BOUNCING BACK: Montverde (FL) Academy starts atop Blue Star Media Elite 25 Preseason boys’ basketball rankings; NIBC will alter nation landscape in Year 2 with heavy ESPN presence

BENSALEM, Pa. – A year ago, the high school basketball season was in a throe of COVID-19. This season can be called a “bounce back year.”

The entire nation is rebounding after a season (or none in certain states and District of Columbia) unlike any other we have ever dealt with.

There’s a new wrinkle among the elite teams with the second-year National Interscholastic Basketball Conference (NIBC) taking shape. ESPN is all-in televising 38 games, starting on Dec. 2 through Feb. 5. The eight team national hoop loop features the following teams with seven debuting in the Blue Star Media Elite 25 preseason boys’ rankings revealed on Nov. 1.

The NIBC: Bishop Walsh School (Cumberland, Md.); IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.); La Lumiere School (La Porte, Ind.); Legacy Early College (Greenville, S.C.); Montverde (Fla.) Academy; Oak Hill Academy (Mouth of Wilson, Va.); Sunrise Christian Academy (Bel Aire, Kan.) and Wasatch Academy (Mount Pleasant, Utah)

The reigning Blue Star Media Elite 25 National Champions Montverde (Fla.) Academy debuts at No. 1. Imagine if future NBA lottery pick, 6-10 center Jalen Duren didn’t declare for college (at Memphis) a year early? The Eagles would be simply unstoppable. Even now taking down the Eagles will be a chore.

So, let the games begin. Looking forward to a “normal” season.

The Blue Star Media Elite 25 boys’ rankings will return in mid-December with an update as the holiday tournament season gets underway.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving and God’s Blessings to your family and friends. Stay safe!

Hope to see you at a game soon. – Christopher Lawlor

Blue Star Media Elite 25 Preseason Boys’ Basketball Rankings, Nov. 1, 2021

1. Montverde (Fla.) Academy (24-1)

The Low-down: The reigning Blue Star Media Elite 25 National Champions and two-time GEICO High School Nationals title holder start at the summit and must navigate another treacherous schedule in the NIBC. Coach Kevin Boyle is savvy enough is win the big games but grind might have a slipup along the way. Won’t it be nice to have 6-8 Dariq Whitehead (Duke recruit), 6-2 Skyy Clark (Kentucky), 7-foot Vincent Iwuchukwu (USC), 6-5 Jalen Hood-Schifino (Indiana), 6-7 Dillon Mitchell (Texas) and 6-7 Malik Reneau (Florida) on your roster? Darn right and Boyle knows what it takes to develop the chemistry and mix to get them over the finish line. There are at least four McDonald’s All Americans from the senior class. The Eagles have plenty of high-pressure games from the NIBC and beyond but this year’s City of Palms Classic in Fort Myers, Florida is stuffed with Elite 25 teams, including No. 3 Oak Hill Academy and No. 4 IMG Academy.

2. Sunrise Christian Academy, Bel Aire, Kan. (21-4)

The Low-down: If the Buffaloes make noise this season, they’ll have plenty of opportunities since they are members of the elite eight-team NIBC. Playing on the national schoolboy scene has it’s perks and several TV appearances plus attending events such as the Hoophall Classic in Springfield, Mass., Metro Classic in Toms River, N.J. and Heartland Hoops Classic in Nebraska will keep coach Luke Barnwell’s squad sharp. You gotta love players like 6-7 Gradey Dick (Kansas), 6-9 Cameron Corhen (Florida State), 6-8 Mark Mitchell and 6-2 Dillon Hunter (Baylor) but the junior class has 6-7 Scotty Middleton and 6-2 Layden Blocker.

