BENSALEM, Pa. – We’re back!

The Blue Star Media Elite 25 girls’ basketball preseason rankings have launched and the goal is to find the nation’s top schoolgirl teams and the months of November and December will factor in heavily.

When we return the week prior to Christmas, this will give the nation ample time to get rolling. Some states have been playing since the first week of November but it has not affected the Elite 25. At least not yet.

That will inevitably change. Teams that were overlooked and build a solid resume will slide in and the pretenders will be dropped.

No. 1 Christ the King (Middle Village, N.Y.) sits atop the Elite 25—a familiar spot for the Royals, who have a loaded roster and schedule to boot.

“This is one of the better groups we’ve had here,” CTK coach Bob Mackey said. “From A to Z this is a talented team and we can’t wait to get started.”

The Royals open the season in Virginia against powerhouse National Christian Academy (Fort Washington) on Dec. 7 and the next day versus No. 4 St. John’s College (Washington, D.C.) at the Art Turner Memorial Showcase. That’s must-see basketball.

Check back regularly at www.bluestarmedia.orgfor staff updates from showcase events and key games all season. We will keep you abreast of anything breaking in the girls’ hoop world.

We hope to see you at a game soon. Have a Happy Thanksgiving! – Christopher Lawlor

Blue Star Media Elite 25 Girls’ Basketball Preseason Rankings, Nov. 19, 2018

1. Christ the King, Middle Village, N.Y. (29-1)

Low-down: It was an amazing season but a loss in the New York State Federation Class AA final spoiled perfection. Instead of sulking the Royals are back with one of coach Bob Mackey’s most loaded teams. And that’s saying a lot. Three seniors signed early, including 6-feet WG Kaelynn Satterfield (Ohio State), 5-8 G Nina Rickards (Florida) and 6-2 post Klarke Sconiers (Minnesota). At 6-4, Natalija Marshall is an active post and ferocious rebounders that is being recruited by all the major programs. Five-six G Khadija Demry is a Division I material and rounds out the starting five. Another 6-4 junior, Alayah Brown, won’t be back from injury until January but will help for the stretch run. The schedule features games with Elite 25 teams St. John’s College (Washington, D.C.), Mater Dei (Santa Ana, Calif.) and Ossining (N.Y.), plus a trip to Arizona for the prestigious Nike Tournament of Champions prior to Christmas.

2. Windward School, Los Angeles (27-3)

Low-down: The Wildcats are California’s top-ranked team and is a serious candidate to repeat for the CIF Open Division state title. Coach Vanessa Nygaard is one of the nation’s top mentors and welcomes back G Charisma Osborne (UCLA commit), who can stretch the defense 3-point range, G Kaiyah Corona (Dartmouth), junior McKayla Williams and India Otto. The Wildcats carry a 19-game win streak into the season with a trip to the Nike TOC before Christmas on the slate.

3. Mansfield (Texas) Timberview (40-3)

Low-down: The advanced to the Class 5A state final where it lost to Amarillo, 59-54. This season they open the season top-ranked in 5A and play a loaded schedule that includes No. 6 Duncanville. Four starters from that state tournament run are back, including 5-8 Destiny Jackson (Rice commit), 5-6 Kennedy Wilson, 5-9 Mikayla Hutchinson (Stephen F. Austin) and 5-9 N’Denasija Collins (Houston Baptist). Senior Timia Jefferson adds depth.

4. St. John’s College, Washington, D.C. (32-2)

Low-down: The one-two punch of sophomore 5-11 Azzi Fudd, who is the nation’s top player from the Class of 2021 and perhaps the nation, North Carolina-bound C Malu Tshitenge-Mutombo (her uncle is Hall of Famer Dikembe Mutombo) are the strength of the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference reigning champions. Fudd was the youngest member of the USA U17 National Team. The third team All-American averaged 24.0 points and 5.1 rebounds for the DCSAA champions.Circle the dates Jan. 22 and Feb. 9 in the new year for WCAC league games with No. 12 Bishop McNamara (Forestville, Md.). The December schedule features the CresMon Bank Invitational in South Carolina and Title IX Invitational across town after Christmas. There’s also a Dec. 1 matchup with No. 5 Hamilton Heights Christian (Chattanooga, Tenn.).

