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TOP 25 PRESEASON POLL

By Jeff Goodman and PrepStars.com staff
readermail@prepstars.com
November 4, 2002

We asked experts from around the nation to weigh in with their thoughts on this season's best high school basketball teams. Below is our preseason look at the top 25 high school teams in America.

The name at the top of the list should come as no surprise. Steve Smith's Oak Hill Warriors, perhaps the nation's very best high school program, once again is stocked with top players and will make a run at the mythical national championship.

The 2002-03 season also should be a very strong one in New Jersey, where two of the top-five preseason teams are located and one more in the top 25.

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

Last Year: 32-1
Coach: Steve Smith (18th season)
Top Player: F Ivan Harris (6-7, 215, SR)
Starters: PG Marcus Williams (6-2, 185, SR); C Byron Joynes (6-9, 265, SR); SG J.R. Reynolds (6-2, 180, SR); F Dion Dacones (6-6, 210, SR)
Others: G Isaiah Swann (6-2, 185, JR); F Jarvelle Scott (6-7, 250, SR)

Notes: As usual, Oak Hill is loaded with a completely different cast of characters ­ although Smith may not have the dominant player as he had last season with Carmelo Anthony. Harris is probably the most talented player of this year’s group and will take his game to Ohio State. Williams (UConn) is a scoring point guard who averaged 26 points and 10 assists per contest last season at Crenshaw High (Calif.), while Reynolds will stay close by and play at Virginia. Joynes is a load up front and hails from the same high school, Towson Catholic, where Anthony played until his junior year. Swann, who averaged 22 points, 4 boards and 4 assists last season, is just a junior but may be the best of the bunch. Don’t be surprised if the scrappy Dacons, the lone holdover, leads the team in scoring. The Warriors had their 67-game winning streak snapped last season by Mater Dei (Calif.).

Strength: Balance
Weakness: Depth

Tournaments: Las Vegas Prep Classic (Nev.); Academy National Invitational (Texas); Flying to the Hoop (Ohio); Prime Time Shootout (N.J.)
Next Game: Nov. 2 vs. Philadelphia Lutheran

2. St. Benedict’s (Newark, N.J.)

Last Year: 22-7 (state prep school champion)
Coach: Dan Hurley (2nd season)
Top Player: SF J.R. Smith (6-6, 195, JR)
Starters: PG Artie Bowers (6-4, 190, SR); SG Bashir Mason (6-0, 170, SR); F Stanley Branch (6-8, 200, JR); Alex Galindo (6-6, JR)
Others: F Ismaila Traore (6-6, 225, SOPH); F Frank Tchuisi (6-9, 190, SOPH); F Eric Hazard (6-6, SR); F Aswan Minatee (6-5, SR); SG Jonathan Ezeokoli (6-3, JR)

Notes: Smith was a two-sport star at Lakewood and averaged 28.3 points and 6 boards last season, but opted to play for Hurley despite the fact that St. Benedict’s doesn’t even have a football team. He is a tremendous outside shooter who has started to go to the basket and has been re-classified as a junior. He’s caught the eye of many of the top schools, including North Carolina. Bowers (UMass) and Mason (Drexel) combined to average 25 points per game and are a top-notch backcourt who complement one another well. Branch can get up and down the floor with the best of them, but he’ll need to develop his mid-range game. Keving Palacios went back to Venezuela, but Hurley brought over one of Palacios’ countrymen ­ Galindo, a skilled wing player who can shoot and pass. There are 10 legitimate D-1 players up and down this roster.

Strength: Depth
Weakness: Are there enough basketballs to go around for all this talent?

Tournaments: Slam Dunk to the Beach (Del.); Prime Time Shootout (N.J.); Flying to the Hoop (Ohio)
Next Game: Dec. 5 at Hun

3. St. Patrick (Elizabeth, N.J.)

Last Year: 21-6 (Parochial B title game)
Coach: Kevin Boyle
Top Player: PG Michael Nardi (6-1, 165, SR)
Starters: C Grant Billmeier (6-11, 230, SR); F Derrick Character (6-9, 285, FR); G Jason Patterson (5-10, SR); F Robert Hines (6-4 _, 240, SR)
Others: F Assad Shakir (6-4, 215, SR); PG Antoine Pryor (5-9, SR); G Desmond Sanders (5-9, JR)

Notes: Boyle has no problem admitting this is one of the best teams he’s ever had and that’s saying a lot. Six of the top eight players are seniors. Nardi (Villanova) missed nearly all of last season with a broken foot and is a hard-nosed floor general who provides the Celtics with leadership. Billmeier, who needs to rebound and block shots, has progressed and will play at Seton Hall. Character may be the best freshman in the entire country, but he won’t be handed a starting spot by Boyle unless he earns it. Hines and Shakir are low D-1 talents who may be undersized, but they provide toughness. Patterson is a gunner who hit eight trifectas in the first half against Blair Academy last season.