3. Oak Hill Academy, Mouth of Wilson, Va. (21-9)

The Low-down: The Warriors got a jump on the nation, opening with two wins this weekend, including coach Steve Smith’s 1,200^th. That’s third all-time on the boys’ side and one day Smith will land in the Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame–deservedly so. As usual, the Warriors play an up-tempo, appealing brand of ball that extenuates the skills of 6-7 Chris Henderson (Kentucky), 6-3 junior Caleb Foster (Duke), 6-4 Judah Mintz (Pittsburgh), 6-8 junior Justin McBride, 6-8 Devin Ree (LSU), 6-7 Jeremy Gregory (East Tennessee State) and 7-1 post Christian Reeves. The NIBC, plus a whole host of high-end opponents will keep Smith’s boys in the running for the NIBC and GEICO Nationals’ titles.

4. IMG Academy, Bradenton, Fla. (21-3)

The Low-down: Let’s face it, the Ascenders are an all-star team on the high school level. They are good enough to win it all and as an NIBC participant and GEICO Nationals regular it’s on the table. Coach Sean McAloon (96-18, four seasons) has three potential McDonald’s All Americans that will share the floor in 6-4 Keyonte George (Baylor recruit), 6-3 Jaden Bradley (Alabama) and 6-7 Jarace Walker (Houston). Want more? There’s 6-7 Eric Dailey Jr., 6-5 Jett Howard (Michigan), 6-6 Noah Batchelor, 6-4 sophomore Anthony Giles, 6-9 junior Gus Yalden and 6-3 junior Jacoi Hutchinson stack the roster with oozing talent.

5. AZ Compass Prep, Chandler, Ariz. (29-2)

The Low-down: The Dragons introduced themselves to the national scene during the pandemic and backed it up with a runner-up showing at the GEICO High School Nationals in Fort Myers, Fla. Players come and go at the charter located near Phoenix and this year is no different with 7-foot Adrame Diongue, 6-4 PG Dylan Andrews (UCLA), 6-8 Sadraque Nganga and 6-5 Chance Westry (Auburn recruit). Juniors Mookie Cook and Kylan Boswell are Top-20 recruits from the Class of 2023. Another national schedule with appearances the adidas Grind Sessions will prep the Dragons for repeat invite to GEICO Nationals.

6. Duncanville, Texas (29-1)

The Low-down: The Texas reigning Class 6A state champions might be the nation’s top public school team. Coach Dave Peavy’s program has won the 6A state crown in two of the last three years. He’ll lean on the talents of PG C.J. Ford (Northern Arizona recruit), 6-10 junior Cameron Barnes, 6-8 junior Ronald Holland and unheralded 6-5 wing Davion Sykes. There’s a nationally-charged game with No. 1 Montverde Academy at the Hoophall West in December and later that month the Panthers compete locally at the Whataburger Tournament Orange Division at Mansfield Legacy.

7. Sierra Canyon School, Chatsworth, Calif. (16-2)

The Low-down: Here’s a team with an embarrassment of riches. UCLA-bound G Amari Bailey is a shoo-in for the McDonald’s All American Game in Chicago following a return trip to the CIF Open Division final in March. And don’t forget 6-4 junior LeBron “Bronny” James Jr., 6-6 Ramel Lloyd (Nebraska), 6-9 Kijani Wright (USC recruit), 6-6 PF Shy Odom and 6-5 junior Isaiah Elohim. The Trailblazers will hit road for several high-profile games and tournaments in Brooklyn, Chicago, Honolulu, Dallas, Springfield, Mo., and Phoenix. Talk about frequent flier mileage.

8. Camden, N.J. (13-0)

The Low-down: New Jersey’s preseason No. 1 squad is a source of pride for the city of Camden and the Panthers just might deliver that elusive State Tournament of Champions title for the firs time since 2000 when Dajuan Wagner was a local celebrity before embarking a brief college and NBA career. Speaking of Camden’s first family of the hardwood, 6-3 PG D.J. Wagner is the top-rated player from the Class of 2023 and is capable of carrying a team and a city. He’s surrounded by talented 6-8 Rasheer Fleming (Saint Joseph’s recruit), backcourt mate Cian Medley, 6-4 junior Cornelius Robinson and 7-foot junior post Aaron Bradshaw. Elijah Perkins, 6-4, is a key transfer for coach Rick Brunson. The schedule is in place and the month of January will feature three big-time tests, including No. 1 Montverde Academy and No. 3 Oak Hill Academy.

