Final, Expanded 2024-25 FAB 50 Rankings!

All 50 ranked groups written up with explanations for why they have been positioned in these positions with comparisons to preseason rating. The FAB 50 Nationwide Staff Rankings powered by Ballislife.com is the official rankings of the Nationwide Sports activities Information Service, which date again to the 1952 season. Columbus of Florida is the 2024-25 legendary nationwide champion, as this system grew to become the primary full state affiliation member to start out and end No. 1 in 19 years. The Explorers additionally grew to become the primary non academy-type program to win Chipotle Nationals.

Compiled by Ronnie Flores

(Preseason rating in parentheses; *Signifies forfeit wins, forfeit losses not included; **Signifies forfeits and defaults not included.)

1. (1) Columbus (Miami, Fla.) 30-3 The Explorers constructed a roster and performed a schedule anticipated of a unit trying to problem for the FAB 50 title. Columbus lived as much as its billing, changing into the primary full state affiliation member that began and completed No. 1 since Greg Oden-led Lawrence North (Indianapolis) in 2005-06. Not like that membership and the 2023-24 Montverde Academy group that went wire-to-wire as No. 1, Columbus dropped from No. 1 following back-to-back losses to No. 4 Lengthy Island Lutheran and No. 14 Hyperlink Academy on the Jordan Model Traditional in December. This group additionally misplaced its opener to No. 3 Prolific Prep, however bounced again in a serious method by avenging the loss to Hyperlink Academy with a 70-47 victory and by capturing Chipotle Nationals, a match each Lengthy Island Lutheran and Prolific Prep participated in. Columbus defeated No. 8 Wasatch Academy (76-62), then downed No. 2 Brewster Academy within the semifinals, 47-45, on a buzzer-beating jumper by Cayden Boozer earlier than defeating Dynamic Prep (Dallas) within the Chipotle Nationals title recreation, 67-49. For the occasion, Cayden Boozer averaged 20 ppg and 5 apg, whereas Cameron Boozer averaged 17 ppg and 9.3 rpg as Columbus grew to become the primary non-academy-type program to win the distinguished occasion. In all, solely 11 video games on Columbus’ schedule got here in opposition to groups that have been by no means FAB 50 ranked. Cayden, who scored 27 factors within the title recreation win over Dynamic Prep, averaged 14.3 ppg, 3.8 rpg, and seven.2 apg and earned All-American acclaim. Cameron, in fact, dominated video games and closed probably the most honor-filled careers within the annals of highschool basketball by averaging 22.1 ppg, 11.8 rpg and three.2 apg. He was within the working for Mr. Basketball USA honors for 3 years and led this system to 4 consecutive Class 7A state titles, one FAB 50 title, and a 117-16 four-year document in opposition to loads of nationwide competitors.

2. (17) Brewster Academy (Wolfeboro, N.H.) 28-5Coach Jason Smith’s membership moved up three spots from the second-to-last rankings after advancing to the semifinals recreation of Chipotle Nationals, the place it fell to No. 1 Columbus, 47-45. Brewster junior ahead Sebastian Wilkins (who had 22 factors and 14 rebounds in a 70-60 quarterfinal win over No. 6 CIA Bella Vista) nailed a nook 3-pointer with 11.1 seconds remaining to tie the sport, solely to see Cayden Boozer win it on the buzzer. Brewster joined the EYBL Scholastic Convention in 2023-24 (when it was often known as the NIBC) and was preseason FAB 50 ranked for the primary time this season because it completed in a three-way time for first place (9-2) within the common season convention standings with No. 6 CIA Bella Vista and No. 8 Wasatch Academy. The Bobcats defeated CIA Bella Vista, didn’t play Wasatch Academy and the one unranked group it misplaced to, Veritas Prep of California, it drew a cut up with. Wilkins made first group EYBL Scholastic All-Convention, whereas James Madison-bound ahead Preston Fowler and Stanford-bound guard Ebuka Okorie have been each third group all-conference.

3. (8) Prolific Prep (Napa, Calif.) 35-6The Crew moved up six spots from its spot within the second-to-last rating after knocking off earlier No. 3 and Chipotle Nationals No. 3 seed Lengthy Island Lutheran, 81-80, in additional time. Nikola Bundalo a McDonald’s All-American huge man, solely performed 5 minutes versus Lengthy Island Lutheran due to an injured groin and hip flexor and he didn’t play within the 83-64 semifinal loss to Dynamic Prep (Dallas). Earlier than enjoying in Chipotle Nationals, The Crew captured The Grind Session World Championships for the third consecutive season with a 77-50 victory over Ft. Erie (Ontario, Canada), a group that upset No. 23 Utah Prep within the semifinals and beforehand ranked Dream Metropolis Christian (Glendale, Ariz.) within the quarterfinals. Prolific Prep defeated preseason No. 1 Columbus within the Explorers’ first recreation and misplaced three consecutive video games early within the season when McDonald’s All-American Darryn Peterson was out with a foot damage. Certain for Kansas, Peterson had 28 factors, 12 rebounds, eight assists and two steals within the win over LuHi and in addition had a 61-point outing vs. A.J. Dybansta and Utah Prep. For the season, Peterson averaged 30.5 ppg, 6.5 rpg, 7.0 apg, 2.3 spg, 1.5 bpg whereas capturing 41 p.c from 3-point vary and 84 p.c from the free throw line for a group that was a severe FAB 50 title contender regardless of of its accidents.

4. (6) Lengthy Island Lutheran (Glen Head, N.Y.) 21-7The Crusaders opened up preseason FAB 50 ranked for the eighth consecutive season and have been severe nationwide title contenders with a gifted group with loads of firepower on the perimeter. The one two groups coach John Buck’s membership misplaced to that weren’t a part of the EYBL Scholastic Convention have been regionally-ranked Owasso, Okla., and to No. 3 Prolific Prep in additional time at Chipotle Nationals. LuHi got here into the occasion ranked No. 3 and drop just one spot within the finals rankings due to the character of that loss and since it captured the Throne Nationwide Championships. The Crusaders got here in tied for second place in common season convention play with three different golf equipment at 7-4, with loses to second place Dawn Christian and Montverde Academy. In addition they had a cut up with No. 2 and first place Brewster Academy and a win over No. 6 and first place CIA Bella Vista. Penn St.-bound Kayden Mingo was a second group EYBL Scholastic All-Convention selection, whereas his younger brother Dylan Mingo was arguably simply as spectacular as his older brother. Guard Nigel James was named convention Defensive Participant of the 12 months and wing Kiyan Anthony (together with Kayden Mingo) was the main scorer regardless of lacking 11 video games because of damage.

5. (10) Roosevelt (Eastvale, Calif.) 35-2The Mustangs have been Cal-Hello Sports activities’ preseason No. 1 group from the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) ranks (each different credible native supply pegged regionally-ranked St. John Bosco of Bellflower) and lived as much as their advance billing, after which some. Coach Steve Singleton’s membership did fall from its state No. 1 perch due to the widespread opponent issue with No. 12 Harvard-Westlake, however Roosevelt went unbeaten vs. CIF foes and captured CIF part and regional open titles and beat then No. 16 Archbishop Riordan (San Francisco) within the CIF open ultimate, 80-60 behind the spectacular play of All-American Brayden Burries. His 44-point, 12-rebound, 3-block, 2-steal efficiency will lengthy be remembered as top-of-the-line particular person performances in CIF historical past. Roosevelt dropped a recreation to No. 29 Brennan after ace defender and out of doors sniper Issac Williamson bought injured working right into a baseline digicam man on the Thanksgiving Hoopfest and in addition misplaced to No. 13 Gonzaga on the Spalding Hoophall Traditional. Gonzaga is the group that defeated Harvard-Westlake. Burries and firm defeated Harvard-Westlake within the SoCal open semifinals, 71-59, after which defeated No. 10 Notre Dame within the SoCal ultimate, 79-76, after beating that membership earlier within the CIFSS open ultimate. Certain for Arizona, Burries averaged 29.6 ppg, 8.7 rpg, 3.3 apg and a couple of.9 spg and completed with 1,092 factors as a senior, changing into the primary participant in Riverside County historical past to attain over 1,000 factors in a season. The ground management of Nevada-bound Myles Walker can’t be ignored and this group acquired well timed contributions from function gamers corresponding to freshman Cam Anderson, juniors Jackson Haggins and Christian Benjamin, plus senior Dom Copenhagen.

