Go-To 25 Boys’ Basketball Rankings, 11/14/2012

HENDERSON, Nev. – Todd Simon is the caretaker of schoolboy basketball’s top program. Simon, who was an assistant at Findlay Prep in suburban Las Vegas for the last five years, inherits a program that inherits the coveted No. 1 spot in the Blue Star Media Go-To 25 preseason rankings.

Simon, the trusted assistant and the program’s wetware, took over when Michael Peck took a coaching position in the Portland Trial Blazers organization at their D-League affiliate Idaho Stampede.

Together the coaching duo manufactured a legacy, turning Findlay Prep into the top destination for college-bound seniors and rising underclassmen.

Consider a few facts about the Findlay program:

• 11 players comprised the roster, with eight from different countries. Eight of them have received college offers. The team’s average height is 6 feet, 7.5 inches.
• Four players—Christian Wood, Nigel Williams-Goss, Allerik Freeman and Stanford Robinson participated at the NBA Player’s Association and Nike Elite summer camps, while two others were selected to the Reebok Challenge Camp in Philadelphia.
• Findlay Prep won their third National High School Invitational championship in the last four years. Six of the players off last year’s roster play a high-major programs such as Oregon, UNLV, Ohio State and Arizona.
• In the last five seasons, the Pilots have accrued an eye-popping 157-8 overall record and are a perfect 65-0 on their home floor.
• In the last four years, the program has produced six McDonald’s All-Americans and four NBA Draft picks in the last three.

Findlay is considered must-see action. The roster: 6-4 Williams-Goss (Portland, Ore.); 6-7 senior Dion Wade (Antwerp, Belgium); 6-3 Robinson (Landover, Md.); 6-4 junior Lucas Antunez (Madrid, Spain); 6-4 senior Allerik Freeman (Charlotte, N.C.); 6-11 Wood (Palmdale, Calif.); 6-7 senior Braian Angola (Bogota, Colombia); 6-9 senior Gavin Schilling (Chicago, Ill.); 7-0 senior Benas Griciunas, (Silute, Lithuania); 6-10 senior Fallou Njoye (Taif, Senegal); and 7-1 junior Kingsley Okoroh (Derby, England).

Findlay’s schedule is chuck full of showcase events, including: Iolani Classic in Honolulu, Hawaii (Dec. 19-22); Memphis Penny Hardaway HoopFest (Jan. 11-12); Flyin’ to the Hoop in Dayton, Ohio (Jan. 18); Hoophall Classic vs. No. 2 Montverde (Fla.) in Springfield, Mass. (Jan. 21, ESPN); IM Big on Sports Classic at Lubbock (Texas) Christian (Feb. 15); and Findlay Toronto Classic in Canada (March 1-2).

Moving Forward

The Blue Media Go-To 25 boys’ basketball rankings return the first week of January. Instead of ranking teams during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday tournament crunch, this gives teams a chance to play their most competitive portion of the schedule before heading home for the final months of the season.

Too many times the rankings jump from week to week and after consultation with several media members, coaches and industry leaders it was decided to publish the preseason rankings in mid-November and then wait until things play out in December.

Enjoy the holidays. See you at a game soon.

Blue Star Media Go-To 25 boys’ basketball rankings, Nov. 14, 2012

1. Findlay Prep, Henderson, Nev. (32-1)

Low-down: The Pilots go 10 deep, which includes nine seniors. That’s trouble for first-year coach Todd Simon, who inherited the program in the summer when Michael Peck bolted for the NBDL. Simon’s top talents are 6-4 Nigel Williams-Goss (Washington recruit), 6-3 Stanford Robinson (Indiana), Allerik Freeman (UCLA) and 6-11 Christian Wood (UNLV). A trip to the Iolani Classic in Honolulu, Hawaii highlights to the run to the National High School Invitational, reserved for the lite high school teams.