9. Wasatch Academy, Mount Pleasant, Utah (18-7)

The Low-down: Here’s what’s to like about the Tigers: the bulk of the starters high-major recruits. It starts with 6-4 Roddy Gayle (Ohio State), 6-6 Camden Heide (Purdue), 6-7 Chris Bunch (Syracuse) and 6-1 PG Koren John (San Diego State). The Tigers will compete again in the NIBC but earning an invitation to the GEICO High School Nationals tops off any season. First, the regular-season slate features landmines galore.

10. DeMatha, Hyattsville, Md. (11-0)

The Low-down: In a shock move, Mike Jones left last spring after 19 years to become an assistant at Virginia Tech. DeMatha grad and former college head coach Pete Strickland returned to his alma mater on an interim basis. The Stags are the early favorite to win the vaunted Washington Catholic Athletic Conference with a lineup featuring 6-4 Rodney Rice Jr. (Virginia Tech commit), 6-8 Jerrell Roberson (James Madison), 6-6 Tyrell Ward (Xavier) and 6-7 junior Jason Moore. Strickland will need to fend off St. John’s College (Washington, D.C.), Gonzaga (Washington) and Paul VI (Chantilly, Va.) to reach the summit. The Stags make a rare West Coast trip after Christmas to the Torrey Pines Holiday Classic in San Diego, Calif.

11. Beaumont (Texas) United (31-0)

The Low-down: We kept an eye on this team last year when it bagged the UIL Class 5A state championship with an unblemished record. The main scorers are Houston-bound 6-7 F Terrance Arceneaux (20.9 ppg, 7.7 rpg) and 6-3 junior Wesley Yates III (14.5 ppg). Junior wing Trealyn Porchia completes the triumvirate. Junior Kayde Dotson runs the show. At 6-5, man-child L.T. Overton is a future NFL player and 6-4 Cam Walker is a George Mason recruit. Six-seven transfer Jonathan Murray (from Alabama) is a great addition to the frontline.

12. Milton, Alpharetta, Ga. (28-3)

The Low-down: A year ago, the Georgia Class 7A state champions showed they belonged at the GEICO High School Nationals. This year coach Allen Whitehart returns his top two scorers in Ohio State-recruit Bruce Thornton (17.3 ppg, 9.4 rpg), a 6-2 sniper, and 6-2 junior Kanaan Carlyle (18.1 ppg).

13. Corona (Calif.) Centennial (21-2)

The Low-down: The CIF-Southern Section Open Division champions turned out to be southern California’s top team in a spring season but opted out of the Southern Region tournament. Four returning starters are gems. The Huskies are relying on 6-2 Donovan Dent (New Mexico recruit), 6-2 Jared McCain and juniors, 6-9 Devin Williams and 6-7 Aaron McBride to keep the momentum rolling.

14. Roselle (N.J.) Catholic (12-3)

The Low-down: There’s a debate if the Lions or Gill St. Bernard’s (Gladstone) is New Jersey’s top team now that The Patrick School (Hillside) left the state association. Coach Dave Boff is thrilled to run the offense through 6-3 junior playmaker Simeon Wilcher, who is off to North Carolina. But the addition of the Watson brothers, 6-8 junior Akil and 6-8 sophomore Tariq, who transferred in from Don Bosco Prep (Ramsey, N.J.) is a bonus. And that’s good news for 6-4 Jamarques Lawrence (Nebraska) and 6-8 junior Rich Brisco. If the Lions can knock off Gill St. Bernard’s in the Non-Public B state tournament, the State Tournament of Champions final should be against No. 8 Camden (N.J.) in March.