6. (NR) CIA Bella Vista (Phoenix, Ariz.) 21-6The season was an enormous success for coach Brandon Rosenthal, because the Bears weren’t ranked within the preseason, however ended up capturing a share of the EYBL Scholastic Convention crown together with No. 2 Brewster Academy and No. 8 Wasatch Academy. After merging with Canyon Worldwide Academy, which participated within the convention in 2023-24, CIA Bella Vista was technically a first-time convention member and misplaced simply two convention video games to No. 7 Montverde Academy (56-52) and to No. 8 Wasatch Academy (70-66). The Bears misplaced twice to MVA, however are capable of end ranked forward of the Eagles by defeating them, 63-60, on the Nike EYBL Scholastic Convention Event earlier than shedding to No. 4 Lengthy Island Lutheran, 58-52, within the semifinals. Led by first group all-conference level guard Miles Salder (16 ppg in convention play), CIA Bella Vista entered Chipotle Nationals because the No. 5 seed, however misplaced to No. 4 seed Brewster Academy, 70-60, regardless of 25 factors from Sadler and 22 factors from guard Rokiem Inexperienced. Rosenthal additionally had excessive reward for Pacific-bound ahead Jaion Pitt, who had the offense run by way of him on many events and tallied loads of “hockey” assists.

7. (3) Montverde Academy (Montverde, Fla.) 19-8The Eagles completed with their lowest FAB 50 rating in fourteen seasons underneath Kevin Boyle, who introduced he was leaving his submit as MVA head coach for Spire Academy in Ohio in early March. Sure, MVA suffered extra losses this season than any of the earlier 13 underneath Boyle, however it was nonetheless a serious FAB 50 title contender that actually didn’t have a poor loss on its resume. Led by second group EYBL Scholastic All-Convention wing C.J. Ingram, Montverde Academy misplaced twice to No. 1 Columbus and fell to Dynamic Prep (Dallas) within the play-in recreation of Chipotle Nationals, 67-52. Dynamic Prep ultimately fell to Columbus within the title recreation. MVA did lose to No. 20 IMG Academy and No. 21 AZ Compass Prep, but additionally beat No. 6 CIA Bella Vista two of thrice, together with handing the Bears their first loss in convention play. Illinois-bound Dante Allen and Creighton-bound Hudson Greer made third group all-conference for Boyle, who completed 363-34 in his tenure on the Florida boarding faculty.

8. (40) Wasatch Academy (Mt. Nice, Utah) 25-6**After two consecutive 7-5 seasons in EYBL Scholastic Convention play, the Tigers relied on their glorious backcourt to steer a profitable season through which they captured a share of the EYBL Scholastic Convention title alongside No. 2 Brewster Academy and No. 6 CIA Bella Vista. Coach Paul Peterson unit’s losses to No. 31 Archbishop Stepinac, No. 21 AZ Compass Prep and a cut up with No. 14 Hyperlink Academy are offset by a win over No. 6 CIA Bella Vista on the ultimate EYBL Scholastic cease that earned Wasatch Academy a share of the convention title. Wasatch defeated No. 20 IMG Academy, 75-57, within the play-in recreation at Chipotle Nationals, as 5 gamers scored in double-digits earlier than falling to eventual champion Columbus within the quarterfinals, 75-57. All-American Isiah Harwell, certain for Houston, scored 15 factors and had 4 steals within the huge win over IMG academy and 17 factors within the huge win over CIA Bella Vista. For the season, he averaged 17.4 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 3.1 apg and 1.1 spg for a group that was a lot better than its preseason forecast.

9. (BB) Calvary Christian Academy (Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.) 22-1The Eagles started No. 17 within the Southeast Area, however proved to be higher than that, a lot better, truly, as they put forth a profitable season culminated by capturing the Florida Excessive College Athletic Affiliation (FHSAA) Class 3A state title. All of it nearly got here tumbling down, together with their lofty rating, within the champion recreation vs. The Villages Constitution (Fla.). Okay.J. Francis’ offensive rebound put again make off a driving discipline objective try by McDonald’s All-American Shon Abaev with underneath 4 seconds remaining in a tie recreation gave his group a 66-64 victory. Abeav, headed to Cincinnati, completed with 20 factors and 11 rebounds, however it was Francis’ heroics that will likely be remembered for years to return. Calvary Christian captured the The Traditional at Tennessee Excessive College in Bristol, Tenn., with victories over No. 15 St. Joseph within the semifinals and Central (Phenix Metropolis, Ala.) within the title recreation. The Eagles solely loss got here versus No. 7 Montverde Academy within the semifinals of the Montverde Academy Invitational (MAIT), the place they defeated No. 21 AZ Compass Prep within the first spherical and got here again to defeat No. 23 Utah Prep within the third place recreation, 64-57. Abaev averaged 20.9 ppg, 7.3 rpg, 3.3 apg and 1.7 spg, whereas highly-regarded sophomore Cayden Dougherty averaged 16.7 ppg.

10. (42) Notre Dame (Sherman Oaks, Calif.) 28-8Notre Dame coach Matt Sargeant almost predicted his group’s actual spot within the preseason rankings, however the unit ended up being a lot better than marketed though its eight-man rotation performed solely eight of 36 video games collectively. The loss depend could also be excessive, however the Blue Knights solely misplaced twice to golf equipment that didn’t find yourself being ranked, Layton Christian of Utah and Sierra Canyon of California, and have been capable of cut up with these golf equipment. Notre Dame misplaced twice to No. 12 Harvard-Westlake earlier than beating that membership when it mattered within the CIF Southern Part open playoffs behind 25 factors, 12 rebounds, and 5 assists from top-notch junior Tyran Stokes. We thought of transferring Harvard-Westlake again up in entrance of the Blue Knights, however Notre Dame gave No. 5 Roosevelt all it might deal with on three events, whereas Harvard-Westlake was crushed by the Mustangs extra decisively within the SoCal regional playoffs. Notre Dame had the lead on a couple of event within the SoCal open ultimate, however two back-breaking threes by Roosevelt’s Brayden Burries, the Mustangs’ free throw benefit and a troublesome block-charge that fouled out Lino Mark was the distinction. Stokes (21.0 ppg), Mark (15.1 ppg), Zach White (12.6 ppg) and NoVarro Bowman Jr. (14 ppg) are all main honors candidates and solely the Rutgers-bound Mark graduates.

11. (23) Paul VI (Chantilly, Va.) 27-6For the primary time since 2021-22, the Panthers weren’t the Washington Catholic Athletic Convention (WCAC) favorites. In the long run, nevertheless, Paul VI captured WCAC common season and match titles. Paul VI did drop one WCAC recreation to No. 13 Gonzaga, however did come again to beat that membership, 58-54, within the WCAC championship recreation. All-American Jordan Smith Jr., a junior, netted a game-high 29 factors. Later that very same week, Paul VI fell to No. 30 Bishop O’Connell within the Virginia Unbiased Faculties Athletic Affiliation (VISAA) D1 semifinals, 59-57. A case could be made that Gonzaga ought to end ranked larger than the Panthers contemplating it gained its state title, however Paul VI will get rankings credit score for profitable the ultra-tough common season title and for beating Gonzaga head-to-head when its counted. Paul VI additionally gained the WCAC tourney title for the second consecutive season (each occasions over Gonzaga) and for the third time in 4 seasons. Smith averaged 18.9 ppg, 6.4 rpg and 4.0 apg and was first group all-WCAC and all-Met by the Washington Submit.

