This Week in Prep Poll History - March 13, 2000

PrepNation Founder and Editor Jamie DeMoney is beginning his second decade compiling World Features Syndicate's National Prep Poll. To mark the occasion, PrepNation.com begins a feature called This Week in Prep Poll History. This week, we take a look back at the Feats of the Week from March 13, 2000.

Former Oxon Hill(Md.) star Michael Sweetney(Photo credit: unknown)

FEATS OF THE WEEK - March 13, 2000 - By Jamie DeMoney

After suffering heartbreaking defeats in Maryland's 4A state championship game in each of the last two seasons, regionally ranked Oxon Hill finally captured the crown with a 60-42 win over Gaithersburg, Quince Orchard before 8,500 at the Univ. of Maryland. Georgetown recruit Michael Sweetney led the Clippers with 23 points and 12 rebounds.

Seven-footer Tyson Chandler had 25 points, 16 rebounds and blocked 14 shots in No. 1 Compton, Dominguez's 75-50 win over Bakersfield, Foothill in the Div. II CIF Southern California regional finals at the Great Western Forum.

No. 4 West Orange, Seton Hall Prep downed No. 10 Lincroft, Christian Brothers for New Jersey's Parochial A championship, 53-51, on a last-second shot by senior guard Tyrone Barley.

No. 18 Washington, D.C., Spingarn won its first DCIAA city championship since 1985, defeating St. John's, 83-73, before a crowd of 6,287 at the MCI Center.

No. 25 Colorado Springs, Palmer became the first Colorado team since 1993 to complete a season undefeated, beating Cinderella Fort Collins, Rocky Mountain, 65-43, for the 5A state title before 11,910 fans at Denver's Pepsi Center. Univ. of Colorado football recruit Bobby Purify was named tourney MVP.

Oklahoma crowned its state champions before about 5,000 fans at the Univ. of Oklahoma. Regionally ranked Midwest City defeated Norman for the fourth time this season, 54-46, for the 6A crown, and Oklahoma State recruit Terrence Crawford had 17 points, 14 rebounds, nine assists, five steals and four blocks in regionally ranked Oklahoma City, Bishop McGuinness' 80-47 rout of Stillwater for the 4A title.

Regionally ranked Little Rock, Fair held Fort Smith, Southside to a championship game record-low 35 points and became the first Arkansas team since 1981 to finish off an unbeaten season, with a 49-35 victory to win the AAAA state title.

National Prep Poll Top 25 - March 13, 2000

#1. Compton, Calif., Dominguez (34-2) repeat Div. II SoCal champs

#2. Mouth of Wilson, Va., Oak Hill (30-2) 12th straight year in Top 25

#3. Chicago, Westinghouse (29-1) plays for public league title

#4. West Orange, N.J., Seton Hall Prep (28-1) won Parochial A championship

#5. Sugar Land, Texas, Willowridge (36-1) won 5A state championship

#6. Orchard Lake, Mich., St. Mary's (23-0) breezed to district title

#7. Bronx, N.Y., St. Raymond's (25-2) advanced to CHSAA semis

#8. Portland, Ore., Jefferson (27-0) won 4A state championship

#9. Fresno, Calif., Clovis West (39-2) plays No. 19 DLS for Div. I state crown

#10. Lincroft, N.J., Christian Brothers (28-1) lost buzzer-beater to No. 4 SHP

#11. Minneapolis, Henry (24-1) 1-1 vs. Top 15 teams

#12. Bloomington, Ind., North (23-0) coasted, 74-30, in sectional final

#13. Gainesville, Fla. (33-2) won second straight 5A state title

#14. Lilburn, Ga., Berkmar (30-2) AAAA state champs

#15. Santa Ana, Calif., Mater Dei (33-3) lost to No. 9 Clovis West in regional final

#16. St. Louis, Vashon (27-2) won seventh 4A state title

#17. Marion, Ind. (24-1) advanced to regionals

#18. Washington, D.C., Spingarn (25-1) won first city title since 1985

#19. Concord, Calif., De La Salle (30-1) Div. I NorCal champs

#20. Lakewood, Calif., Artesia (30-3) upset victim in regional semifinals

#21. Brooklyn, N.Y., Bishop Loughlin (24-3) will play regionally ranked New York, Rice in playoffs

#22. Louisville, Ky., Ballard (27-4) upset in regional semifinals

#23. Baton Rouge, La., Southern Lab (31-2) advanced to 1A state semifinals

#24. Durham, N.C., Mount Zion (25-1) featured Va. Commonwealth recruit Antonio Hargrove

#25. Colorado Springs, Colo., Palmer (24-0) won 5A state title

Copyright 2000 World Features Syndicate, Inc...endit

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Week 17 National Prep Basketball Poll released

URBANDALE, Iowa -- Houston juggernaut Yates has made its closing argument for a mythical national title.

In the Week 17 National Prep Poll released Monday morning, the Lions moved up one spot to No. 3 after winning their second straight Texas 4A state title and finished undefeated in back-to-back years. Yates beat regionally ranked Lancaster, 92-73, before a record crowd of over 16,000 in Saturday's state final at the Frank Erwin Center in Austin. In their 106-76 semifinals win over The Colony, the Lions established a new national record of 15 consecutive games scoring at least 100 points.

Yates is vying to become only the second Texas team to claim a National Prep Poll title in basketball. Dallas Lincoln did it in 2002 with a team that went 40-0 and featured future NBA all-star Chris Bosh.

The Lions have won 58 consecutive games since the start of last season and own wins this year over No. 4 Neumann-Goretti (Philadelphia) plus regionally ranked Columbia (Decatur, Ga.) and Kentwood (Covington, Wash.). However, they remain below top-ranked Northland (Columbus, Ohio) and No. 2 Findlay (Henderson, Nev.) on the totem pole for now.

Northland is expected to win its second consecutive state title in Ohio's largest classification. The Vikings have beaten two Top 10 teams and features three starters who will play in college at national powers Ohio State and West Virginia.

Findlay, which finished last season ranked No. 1, already has four wins against the Top 25 and can add to the total when it defends its title in the season-ending ESPN RISE National High School Invitational next month.

This Week in Prep Poll History - March 6, 2000

PrepNation Founder and Editor Jamie DeMoney is beginning his second decade compiling World Features Syndicate's National Prep Poll. To mark the occasion, PrepNation.com begins a feature called This Week in Prep Poll History. This week, we take a look back at the Feats of the Week from March 6, 2000.

Former Dominguez (Compton, Calif.) All-American center Tyson Chandler(Photo credit: unknown)

FEATS OF THE WEEK - March 6, 2000 - By Jamie DeMoney

California's powerful CIF Southern Section crowned its divisional champions, with four national Top 25 teams earning titles before a crowd of 8,000 fans assembled at the Arrowhead Pond of Anaheim. In II-AA, No. 1 Compton, Dominguez dominated Brea, Olinda, 66-42, behind Tyson Chandler's 13 points, six rebounds and six blocks. In II-A, No. 11 Lakewood, Artesia forced 29 turnovers in an 83-46 rout of Huntington Beach, Ocean View. Junior Jamal Sampson had 17 points, 18 rebounds and eight blocks to pace No. 12 Santa Ana, Mater Dei's 53-39 victory over Simi Valley in I-A. And Long Beach, Poly grabbed its first I-AA championship since 1997 with a 47-35 victory vs. Chino Hills, Ayala.

Wichita, Southeast's Derek Cline scored 41 points (30 over his average) and shot 9-14 from 3-point range in an 81-72 upset of then-top-ranked Emporia, earning the Buffaloes a trip to the Kansas 6A state tournament.

