essam (6-11, 2026), Nico Onyekwere (7-1, 2025) and M.J. Madison (6-9, 2026). Malik will expand his game because Onyekwere can protect the rim, Essam is effective rolling or popping off ball-screens and moves well without the basketball and Madison is a combo forward who brings energy and can guard multiple positions. As if that is not enough firepower, Kamissoko is an ultra-talented above the rim player who will push both starting forwards for minutes. After advancing to the City of Palms Tournament championship game last year vs. Montverde Academy, the Crusaders would love to take it one step further this time around. LuHi is on the same side of the bracket as the Eagles and opens up with No. 37 Owasso. A quarterfinal matchup with No. 22 Oak Ridge or highly-regarded Bishop McNamara of Maryland awaits the winner.

7. (30) Gonzaga (Washington, D.C.) 28-6
Key Players: PG Nyk Lewis 6-2 2025 (No. 52 ESPN.com, Ballislife Underclass All-American, Xavier commit), SG Derek Dixon 6-4 2025 (No. 51 247Sports.com, North Carolina commit), PF Alex Touomou 6-6 2025 (Harvard commit), C Christian Gurdak 6-9 2025 (No. 91 247Sports.com, Virginia Tech commit), SG William Harper 6-4 2025 (Richmond commit).
Why This Ranking: The Purple Eagles are the early favorites to capture the ultra-competitive Washington Catholic Athletic Conference (WCAC) title over No. 23 Paul VI and No. 28 St. John’s. This is the first time since 2021-22 that Paul VI is not the WCAC’s preseason No. 1 coming off the abbreviated COVID-19 season and the first time Gonzaga is preseason No. 1 in the conference since 2016-17. There is plenty to like off a team that finished second in WCAC play behind Paul VI in 2023-24 with five returning starters and eight lettermen back led by Lewis (13 ppg, 6 rpg, 4.5 apg), a WCAC Player of the Year candidate who will likely be All-Met by the Washington Post for the third consecutive season. Dixon (14.3 ppg, 4 rpg, 3 apg) is a returning second team All-Met choice with a winning pedigree and is coming off a terrific summer. Gurdak (13.2 ppg, 9 rpg, 1 bpg) is Turner’s third honors candidate back and he is a prototypical space-eater with good skill and shooting touch around the basket. This team not only has talent, experience and size, it is motivated to win the WCAC crown and challenge for national No. 1.
The Skinny: Last season Gonzaga opened up No. 12 behind Paul VI in our preseason WCAC projections and fell to the Panthers in the conference title game. Touomou got hurt and missed the last half of the season and coach Steve Turner (496-177) feels what he brings as an attacking face-up four was the missing ingredient in the championship game loss. Turner feels Harper, a skilled wing, is the WCAC’s second best on-ball defender behind Paul VI’s Jordan Smith. Not only does this team have five college-bound seniors, but excellent depth with eight returning lettermen. Saxton Simley (6-7, 2026) is the designated sixth man and is a three and D player who Turner feels is just scratching the surface of his potential because of his positional size and length. Carter Meadows (6-6, 2025) and Tyson Harley (6-5, 2026) are Grid-Hoop standouts who bring an element of physicality and toughness and love to play basketball despite being BCS football recruits. Harley is also a quality slasher while the future is bright for newcomer Malachi Terrell (6-1, 2027), who will back up Lewis at the point. This team does resemble that 2016-17 Gonzaga club led by point guard Chris Lykes. It opened up No. 10 as the WCAC favorite and went on to capture the WCAC crown, in addition to the DCSAA title and the now defunct Alhambra Catholic Tournament. This team will know where it stands right away as it plays No. 22 Oak Ridge and top-ranked Columbus in Miami on Dec. 6-7. It will host its own Gonzaga Classic (Dec. 13-15), which will include highly-regarded St. Ignatius of Ohio, and is slated to play No. 10 Roosevelt at the Spalding Hoophall Classic in Massachusetts on Jan. 20. Gonzaga will also participate in the Les Schwab Invitational in Oregon (Dec. 26-30) and stay on the West Coast for New Year’s then travel to Arizona to play in the Nike Tournament of Champions (Jan. 2-4). That 8-team bracket will also include No. 11 Perry, No. 19 Harvard-Westlake and No. 47 Duncanville, plus highly-regarded Sunnyslope of Arizona, Christ the King of New York, Chaminade of Missouri, and De La Salle of California.