12. (19) Harvard-Westlake (North Hollywood, Calif.) 31-3Even although they fell brief of their quest for a 3rd consecutive CIF open title after shedding on the highway to No. 5 Roosevelt, 71-59, within the SoCal open semifinals, the Wolverines haven’t any purpose to not maintain their heads up excessive for the season they’d. Harvard-Westlake was the one membership apart from No. 5 Roosevelt to be Cal-Hello Sports activities’ No. 1 group within the state after it downed No. 16 Perry and No. 13 Gonzaga en path to the Hoophall West title proper after New 12 months’s. Gonzaga went on to beat Roosevelt, however Harvard-Westlake misplaced its perch after shedding to No. 10 Notre Dame (a group it beat twice) within the CIFSS playoffs. The Wolverines have been capable of end ranked forward of No. 15 St. Joseph, which misplaced at dwelling to No. 10 Notre Dame in its SoCal regional semifinals. That’s the place Harvard-Westlake’s two victories over Notre Dame got here into play. Duke-bound McDonald’s All-American Nik Khamenia was two-time all-state and the go-to participant on each ends, however the capturing of junior Joe Sterling and the development of junior Amir Jones (10 ppg) and Isaiah Carroll (9.1 ppg) can’t be understated. Khamenia and Sterling each averaged 18 ppg, whereas Khamenia additionally added 8.2 rpg and seven.1 apg.

13. (7) Gonzaga (Washington, D.C.) 29-5The Purple Eagles had one more terrific marketing campaign, however coach Steve Turner felt his membership was snubbed out of a deserving spot at Chipotle Nationals. Gonzaga did fall to No. 11 Paul VI within the WCAC title recreation for the second consecutive season, however certified for Chipotle Nationals by defeating No. 36 Sidwell Mates, 67-51, to seize the DCSAA title. Led by its All-American backcourt of Nyk Lewis and Derek Dixon, Gonzaga misplaced two video games in WCAC play, was capable of get a cut up with highly-regarded DeMatha Catholic of Maryland and took No. 1 Columbus to a few overtimes earlier than falling, 85-79. Maybe if Gonzaga would have gotten that Chipotle Nationals berth, it could have had the chance to maneuver in entrance of the Harvard-Westlake group it misplaced to in January in Arizona after that group did not win a state title. On a membership with 5 D1 recruits in its beginning lineup, the North Carolina-bound Dixon averaged 14.1 ppg, 3.1 rpg and a couple of.6 apg, whereas the VCU-bound Lewis averaged 12.8 ppg, 5.3 rpg and 4.2 apg. Turner finishes his tenure at Gonzaga with a 525-182 mark and is transferring on to Montverde Academy in Florida.

14. (2) Hyperlink Academy (Branson, Mo.) 20-9This group, top-to-bottom, was the nation’s most gifted and at occasions the Lions performed prefer it. At different occasions, they struggled with continuity and it’s mirrored of their rating. Underneath first-year coach Chad Myers, Hyperlink Academy started at No. 2 and was one three golf equipment handy No. 1 Columbus a loss, though Columbus got here again to win the return match, 70-47. That rating and the loss depend is mirrored in Hyperlink Academy’s ultimate rating as a result of there have to be a steadiness of credit score for its huge wins and the losses. Myers’s membership moved as much as No. 2 after capturing the inaugural EYBL Scholastic Convention match title by defeating 4 FAB 50 ranked golf equipment. The Lions gained a play-in recreation vs. No. 21 AZ Compass Prep, 46-39, defeated No. 8 Wasatch Academy within the quarterfinals, 59-51, and No. 18 Dawn Christian Academy within the semifinals, in additional time, 54-45. Within the title recreation, Hyperlink Academy took down No. 4 Lengthy Island Lutheran, 74-71, as huge man Chris Cenac Jr. had 22 factors (9-of-11 capturing), six rebounds and 6 blocks. We acknowledged, in actual time, it was not going to be straightforward to return again and seize Chipotle Nationals after gaining the automated berth, and the season-long inconsistencies got here to mild as soon as once more because the No. 2 seed fell to No. 10 seed Dynamic Prep, an eventual finalist, 74-55. Cenac ended up because the Lions’ most highly-regarded participant, incomes second group EYBL Scholastic All-Convention honors. He was named convention tourney MVP after averaging 14.5 ppg and 6.8 rpg and went for 12.6 ppg, 8.2 rpg and 1.6 bpg in convention play.

15. (33) St. Joseph (Santa Maria, Calif.) 31-2As No. 5 Roosevelt was simply dispatching then No. 16 Archbishop Riordan (San Francisco) within the CIF open ultimate, it wasn’t arduous to consider what might have been. The CIF determined to put St. Joseph within the South for the open regional playoffs when the Knights might have been positioned North and it dramatically altered the eventualities. On the finish of the common season, Baylor-bound All-American Tounde Yessoufou grew to become California’s all-time main scorer (3,659 profession factors) and it was straightforward to conjure photographs of him doing battle with a participant the caliber of Brayden Burries within the state ultimate when it was obvious Burries an excessive amount of for Riordan to deal with. St. Joe’s probabilities of going to state went down loads within the South, and it misplaced at dwelling to No. 10 Notre Dame, 66-64, within the SoCal open semifinals. Positive, a Roosevelt-St. Joseph matchup might have been an all-timer, however the Knights have been the No. 2 seed within the South and need to be ranked accordingly. St. Joseph’s solely different loss was to No. 9 Calvary Christian Academy within the semifinals of the The Traditional in Tennessee and for a lot of weeks the CIF Central Part D1 champs needed to be ranked forward of No. 12 Harvard-Westlake as a result of the Knights personal a win over Orem (Utah), a group that twice beat the Timpview (Utah) membership that Harvard-Westlake misplaced to. That modified after Notre Dame’s season ended as a result of Harvard-Westlake defeated Notre Dame twice. Nonetheless, it was a terrific season led by Yessoufou and junior guard Julius Value (18.4 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 6.0 apg). Yessoufou, in fact, closed out his standout 4-year by giving St. Joe’s an opportunity it every recreation, averaging 28.1 ppg, 8.3 rpg, 2.7 apg, 3.4 spg, 1.1 bpg.

 16. (11) Perry (Gilbert, Ariz.) 27-2It’s fairly straightforward to interrupt down the season for the Pumas, who solely misplaced two video games and went unbeaten in opposition to Arizona Interscholastic Affiliation (AIA) foes. Perry was straightforward to pencil in because the AIA’s preseason prime ranked group and misplaced a recreation to No. 1 Columbus, 75-65, on the Spalding Hoophall Traditional. Trying again at their ridiculous draw at Hoophall West in Arizona, it has to sting a bit to get No. 12 Harvard-Westlake within the first spherical. Perry misplaced a detailed contest, 57-54. For Perry, Columbus’ success was fruitful and for some time Harvard-Westlake was No. 2 within the FAB 50 so Perry was monitoring as maybe the very best ranked AIA group ever. When Harvard-Westlake did not 3-peat as CIF open champs, it harm Perry’s general rating however on its finish the Pumas took care of enterprise. Arizona-bound Koa Peat and his teammates will likely be identified for a historic 4-“Peat”, because the Pumas gained their fourth consecutive state title within the AIA’s highest classification courtesy of a 66-44 victory over Sunnyslope of Phoenix. Extremely, Perry’s three-time All-American performed his final two video games with a damaged hand. He nonetheless made an influence along with his mere presence and scored 20 factors within the title recreation. For the season, Peat averaged 18 ppg, 10 rpg and 4.9 apg, and extra importantly, the Pumas went 19-0 in the course of the playoffs in his profession, together with capturing three straight open division state titles. The contributions of ahead De’Andre Harrison (Missouri-Kansas Metropolis) and gifted sophomore Brunch Department can’t be understated within the title run.