No. 6 Orchard Lake, Mich., St. Mary's became the first Catholic league team since 1993 to win Detroit's public vs. Catholic leagues championship game, defeating Detroit, Renaissance, 57-54.

State championships were decided in Georgia, where No. 17 Lilburn, Berkmar capped an undefeated season vs. in-state competition with a 77-60 come-from-behind defeat of Warner Robins for the AAAA crown. And regionally ranked Camilla, Mitchell-Baker became just the seventh Georgia school to win back-to-back-to-back state titles with a 105-76 thrashing of Gainesville, East Hall. Gabriel Lee led the way for the Eagles with 35 points, 18 rebounds and four blocks.

National Prep Poll Top 25 - March 6, 2000

#1. Compton, Calif., Dominguez (31-2), won sixth consecutive II-AA section title

#2. Mouth of Wilson, Va., Oak Hill (30-2), returns two consensus Top 20 players next year

#3. Chicago, Westinghouse (27-1), G Cedric Banks named first team all-state

#4. West Orange, N.J., Seton Hall Prep (26-1), only loss is to No. 2 Oak Hill

#5. Sugar Land, Texas, Willowridge (34-1), advanced to 5A state final four

#6. Orchard Lake, Mich., St. Mary's (20-0), won city championship

#7. Lincroft, N.J., Christian Brothers (25-0), Mike Skrocki named Jersey Shores MVP

#8. Louisville, Ky., Ballard (26-3), defending state champs, begins regional tourney this week

#9. Bronx, N.Y., St. Raymond's (24-2), won division title

#10. Portland, Ore., Jefferson (24-0), begins 4A state tourney this week

#11. Lakewood, Calif., Artesia (29-2), claimed third consecutive section title

#12. Santa Ana, Calif., Mater Dei (31-2), won eighth section title in last nine years

#13. Long Beach, Calif., Poly (30-2), captured I-AA section crown

#14. Minneapolis, Henry (22-1), easily won Twin Cities championship

#15. Gainesville, Fla. (31-2), defending 5A champs, advanced to state semifinals

#16. Bloomington, Ind., North (21-0), hasn't won by less than double digits for over a month

#17. Lilburn, Ga., Berkmar (30-2), captured AAAA state championship

#18. St. Louis, Vashon (25-2), advanced to 4A state final four

#19. Marion, Ind. (21-1), begins sectional play this week

#20. Country Club Hills, Ill., Hillcrest (28-1), features three Div. I front line players

#21. Washington, D.C., Spingarn (24-1), won league title

#22. Brooklyn, N.Y., Bishop Loughlin (23-3), won Brooklyn/Queens Diocesan championship

#23. Fresno, Calif., Clovis West (36-2), won section title for fourth straight year

#24. Durham, N.C., Mount Zion (25-1), program-building coach Joel Hopkins leaving

#25. Baton Rouge, La., Southern Lab (30-2), seeking eighth straight 1A state title

Copyright 2000 World Features Syndicate, Inc...endit

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Week 16 National Prep Basketball Poll released

URBANDALE, Iowa -- The teams that make up the Top 10 of the National Prep Poll are the same for the second straight week, but there was changeup in the order.

Paterson Catholic (N.J.) made the most significant jump in the Week 16 poll, which was released Monday morning. The Cougars vaulted five spots to No. 3, well within striking distance of their first Prep Poll title should No. 1 Northland (Columbus, Ohio) or No. 2 Findlay (Henderson, Nev.) lose a game.

Paterson Catholic is 3-0 against current Top 25 teams (No. 23 Penn Wood, No. 15 Montverde Academy, and No. 14 Winter Park). The Cougars also beat eventual Florida 4A champion Fort Myers by 28 and could pick up another Top-25 win Tuesday when they play No. 20 St. Anthony (Jersey City) for the Non-Public North B state championship.

Neumann-Goretti (Philadelphia) also crept closer to the top of the poll, from No. 7 to No. 5. The Saints' only loss was by one point to No. 4 Yates (Houston) at the Iolani Classic in Hawaii. They captured the Philadelphia Catholic League and city championship games last week and begin the state Class 3A playoffs Friday.

This Week in Prep Poll History - February 28, 2000

PrepNation Founder and Editor Jamie DeMoney is beginning his second decade compiling World Features Syndicate's National Prep Poll. To mark the occasion, PrepNation.com begins a feature called This Week in Prep Poll History. This week, we take a look back at the Feats of the Week from February 28, 2000.

Former Saginaw (Mich.) standout Anthony Roberson (Photo credit: FightinGators.com)

FEATS OF THE WEEK - February 28, 2000 - By Jamie DeMoney

A crowd of 8,590 witnessed a battle between Michigan Class-A powers Saginaw and Lansing, Waverly at Michigan State's Breslin Center. Anthony Roberson had 25 points to lead regionally ranked Saginaw to a 70-56 victory.

Regionally ranked Jamaica Plain, Mass., Boston English won its second consecutive Boston city championship, defeating then-unbeaten Charleston, 76-73, before a packed house at UMass-Boston. Massachusetts recruit Raheim Lamb had 27 points and blocked a game-tying three-point attempt to seal the victory.

No. 10 Portland, Ore., Jefferson outscored Cleveland, 26-9, in the fourth quarter en route to a 70-60 perfect-season clinching victory. The Democrats finished the regular season 24-0 and won their first league title since 1992.

Over 6,000 fans watched as Phoenix, Shadow Mountain routed Highland, 79-53, to claim Arizona's Class 5A state title at America West Arena. Jamaal Scott led all scorers with 31 points for the Matadors.

Las Vegas, Bishop Gorman's Dinard Taylor sunk a 25-foot three-pointer with 35 seconds left in regulation to force overtime and an eventual 81-70 win over cross-town rival Durango in the Nevada Class 4A state championship game. Taylor finished with 22 points and teammate Jason Carter had 21 points, 10 rebounds and six blocks for the regionally ranked Gaels.

Dallas metro player of the year Brian Boddicker hit the second of three free throws with no time on the clock as regionally ranked Duncanville, Texas, survived with a 48-47 victory over Euless, Trinity in a second-round game of the state 5A playoffs.

National Prep Poll Top 25 - February 28, 2000

#1. Compton, Calif., Dominguez (29-2)

#2. Mouth of Wilson, Va., Oak Hill (30-2)

#3. Chicago, Westinghouse (24-1)

#4. West Orange, N.J., Seton Hall Prep (24-1)

#5. Sugar Land, Texas, Willowridge (31-1)

#6. Orchard Lake, Mich., St. Mary's (19-0)

#7. Lincroft, N.J., Christian Brothers (23-0)

#8. Louisville, Ky., Ballard (25-3)

#9. Bronx, N.Y., St. Raymond's (20-2)

#10. Portland, Ore., Jefferson (24-0)

#11. Lakewood, Calif., Artesia (27-2)

#12. Santa Ana, Calif., Mater Dei (29-2)

#13. Long Beach, Calif., Poly (28-2)

#14. Minneapolis, Henry (19-1)

#15. Gainesville, Fla. (29-2)

#16. Bloomington, Ind., North (20-0)

#17. Lilburn, Ga., Berkmar (28-2)

#18. St. Louis, Vashon (24-2)

#19. Marion, Ind. (20-1)

#20. Country Club Hills, Ill., Hillcrest (26-1)

#21. Washington, D.C., Spingarn (21-1)

#22. New York, Rice (18-5)

#23. Brooklyn, N.Y., Bishop Loughlin (21-3)

#24. Fresno, Calif., Clovis West (34-2)

#25. Durham, N.C., Mount Zion (24-1)

Copyright 2000 World Features Syndicate, Inc...endit

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Week 15 National Prep Basketball Poll released

URBANDALE, Iowa -- The top three teams in the weekly National Prep Poll to start the month of March are the same that held those spots at the start of February.

