Preseason 2025-26 FAB 50: Groups No. 16-30!

We proceed our 2025-26 preseason FAB 50 Nationwide Crew Rankings powered by Ballislife.com countdown with an in-depth take a look at groups No. 16-30.

Observe: The FAB 50 powered by Ballislife.com is a continuation of the Nationwide Sports activities Information Service scores that started in 1952. These had been the primary nationwide highschool rankings and the late Artwork Johlfs of Minnesota compiled them. They had been compiled for a few years by the late Barry Sollenberger of Phoenix, who merged them into the FAB 50 26 years in the past.

Preseason 2025-26 FAB 50 NationalTeam Rankings Powered by Ballislife.com

By Ronnie Flores

(Remaining 2024-25 rating in parentheses; *Signifies forfeit wins, forfeit losses not included; **Signifies forfeits and defaults not included; Search for preseason Area-By-Area High 20 Rankings on Tuesday, November 11 and for the preseason Mr. Basketball USA Tracker on Wednesday, November 19.)

GO TO: No. 16 / No. 17 / No. 18 / No. 19 / No. 20 / No. 21 / No. 22 / No. 23 / No. 24 / No. 25 / No. 26 / No. 27 / No. 28 / No. 29 / No. 30

16. (BB) Dream Metropolis Christian (Glendale, Ariz.) 23-9Key Gamers: PG Ikenna Alozie 6-3 2026 (No. 27 ESPN.com, Ballislife Underclass All-American), SF Malachi Jordan 6-6 2027 (No. 12 Rivals.com), C Chris Brown 6-10 2027 (No. 73 Rivals.com), SG Mateen Cleaves Jr. 6-4 2028 (No. 51 247Sports.com), PG Keaundre Morris 6-1 2027 (No. 59 ESPN.com), PF Quincy Wright 6-7 2027, SG Martray Bagley 6-6 2028 (No. 67 Rivals.com).Why This Crew is a Contender: The Eagles have a excessive expertise degree and a pleasant mix of dimension and talent. Ikenna Alozie is an explosive downhill guard who has loads of expertise in big-game conditions. Keaundre Morris can slide to the lead guard and is a wonderful shooter who retains defenses trustworthy in guarding Alozie. Mateen Cleaves Jr. can even be counted on within the backcourt.X-Issue Participant: Chris Brown. It’s no secret with a view to transfer up into the High 15, groups want physicality and dimension and Brown is that piece for the Eagles. He’s a very good rebounder and a very good passer out of the publish. His passing will open up many alternatives for teammates and will assist take this staff to the subsequent degree. He additionally has a succesful backup in Avtandil Bakhtadze (6-11, 2026), a local of the Republic of Georgia.Key Switch: Malachi Jordan. Regardless of who’s on the courtroom, he stands out and his expertise is plain. Jordan was terrific on the Border League fall occasion in Las Vegas and is primed for a breakout junior season stuffed with nationwide acclaim.Key FAB 50 Stat: The Eagles begin off ranked for the second consecutive season and are actually a part of the EYBL Scholastic League, which is a 20-team circuit with an East and West Division of 10 groups every. Final season they performed within the 12-team Grind Session Energy Convention, which now has 16 squads.Guess You Didn’t Know: The Nike EYBL Scholastic League and the Grind Session Energy Convention each have bylaws that don’t enable fifth-year gamers. So far as age, the Nike EYBL Scholastic League should comply with the age cutoff date beneficial by the Nationwide Federation of State Excessive College Associations (19 earlier than September 1). Within the Grind Session Energy Convention, gamers can’t flip 19 earlier than August 1.Mark On Your Calendar: Dream Metropolis Christian will get its Nike EYBL Scholastic League video games going vs. The St. James (Springfield, Va.) and No. 28 La Lumiere on the Thanksgiving Hoopfest in Dallas.

17. (NR) Atascocita (Humble, Texas) 28-5Key Gamers: PG Jachai Cantave 6-1 2026 (New Mexico St. commit), SG Adam Boyd 6-3 2026 (Louisiana Tech commit), SF Jayson Salanoa 6-7 2026 (Louisiana commit).Why This Crew is a Contender: In current seasons, the highest of the FAB 50 has trended in direction of elite rosters and main faculty dimension, however there may be all the time room for full highschool groups with expertise and cohesion. That describes the Eagles in a nutshell, as they’re lengthy on pace and expertise. Final season, Atascocita fell within the College Interscholastic League (UIL) Class 6A D1 regional semifinals to Katy Seven Lakes, 53-46, and coach David Martinez’s unit has been itching for some get again. Jachai Cantave is underrated nationally, however his significance to Atascocita’s success is paramount as a cool-under-fire lead guard who lets the sport come to him and is prepared for the large second. Boyd is a matchup drawback due to his bodily nature and can make groups pay in the event that they focus their defensive consideration on Cantave.X-Issue Participant: Martinez (572-198) is worried about his staff’s rebounding, so Jayson Salanoa’s play will probably be essential towards robust competitors. He rebounds properly for his dimension and has that distinctive mixture of capturing capability and toughness each good staff wants.Key Switch: Royce Shelton (6-0 2027) comes over from Cypress Park and is highly-regarded. He’s a gifted scorer and much like Cantave, is aware of the sport and relishes stress.Key FAB 50 Stat: Within the FAB 50 beneath its present format (since 1999-2000), UIL packages have been the top-ranked public college staff within the nation eight instances. The 2008-09 Duncanville (Texas) membership was the one one to start out out No. 1, however misplaced within the Class 6A Area 1 semifinals to eventual state champ North Crowley (Ft. Value, Texas).Guess You Didn’t Know: The 2015-16 Carsen Edwards-led Atascocita staff climbed to No. 4 within the FAB 50 earlier than falling within the UIL Class 6A title recreation. That staff completed 38-1 (No. 12 within the rankings) and Martinez is hoping this membership does that terrific staff one higher.Mark On Your Calendar: After the Thanksgiving Hoopfest, the Eagles will check their wares towards a terrific crop of groups on the Tarkanian Basic in Las Vegas. The sphere will embody FAB 50 title contender Notre Dame of California, No. 35 Timpview and No. 41 Dallas Carter. Atascocita will probably be reverse of Dallas Carter within the bracket, however loads of different robust regionally ranked golf equipment will probably be potential landmines as properly comparable to Redondo Union of California, Riviera Prep of Florida, Rangeview of Colorado and host Bishop Gorman.

