Final, Expanded 2022-23 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 Workforce Rankings powered by Ballislife.com is the official rankings of the Nationwide Sports activities Information Service, which date again to the 1952 season. Hyperlink Academy of Missouri is the 2022-23 legendary nationwide champion, as this system captured the FAB 50 title in solely its second yr of eligibility within the nation’s longest-running weekly rankings.

Compiled by Ronnie Flores

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

1. (11) Hyperlink Academy (Branson, Mo.) 27-1It was fairly a exceptional season for the Lions contemplating they have been breaking in a brand new coach in Invoice Armstrong, a former assistant at LSU, and a brand new crop of gamers. The expertise was there to start a bit increased, however contemplating the teaching change and its standing as a program eligible for the FAB 50 for under the second yr, No. 11 appeared like the right vary. That time was highlighted when Hyperlink Academy met preseason No. 1 Montverde Academy of Florida on the Metro Traditional in N.J. Hyperlink Academy had began off the season 23-0, however couldn’t overcome early 15-0 and 12-0 MVA runs in a 84-58 loss. Hyperlink’s two greatest victories as much as that time have been a 72-66 win over No. 14 Dawn Christian Academy (Bel Aire, Kan.) and a 30-point shellacking of No. 32 Oak Cliff Religion Household (Dallas, Texas). Coach Armstrong’s crew was in a position to make up for the terrible first quarter in opposition to Montverde Academy at GIECO Nationals by capturing the event MVA was a part of. Montverde Academy, the highest seed, fell in its quarterfinal contest to the identical Dawn Christian Academy crew Hyperlink Academy beat through the common season. Regardless of being No. 2 within the FAB 50, the Lions have been awarded the No. 4 seed and downed No. 5 seed and FAB 50 No. 18 Paul VI (Chantilly, Va.), a crew that spent a while at No. 1, 68-65, behind All-American Ja’Kobe Walter’s 34-point efficiency. Armstrong’s crew defeated Dawn Christian Academy for the second time within the tourney semifinals, 67-61, behind 16 factors and 10 assists from All-American level guard Elliot Cadeau. Tennessee-bound guard Cameron Carr additionally had a giant recreation for the Lions within the win over Dawn Christian Academy with 18 factors. Hyperlink Academy was in a position to safe the highest spot within the rankings with a dominant 73-55 title recreation win over No. 9 AZ Compass Prep (Chandler, Ariz.) in a contest the Lions have been answerable for all through. Walter, certain for Baylor, netted a game-high 21 factors on 6-of-8 capturing from the sector, together with 3-of-4 3-point photographs, whereas Tyler McKinley, a 6-foot-9 junior, had a giant outing with 17 factors and 6 rebounds. In all, the Lions defeated seven FAB 50 ranked foes throughout a season by which it did one recreation higher than its first FAB 50 eligible membership, because the 2021-22 Hyperlink membership misplaced within the GEICO Nationals title recreation to Montverde Academy and completed No. 2. Cadeau, a junior, ultimately re-classed as much as attend North Carolina, however the momentum from the GEICO Nationals run ought to pay dividends in 2023-24.

2. (1) Montverde Academy (Montverde, Fla.) 23-3  It was one other profitable season for a program that has gained extra excessive degree video games than some other program prior to now decade. Coach Kevin Boyle’s membership began out as preseason FAB 50 No. 1 for the eighth time prior to now 11 seasons and for the second consecutive season end No. 2 after beginning out on prime. The Eagles misplaced the preseason No. 1 spot with a November 65-54 loss to No. 9 AZ Compass Prep and in December suffered a 56-55 setback to No. 27 Mt. St. Joseph (Baltimore, Md.) on the Iolani Traditional in Hawaii. Sure, the Eagles misplaced within the GEICO Nationals quarterfinals to No. 14 Dawn Christian Academy, however deserve main rankings credit score for 3 causes. One, they beat Dawn Christian Academy twice through the common season, completed 11-1 and in first place within the Nationwide Interscholastic Basketball Convention (NIBC) and handed No. 1 Hyperlink Academy its solely loss. Boyle’s membership made a giant assertion in that recreation with a 29-7 lead after one interval. Hyperlink Academy tried in useless to get again in it, however may get no nearer than 12 factors within the second quarter of its lone 84-58 setback. The scoring in that recreation displayed MVA’s stability and flexibility, as junior ahead Derik Queen had a game-high 21 factors and 13 rebounds. Junior wing Liam McNeeley netted 15 factors, whereas junior guard Curtis Givens added 13 factors. Oregon-bound ahead Ok.J. Evans added 10 factors, seven rebounds and 5 assists, whereas junior ahead Asa Newell added 10 factors and 9 rebounds. On prime on that, the crew’s most highly-honored and proficient participant was sophomore ahead Cooper Flagg (9.8 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 3.0 apg 2.2 bpg). This balanced crew had 4 gamers common between 9-14 factors, with McNeeley the main scorer, and will area its greatest crew in 2023-24 for the reason that dominant 2019-20 that’s thought-about one of many sport’s better of all-time.

 3. (8) Duncanville (Duncanville, Texas) 28-1 It was one other exceptional season for a program that completed because the College Interscholastic League’s (UIL) greatest for the fifth consecutive season. Based mostly on its on-court outcomes, Duncanville captured the FAB 50 title in 2021-22, however the UIL later stripped the Panthers of their Class 6A state title after ruling forfeits of all video games by which an ineligible participant (latest NBA draftee Anthony Black) participated in. Final November after the preseason rankings dropped, Duncanville opted out of taking part within the 2022-23 UIL playoffs, however did go on to defeat eventual Class 6A champ and No. 8 Lake Highlands (Dallas, Texas), 53-52, in November. The one loss for a Panthers membership that performed robust out-of-state competitors was a 62-50 setback to No. 30 West Linn (West Linn, Ore.) within the championship of the Les Schwab Invitational in what was basically a highway recreation. That loss probably price the Panthers back-to-back FAB 50 crowns, even when this membership was a shade under the 2021-22 juggernaut. With out the luxurious of the state playoffs, Duncanville recorded high quality wins over 6. Columbus (Miami, Fla.), No. 21 Roselle Catholic (Roselle, N.J.) and No. 23 Centennial (Corona, Calif.). McDonald’s All-American Ronald Holland, a ahead who will play for the G League Ignite subsequent season, took over down the stretch vs. Centennial and completed with 24 factors. The following evening he had 25 factors and eight rebounds vs. Columbus and Cameron Boozer. A two-time District 11-6A Participant of the 12 months, Holland was a key cog in Duncanville’s rise to nationwide prominence and the crew went 123-6 in his 4 years on the varsity.

4. (BB) Ben Davis (Indianapolis, Ind.) 33-0 The Giants have been the primary crew from the Midwest Area exterior the preseason FAB 50 behind No. 47 Pewaukee (Wis.) and clearly ought to have been given extra credence amongst these groups. Cathedral began out because the FAB 50’s highest ranked Midwest Area and Indiana Excessive College State Athletic Affiliation (IHSAA) crew at No. 13, however the Giants downed that membership in December, 62-50, whereas Cathedral went on to defeat preseason Midwest No. 2 and FAB 50 No. 16 Pickerington Central of Ohio, 65-61, in January. As for Ben Davis, it rolled alongside and made all of it the way in which to the Class 4A state title recreation unbeaten. Basketball remains to be king within the Hoosier State and over 15,000 folks confirmed up at Gainbridge Fieldhouse to look at the Giants tackle bubble membership Kokomo, which downed then No. 22 Penn (Wishawaka, Ind.), 58-57, within the state semifinals. Behind 20 factors from Ball State signee Zane Doughty and 16 factors from sophomore Mark Zackery, the Giants rolled to a 53-41 victory and its fourth IHSAA state crown. The final time an unbeaten Indiana crew completed because the state’s No. 1 ranked crew was in 2019-20 when Bloomington South completed 26-0, however didn’t get to win an on-court state crown due to COVID-19. Ben Davis’ final gained a state crown in 2016-17 when it completed No. 45 within the FAB 50. This Ben Davis crew was far more dominant, successful 29 video games by double-digits with a averaging successful margin of 18.3 factors. Doughty was first crew all-state, averaging 13.5 ppg, 9.2 rpg and a couple of.8 bpg whereas capturing 61.1 p.c from the sector.