8. (7) Prolific Prep (Napa, Calif.) 33-6
Key Players: SF Darryn Peterson 6-5 2025 (No. 3 247Sports.com, Ballislife Underclass All-American), PF Niko Bundalo 6-10 2025 (No. 17 On3.com), SF Winters Grady 6-8 2025 (No. 44 Rivals.com, Michigan commit), SF Seven Spurlock 6-5 2026 (No. 65 Rivals.com), PG Rajan Roberts 6-2 2026, SG Gabe Nesmith 6-5 2027 (No. 6 ESPN.com).
Why This Ranking: The Crew is once again one of the most talented teams in the country and capable of challenging the top contenders for the FAB 50 national title. Last year in its first season of eligibility, Prolific Prep only lost to one club ranked below it (preseason No. 4 IMG Academy), fell in overtime to No. 1 Columbus and beat then No. 2 Link Academy by one point (77-76) in December before losing the rematch in overtime at Chipotle Nationals. Coach Ryan Bernardi had to replace most of his firepower off an ultra- talented unit and re-tooled his roster to be able to once again be the preseason top-ranked Grind Session Power Conference team. Bernardi does return one starter in Grady, one of the best shooters in the country who played well at the 2024 NBPA Top 100 Camp. The Crew did lose underclass starters A.J. Dybansta (to No. 14 Utah Prep) and Tyran Stokes (to No. 42 Notre Dame), but added one of the most talented players in the country in Peterson. The Mr. Basketball USA candidate is arguably the most dynamic play-making guard in the country and with Dybansta and Boozer is considered a consensus top three prospect in the national Class of 2025. Peterson, who is capable of playing on the ball, put up multiple 30-point outbursts last season for Huntington Prep and averaged 16.8 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 3.7 apg, and 3.3 spg for Team USA at the 2023 FIBA 16U Americas Championship. Roberts is a lead guard with terrific speed and change of pace and is just beginning to tap into his vast potential. With Grady, Peterson and Roberts, Bernardi is high on his team’s shooting and decision-making.
The Skinny: It’s not hard to understand Prolific Prep may be a notch below last season, talent-wise, but that doesn’t mean this team can’t be just as successful. Last year’s team had three McDonald’s All-Americans in addition to Dybansta and Stokes, but the reality is there were injury problems throughout the season and it was hard to find continuity. Bernardi’s staff hopes that problem is alleviated this season and the team’s core remains healthy. It may also be beneficial that it will be understood Peterson is the go-to player whereas last season it took some time to realize Dybansta was that player. Bernardi is high on his complimentary pieces, as Spurlock is known for his versatility and Bundalo is a lefty who can score on the block or stretch the defense with his face-up game. Nesmith is oozing with talent and potential and Obinna Ekezie Jr. (6-11, 2027) will be counted on for defense and rebounding. As high as Bernardi is on his perimeter play, he has concerns about his team’s relative youth and its interior depth. Prolific Prep will look to shore up its interior and find the right combinations before the meat of its schedule determines how high this team can climb in the rankings. Prolific Prep expects to make the Grind Session World Championships (Mar. 21-23 in Dallas) and will look to qualify for Chipotle Nationals for the sixth consecutive year, where it holds a 2-4 (.333) all-time mark.

9. (33) La Lumiere (La Porte, Ind.) 23-5
Key Players: SG Jalen Haralson 6-7 2025 (No. 7 Rivals.com, Ballislife Underclass All-American, Notre Dame commit), SG Darius Adams 6-4 2025 (No. 15 Rivals.com, UConn commit), SF Chuck Love III 6-7 2025 (No. 62 Rivals.com, Loyola-Chicago commit), SG Melvin Bell Jr. 6-4 2025 (San Jose St. commit).