Northland (Columbus), a heavy favorite to defend its Ohio Division I title, remains No. 1 in the country for the 11th consecutive week. Led by Ohio State recruits Jared Sullinger and J.D. Weatherspoon, the Vikings are bidding to become the first public school Prep Poll champion since 2006.

Findlay (Henderson, Nev.), the national champion last year in only its second season fielding a team, is No. 2 for the sixth straight week. The Pilots have four weeks off before playing in the second annual ESPN RISE National High School Invitational April 1-3. That event might be a swan song for the program, which will lose its academic affiliation with neighboring Henderson International School next season.

High-flying Yates (Houston) holds the No. 3 spot for the sixth consecutive time. The Lions average 118 points per game and have surpassed the century mark in a state-record 11 straight games.

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This Week in Prep Poll History - February 21, 2000

PrepNation Founder and Editor Jamie DeMoney is beginning his second decade compiling World Features Syndicate's National Prep Poll. To mark the occasion, PrepNation.com begins a feature called This Week in Prep Poll History. This week, we take a look back at the Feats of the Week from February 21, 2000.

Former East St. Louis (Ill.) standout-turned third overall NBA draft pick Darius Miles (Photo credit: unknown)

FEATS OF THE WEEK - February 21, 2000 - By Jamie DeMoney

St. John's recruit Darius Miles had a triple-double (31 points, 11 rebounds and 10 blocks) in East St. Louis, Ill.'s 77-54 victory over Alton.

The Gardens in Louisville, Ky., hosted the Republic Bank Classic, where three national Top 25 teams took part. No. 2 Mouth of Wilson, Va., Oak Hill flexed its muscles, defeating No. 14 Minneapolis, Henry, 88-67, on Friday and then No. 8 Louisville, Ballard, 59-49, on Saturday, before 5,500 fans.

No. 6 Orchard Lake, Mich., St. Mary's overcame a 14-point deficit to defeat state-No. 1 Flint, Northwestern, 69-67, before an overflow crowd of 900 at Orchard Lake.

Over 4,000 fans watched as regionally ranked Memphis, Raleigh-Egypt knocked off state-No. 1 Memphis, White Station, 68-59. It was the second time in as many weeks that the Pharaohs defeated Tennessee's No. 1-ranked team.

Cross-town rivals and South Carolina's Class AAAA No. 1- and No. 2-ranked teams, Hopkins, Lower Richland and Columbia, Northeast Richland, split back-to-back games. No. 2 Northeast Richland defeated the No. 1-ranked Diamonds, 41-39, on Friday, and Lower Richland bounced back to win Saturday's contest, 48-38, before a standing-room-only home crowd of 2,200.

Hawesville, Ky., Hancock County's Travis Atwell continued his remarkable senior year on the basketball court and the football field, scoring 50 points in a 87-56 victory over Butler County. Last fall the 6-2 Atwell totaled over 4,700 yards of offense and 72 touchdowns as the school's quarterback.

National Prep Poll Top 25 - February 21, 2000

#1. Compton, Calif., Dominguez (27-2)

#2. Mouth of Wilson, Va., Oak Hill (28-2)

#3. Chicago, Westinghouse (24-1)

#4. West Orange, N.J., Seton Hall Prep (22-1)

#5. Sugar Land, Texas, Willowridge (30-1)

#6. Orchard Lake, Mich., St. Mary's (17-0)

#7. Lincroft, N.J., Christian Brothers (21-0)

#8. Louisville, Ky., Ballard (24-3)

#9. Bronx, N.Y., St. Raymond's (19-2)

#10. Portland, Ore., Jefferson (22-0)

#11. Lakewood, Calif., Artesia (25-2)

#12. Santa Ana, Calif., Mater Dei (27-2)

#13. Long Beach, Calif., Poly (26-2)

#14. Minneapolis, Henry (17-1)

#15. Gainesville, Fla. (28-2)

#16. Bloomington, Ind., North (18-0)

#17. Lilburn, Ga., Berkmar (26-2)

#18. St. Louis, Vashon (22-2)

#19. Marion, Ind. (19-1)

#20. Country Club Hills, Ill., Hillcrest (24-1)

#21. Washington, D.C., Spingarn (21-1)

#22. New York, Rice (18-5)

#23. Brooklyn, N.Y., Bishop Loughlin (21-3)

#24. Fresno, Calif., Clovis West (31-2)

#25. Durham, N.C., Mount Zion (23-1)

Copyright 2000 World Features Syndicate, Inc...endit

Week 14 National Prep Basketball Poll released

URBANDALE, Iowa -- A run through the Ohio Division I state playoffs is likely all that now stands between top-ranked Northland (Columbus) and a mythical national championship. In the National Prep Poll released Monday morning, the Vikings were ranked No. 1 in the country for the 10th consecutive week.

Northland (19-0) polished off its fourth straight City League title over the weekend and will play its first district playoff game Friday.

The Vikings hope to become the first public school to claim the Prep Poll title since Lawrence North (Indianapolis) in 2006 and the first Ohio team to do it since LeBron James and St. Vincent-St. Mary (Akron) in 2003.

The rest of this week's national Top 25 also remained unchanged. No. 17 Ridgeway was the only team to lose. The Roadrunners fell 78-71 to regionally ranked White Station in the Memphis city championship Thursday, but bounced back with a pair of wins Friday and Saturday in the District 15-AAA playoffs. Ridgeway beat White Station twice in the regular season by the scores of 111-93 and 89-52.

This Week in Prep Poll History - February 14, 2000

PrepNation Founder and Editor Jamie DeMoney is beginning his second decade compiling World Features Syndicate's National Prep Poll. To mark the occasion, PrepNation.com begins a feature called This Week in Prep Poll History. This week, we take a look back at the Feats of the Week from February 14, 2000.

Former Westminster (Colo.) standout Blair Wilson (Photo credit: CUBuffs.com)

FEATS OF THE WEEK - February 14, 2000 - By Jamie DeMoney

Blair Wilson, a 6-7 University of Colorado recruit, broke the Colorado state career scoring record during a 40-point effort in Westminster's 83-64 win over Ranum. Wilson has now scored 2,196 career points.

Deon Saunders scored a triple-double (34 points, 15 rebounds and 10 assists) in No. 22 Washington, D.C., Spingarn's 107-37 romp over M.M. Washington.

In Chicago's City-Suburban Showdown at Northwestern University, No. 2 Chicago, Westinghouse defeated Downer's Grove, North, 69-64, before 4,828 fans.

Many of the top teams from the Northeast converged on Trenton, N.J., for the PrimeTime Shootout including No. 9 Lincroft, N.J., Christian Brothers, which beat Brooklyn, N.Y., La Salle, 47-35. No. 10 Bronx, N.Y., St. Raymond's pummeled Neptune, N.J., 104-71; No. 18 New York, Rice, downed Jersey City, N.J., St. Anthony, 62-50, and Philadelphia, Roman Catholic, 96-66; No. 25 Brooklyn, N.Y., Bishop Loughlin defeated Bayonne, N.J., Marist, 74-53; Elizabeth, N.J., St. Patrick whipped Shawnee, N.J., 56-35; and Middle Village, N.Y., Christ the King defeated Chester, Pa., 67-59.