5. (22) John Marshall (Richmond, Va.) 28-0If there was ever a state affiliation that wants an open division or Match of Champions, it is the Virginia Excessive College League (VSHL). The Justices have been anticipated to be good, however have been much more dominant that anticipated, capturing their second consecutive Class 2A state crown and their fifth since 2014 below coach Ty White. The state title recreation was a coronation (the complete Class 2A playoffs have been really), because the Justices rolled previous Radford, 91-34. The crew’s common margin of victory within the post-season was a whopping 65.5 ppg in six contests. From a rankings standpoint, the VHSL competitors didn’t assist John Marshall, because it gained its 20 video games vs. in-state competitors by a mean of 46.5 ppg. The Justices, nonetheless, recorded key victories over No. 6 Columbus (50-47) and No. 20 Wheeler (68-55) on the Chick-fil-A Traditional in South Carolina. North Carolina-bound Dennis Parker Jr. (20.0 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 2,4 spg) and Vanderbilt-bound Jason Rivera (15.1 ppg, 7.9 rpg, 3.3 apg, 3.5 spg) led the way in which, whereas junior Damon Thompson Jr. (14.6 ppg, 3.4 apg) and freshman Latrell Allmond (13.4 ppg, 8.9 rpg, 3.5 bpg) stepped up all season lengthy. This crew started the season ranked two spots increased than the 2020-21 John Marshall membership that Parker was speculated to play a giant position on and maybe may have been the very best in program historical past, however wasn’t in a position play after Richmond Public Colleges cancelled the complete season due to the pandemic.

6. (18) Columbus (Miami, Fla.) 26-4 Final season, Columbus put itself on the FAB 50 map by capturing the FHSAA Class 7A state title to complete No. 45 within the FAB 50 with a 29-2 report. The 2022-23 crew returned en masse, however the expectations have been a lot increased and the schedule harder. The Explorers did lose two extra video games than in 2021-22, however two of these have been to groups ranked increased (No. 3 Duncanville and No. 5 John Marshall). Columbus additionally misplaced to No. 13 Imhotep Constitution, however defeated No. 12 Camden (N.J.), No. 18 Paul VI (Chantilly, Va.) and No. 20 Wheeler. The Explorers’ 66-64 loss to unranked Palmetto (Fla.) in time beyond regulation of the Class 7A, District 16 title recreation didn’t find yourself costing them a lot from a rankings perspective as a result of it defeated that membership twice by a mixed 67 factors, was nonetheless the No. 1 seed within the FHSAA playoffs and ended up capturing their second consecutive state crown. After all, sophomore ahead Cameron Boozer and his twin brother Cayden seize many of the headlines, however this was a well-rounded crew with many contributors as evidenced within the state title run. The Explorers defeated Winter Haven, 50-48, and sealed the state title when junior ahead Malik Abdullahi got here up with a steal that led to the game-winning lay-up by senior Garyn Bess with six seconds remaining. Cayden Boozer (15.1 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 4.3 apg) had 21 factors within the win and his enchancment was one of many prime storylines for a crew that would problem for preseason No. 1 subsequent season. Cameron’s historic tenth-grade season noticed him common 21.1 ppg, 11.2 rpg, 4.2 apg and a couple of.0 bpg, whereas capturing 62.1 p.c from the sector, 41.6 p.c from the 3-point line and 89.1 p.c from the charity stripe.

7. (NR) Central Cabarrus (Harmony, N.C.) 32-0  We had the Vikings because the No. 2 crew in our Southeast Area pecking order amongst North Carolina Excessive College Athletic Affiliation (NCHSAA) packages behind Myers Park of Charlotte. The Southeast Area, nonetheless, is that sturdy the place the Vikings simply missed the High 20. Myers Park went on to seize the NCHSAA Class 4A title, however Central Cabarrus ended up because the state’s greatest crew and the highest-ranked one nationwide which didn’t crack our preseason rankings. We knew the Vikings can be good, however they ended up unbeaten, closing out their season with a 65-51 Class 3A state title recreation victory over Northwood of Pittsboro to seize their second state title since 2020. This system will enter 2023-24 having gained 62 of its final 63 video games. Senior guard Adriel Miller (5.4 ppg) acquired the Vikings off on the correct foot, scoring 11 of his 16 factors within the opening interval. Junior ahead Desmond Kent Jr. (12.4 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 2.3 bpg) additionally netted 16 factors vs. Northwood, whom the Vikings’ protection compelled 19 turnovers in opposition to. Central Cabarrus simply downed West Charlotte, 78-51, within the 3A West Regional last to extract a measure of revenge after final yr’s playoffs loss to the identical membership. The ringleader of a crew with 5 double-digit scorers was six-foot, Charleston Southern-bound Jaiden Thompson, who averaged 19.8 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 4.0 apg and 4.3 spg.

 8. (34) Lake Highlands (Dallas, Texas) 34-3The Wildcats have been thought-about the largest risk to Duncanville’s UIL Class 6A supremacy and when the four-time defending champs opted out of the 2022-23 playoffs, Lake Highlands did what was anticipated of it. Coach Joe Duffield’s membership went on to seize the UIL Class 6A title whereas ending because the No. 2 ranked UIL membership behind Duncanville after shedding to the Panthers, 53-52, in its third recreation of the season. Lake Highlands fell to No. 18 Paul VI (64-58) on the Metropolis of Palms Match in Florida and to No. 23 Centennial (70-64) on the John Wall Invitational in North Carolina, however have been in a position to end ranked above these golf equipment by defeating then No. 13 Beaumont United (Beaumont, Texas), 55-44, on the Alamodome in San Antonio to seize this system’s first state crown since 1968. Beaumont United minimize its deficit to 44-42 with 5 minutes remaining within the recreation, however the Timberwolves didn’t rating a area purpose within the last 4:54 of the sport. All-American Tre Johnson (21.8 ppg, 6.4 rpg, 2.7 apg, 1.7 spg, 52-42-91 break up), the Dallas Morning Information Participant of the 12 months and TABC Mr. Basketball as a junior, led the way in which with 29 factors and eight rebounds for the victors. Samson Aletan, a 6-foot-10 Yale certain middle, was key to Lake Highland’s defensive prowess all through the season and completed the title recreation with 10 factors, 10 rebounds and a Class 6A state title recreation report seven blocked photographs. A 3rd key cog was junior guard Jaylen Washington.

9. (4) AZ Compass Prep (Chandler, Ariz.) 23-7In its first season as a FAB 50 eligible crew crew, the Dragons have been thought-about a legit FAB 50 title contender. They got here up a bit wanting that, however did spend a while at No. 1 after defeating preseason No. 1 Montverde Academy, 65-54, in its first Nationwide Interscholastic Basketball Convention (NIBC) recreation. Coach Ed Gipson’s membership additionally defeated No. 14 Dawn Christian Academy, 53-47, the following night, however had some ups and downs in convention play. AZ Compass Prep completed tied for fourth place with No. 10 Lengthy Island Lutheran within the NIBC standings, however end ranked forward of LuHi after avenging the common season loss with a 73-71 victory within the GEICO Nationals quarterfinals. The Dragons then mauled No. 19 IMG Academy, 68-50, within the semifinals earlier than shedding within the championship recreation to No. 1 Hyperlink Academy, 73-55. Extremely, no Dragon made an official all-NIBC membership however Oregon-bound Mookie Cook dinner did obtain All-American acclaim and New Mexico-bound Tru Washington was arguably the nation’s greatest sixth man.