Why This Ranking: The Lakers are the No. 5 entrant from the EYBL Scholastic League to crack the rankings after opening last season at No. 25 in the FAB 50. In 2022-23, they opened No. 36 and finished sixth in league with a 5-7 mark. They were much improved in 2023-24 and it resulted in a 7-5 mark and a tie for fifth place in league with No. 4 IMG Academy and No. 17 Brewster Academy. Those results show how competitive the league is, but coach Patrick Holmes is confident this group can move up in the league standings. His unit is returning en masse and with the experienced players in the lineup some of those close losses should turn into wins.“Offensively we weren’t as good as we should have been and the ball would tend to stick,” Holmes said. He feels the returning players understand and realize there can be no days off. Haralson, who missed nine games in 2023-24, is an elite talent who has worked on tightening his frame and is now more explosive at the rim. Adams and Love are not only shot-makers, but have emerged as leaders for La Lumiere. Both have also physically matured, according to Holmes. There is plenty to like about this team and its chances to move up.
The Skinny: The Lakers have been preseason FAB 50 ranked for 13 consecutive seasons, and this is the club was the best opportunity to compete for a EYBL Scholastic League crown since it was created in 2020-21 and the best opportunity to be in the FAB 50 title hunt since the 2018-19 team led by Mr. Basketball USA Isaiah Stewart (Detroit Pistons). This is also La Lu’s highest preseason mark since 2020-21, which marked the program’s sixth consecutive season beginning in the Top 10. This is the unit that could get the club back on that trajectory, as it only had two seniors on its roster last season in point guard Ace Buckner (Clemson) and center Steve Solano (St. Joseph’s). Even with the loss of Jerry Easter (who transferred to Link Academy), Haralson and Adams will be capable primary ball-handlers. Cuba Smith (5-11, 2026) is ready to step up as a spark plug off-guard, plus Bell is another veteran that can play both on and off the ball. Belmont-bound Jack Smiley (6-2, 2025) adds shooting to the backcourt and gives Holmes the ability to play small and keep the offense from getting stagnant, while Grayson Bennett (6-8, 2025) is a raw talent that will back up both forward spots. Adding efficient low-post scoring will be Anton Strelnikov (6-8, 2025). It’s not only the talent in place; there is plenty of motivation as the Lakers felt they should have been invited to Chipotle Nationals last season. To make sure of it, the schedule is more difficult this year and includes a trip to the City of Palms Tournament in Ft. Myers, Fla. and to the Les Schwab Invitational in Oregon (Dec. 26-30). La Lumiere will host the La Porte Invitational (Jan. 9-11), play two conference games at the Spalding Hoophall Classic in Springfield, Mo., including a game with No. 6 Long Island Lutheran on MLK Monday (Jan. 20) and participate in the Metro Classic in New Jersey (Feb. 7-8).

10. (13) Roosevelt (Eastvale, Calif.) 31-4
Key Players: SG Brayden Burries 6-5 2025 (No. 9 247Sports.com, Ballislife Second Team All-American), SG Isaac Williamson 6-0 2025 (New Mexico commit), PG Myles Walker 5-10 2025, SF Dominic Copenhagen 6-4 2025, PF Christian Benjamin 6-7 2026, SG Cameron Anderson 6-3 2028.
Why This Ranking: After finishing as runner-up to No. 19 Harvard-Westlake in the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) Southern Section open and SoCal regional open playoffs, the Mustangs get the nod as the No. 1 team in California to begin 2024-25. After beginning at No. 44 last season, coach Steve Singleton’s club is now the early favorite to capture CIFSS open and CIF open crowns on the strength of three returning starters and nine returning lettermen. It’s not just the starters, but their quality as Burries was named the State Junior of the year by Cal-Hi Sports after averaging 24.8 ppg, 7.9 rpg, 3.5 apg and 2.7 spg for California’s No. 2 ranked team. Burries also had a terrific summer and can double as a big play-making point guard if necessary. Williamson (12.2 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 1.9 apg, 1.6 spg) is a clutch spot-up shooter, can handle and is a terrific defender. Walker (9.8 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 6.4 apg, 2.7 spg) is a crafty point guard with big play-making ability who controls the pace of many games. It’s conceivable Roosevelt has California’s best player, best on-ball defender and its best true high school point guard on the roster. Its combination of talent, experience and schedule makes Roosevelt a solid Top 10 team that could make history this season.