5. Hamilton Heights Christian, Chattanooga, Tenn. (25-3)

Low-down: At 6-7, Camilla Cardoso is an emerging Brazilian, who is becoming a refined post. Cardoso (13.8 ppg, 10.3, 3.2 bpg) relied on her size and wingspan in the past but is developing her overall skill set. Sophomore Treasure Hunt 15.3 ppg, 3.8 rpg) is a coach’s daughter and was invited to the USA U17 team trials. Six-two Esmery Martinez (8.3 ppg), a Mississippi State signee, joined the team last season from Dominican Republic. Another crazy schedule takes the Lady Hawks to Ohio, Texas, Georgia, South Carolina, Kentucky, Maryland and Indiana for high stakes games.

6. Duncanville, Texas (39-2)

Low-down: At 6-4, Hannah Gusters is one of the top post players from the Class of 2020. Gusters has the wingspan to alter shots and is a pain to guard in the paint. In the offseason, all-state G Deja Kelly transferred in from San Antonio Johnson, where she averaged 27.7 points and 7.6 rebounds. Kelly is committed to the Texas Longhorns. Also returning are F Imani Williams, sophomore G Kiyara Howard-Garza, G Angel Kelly, G Lauren Lusk, 5-9 sophomore Nyah Wilson and F Kinley Brown. The November and December schedule is chock full with tournaments before the Pantherettes settle into district play in January.

7. Archbishop Mitty, San Jose, Calif. (29-1)

Low-down: The Monarchs were coasting to the CIF Open Division title when they were derailed in the Northern California Region final. Led by Haley Jones (21.8 ppg, 10.0 rpg), who played last summer for the gold-medal winning USA Basketball U17 at the World Cup in Belarus and considered one of the top recruits in the senior class. She’s considering Connecticut, Oregon, Notre Dame and Stanford. G Ania McNicholas and sophomore G Hunter Hernandez are also back. Coach Sue Phillips’ team is expecting transfers in January but must compete in the Nike TOC before Christmas in Arizona.

8. Southeast Raleigh, Raleigh, N.C. (30-1)

Low-down: Could this be the year the Lady Bulldogs win the Class 4-A state championship? They reached the final four times in the last six years have return all five starters, including PG Tamia Davis (Kansas recruit), 6-0 PF Maya Johnson, 5-7 junior W Jamia Hazell, 6-2 junior Anya Poole, 5-8 freshman Bobbi Smith and 5-5 Kristynn Knight.

9. Centennial, Las Vegas (29-3)

Low-down: Coach Karen Weitz (10 state tiles here) has built a perennial power and this year is no different. The Lady Bulldogs have won four Class 4A state titles and 75 straight game against Nevada schools and 5-11 Eboni Walker (12.5 ppg, 8.5 rpg) an Arizona State recruit and possible McDonald’s All American Game selection, is one of three big-time recruit. She’s joined by classmates Melanie Isbell (UNLV) and Quinece Hatcher (Youngstown State). Isbell is a crafty guard who averaged 9.2 points and 3.5 apg. Junior G Jade Thomas has already committed to UNLV and 5-9 Daejah Phillips (9.4 ppg, 8.4 rpg) plays both sides of the court. At 6 feet, sophomore Taylor Bigby is already one of the West Coast’s top recruits from the Class of 2021 and fielding multiple high major offers. Another trip to the Nike TOC before Christmas could launch a national title run.

10. Converse (Texas) Judson (34-5)

Low-down: The Rockets are favored for a return trip to the UIL Class 6A state tournament’s Final Four in San Antonio. G Krya White (USC pledge), PG Corina Carter (New Mexico), Elisha Mackey and Kierra Sanderlin are four returning regular that should point them back.

11. Africentric Early College, Columbus, Ohio (27-3)

Low-down: The defending Division III champions are loaded with five regulars returning and are aiming for a state record seventh state crown. Tennessee-bound 6-feet G Jordan Horston is fresh off a successful summer playing on the USA Basketball U17 National team. She averaged 18.1 points, 4.5 assists, 5.8 rebounds and 1.7 blocks per game and is closing in on 1,200 career points as a four-year starter. Horston isn’t alone as All-State G Alexia Smith, 6-1 junior F Sakima Walker, junior G Nyam Thornton and Maliya Johnson bolster the rotation.

12. Bishop McNamara, Forestville, Md. (21-7)

Low-down: The Mustangs made a strong push last year as rivals St. John’s College (Washington, D.C.) and Paul VI (Fairfax, Va.) fought for the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference title. This year the SJC and McNamara matchup should decide the supremacy. F/G Jakia Brown-Turner averaged nearly 20 points and 6 rebounds and signed with North Carolina State. Five-seven Aliyah Matharu (18.3) is the point guard and runs the show. That duo has support from juniors Liatu King, Hope Evans and Madison Scott and 5-8 G Aniya Bell, who is off to Fairleigh Dickinson.