18. (BB) Sierra Canyon (Chatsworth, Calif.) 27-7Key Gamers: SG Brandon McCoy Jr. 6-4 2026 (No. 6 Rivals.com), PF Brannon Martinsen 6-8 2026, SF Maximo Adams 6-7 2026 (No. 18 Rivals.com), SG Stephen Kankole 6-4 2026, PG DeLan Grant 6-3 2026 (New Mexico St. commit), SG Josh Lowery 6-4 2028 (No. 11 Rivals.com).Why This Crew is a Contender: The Trailblazers are a gifted and deep staff that ought to problem Mission League foe Notre Dame of Sherman Oaks for the CIF Open title. In reality, with No. 19 Harvard-Westlake proper on their tail, it’s the primary time three groups opened up because the top-ranked CIF golf equipment in state historical past. With its mixture of returnees and transfers, the Trailblazers are arguably the deepest staff in Southern California led by Maxi Adams, the hero in final yr’s CIF D1 state title recreation.X-Issue Participant: Brannon Martinsen was the co-Trinity League Participant of the Yr as a sophomore at Mater Dei (Santa Ana, Calif.), however that was two excessive colleges in the past and looks as if a distant reminiscence. A gifted ahead with loads of scoring capability, if the JSerra (San Juan Capistrano, Calif.) can play to the shape that after projected him as one of many state’s finest gamers within the 2026 class, Sierra Canyon might transfer up within the rankings.Key Switch: Brandon McCoy Jr. is as gifted as they arrive, however he’s sat out loads of highschool and grassroots video games over the previous calendar yr. He’s a terrific scorer and elite athlete, however his struggles on the ball hope to be behind him and he’s hoping a change of surroundings is simply what the physician ordered. When he’s on his recreation, this staff will probably be robust to beat.Key FAB 50 Stat: The Trailblazers had been ranked within the preseason for 10 consecutive seasons (2015-2024) earlier than beginning 2024-25 unranked within the West Area High 20. They went on to seize the CIF D1 state crown and end No. 7 within the ultimate Cal-Hello Sports activities state rankings.Guess You Didn’t Know: Sierra Canyon has produced a whopping 12 NBA gamers since 2016-17, when coach Andre Chevalier took over for Ty Nichols within the post-season. That staff featured Marvin Bagley and since then the others which have performed in a NBA regulation recreation embody Duane Washington, Scotty Pippen Jr., Okay.J. Martin, Cassius Stanley, Christian Koloko, Ziaire Williams, B.J. Boston, Amari Bailey, Trentyn Flowers, LeBron James Jr. and Marcus Bagley. That quantity is probably the most in state historical past for one program, even these which were producing gifted groups for greater than 50 years.Mark On Your Calendar: The Trailblazers face gifted JSerra (San Juan Capistrano, Calif.) at UCLA’s Pauley Pavilion as a part of the Mission-Trinity League Problem (Nov. 22). They may face Mission League front-runner Notre Dame on the Les Schwab Invitational in Portland (Dec. 27-30) and play No. 22 Columbus on the Panini Hoophall Basic (Jan. 17). After getting back from Massachusetts, Sierra Canyon hosts Harvard-Westlake (Jan. 21).