2. Montverde (Fla.) Academy (23-4)

Low-down: Kevin Boyle’s first year in central Florida nearly produced a national championship but a heartbreaking loss to No. 1 Findlay Prep in the National High School Invitational final showed MA is in line for a national crown. Point guard Kasey Hill (Florida signee) stirs the offense while 6-10 senior Dakari Johnson is finally eligible after sitting out his transfer year (from St. Patrick, Elizabeth, N.J.).  West Virginia-bound Devin Williams is a beast on the boards. Boyle’s penchant for scheduling—including a return trip to his home state of New Jersey—is on the docket for the first week of January, but winning the uber-talented City of Palms Classic (in Fort Myers, Fla.) is the first jewel in the national championship crown.

3. Oak Hill Academy, Mouth of Wilson, Va. (44-0)

Low-down: It’s business as usual in southwestern Virginia, where coach Steve Smith keeps churning out national championships and blue-chip prospects. His latest haul includes 6-4 Sindarius Thornwell (South Carolina recruit), 6-6 Troy Williams (Indiana), 6-1 Ikenna Iroegbu (Washington State) and 6-1 Nate Britt (North Carolina). The Warriors have a national schedule but the biggest challenge is winning the Iolani Classic in Honolulu, with a field that includes No. 1 Findlay Prep, No. 7 Montrose Christian, No. 14 La Lumiere and Yates (Houston). Everyone wants OHA and Findlay to meet for the silverware and the bracket allows it.

4. Huntington (W.Va.) Prep (24-2)

Low-down: The Express is the must-see team this season and coach Rob Fulford knows it. The nation’s top-ranked senior is 6-7 Canadian Andrew Wiggins (he recently reclassified from the Class of 2014). He’s a pure delight—he lit up the AAU circuit last summer—and is clearly a one-and-done player in college. Wiggins is joined by Florida State-bound guard Xavier Rathan-Mayes, 6-9 Moses Kingsley (Arkansas signee), 6-0 Travon Landry (Tennessee) and 6-9 Dominic Woodson (Baylor). This team is loaded and will play a schedule matching it. That starts on Nov. 30 and Dec. 1 at the Marshall County Hoops Fest (Benton, Ky.) against Memphis powers East and Briarcrest Christian.

5. Simeon, Chicago (33-1)

Low-down: The Wolverines won a state record sixth overall title and third straight Class 4A championship. It’s pretty much a forgone conclusion they’ll win another one but the main focus is national championship. As the nation’s top-ranked public school, Simeon will play Montverde (Fla.) Academy, Oak Hill Academy (Va.), Southwind (Memphis) and Prestonwood Christian (Plano, Texas). Only thing missing is a major holiday tournament. The reigning national player of the year, 6-8 Jabari Parker (undecided on college), returns (also from a foot injury) as do future Illinois teammates 6-2 Kendrick Nunn and 6-2 Jaylon Tate. At 6-8, Russell Woods is a pivotal inside piece. A vaunted defense and superior depth buoy the Wolverines.

6. St. Benedict’s, Newark, N.J. (34-3)

Low-down: The Grays Bees are buzzing with high-end talent but there’s a question if there are fifth-year players on the roster. Otherwise shrewd schedule and coach Mark Taylor has this squad looking indomitable. The Division I signees are 6-2 Tyler Ennis (Syracuse), 6-3 Jahmal Lane (LIU), 6-7 Kevin Mickle (Central Connecticut State), 6-8 A.J. Sombry (Quinnipiac), 6-7 Denzel Taylor (Old Dominion), 6-8 Isaiah Watkins (Duquesne) and 6-8 Michael Young (Pittsburgh). This team is scary and will beat many mid-majors today.

7. Montrose Christian, Rockville, Md. (21-3)

Low-down: The Mustangs seems to reload each year with a talented cast of Division I players. This year coach Stu Vetter features 6-5 Baylor-bound swingman Ishmail Wainright and 5-11 Charles Tucker Jr. At 6-6, Jordan Swopshire is a transfer from O’Fallon (Mo.) while 6-9 Taron Oliver provided an interior presence. The Mustangs will compete in the star-studded Iolani Classic in Hawaii and play Oak Hill Academy and St. Benedict’s in the regular season before receiving an invite to the National High School Invitational in March.

