BENSALEM, Pa. – This time of year can mean one thing: the Blue Star Media Elite 25 boys’ basketball preseason rankings.

Topping the rankings is La Lumiere School (La Porte, Ind.) Findlay Prep, which just edged Oak Hill Academy (Mouth of Wilson, Va.), the legendary program with the ingredients to capture a national championship, The Patrick School (Elizabeth, N.J.), Sierra Canyon School (Chatsworth, Calif.) and Montverde (Fla.) Academy.

La Lumiere coach Shame Heirman was excited when he learned of the top preseason top billing.

“We have the players, strong schedule and desire to win,” the second-year coach said.

The Elite 25 boys’ rankings will return post Christmas. Makes no sense to come back with a new set of rankings until the holiday tournaments play out. It should be a crazy first two months to the season. Enjoy your Thanksgiving and spending time with your family; we hope to see you at a game soon. – Christopher Lawlor

Blue Star Media Elite 25 Boys Basketball Preseason Rankings, November 10, 2016

(Records from the 2015-16 season)

1. La Lumiere School, La Porte, Ind. (27-4)

Low-down: There is a hunger that won’t be fed until the Lakers get back on the court. They nearly walked away with the DICK’S Sporting Goods High School National Tournament title last April but a buzzer-beating tip-in denied them the ultimate high school team honor. Here’s are the cast of high-major recruits that will take them to the Promised Land: 6-8 uncommitted senior Brian Bowen, 6-10 post Jaren Jackson (Michigan State recruit), sophomore PG Tyger Campbell, 6-5 transfer Jordan Poole (Michigan) and G Isaiah Coleman-Lands. The biggest early season test is the Cheick-fil-A Classic in Columbia, S.C. plus trips to South Dakota, West Virginia, Tennessee, Illinois and Massachusetts.

2. Oak Hill Academy, Mouth of Wilson, Va. (45-1)

Low-down: The defending Blue Star Media Elite 25 National Champions finally annexed the DICK’S Sporting Goods High School National Tournament. The Warriors will tour the country again with stops at the Iolani Classic in Honolulu, Hawaii to the Hoophall Classic in Springfield, Mass., to the Marshall Country Hoop Fest in Kentucky to the Prime Time Shootout in New Jersey to the Nike Extravaganza in Santa Ana, Calif. The main men this season are 6-9 undecided man-child Billy Preston, 6-2 Lindell Wigginton (Iowa State signee), 6-2 Devontae Shuler (Mississippi), 6-4 Ty-Shon Alexander (Creighton) 6-10 junior David McCormack and 6-2 shooter Matt Coleman

3. The Patrick School, Elizabeth, N.J. (23-6)

Low-down: The Celtics have the perfect mix of front and backcourt experience. Up front, it’s future McDonald’s All American C Nick Richards (Kentucky signee), 6-10 Buj Ajang (Tulane) and 7-0 Buay Koka. Pushing the pace are 6-2 Jamir Harris (Minnesota) and 6-4 Marcus McClary (Monmouth). Sophomore Jordan Walker is the starting PG in waiting. A loaded schedule will make coach Mike Rice’s team dangerous in the Non-Public B State and Union County tournaments, but the ultimate prize is the State Tournament of Champions.

4. Sierra Canyon School, Chatsworth, Calif. (26-4)

Low-down: The Trailblazers return four starters from a squad that was bounced in the sectional tournament. Elite junior F Marvin Bagley III, 6-9 Cody Riley (UCLA), G Remy Martin (Arizona State), 6-4 Adam Seiko (San Diego State). A trip to the City of Palms will determine the strength of this team.

5. Montverde (Fla.) Academy (26-2)

Low-down: Coach Kevin Boyle has built the private central Florida school into a destination for future NBA players and high-major talent. The formula is simple: great coaching, foreign talent and a schedule second to none. Though the Eagles failed to win the Dick’s Nationals—after capturing the previous three, they will be in the mix with Canadian sophomore G R.J. Barrett, junior F Rechon “Leaky” Black (North Carolina recruit) and VCU-bound 6-9 F Sean Mobley. There are more imports with the additions of 6-9 Sandro Mamukelashvili (Republic of Georgia) and 6-9 Canadian Grant Shepard.

6. DeMatha, Hyattsville, Md. (32-5)

Low-down: One of the nation’s storied programs is on the uptick after winning a second straight Alhambra Catholic Invitational Tournament championship and 23rd overall. The Stags also were crowned the Maryland Private Schools Tournament champions. A triumvirate of starters will buoy the Stags, including G Ryan Allen (Delaware recruit), 6-9 PF Josh Carlton (Connecticut) and F D.J. Harvey (Notre Dame).