19. (12) Harvard-Westlake (North Hollywood, Calif.) 31-3Key Gamers: PG Amir Jones 6-2 2026 (Georgia St. commit), C Dominique Bentho 6-8 2026, SG Joe Sterling 6-4 2026 (No. 93 ESPN.com, Texas commit), PG Cole Holden 6-3 2027, SG Pierce Thompson 6-3 2027.Why This Crew is a Contender: The Wolverines have a terrific mix of talent, pace and simply sufficient dimension to battle for the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) Southern Part and state open title. Additionally they have a terrific team-first tradition and play good staff protection beneath veteran coach Dave Rebibo (380-131). The ringleader is all-state guard Joe Sterling, a terrific shooter and clutch performer who averaged 18 ppt, 5 rpg and 4 apg as a junior. Amir Jones (10 ppg) is one other honors candidate who is difficult to remain in entrance of and might get in a stance and decelerate the opposition.X-Issue Participant: Dominique Bentho. His enchancment is essential as a result of not too many CIF packages have a real massive that’s expert and skilled. If Bentho takes a step up in manufacturing, Harvard-Westlake might win or seize a share of the Mission League title, one thing this system has performed seven consecutive seasons.Key Switch: None. This program normally builds up from its JayVee membership and that’s why the development of gamers comparable to Cole Holden and Pierce Thompson within the backcourt will probably be a key to the success, particularly with Holden holding loads of the purpose guard duties. Each performed JayVee within the ninth-grade and are future D1 guards.Key FAB 50 Stat: The Wolverines are preseason FAB 50 ranked for the fourth consecutive season. They gained back-to-back CIF open titles in 2023 and 2024, solely misplaced to the 2 CIF packages ranked forward of them final yr and moreover eventual CIF open champ Roosevelt (Eastvale), had been the one membership to spend time at No. 1 within the Cal-Hello Sports activities State Rankings.Guess You Didn’t Know: Harvard-Westlake does get an occasional switch, however as one of many prime educational establishments within the West Area doesn’t settle for senior transfers.Mark On Your Calendar: The Wolverines tackle highly-regarded St. John Boso (Bellflower, Calif.) within the Trinity-Mission League Showcase on Nov. 22 and in addition will take part within the Iolani Basic in Hawaii (Dec. 18-23).

20. (NR) Petersburg (Petersburg, Va.) 14-10Key Gamers: C Latrell Allmond 6-8 2026 (No. 31 247Sports.com, Ballislife Underclass All-American, Oklahoma St. commit), PF Ladarius Givan 6-10 2026 (No. 139 Rivals.com, Mississippi St. commit), SG Samir Wyche 6-2 2027, PG Kelvin “Pop” Anderson 6-2 2028 (No. 39 247Sports.com), SG King Bacot 6-4 2029.Why This Crew is a Contender: Don’t take note of final season’s won-loss file, as new coach Ty White has introduced enthusiasm and excessive expectations to his alma mater. White led this system at John Marshall (Richmond, Va.) to seven Virginia Excessive College League (VHSL) state titles and nationwide acclaim and goals to do the identical for the Blue Jays. With an inflow of expertise and White’s affiliation to the Crew Loaded journey ball membership, he’ll have good groups for years to come back.X-Issue Participant: Ladarius Givan. He’s a gradual rebounder and operates properly from the excessive publish and though he’s slender, Givan can neutralize the opposition’s paint scores whereas taking a few of the stress off star participant Latrell Allmond.Key Switch: Allmond is the star that stirs the drink for Petersburg. Final season’s VHSL D2 Participant of the Yr averaged 21.8 ppg, 7.8 rpg, 1.7 spg and a couple of.3 bpg and can publish related numbers as a senior. He will probably be one of many nation’s most efficient massive males so long as White’s youthful backcourt can ship the ball and maintain defenses trustworthy. Pop Anderson is an effective exterior shooter, in order that shouldn’t be an issue.Key FAB 50 Stat: The one time Petersburg has been ranked within the FAB 50 period was in 2008-09. It completed 30-1 and ranked No. 45 after dropping within the Group AAA state semifinals.Guess You Didn’t Know: Petersburg is the alma mater of Moses Malone, who went straight to the ABA out of highschool. He’s thought-about one of many 5 finest highschool gamers ever, is the 1974 Mr. Basketball USA and have become a three-time NBA MVP.Mark On Your Calendar: White gained his final 30 consecutive VHSL playoff video games and will proceed that private profitable streak along with his new program. It’s crucial Petersburg do properly in its massive showcase video games due to the comparatively weak competitors within the VHSL post-season.

21. (8) Wasatch Academy (Mt. Nice, Utah) 25-6**Key Gamers: SG Katrelle Harmon 6-3 2026 (No. 53 ESPN.com, Creighton commit), PG Junior County 6-5 2026 (No. 29 247Sports.com, UConn commit), SG Mariano Manciel 6-3 2026, SF Chidi Nwigwe 6-7 2026 (No. 48 ESPN.com, Ballislife Underclass All-American), C Vuk Lazarevic 7-1 2026.Why This Crew is a Contender: The Tigers are coming off a terrific season by which they captured a share of the EYBL Scholastic League title (9-2) together with FAB 50 title contenders Brewster Academy of Massachusetts and CIA Bella Vista of Arizona and could possibly be higher in 2025-26 if the chips fall into place. Wasatch Academy had a guard-heavy staff final yr and coach Paul Peterson feels this staff will probably be extra balanced. Vuk Lazarevic and Stra Zelic (6-11, 2028) can actually knock down the perimeter shot and that creates more room and scoring alternatives for the Tigers’ highly-regarded guards, led by all-League candidate Katrelle Harmon.X-Issue Participant: Junior County. Coach Peterson factors to his marked enchancment and most significantly, County’s capability to decelerate the opposition’s finest perimeter offensive menace.Key Switch: Mana Winitana. The 6-foot-2, 2027 (junior) guard is strong in each side of the sport. His motor is continuous and the staff’s vitality degree goes up a notch when Winitana checks into the ball recreation.Key FAB 50 Stat: This program has been preseason FAB 50 ranked 9 of the previous 10 seasons and places collectively good groups and earns nationwide respect with little fanfare.Guess You Didn’t Know: Winitana is from New Zealand and moved to Utah within the fifth grade. His father is a former professional participant, highschool coach and Bishop within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.Mark On Your Calendar: Peterson is trying to have his staff proper on monitor from the leap within the EYBL Scholastic’s loaded West Division. The Tigers start league play with FAB 50 title contender Hyperlink Academy and No. 30 Dawn Christian Academy. On the subsequent cease on the Sunshine Basic (Montverde, Fla.), they’ve a highway recreation vs. FAB 50 energy Montverde Academy, therefore Peterson’s emphasis on coming collectively rapidly.