10. (25) Lengthy Island Lutheran (Glen Head, N.Y.) 23-3The Crusaders completed in second place within the NIBC standings at 10-2, one recreation behind convention champ Montverde Academy, however should stay behind No. 9 AZ Compass Prep after shedding to that membership within the quarterfinals of GEICO Nationals by two factors, 73-71. They did beat AZ Compass Prep throughout convention play, but in addition misplaced to the IMG Academy crew the Dragons beat by 18 factors (68-50) with the third loss coming to No. 2 MVA (56-51). LuHi did defeat PIAA Class 6A state champ and No. 13 Imhotep Constitution (65-55) and No. 14 Dawn Christian Academy (58-53). For the primary time since 2019, the New York State Federation Match of Champions occurred and LuHi gained the Class AA title by downing then No. 49 Archbishop Stepinac (White Plains, N.Y.), 81-57. Junior V.J Edgecomb led the NIBC in scoring (15.5 ppg) and earned first crew all-NIBC honors, whereas senior guard Jayden Reid, who scored 43 factors in two TOC video games, earned second crew laurels, with UConn-bound ahead Jayden Ross incomes third crew honors.

11. (15) Harvard-Westlake (North Hollywood, Calif.) 33-2The Wolverines began off because the No. 2 crew from California and No. 3 within the West Area proper behind No. 23 Centennial, the very best crew from the Golden State in each 2021 and 2022. Harvard-Westlake ended up ranked within the vary anticipated of them within the preseason, however extra importantly for his or her supporters, gained their last recreation of the season to win this system’s first CIF Open Division state title after beforehand successful three in decrease CIF divisions. The Wolverines’ state title recreation win within the North vs. South format came to visit St. Joseph (Santa Maria, Calif.), 76-65, however the two massive wins from a rankings perspective got here within the prior two video games. Coach Dave Rebibo’s membership downed season-long California No. 1 Centennial, 80-61, within the SoCal open last after avenging its CIF Southern Part pool play loss to No. 31 St. John Bosco. Centennial, for those who recall, gained its third consecutive CIFSS open crown on a wild steal and dunk on the buzzer on the Honda Middle, whereas Harvard-Westlake didn’t make it out of pool play. The one different loss for the Wolverines was to regionally-ranked Liberty of Las Vegas within the championship recreation of The Traditional at Damien. Led by Mission League MVP Trent Perry, a junior, and St. John’s-bound ahead Brady Dunlap, this crew was one of the balanced and well-rounded on each ends of the ground that we have been in CIF play over the previous 40 years and is this system’s second highest-rated crew ever. In 1996-97, the Collins twins (future NBA gamers Jason and Jarron) led Harvard-Westlake to the CIF D3 state title (the open division was nonetheless 15 years away) and No. 5 last rating within the Nationwide Prep Ballot (FAB 50 precursor). That crew misplaced one recreation to a Tracy McGrady-led Mt. Zion membership from North Carolina by 4 factors within the Las Vegas Vacation Invitational Match title recreation.

12. (7) Camden (Camden, N.J.) 23-2**Regardless of fielding a veteran crew that solely misplaced to 2 ranked golf equipment and completed within the vary anticipated of it within the preseason, this season must be thought-about a disappointment for the Panthers. On the courtroom, Camden solely misplaced to No. 6 Columbus in a recreation performed in Florida and to No. 23 Centennial on the Spalding Hoophall Traditional in Massachusetts. Camden did defeat No. 13 Imhotep Constitution in a neighborhood showdown, however it’s what didn’t happen that harm The Excessive essentially the most. The favourite to win the 2023 South Jersey Group 2 and state title wasn’t allowed to defend its state title after a melee within the first-ever Camden County Match last versus Eastside (Camden, N.J.). With 4 minutes, 23 seconds remaining within the second quarter, Camden’s Cornelius Robinson, a Bryant recruit, hit Eastside’s Titus Bacon as he was attempting to set a display close to the correct elbow. Bacon retaliated, which led a number of Panther gamers, together with McDonald’s All-American D.J. Wagner, to chase after Bacon and different Tigers gamers. Nearly instantly, the melee introduced gamers from the benches, coaches and followers onto the courtroom. Camden was main, 30-17, when recreation officers canceled the rest of the sport. Per NJSIAA bylaws, any varsity crew accumulating three or extra participant or coach disqualifications previous to the beginning of the NJSIAA state event won’t be permitted to take part in it. Earlier than the NJSIAA may rule on the incident, the Camden Metropolis College District determined to pulled each golf equipment from the state event. It was a bittersweet ending for an important Camden period, particularly since a daily season recreation with eventual NJSIAA Non-Public B state champ and No. 21 Roselle Catholic wasn’t scheduled. Wagner (22.5 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 3.0 apg) scored 32 factors vs. Columbus and 27 factors vs. Centennial and was a Gatorade State POY 3 times and led The Excessive to a 94-5 report in his 4 seasons. Middle Aaron Bradshaw (12.0 ppg, 9.4 rpg, 2.4 bpg), who will be a part of him at Kentucky, additionally earned All-American acclaim.

  13. (10) Imhotep Constitution (Philadelphia, Pa.) 30-3  The Panthers had one other terrific marketing campaign and have been simply nearly as good as marketed within the preseason. Veteran coach Andre Noble (472-99) runs a program that has now gained six of the previous seven Philadelphia Public League titles (and 11 general) after downing West Philadelphia, 72-42, within the 2023 Metropolis tile recreation. Alongside the way in which to its second consecutive Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Affiliation (PIAA) Class 5A state crown, the Panthers downed Archbishop Ryan of Philadelphia (a membership that beat then No. 41 Radnor within the quarterfinals) within the semifinals, 72-50, and Exetor Township of Studying within the title recreation, 78-40. Kentucky-bound All-American ahead Justin Edwards (17.9 ppg, 7.5 rpg) had 16 factors and Florida Gulf coast-bound senior guard Rahmir Barno chipped in 15 factors within the title recreation victory. The losses got here in opposition to No. 10 Lengthy Island Lutheran, No. 12 Camden and to unranked Simeon of Chicago. Edwards and firm have been in a position to offset the Simeon loss by capturing the title on the prestigious Metropolis of Palms Match in Florida, the place it defeated No. 6 Columbus and No. 20 Wheeler.

14. (2) Dawn Christian Academy (Bel Aire, Kan.) 22-8The Buffaloes had nationwide title aspirations, however suffered just a few too many general losses to be in rivalry. After GEICO Nationals, the Buffaloes acquired a slight bump up within the last rankings after shedding by solely six factors (72-66) through the common season to eventual GEICO Nationals champ Hyperlink Academy and for beating No. 2 Montverde Academy as soon as in three video games. The Buffaloes break up with No. 19 IMG Academy, however are ranked increased after that membership was routed by GEICO Nationals runner-up AZ Compass Prep within the semifinals. Coach Luke Barnwell’s membership misplaced to the Dragons, 53-47. Exterior of NIBC play, the very best win for the Buffaloes was a 73-62 victory over No. 21 Roselle Catholic within the Bahamas. A pleasant core of seniors led the cost for Dawn Christian, together with All-American Matas Buzelis (15.6 ppg, 54-42-78 break up), Arkansas-bound guard Layden Blocker (11.7 ppg, 1.7 spg) and Ohio St.-bound wing Scotty Middleton (10.9 ppg). Dawn Christian is now 2-4 all-time at GEICO Nationals.

15. (37) Beaumont United (Beaumont, Texas) 36-2The Timberwolves, much like No. 8 Lake Highlands, did as anticipated from a preseason statewide perspective, however have been even higher from a nationwide scope. After capturing back-to-back UIL Class 5A state crowns in 2021 and 2022, Beaumont United was moved as much as Class 6A to problem Duncanville and Lake Highlands for statewide supremacy. The Timberwolves have been one recreation away from a 3-peat, falling to Lake Highlands, 55-44, within the UIL Class 6A title recreation. Beaumont United was down by two factors with 5 minutes to go, however had a chilly spell offensively on the most unlucky of occasions, failing to transform one other area purpose the remainder of the way in which. All-American and Washington-bound Wesley Yates III led the way in which in a shedding effort with 21 factors for a crew that recorded wins over No. 16 Sidwell Buddies (49-20), No. 42 Jonesboro (41-38) and No. 45 Nook Canyon (72-57) with its first loss vs. Washington of Houston coming within the second recreation of the season. Yates (20.1 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 2.4 apg, 2.4 spg) needed to be accounted for always, whereas senior Trealyn Porchia (14.5 ppg, 7.4 rpg, 2.1 apg, 2.4 spg) and junior Kayde Dotson (11.9 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 2.4 apg) additionally performed key roles.