17. (20) John Marshall (Richmond, Va.) 24-2The Justices have been the preseason No. 1 group within the Virginia Excessive College League (VHSL) by a large margin and as soon as once more proved to be its greatest group by a protracted shot. John Marshall downed Graham, 107-81, to formally seize its fourth consecutive VHSL D2 state crown whereas changing into the primary group to attain over 100 factors in a state title recreation. VHSL D2 Participant of the 12 months Latrell Allmond led the best way with 27 factors, whereas Richmond-bound level guard Aiden Argabright added 24 factors on the courtroom (Siegel Middle) the place he’ll play his collegiate dwelling video games. John Marshall misplaced to No. 4 Lengthy Island Lutheran by solely three factors (66-63), however is dinged a bit for shedding to Woodmere Academy of New York, though it should stay in entrance of No. 19 Highland due to a head-to-head consequence. To say the Justices have dominated in-state competitors is a large understatement, as they’ve now gained 30 consecutive VHSL playoff video games. Technically, this system has gained 5 consecutive state titles, because the 2020-21 group started No. 24 within the FAB 50 however didn’t play any sanctioned video games due to COVID-19 restrictions. Allmond, a junior, averaged 21.8 ppg, 7.8 rpg, 1.7 spg and a couple of.3 bpg, whereas Argabright (19.9 ppg, 4.6 apg, 2.7 spg) and Fordham-bound guard Troy Henderson (13.7 ppg, 6.0 apg) have been each named first group all-state.

18. (41) Dawn Christian Academy (Bel Aire, Kan.) 16-7After a down season in 2023-24 when the proud Buffaloes completed 11-12 and 3-9 in EYBL Scholastic Convention play, coach Kyle Linsted’s program bounced again in an enormous method by ending in a tie for second place within the common season convention standings with three different golf equipment. These second place groups are No. 4 Lengthy Island Lutheran, No. 7 Montverde Academy and No. 20 IMG Academy. The Buffaloes defeated LuHi and IMG Academy and didn’t play MVA. These high quality wins are offset by losses to No. 2 Brewster Academy, No. 6 CIA Bella Vista, No. 8 Wasatch Academy and two losses to No. 14 Hyperlink Academy means this membership can’t be ranked any larger. Led by first group EYBL Scholastic All-Convention performer Chidi Nwigwe (14.1 ppg), a junior, and Jacob Walker (11.8 ppg), the Buffaloes defeated IMG Academy, 64-47, within the EYBL Scholastic Event quarterfinals earlier than falling to eventual tourney champion Hyperlink Academy in additional time within the semifinals, 54-45. Dawn Christian didn’t earn a Chipotle Nationals berth.

19. (NR) Highland (Warrenton, Va.) 39-6We knew in regards to the Hawks within the preseason, however they have been simply out of vary of the East Area rankings. They turned in an excellent season, culminated by capturing the Virginia Unbiased Faculties Athletic Affiliation (VISAA) D1 state title with a 56-51 additional time win over No. 30 Bishop O’Connell. Highland misplaced to 2 golf equipment from the WCAC that O’Connell belongs to in DeMatha Catholic of Maryland and St. John’s of Washington, D.C., plus prep faculties Mix Academy of North Carolina, whom it cut up with, and No. 23 Utah Prep. The Hawks did sufficient to be ranked forward of Utah Prep, however have to be behind No. 17 John Marshall due to a head-to-head loss. Led by All-American Nate Ament, the Hawks recorded high quality victories over No. 35 Bullis and No. 36 Sidwell Mates and wanted all of Ament’s particular potential to get previous O’Connell and win the state crown one recreation after that membership downed No. 11 Paul VI within the semifinals. He went for twenty-four factors and 18 rebounds and the VISAA D1 Participant of the 12 months averaged 19.0 ppg, 10.0 rpg, 2.2 apg and 1.2 bpg. The Hawks gained the VISAA D2 state title in 2023 and in 2024 Ament was the VISAA D2 co-Participant of the 12 months earlier than the group moved as much as the very best classification in 2024-25.

20. (4) IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.) 21-8 The Ascenders took on a powerful batch of golf equipment as they do each season underneath veteran coach Sean McAloon, and the one two non-EYBL Scholastic golf equipment IMG Academy misplaced to have been No. 1 Columbus and No. 11 Paul VI. As we acknowledged within the preseason with this unit, there’s a skinny line between being a legit FAB 50 title contender and falling to the center of the pack in a aggressive 14-team league and the latter is what occurred to this membership. The Ascenders completed in a four-way tie for second place and have been the No. 5 seed within the EYBL Scholastic Event, falling to No. 4 seed Dawn Christian Academy, 64-47. The Ascenders did high quality for Chipotle Nationals over Dawn Christian because the No. 8 seed, however fell to No. 9 seed Wasatch Academy for the second time on the season, 75-57. IMG Academy did beat No. 7 Montverde Academy and No. 14 Hyperlink Academy, however the nature of the defeats on the finish of the season drop it to this spot. Darius Acuff Jr. led the best way and earned convention participant of the 12 months honors after main the Nike EYBL Scholastic Convention in scoring for the second straight 12 months (23.7 ppg). McAloon additionally singled out the skills of second group all-conference performer Sadiq White Jr. (12.1 ppg).

21. (5) AZ Compass Prep (Chandler, Ariz.) 15-7The Dragons have been just like No. 14 Hyperlink Academy in that their expertise stage was on par with any group within the nation, however they didn’t meet expectations regardless of some high quality victories. Coach Pete Kaffey seemed for his group to complete at the very least 8-3 in EYBL Scholastic Convention play, however a 5-6 mark left the Dragons in fourth place. The one membership AZ Compass Prep misplaced to exterior the convention was to No. 9 Calvary Christian Academy. Wins over No. 2 Brewster Academy, No. 3 Prolific Prep, No. 7 Montverde Academy and No. 8 Wasatch are offset by losses to No. 18 Dawn Christian, No. 20 IMG Academy, fifth place finisher Oak Hill Academy and 6 place finisher La Lumiere of Indiana. Junior guard Kaden Home (13.5 ppg), a 3rd group all-conference choice, was the highest honors candidate on a group that misplaced its return match vs. No. 14 Hyperlink Academy within the opening recreation of the EYBL Scholastic Event.

22. (24) Wheeler (Marietta, Ga.) 29-3The Wildcats had a terrific season and used a clutch efficiency from junior Colben Landrew to finish proper within the rankings vary we predicted within the preseason. Extra vital that its rating, Landrews’ efficiency meant Wheeler captured its tenth Georgia Excessive College Affiliation (GHSA) state crown by defeating Newton, 61-56, within the AAAAAA state ultimate. The Wildcats trailed coming into the ultimate interval and have been forward by simply two factors (57-55) when Landrew netted the ultimate 10 factors to settle issues. He completed with 21 factors, whereas sophomore level guard Kevin Savage added 17 for a program that has now gained 4 state titles since 2019-20. Wheeler completed its marketing campaign on a 21-game profitable streak, together with a 68-53 victory within the state semifinals over Grayson of Loganville that avenged an earlier loss and snapped Grayson’s 49-game in-state profitable steak. Mansur McClain had 18 factors and Savage added 14 factors, 4 assists and two steals. The opposite two losses for coach Larry Thompson’s membership was to No. 1 Columbus and No. 2 Brewster Academy.