Strength: Size
Weakness: Lack an athletic small forward

Tournaments: City of Palms (Fla.); Academy National Invitational (Texas); Prime Time Shootout (N.J.)
Next Game: Dec. 20 vs. TBD at the City of Palms (Fla.)

4. Mater Dei (Santa Ana, Calif.)

Last Year: 29-5 (regional finals)
Coach: Gary McKnight
Top Player: SF D.J. Strawberry (6-5, SR)
Starters: SG Wesley Washington; PF Harrison Schaen (6-8, SR); C Chris Henry (6-9, 260, JR); Mike Gerrity (6-0, SOPH)
Others: SF Marcel Jones (6-6, JR); G Travonte Nelson (6-0, SR); G Robby Haynes (6-1, JR); G-F Pat Joyce (6-4, JR); G Danny Markus (6-1, JR); F Konrad Reuland (6-5, 215, FR); G John Gunderson (6-3, FR)

Notes: The Monarchs, who were the only team to knock off Oak Hill Academy last season, return just about all of their key parts from a year ago. Garrity is just a sophomore, but he started all of last year and has maturity well beyond his years. He’s got plenty of options, starting with the athletic and versatile Strawberry (Maryland) and Washington, who originally committed to Cal before changing his mind and pledging to Minnesota. Schaen (Princeton), who rebounds well and runs the floor, and Henry, who is in inside presence, will be tough up front while Jones is one of the top juniors in the state and would start for almost anyone else. McKnight’s team should have plenty of balance.

Strength: Depth
Weakness: Consistency

Tournaments: City of Palms (Fla.); Nike Extravaganza (Calif.)
Next Game: Dec. 3 vs. Nogales

5. Mt. Zion (Durham, N.C.)

Last Year: 26-5
Coach: Tony Fozard (2nd season)
Top Player: C Martin Iti (7-0, 230, SR)
Starters: PF Mahomed Tangara (6-9, 228, JR); SG Glen Dandridge (6-7, 195, JR); PG Ramel Bradley (6-1, 170, JR); SF Maurice Petty (6-5, 210, SR)
Others: C Jaaron Green (6-10, 280, SR); F Robbie Simpson (6-8, 190, JR); PF Richard Dorsey (6-8, 255, JR); G Josh Washington (6-2, 180, SR); SG Dana Burns (6-5, 205, SR); G Tasheed Carr (6-5, 215, JR); SG Albert Weber (6-4, 200, JR); SF Ashley Graves (6-5, 185, SOPH); SG Ben Roberson (6-5, 175, FR)

Notes: This could be the most talented squad in the nation from top to bottom. No other club can put out a frontline of the 7-foot Iti, who won’t turn 20 until Sept. of 2003, and the 6-9 Tangara, one of the elite junior big men in the nation. Dandridge can light it up with the best of them, but the key will be Bradley, a heady floor leader who will get everyone the ball. Green, Simpson and Dorsey will all come off the bench yet could be one of the top frontlines in the nation.

Strength: Athleticism; Size
Weakness: Cohesiveness

Tournaments: Las Vegas Prep Holiday Classic (Nev.); Bull City Classic (NC); Flying to the Hoop (Ohio); MLK Classic (Ore.); Del Curry Shootout (N.C.)
Next Game: Nov. 29-30 in the Bull City Classic (N.C.)

6. Brookhaven (Columbus, Ohio)

Last Year: 27-1 (Division I state champion)
Coach: Bruce Howard (10th season)
Top Player: PG Andrew Lavender (5-7, 155, SR)
Starters: F Brandon Foust (6-7, 195, SR); SG Denzel Lyles (6-1, JR); SF-SG Everett Spencer (6-5, 170, JR); F-C Jamelle Cornley (6-5, 220, SOPH)
Others: PG Jermaine Cox (6-0, JR); G Laqawn Terry (6-2, 200, JR); G Calvin Weaver (5-10, JR); F Jeff Cumberland (6-5, FR); F Julian Young (6-5, FR); G Dominic Jones (5-8, SOPH)

Notes: Lavender (11.3 ppg) and Foust (10.3 ppg) will try to defend their national crown before heading off to the University of Oklahoma together. Lavender is the quickest floor leader in the nation and Foust will give the Bearcats athleticism. Lyles led the team in scoring in the state title win and can knock down the three-pointer while Corney plays much bigger than his height and gives Howard a tough interior defender. Look for Spencer, who played primarily on the JV squad last season, to add scoring and athleticism. Howard lost three unselfish D-1 seniors last season, including Ron Lewis and Raheem Moss.