16. (21) Sidwell Buddies (Washington, D.C.) 29-4  This can be a excellent spot for the Quakers because it misplaced to No. 15 Beaumont United on the King Cotton Match in Pine Bluff, Ark., after Christmas. The 49-20 last rating is sort of deceiving, as junior ahead Caleb Williams was out with harm and the crew was feeling the impacts of a flu bug. Coach Eric Singletary’s membership ultimately acquired Williams again and jelled down the stretch. The outcomes of getting wholesome embody a win over No. 18 Paul VI (75-68), capturing a second straight DCSAA Class AA title and successful the second annual State Champions Invitational (SCI) to beat losses to unranked Newton of Georgia and St. Andrews’ Episcopal of Maryland, the latter whom the Quakers break up with. Sidwell Buddies defeated cross-town Jackson-Reed, 62-47, within the DCSAA title recreation behind a 20-point, 7-rebound, 6-assist, 4-steal efficiency from Lehigh-bound Cam Gillus. Within the SCI, the second-seeded Quakers downed No. 45 Nook Canyon, 60-53, within the semifinals and No. 20 Wheeler, 57-53, within the title recreation. Gillus had 19 factors and 7 steals vs. Nook Canyon whereas Williams, named CSI MVP, had 13 factors, eight rebounds, three blocks and two steals and got here again with a 24-point efficiency vs. Wheeler.

17. (33) St. John’s (Washington, D.C.) 32-4It is sensible for the Cadets to complete on this spot, as they downed then No. 7 Paul VI, 65-63, within the Washington Catholic Athletic Convention (WCAC) championship recreation. St. John’s, which misplaced to Jackson-Reed (a crew No. 16 Sidwell Buddies defeated) within the DCSAA Class AA semifinals, 66-63, captured its first WCAC title since 2016 when it completed No. 19 within the FAB 50. Just like that membership, this Cadets membership additionally began No. 2 in our WCAC pecking order, however was in a position to upend Paul VI when junior level guard Daquan Davis scored the game-winning basket on a driving lay-up with time winding down when the Cadets selected to not take a timeout. St. John’s did end second within the WCAC standings behind Paul VI whereas splitting with each them and DeMatha Catholic of Maryland. Davis scored a crew excessive 21 factors, whereas Donnie Freeman, one other junior, had 16 factors. Harvard-bound Malik Mack added 15 factors, eight assists and three rebounds for a membership that gained the Torrey Pines Vacation Traditional in San Diego, Calif. It was additionally a particularly motivated group as regards to capturing the WCAC crown after head coach Pat Behan was identified with ALS, also called Lou Gehrig’s illness in early summer time of 2022 at age 34.

18. (3) Paul VI (Chantilly, Va.) 31-4The Panthers have been critical FAB 50 nationwide title contenders and their positioning right here and loss quantity shouldn’t detract from that reality they have been simply one of many nation’s greatest groups. After a two level loss (57-55) to No. 6 Columbus, the Panthers have been in a position to rebound and rose to No. 1 within the FAB 50 till falling to No. 16 Sidwell Buddies by seven factors, 75-68, their largest loss margin of the season. Paul VI went into that recreation with little on the road, when it comes to convention standings, and was taking part in with out 6-foot-7 senior wing Isaiah Abraham. At halftime, Sidwell-Buddies led 32-30, however Paul VI was outscored by eight factors within the third interval and to make issues worse, standout freshman guard Jordan Smith broke his wrist. Nonetheless. The Panthers had an opportunity to develop into the primary crew to undergo their WCAC slate unbeaten for the reason that 2012 Paul VI crew that completed No. 12 within the FAB 50, however got here up simply quick when DeShawn Harris-Smith’s lengthy 3-point try rimmed out on the buzzer within the 65-63 WCAC title recreation loss to No. 17 St. John’s. Paul VI break up with St. John’s and in addition had a little bit of unhealthy luck with their seed at GEICO Nationals. The Panthers drew the No. 5 seed in opposition to No. 4 seed Hyperlink Academy, who entered the occasion No. 2 within the FAB 50. Predictably, the Panthers gave the eventual champions their hardest recreation of the event, falling 68-65. Harris-Smith had a game-high 24 factors within the WCAC title recreation and a team-high 18 vs. Hyperlink Academy. The WCAC MVP certain for Maryland averaged 17.8 ppg, 7.4 rpg, 6.3 apg and a couple of.6 spg.

19. (6) IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.) 17-8The Ascenders are one other NIBC membership that was fairly formidable all through the season, however took a excessive loss rely due to the aggressive nature of the convention. Coach Sean McAloon’s membership completed tied for third place in convention play at 8-4 with No. 9 AZ Compass Prep. The Dragons misplaced twice to IMG, however completed ranked increased by beating the Ascenders, 68-50, within the semifinals of GEICO Nationals. IMG did defeat No. 10 Lengthy Island Lutheran and break up with No. 14 Dawn Christian Academy, however within the last evaluation drop just a few notches due to losses to unranked golf equipment Wasatch Academy of Utah, Huntington Prep of West Virginia and DME Academy of Florida. The crew’s largest victory was its 66-63 win over Prolific Prep (Napa, Calif.) to open GEICO Nationals, as first crew all-NIBC performer Blue Cain (Georgia) scored 21 factors. Cain’s backcourt mate Jacob Hutchinson, headed to George Wahington, was additionally a gradual performer for a membership that misplaced proficient junior Bryson Tucker mid-way by the season.

20. (12) Wheeler (Marietta, Ga.) 27-7The Wildcats confirmed why they have been so highly-regarded within the preseason (the highest-ranked non-NIBC crew within the Southeast Area) with their exhibiting on the State Champions Invitational. After capturing the Georgia Excessive College Affiliation (GHSA) Class AAAAAAA title with a 78-58 win over Cherokee of Canton, Wheeler superior to the SCI championship recreation with out the companies of USC-bound level guard Isaiah Collier. He had 22 factors and 7 assists within the state title recreation, however greater than that was the nation’s greatest guard and arguably the very best senior. Wheeler’s two-deep crew confirmed what it may do with out him, because the Wildcats downed No. 21 Roselle Catholic, 78-68, within the SCI semifinals with middle Arrington Web page, who will be a part of Collier at USC, scoring 24 factors, grabbing seven rebounds and blocking three photographs. Iowa St.-bound Jelani Hamilton contributed 22 factors, 13 rebounds and 4 assists. Wheeler led the title recreation vs. No. 16 Sidwell buddies, 47-40, coming into the fourth interval, however simply couldn’t maintain its lead and misplaced management of the competition within the last minute and a half earlier than falling, 57-53. Regardless, the Wildcats moved up 11 spots within the rankings after the completion of the SCI. With Collier (19.6 ppg, 5.1 rpg. 6.8 apg, 2.3 spg) within the lineup, Wheeler did lose to unranked Sierra Canyon of California and Bishop Gorman of Nevada, with its different losses all to increased ranked golf equipment: No. 5 John Marshall, No. 6 John Marshall, No. 13 Imhotep Constitution and No. 18 Paul VI.

21. (5) Roselle Catholic (Roselle, N.J.) 23-6The Lions weren’t fairly nearly as good as forecasted within the preseason, however they solely ended up shedding as soon as recreation to an unranked crew in Gonzaga of Washington, D.C. (76-66). Gonzaga isn’t any slouch and from a nationwide perspective Roselle Catholic has been persistently related, incomes a preseason rating every season since 2013-14 and ending exterior the FAB 50 in a full season solely as soon as in that point interval. Roselle Catholic captured the ultimate NJSIAA Match of Champions title in 2021-22 and that core of gamers went on to seize this season’s NJSIAA Non-Public B state title with a 68-59 victory over St. Rose of Belmar. Akil Watson led the way in which vs. St. Rose with 23 factors, whereas Duke-recruit Mackenzie Mgbako added 13 factors and 9 rebounds. Roselle Catholic defeated No. 41 Curtis (College Place, Wash.), 84-82, in a play-in recreation on the CSI, earlier than falling within the semifinals to No. 20 Wheeler, 78-68. Two-time first crew all-stater and All-American Simeon Wilcher had 29 factors, 5 assists and three blocks in a highly-anticipated matchup with Curtis’ Zoom Diallo, however the offense sputtered within the loss to Wheeler. Wilcher averaged 15.4 ppg, 4.7 rpg and 5.7 apg for a crew that didn’t misplaced in-state and went 17-0 within the NJSIAA state event throughout his stellar profession.