National Prep Poll Top 25 - February 14, 2000

#1. Compton, Calif., Dominguez (26-2)

#2. Chicago, Westinghouse (22-1)

#3. Mouth of Wilson, Va., Oak Hill (25-2)

#4. West Orange, N.J., Seton Hall Prep (19-1)

#5. Marion, Ind. (19-0)

#6. Sugar Land, Texas, Willowridge (28-1)

#7. Louisville, Ky., Ballard (23-2)

#8. Orchard Lake, Mich., St. Mary's (15-0)

#9. Lincroft, N.J., Christian Brothers (19-0)

#10. Bronx, N.Y., St. Raymond's (18-2)

#11. Portland, Ore., Jefferson (20-0)

#12. Santa Ana, Calif., Mater Dei (26-2)

#13. Lakewood, Calif., Artesia (24-2)

#14. Minneapolis, Henry (16-0)

#15. Gainesville, Fla. (26-2)

#16. Long Beach, Calif., Poly (25-2)

#17. Lilburn, Ga., Berkmar (25-2)

#18. New York, Rice (17-4)

#19. Bloomington, Ind., North (16-0)

#20. St. Louis, Vashon (20-2)

#21. Country Club Hills, Ill., Hillcrest (23-1)

#22. Washington, D.C., Spingarn (19-3)

#23. Fresno, Calif., Clovis West (30-2)

#24. Durham, N.C., Mount Zion (21-1)

#25. Brooklyn, N.Y., Bishop Loughlin (19-3)

Copyright 2000 World Features Syndicate, Inc...endit

Week 13 National Prep Basketball Poll released

URBANDALE, Iowa -- Rosters for the 33rd McDonald's All-American game were announced last week. Of the 24 players selected, 13 play for one of the 70 nationally and regionally teams in the Week 13 National Prep Basketball poll released Monday morning.

This year's McDonald's All-American game will be played March 31 in Columbus, Ohio. It's home turf for honoree Jared Sullinger, a 6-foot-9 Ohio State recruit whose Columbus Northland squad is No. 1 in the country for ninth consecutive week.

No. 2 Findlay (Henderson, Nev.) is the only team in the nation with two players in this year's game. Uncommitted guard Cory Joseph and Texas-bound forward Tristan Thompson play for the defending Prep Poll champion Pilots.

Rounding out the list of McDonald's All-Americans who play for Top 25 teams are Harrison Barnes of No. 9 Ames (Iowa); Kyrie Irving (No. 10 Elizabeth, N.J., St. Patrick); Doron Lamb (No. 12 Mouth of Wilson, Va., Oak Hill); Patric Young (No. 19 Jacksonville, Fla., Providence)l Tobias Harris (No. 24 Dix Hills, N.Y., Half Hollow Hills West); and Ray McCallum Jr (No. 25 Beverly Hills, Mich., Detroit Country Day).

Note: Complete game information and rosters are available at www.McDonaldsAllAmerican.com.

This Week in Prep Poll History - February 7, 2000

PrepNation Founder and Editor Jamie DeMoney is beginning his second decade compiling World Features Syndicate's National Prep Poll. To mark the occasion, PrepNation.com begins a feature called This Week in Prep Poll History. This week, we take a look back at the Feats of the Week from February 7, 2000.

Former Dominguez (Compton, Calif.) All-American center Tyson Chandler (Photo credit: Unknown)

FEATS OF THE WEEK - February 7, 2000 - By Jamie DeMoney

The Pyramid at Long Beach State University was the site of Nike Extravaganza V, featuring a Top 5 rematch between No. 1 Compton, Calif., Dominguez and No. 3 Mouth of Wilson, Va., Oak Hill. Tyson Chandler had 17 points as Dominguez avenged a loss earlier this season to Oak Hill, winning, 60-47, before a standing-room-only crowd of 5,500.

In other Extravaganza action, regionally ranked Concord, Calif., De La Salle defeated No. 12 Santa Ana, Calif., Mater Dei, 55-51, avenging its only loss of the season, and No. 17 Long Beach, Calif., Poly whipped Los Alamitos 74-41.

In a father-son matchup, legendary Rockville, Md., DeMatha Coach Morgan Wootten, who owns over 1,200 career coaching wins, defeated Joe Wootten's Arlington, Va., O'Connell Knights, 69-59, in front of 1,700 at Catholic University.

Super junior DeJuan Wagner scored 80 points in Camden, N.J.'s 122-66 victory over Pennsauken Tech. Remarkably, it was only the fourth-best single-game total in school history. Wagner totaled 123 points in two games during the week.

Minnesota's state-leading scorer Ben Paxson of Anoka, Meadow Creek Christian completed a 95-point week with a game-winning three-pointer to defeat Christ's Household of Faith, 64-62. Paxson scored 35 in the game after scoring 60 in a 105-45 win over Owatonna Christian earlier in the week .

In a battle of regionally ranked teams, Philadelphia, Roman Catholic defeated St. John Neumann, 79-62, before 2,500 fans at La Salle University. Consensus No. 1 recruit Eddie Griffin had 28 points, 14 rebounds and nine blocks for Roman Catholic.

National Prep Poll Top 25 - February 7, 2000

#1. Compton, Calif., Dominguez (24-2)
#2. Chicago, Westinghouse (19-1)
#3. Mouth of Wilson, Va., Oak Hill (22-2)
#4. West Orange, N.J., Seton Hall Prep (15-1)
#5. Marion, Ind. (18-0)
#6. Houston, Willowridge (27-1)
#7. Louisville, Ky., Ballard (21-2)
#8. Orchard Lake, Mich., St. Mary's (13-0)
#9. Lincroft, N.J., Christian Brothers (13-0)
#10. Bronx, N.Y., St. Raymond's (15-2)
#11. Portland, Ore., Jefferson (18-0)
#12. Santa Ana, Calif., Mater Dei (25-2)
#13. Hyattsville, Md., DeMatha (19-2)
#14. Lakewood, Calif., Artesia (22-2)
#15. Minneapolis, Henry (14-0)
#16. Gainesville, Fla. (24-2)
#17. Long Beach, Calif., Poly (23-2)
#18. Lilburn, Ga., Berkmar (22-2)
#19. New York, Rice (15-4)
#20. Detroit, Pershing (15-0)
#21. Bloomington, Ind., North (14-0)
#22. St. Louis, Vashon (18-2)
#23. Country Club Hills, Ill., Hillcrest (22-1)
#24. South Jordan, Utah, Bingham (15-0)
#25. Durham, N.C., Mount Zion (20-1)

Copyright 2000 World Features Syndicate, Inc...endit

Week 12 National Prep Basketball Poll released

URBANDALE, Iowa -- Six weeks into the year 2010 and the top five teams in the country remain the same, according to the National Prep Basketball Poll released Monday morning.

All five squads either went unbeaten or did not play last week. The most impressive showing was by No. 4 St. Patrick (Elizabeth, N.J.), which traveled to Santa Ana, Calif., and whipped regionally ranked Taft (Woodland Hills, Calif.), 91-64, at the Nike Extravaganza. However, the news was not all good for the Celtics. The team should learn this week if it will be allowed to defend its state Tournament of Champions title. It might be banned from competing in the postseason after allegations surfaced of multiple unauthorized practices being held before the start of the season.

Meanwhile, this week's snowy weather did not allow top-ranked Northland (Columbus, Ohio) to travel to Michigan for a scheduled matchup with No. 22 Detroit Country Day (Beverly Hills, Mich.). The Detroit News reports the game might be rescheduled for this Saturday.

Week 11 National Prep Basketball Poll released

URBANDALE, Iowa -- The top five teams in the nation are the same for the fifth consecutive week, according to the latest National Prep Poll rankings released Monday.

There have been minor movements in the order of the top five since the beginning of 2010, but not at the top. Defending Ohio Division I champion Northland (Columbus) is No. 1 for the seventh consecutive week. The Vikings already have beaten two Top 25 ranked teams and have a chance to add a third to their total Saturday when they travel to University Center, Mich., to play No. 23 Detroit Country Day (Beverly Hills, Mich.).