Strength: Quickness and athleticism
Weakness: Depth

Tournaments: Prime Time Shootout (N.J.)
Next Game: Nov. 22 vs. Detroit Redford (Mich.) at the All-Ohio Slam ‘N Jam Hoop Festival (Ohio)

7. Miami Christian (Miami, Fla.)

Last Year: 38-2 (Class A state champion)
Coach: Art Alvarez (3rd season)
Top Player: SF Guillermo Diaz (6-2, 190, SR)
Starters: SG Jesus Verdejo (6-5, 200, SR); PG Raul Orta (6-5, SR); F Sammy Hernandez (6-6, SOPH); SF Carlos Berrocales (6-5, SR)
Others: F Josh Bunyan (6-7); PG Danny Alvarez (5-10, SR)

Notes: The Victors set a state-record with 38 wins a year ago and ran off 29 consecutive victories to close out the season, but Alvarez vows this team is much better. Verdejo and Hernandez return, and three more standouts from Puerto Rico transferred, including the high-flying Diaz, who is also a top volleyball recruit that can flat-out sky. Verdejo (22 ppg) is a terrific shooter while Orta gives Miami Christian a big floor leader who makes solid decisions and gets everyone involved. Hernandez led the team in rebounding last year as a freshman and Alvarez, the coach’s son, will come off the bench after starting for much of his junior campaign.

Strength: Athleticism
Weakness: Size

Tournaments: Iolani Prep Classic (Hawaii); Slam Dunk to the Beach (Del.); Nike Extravaganza (Calif.)
Next Game: Nov. 29 vs. Piper High in the MCS Preseason Classic

8. St. Vincent-St. Mary (Akron, Ohio)

Last Year: 23-4 (Division II state runner-up)
Coach: Dru Joyce
Top Player: F LeBron James (6-8, 225, SR)
Starters: PG Dru Joyce III (5-10, SR); SF Romeo Travis (6-6, SR); C Sian Cotton (6-3, 285, SR); SG-SF Willie McGee (6-3, SR)
Others: G-F Marcus Johnson (6-2, FR); F Preston Sims (6-5, JR); SG Corey Jones (6-1, JR); PG Brandon Weems (5-7, JR)

Notes: James is simply the best player in the nation and has been for at least the past year or so. He's virtually a lock to become the No. 1 pick in the 2003 NBA draft. James averaged 29 points, 8.3 rebounds, 5.7 assists and 3.3 steals per game as a junior. Joyce will run the show and has already committed to the University of Akron while Cotton, a Division I football prospect, has slimmed down considerably and that should make a big difference. Travis is a D-1 talent, but hasn’t committed anywhere yet. Look for freshman Marcus Johnson to become the next Irish star.

Strength: James; Experience among starting unit
Weakness: Defense, rebounding
Tournaments: Prime Time Shootout (N.J.)
Next Game: Nov. 30 vs. Wellston (Ohio)

9. Montrose Christian (Rockville, Md.)

Last Year: 23-6
Coach: Stu Vetter (4th season)
Top Player: PF/C Linas Kleiza (6-8, 240, SR)
Starters: PG Churchill Odia (6-6, JR); SG Fred Robinson (6-2, 180, SR); F Joe Young (6-6, SR); F Arvidas Lidzius (6-9, SR)
Others: PG Rich Baker (6-1, SR); G Antwan Hardy (6-0, JR); F Tunji Soroye (6-11, JR); PF Mike Freeman (6-8, SOPH); F Echefu Uchechukwe (6-8, SOPH); SG Edwin Ofori-Attah (6-4, JR); F Jim Ewing (6-10, SR)

Notes: Kleiza missed much of the summer with a knee injury, but he’s back in shape and is one of the more underrated big men in the country. Odia is 6-5, but is a true point guard from Nigeria who will get his teammates the ball. Soroye and Uchechukwe are also newcomers from Nigeria. Look for Robinson to be the primary perimeter threat. Vetter, who compares Ofori-Attah to former Wake Forest star Randolph Childress, estimates he has 10-12 Division I players on the Mustangs roster and has no problems calling it his most talented team in his four years at Montrose.