8. Poly, Long Beach, Calif. (29-3)

Low-down: The Jackrabbits have been close in recent years—CIF Southern California has been dominated by Mater Dei (Santa Ana)—and this might be the breakthrough season. USC-recruit Roschon Prince is a smooth operator, 6-7 Jordan Bell, swingman Brandon Staton and 6-7 junior transfer Kameron Chatman (from Portland, Ore.) are experienced performers. So is Ke’jhan Feagin, a 5-9 jet, who handles the ball.

9. Fort Bend (Texas) Travis (36-4)

Low-down: The Class 5A runners-up are back for one last rodeo with twins Aaron and Andrew Harrison are the building blocks. The Harrisons signed with Kentucky and must pick up the slack following graduation that claimed three starters. The Tigers’ trademark is defense but offense—meaning someone must emerge to complement the twins.

10. Southwind, Memphis (28-4)

Low-down: The Jaguars have been aiming for this year and can taste the Tennessee Class AAA state title. And why not when Missouri-bound forward Johnathan Williams III and 6-4 Jajuan Johnson are the leaders. Payton Hulsey, a 6-3 shooter headed to Lipscomb, and Deckie Johnson are dependable. The Jags play a loaded schedule—Dec. 1 it’s No. 3 Oak Hill Academy at the Marshall County Hoops Fest—looking to prepare for a title run in March.

11. Chester, Pa. (32-0)

Low-down: The Clippers are the gold standard in Pennsylvania (eight PIAA titles). They carry a 58-game win streak into the season and aim for a third large-school (Quad A) state championship. Arizona-bound Rondae Jefferson, a 6-6 stud, is the linchpin. Darius Robinson, a 6-1 guard, pushes the tempo and reloading with three transfers should keep the Clippers afloat in AAAA.

12. Duncanville, Texas (18-13)

Low-down: The Panthers are among the favorites in Class 5A. Senior Jermai Grace and Omar Sherman lead the way. Winning the  Division 1 Gold bracket of the McDonald’s Texas Invitational is a key way to start the season for coach Danny Henderson, who guided Flower Mound Marcus to the 5A title last March.

13. Neumann-Goretti, Philadelphia (28-3)

Low-down: One of the nation’s most consistent programs, the Saint have won three straight Class AAA titles and are a lock to capture another Philadelphia Catholic League crown. The backcourt of 6-1 Ja’Quan Newton and 6-4 senior Johnny Davis are scorers and leaders. Once a again a brutal schedule which includes the Les Schwab Invitational in Oregon, the Cancer Research Classic in West Virginia and a February ESPN date with No. 12 Chester (Pa.), the state’s two-time Class AAAA champions, is a testament to their bring-it-on philosophy.

14. La Lumiere School, La Porte, Ind. (25-3)

Low-down: The Lakers are loaded, featuring the top-notch backcourt of Detrick Mostella and Jalen James. The size is provided by 6-11 junior Johnathan Wilkins and 6-9 senior Torren Jones. Southern Mississippi-bound forward Ade Aruna, 6-10 Marin Maric and athletic 6-6 junior Sam Logwood round out the regulars for coach Alan Huss.

15. Whitney Young, Chicago (16-10)

Low-down: Unfortunately the Dolphins are stuck in the same town with No. 6 Simeon (they play on Jan. 26). Coach Tyrone Slaughter soldiered through last season playing a quintet of sophomores but 6-10 Jahlil Okafor, 6-8 Paul White, 6-4 L.J. Peak, 6-1 Rodney Herenton and 6-1 Miles Reynolds. Okafor played for the USA U17 National Team and is a surefire future NBA lottery pick. Another rugged schedule lies ahead, with a stop over next month at the City of Palms Classic in Fort Myers, Fla. Win there and the Dolphins are legit.

16. Archbishop Mitty, San Jose, Calif. (31-3)

Low-down: The two-time CIF Division II title holders should clam a third, with 6-8 Aaron Gordon, who’s good for a double-double each game. Though the Monarchs are depleted by graduation, a strong group of hungry players such as 6-2 junior Connor Peterson and 6-6 Brandon Farrell are ready to step up.