Despite losing last week at No. 13 Montverde Academy (Montverde, Fla.), defending Prep Poll champion Findlay Prep (Henderson, Nev.) stayed put at No. 2 in this week's poll. The Pilots have four wins against current Top 25 teams this season, which is the most of any team in the poll.

Week 10 National Prep Basketball Poll released

URBANDALE, Iowa -- The Top 10 of this week's National Prep Basketball Poll includes three teams from the state of New Jersey.

No. 5 St. Patrick (Elizabeth) is still the top-rated member of the Garden State trio, although the Celtics dropped three spots after losing twice last week. One of the defeats was at the hands of No. 6 St. Benedict's (Newark), which won, 65-64, on a late bucket from junior point guard Myck Kabongo (Texas). St. Patrick's highly touted junior forward Michael Gilchrist did not play in the game.

The Celtics (11-2) also lost a 71-70 heartbreaker to No. 2 Findlay (Henderson, Nev.) last Monday at the Spalding Hoophall Classic in Springfield, Mass.

For the sixth consecutive week, the nation's No. 1 ranking belongs to Northland (Columbus, Ohio). Ohio State-bound big man Jared Sullinger scored 24 points for the Vikings, who routed Bishop Luers (Fort Wayne, Ind.) at the Ohio Play-by-Play Classic in Columbus. It was Northland's third win against an out-of-state opponent this season.

Week 9 National Prep Basketball Poll released

URBANDALE, Iowa -- After defeating a Top 10 team for the second time in less than a month, Northland (Columbus, Ohio) solidified its position as the No. 1 team in the National Prep Poll released Monday.

Despite getting only three points from blue chip center Jared Sullinger (Ohio St.), the Vikings defeated No. 8 Oak Hill (Mouth of Wilson, Va.), 47-46, Saturday at the Spalding Hoophall Classic in Springfield, Mass. On December 17, Northland beat defending Prep Poll champion and No. 3 Findlay (Henderson, Nev.), 53-52.

The Vikings' next major test is a February 6 trip to Saginaw, Mich., where they are scheduled to play No. 22 Detroit Country Day (Beverly Hills, Mich.). If Northland -- which features four players committed to Big Ten or Big East colleges -- can finish the season undefeated, it likely will become the first public school to capture a Prep Poll title in basketball since Lawrence North (Indianapolis) did it in 2006.

Week 8 National Prep Basketball Poll released

URBANDALE, Iowa -- While there were a few changes in ranking positions, all 25 teams were the same in the Week 8 National Prep Basketball Poll released Monday.

There were absolutely no changes in the Top 10 rankings. Northland (Columbus, Ohio), which won two games last week following a 17-day layoff, remained the No. 1 team in the country. The Vikings will attempt to beat a Top 10 team for the second time this season when they play No. 8 Oak Hill (Mouth of Wilson, Va.) Saturday at the Hoophall Classic in Springfield, Mass.

St. Patrick (Elizabeth, N.J.) picked up three easy wins last week to stay No. 2 in the poll, but was dealt a serious blow when superstar junior forward Michael Gilchrist suffered a knee injury. He is not expected to play when the Celtics face No. 3 Findlay (Henderson, Nev.) next Monday at the Hoophall Classic.

This Week in Prep Poll History: January 3, 2000

PrepNation Founder and Editor Jamie DeMoney is beginning his second decade compiling World Features Syndicate's National Prep Poll. To mark the occasion, PrepNation.com begins a feature called This Week in Prep Poll History. Today, we take a look back at the Feats of the Week from January 3, 2000.

FEATS OF THE WEEK - January 3, 2000 - By Jamie DeMoney

Holiday tournaments were in full swing across the nation, with most nationally ranked teams taking part. No. 1 Chicago, Westinghouse won the Proviso West, Ill., Holiday Shootout, defeating Country Club Hills, Hillcrest, 60-50, before 3,990 fans.

No. 2 Mouth of Wilson, Va., Oak Hill defeated a field that included No. 3 West Orange, N.J., Seton Hall Prep and No. 22 Lilburn, Ga., Berkmar at the Beach Ball Classic in Myrtle Beach, S.C.

No. 5 Compton, Calif., Dominguez was the winner of the Best in the West Classic, defeating host No. 13 Lakewood, Artesia and No. 20 Long Beach, Poly.

No. 6 Louisville, Ky., Ballard placed fifth at Delaware's loaded Slam Dunk to the Beach Classic, No. 7 Houston, Willowridge took first place, with No. 16 Philadelphia, Roman Catholic second and No. 21 Rockville, Md., Montrose Christian also taking part.

No. 8 Santa Ana, Calif., Mater Dei was champion at the Nike Prep Classic in San Diego.

No. 9 Hyattsville, Md., DeMatha placed second behind No. 14 New York, Rice in Raleigh, N.C.'s Glaxco Wellcome Classic.

No. 12 Gainesville, Fla., was upset by Johnson City, Tenn., Science Hill and finished third at the Arby's Holiday Classic.

No. 15 Lincroft, N.J., Christian Bros. Acad. defeated No. 23 Harrisburg, Pa. to claim the Red Cross/Rotary Classic in Charleston, S.C.

No. 25 Middle Village, N.Y., Christ the King's Omar Cook had 24 points and 13 assists in a 77-74 championship game win over No. 18 Oxon Hill, Md. in the Stop DWI Holiday Classic at Binghamton, N.Y.

No. 19 Bronx, N.Y., St. Raymond's ended Lexington, Ky., Catholic's four-year, 40-game home winning streak in the semifinals of the Kentucky Holiday Classic before losing in the championship game to Georgetown, Ky., Scott County.

No. 24 St. Louis, Vashon took first place at the Popular Bluff (Mo.) Showdown.

No. 16 Roman Catholic defeated Camden, N.J., 72-47, before 10,006 fans at Temple University and a live television audience

Arthur Johnson of Detroit, Pershing had 22 points, 20 rebounds, seven assists and four blocks in a 90-78 win over Detroit, Henry Ford.

Copyright 2000 World Features Syndicate, Inc...endit

Week 7 National Prep Basketball Poll released

There were three newcomers in the National Prep Basketball Poll rankings released Monday. All three earned their spot with wins over nationally or regionally ranked opponents last week.

Bellaire (Texas) had the highest debut at No. 20. The Cardinals dispatched former Top 25 team Memphis White Station, 72-68, at the John Lucas Holiday Xplosion in Houston.

No. 21 Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas) proved it belonged on the national scene by winning the Beachball Classic in Myrtle Beach, S.C. The Gaels took out No. 23 Columbia (Decatur, Ga.), 54-52, in the tournament final.

Rounding out this week's national poll is No. 25 Ridgeway (Memphis). The Roadrunners defeated then-No. 24 Westlake (Atlanta), 60-54, at the Memphis vs. Atlanta Roundball Christmas Classic in Jonesboro, Ga.

Week 6 National Prep Basketball Poll released

URBANDALE, Iowa -- Following bang-up performances at two of the nation's top holiday tournaments, Paterson Catholic (N.J.) and Neumann-Goretti (Philadelphia) entered the Top 10 of the weekly National Prep Basketball Poll released Monday.

Paterson Catholic leaped 15 spots from No. 23 to No. 8. The Cougars beat No. 11 Winter Park (Fla.), 62-54, for the championship of the City of Palms Classic in Fort Myers, Fla.

Likewise, Philadelphia Catholic power Neumann-Goretti also moved up 15 spots from No. 24 to No. 9. The Saints defeated two ranked teams -- No. 19 Rockville, Md., Montrose Christian and regionally ranked Kinston, N.C. -- before losing a 97-96 thriller to No. 6 Yates (Houston) for the Iolani Classic championship in Honolulu.