13. Incarnate Word Academy, Bel Nor, Mo. (27-5)

Low-down: The Red Knights annexed their ninth state championship and second straight last March in winning the Class 4 crown. Six-three post Rickie Woltman (11.5 ppg, 6.9rpg, 59% FG) and 5-8 G Marisa Warren (11.3 ppg, 5.0 apg) are the main scoring threats and have signed with Purdue and DePaul, respectively. Also returning is 5-11 Kiki Britzmann (Belmont) and 5-8 G Drew Kell. Coach Dan Rolfe’s squad is primed for a three-peat and another strong regional schedule will support that bid.

14. Benet Academy, Lisle, Ill. (28-5)

Low-down: The Redwings went to the Class 4A sectional final last year and in 2018 won the state championship. Four starters are back led by 6-2 Lauren Stack (American signee), 6-2 C Ashley Konkle (Western Michigan), 6-1 junior wing Brooke Schramek (Wisconsin) and 5-8 PG Clara Prasse. Stack averaged 7.4 points and 3.8 rebounds as a junior when she returned from an ACL injury. The roster is long and lean with 11 players that are measured at least 5-11. The schedule features the Montini Catholic Christmas Tournament and a date with No. 17 Edison Public School Academy (Detroit) on Jan. 5.

15. Riverdale, Murfreesboro, Tenn. (36-1)

Low-down: The defending Blue Star Media Elite 25 National Champions are back with a new coach. Amy Josephson took over in June when Randy Coffman stepped down. The first-year coach inherits a program that captured its third straight Class AAA championship. It starts with 5-7 Aislynn Hayes (13.3 ppg, 4.2 apg, 33 3-pointers), who is headed to Middle Tennessee State. Hayes’ younger sisters, junior Alasia and freshman Acacia, are both heavily recruited prospects. Jalyn Holcomb will have an expanded role for a program that entered the season 102-5 in the last three championship seasons.

16. St. Frances Academy, Baltimore (24-4)

Low-down: The Panthers are pushing for a trip to the GEICO Nationals in New York and will rely heavily on super junior F Angel Reese, who averaged 17.5 points and 14.2 boards per game. Reese, a three-year starter and high-major recruit, is surrounded by plenty of talent in 5-8 junior Khalia Turner, 5-8 sophomore Aniya Gourdine, 6-2 F Emaree Hinton, 5-11 junior C/F Madyson Hinton and 5-9 Savawn Hughes. The Panthers will test the national waters after Christmas at the John Wall Holiday Tournament in North Carolina.

17. Edison Public School Academy, Detroit (24-1)

Low-down: The Detroit public school champions won their second straight Class C state championship and a third is surely on the way. F Rickea Jackson, a Mississippi State recruit, is a shoo-in for the McDonald’s All American Game, and a candidate for Michigan’s Miss Basketball. Jackson gets assistance from Gabrielle Eliott and Shaulana Wagner.

18. Collins Hill, Suwanee, Ga. (25-3)

Low-down: The Eagles went to the Class AAAAAAA quarterfinals and are looking for a deeper run with Purdue-bound PG Bria Harmon pulling the strings. Harmon, the coach’s daughter, will rely on 6-3 Javyn Nicholson (Georgia recruit), 5-6 G Jordan Releford and 5-9 G/F Katherine Fourie. Nicholson averaged nearly a double-double in points and rebounds while Harmon (10.9 ppg, 2.6 apg, 1.9 spg) is consistent. In three years, coach Brian Harmon has guided the Eagles to a 73-12 mark but that elusive state title is still missing.

19. Montverde (Fla.) Academy (19-3)

Low-down: Don’t look now but the Eagles are on the verge of taking a page from the renown boys’ program at central Florida boarding school.  Coach EC Hill has built a national contender with players from six states, Puerto Rico and three from Russia. Ramani Parker, a 6-4 post, signed with Louisville and F A’Jah Davis with Northern Illinois. G Hya Haywood, who averaged 18.6 points, 2.6 assists and 3.1 steals at Evansville (Ind.) Central, is fully recovered from an foot injury last summer. At 5-6, junior Nadechka Reyes played this year for the Puerto Rican U18 team at the FIBA Americas tournament and is a proven scorer. Tatiana Popa, a 6-5 sophomore, bulks up the frontline. All three Russians—5-11 Alina Aliuseva, 5-11 freshman Aselia Aliushev, 6-0 Kseniia Kozlova—all have international playing experience. The schedule is top notch and built for a trip to the four-team GEICO Nationals bracket in New York.