22. (BB) Perry (Gilbert, Ariz.) 30-1After all of the video games have been full in April, Perry fell two spots to make room for 2 groups that completed sturdy, notably No. 16 Sidwell Buddies and No. 21 Wheeler on the SCI. Arizona Interscholastic Affiliation (AIA) state champs have competed in sanctioned end-of-the season nationwide occasions, however Perry didn’t take part on the SCI despite the fact that AIA state champs are eligible. One season after capturing this system’s first Class 6A state crown, Perry gained the primary ever AIA open division state crown with a 74-58 win over Sunnyslope of Phoenix. We actually knew in regards to the Pumas within the preseason, however began them under Owyhee of Idaho and Liberty and Durango of Nevada partially due to their lack of a nationwide schedule. Had Perry not dropped one recreation to Pinnacle of Pheonix, it actually would have cracked the High 15. Colorado certain Cody Williams (18.4 ppg, 6.7 rpg, 4.0 apg) was a McDonald’s All-American, however the crew’s greatest participant was sophomore Koa Peat. He completed with 35 factors within the state title recreation and averaged 19.7 ppg, 9.4 rpg, 3.0 apg, 1.7 bpg and 1.3 spg as probably the greatest general gamers in highschool basketball.

23. (9) Centennial (Corona, Calif.) 30-4  The Huskies have been at No. 7 within the FAB 50 coming into the CIF SoCal open last, the place it fell to No. 11 Harvard-Westlake, 80-61, at residence. The loss ended Centennial’s two-year reign as California’s greatest crew. Had it 3-peated in one of many nation’s hardest playoff brackets, the Huskies’ losses to No. 20 Wheeler and unranked Don Bosco Prep of New Jersey (misplaced to No. 21 Roselle Catholic) would have been overcome. Centennial’s different loss was to No. 3 Duncanville, 59-57, in Texas. The Huskies have been in a position to seize their third consecutive CIF Southern Part open title in unimaginable vogue when LMU-bound senior ahead Aaron McBride (13.5 ppg, 8.4 rpg, 3.0 apg, 1.3 bpg) jumped a passing lane and went straight downhill for a game-winning dunk on the buzzer within the massive venue setting of the Honda Middle. Coach Josh Giles referred to as McBride essentially the most irreplaceable participant in program historical past. A terrific senior class additionally included California Mr. Basketball Jared McCain, a Duke recruit who averaged 18.0 ppg, 7.1 rpg, and 4.0 apg whereas capturing 36 p.c from 3-point vary and 83 p.c from the road.

24. (BB) Bellevue West (Bellevue, Neb.) 29-0The Thunderbirds opened up at No. 10 within the Southwest Area preseason rankings, behind two Texas groups and Staley (Kansas Metropolis, Mo.). We knew they have been going to be good, however Bellevue West exceeded expectations and capped a dominant season with a 64-41 win over playoff rival Millard North of Omaha within the Nebraska College Actions Affiliation (NSAA) Class A state title recreation. Bellevue West gained 28 of 29 video games by double-digits with a common successful margin of 26 ppg. Bellevue West and Millard North met within the title recreation for the fourth consecutive season, as Millard North gained final season and completed No. 20 within the Southwest Area rankings. As a comparability, Millard North’s 2020-21 crew had one of the talent-laden rosters in NSAA historical past and gained the state title recreation in time beyond regulation, 84-78, to complete No. 15 within the FAB 50. Josiah Dotzler netted 16 factors on this yr’s state last and was named Gatorade State Participant of the 12 months after averaging 16.5 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 5.0 apg, and a couple of.1 spg, whereas junior Jaden Jackson averaged 14.7 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 2.3 apg and 1.8 spg. The Thunderbirds turned the primary unbeaten Class A state champ since Omaha Central in 2011-12, a crew that completed No. 31 within the FAB 50.

25. (NR) De Pere (De Pere, Wis.) 29-0Defending Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Affiliation (WIAA) D2 champ Pewaukee opened up because the state’s highest FAB 50 ranked crew at No. 47, however it was the Redbirds that went to be the state’s greatest unit by capturing the D1 state crown with a 69-49 win over Arrowhead of Hartland. De Pere defeated Pewaukee alongside the way in which, 70-63, and set a WIAA report for many win in an unbeaten season whereas successful its first state crown since 1934. Senior guard John Kinzinger led the way in which within the state last with 24 factors, whereas his younger brother, sophomore Zach Kinzinger, added 19 factors. Junior massive man Will Hornseth added 17 factors and 11 rebounds. The elder Kinzinger is headed for Illinois St. after incomes all-state laurels for the third consecutive season and sharing Mr. Basketball honors with Pewaukee’s Milan Momcilovic.

26. (NR) Cass Tech (Detroit, Mich.) 28-1  The Technicians burst onto the scene and capped their historic season by capturing the Michigan Excessive College Athletic Affiliation (MHSAA) D1 crown with a 78-63 victory over Muskegon (Mich.). Cass Tech used its “36 Minutes of Hell” full courtroom stress protection to take management within the fourth quarter. Sophomore Darius Acuff and senior Travon Cooper every netted 19 factors for the Technicians, who misplaced one recreation in time beyond regulation, 66-65, to highly-regarded Brother Rice of Bloomfield Hills within the Operation Friendship recreation to shut the common season between the highest crew from Detroit’s Catholic and Public College Leagues. The massive win was the state semifinal contest the place Cass Tech outlasted Grand Blanc in time beyond regulation, 62-56, after Acuff banked in a game-tying 35-footer with two and a half seconds remaining in regulation. A 8-2 run keyed time beyond regulation for a crew that made its first title recreation look since 1974. Acuff, the Public League’s Mr. Basketball as a sophomore, had 19 factors and the Technicians additionally acquired a giant efficiency off the bench from freshman Corey Salter Jr., who had 13 factors and two key steals down the stretch in regulation.

27. (28) Mt. St. Joseph (Baltimore, Md.) 38-4  The Gaels fell one spot within the last rankings, however end proper within the vary predicted of them within the preseason. We pegged coach Pat Clatchey’s membership because the crew to beat within the Baltimore Catholic League (BCL) within the preseason over St. Frances Academy and Mt. St. Joseph went on to seize their second consecutive BCL title with a 59-50 victory over St. Maria Goretti (Hagerstown, Md.) at Goucher School in Baltimore. The Gaels defeated Goretti two out of 3 times through the season and in addition beat St. Frances twice in three tries. The opposite losses got here in opposition to Philadelphia Catholic League runner-up Neumann-Goretti (which frolicked FAB 50 ranked) and to No. 18 Paul VI with the massive common season win coming in opposition to No. 2 Montverde Academy on the Iolani Traditional. All-American Amani Hansberry had 17 factors and 21 rebounds within the BCL title recreation, whereas energy ahead Tyrone Farrell (17 factors) and veteran guard Ace Valentine (17 factors, 6 rebounds) additionally performed properly. With that win, the Gaels tied the BCL report for many victories in a single-season.