Strength: Size and depth
Weakness: Outside shooting

Tournaments: Iolani Prep Classic (Hawaii); GlaxoSmithKline Holiday Invitational (N.C.)
Next Game: Dec. 9 vs. Washington (DC)

10. Westchester (Los Angeles, Calif.)

Last Year: 32-2 (Division 1 state champion)
Coach: Ed Azzam
Top Player: F Trevor Ariza (6-7, 195, SR);
Starters: F/C Scott Cutley (6-6, 210, SR); PG Gabe Pruitt (6-3, 165, JR); SF Ray Reese (6-5, SOPH); SG Jonathan Toliver (6-4, JR)
Others: PG Jonathan Smith (5-10, SR); G Bobby Brown (5-11, SR); F Marcus Johnson (6-5, SOPH); F Jerrell Lake (6-7, SOPH); G Joey Knox (5-11, SOPH)

Notes: The Comets lost four-fifths of their starting lineup to the D-1 ranks, but they still have a host of Division I talent returning. Ariza (UCLA) finally gets his chance to shine and Pruitt was a big addition, coming over from Compton Centennial. Reese should also move right into the starting lineup after transferring from Carson High following a solid freshman season. He’ll give the team a tough rebounder while Toliver comes up from the JV ranks and will be relied on for his perimeter shooting. Johnson is just a sophomore, but Azzam is expecting him to be the star in a year or two.

Strength: Athleticism
Weakness: Perimeter shooting; Inexperience

Tournaments: Las Vegas Holiday Prep Classic (Nev.); Academy National Invitational (Texas); Prime Time Shootout (N.J.)
Next Game: Dec. 2 in the Westchester Tip-Off Classic (Calif.)

11. Reynolds (Winston-Salem, N.C.)

Last Year: 26-6 (Class 4A state champion)
Coach: Howard West
Top Player: F Reyshawn Terry (6-7, 205, SR)
Starters: F/C Keith Foster (6-8, SR); C Eddie Green (6-9, C); G-F Justin Bohlander (6-7, SR); PG Frank Brown (5-11, SR)
Others: G-F Erikas Kaupaitis (6-7, SR); G William Palmer (6-2, SR); G-F Vernon Williams (6-1, JR); G-F Joe Fulp (6-4, JR)

Notes: The Demons have won three straight state crowns and are looking to become the first club in state history to win four consecutive titles. The UNC-bound Terry, who transferred over last season from Glenn (N.C.), is versatile and will see plenty of time at the point this season while Foster (East Carolina) and Green (James Madison) give West a formidable 1-2 punch up front. Bohlander and Kaupaitis can move around while Brown started some games at the shooting guard spot last season and is the leader of the club.

Strength: Size
Weakness: Backcourt

Tournaments: Academy National Invitational (Texas); Dell Curry Tournament (N.C.); Prime Time Shootout (N.J.)
Next Game: Nov. 19 vs. Mt. Tabor

12. Rainier Beach (Seattle, Wash.)

Last Year: 28-1 (Class 3A state champion)
Coach: Mike Bethea (9th season)
Top Player: PG Rodrick Stewart (6-4, 195, SR)
Starters: SG Lodrick Stewart (6-4, 195, SR); C Chester Giles (6-10, 225, JR); PF Josh Love (6-7, SR); SF Terrence Williams (6-5, 210, SOPH)
Others: F Jarvis Stewart (6-6, JR); G Duane Wright (5-11, SR); SG Ryan Anderson (6-2, FR); F Matt Dance (6-3, 265, SR); G Dave Mattocks (6-2, SR)

Notes: The Stewart twins are a human highlight film and both are headed to USC next fall. The Vikings lost Nate Robinson, their point guard from a year ago, to the college ranks so Rodrick Stewart will shift over and run the ballclub. Bethea must get a lot from Giles, who played on the JV team last season. Love is an athletic wing who can hit the perimeter shot and transferred in from nearby Auburn. Williams is athletic and passes well, but just needs to work on his shooting while Wright is the team’s defensive stopper. Dance is a banger who can step outside and Mattocks, who had 16 points and 8 boards in an early-season game, looks to get back on track after an injury last year.