23. (14) Utah Prep (Hurricane, Utah) 22-12The Diamondbacks, a re-branded program that participated within the Grind Session’s Energy Convention, was in place to problem among the nation’s greatest groups due to the presence of BYU-bound wing A.J. Dybansta. Utah Prep wasn’t fairly a FAB 50 title contender, because it had a excessive loss depend and handled a mid-season teaching change, however it did document some high quality victories and was a troublesome out for a lot of ranked groups. Its greatest wins came visiting No. 2 Brewster Academy, No. 14 Hyperlink Academy and No. 19 Highland. This can be a pure touchdown spot as a result of Dybansta and firm beat No. 24 Duncanville, 84-70, however misplaced within the The Grind Session World Championships semifinals to Ft. Erie (Canada). Level guard J.J. Mandaquit and capturing guard Anthony Felesi had moments of brilliance, however it was Dybansta that steered the ship for the Diamondbacks. He averaged 28.6 ppg, 9.5 rpg and three.6 apg and at occasions seemed like a future NBA starter.

 24. (47) Duncanville (Duncanville, Texas) 27-7We positioned the Panthers because the No. 3 group from the College Interscholastic League (UIL) within the preseason behind Brennan and Allen due to their observe document underneath coach David Peavy. There was loads of high quality groups to contemplate, however contemplating Duncanville’s latest observe document (six consecutive seasons within the preseason FAB 50, 2022 No. 1 rating) we gave the Panthers the advantage of the doubt though prime scorer B.J. Davis-Ray transferred to JSerra (San Juan Capistrano, Calif.). When all of the mud settled, the Panthers emerged because the UIL Class 6A D1 state champs with an exciting 54-52 win over No. 28 Bellaire. TCU commit Kayden “Bug” Edwards led the Panthers with 23 factors and 6 rebounds. For a lot of the season, Duncanville performed at its preseason stage with three losses to unranked groups, however underneath Peavy has been UIL’s highest ranked group each season between 2019 and 2025, besides 2023-24 when it misplaced within the second spherical of the Class 6A playoffs. Duncanville beat then No. 4 Allen within the semifinals, 77-74, whereas Bellaire downed then No. 3 Brennan in its semifinal, which provides the Panthers a pleasant bump within the ultimate rankings. Edwards was named TABC All-State and sophomore guard Beckham Black earned underclass All-American laurels.

25. (NR) Jeffersonville (Jeffersonville, Ind.) 24-5The Crimson Devils’ resume and placement reasoning is just like No. 24 Duncanville’s. They put collectively a pedestrian common season, however the nature of their state championship run forces a High 25 end. Fishers (Ind.) was No. 10 within the FAB 50 and driving a 43-game profitable streak, however Jeffersonville pulled out a 67-66 additional time victory to seize the Indiana Excessive College Athletic Affiliation (IHSAA) Class 4A crown. Jeffersonville guard Elijah Cheeks, a junior, scored on a lay-up with 32 seconds left in additional time and it proved to be the distinction within the recreation. The ultimate consequence wasn’t determined till Fishers’ Millen McCartney’s final ditch 3-point effort fell in need of the rim on the buzzer, which set off a wild celebration by the Jeffersonville trustworthy. Northwestern-bound Tre Singleton completed with 26 factors, 5 rebounds and 4 assists to information the Crimson Devils to their first state title since 1993 when Indiana nonetheless performed a single-class state match. Mockingly, Jeffersonville coach Sherron Wilkerson was the star participant and a McDonald’s All-American selection on that ’93 group that completed No. 14 within the Nationwide Prep Ballot (FAB 50 precursor). Singleton and Wright St.-bound Michael Cooper have been each IBCA Supreme 15 all-state selections.

 26. (BB) Fishers (Fishers, Ind.) 30-1We started Cathedral of Indianapolis as our preseason No. 1 IHSAA group at No. 43, however we must always have given extra credence to the Tigers, who started No. 13 within the Midwest Area. Cathedral was terrific final summer season, however Fishers was coming off 29-1 season through which it completed No. 9 within the FAB 50. The Tigers got here inside one additional time interval of doing the 2023-24 group one higher by ending unbeaten with a repeat IHSAA Class 4A title. Fishers trailed then unranked Jeffersonville, 45-42, coming into the ultimate interval and when Millen McCartney’s 3-point heave was off on the additional time buzzer, Fishers was denied one other state title and suffered its first lack of the season on the identical time. The sting of the loss will linger, however the Tigers had a terrific season and nonetheless deserved to be FAB 50 ranked. Miami (Ohio) certain Justin Kirby and sophomore guard Jason Gardner Jr. each netted 15 factors within the bitter loss and have been each IBCA all-state alternatives. Fishers simply downed Crown Level, 73-48, within the semifinals behind 18 factors from Gardner and 16 factors from Kirby.

27. (49) Hoover (Hoover, Ala.) 35-0   The Bucs began out as the ultimate FAB 50 ranked group from the Southeast Area and met expectations, capturing a 3rd consecutive Alabama Excessive College Athletic Affiliation (AHSAA) Class 7A state crown. Within the state title recreation, senior level guard Jarrett Fairley transformed a key 3-pointer down the stretch and completed with a team-high 21 factors, whereas Tennessee-bound Dwayne Brown dominated as soon as once more in his ultimate highschool recreation with 18 factors, 16 rebounds and 5 blocks. The Bucs do deserve credit score for an undefeated season, the primary by a Class 7A unit because the state went to a seven-class system in 2014, however can’t be any larger since its solely additional time win, over Heritage Christian (Northridge, Calif.) on the Alaska Airways Traditional, was in opposition to a membership that wasn’t ranked within the West Area and didn’t qualify for its state playoffs. Brown wrapped up his profession as probably the most embellished gamers in Alabama historical past as Hoover gained a 3rd consecutive state title and ended the season on a 45-game profitable streak. He was named AHSAA Class 7A tourney MVP for the second consecutive season, was a two-time Alabama Sportswriters Affiliation Class 7A Participant of the 12 months, a three-time Birmingham Information Area Participant of the 12 months and three-time all-state selection. As a senior he averaged 15.0 ppg, 10.5 rpg, 2.9 bpg and completed his profession with 1,814 factors and 1,189 rebounds.

28. (BB) Bellaire (Bellaire, Texas) 26-11The Cardinals have been thought-about a legit UIL Class 6A D1 contender within the preseason and started No. 14 within the Southwest Area rankings. Nonetheless, there have been loads of contenders forward of Bellaire and it had a nondescript common season. The Cardinals turned it up within the post-season and bought the large win within the UIL Class 6A D1 semifinals, knocking off then state No. 1 and FAB 50 No. 3 Brennan, 65-57. Duke-bound Shelton Henderson got here up with maybe the most effective efficiency of his highschool profession on the proper time, ending with 26 factors, 20 rebounds and 4 assists. The Cardinals got here up three factors brief (54-52) vs. No. 24 Duncanville in a state title recreation that noticed 5 ties and 6 lead adjustments. Henderson gave all of it he might, ending with 25 factors, 15 rebounds, three steals and three blocks. Sure, Bellaire misplaced to No. 5 Roosevelt and No. 29 Brennan beat that membership, however Bellaire’s head-to-head trumps that in our rankings equation. Henderson (19.4 ppg, 6.0 rpg) was a cinch all-state selection, whereas Texas St.-bound Anthony Andrews (14.8 ppg, 6.0 rpg) and Kohlman Dutton (11.2 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 2.3 apg) have been the group’s different mainstays.

29. (30) Brennan (San Antonio, Texas) 33-3The outcomes of the Bears’ season had loads of have an effect on on the ultimate rankings, as Brennan performed a nationwide schedule and was the UIL’s top-ranked group going into the post-season with an unblemished in-state document. Brennan’s losses to St. John’s and DeMatha Catholic of the Washington Catholic Athletic Convention meant WCAC groups have been as sturdy as we forecasted within the preseason and would earn excessive rankings, so long as Brennan saved profitable. Brennan additionally owned a win over No. 5 Roosevelt and so long as that membership went on to win a CIF title and Brennan captured a UIL crown it assured the Bears would end as a High 5 group within the nation. Brennan was constructing in the direction of this post-season for 3 years, however got here up brief within the Class 6A D1 semifinals to No. 28 Bellaire, 65-57, when it was ranked No. 3. It was a bitter capsule to swallow however the Bears can’t be ranked under No. 33 Allen though that membership misplaced to the eventual state champion within the semifinals as a result of Brennan deserves credit score for the head-to-head additional time win and for defeating No. 30 Bishop O’Connell. This veteran group was led by underrated All-American Kingston Flemmings, a guard headed to Houston who averaged 20.4 ppg, 6.4 rpg, 6.8 apg, 2.9 spg and shot 82 p.c from the charity stripe.