The Skinny: In 2022-23 Roosevelt’s Big VIII League rival Centennial of Corona opened up as preseason No. 1 in California. No team from Riverside County did it prior and now it’s happened for the second time in three seasons. Centennial opened up No. 9 two years ago and fell in the SoCal open final to Harvard-Westlake, which used that big win as a springboard to start No. 1 in 2023-24 and win both section and regional open titles. Singleton’s club looks to use that experience as motivation to take it one step further than Centennial and match what the Wolverines did last season. The scoring of Darnez Slater (Colorado St.) will be replaced by the slashing and team-first play of Copenhagen and shot-making ability and toughness of Anderson. The Mustangs are not interior-oriented, so the play of Benjamin will be key so Burries doesn’t have to play inside so much defensively. Burries is a terrific rebounder and Singleton does have some versatility at his disposal to navigate the land mines on his schedule. In 2000-01, Singleton took over a Dominguez of Compton team that was going through preseason turmoil and won a state title and finished No. 17 in the FAB 50 after starting No. 5. They met their goal of a state title, but fell nationally because of three in-state losses and this Roosevelt team can’t afford to lose many in-state in order to stay in this range. Singleton’s crew will battle highly-regarded Sunnyslope of Arizona at the Battlezone (Nov. 23), play Bellaire of Texas and No. 30 Brennan at the Thanksgiving Hoopfest in Dallas (Nov. 29-30) and are the early favorite to win the Tarkanian Classic (Dec. 18-21), which includes No. 42 Notre Dame, and The Classic at Damien (Dec. 26-30), the latter which includes No. 13 St. John Bosco, Sunnyslope of Arizona and Redondo Union of Redondo Beach. After the New Year’s, the Mustangs will play at the Nike Tournament of Champions (Jan. 2-4) and play No. 7 Gonzaga at the Spalding Hoophall Classic on MLK Monday (Jan. 20).

11. (22) Perry (Gilbert, Ariz.) 24-6
Key Players: PF Koa Peat 6-8 2025 (No. 6 247Sports.com, Ballislife First Team All-American), PF D’Andre Harrison 6-5 2025 (Missouri-Kansas City commit), SF Trey McKinney 6-7 2025, SG Bruce Branch 6-6 2027 (No. 3 On3.com), PG Nolan Brown 5-10 2025, SG Dominic Avalos 6-3 2025.
Why This Ranking: Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, there has been an influx of people moving to Arizona and an influx of talent to many of the academy-type programs that now exist in the state. With that in mind, however, the top group of teams in the Arizona Interscholastic Association (AIA) have never been stronger. For the Pumas, they are now the AIA open division favorites for the second consecutive season, and are going after their third consecutive open state crown and fourth consecutive overall state title.. The constant in Perry’s current championship run has been Peat, one of the nation’s most highly-acclaimed and talented players. Using his strength, skill, and basketball sense for the big moment, the potential three-time All-American averaged 20.5 ppg, 10.6 rpg, 3.4 apg and 2.2 bpg as a junior. Harrison is another physical specimen who is a matchup problem because of his combination of skill and toughness and can be counted on to score when Peat needs a blow. McKinney is a steady performer, but taking a big step up literally and figuratively is Branch, who has grown at least three inches and reminds some local scouts of former Moon Valley standout Richard Jefferson, who went on to Arizona and the NBA. Brown and Avalos give coach Sam Duane (492-204) steady play in the backcourt and shine in the Pumas’ team defensive concepts.