Strength: Height
Weakness: Depth

Tournaments: KMOX Shootout (Mo.); Academy National Invitational (Texas)
Next Game: Dec. 6 vs. Lakeside

13. Hopkins (Minnetonka, Minn.)

Last Year: 28-2 (Class 4A state champion)
Coach: Ken Novak
Top Player: PF Kris Humphries (6-8, 220, SR)
Starters: F Dan Coleman (6-9, 210, SR); F Mitch Henke (6-6, JR); PG Darren Clarke (6-3, 200, SR); SG Nick Chalmers (6-3, SR)
Others: PG Kyle Reynolds (5-9, JR); F Arden Skoglund (6-9, SOPH); PG David Wallich (5-9, JR)

Notes: The Royals won their first state crown in 49 years and will return nearly all of their key players from the title run. Humphries averaged 26.5 points, 11.1 rebounds, 3 assists and 1.7 blocks per game as a junior and is bound for Duke. Coleman (Boston College) is versatile and will help made the frontline formidable, but the question mark lies with Clarke (St. Louis) and his ability to make the transition to the point guard spot. If Clarke can’t make the switch, it could fall to Wallich, a natural point guard. Look for Skoglund, just a sophomore, to give the team key depth up front.

Strength: Size
Weakness: Point guard questions

Tournaments: Slam Dunk to the Beach (Del.); Timberwolves Tourney (Minn.); KMOX Shootout (Mo.)
Next Game: Dec. 3 vs. Chaska

14. St. Raymond’s (Bronx, N.Y.)

Last Year: 17-10 (city quarterfinals)
Coach: Oliver Antigua (1st season)
Top Player: G-F Louis McCroskey (6-3, 180, SR)
Starters: PG Daon Merritt (5-9, 185, SR); SF Tariq Atkins (6-3, 185, SR); F Brian Laing (6-5, JR); F Gavin Grant (6-6, JR)
Others: PG Corey Simmons (6-0, SR); SG Miguel Garcia (6-2, SR); F Chris Bethel (6-5, SOPH); G Ricky Torres (6-3, SOPH); G Wesley Wicks (5-11, JR)

Notes: Long-time Ravens head man Gary DeCesare left for an assistant job at Richmond and has been replaced by Antigua, who has been on the staff for the past three years. McCroskey (Syracuse) came out of nowhere to lead the team in scoring last season and is one of the more underrated players in the country. Merritt (Richmond) is a hard-nosed floor leader who gets everyone involved while Atkins will head to Iona next season. Laing and Grant not only give the team youth, but also size up front.

Strength: Continuity (the team played together all summer), toughness
Weakness: Rebounding

Tournaments: Bass Tournament of Champions (Mo.); GlaxoSmithKline Holiday Invitational (N.C.); Prime Time Shootout (N.J.)
Next Game: Dec. 6 vs. Bishop Loughlin

15. St. Andrew’s (Barrington, R.I.)

Last Year: 25-8 (NEPSAC Class C runner-up)
Coach: Mike Hart (9th season)
Top Player: F Demitris Nichols (6-7, 205, SR)
Starters: SG Abdi Lidonde (6-3, 175, SR); C Milos Mirkovic (6-8, 245, SR); F Lamar Barrett (6-6, JR); PG Emery Outland (6-1, 170, JR)
Others: G Nick Mattone (6-3, JR); Michael Gore (6-5, 200, SOPH); PG Ray Cross (5-11, JR); PG Dipo Popoola (5-10, SR)

Notes: Nichols led a young St. Andrew’s team a year ago and the Syracuse-bound forward should be even more of a factor after gaining about 15 pounds in the summer. The Saints also have one of the top shooters in the area with Lidonde and a pair of elite juniors ­ Barrett and Outland. Barrett rebounds well and has worked on his perimeter game over the summer while Outland has tons of ability, but just needs to come to play each game. Mirkovic is a role player coming off a torn ACL who should be able to give Hart a solid inside presence.

Strength: Continuity
Weakness: Size

Tournaments: Slam Dunk to the Beach (Del.); City of Palms (Fla.); Springfield Hall of Fame Classic (Mass.).
Next Game: Nov. 20 vs. Worcester Academy (Mass.)

16. Pike (Indianapolis, Ind.)

Last Year: 24-4 (Class 4A state runner-up)
Coach: Larry Bullington (2nd season)
Top Player: SG-SF Robert Vaden (6-4, JR)
Starters: F Justin Cage (6-6, 205, SR); SF Courtney Lee (6-4, JR); C Parnell Smith (6-6, 210, SR); G Darrin Yates (6-2, SR)
Others: G David Barlow (6-1, SR); F Devin Thomas (6-4, 210, SR); PG Desmond Gadis (6-0, JR)

Notes: Pike returns all five starters from a year ago and the Red Devils got a pleasant surprise when Vaden and Gadis, who both verbally committed to Purdue before ever playing a varsity game, transferred in from Cathedral. Vaden averaged 16.4 points and 6.1 boards per game last season while Gadis averaged 5.6 points off the bench. Cage (Xavier) and Smith both averaged more than 12 points and 7 rebounds per contest as juniors. Yates is headed to Ball State and Barlow committed to IUPUI. Lee is a big-time talent who will play both frontcourt spots, but Vaden is the star of this group.