22. (1) Columbus (Miami, Fla.) 30-3Key Gamers: SF Caleb Gaskins 6-7 2026 (No. 4 Rivals.com, Ballislife Underclass All-American, Miami commit), SG Marcellous Jackson Jr. 6-4 2026 (No. 126 247Sports.com, Memphis commit), PG Felipe Quinones 6-4 2026 (No. 62 Rivals.com, Florida Atlantic commit), SG Caydin Gaskins 6-3 2029, C Akol Nyok 7-1 2027.Why This Crew is a Contender: Don’t cry for the Explorers as life with out Cam and Cayden Boozer (each now at Duke) begins. The defending FAB 50 nationwide champions nonetheless have a robust membership with two returning starters and 6 lettermen, though any staff dropping a two-time Mr. Basketball USA (as Cam was in 2023 and 2025) goes to really feel the pinch. Jaxon Richardson was going to be the go-to participant, however he just lately transferred out and that drops this staff from the High 15. Which means Caleb Gaskins and his younger brother Caydin Gaskins, one of the bodily imposing 2029 gamers within the nation, are going to need to step up massive time for this staff to stay in rivalry. Cello Jackson additionally returns within the backcourt and is a matchup drawback due to his physicality and might excel off or on the ball. He is also a succesful defender.X-Issue Participant: Caleb Gaskins has all the time been thought-about one of many prime gamers in his class nationally, and brings versatility on each ends of the ground. To ensure that the Explorers to maintain up with the nationwide groups on their schedule, nevertheless, he’s going to want to uptick his manufacturing and maintain defenders trustworthy with elevated perimeter vary.Key Switch: Felipe Quinones is a succesful combo guard who has loads of worldwide expertise enjoying for Puerto Rico and towards excessive degree highschool groups whereas at IMG Academy. Quinones is able to massive scoring outbursts and new coach Jorge Milo is worried concerning the lack of 3-point capturing among the many veterans, so his talent set is simply what the physician ordered. With Richardson gone, his function simply turned much more vital.Key FAB 50 Stat: This staff steadily rose within the preseason rankings annually of the Boozer period, culminating with beginning out and ending No. 1 in 2024-25. Columbus was the primary parochial or public college to start out and end No. 1 for the reason that Greg Oden-led Lawrence North (Indianapolis, Ind.) staff in 2005-06. That staff realistically had no shot to repeat with Oden and Mike Conley, one other future NBA participant, graduating and Columbus has its work lower out to attempt to be at that degree as soon as once more.Guess You Didn’t Know: No staff that may be a full-time member of a state athletic affiliation and performs for a state title has ever repeated as FAB 50 champ. Solely the academy-type packages have.Mark On Your Calendar: The defending champs will take part within the Metropolis of Palms Basic in Florida, the place it opens with No. 49 Principia and will tackle the winner of Bishop McNamara (Md.) and Wheeler (Ga.) within the quarterfinals. FAB 50 title contender Paul VI of Virginia can also be on its facet of the bracket. The Explorers can even play within the Vacation Hoopsgiving in Atlanta vs. No. 37 Woodward Academy and highly-regarded Davidson Day of North Carolina (Nov. 28-29) and take part within the Les Schwab Invitational in Portland, Ore. after Christmas. They are going to seemingly meet both FAB 50 contender Notre Dame or No. 18 Sierra Canyon in a LSI semifinal contest.