30. (NR) Bishop O’Connell (Arlington, Va.) 23-10The Knights have been exterior the preseason East Area High 20, however it’s not as if we didn’t know they have been gifted and able to competing in opposition to among the nation’s greatest groups. Taking part in within the WCAC additionally paid dividends, as coach Joe Wootten’s membership completed in a tie for third place with DeMatha Catholic of Maryland behind No. 11 Paul VI and No. 13 Gonzaga. O’Connell misplaced to the Stags and cut up with Paul VI, beating the WCAC champs within the Virginia Unbiased Faculties Athletic Affiliation (VISAA) D1 semifinals, 59-57. It then took No. 19 Highland additional time, 56-51, to knock off the Knights within the title recreation. Led by junior Darius Bivins (11.4 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 3.8 apg, 2,0 spg) and senior Shane Lincoln (10.3 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 2.4 apg, 2.2 spg), O’Connell defeated No. 24 Duncanville and No. 36 Sidwell Mates (46-45). The rationale O’Connell will not be nearer to Highland within the rankings is a 84-58 loss to No. 29 Brennan in its first recreation and 5 losses to unranked groups, together with one in three video games to the St. John’s membership Brennan misplaced to.

31. (18) Archbishop Stepinac (White Plains, N.Y.) 26-4The Crusaders have been highly-regarded within the preseason however needed to work to climb again up within the rankings as a result of it took three losses to unranked groups, though St. Frances Prep of Baltimore got here in at No. 20 within the ultimate East Area rankings. Stepinac’s different loss was to No. 1 Columbus. Mockingly, coach Patrick Massaroni’s membership ended up with an similar won-loss document because the 2023-24 season and captured its third straight New York State Catholic Excessive College Athletic Affiliation (CHSAA) “AA” state crown. That got here courtesy of a 63-61 additional time victory over St. Raymond (Bronx N.Y.), as junior Jasiah Jervis (16.3 ppg) netted 17 factors and senior Hassan Koureissi (10.8 ppg) added 13 factors and eight rebounds. To shut out the season, Stepinac took on No. 45 Thomas Jefferson (Brooklyn, N.Y.) within the CHSAA vs. PSAL Problem and downed Jefferson, 69-67. Jeff made a late push, however the Crusaders hit their free throws down the stretch. Koureissi made eight free throws within the fourth interval and went 9-of-9 for the sport, whereas all-state guard Danny Carbuccia (11.5 ppg) closed his profession sturdy with 15 factors and 7 assists.

32. (NR) Oak Park (Kansas Metropolis, Mo.) 31-1The Northmen have been ranked behind Chaminade of St. Louis in our preseason Missouri forecast (Chaminade was No. 10 in our preseason Southwest Area High 20), however on the finish of the day Oak Park was clearly the Present Me State’s prime group. Oak Park capped its season by capturing the Missouri Excessive College State Athletic Affiliation (MSHSAA) Class 6 state title with a 68-60 win over Chaminade. For a program that was 4-21 ten years in the past, it was capable of seize its first state title behind the scoring of senior Zeek Brown and the clutch capturing of senior Corbin Allen. Brown completed with a team-high 18 factors and after Oak Park trailed early, Brown hit two huge 3-pointers within the fourth interval and completed with 9 factors and 7 rebounds. The large common season win for Oak Park, coach by 2006 McDonald’s All-American Sherron Collins, came visiting No. 47 Vashon with its solely loss to North Crowley (Ft. Price, Texas), in its second recreation of the season. Allen and senior Caleb Estes each averaged 16.3 ppg and have been all-state selections, whereas Allen additionally averaged 8.7 rpg, 2.6 apg and a couple of.5 spg and was named MOBCA Class 6 Participant of the 12 months.

33. (27) Allen (Allen, Texas) 34-2The Eagles opened up because the College Interscholastic League’s (UIL) top-ranked group and got here up two video games in need of ending No. 1, falling to No. 24 Duncanville within the Class 6A D1 state semifinals, 77-74, when it was No. 4 within the FAB 50. Allen trailed by 10 factors coming into the ultimate interval, however senior Antoine Shannon gave Eagles’ followers a glimmer of hope by canning two 3-pointers to present his group the lead, however a pricey turnover that led to a bucket was a back-breaker and Allen’s desperation nook 3-pointer was off the mark. Shannon (14.0 ppg) scored 28 factors in a shedding effort whereas senior guard Trent Pane (11.6 ppg) was named TABC Class 6A All-State. Sure, Allen didn’t have big-name recruits, however it was terrific unit that needs to be behind No. 29 and fellow Class 6A semifinalist Brennan due to a head-to-head 71-66 additional time loss. Allen additionally doesn’t have a key out-out-state win to evaluate its resume by.

34. (NR) Webb (Knoxville, Tenn.) 34-2The Spartans shot the ball extremely effectively of their 54-45 victory over Briarcrest Christian of Eads within the Tennessee Secondary College Athletic Affiliation (TSSAA) Division II Class AA state title recreation. Webb made 11-of-22 3-pointers, together with 4 makes in 5 makes an attempt within the ultimate six minutes when it closed the championship recreation on a 16-7 run. Junior guard Owen Lentz led the best way, making 4-of-7 3-pointers to complete with 14 factors. Junior ahead Cam Swearengen made 3-of-4 3-pointers, completed with 11 factors and was named tourney MVP. Senior level guard Jaylen Pompey added eight assists and was named all-tournament for Webb coach Ricky Norris’ membership. Lentz and Pompey have been chosen TSWA D2-AA all-state. Webb, which misplaced to Moravian Prep of North Carolina (not FAB 50 eligible) and to No. 9 Calvary Christian Academy, gained its second state crown, with the primary coming in 2019.

35. (31) Bullis (Potomac, Md.) 23-7A 12 months about shedding within the Maryland Personal College State Basketball Event title recreation, Bullis got here again to seize the 2025 MDPSSBT crown with a 52-37 victory over Clinton Grace Christian. McDonald’s All-American Eric Reibe got here off the bench to steer Bullis with 23 factors, 12 rebounds and three blocks, Hawaii-bound Jeremiah Johnson added 10 factors whereas highly-regarded freshman Xavier Skipworth added eight. Bullis defeated DeMatha Catholic of Hyattsville within the semifinals, 69-54, as Marquette-bound Adrien Stevens had 19 factors, Johnson had 18 and Skipworth 10. Skipworth led the best way with 14 factors within the 68-47 first spherical win over Georgetown Prep, the group Bullis beat, 55-53, to win its third consecutive Interstate Athletic Convention (IAC) crown. Bullis did beat No. 36 Sidwell Mates, whereas shedding to ranked golf equipment Columbus (No. 1), Hyperlink Academy (No. 14), Highland (No. 19) and Archbishop Stepinac (No. 31), plus a setback to Chipotle Nationals finalist Dynamic Prep of Dallas.

36. (16) Sidwell Mates (Washington, D.C.) 24-6The Quakers weren’t fairly the membership we projected within the preseason, however an damage to 2024 Ballislife Underclass All-American level guard Acaden Lewis that compelled him to overlook all however the first six video games was an enormous think about that. Sidwell Mates was gunning for its fourth consecutive District of Columbia Faculties Athletic Affiliation (DCSAA) Class AA title, however got here up one recreation brief, falling, 67-51, to No. 13 Gonzaga. Coach Eric Singletary’s membership defeated WCAC membership St. John’s of Washington, D.C. within the semifinals (55-45), however did lose to No. 30 Bishop O’Connell. Sidwell Mates misplaced to No. 19 Highland and to No. 35 Bullis, but additionally personal a win over No. 11 Paul VI. Jalyn Collingwood, a junior, averaged 13.9 ppg and 4.9 rpg and sophomore Ian Condon averaged 12.9 ppg and 5.9 rpg.