Strength: Balance; versatility
Weakness: Perimeter shooting; rebounding

Tournaments: Circle City Showcase (Ind.)
Next Game: Dec. 7 at Franklin Central

17. Lexington Catholic (Lexington, Ky.)

Last Year: 33-2 (state champion)
Coach: Bart Flener (1st season)
Top Player: F Demetrius Green (6-4, 185, JR)
Starters: SG William Graham (6-3, 170, JR); F Harrison Morton (6-3, 205, JR); PG Brian Smith (5-11, 165, SR); F Mark Balthrop (6-5, JR)
Others: PG Drew Morton (5-10, JR); G Chase Hillenmeyer (6-0, SR); F Cory Canter (6-4, SR)

Notes: Danny Haney led the team to its first-ever state title last season and reeled off a 21-game winning streak to end the year, but then he left and took a job as coach at North Broward Prep. It’s a junior-laden club, but the Knights boast arguably the top three juniors in the state and also have a floor leader in Smith, the son of Kentucky coach Tubby Smith. Smith averaged 10.4 points and a team-leading 6.5 assists per game last season, but Green is the top option after averaging 17.6 points and 6.7 boards per contest as a sophomore. Morton (13.6 ppg, 7.2 rpg) came off the bench last season, but will start this year. Graham also put up decent numbers, averaging 12.4 points, 3.5 boards and 2.8 assists per contest. Flener takes over after winning the 2001 state title with Glasgow High (Ky.).

Strength: Versatility; Quickness
Weakness: Size

Tournaments: Great Florida Shootout (Fla.); Flying to the Hoop (Ohio)
Next Game: Dec. 7 vs. Lanier (Miss) in the Marshall Co. Hoop Fest

18. Detroit Redford (Detroit, Mich.)

Last Year: 24-3 (Class A state runner-up)
Coach: Derrick McDowell (9th season)
Top Player: SG Dion Harris (6-4, 185, SR)
Starters: C Jamal Lock (6-8, JR); SG-SF Vernon Carr (6-1, 170, JR); PG Ronnie Cranford (6-1, JR); PF Ken Pettit (6-6, SR)
Others: F/C Brandon Wolfe (6-7, SOPH); PG Derrick Reynolds (5-11, FR); SG Raymond Pettus (6-1, FR)

Notes: The Huskies are led by the Michigan-bound Harris, who averaged 22.1 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists per game as a junior. Locke will give the team an intimidator on the boards and in the paint while Carr gives Redford a solid swingman. Cranford is the team’s top on-the-ball defender and scored 18 points in the title game setback to Pontiac Northern. Pettit is a bruiser and a shot-blocker inside.

Strength: Size and experience
Weakness: Depth
Next Game: Dec. 10 at Mumford

19. Arlington County Day (Jacksonville, Fla.)

Last Year: 23-3
Coach: Rex Morgan (7th season)
Top Player: PG T.J. Bannister (5-10, 165, SR)
Starters: SG Dwon Youmans (6-3, 180, SG); C Jason Bennett (7-1, 235, FR); SF Dennis Sergent (6-3, SR); PF Melvin McBride (6-6, 235, SR)
Others: G Eric Andrews (6-1, 200, JR); PG Eddie Brown (6-2, SOPH)

Notes: ACD still can’t leave the state, but Morgan’s crew will play the best the Sunshine State has to offer ­ including Miami Christian, Florida Air Academy, Dillard and Nease. Bannister and Youmans comprise arguably the top backcourt in America while Bennett could develop into an unstoppable 7-footer in due time. Sergent is a deadly outside shooter who came over from Bishop Kenny and McBride works well alongside Bennett. Andrews is a football player who was ineligible last season while Brown will learn from Bannister and run the team after he graduates.

Strength: Backcourt
Weakness: Frontline

Next Game: Dec. 5 vs. St. John’s

20. Heritage Christian (Cleveland, Texas)

Last Year: 29-7
Coach: Jerome Tang (10th season)
Top Player: SG-SF Von Wafer (6-6, 210, SR)
Starters: C Elijah Miller (6-11, SR); F Tyler Jones (6-8, 210, SR); G-F Richard Hurd (6-5, JR); PG Brian Waters (6-1, JR)
Others: G Justin Edwards (6-0, SOPH); F Patrick Gregg (6-4, SR); G Terrance Warren (6-1, SR); PG Wayne Brooks (5-8, JR)

Notes: Wafer (Florida State) has bounced around from school to school, but he seems to have settled in at Heritage Christian. He is a bonafide scorer who should lead the team. Miller has committed to the University of Houston while Jones is a lefty from Colorado who is looking at St. Joe’s, Florida State and Weber State. Hurd gives the team an athletic swingman who may be the team’s top defender. Waters is lightning-quick and will learn to make better decisions as he runs the show.