23. (38) Our Woman of Mt. Carmel (Baltimore, Md.) 34-4Key Gamers: SF Ralphs Rudusans 6-9 2026 (LeHigh commit), C Junior Mancho 6-9 2027, PF Gage Howard 6-7 2026, PG Samartine Hill 5-8 2027, SG Tristen Wilson 6-4 2026 (Holy Cross commit), PG Kiyen Alexander 5-9 2027.Why This Crew is a Contender: This staff has the dimensions, depth and expertise to tackle a few of the nation’s finest groups. Coach Tony Martin’s membership is led by Tristen Wilson, as he’s the roster’s most well-rounded expertise and a stat-stuffer who can take over video games. The Cougars even have loads of dimension to defend their Baltimore Catholic League (BCL) common season and match titles, however want well being and consistency on the level guard place.X-Issue Participant: Ralphs Rudusans has terrific long-term potential and is understood for his versatility. If he has a giant season, Our Woman of Mt. Carmel can climb within the rankings. Gage Howard, who starred as a freshman at St. Frances Academy and is known as “Child Derik Queen” can even be a difference-maker, whereas Junior Mancho is the anchor inside. Rudusans had 17 factors and Macho 11 factors, seven rebounds and three steals in final season’s Maryland Interscholastic Athletic Affiliation (MIAA) “A” Convention title recreation.Key Switch: Kiyan Alexander is understood for his basketball I.Q. and power in ending inside vs. size. He moved in from Delaware and his play will probably be key as Samartine Hill recovers from harm. Hill was terrific at DMV Stay throughout the June Scholastic interval and when he rounds into form, Martin could have a two-headed monster at lead guard.Key FAB 50 Stat: Martin has coached over 110 gamers who earned scholarships on the subsequent degree. His staff at John Carroll College (Bel Air, Pa.) participated within the first Chipotle Nationals (then often called the Nationwide Excessive College Invitational) in 2008-09.Guess You Didn’t Know: Okojie Concord is a Nigerian native through Canada who jumps out of the gymnasium and has a 7’4 wingspan. He’s overcome loads of hardships as a teen, so Martin is hoping a extra secure state of affairs will result in a breakout season.Mark On Your Calendar: The Cougars fee as sturdy BCL favorites over Archbishop Spaulding, with Mt. St. Joseph and St. Frances Academy proper on their heels. In the end, nevertheless, this membership’s rating will probably be weighted by its outcomes towards different FAB 50 ranked golf equipment. The Cougars face St. Frances Academy at house Nov. 25, take part in The Basic at Bristol, Tenn. (Dec. 27-31) and meet FAB 50 title contender Spire Academy of Ohio on Jan. 10 at Baltimore Metropolis School.

24. (43) Winston-Salem Christian (Winston-Salem, N.C.) 35-7Key Gamers: PF Elton James 6-8 2026, SG Josiah Johnson Freeman 6-5 2027, PG Bradley Floyd 6-5 2026, PG Kenyon St. Louis 6-2 2028, C Williams Itumo 6-10 2026 (Jacksonville St. commit), SF Nicholas McLean 6-9 2026 (Queens College).Why This Crew is a Contender: The Lions return three starters from a nationally-ranked membership that completed in third place within the Grind Session Energy Convention. This can be a good capturing staff with loads of expertise and depth and if it performs protection the best way coach Antonio Lowe (248-47) believes it’s able to, it might transfer up within the rankings. Lowe loves the advance he sees in Elton James and Josiah Johnson Freeman, two of the returning starters, and expects a giant leap in manufacturing from Nicholas McLean, a reserve final season who has improved probably the most.X-Issue Participant: Bradley Floyd. He was one of many two finest gamers on the staff final yr alongside graduated guard Adriel Norah (USF) and will probably be counted on in crunch time. He averaged 14 ppg final season and he doesn’t essentially have to enhance that common, simply be the regular power on a staff that may beat you in some ways.Key Switch: Kenyon St. Louis. This Canadian transplant is oozing with expertise and potential and though WSC is younger on the guard place, St. Louis’ presence will make a distinction. There could also be a small adjustment interval, however be careful when he will get snug. He starred on Canada’s 16U nationwide staff, led Canada Elite to the UAA 15U title and just lately has picked up excessive main affords.Key FAB 50 Stat: Winston-Salem Christian is preseason FAB 50 ranked for the third consecutive season.Guess You Didn’t Know: WSC is a member of the North Carolina Affiliation of Unbiased Faculties and affords a curriculum of Pre-Okay by way of 12 grade. This system additionally fields a profitable post-grad staff.Mark On Your Calendar: The Lions play highly-regarded Davidson Day of North Carolina on the Phenom Tip-Off Basic (Nov. 15) and play FAB 50 title contender Bishop McNamara of Maryland on the Mayhem on Army (Nov. 29) in Washington, D.C. FAB 50 title contender CIA Bella Vista of Arizona sits on the identical facet of the bracket on the Seashore Basic Basic (Dec. 27-30) in South Carolina. And naturally, matchups with Southeastern Prep and Prolific Prep, each of Florida, await within the Grind Session Energy Convention.