7. Neumann-Goretti, Philadelphia (27-4)

Low-down: The Saints are the class of the Philadelphia Catholic League and will aim for a fourth straight state title after taking the last three in Class AAA. They possess the best one-two punch in 6-1 Quade Green and 6-8 Dhamir Cosby-Roundtree (Villanova). Six-eight junior transfer Marcus Littles will produce a double-double each night. Coach Carl Arrigale’s team is headed to the City of Palms among the high-profile events.

8. Hamilton Heights Christian Academy, Chattanooga, Tenn. (27-3)

Low-down: After capturing the National Association of Christian Athletes Division I championship, the Hawks were on the national map under the tutelage of coach Zach Ferrell. G Nickeil Alexander (Virginia Tech), 6-5 Therren Shelton-Szmidt (Middle Tennessee State), 6-8 C Silas Adheke (Evansville) and 6-5 PG Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Florida) form the nucleus. The schedule is dotted with big-time games and events but a date with No. 9 East (Memphis) on Dec. 1 is feature early season game.

9. East, Memphis, Tenn. (32-2)

Low-down: The Mustangs were four points away from a perfect season, losing two games by one and two points. Ouch! That hurts but fear not Memphis-area teams have won 15 of the last 17 Class AAA state titles and coach Penny Hardaway’s club is poised to add another. At 6-4, Terrance Moss was the MVP of Class AAA championship tournament and 6-8 sophomore Chandler Lawson is another key part. G Alex Lomax is an elite junior and another steadying influence.

10. Wheeler, Marietta, Ga. (22-6)

Low-down: You know it was a crazy year in Georgia when coach Doug Lipscomb’s team crashed out of the Class AAAAAA state tournament in the first round. Needless to say that won’t happen again with a bevy of talent assembled—most through transfer. The Wildcats return starters 6-2 Darius Perry (Louisville recruit) and 5-11 Kenny Aniye (Stetson). Help arrived with transfers 6-7 Jordan Tucker, G Jordan Usher (Southern Cal) and 6-10 junior E.J. Montgomery (Auburn),

11. St. Benedict’s, Newark, N.J. (35-2)

Low-down: At 6-10, Bourama Sidebe is a monster in the post, while 6-8 F Precious Achiuwa and G Matthew Cotton providing inside-outside help. About the only thing left for the coach Mark Taylor’s program to do is win the Dick’s Nationals—that’s easier said than done but the Gray Bees will be in the mix in March.

12. Hudson Catholic, Jersey City, N.J. (21-4)

Low-down: For once, perhaps the best team in Hudson County isn’t named St. Anthony. A loaded junior class is special, with 6-8 Louis King, 6-1 Jahvon Quinerly and 6-3 Luther Muhammad—all in the top 60 in the Class of 2018. WG Patrick Strzala will stretch the defense and signed with Holy Cross. The Hawks find out if they belong in the Elite 25 after an appearance at the mega tournament City of Palms in Fort Myers, Fla., Nick Mariniello built a national power a decade ago at Bloomfield (N.J.) Tech and now he’s about to do it again.

13. Gonzaga, Washington, D.C. (24-10)

Low-down: Playing in the nation’s toughest league, Washington Catholic Athletic Conference, has its advantages. Not only are the Purple Eagles honed for the postseason but also they get to appear in prestigious in-season events such as the Les Schwab Invitational in Oregon following Christmas. Coach Steve Turner welcomes aback PG Chris Lykes (Miami recruit), junior G Prentiss Hubb, 6-6 Eddie Scott (Princeton) and 6-5 junior Myles Dread (Penn State verbal). No. 6 DeMatha, Bishop O’Connell (Arlington, Va.) and Paul VI (Fairfax, Va.) are all on the WCAC docket.

14. Bishop Montgomery, Torrance, Calif. (28-3)

Low-down: Veteran coach Doug Mitchell’s young club advanced to CIF Southern California Region Open Division final. Two of three losses were to state champion Chino Hills. At 6-4, Ethan Thompson (Oregon State signee) is scoring machine and 6-5 Jordan Schakel is off to San Diego State. Junior G David Singleton and sophomore PG Gianni Hunt form a solid backcourt.

15. Curie, Chicago (28-5)

Low-down: Anytime you in the Illinois Class 4A state championship, the expectation level goes through the ceiling. The Chicago Public League is always loaded with Simeon and Whitney Young, but the Condors are the team to beat out of the gate. The senior backcourt of Elijah Joiner and PG Allante Pickens will need to lead while 6-5 F Terry Smith and the 6-8 Martin brothers, Traveon and Tyree must provide the muscle. Coach Mike Oliver is looking for the elusive repeat in 4A.

16. Rainier Beach, Seattle (24-6)

Low-down: The reigning Class 3A state champions are loaded with speed, athleticism and a strong guard rotation and swingmen 6-5 Kevin Porter and 6-5 N’Kiel Nelson. PG Kahlil Shabazz orchestrates the offense for coach Mike Bethea’ club. Seattle is loaded with great teams, including Nathan Hale and Garfield.