Strength: Quickness
Weakness: Backcourt Inexperience

Tournaments: Las Vegas Holiday Prep Classic (Nev.); Academy National Invitational (Texas); Flying to the Hoop (Ohio)
Next Game: Nov. 11 vs. HCYA

21. West Aurora (West Aurora, Ill.)

Last Year: 27-3 (lost in supersectionals)
Coach: Gordie Kerkman (26th season)
Top Player: SF Dameon Mason (6-5, 195, SR)
Starters: PG Jaeh Thomas (6-2, 185, JR); C Shaun Pruitt (6-8, JR); PF Mike Soderlind (6-6, SR); SG Justin Cerasoli (6-4, JR)
Others: PF Michael Binns (6-7, SR); F Danny Real (6-4 _, SR); PG Keiston Henderson (5-6, SR)

Notes: Mason averaged 19 points per game for the Blackhawks last season and is headed to Marquette once his finishes up at West Aurora. But it’s the junior class that has Kerkman excited ­ Thomas is a combo guard who averaged 13 points, 7 boards and 6 assists as a sophomore and Pruitt will control the paint ­ when he’s healthy. Pruitt, who missed much of last year with a broken right foot, suffered a broken right leg in late October and is expected to be out of action for 4-8 weeks. Cerasoli is a shooter who transferred in from Providence St. Mel and Binns came in from Whitney Young.

Strength: Depth
Weakness: Consistency

Tournaments: KMOX Shootout (Mo.); Pontiac Tournament
Next Game: Nov. 27 at Galesburg

22. Laurinburg Institute (Laurinburg, N.C.)

Last Year: 20-4
Coach: Rolando de la Barrera (1st season, formerly of Berkshire Academy)
Top Player: PF Hatila De Sousa (6-9, 215, JR)
Starters: PG Armand Massogo (6-3, SR); SG Brian Mason (6-4, SR); SF Michael White (6-6, SR); C Damiao Rodrigues (7-2, 215, JR)
Others: F Herculano Da Costa (6-7, 225, SR); F Bassirue Dieng (6-9, 205, JR); G/F Rodrigo Da Silva (6-7, JR); G-F Arturas Jomantas (6-6, JR); PF-C Renato De Souza (6-8 _, 260, JR); G Chris Wright (6-0, SR)

Notes: Laurinburg has three different teams and the Institute squad is a private school that is eligible and does not have fifth-year kids. De Sousa hails from Brazil and is the team’s most talented player, while the ultra-athletic Mason came from Berkshire Academy (Fla.). Rodrigues is a lefty from Brazil who needs to improve his quickness, but there are plenty of options along the frontline. Da Costa, a Portugal native, will provide toughness and rebounding off the bench. Dieng is one of the few returnees in the program and has made tremendous strides.

Strength: Frontcourt depth
Weakness: Backcourt quickness

Tournaments: Bull City Classic (N.C.); National Hoops Classic (Ohio); Slam Dunk to the Beach (Del.); Flying to the Hoop (Ohio)
Next Game: Nov. 19 vs. Bonner Academy

23. Bishop O’Connell (Arlington, Va.)

Last Year: 30-7
Coach: Joe Wootten (4th season)
Top Player: F Brian Johnson (6-9, 220, SR)
Starters: G/F Marcus Ginyard (6-5, SOPH); PG Erik Smith (5-9, JR); SG-SF Fred Stanback (6-5, JR); PF David Neal (6-7, SOPH)
Others: Bryant Majors (6-4, SOPH); Anthony Wright (6-5, FR); F Robert Wills (6-7, SR); F Ernie Lomax (6-5, JR); G Jeremy Trimble (5-11, JR); G Wil Johnson (5-10, FR)

Notes: Johnson, who averaged 17 points and 12 boards per game as a sophomore, is a star in the making and has been offered a scholarship by Duke, North Carolina and Maryland. He was also the youngest player selected to play in this past summer’s U.S. National Junior Team. Smith (10 ppg) is arguably the teams top shooter and gives the team a vocal leader at the point guard spot. Stanback gives Wootten versatility and averaged 12 points per contest a year ago, while Ginyard is a tremendous talent who is one of the top players in the Class of 2005.