Westlake (Atlanta) was the lone team entering the rankings this week. The No. 24 Lions defeated then-No. 18 Rice (New York) to win the Chick-fil-A Classic in Columbia, S.C.

Week 5 National Prep Basketball Poll released

URBANDALE, Iowa -- There is a new No. 1 team in the Week 5 National Prep Basketball Poll.

Defending Ohio Division I champion Northland (Columbus) is now the nation's top-ranked team. The Vikings moved up from No. 4 after last week's 53-52 defeat of defending Prep Poll champion and then-No. 1 Findlay (Henderson, Nev.). Ohio State-bound big man Jared Sullinger was the star of the game, scoring 32 points and grabbing 17 rebounds.

Not since future NBA megastar LeBron James led St. Vincent-St. Mary (Akron) to the 2003 Prep Poll title has the nation's top-rated team hailed from the state of Ohio.

Week 4 National Prep Basketball Poll released

URBANDALE, Iowa -- National Prep Poll champions aren't crowned in December, but the groundwork for a national title can certainly be lain this time of year.

Current Top 25 teams will participate in more than a dozen different national tournaments between now and the end of the month. How those squads fare against highly touted teams from other parts of the country will have a great impact on their standing in the national rankings as the new year begins.

The City of Palms Classic, which features eight Top 25 and regionally ranked teams in its main bracket, tips off Friday. The tournament favorites include top-ranked Findlay (Henderson, Nev.), No. 5 Westchester (Los Angeles), No. 8 St. Benedict's (Newark, N.J.), and No. 10 Milton (Alpharetta, Ga.).

Week 3 National Prep Basketball Poll released

URBANDALE, Iowa -- Florida private school power Montverde Academy leads a trio of teams entering the national rankings for the first time this season. The No. 17 Eagles knocked off No. 24 Providence (Jacksonville), 66-63 in overtime, last week.

No. 23 Long Beach Poly (Calif.) moved into the poll after capturing the Redondo Pacific Shores Tournament in Redondo Beach, Calif. The Jackrabbits hammered then-regionally ranked Los Angeles Fairfax, 81-45, and outlasted regionally ranked Serra (Gardena), 58-54, to win the title.

At No. 25, Columbia (Decatur, Ga.) rounds out this week's national poll. The Eagles will be tested severely this weekend when they take on Chicago-area powers No. 13 Whitney Young and regionally ranked Waukegan at the Best of the Midwest Shootout in Marion, Ill.

Week 2 National Prep Basketball Poll released

URBANDALE, Iowa -- The second National Prep Basketball Poll of the season features not one but two talented teams from the basketball-rich city of Memphis, Tenn.

Melrose entered the national poll at No. 24 this week after rolling to the Martin Luther King tournament championship last week. The Golden Wildcats feature one of the top junior classes in the nation, led by rivals.com five-star recruit Adonis Thomas, a 6-foot-6 forward.

For the second straight week, Memphis White Station is also in the national rankings. The No. 14 Spartans are 3-0 with Memphis-bound point guard Joe Jackson leading the way.

Providence (Jacksonville, Fla.) is also new to the national Top 25 this week. The Stallions have started the year 4-0, including a 55-38 win over probable state-title contender Oldsmar Christian.

Preseason National Prep Basketball Poll released

URBANDALE, Iowa -- Findlay Prep of Henderson, Nev., is ranked No. 1 in the first National Prep Poll of the 2009-10 high school basketball season.

The Pilots, who also ended last season ranked No. 1, have a roster loaded with high-level Division I talent and are set to play a schedule sprinkled with ranked opponents.

Preseason Top 25 Team Capsules and Regional Rankings Team Sketches

Preseason NPP Top 25: No. 1 Findlay Prep

1. Findlay Prep (Henderson, Nev.)
Last year: 33-0, National Prep Poll champion
Coach: Michael Peck
Top players: F/C Tristan Thompson (6-10, Sr.); PG Cory Joseph (6-3, Sr.); F Goodwin Okonji (6-8, Sr.); G Jabri Brown (6-3, Jr.); Nick Johnson (6-3, Jr.); F Winston Shepard (6-7, So.); F Dekeba Battee Aston (6-8, So.)
Top games: Dec. 4 vs. Christ School (N.C.) at Marshall County Hoopfest (Benton, Ky.); Dec. 17 at No. 4 Northland (Columbus, Ohio); Dec. 19-23 at City of Palms Classic (Fort Myers, Fla.); Jan. 18 vs. No. 2 St. Patrick (N.J.) at Hoophall Classic (Springfield, Mass.); Jan. 28-30 at Montverde Academy Invitational (Montverde, Fla.); Feb. 20 vs. Duncanville (Texas) at SMU
Notable: The Pilots, who have only one loss in two seasons under Peck, are defending Prep Poll champions after defeating Oak Hill (Va.), 74-66, in the championship game of the season-ending National High School Invitational. This year’s roster is loaded with tremendous speed and strength. Two seniors – Thompson (committed to Texas) and Joseph – are top-five national recruits according to rivals.com. There are also six highly touted transfers. Brown led Salesian (Calif.) in scoring last season while Johnson averaged 15 points per game at Highland (Gilbert, Ariz.). Shepard and Battee Aston are two of the country's top-rated sophomores.

Preseason NPP Top 25: No. 2 St. Patrick

2. St. Patrick (Elizabeth, N.J.)
Last year: 30-3, won state Tournament of Champions
Coach: Kevin Boyle
Top players: G Kyrie Irving (6-2, Sr.); F Michael Gilchrist (6-7, Jr.); F Julian Washburn (6-8, Sr.); F Josh Daniel (6-8, Sr.); G Kevin Boyle Jr. (5-10, Sr.); G Derrick Gordon (6-3, Jr.); F Austin Colbert (6-9, Fr.); F Chase Plummer (6-5, Sr.)
Top games: Dec. 5 vs. Bishop Loughlin (N.Y.); Dec. 26-30 at MaxPreps Holiday Classic (San Diego); Jan. 18 vs. No. 1 Findlay Prep at Hoophall Classic (Springfield, Mass.); Jan. 23 vs. No. 9 St. Benedict’s; Jan. 30 vs. No. 23 White Station (Tenn.) at The Rock Classic (Newark, N.J.); Feb. 6 vs. No. 19 Taft (Calif.) in Santa Ana (Calif.); Feb. 12 vs. No. 3 Oak Hill (Va.) at Primetime Shootout (Rutgers University); Feb. 13 vs. No. 24 Rice (N.Y.) at Primetime Shootout (Trenton, N.J.).
Notable: Boyle counts at least 10 future Division I players on his roster including experienced veterans Irving (Duke) and top-rated junior Gilchrist. The Celtics also picked up two talented transfers in Washburn (Duncanville, Texas) and Western Kentucky recruit Gordon (Word of God Academy, N.C.). The team has excellent depth and size and should be very strong on defense.
Quotable: “This has the potential to be our best team.” - Boyle, who has led the Celtics to five consecutive Top 25 finishes in the National Prep Poll.