20. Saddle River (N.J.) Day School (24-7)

Low-down: The Rebels will build around Division I recruits Jaida Patrick (Duke), Jenna Jordan (LIU Brooklyn), Sydnei Caldwell (Arizona State) and high-scoring Michelle Sidor (Michigan). After winning the Non-Public B state title and advancing to the State Tournament of Champions semifinals, coach Danny Brown’s team is also looking to insert freshman Saniah Caldwell and Jaayden Lafontant (back from a knee injury) into the rotation.

21. Mount Notre Dame, Cincinnati (22-5)

Low-down: Dr. Scott Rogers coached the Cougars to the Division I regional semifinals and is looking for a return trip to the Final Four in Columbus. At 5-7 Gabby Marshall is off to Iowa and 6-1 Julia Hoefling (10.2 ppg, 5.0 rpg) signed with Loyola (Ill.). Sophomore G Laila Phelia and junior Makira Cook are also back. Keep an eye on KK Bransford, who is considered one of the nation’s top freshman. The Cougars open Saturday against No. 11 Africentric Early College (Columbus) on Saturday.

22. Millennium, Goodyear, Ariz. (23-8)

Low-down: The Tigers advanced to the 6A Conference semifinals last year but were moved down 5A for this season. It doesn’t matter where they are situated, coach Courtland Rojeck has a club ready to win big. At 6-4, junior F Ali Zelaya  is a force in the post as is 6-1 C Alaina Diggs. The backcourt features 5-11 Dominique Phillips, a four year starter, who is headed to Nevada. Shyann Heredia and 6-1 wing Alexyss Nance-Newman is a fluid scorer.

23. Pinewood School, Los Altos Hills, Calif. (27-3)

Low-down: The Panthers reached the CIF Open Division final and have four dependable scorers back. At 5-11, Hannah Jump (Stanford signee) is one top players on the West Coast and deadeye shooter from downtown. Senior F Kiara Astrom (14.2 ppg), Kaitlyn Leung and sophomore Courtni Thompson round out a solid lineup.

24. Long Island Lutheran, Brookville, N.Y. (17-7)

Low-down: Texas-bound G Celeste Taylor is the centerpiece and is joined in the backcourt by transfer Nisani Santiago. The Crusaders also have UMBC-recruit Emma Glezen (Loyola, Md.) in the paint and Tamia Lawthorne (George Mason) as solid scorer. Another challenging schedule should help coach Rich Slater’s team compete for the New York State Federation Class AA title.

25. St. John Vianney, Holmdel, N.J. (25-3)

Low-down: The active core is headed by 5-7 G Sarah Karpell (Fordham signee), who averaged 9.5 points and 4.9 assists, 6-0 Sajada Bonner (Quinnipiac), Rahmena Henderson (Sam Houston State) and ace defender Brelynn Bellamy (9.9 ppg), who is off to William and Mary. The Lady Lancers are 79-9 in the last three seasons.

High-Fives by Region

East

1. Neumann-Goretti, Philadelphia (22-7)
2. Riverdale Baptist School, Upper Marlboro, Md. (23-5)
3. Paul VI, Fairfax, Va. (30-4)
4. Princess Anne, Virginia Beach, Va. (26-1)
5. Ossining, N.Y. (23-4)

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

Midwest

1. Warren Central, Indianapolis (20-7)
2. Pickerington (Ohio) Central (31-2)
3. Hopkins, Minnetonka, Minn. (28-4)
4. Northwestern, Kokomo, Ind. (29-1)
5. Rogers, Toledo, Ohio (27-3)

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

Southland

1. St. Francis, Alpharetta, Ga. (26-5)
2. Amarillo, Texas (40-2)
3. Spring Valley, Columbia, S.C. (29-2)
4. Northwest Guilford, Greensboro, N.C. (29-2)
5. Northside, Fort Smith, Ark. (26-4)

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

Far West

1. Mater Dei, Santa Ana, Calif. (23-6)
2. Southridge, Beaverton. Ore. (28-1)
3. Salesian College Prep, Richmond, Calif. (27-6)
4. Shadow Mountain, Phoenix (22-8)
5. St. Mary’s, Stockton, Calif. (27-3)

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 Girls’ 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 Senior Writer Christopher Lawlor, who consults with a national network of coaches, talent evaluators and prep sports writers. The final rankings will be released in April. Follow him on Twitter at#clawlor.