The Skinny: With three starters and seven lettermen back, including a true Mr. Basketball USA candidate, it’s not hard to pencil in the three-time defending state champions in this slot. Perry, after all, is 14-0 in AIA playoff games with Peat in the lineup. There is more to Puma’s team, however, that simply experience and Peat. “Our chemistry is a strength,” Duane said. “This team likes each other and plays for each other. We have good size, length and versatility.” The impact newcomers are transfers Kobe Barnes (6-1, 2027), Tommy Henige (6-8, 2027), Jerrance Howard (6-1, 2027) and Noah Crouch (6-1, 2026) up from the JayVee club. Howard, from Carbondale (Ill.), is quite skilled and will help shore up the backcourt. With its enhanced schedule, Duane hopes the newcomers find their roles and the depth develops early in the season because it won’t be easy holding off No. 29 Millennium or Sunnyslope and Sandra Day O’Connor for AIA supremacy. Perry will take on highly-regarded Central Catholic of Oregon on Dec. 7 at Chandler-Gilbert Community College, will also face highly-regarded Corner Canyon of Utah and will participate in the eight-team bracket at the Nike Tournament of Champions (Jan. 2-4) along with No. 7 Gonzaga, No. 19 Harvard-Westlake (a team Perry lost twice to in 2023-24) and No. 47 Duncanville, plus Sunnyslope, Christ the King of New York, Chaminade of Missouri and De La Salle of California. Perry faces Harvard-Westlake in a big-time first round matchup with the winner likely facing Gonzaga in the second round.

12. (23) Grayson (Loganville, Ga.) 30-2
Key Players: SF Jacob Wilkins 6-9 2025 (No. 28 Rivals.com, Ballislife Underclass All-American, Georgia commit), SG Caleb Holt 6-5 2026 (No. 3 On3.com, Ballislife Underclass All-American), PF Amir Taylor 6-7 2025 (No. 144 On3.com), SG Kiwane Garris Jr. 6-4 2025, PF Jayvon Rampersant 6-8 2026, SF Jinan Singh 6-6 2027.
Why This Ranking: The Rams opened up last season as the No. 2 Georgia High School Association (GHSA) behind McEachern, but served notice they were going to be a force to be reckoned with by beating that team on the road at the Georgia Elite 8 Tip-Off Classic and for a second time in the GHSA Class AAAAAAA finals, 51-41. It was the first-ever state title for the program and this year the Rams find themselves as the GHSA preseason favorite in front of No. 24 Wheeler and the likes of Milton, Newton and Norcross plus AAAAA favorite Tri-Cities. Coach Geoffrey Pierce (266-83) has a team returning two quality starters, five lettermen overall, and a lineup bolstered by one of the best talents in the nation transferring in. Wilkins, the son of NBA great Dominique Wilkins, was a first team all-state selection after averaging 14 ppg, 8 rpg, 2 apg, 2 spg and 2 bpg for the state champs in Georgia’s largest classification. Taylor (14 ppg, 9 rpg, 4 apg, 1 bpg) is a mismatch nightmare for foes and should be a three-time all-state choice. “We are an unselfish team,” Pierce said. “All the guys in our rotation play on high level AAU teams and have plenty of winning experience.”
The Skinny: There is talent and experience, but it’s the newcomers that give this team an excellent shot at state title No. 2 and taking it to the next level. Holt is a big reason why Grayson is ranked as Georgia’s best team, as he led Buckhorn (Ala.) to consecutive state titles and was named Alabama State Player of the Year as a sophomore. When he finds his groove with Wilkins, watch out. Garris, the son of the former Illinois standout guard, was his region’s player of the year for A champion Mt. Vernon of Atlanta in 2023-24. Chris McClavish (5-10, 2025) helped Kell of Marietta capture the AAAAA title and Rampersant is a left-handed combo forward who is an emerging talent. There is plenty to like about this team, but there will be three new starters, so Pierce is hoping the necessary chemistry develops right away. It will be needed because the schedule is loaded from the jump. Grayson will meet Tri-Cities at the On The Radar Tip-Off Classic (Nov. 16), face highly-regarded Milton on Nov. 25 at the Jared Cook Classic and has a No. 1 vs. No. 2 in the state showdown with No. 24 Wheeler on Dec. 7 at the Tournament of Champions. Grayson will also compete at the prestigious City of Palms Tournament in Florida, where it opens with Central Catholic of Oregon with a possibility of meeting No. 1 Columbus in the quarterfinals.