15. Long Island Lutheran, Brookville, N.Y. (3-0)

The Low-down: It was a long winter for the Crusaders. Three measly games and no postseason. That’ll change this term and coach Jon Buck will blend the talents of Providence-bound PG Jayden Pierre and juniors, 6-11 post Jaxon Koroll (from Canada), 6-9 Finley Sheridan, 5-11 PG Jayden Reed and 6-6 F James Johns. In late December, the Crusaders will play in the Arby’s Classic in Tennessee and at the Montverde Academy Invitational Tournament (MAIT) in late January in Florida. Their main goal is winning the New York State Federation Class AA title, which Buck’s squad captured in 2019.

16. Imhotep Prep Charter, Philadelphia (14-0)

The Low-down: Philadelphia’s top team is expected to be nationally ranked for at least the next two seasons with a bevy of talented sophomores and juniors. At 6-3, Mo Abdullah is headed to Rider and is sold scorer. The junior stalwarts are 6-0 PG Rahmir Barno and 6-7 F Justin Edwards while sophomores are led by 6-6 Jeremiah White, and 6-1 Ahmad Nowell. The schedule is enhanced and the Philadelphia Public League always present challenges.

17. Calvary Christian Academy, Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (17-7)

The Low-down: One of the smaller enrollments from Florida are reigning state champions (Class 3A), flush with Division I talent and headed to the Gulf Coast for a date with the big boys in the City of Palms Classic in Fort Myers. Four seniors have committed to big-time programs, including 6-7 Gregg Glenn III (Michigan recruit), 6-8 Taylor Hendricks (Central Florida), 6-5 Tyler Hendricks (Central Florida) and 6-8 Brenen Lorient (Florida Atlantic). Carl Cherenfant and Marvel Allen are highly-rated players from the Class of 2023.

18. La Lumiere School, La Porte, Ind. (6-9)

The Low-down: It was a long year in northeast Indiana for the Lakers but with a new brings a renewed attitude and the hope that life in the NIBC and national circuit will bring better results. Coach Pat Holmes, one of the nation’s top tacticians, is leaning on Notre Dame-bound PG J.J. Starling, 6-7 Chisom Okpara (Harvard signee), 6-9 Kebba Njie (Penn State) and 6-6 wing Taj Manning (Kansas State) to get the Lakers back on track.

19. North Little Rock, Ark. (21-2)

The Low-down: The Charging Wildcats are the defending Class 6A title holders and with 6-5 Nick Smith Jr. (Arkansas signee), 7-foot Kel’el Ware (Oregon) and 6-5 Corey Washington a repeat is possible. The backcourt is flanked by Felix Wade and Charles Maris. Coach Johnny Rice take his team to the City of Palms Classic in Florida and see where they stack up against the nation’s elite.

20. Dr. Phillips, Orlando, Fla. (27-3)

The Low-down: Florida’s reigning Class 7A champions feature three Power-5 players in 6-10 Ernest Udeh Jr. (Kansas), 6-4 Denzel Aberdeen (Florida) and 6-5 Riley Kugel (Mississippi State). Udeh has a 7-2 wingspan and high motor. Sophomore G Jordan Tilley is a fine addition to the backcourt. Six-six sophomore Carter McDole is a coveted transfer.

21. Orlando (Fla.) Christian Prep (27-0)

The Low-down: The Warriors are a perennial central Florida power a carry a 47-game win streak into a season they will look to annex a 10^th state championship. Ohio-bound swingman A.J. Brown and 6-7 F Vern Allen Lubin along with 6-9 junior post Jayden Hastings and 6-2 sophomore Isaiah Brown are a nice nucleus to build upon. A trip to the City of Palms Classic in Fort Myers, Fla., will be a tremendous test for the Warriors.