17. Paul VI, Fairfax, Va. (35-3)

Low-down: After capturing the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference—the nation’s top league—the Panthers are back for more but must withstand the a wave of competition from DeMatha (Hyattsville, Md.), Bishop O’Connell (Arlington, Va.) and Gonzaga (Washington, D.C.). A sophomore triumvirate, led by 6-7 Marcus Derrickson, provides continuity, but seniors 6-5 Jamall Robinson (Niagara recruit) and 6-10 Tim Higgins (Cornell) are ready to keep the flame burning.

18. Lake Highland Prep, Orlando, Fla. (28-4)

Low-down: Elite junior guard Joel Berry Jr. (23.7 ppg, 6 rpg) played for the USA U17 Team which captured the gold medal at the World Championships last July in Lithuania. Six-eight forward Denzel Davis signed with Rice. Jeff Turner, a former first round pick of the Nets, coaches the Highlanders.

19. Salesian, Richmond, Calif. (33-3)

Low-down: The CIF Division IV champions have a stacked roster, headed by 6-5 wing guard Jabari Bird, who signed with California.

20. Blanch Ely, Pompano Beach, Fla. (30-2)

Low-down: The Class 7A champions were selected to the National High School Invitational and are clearly the state’s top public school. Junior Lance Tejada runs the point and up-tempo offense for coach Melvin Randall.

21. St. John Bosco, Bellflower, Calif. (25-8)

Low-down: The Braves made huge strides last March but still were ousted in the CIF-Southern California Region Division III playoffs. Isaac Hamilton, a 6-5 senior, is special and so is his brother Daniel, a 6-6 junior swingman. Coach Derrick Taylor bolstered the roster with key transfers.

22. Omaha (Neb.) Central (30-0)

Low-down: Louisville-bound 6-8 Akoy Agau is the state’s top player and so is the schedule that features powerhouse Oak Hill Academy (Mount of Wilson, Va.) and a trip to the City of Palms Classic, where the opener is against No. 9 Poly (Long Beach), considered California’s top team.

23. St. Anthony, Jersey City, N.J. (32-0)

Low-down: Until someone in New Jersey knocks off the Friars, they hold down Garden State’s top spot. This week Hall of Fame coach Bob Hurley had 6-7 Kentrell Brooks (Marist), 6-2 Josh Brown (Temple), 6-5 Tim Coleman (NJIT) and 6-3 Hallice Cooke (Oregon State) ink national letters-of-intent.

24. Lone Peak, Highland, Utah (22-3)

Low-down: Utah’s defending Class 5A champions boast four players headed to BYU (one for football), headed by 6-1 scorer Nick Emery. But let’s see what the Knights do at the City of Palms Classic before anointing them as a national power.

25. St. Rita, Chicago (16-11)

Low-down: The defending Chicago Catholic League champions return four starters. At 6-6, Charles Matthews is one of the nation’s top sophomores. His brother, 6-2 Dominique, is a dependable scorer. Myles Carter (6-8) and 6-7 junior Victor Law anchor the frontline. A top-flight national schedule challenges coach Gary DeCesare’s squad.

High-Fives by Region

East

1. DeMatha, Hyattsville, Md. (30-5)

2. Christ the King, Middle Village, N.Y. (19-8)

3. Lincoln, Brooklyn, N.Y. (19-9)

4. Gill St. Bernard, Gladstone, N.J. (27-4)

5. Hampton, Va. (26-5)

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

Midlands

1. Proviso East, Maywood, Ill. (32-1)

2. Cathedral, Indianapolis (20-4)

3. Germantown, Wis. (30-0)

4. Whitmer, Toledo, Ohio (24-3)

5. Sexton, Lansing, Mich. (27-1)

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

South

1. DeSoto, Texas (34-6)

2. Tift County, Tifton, Ga. (20-8)

3. Bullitt East, Mount Washington, Ky. (27-5)

4. Christ School, Aden, N.C. (32-5)

5. Callaway, Jackson, Miss. (24-6)

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

Far West

1. Mater Dei, Santa Ana, Calif. (34-2)

2. Rainier Beach, Seattle (27-3)

3. Orem, Utah (25-1)

4. Bishop Gorman, Las Vegas (28-4)

5. Dobson, Mesa, Ariz. (18-12)

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

About: The Blue Star Media Go-To 25 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 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.