37. (BB) DME Academy (Daytona Seaside, Fla.) 24-12It’s at all times tough to rank groups from the Sunshine Unbiased Athletic Affiliation (SIAA) as a result of the groups are filled with college-bound expertise and have a tendency to beat up on one another. At its greatest, we really feel DME Academy was the most effective of the lot. Central Pointe Christian Academy captured the SIAA title, however it was DME that beat the White Tigers twice. DME Academy took on a nationwide schedule and took losses to groups such No. 1 Columbus, No. 20 IMG Academy and Chipotle Nationals finalist Dynamic Prep of Dallas. Led by McDonald’s All-American Mikel Brown, DME cut up with No. 43 Winston-Salem Christian and confirmed its depth on the Grind Session World Championships. Even with out Brown, who was named SIAA MVP and averaged over 25 ppg, the group nonetheless superior to the semifinals, the place it fell for the second time this season to No. 3 Prolific Prep, 78-72, after avenging a loss to Iowa United within the quarterfinals.

38. (NR) Our Girl of Mt. Carmel (Baltimore, Md.) 34-4It was an extremely profitable season for the Cougars, which gained each the common season and match title within the aggressive Baltimore Catholic League (BCL). The Cougars beat second place finishers Archbishop Spalding and St. Frances Academy two out of thrice and in addition misplaced to WCAC energy DeMatha Catholic of Maryland. The rubber match with St. Frances, which owned wins over No. 21 Archbishop Stepinac and No. 39 St. Thomas Aquinas, was particularly candy as a result of the 55-50 victory resulted in this system’s first Maryland Interscholastic Athletic Affiliation (MIAA) “A” convention title. Junior ahead Ralph Rudusans led the best way with 17 choices, whereas sophomore Junior Mancho added 11 factors, seven rebounds and three steals. The Cougars had by no means gained the BCL crown earlier than, however closed the season on a 10-game profitable streak, which culminated in a 53-38 BCL title recreation win over Mt. St. Joseph of Baltimore, as Mario Tatum was named title recreation MVP. Coach Tony Martin, who guided John Carroll College in Maryland to nationwide prominence and in addition coached at Cape Worry Academy in North Carolina, was named Baltimore Solar Coach of the 12 months. Spark plug level guard Rodney Scott and Tatum have been named first group Baltimore Solar All-Metro, whereas junior Gage Howard was named second group.

39. (NR) St. Thomas Aquinas (Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.) 30-2We sound like a damaged document, however we’d love for the Florida Excessive College Athletic Affiliation (FHSAA) to undertake a match of champions or some type of an open division so all its nice groups might compete in opposition to one another within the post-season. Florida’s governing physique is reportedly contemplating it and based mostly on latest seasons, it could rapidly be top-of-the-line state tournaments within the nation. For the Raiders, they confirmed their rankings value by capturing the Class 6A state crown with a 71-63 win over Evans of Orlando. Evans was searching for its first state title in 50 years, because the late prep-to-pro Darryl Dawkins was within the lineup, and issues seemed good because it led by 14 factors early within the second half. The Raiders stormed again behind the play of Dwayne Wimbley Jr. (16. 3 ppg), because the Florida St. commit completed with 22 factors, 11 rebounds and three blocked pictures. St. Thomas Aquinas outscored Evans, 22-7, within the fourth interval to win its first state crown since 2001 when its completed 29-2 and No. 34 within the FAB 50. The Raiders, which misplaced to St. Frances Academy of Baltimore and North Broward Prep, additionally bought 15 factors from sophomore Clarence Westbrook Jr. (17.3 ppg) and 13 factors from sophomore Okay.J. Sandi (11.2 ppg).

40. (NR) North Mecklenburg (Huntersville, N.C.) 30-3 The Vikings are about as straightforward to rank of any group on this 12 months’s ultimate FAB 50, as two of their losses are to No. 38 Our Girl of Mt. Carmel (71-59) and to No. 39 St. Thomas Aquinas (60-51). North Meck took care of its personal enterprise by capturing the North Carolina Excessive College Athletic Affiliation (NCHSAA) Class 4A state crown for the second straight 12 months with a 59-56 victory over New Hanover of Wilmington. The Vikings defeated Chambers, 64-56, within the state semifinals and beat that membership twice in three video games. Chambers handed No. 41 Christ College one in every of its three losses. North Meck’s Chadlyn Traylor (School of Charleston) was named first group all-state by the North Carolina Basketball Coaches Affiliation.

41. (25) Christ College (Arden, N.C.) 28-3The Greenies have been the group to beat within the North Carolina Unbiased Faculties Athletic Affiliation (NCISAA) Class 4A ranks and so they bought the job performed, profitable the state crown with a 73-50 victory over Carmel Christian. Main participant Zymichah Wilkins, certain for N.C. State, scored 19 factors and grabbed 10 rebounds to steer the Greenies to their third consecutive state crown. Junior Dacen Petty and freshman Mason Collins netted 18 factors every for Christ College, which captured its ninth general state crown. Coach Joshua Coley’s membership misplaced to No. 11 Paul VI, misplaced to Chambers (which No. 40 North Mecklenburg beat twice) and to No. 23 Utah Prep. The Greenies fell to A.J. Dybansta and firm within the semifinals of the Nike Invitational Postseason Event when it was making an attempt to qualify for Chipotle Nationals.

42. (46) Reidsville (Reidsville, N.C.) 31-0We began the Rams within the vary they end after capturing the North Carolina Excessive College Athletic Affiliation (NCHSAA) Class 2A state crown for the second consecutive season. The Rams will start 2025-26 driving a 60-game profitable streak after downing Northwood, 71-54, as Grid-Hoop extraordinaire Kendre Harrison, a junior, had 16 factors, 11 rebounds, six blocks pictures and three steals. The Rams took management of the sport within the third interval, as junior Dionte Neal had 24 factors and 4 assists whereas senior Johnniyus Sharpe Jr. additionally had an enormous recreation with 18 factors. Groups gunned for the Rams all season, however it proved arduous for them to maneuver up within the FAB 50 due to their lack of a nationwide schedule. Neal (22.9 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 9.3 apg, 7.1 spg) was named State Participant of the 12 months by the North Carolina Basketball Coaches Affiliation, whereas Harrison (15.7 ppg, 13.2 rpg) was a primary group selection, with Sharpe (20.4 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 3.4 apg) a second teamer.

43. (34) Winston-Salem Christian (Winston-Salem, N.C.) 35-7The Lions performed an impartial nationwide schedule with high quality outcomes, though the general loss depend means they’ve to complete rank a shade under the extent anticipated of them within the preseason. Coach Antonio Lowe’s membership superior to the Grind Session World Championship quarterfinals, the place it fell to No. 23 Utah Prep, 80-75. No. 37 DME Academy, a membership W-S C cut up with, defeated Iowa United in its quarterfinal recreation and that was a membership that beat the Lions. Winston-Salem Christian owns a win over No. 46 Patrick College, with losses to No. 6 CIA Bella Vista, and eventual Grind Session champ and No. 3 Prolific Prep. The Lions’ prime gamers have been USF-bound guard Adriel Norah (15 ppg) and junior wing Bradley Floyd (14 ppg).