28. (NR) Richmond Heights (Richmond Heights, Ohio) 29-0The Spartans weren’t on our preseason radar, however have been in a position to bounce into the FAB 50 once they defeated then No. 40 St. Edward (Lakewood, Ohio), 83-80, to cap off an unbeaten common season. Richmond Heights took over because the state’s prime ranked general crew and remained there after capturing the Ohio Excessive College Athletic Affiliation (OHSAA) D4 state crown. The Spartans led Convoy Crestview 31-22 at halftime, however utterly blew open the sport with a large third quarter run, as this system gained its second consecutive state title. Sophomore Dorian Jones went bonkers from 3-point vary and practically outscored Convoy Crestview by himself, making 7-of-10 3-pointers and ending with 25 factors within the 70-26 victory. The 6-foot-5 Jones (20.1 ppg) was named D4 State Participant of the 12 months whereas one other sophomore, 5-foot-11 De’Erick Barber (8.9 ppg) additionally earned all-state laurels. Sophomore Demarris Winters Jr. and junior Jeremy Wilson will even return subsequent yr as double-digit scorers.

29. (NR) Tualatin (Tualatin, Ore.) 24-5At first look it’d seem the Timberwolves are ranked too excessive, however taking a deeper look they deserve loads of rankings credit score for the timing of their wins. Tualatin defeated No. 30 West Linn within the title recreation of the Oregon Colleges Actions Affiliation (OSAA) Class 6A state event to avenge three earlier losses to that membership. Take note, West Linn was ranked No. 20 at the moment and had a win over No. 3 Duncanville. West Linn would have been ranked a lot increased, too, if not for a loss to De La Salle (Harmony, Calif.), a crew that misplaced to No. 31 St. John Bosco. Tualatin pulled off the 60-47 championship upset win behind a terrific defensive efficiency and 20 factors from senior level guard Josiah Lake. Tualatin held West Linn to at least one area purpose within the first quarter and out-rebounded the highest seed, 37-23. It’s not because it was a complete fluke both, as Tualatin may have beat the Lions in regulation within the quarterfinals of the Les Schwab Invitational, however missed some free throws and misplaced in time beyond regulation. Tualatin’s core performed collectively since center faculty and gained two consecutive Class 6A state crowns.

 30. (NR) West Linn (West Linn, Ore.) 28-2The Lions have been anticipated to be a high quality crew, however no OSAA membership was positioned within the preseason West Area rankings. Even when West Linn and/or Tualatin have been, there was no means we’d have forecasted the kind of season West Linn had below first-year coach Robert Key. West Linn defeated preseason West No. 5 Modesto Christian (Calif.), FAB 50 No. 31 St. John Bosco and West preseason No. 6 Sierra Canyon (Calif.). The win over Sierra Canyon got here within the semifinals of the Les Schwab Invitational, and the following evening the Lions turned the primary OSAA crew to seize the celebrated tourney title since 2012 when it handed No. 3 Duncanville its solely lack of the season, 62-50. Three-time Three Rivers League Participant of the 12 months and two-time Gatorade State POY Jackson Shelstad performed a giant position within the LSI crown netting 30 factors vs. Duncanville and averaging 33 ppg in 4 tourney video games. With the Oregon-bound Shelstad (28.3 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 3.6 apg, 2.0 spg) main the way in which, the Lions defeated Tualatin three of 4 occasions, however within the state title recreation Tualatin out-rebounded West Linn and beat them to 50-50 balls. Among the luster was taken off these LSI outcomes when West Linn fell to host De La Salle (Harmony, Calif.) in a MLK showcase recreation when it was No. 12 within the FAB 50. West Linn, nonetheless, by no means was ranked increased than Duncanville.

31. (NR) St. John Bosco (Bellflower, Calif.) 26-7Coach Matt Dunn’s program had a terrific season and may very well be even higher in 2023-24 after exceeding 2022-23 preseason expectations. Bosco was in a position to crack the FAB 50 after advancing to the CIF Southern Part open division title recreation vs. No. 23 Centennial regardless of shedding a pool play recreation to then No. 35 West Ranch (Valencia. Calif.). Bosco defeated eventual CIF open champ Harvard-Westlake in its second pool play recreation and superior after Harvard-Westlake defeated West Ranch within the last pool play recreation. It took a memorable play for Centennial to down Bosco within the part last, 58-56. Harvard-Westlake then acquired its avenging win over Bosco within the SoCal open semifinal, 69-64. From a nationwide perspective, Bosco solely had one unhealthy loss (a Trinity League break up with JSerra) and was in a position to finish the 34-year run of league titles by SoCal kingpin Mater Dei of Santa Ana. Sophomore Elzie Harrington was named Trinity League Participant of the 12 months, junior and Loyola-Chicago-bound guard Jack Turner was typically the main scorer in massive video games and freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. is a star within the making.

32. (BB) Oak Cliff Religion Household (Dallas, Texas) 31-3**For the second consecutive season, the Eagles have been on the FAB 50 bubble however performed their means into this vary of the rankings. For the second consecutive season, they ventured to the Tarkanian Traditional in Las Vegas, the place they fell to host Bishop Gorman by two factors (82-80) and misplaced a heart-breaking third place recreation on the buzzer to Mater Dei (63-61), the membership No. 31 St. John Bosco bested for the Trinity League crown. Religion Household didn’t sustain with No. 1 Hyperlink Academy, falling 70-40, however as anticipated gained their second consecutive College Interscholastic League (UIL) Class 4A state crown. Religion Household downed Houston Washington (a crew that defeated No. 15 Beaumont United) within the title recreation, 70-56, as all-state and New Mexico-bound ahead J.T. Toppin shined. He scored 14 of Religion Household’s 15 first quarter factors and completed with 20, because the Eagles pulled away within the second half. Junior middle Doryan Onwuchekwa additionally had a giant recreation with 15 factors and 15 rebounds. Religion Household’s last rating is straightforward to position, because it defeated Dallas Carter (a crew No. 33 Kimball misplaced to in time beyond regulation) within the state quarterfinals, 71-61 and owns a win over No. 34 Edmond North.

33. (BB) Kimball (Kimball, Texas) 33-2  The final crew within the preseason Southwest Regional rankings, the Knights acquired the final snigger after shedding their season opener in time beyond regulation to Dallas Carter, which opened at No. 8 within the area, one spot behind Oak Cliff Religion Household. The one different crew coach Nicholas Smith’s membership misplaced to was FAB 50 No. 20 Wheeler. Kimball rolled to the UIL Class 5A state crown with a 69-48 victory over Ellison of Killeen. Kimball’s protection held Ellison to 33 p.c capturing from the sector and the Knights had 4 gamers in double figures, led by the 17 factors of senior guard Tyler Hankamer (10.9 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 2.7 spg). Senior guard T’Johnn Brown (17.8 ppg, 5.2 apg, 3.5 spg) and senior ahead DaCannon Wickware (11.4 ppg, 8.2 rpg) additionally have been named to the Class 5A all-tournament crew. Kimball gained its seventh general state title and first since 2014 when it completed No. 20 within the Southwest Regional rankings.

34. (BB) Edmond North (Edmond, Okla.) 26-2The Huskies began out No. 11 within the preseason Southwest Regional rankings proper behind Bellevue West of Nebraska. That membership went on to win a state title and was the very best crew in its state and so was Edmond North. The Huskies earned that designation by downing Damaged Arrow, 58-49, within the Oklahoma Secondary College Actions Affiliation (OSSAA) Class 6A title recreation. They misplaced a vacation event recreation to Crossings Christian of Oklahoma Metropolis and to No. 32 Oak Cliff Religion Household of their second recreation by one level, 52-51. Coach Scott Norris felt his crew did a great job of dealing with expectations as they have been anticipated to repeat as state champions with the core of the crew nonetheless underclassmen. Within the state title recreation junior guard T.O. Barrett led the way in which with 17 factors and three steals, whereas Dylan Warlick turned in a triple-double efficiency with 16 factors and 17 rebounds. Junior Tatum Ridge added 9 factors off the bench, whereas junior guard Dontrell Yearby did a superb defensive job of Oklahoma St.-bound Connor Dow of Brown Arrow. Warlick was one in every of two juniors named to the long-running and prestigious Oklahoman Tremendous 5 and may very well be an All-American in 2023-24.