13. (19) St. John Bosco (Bellflower, Calif.) 29-3
Key Players: PG Elzie Harrington 6-5 2025 (No. 33 ESPN.com, Ballislife Underclass All-American, Harvard commit), SG Brandon McCoy Jr. 6-4 2026 (No. 1 On3.com, Ballislife Underclass All-American), PF Christian Collins 6-8 2026 (No. 9 ESPN.com), SF Dominic Perfetti 6-7 2026, PG Chris Komin 6-1 2025 (Pt. Loma commit), PG Gavin Dean-Moss 6-0 2026.
Why This Ranking: This club has a nice combination of elite talent, motivation and balance to compete with the nation’s best teams. After opening up No. 2 among California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) clubs last season, the Braves came in second place in the rugged Trinity League, one year after ending perennial FAB 50 contender Mater Dei’s 34-year run of league titles, and failed to make the CIF Southern Section open division title game. Once again coach Matt Dunn’s club is the No. 2 preseason team in the state and the Trinity League favorite on the strength of four returning starters, solid depth and a talented newcomer. Harrington (14.1 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 6.1 apg and 1.9 steals) was a steady force in a lineup that changed many times from the fall of 2023 through the 2024 playoffs. Harrington makes big plays even when he isn’t scoring and was critical in Bosco’s run to the CIF D1 state crown. He was the Trinity League Player of the Year in 2022-23, but last season that honor went to the explosive McCoy, who averaged 18.6 ppg, 8.0 rpg, 2.4 apg, 2.5 spg and 1.5 bpg and could turn around a game with an athletic play as only a few others in the country could. Komin (5.7 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 1.4 spg) is a dead-eye shooter with good instincts and is a steady performer , while Dean-Moss can be spectacular at times. The scoring ability of Jack Turner (Loyola-Chicago) will be missed, but this year’s team has more ways to beat opponents.
The Skinny: Bosco can go small and run or go big and work it inside, and they’ll need that versatility to survive a rugged schedule. “We have plenty of returning talent and an experienced backcourt, but will need to overcome a lot of travel to be ready for league play,” said Dunn (475-191), who will win his 500th career game in the latter half of the season. Howie Wu (7-0, 2026), Max Ellis (6-5, 2026) and Perfetti are joined up front by the talented Collins, who can play in the interior in a small lineup, or face up and create mismatches when the much improved Wu is on the court. Perfetti can stretch defenses as well, so if he and Wu continue to develop, Collins could be in line for a monster year. He has been highly ranked in the Cal-Hi Sports Hot 100 for a year now, and national scouts found out at the end of the summer he could join McCoy as one of the nation’s best players in the junior class. Bosco will play be one of the favorites to win The Classic at Damien after Christmas with the likes of No. 10 Roosevelt and talented Arizona clubs Sunnyslope and Sandra Day O’Connor, will play at the Nike Tournament of Champions in Arizona (Jan. 2-4) and meet No. 23 Paul VI at the Spalding Hoophall Classic (Jan. 18). The Trinity League has four potential regionally ranked teams, too, with Mater Dei, JSerra of San Juan Capistrano and Santa Margarita offering formidable challenges and Dunn’s club must be ready for JSerra on MLK Monday after playing Paul VI in Massachusetts on Saturday.

14. (NA) Utah Prep (Hurricane, Utah) 0-0
Key Players: SF A.J. Dybansta 6-9 2025 (No. 1 247Sports.com, Ballislife First Team All-American), PG J.J. Mandaquit 6-2 2025 (No. 47 ESPN.com), SG Anthony Felesi 6-5 2026 (No. 44 Rivals.com), SG John Southwick 6-3 2025.