44. (BB) DePaul School Prep (Chicago, Unwell.) 33-4We began the Rams No. 11 within the Midwest Area and so they ended up being the top-ranked group amongst Illinois Excessive College Affiliation (IHSA) golf equipment. It wasn’t straightforward, however they completed this by capturing the Class 3A state crown with an exciting 55-52 double additional time victory over Brother Rice (Chicago) to win their third consecutive IHSA state title. DePaul School Prep trailed by 9 within the fourth interval, however got here roaring again to tie the sport at 40-40 when Rykan Woo was fouled on a 3-point try and made all three pictures from the road. Each groups scored three factors within the first additional time, however the Rams took management within the second further interval by scoring the primary 4 factors. Makai Kvamme completed with 16 factors, 9 rebounds and 4 assists, whereas Rashaun Porter 14 factors and 11 rebound with each gamers logging all 40 minutes. With the victory, DePaul School Prep avenged an earlier loss to Brother Rice and the Rams additionally cut up two video games with IHSA Class 4A champ and regionally ranked Benet Academy of Lisle. Kenwood, which gained its first Chicago Public League title and bought to No. 27 within the FAB 50, additionally beat DePaul School Prep, however have been shocked in a Class 4A Tremendous Sectional ultimate in additional time by state semifinalist Wealthy Township of Olympia Fields.

45. (NR) Thomas Jefferson (Brooklyn, N.Y.) 30-2The Orange Wave have been simply exterior the preseason East Area rankings, however confirmed they belong by capturing the New York Metropolis Public College Athletic League (PSAL) Class 4A title with an exciting 56-55 victory over Eagle Academy. Jah’da Swann did all of it for Jeff within the title recreation with 26 factors, 11 rebounds, seven assists, six blocks and 6 steals and Jeff wanted each ounce of that effort to drag off the win. Swann, the New York Sportswriters’ Participant of the 12 months who averaged 29.4 ppg 14.1 rpg and seven.1 apg in PSAL video games, had a 37-point effort in a straightforward semifinal win over Thurgood Marshall. The one common season loss for the Orange Wave got here in opposition to a gifted membership from Stranahan, Fla., that captured the FHSAA Class 4A state crown. Ten days after beating Eagle Academy, Jefferson took on No. 31 Archbishop Stepinac within the CHSAA vs. PSAL Problem and misplaced by two factors, 69-67. Coach Lawrence Pollard’s membership was hampered by Swann’s foul bother. Swann completed with 12 factors whereas Connor Sprattley, a senior guard and first group all-stater who averaged 20.5 ppg, completed with 17 factors.

 46. (BB) Patrick College (Hackettstown, N.J.) 29-7The Celtics are the thirteenth and ultimate group within the FAB 50 from the East Area, forward of groups corresponding to DeMatha Catholic of Maryland, Plainfield of New Jersey and Notre Dame of Connecticut. Patrick College opened No. 16 within the East Area High 20 and was a troublesome out for a lot of impartial golf equipment. The Celtics dropped video games to No. 43 Winston-Salem Christian and twice in opposition to No. 23 Utah Prep. The second loss was a 86-81 setback within the first spherical of the Nike Invitational Postseason Event when the Celtics was making an attempt to qualify for Chipotle Nationals. The Celtics did bounce again to win tourney video games vs. SoCal Academy and Dream Metropolis Christian of Arizona. Seniors Brandon Lee (22.0 ppg), Jaysean Williams (15.2 ppg) and Kuai Deng (14.6 ppg) have been the highest particular person standouts.

47. (NR) Vashon (St. Louis, Mo.) 27-2 It’s straightforward to pencil within the Wolverines because the No. 2 Missouri Excessive College State Athletic Affiliation (MSHSAA) membership after it captured the Class 4 state title with a 81-45 victory over Benton of St. Joseph. Vashon is No. 2 within the state behind FAB No. 32 and Class 6 champ Oak Park, which beat the Wolverines, 71-62. Vashon’s different loss was to No. 44 DePaul School Prep, 68-54. Missouri St.-bound Trey Williams and Jimmy McKinney III led a group that gained its 4 state playoff video games by a median of 37 ppg. Vashon gained its sixteenth general state title and its sixth straight courting again to 2019. It might very effectively be seven consecutive, however the 2020 MSHSAA playoffs weren’t accomplished due to the outbreak of COVID-19. That is the primary state title underneath first 12 months coach Jimmy McKinney II, the son of the group’s highly-regarded sophomore. McKinney II additionally was a standout on Vashon’s 2002 state title-winning group that completed No. 5 within the FAB 50 and solely misplaced to LeBron James’ group at. St. Vincent-St. Mary’s (Akron, Ohio).

48. (BB) Olentangy Orange (Lewis Middle, Ohio) 26-2 The Pioneers started the season No. 10 within the Midwest Area High 20, one spot in entrance of No. 44 DePaul School Prep, as Ohio’s No. 3 group behind Richmond Heights and St. Ignatius of Cleveland. When the mud settled, Olentangy Orange emerged as Ohio’s greatest group after downing Reynoldsburg, 56-41, within the Ohio Excessive College Athletic Affiliation (OHSAA) D1 title recreation earlier than 7,545 followers at UD Enviornment. The third quarter was decisive, because the Pioneers outscored Reynoldsburg, 30-12, after main 17-14 at halftime. Olentangy Orange didn’t rating greater than 9 factors in another quarter. Ellis Appiah netted 20 factors and Treyton Schroeder made 4 three-pointers and completed with 12 factors for the victors. Olentangy Orange’s solely losses got here in opposition to Cathedral of Indiana (Midwest Area preseason No. 4 membership) and FAB 50 No. 6 CIA Bella Vista.

49. (35) Nice Crossing (Georgetown, Ky.) 35-4 Coming in because the No. 5 group from the Midwest Area are the Warhawks, which solely misplaced one recreation in-state versus a powerful schedule that included a loss to No. 1 Columbus. Solely Delaware and Kentucky nonetheless use a one-class system for its state match and it was Nice Crossing that performed as much as expectations by profitable the UK Healthcare Candy 16 title with a 71-61 win over Bowling Inexperienced. The Warhawks, which misplaced within the state semifinals in 2023-24, needed to win 4 video games in a three-day span to seize the Candy 16 and simply dispatched Montgomery County of Mt. Sterling, 70-49, within the state semifinal earlier within the day earlier than beating Bowling Inexperienced. Kentucky Mr. Basketball and future Kentucky Wildcat Malachi Moreno was the group’s ringleader and within the state title recreation he went for twenty-four factors, 15 rebounds and three blocked pictures whereas solely lacking one shot from the sphere. Morehead St.-bound Vince Dawson added 15 factors for Nice Crossing, which gained its first state crown and closed its season on a 27-game profitable streak. Its different two losses have been to St. John’s of Washington, D.C. and Westminster Academy of Florida. Moreno went for a double-double in 37 of 39 video games and averaged 21.5 ppg, 14.9 rpg, 3.5 apg and three.6 bpg.

50. (BB) East Lansing (East Lansing, Mich.) 27-1**The sixth and ultimate group from the Midwest Area takes the ultimate spot within the FAB 50 over such golf equipment as Wisconsin Lutheran (Midwest), St. Michael’s of Texas (Southwest), St. John Bosco of California and Dream Metropolis Christian of Arizona (West). East Lansing, which opened up at No. 17 within the Midwest Area, bought the nod for this spot after capturing the Michigan Excessive College Athletic Affiliation (MHSAA) D1 title with a 66-46 victory over Wayne Memorial, which sarcastically finishes because the No. 17 group within the Midwest Area. The Trojans took care of enterprise behind 20 factors from St. Louis-bound Cam Hutson. Sophomore Kingston Thomas added 19 factors and junior Okay.J. Torbert netted 16 factors for a membership that gained its first state title since 1958. Its closest recreation within the state tourney was its 51-44 semifinal victory over perennial MHSAA energy and defending champ St. Mary Prep (Orchard Lake, Mich.), which was the preseason state No. 1 and No. 2 group from the Midwest Area.

Ronnie Flores is the nationwide Grassroots editor of Ballislife.com. He could be reached at [email protected]. Don’t overlook to observe him on Twitter: @RonMFlores

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