22. Whitney Young, Chicago (15-1)

The Low-down: The Dolphins will roll out a veteran, seasoned lineup with 6-8 PF A.J. Casey (Miami recruit), 6-8 Xavier Amos (Northern Illinois), 6-0 PG Dalen Davis (Towson) and junior G Marcus Pigram. Coach Tyrone Slaughter loaded up the schedule that includes the City of Palms in Florida and the Proviso West Holiday Tournament after Christmas and then an appearance at the Bass Prep Tournament of Champions over the Martin Luther King Weekend in Springfield, Mo. The Dolphins’ main Public League competition will come from Simeon and Kenwood.

23. Cardinal Hayes, Bronx, N.Y. (6-1)

The Low-down: Last spring, the Cardinals won a truncated New York Catholic High School Athletic Association pool-play tournament. That should be the springboard for good things and with PG D.J. Victory, PF Tarique Foster and 6-8 Tobe Awaka–all seniors return and that bodes well for coach Joe Lods. Winning the CHSAA Class AA title is a must but the ultimate goal is the New York Federation AA chip. The Cardinals are ready to take flight.

24. Roman Catholic, Philadelphia (10-2)

The Low-down: The return of coaching legend Chris McNesby (after five years) might be enough to bag the Philadelphia Catholic League title. McNesby’s track record includes two PIAA state championships and a ton a street cred in the City of Brotherly Love. His go-to guy is Cincinnati-bound F Daniel Skillings Jr. (18.9 ppg, 5.9 rpg). At 6-7, Matija Radunovic is the team’s tallest player and will battle on the glass and freshman F Shareef Jackson represents the Cahillites’ future (his dad played in the NBA). The backcourt features Jahmir Martin and Quadir Brown with sophomore Kyree Womack and Toby Ojukwu adding depth. McNesby knows the PCL with brethren Archbishop Wood (Warminster) and Neumann-Goretti (Philadelphia) pushing his team.

25. Legacy Academy, Greenville, S.C. (14-7)

The Low-down: The Lions return to the NIBC but will need better results to stay in the national loop. They can count on PG Khalil Arnold to run the show and 6-9 junior Perry Smith Jr., and 6-4 win junior Savon Sutton. The Lions have a loaded schedule and that includes the Chick-fil-A Classic after Christmas in Columbia, S.C.

High-Fives by Region

East

1. Gonzaga, Washington, D.C. (0-2)
2. Gill St. Bernard’s, Gladstone, N.J. (7-4)
3. Archbishop Stepinac, White Plains, N.Y. (9-3)
4. Neumann-Goretti, Philadelphia (9-1)
5. Mount St. Joseph, Baltimore (10-3)

Geography: Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont and Virginia.

Midwest

1. Glenbard West, Glen Ellyn, Ill. (13-1)
2. Carmel, Ind. (26-2)
3. Simeon, Chicago (12-1)
4. Centerville, Ohio (25-3)
5. St. Vincent-St. Mary, Akron, Ohio (25-2)

Geography: Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, North Dakota, South Dakota, West Virginia and Wisconsin.

Southland

1. Greensboro (N.C.) Country Day (24-6)
2. Richardson, Texas (26-2)
3. Cane Ridge, Nashville, Tenn. (15-1)
4. Berkmar, Lilburn, Ga. (25-6)
5. Kimball, Dallas (18-12)

Geography: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas.

Far West

1. Prolific Prep, Napa, Calif. (31-4)
2. Bishop Gorman, Las Vegas (0-0)
3. Southern Cal Academy, Los Angeles (16-3)
4. West Linn, Ore. (8-0)
5. Donda Academy, Simi Valley, Calif. (NR)

Geography: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wyoming.

About: The Blue Star Media Elite 25 High School Boys’ Basketball Rankings are released weekly from November until the conclusion of the high school season. Criteria considered are the quality of the team and its players, strength of schedule, tradition, and quality of the team’s league, conference, region or district. The rankings are compiled by Blue Star Media’s Christopher Lawlor, who consults with a national network of coaches, talent evaluators and prep sports writers. The final rankings will be released at the conclusion in April. Follow him on Twitter at @clawlor.