35. (NR) Warren Central (Bowling Inexperienced, Ky.) 36-1The solely Bluegrass crew within the preseason FAB 50 was No. 43 George Rogers Clark (Winchester, Ky.), which defeated the Dragons by one level (43-42) in final yr’s Kentucky Excessive College Athletics Affiliation (KHSAA) Candy 16 championship recreation. The Dragons had loads of motivation all season lengthy, particularly when a missed throw probably sealed their destiny in that recreation. As destiny would have it, Warren Central acquired one other shot on the defending champions on this yr’s UK HealthCare Candy 16 title recreation and wouldn’t be denied, recording a 64-60 win. Kade Unseld, the son of Warren Central coach Will Unseld, hit two clutch free throws with 8.1 seconds remaining to seal the win and provides the Dragons their first Candy 16 title since 2004, once they completed No. 35 within the FAB 50. Unseld, a 6-foot-5 junior who averaged 16.1 ppg and 17.4, joined Candy 16 MVP and Fourth Area Participant of the 12 months Chappelle Whitney, a 6-foot-4 senior, on the all-state crew. Whitney (16.7 ppg, 7.9 rpg) is headed to Auburn-Montgomery.

36. (NR) Christ College (Arden, N.C.) 31-4The Greenies captured the North Carolina Unbiased Colleges Athletic Affiliation (NCISAA) Class 4A state crown with a 53-48 victory over Carmel Christian (Matthews, N.C.). Carmel Christian had opened the season because the top-rated NCISAA membership and have been the defending champions, however the Greenies wouldn’t be denied as they hit their free throws down the stretch. Carmel Christian, which jumped out to a 16-7 first quarter lead, had three gamers in double figures: Emmanuel Richards (16 factors), Jamari Briggs (12) and Bryson Cokley (10). Christ College, which owned a win over No. 39 Dorman, was led within the scoring division by junior Keenan Wilkins (14.1 ppg, 4.5 apg), whereas Briggs (12.5 ppg) can be a junior.

37. (NR) Studying (Studying, Pa.) 32-1The Pink Knights weren’t on our preseason radar, however maybe they shouldn’t have been doubted, as they closed out the season on a 23-game successful streak whereas capturing the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Affiliation (PIAA) Class 6A crown. Studying acquired loads of rankings credit score for defeating then No. 23 Roman Catholic (Philadelphia, Pa.), 62-56, in time beyond regulation within the championship recreation, as seniors Aris Rodriguez (16 factors) and Myles Gray (14 factors) led the way in which offensively. The Pink Knights’ rating is sensible since Roman Catholic defeated No. 39 Dorman and solely misplaced one recreation to Washington Catholic Athletic Convention (WCAC) energy Gonzaga of D.C., which was regionally ranked to start the season and owned a win over No. 21 Roselle Catholic. In 2021, Studying gained the Class 6A crown and completed No. 19 within the FAB 50.

38. (NR) Roman Catholic (Philadelphia, Pa.) 27-4Similar to No. 37 Studying, the Cahillites moved up 4 spots within the last rankings after outcomes performed out in different states and the State Champions Invitational. Roman Catholic misplaced the common season Philadelphia Catholic League recreation to Neumann-Goretti, however got here again to beat that membership to win town title, 57-52, in time beyond regulation. Roman was down 5 factors with a minute to go and it appeared over, however the Cahillites stormed again and acquired the sport to time beyond regulation on an unimaginable financial institution shot by senior guard Xzavier Brown, who iced the sport with free throws within the last seconds. Brown completed with 20 factors, whereas Anthony Finkley added 13 factors. Neumann-Goretti missed 5 free throws within the last minute of regulation, together with two by standout guard Robert Wright that led to Brown’s banker. Although the Cahillites gained the Philly Catholic League crown for the thirty third time, they fell in time beyond regulation, 62-56, to No. 37 Studying within the PIAA Class 6A state title recreation. Roman should keep forward of No. 39 Dorman due to a 56-54 head-to-head victory. One other feather in Roman’s cap was an early season win over No. 16 Sidwell Buddies.

39. (NR) Dorman (Roebuck, S.C.) 29-2  The Cavaliers continued their Palmetto State dynasty by capturing a fifth South Carolina Excessive College League (SCHSL) state championship in seven seasons. Regardless of the commencement of massive man Noah Clowney (a 2023 NBA first spherical draft alternative), Dorman utilized crew ball to develop into a dominant in-state crew and captured the Class AAAAA title with a 58-56 win over Goose Creek. All 5 starters netted double figures for Dorman, as Clooney’s alternative, 6-foot-8 senior Jamarcus Wilkins, had 14 factors, six rebounds and two blocks, whereas the 5 starters scored all 58 factors within the championship recreation. From a nationwide standpoint, it’s simple to know the place Dorman lands, because the Cavaliers misplaced to No. 38 Roman Catholic (56-54) and to No. 36 Christ College (52-45).

40. (NR) Lake Metropolis (Coeur d’Alene, Idaho) 26-0We needed to make a splash within the preseason by rating a crew from Idaho for the primary time in 36 years of weekly polls. Based mostly on their observe report and nationwide schedule, we positioned Owyhee (Meridian, Idaho) at No. 50. We had the correct concept, however the mistaken crew, because the Timberwolves let it’s recognized they might be a drive to be reckoned with by defeating Owyhee of their third recreation, 80-60. Three video games later they downed No. 41 Curtis, 77-65, within the title recreation of the Curtis Winter Traditional, as Blake Buchanan and Kolton Mitchell mixed for 48 factors. Lake Metropolis rolled from there on out, culminating its marketing campaign with the Idaho Excessive College Actions Affiliation (IDHSAA) Class 5A state title. Lake Metropolis completed undefeated by way of its 75-61 victory over Meridian to safe the primary ever FAB 50 rating for an Idaho crew. Mitchell, some extent guard headed to Idaho State, was named 5A Inland Empire League MVP whereas averaging 18.0 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 5.1 apg and a couple of.8 for his profession. The Virginia-bound Buchanan (15.2 ppg, 9.8 rpg, 3.0 apg, 1.9 bpg) was named Idaho Mr. Basketball and Gatorade State Participant of the 12 months.

 41. (NR) Curtis (College Place, Wash.) 28-4  The Vikings performed a troublesome schedule and have been in a position to repeat as Washington Interscholastic Athletics Affiliation (WIAA) Class 4A champions. Curtis defeated South Puget Sound League rival Olympia within the state title recreation, 49-43, because the Vikings acquired a giant recreation from excellent junior guard Zoom Diallo (21 factors) regardless of his father Siaka being hospitalized the evening earlier than the sport. Tyce Paulsen, a Carolina Baptist recruit, additionally did an important job defensively on Olympia star Parker Gerrits, holding the WSU recruit to seven factors. The 2 groups know one another properly, as Olympia was in a position to win one in every of 4 matchups with its SPSL rival. As a state champ, Curtis was invited to play within the State Champions Invitational, the place it fell to No. 21 Roselle Catholic, 84-82, regardless of 25 factors and eight assists from Diallo and 24 factors from Devin Whitten. Curtis additionally misplaced to No. 40 Lake Metropolis in its personal Winter Traditional and to No. 11 Harvard-Westlake within the Traditional at Damien semifinals.

42. (NR) Jonesboro (Jonesboro, Ark.) 30-3Bentonville began off as our highest rated Arkansas Excessive College Actions Affiliation (AHSAA) membership within the Southwest Area, however it was the Hurricane that took the state by storm. They went on to defeat Springdale, 48-43, to seize the Class 6A state crown after shifting up from 5A, the place Jonesboro gained state titles in 2021 and 2022. Deion Buford-Wesson, a 6-foot senior, keyed the 3-peat by hitting a clutch 3-pointer to place Jonesboro’s lead at seven with 1:16 remaining and completed with a game-high 15 factors. As for Bentonville? The Hurricane plowed proper by them within the state quarterfinals, 61-28. Jonesboro misplaced its first two matchups with North Little Rock, however beat that membership within the third assembly, with its third general loss coming in opposition to No. 15 Beaumont United. Sandwiched in between the loss to Beaumont United on the King Cotton Match, Jonesboro defeated Georgia powers Newton and McEachern of Powder Springs.