Why This Ranking: The Diamondbacks are a re-branded program, as they started out as Real Salt Lake Academy in Salt Lake City, but moved on two years ago and fielded academy-type teams that played an independent schedule. Utah Prep is new to the scene in terms of competing with traditional four-year programs and the country is going to get a good look at the team this winter. That is mostly due to the presence of Dybansta and also because it is part of the Grind Session’s Power Conference and sanctioned to play Utah High School Activities Association (UHSAA) teams. Coach Justin Yamzon has talent to work with, it’s just a matter of the staff and players gaining experience and continuity with each other. Any team with Dybansta has a chance to win plenty of games, and more importantly, will get the opportunity to do so. This jumbo-sized talent is as explosive a wing that has come down the high school ranks in quite some time and he covers ground and gets to the rim in a manner most NCAA players cannot. Last season Prolific Prep of California had three McDonald’s All-Americans, but it was the Brockton, Mass., native who was the leading scorer (21.2 ppg) and top rebounder (9.4 rpg). Mandaquit is a lead guard with creativity, size and good instincts for the game who will get the ball to the open man. Felesi is an athletic slasher who does a bit of everything and goes after every 50-50 ball, while Southwick is a good square shooter who will get plenty of open looks as teams focus defensively on Dybansta.
The Skinny: Make no bones about it, Utah Prep is in this position because of Dybansta, the nation’s top recruit, and will get other team’s best shot. The team can’t get stagnant finding themselves watching him operate or get too involved in individual matchups. Another key piece is Jaden Vance (6-6, 2025), a top jump shooter with size and defensive length and instincts. We start off the Diamondbacks No. 2 among Grind Session Power Conference teams and they’ll have plenty of opportunity to show they can compete with the nation’s best in order to move up. They do enter the season with some terrific momentum after going 3-0 at the Border League in Las Vegas, including a 69-68 win over No. 1 Columbus after losing to the same team earlier in the fall in San Diego. Dybansta and company will get another shot at Columbus and also play No. 2 Link Prep and No. 3 Montverde Academy. The game with Link Prep will take place on Nov. 26 at the Five For the Fight (Mt. Pleasant, Utah) and the showdown with Montverde Academy will take place on Jan. 19 on national television.

15. (20) St. Mary Prep (Orchard Lake, Mich.) 27-1
Key Players: SG Trey McKenney 6-4 2025 (No. 13 Rivals.com, Ballislife Second Team All-American), PG Sharod Barnes 6-2 2025 (Western Michigan commit), PF Jayden Savoury 6-6 2025 (Michigan St. commit football), PG Isaiah “Zip” Hines 5-8 2025.
Why This Ranking: The Eaglets are once again the choice to begin as No. 1 among Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) clubs. Unlike last season, they are the slam dunk choice. In McKenney, coach Todd Colvert not only has the best player in Michigan, but one of the best guards in the country. As a junior, McKenney averaged 22.6 ppg, 10.1 rpg and 2.5 apg and netted 32 points in the state D1 title game win over North Farmington. Similar to McKenney, Barnes is a four-year starter and can excel playing off the ball or on it. He averaged 12.5 ppg, 3.1 rpg and 4.4 apg for a team that only lost one Catholic League game to Detroit-Jesuit and came back to avenge that loss. Savoury doubles as a power forward and as one of the best tight end prospects in the Midwest and uses that body control and coordination to dominate around the rim. He picked up football as a junior after sitting out most of his sophomore year after transferring over from Detroit Renaissance. In all, there are seven potential D1 recruits on a team that also has plenty of experience.
The Skinny: This program is ranked in the preseason FAB 50 for the fourth time in five seasons and this is its highest starting position. The only team that wasn’t ranked was the 2022-23 unit that made a run to the state semifinals when McKenney was a sophomore to set the tone for what transpired in 2023-24. There are few weaknesses to attack for the teams St. Mary’s will face in-state, but this team will be judged by its national competition. To survive the national contests, depth is necessary and it’s provided by the likes of Hines, a terrific ball-handler and pull-up shooter. Others who will contribute include Peyton Kemp (6-1, 2027), a talented point guard, Quincy Wright (6-5, 2027), who can do the dirty work, and Mateen Cleaves Jr. (6-3, 2028). Colvert also has the services of Luke Crighton (6-3, 2026), a top-notch baseball player who returns to hoops after logging major minutes as a freshman in 2022-23. The schedule includes a Jan. 1 game with No. 43 Cathedral, a contest with No. 4 IMG Academy at Oakland University (Jan. 9) and a trip to the Motor City Roundball Classic.

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

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Preseason 2024-25 FAB 50: Top 15 Teams!

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