17. Dillard, Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (28-5)

Low-down: The defending Class 6A champions are a constant in football-centric south Florida. RaiQuan Gray, a 6-7 F is headed to Florida State, and considered one of the nation’s top athletes. He’s flanked by 6-5 classmate Jordan Wright. Coach Darryl Burrows has scheduled strong and don’t be surprised when the Panthers are invited to the Dick’s Nationals in March.

18. Chino Hills, Calif. (35-0)

Low-down: It was a banner year for the Huskies, who captured the CIF Open Division state tournament championship. Also won the Southern Section and Region titles and City of Palms Classic. New coach (and alumnus) Stephan Gilling can lean on F Li’Angelo Ball and sophomore G LaMelo Ball—both committed to UCLA. Keep an eye on underrated 6-4 swingman Elizjah Scott, who signed with Loyola Marymount.

19. Mater Dei, Santa Ana, Calif. (27-5)

Low-down: It was a down year in Orange County—five losses not the norm for coach Gary McKnight’s program. But four starters are back, including 6-7 Justice Sueing, junior PG Spencer Freedman, 6-10 Mike Brookings (LaSalle recruit) and 6-9 junior F Michael Wang, who impressed in the summer.

20. St. Anthony, San Antonio, Texas (32-6)

Low-down: Coach Jeff Merritt has the pedigree, having assisted at national programs Arlington Country Day (Jacksonville, Fla.) and La Lumiere School (La Porte, Ind.). He takes over knowing super sophomore, 6-10 Charles Bassey (20 ppg, 17 rpg) is a one the nation’s top player, period. Senior G Isiah Saenz is cool with the ball and Bassey has help up front from three players 6-7 of taller. The Yellowjackets will cut their teeth at the City of Palms Classic and then aim for the TAPPS Class 5A state title.

21. Bishop Gorman, Las Vegas (27-5)

Low-down: One of the true traditional powers from the Far West, the Gaels feature 6-6 Charles O’Bannon Jr., and BYU-bound G Christian Popoola Jr. O’Bannon is a serious candidate for the McDonald’s All American Game. The Gaels will be test at the Beach Ball Classic in South Carolina after Christmas.

22. Westlake, Austin, Texas (30-4)

Low-down: The Chaps went to the Class 6A regional final and look to finish off the quest this season. The frontline of 6-10 C Will Baker, 6-7 F Matthew Mayer and 6-6 W Brock Cunningham are all back along with a savvy backcourt.

23. Mount Vernon, N.Y. (17-6)

Low-down: A year ago, coach Bob Cimmino felt his Knights would be ready for a Class AA state championship run in 2016-17. With four key contributors and starters, led by 6-3 Marco Morency (17.2 ppg), 6-2 Jason Douglas-Stanley, 6-6 Noah Morgan (15.9 ppg) and 6-9 post Greg Calixte, and a trip to the Iolani Classic in Honolulu, the Mount is back in business.

24. Findlay Prep, Henderson, Nev. (28-2)

Low-down: There was another coaching change outside Las Vegas but the Pilots are still worthy of a national ranking. Paul Washington is the fourth head man in the last five seasons but his 6-7, Kentucky-bound son, P.J. Washington, is the main cog. F Reggie Chaney and 6-3 Chris Giles transferred from Texas schools and PG Justin Roberts (DePaul recruit) is a slick playmaker.

25. New Albany, Ind. (27-1)

Low-down: The Bulldogs won the Class 4A state title a year ago and there’s no reason why they cannot make it two straight. 6-4 Romeo Langford is one of the nation’s top juniors, averaging 30 ppg.

High-Fives by Region

East

1. Imhotep Charter, Philadelphia (24-6)
2. Christ the King, Middle Village, N.Y. (19-9)
3. St. Anthony, Jersey City, N.J. (32-0)
4. Roselle (N.J.) Catholic (22-8)
5. Paul VI, Fairfax, Va. (20-14)

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

Midwest

1. Althoff Catholic, Belleville, Ill. (32-2)
2. Morgan Park, Chicago (26-4)
3. Simeon, Chicago (30-4)
4. Stevens Point, Wis. (28-0)
5. Kickapoo, Springfield, Mo. (29-3)

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

Southland

1. Greenforest Christian Academy, Decatur, Ga. (30-2)
2. Pebblebrook, Mableton, Ga. (23-10)
3. Trinity, Louisville, Ky. (29-7)
4. Jemison, Huntsville, Ala. (0-0)
5. Lancaster, Texas (36-2)

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

Far West

1. Wasatch Academy, Mount Pleasant, Utah (29-4)
2. Garfield, Seattle (26-3)
3. Nathan Hale, Seattle (3-18)
4. Crespi, Encino, Calif. (33-4)
5. Jefferson, Portland, Ore. (19-10)

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 in April. 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, administrators and prep sports writers. Follow him on Twitter at #clawlor.