43. (NR) Central Pointe Christian (Kissimmee, Fla.) 30-11The White Tigers are FAB 50 ranked for the second time in three years after ending No. 35 in 2020-21. The massive distinction? This time Central Pointe Christian captured the Sunshine Unbiased Athletic Affiliation (SIAA) championship after shedding to Victory Rock Prep within the 2021 semifinals. The White Tigers defeated top-seed DME Academy, 69-66, within the SIAA Closing 4 earlier than defeating second seed West Oaks Academy within the title recreation, 63-60. Senior guard Carlos Cortijo led Central Pointe within the title recreation with 17 factors, junior wing Eric Mejias added 13 factors, and 6-foot-7 all-SIAA senior Vuk Vukcevic was named tourney MVP after scoring 10 factors, together with 9 within the third interval. SIAA play may be very balanced and troublesome to navigate by, so many occasions the convention’s prime groups has many extra losses than the opposite groups in its FAB 50 vary. The groups typically play within the Grind Session and at this yr’s Worlds Championships, the White Tigers have been seeded third and superior to the Elite 8 earlier than shedding to Bella Vista Prep of Arizona.

 44. (BB) Durango (Las Vegas, Nev.) 21-6The Trailblazers opened up third within the pecking order amongst Nevada Interscholastic Actions Affiliation (NIAA) golf equipment behind Bishop Gorman of Las Vegas and Liberty of Henderson. Regardless of some robust losses through the vacation event season and the resignation of head coach Chad Beeten on the eve of the post-season, Durango rallied to seize this system’s first NIAA title since 1996. Two days after the resignation, Durango misplaced to Gorman, 68-64, however rallied to beat the Gaels within the South regional semifinals, 63-55. The Trailblazers then beat Liberty, 65-59, within the South last earlier than beating them for the third time in 4 tries within the NIAA Class 5A state title recreation, 57-47. Lengthy Seaside St-bound level guard Tyler Riley and junior wing Taj Degourville have been each first crew all-Southern Nevada selections and led a gritty group that believed it may win every outing.

45. (BB) Nook Canyon (Draper, Utah) 25-3**The Chargers started proper behind Durango within the preseason West Regional Rankings at No. 15, and that’s the identical membership they end behind on a nationwide scale. Nook Canyon captured the Utah Excessive College Actions Affiliation (UHSAA) Class 6A title with a 66-51 victory over American Fork. The Chargers acquired 61 of their factors from senior guards Max Toombs and Jaxson Roberts, and junior ahead Brody Kozlowski. Roberts completed with 24 factors whereas Tombs added 21 factors and eight rebounds. In consequence, the Chargers have been invited to the SCI, the place they defeated Mississippi entrant Yahoo Metropolis, 89-62, earlier than shedding to No. 16 Sidwell Buddies within the semifinals, 60-53, regardless of 14 factors and 14 rebounds from Kozlowski. Nook Canyon additionally misplaced to No. 15 Beaumont United, however should stay behind No. 44 Durango due to a loss to Liberty of Nevada.

46. (38) Notre Dame (Sherman Oaks, Calif.) 27-10The Knights end only a shade under preseason expectations and have been in a position to keep FAB 50 ranked regardless of a excessive loss rely. The 2 causes they land on this spot is taking part in one of many hardest schedules within the nation and by rolling to a CIF D1 state title after not getting picked for the CIF SoCal open regional playoffs. After not being chosen, it was fairly evident Notre Dame had a great probability at a D1 state title, offered it acquired previous Mission League rival Sierra Canyon. It did for the fourth time within the SoCal D1 last earlier than defeating Granada of Livermore, 67-58, within the state title recreation. Mission League champ Harvard-Westlake gained the state open crown and beat Notre Dame twice, as did No. 23 Centennial and West Ranch of Valencia, which spent many of the season FAB 50 ranked. Notre Dame’s rating is based by losses to American Fork (which misplaced to No. 45 Nook Canyon in its state title recreation) and to Liberty of Nevada, which misplaced in the identical playoff division as No. 44 Durango. In 4 victories over Sierra Canyon, Duke-bound guard Caleb Foster averaged 20.5 ppg and for the season averaged 21.4 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 3.9 apg and 1.2 spg, whereas Gonzaga-bound Dusty Stromer averaged 17.3 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 2.2 apg and 1.2 spg.

47. (NR) Moline (Moline, Ailing.) 35-3In phrases of outcomes, Illinois and Chicago had a down yr, however the Maroons deserve a spot within the FAB 50 after defeating Benet Academy of Lisle, 59-43, to win the Illinois Excessive College Affiliation (IHSA) Class 4A state crown. The Maroons rode a dominant efficiency and season from 6-foot guard Brock Harding and 6-foot-10 middle Owen Freeman, long-time journey ball teammates and each headed to Iowa. Harding completed with 28 factors, together with 11-of-14 from the free throw line, whereas Freeman had six factors, one rebound and three assists within the title recreation. Harding (18.5 ppg, 5.6 apg) was named Illinois Mr. Basketball for a crew that misplaced its first recreation to Wisconsin Lutheran of Milwaukee and Chicago golf equipment Mt. Carmel and Simeon, the latter whom additionally beat Benet Academy.

48. (NR) Kell (Marietta, Ga.) 28-2The Longhorns put forth a terrific season, concluding it by successful the GHSA Class AAAAA state crown with a 61-53 victory over 29-2 Eagle’s Touchdown of McDonough. Kell trialed coming into the fourth quarter, however acquired again within the recreation and took management when coach Jermaine Sellers inserted star massive man Peyton Marshall again into the lineup with 3:36 to play and his crew trialing by some extent. Marshall scored the following 5 factors and helped the Eagles draw back from Eagle’s Touchdown down the stretch. Kell will get the nod because the No. 2 GHSA crew and last crew from the Southeast Area, because it owns a win over Liberty of Nevada and St. Augustine of California, with its solely losses to Grayson of Loganville in time beyond regulation and to West Ranch of California, which captured the Tarkanian Traditional however misplaced to St. Augustine within the SoCal open playoffs. Kell can be formidable as soon as once more in 2023-24 as Marshall, a middle, and fellow junior C.J. Brown, a guard, are returning all-staters.

49. (NR) Archbishop Hoban (Akron, Ohio) 26-3The Knights get the nod as the ultimate Midwest Area crew within the rankings in entrance of Illinois membership Metamora, which defeated Simeon of Chicago for the Class 3A state crown and Indiana Class 4A semifinalist Kokomo. Archbishop Hoban gained the OHSAA D1 state crown, 53-47, over Pickerington Central (Pickerington, Ohio). Decide Central was the defending D1 state champ and trying to end FAB 50 ranked for the second consecutive season. Senior Logan Vowles led the way in which offensively for Hoban within the title recreation with 17 factors, whereas senior Will Scott Jr. (13 factors) and freshman Sam Greer (12 factors) additionally hit double determine scoring. The Knights’ protection, in the meantime, held Ohio Mr. Basketball Devin Royal to 5-of-15 capturing. Hoban misplaced three in-state video games, however will get rankings credit score for successful one of many hardest playoff divisions within the Midwest whereas beating St. Edward (Lakewood, Ohio), which frolicked within the FAB 50, alongside the way in which.

50. (NR) Lincoln Park (Midland, Pa.) 30-1The Leopards get the nod because the twelfth and last crew from the East Area after they knocked off then No. 24 Neumann-Goretti (Philadelphia, Pa.), 62-58, to seize the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Affiliation (PIAA) Class 4A state crown. Sophomore Maleek Thomas, probably the greatest guards within the nation no matter class, hit the game-winning basket (a driving, 12-foot runner) with 11 seconds remaining. Junior Brandin “Beebah” Cummings made clutch free throws down the stretch, together with two with 0.5 seconds left within the recreation. Thomas (24.9 ppg) completed with 22 factors whereas Cummings (23.1 ppg) netted 25. The Leopards, which misplaced solely to Central Catholic (Pittsburgh, Pa.) by 5 factors, gained this system’s third state crown and must be formidable as soon as once more in 2023-24.

Ronnie Flores is the nationwide Grassroots editor of Ballislife.com. He may be reached at [email protected]. Do not forget to observe him on Twitter: @RonMFlores

Source link