25. (29) Brennan (San Antonio, Texas) 33-3Key Gamers: SF Donovan Criss 6-5 2026 (No. 138 Rivals.com, UTEP commit), SG Isaiah Ward 6-6 2026 (Denver commit), PG Talon Todd 6-0 2026 (Austin Peay commit), C Delano Tarpley 6-10 2026, PG Jacob Padilla 5-11 2027.Why This Crew is a Contender: For the third consecutive season, Brennen is a serious contender for the College Interscholastic League’s prime prize (the Class 6A, D1 title) and is hoping the third time is the attraction. Final season, the Bears had been No. 3 within the FAB 50 once they had been shocked within the state semifinals after falling within the regional semifinals in 2023-24. Don’t fret for the Bears as life begins with out All-American Kingston Flemings (Houston), as they return six of their prime eight gamers. Their strengths are the size and talent on the wings with gamers comparable to Donovan Criss and Isaiah Ward. The staff additionally has succesful knock down shooters.X-Issue Participant: Jacob Padilla is a coach’s dream and a playmaker, whether or not on the ball or off it when Talon Todd is working level. He confirmed what he might do with 18 factors vs. highly-regarded Allen when coach Koty Cowgill (339-112) had two regulars out. Cowgill expects him to play a a lot larger function and if Brennan will get over the hump, he’ll be a giant cause why.Key Switch: Delano Tarpley. He left for a prep college for a season, however is again within the fold and his dimension and presence is simply what this staff wants within the massive video games. Cowgill is anticipating him to make a huge impact and produce a dimension that final yr’s staff lacked.Key FAB 50 Stat: The Bears began off No. 30 for 2 consecutive seasons and are a tad larger this season. The UIL’s prime ranked groups are a bit extra unfold out and various groups might contend for a FAB 50 spot, comparable to Katy Seven Lakes, North Crowley, Allen and Duncanville, the latter who was tabbed the preseason No. 1 Class 6A membership within the TABC Rankings.Guess You Didn’t Know: The final San Antonio space membership to win the UIL title within the highest classification is John Jay (San Antonio) in 2001-02. That nine-loss Class 5A champ completed No. 15 within the Southwest Area High 20. The very best ranked staff ever from the world could be East Central (San Antonio), which completed No. 5 in 1994-95 at 35-0 and the Class 5A state champs.Mark On Your Calendar: The Bears face B.T. Washington (Tulsa, Okla.) on the Thanksgiving Hoopfest and play Parish Episcopal and South Central Prep of Oklahoma on the Noble Basic at Arlington Martin. This staff, in fact, is simply involved with the way it finishes the season within the Class 6A, D1 playoffs.

26. (26) Fishers (Fishers, Ind.) 30-1Key Gamers: PG Jason Gardner Jr. 6-1 2027 (No. 26 247Sports.com, Ballislife Underclass All-American), PG Cooper Zachary 5-9 2027, PF Kai McGrew 6-9 2026.Why This Crew is a Contender: This program is 59-2 the previous two seasons and has sufficient returning expertise to warrant the No. 1 spot amongst Indiana Excessive College Athletic Affiliation (IHSAA) golf equipment. Fishers additionally has loads of motivation after profitable the Class 4A state title in 2023-24 and ending No. 9 within the FAB 50, because the staff was 29-0 and No. 10 within the FAB 50 earlier than falling within the state title recreation. It begins with Jason Gardner Jr., top-of-the-line guards within the nation, no matter class, who averaged 14.5 ppg, 2.9 rpg and 5.3 apg. He was terrific on the 2025 Pangos All-American Camp and is primed to guide this membership on one other state title run.X-Issue Participant: Cooper Zachary. Massive recreation performer had an impressive summer season for Indiana Elite on the Adidas 3SSB circuit as an elite, but environment friendly scorer. As a sophomore he averaged 11.2 ppg, 2.5 rpg and a couple of.6 spg and leads the Tigers’ defensive cost up entrance. He must be within the lineup to ensure that a staff that misplaced 5 seniors to make a run at a second state title in three years.Key Switch: Kai McGrew. A gifted massive man, he was initially granted restricted eligibility by the IHSAA, however was given full eligibility in current weeks. He comes over from Lawrence North after averaging 11.7 ppg, 7.4 rpg and a couple of.2 bpg. He’ll anchor the paint and permit coach Garrett Winegar (120-30) to make use of 84-feet stress protection to a excessive degree and dictate the tempo of video games.Key FAB 50 Stat: Earlier than this current run of success, Fishers had by no means been ranked within the FAB 50.Guess You Didn’t Know: IHSAA basketball was well-known for its single-class match till it was discontinued after the 1996-97 season after a 87-year run. The ultimate staff to win the single-class state title was North (Bloomington, Ind.), which went 28-1 and completed No. 24 within the Nationwide Prep Ballot (FAB 50 precursor).Mark On Your Calendar: Coach Winegar’s membership performs one of many hardest schedules in Indiana, starting with the Tipoff Basic in Southport and Sneakers for Santa in Brownsburg. It would additionally host the Fishers Vacation Hoops Basic and can compete within the Highland Optimist Shootout in St. Louis, Mo. On the Flyin’ To the Hoop Basic in Dayton, Ohio (Jan. 17), Fishers takes on Centerville (Ohio).