Preseason NPP Top 25: No. 3 Oak Hill

3. Oak Hill (Mouth of Wilson, Va.)
Last year: 40-1
Coach: Steve Smith
Top players: G Pe’shon Howard (6-2, Sr.); G Doran Lamb (6-4, Sr.); G Roscoe Smith (6-8, Sr.); C Baye Moussa Kieta (6-11, Sr.); G Juwan Staten (5-11, Sr.); C Martins Abele (7-1, Sr.); G Marco Porcher (6-5, Sr.); G Keith Hornsby (6-2, Jr.)
Top games: Dec. 5 vs. Callaway (Miss.) at Marshall County Hoopfest (Benton, Ky.); Dec. 22 vs. Princeton (Ohio); Dec. 27-30 at Les Schwab Invitational (Portland, Ore.); Jan. 16 vs. No. 4 Northland (Ohio) at Hoophall Classic (Springfield, Mass.); Feb. 12 vs. No. 2 St. Patrick (N.J.) at Primetime Shootout (Rutgers)
Notable: The Warriors, winners of six Prep Poll titles and 758 games in 24 years under Smith, will be one of the nation’s most talented teams once again. Two starters are back including Lamb, who averaged 14 points per game. A quartet of talented transfers is led by Smith, who averaged 21 points last season at Walbrook (Md.), and Dayton Marshall (Ohio) product Staten (Dayton). Syracuse-bound big man Moussa Keita will be counted on inside. Hornsby, a great outside shooter, is son of Grammy-winning recording artist Bruce Hornsby.
Quotable: “Our backcourt has four high Division I perimeter players. We will play four-out and one-in on offense.” – Smith, who has helped develop 24 McDonald’s All-Americans at Oak Hill.

Preaseason NPP Top 25: No. 4 Northland

4. Northland (Columbus, Ohio)
Last year: 27-1, Division I state champion
Coach: Satch Sullinger
Top players: F Jared Sullinger (6-9, Sr.); F J.D. Weatherspoon (6-6, Sr.); G Trey Burke (5-9, Jr.)
Top games: Dec. 17 vs. No. 1 Findlay Prep (Nev.); Jan. 16 vs. No. 3 Oak Hill (Va.) at Hoophall Classic (Springfield, Mass.)
Notable: The Vikings’ three returning starters are Sullinger (Ohio St.), Weatherspoon (Ohio St.), and Burke (Penn St.) -- who all helped lead All-Ohio to an AAU national championship over the summer. With a roster filled with experience, size, skill, and quickness, Northland has a chance to be the first public school to win a Prep Poll title since 2006.

Preseason NPP Top 25: No. 5 Westchester

5. Westchester (Los Angeles)
Last year: 35-2, Division I state champion
Coach: Ed Azzam
Top players: G Jordin Mayes (6-3, Sr.); F Dwayne Polee (6-6, Sr.); G Kareem Jamar (6-5, Sr.); C Reggie Murphy (6-10, Sr.)
Top games: Dec. 18-23 at City of Palms Classic (Fort Myers, Fla.); Dec. 26-30 at Les Schwab Invitational (Portland, Ore.); Jan. 13 at Fairfax; Jan. 18 vs. St. Anthony (N.J.) at Hoophall Classic (Springfield, Mass.); Jan. 23 vs. No. 24 Rice (N.Y.) at Primetime Shootout (West Virginia University); Feb. 1 at Fairfax.
Notable: The five-time state champion Comets have great depth and experience returning. Polee (USC) and Mayes each averaged in double figures last season. Jamar is a hard worker and a great rebounder. Murphy is a skilled big man with good potential.
Quotable: “Our guard play should be outstanding, and our post play has improved tremendously.” – Azzam, who is 645-203 in 31 seasons at Westchester.

Preaseason NPP Top 25: No. 6 Yates

6. Yates (Houston)
Last year: 34-1, Class 4A state champion
Coach: Greg Wise
Top players: G Joseph Young (6-2, Sr.); G Brandon Peters (6-0, Sr.); G Darius Gardner (5-9, Sr.); G Marshall Lange (5-10, Sr.); F Elton Roy (6-2, Sr.)
Top games: Dec. 17-22 at Iolani Classic (Honolulu); Dec. 29-30 at T-Mobile Invitational (Birmingham, Ala.).
Notable: All five starters return for the Lions, who enter the season on a 24-game winning streak. Each player averaged in double figures for a team that scored 95 points per game last year. Young (Providence) led the way at 19 points per contest. The obvious question mark is the team’s lack of size; but its quickness, depth, and experience is not in doubt.

Preseason NPP Top 25: No. 7 Bloomington South

7. Bloomington South (Bloomington, Ind.)
Last year: 26-0, Class 4A state champion
Coach: J.R. Holmes
Top players: F Erik Fromm (6-9, Sr.); G Matt Carlino (6-2, Jr.); G Darwin Davis (5-10, Jr.); G Spencer Turner (6-4, Sr.)
Top games: Jan. 29 vs. Pike
Notable: The Panthers are experienced, play well as a team, and pack a lot of scoring punch. Carlino, who is committed to Indiana, averaged over 20 points per game last season at Highland (Gilbert, Ariz.). Davis averaged 13 points and five assists as a sophomore. Fromm, a Butler recruit, is the key to South’s front court play.

Preseason NPP Top 25: No. 8 Mater Dei

8. Mater Dei (Santa Ana, Calif.)
Last year: 31-2
Coach: Gary McKnight
Top players: G Gary Franklin (6-3, Sr.); G Tyler Lamb (6-5, Sr.); G Keala King (6-6, Sr.); G Max Hooper (6-5, Sr.)
Top games: Jan. 18 vs. Simeon (Ill.) at HoopHall Classic (Springfield, Mass.); Feb. 6 vs. Bishop Gorman (Nev.)
Notable: McKnight, who begins the season only 16 wins away from becoming California’s winningest coach, has a senior-dominated team filled with outstanding scorers. Guard play should be exceptional with a trio of Pac-10 recruits in the back court with Franklin (California), Lamb (UCLA) and Dominguez transfer King (Arizona St.).

Preseason NPP Top 25: No. 9 St. Benedict's

9. St. Benedict’s (Newark, N.J.)
Last year: 24-3
Coach: Dan Hurley
Top players: G Myck Kabongo (6-1, Sr.); F Sidiki Johnson (6-8, Sr.); F Aaron Brown (6-4, Sr.); F Gil Biruta (6-8, Sr.); F Mike Poole (6-4, Sr.); G Wil Martinez (6-2, Jr.)
Top games: Dec. 19-23 at City of Palms Classic (Fort Myers, Fla.); Jan. 16 vs. Paterson Catholic; Jan. 23 vs. No. 2 St. Patrick
Notable: The Grey Bees will attack opponents with an 11-man rotation comprised totally of Division I-caliber prospects. It is an experienced squad with a good blend of shooters, athletes, and big men. Eight players are back from last year’s team including Texas recruit Kabongo. The top incoming transfers are St. Raymonds (N.Y.) transfer Johnson (Arizona) and Puerto Rico native Martinez.

Preseason NPP Top 25: No. 10 Milton

10. Milton (Alpharetta, Ga.)
Last year: 24-8, Class 5A state runner-up
Coach: David Boyd
Top players: F Julian Royal (6-8, Jr.); G Dai Jon Parker (6-4, Jr.); G Shannon Scott (6-2, Jr.); F Evan Nolte (6-7, So.)
Top games: Dec. 12 vs. Norcross; Dec. 19-23 at City of Palms Classic (Fort Myers, Fla.); Jan. 14-16 at Bass Pro Tournament of Champions (Springfield, Mo.)
Notable: Four talented starters return, making the Eagles the preseason favorite in Georgia's highly competitive 5A classification. Royal averaged 18 points last season and scored 32 in the state championship game loss to nationally ranked Wheeler. Parker averaged 14 points and Scott was good for 11 points and seven assists per contest. Nolte, who averaged 14 points, was voted the state’s freshman of the year.
Quotable: “We are jet quick, and have lots of experience an depth. Our schedule is brutal, but you become the best by playing the best.” – Boyd, who has 515 wins and four state championships in his coaching career.