27. (BB) Bergen Catholic (Oradell, N.J.) 27-5Key Gamers: PF Julius Avent 6-7 2026 (No. 70 ESPN.com, Michigan St. commit), SG Jaden “Jay Boogie” Brown 6-3 2026 (Fairfield commit), PG Sean “Cash” Forbes 5-10 2028, SF Luka Kuqo 6-9 2027.Why This Crew is a Contender: The Crusaders return three gifted starters from a unit that defeated Camden Catholic within the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Affiliation (NJSIAA) Non-Public A state title recreation. For the second consecutive season, Bergen Catholic opens because the NJSIAA’s prime ranked membership in what is taken into account a pedestrian yr by way of staff power. The Crusaders make use of a relentless full courtroom press and wish to flip groups over to make use of a fast-paced offense. Julius Avent, the son of former NBA participant Anthony Avent, led the best way averaging 14.5 ppg, and has expanded his offensive recreation from the surface. He’s coming off a terrific Nike Peach Jam for the PSA Cardinals by which he averaged 17.3 ppg and 6.5 rpg and will probably be in line for nationwide honors with a giant season. Jaden Brown can shine at each guard sports activities and he too had a strong Peach Jam efficiency, netting 12.5 ppg.X-Issue Participant: There’s some concern about rebounding and letting groups again into video games, and that’s the place the play of Luka Kuqo will probably be key. He’s proven marked enchancment and can play an even bigger function on a deep membership that may want his switchable protection, rebounding and talent to maintain defenses trustworthy along with his capturing with a view to meet its lofty targets.Key Switch: Kieren Quinn (6-7, 2027). He’s a gifted wing who can rating in any respect three ranges, covers floor, strikes properly with out the ball and is a strong passer. He was a standout at EuroBasket 18U for Eire and will probably be a shot within the arm for this lineup after enjoying final season at Gill St. Bernard (Gladstone, N.J.).Key FAB 50 Stat: Bergen Catholic opened up No. 26 within the FAB 50 final season however dropped three in-state video games that prevented it from ending FAB 50 ranked, though the Crusaders captured a state title.Guess You Didn’t Know: Bergen Catholic has gained 13 sectional titles and 6 state titles (1978, 1994, 2002, 2019, 2022, 2025).Mark On Your Calendar: The Crusaders will make appearances within the Jordan Jumpman Vacation Basic in Brooklyn, N.Y., the Made Hoops Delaware Showcase and Kruel Christmas Basic in Coral Springs, Fla. Bergen Catholic faces Central Catholic of Massachusetts on the Panini Hoophall Basic (Jan. 18) and FAB 50 title contender Spire Academy on the Metro Basic in Tom’s River, N.J. (Feb. 6-7).

28. (NR) La Lumiere (La Porte, Ind.) 19-12Key Gamers: PG Cuba Smith 6-4 2026, PG Jonathan Sanderson 6-2 2026 (No. 55 ESPN.com, Ballislife Underclass All-American, Notre Dame commit), SF Gabe Weis 6-6 2026 (Western Kentucky commit), PF Rivers Knight 6-8 2026 (Purdue commit), SF Ferlandes Wright 6-7 2027 (No. 150 247Sports.com), PG Devin Cleveland 6-3 2027 (No. 22 ESPN.com, Ballislife Underclass All-American), SG Jacob Webber 6-6 2026 (No. 33 Rivals.com, Purdue commit), C Gan-Erdene Solongo 7-0 2026 (No. 93 Rivals.com, Notre Dame commit).Why This Crew is a Contender: The Lakers are one in all 13 FAB 50 entrants from the EYBL Scholastic League and are going to need to work themselves up after a disappointing 2024-25 season. Coach Patrick Holmes definitely has the roster to make a transfer within the league’s East Division. Clearly, the expertise degree might simply warrant a transfer up, however greater than the expertise LaLu is searching for higher roster cohesion and higher general capturing from its core.X-Issue Participant: Jonathan Sanderson. He’s a pacesetter and vocal participant and carries the qualities Holmes is searching for: simple to play with and needs to win. As Sanderson goes, so does this staff.Key Switch: There are two of them: Gabe Weis and Jacob Webber. Weis is ready to shoot the ball and stretch the ground for the Lakers. Webber is the staff’s finest general shooter. Holmes feels he has seven gamers that might common double figures and if he can get all of them to grasp the group is best when they’re making performs for one another, the Lakers have an opportunity to problem for the very best file within the East Division.Key FAB 50 Stat: Extremely, LaLu has been FAB 50 ranked for 14 consecutive seasons, peaking at No. 2 in 2016-2017 when it completed No. 2 after capturing Chipotle Nationals. Final season, the Lakers opened up at No. 9, however underachieved, ending with a 3-8 league mark. We’ll gradual play this staff as there are much less expectations regardless of a formidable roster.Guess You Didn’t Know: Gan-Erdene Solongo, a 7-foot, 270-pound senior, is the World’s tallest residing Mongolian.Mark On Your Calendar: As many coaches within the EYBL Scholastic League are, Holmes is emphasizing a robust begin. He felt a crushing loss in late November to IMG Academy when his staff was up 15 factors actually damage his 2024-25 staff’s momentum regardless of two McDonald’s All-Individuals on the roster. This yr, the Lakers have two league video games earlier than January vs. No. 29 Oak Cliff Religion Household and No. 16 Dream Metropolis Christian on the Thanksgiving Hoopfest in Dallas.