Preseason NPP Top 25: No. 11 DeMatha

11. DeMatha (Hyattsville, Md.)
Last year: 31-4, Washington Catholic Athletic Conference champion
Coach: Mike Jones
Top players: G Jerian Grant (6-4, Sr.); G Victor Oladip (6-4, Sr.); C Chris Frank (6-10, Sr.); G Quinn Cook (6-1, Jr.); F Mikael Hopkins (6-9, Jr.); G James Robinson (6-2, So.)
Top games: Dec. 12 vs. Benedictine (Va.); Jan. 18 vs. No. 8 Mater Dei at Hoophall Classic (Springfield, Mass.)
Notable: Four starters and five more players with varsity experience are back for the Stags, who won their sixth WCAC championship of the decade. Blue chipper Cook was the starting point guard for USA Basketball’s 16-under team last summer. His backcourt mates – Grant (Notre Dame) and Oladipo (Indiana) – are Division I recruits. If DeMatha has a weakness, it might be settling on one go-to guy.
Quotable: “We will have tremendous balance. Guard play will be as good as we have ever had and our inside game will be dominant on both ends of the floor.” – Jones, who was a starter on DeMatha’s last undefeated team (1991) before playing collegiately at Old Dominion.

Preseason NPP Top 25: No. 12 Montrose Christian

12. Montrose Christian (Rockville, Md.)
Last year: Stu Vetter
Coach: 25-3
Top players: G Terrance Ross (6-6, Sr.); F Josh Hairston (6-9, Sr.); G Justin Anderson (6-6, So.); G Tyler Hubbard (5-10, Jr.); Paul Gombwer (6-6, Jr.); F Michael Carrera (6-6, So.); G Nazareth Long (6-2 So.)
Top games: Dec. 17-22 at Iolani Classic (Honolulu); Feb. 13 vs. St. Anthony (N.J.) at Primetime Shootout (Trenton, N.J.)
Notable: The Mustangs roster is chocked full of versatile players who can play inside and outside. Ross (Maryland) and Courtland (Va.) transfer Hairston (Duke) are top 50-rated recruits by rivals.com. Anderson is a supreme athlete with unlimited potential. Gombwer (Nigeria), Carrera (Venezuela), and Long (Canada) are top-flight international transfers.

Quotable: This could be my best team at Montrose.” – Vetter, who has led the Mustangs to a final national or regional ranking seven straight seasons.

Preseason NPP Top 25: No. 13 Whitney Young

13. Whitney Young (Chicago)
Last year: 26-9, Class 4A state champion
Coach: Tyrone Slaughter
Top players: G Anthony Johnson (6-3, Sr.); F Sam Thompson (6-5, Jr.); G Ahmad Stokes (5-8, Sr.); G J.R Reynolds (6-4, Sr.)
Top games: Dec. 12 vs. Columbia (Ga.) at Best of Midwest Shootout (Marion, Ill.); Dec. 26-30 at Proviso West Holiday Classic (Hillside, Ill.); Feb. 21 vs. No. 20 Waukegan
Notable: Three starters are back for the Dolphins, who lost only once to a team outside the National Prep Poll rankings last season. Johnson (Purdue) and Stokes (Oregon St.) might be the best backcourt tandem in Illinois while Thompson is one of the state’s top-rated juniors.

Preseason NPP Top 25: No. 14 Holmes

14. Holmes (Covington, Ky.)
Last year: 36-2, Sweet 16 state champion
Coach: David Henley
Top players: G Ricardo Johnson (6-4, Sr.); F Elijah Pittman (6-7, Sr.); G Jeremiah Johnson (6-3, Sr.); G Demetrius Avery (6-3, Sr.)
Top games: Dec. 12 vs. Memphis Central; Jan. 6 vs. Princeton (Ohio)
Notable: An athletic team with good size and shooting ability returns for a run at back-to-back state championships. There are three returning starters including Johnson (Ohio University) and Pittman, who each averaged double-figure points and were all-state selections last season. Transfer Avery scored 12 points per game at Conner HS.

Preseason NPP Top 25: No. 15 Pershing

15. Pershing (Detroit)
Last year: 26-1, Class A state champion
Coach: A.W. Canada
Top players: G Keith Appling (6-1, Sr.); F Juwan Howard Jr. (6-5, Sr.); F Raymone McAfee (6-7, Sr.)
Top games: Jan. 16 vs. Detroit Country Day
Notable: The top returning player is Appling (Michigan St.), who scored 49 points in last year’s Class A championship game and led the Doughboys to their first title since 1993. Howard, whose father was a member of the University of Michigan’s famed “Fab Five” in the 1990s, is a Western Michigan commit.

Preseason NPP Top 25: No. 16 Winter Park

16. Winter Park (Fla.)
Last year: 24-8
Coach: David Bailey
Top players: G Austin Rivers (6-4, Jr.); F Adam Jones (6-8, Sr.); G Brett Comer (6-3, Jr.); G Robert Lovaglio (6-4, Jr.); G Isaac Turner (6-2, Sr.)
Top games: Dec. 18-23 at City of Palms Classic (Fort Myers, Fla.); Dec. 29-30 at T-Mobile Invitational (Birmingham, Ala.); vs. Gonzaga (D.C.) at HoopHall Classic (Springfield, Mass.); Feb. 5 at Pine Crest
Notable: The Wildcats burst onto the scene last December after knocking off three nationally ranked teams at the City of Palms Classic. Four starters return from that team, which also reached the state semifinals. Rivers, son of former NBA great Doc Rivers, averaged 23 points as a junior. Jones and Lovaglio also averaged in double-figures. Comer scored 15 points and dished out five assists per contest at Blue Valley Northwest (Kan.). It’s a talented and experienced group that could become dominant if it can remain competitive on the boards.
Quotable: “This is the first time in my coaching career that I will have all juniors and seniors on the team.” – Bailey, who has led the Wildcats to the state final four twice in the last three seasons.

Preseason NPP Top 25: No. 17 Cedar Hill

17. Cedar Hill (Texas)
Last year: 35-4, Class 5A state runner-up
Coach: David Milson
Top players: G Tanner Milson (6-1, Sr.); F Thomas Gipson (6-7, Jr.); G Oliver Wells (6-2, Sr.); F Anthony Wilson (6-2, Sr.)
Top games: Dec. 26-31 at Beach Ball Classic (Myrtle Beach, S.C.)
Notable: The Longhorns are a cohesive, hard-working squad with four returning starters. Opponents scored only 53 points per game against Cedar Hill last season, and the Longhorns’ defense should be equally tough this year. On offense, Milson (UNC-Wilmington), the coach’s son, averaged 14 points and four assists last season. Inside presence Gipson scored 14 points and grabbed seven points per contest.

Preseason NPP Top 25: No. 18 Wheeler

18. Wheeler (Marietta, Ga.)
Last year: 25-7, Class 5A state champion
Coach: Doug Lipscomb
Top players: F Jelan Kendrick (6-6, Sr.); G Phil Taylor (5-10, Sr.); G Joey Jerome (6-4, Sr.); G Karl Cochran (5-11, Jr.); F Chuck Mitchell (6-7, So.)
Top games: Dec. 26-31 at Beach Ball Classic (Myrtle Beach, S.C.); Jan. 22 vs. No. 10 Milton; Jan. 28-30 at Montverde Invitational (Montverde, Fla.); Feb. 6 vs. Fairfax (Calif.) at Nike Extravaganza (Santa Ana, Calif.)
Notable: The return of two starters and arrival of one of the nation’s top seniors give the Wildcats a good chance to challenge for their fifth state title since 2002. Kendrick, who played last season at Atlanta Westlake, has great length and athleticism. Taylor (Florida International) returns to run the point. Mitchell has a shot to become one of the top sophomore big men in the country.