29. (NR) Oak Cliff Religion Household (Dallas, Texas) 27-9Key Gamers: PF Gavin Placide 6-8 2026 (No. 43 Rivals.com, Wake Forest commit), PF Gallagher Placide 6-8 2026 (No. 56 Rivals.com, Wake Forest commit), PG Josiah Rose 6-3 2027 (No. 20 Rivals.com), C Xavier Younger 6-10 2028 (No. 12 247Sports.com), SG Tayshaun Williams 6-4 2026, SG Brayden Williams 6-3 2027, PG Kayden Johnson 6-3 2026, SG Josiah Jones 6-1 2027.Why This Crew is a Contender: It has a plethora of expertise at its disposal because it enters the EYBL Scholastic League. The Eagles can rating the ball, led by twin brothers Gavin and Gallagher Placide. They performed within the League final yr at Dawn Christian Academy and can little doubt look to be two focal factors of the offense after a giant summer season. Coach Brandon Thomas (415-108) has many ready our bodies and can look to settle into his rotation in preparation to battle the groups within the loaded West Division. It performs to this staff’s benefit that its first league contest will not be till the weekend of Dec. 13-14 vs. famed Oak Hill Academy of Virginia.X-Issue Participant: Xavier Younger. He’s oozing with expertise and potential and his manufacturing will probably be key to go with and take a few of the defensive focus off the Placide twins. Younger has a high quality publish recreation for his age with nice palms, and is a big-time rebounder and finisher in the important thing.Key Switch: With the late fall departure of SMU-bound level guard Cameron Lomax, Kayden Johnson must step into an even bigger function for a staff trying to discover its identification with so many newcomers. Johnson is bodily sturdy, will get into the important thing at will and is a tricky finisher and ultra-competitive. Thomas is assured this staff will jell by competing laborious daily in follow and due to the presence of Josiah Rose, the one returnee who’s lengthy on expertise and expertise.Key FAB 50 Stat: That is the third consecutive season that Religion Household in preseason FAB 50 ranked. Thomas feels the very best Religion Household staff was the 2021-22 membership that completed No. 30 within the FAB 50 and defeated golf equipment from seven totally different states.Guess You Didn’t Know: This system gained three consecutive UIL Class 4A state titles between 2022 and 2024, 4 since 2019 and had been moved as much as Class 5A for 2024-25. Proper earlier than the season started, nevertheless, it dropped out of the UIL in all sports activities after heavy sanctions had been levied towards its ladies basketball program. The staff competed in and gained the nationwide championship of the Elite Interscholastic Basketball Convention (EIBC) earlier than becoming a member of the EYBL Scholastic League for 2025-26.Mark On Your Calendar: Coach Thomas all the time performs a tricky nationwide schedule and too many general losses seemingly saved this system exterior the ultimate FAB 50 the previous two seasons. This season isn’t any totally different because the Eagles are scheduled to play within the Thanksgiving Hoopfest, D.C. Hoopfest, King Cotton Vacation Basic, Hoophall West, Panini Hoophall Basic, the Quincy Shootout in Missouri and Montverde Academy Invitational (MAIT).

30. (18) Dawn Christian Academy (Bel Air, Kan.) 16-7Key Gamers: PF Stefan Marjanovic 6-11 2026, PG Christian Matos 6-3 2026, PF Jon Dzabatou 6-8 2026 (No. 137 Rivals.com), SG Caeden Hutcherson 6-4 2026, SF Abraham “Miracle” Taiwo 6-8 2028 (No. 54 Rivals.com).Why This Crew is a Contender: The Buffaloes began at No. 41 final yr and truly had been higher than that, ending in a four-way tie for second place within the EYBL Scholastic League standings. We’re beginning coach Kyle Lindsted’s membership larger than it did final season, nevertheless it gained’t be simple to maneuver up due to the sheer quantity of gifted groups within the league it should get previous with a view to end within the prime 3 within the West Division standings. Lindsted’s focus will not be on simply attracting the very best expertise his program can, but in addition the correct of personnel that may match into this system and excel in a job. He’s hoping that strategy can pay dividends, as he enjoys the group of children in this system and appears to construct continuity, as Abraham “Miracle” Taiwo is the one participant on the roster with expertise within the talent-laden league.X-Issue Participant: Among the many bigs, Serbian transplant Stefan Marjanovic is an effective shooter and the Buffaloes want his dimension and presence to stay aggressive with the highest groups within the EYBL Scholastic’s West Division. He will probably be a go-to participant in crunch time.Key Switch: Christian Matos comes over from Archbishop Carroll (Radnor, Pa.) and is a play-maker who will probably be counted on to create offense. Coach Linsted all the time likes the advance he sees in Caeden Hutcherson from Mitty (San Jose, Calif.).Key FAB 50 Stat: This system is preseason FBA 50 ranked for the eighth consecutive season. On many events comparable to final season, it has exceeded preseason expectations. To ensure that that to occur this yr, every thing goes to need to fall in place rapidly.Guess You Didn’t Know: Lindsted is now in his third season beneath the helm, however he really was a part of the Dawn Christian teaching workers for 16 years at a time earlier than the EYBL Scholastic League was shaped. It was a personal Christian college that performed different native Christian colleges and the very best public college competitors it might discover. This system then added a post-graduate staff in 2012.Mark On Your Calendar: The Buffaloes tackle FAB 50 title contenders Lengthy Island Lutheran and Brewster Academy on the NBA Cup in Las Vegas (Dec. 12-14). This system doesn’t have any video games between Dec. 18-Jan. 5, then it has a gauntlet of robust video games and with a view to win a majority of them, this staff must defend and rebound at a excessive degree.

Ronnie Flores is the nationwide Grassroots editor of Ballislife.com. He might be reached at [email protected]. Don’t neglect to comply with him on Twitter: @RonMFlores

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