Strength: Cohesiveness
Weakness: Youth

Tournaments: Les Schwab Invitational (Ore.); Beach Ball Classic (S.C.)
Next Game: Dec. 3 vs. St. Mary’s Ryken

24. Lanier (Jackson, Miss.)

Last Year: 34-5 (Class 4A state champion)
Coach: Thomas Billups
Top Player: PG Monta Ellis (6-4, 165, SOPH)
Starters: F Isaac Wells (6-7, SR); G Eric Williams (6-4, SR); SG-SF Bobby Clarke (6-5, 185, JR); F Charles Thomas (6-7, 210, JR)
Others: F/C Charles Rhodes (6-8, 220, JR); F Sean Johnson (6-5, JR); SF Chris McGee (6-5, JR)

Notes: The Bulldogs won their fifth state title in the last 11 years and will have a chance to win another despite the loss of guard Jonathan Blackman. Ellis is one of the top sophomores in the nation and averaged 20.1 points, 3.4 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 2.1 steals per game. Wells is a versatile lefty who moved into the starting lineup midway though last year while Williams is a slasher who is the club’s top defensive player. The key for Billups’ club is a trio of transfers ­ Clark, a former Callaway High standout, as well as Rhodes and Thomas.

Strength: Athleticism
Weakness: Chemistry

Tournaments: Prime Time Shootout (N.J.)
Next Game: Dec. 2 in the Bulldog Classic

25. St. Anthony (Jersey City, N.J.)

Last Year: 29-1 (won tournament of champions)
Coach: Bob Hurley
Top Player: F-C Terrence Roberts (6-8, 220, SR)
Starters: SF Marcus Williams (6-2, JR); G-F Lamar Alston (6-3, JR); PF Obie Nwadiake (6-4, SR); PG Admad Mosley (6-0, JR)
Others: G Shawn McGarity (6-0, SOPH); F-C Barney Anderson (6-5, SOPH); G Otis Campbell (6-2, JR)

Notes: Floor leader Elijah Ingram is at St. John’s, so now it’s up to Roberts to take the leadership role. The Friars will be strong up front with Roberts (Syracuse) and Nwadiake (Central Conn. St.), but the backcourt is inexperienced. Mosley will run the show while Alston should see time at shooting guard and small forward. Bob Hurley’s club will be more physical than a year ago and may have more depth, but they’ll sorely miss Ingram’s court presence.

Strength: Frontcourt; Athleticism
Weakness: Backcourt

Tournaments: Prime Time Shootout (N.J.); National Prep Classic (San Diego, Calif.)
Next Game: Dec. 22 vs. Morristown at Seton Hall

On the Fence:

Pendleton School (Bradenton, Fla.)

Last Year: 17-7
Coach: Tony Tucker, Mike Moreau
Top Player: C Jermaine Bell (6-11, 200, JR)
Starters: PG Taurean Green (5-11, JR); SG Danny Morrissey (6-3, JR); F John Krums (6-5, SR); G-F Dustin Yoder (6-5, FR)
Others: G-F Jake Worley (6-5, FR); G Mike Zito (5-11, SR); G Anthony Bowden (6-0, FR); G Gray Lowry (6-2, SR)

Notes: The team is young and doesn’t have a lot of height and bulk, but they should be pretty good anyway. Bell is a thin talent and a Rochester, N.Y., native who played at Coastal Christian last season while Green and Morrissey can both light it up from the perimeter. Green transferred in from Westminster Academy and is the son of Florida International coach and former NBA player Sidney Green. Morrissey is a big-time prospect from Cleveland, Ohio. Yoder and Murphy are both tremendous freshman who should see extensive playing time.

Strength: Backcourt
Weakness: Depth, Size

Tournaments: Kathleen Classic (Fla.); Sebring Tournament (Fla.); Treasure Coast Invitational (Fla.)
Next Game: Nov. 25 at the Kathleen Classic (Fla.)

Tabor Academy (Marion, Mass.)

Last Year: 25-6
Coach: David First (11th season)
Top Player: SF Charles Burch (6-5, JR)
Starters: SG Khaliq Gant (6-4, JR); PG Luke Gibson (5-10, SR); SG Colbey Santos (6-4, SOPH); C Peter LaPlante (6-8, FR)
Others: SF Bilal Abdullah (6-5, JR); G Patrick Lucey (6-0, JR)

Notes: There is no Torin Francis among this bunch, so First will employ more pressing and trapping so he can take advantage of the athleticism of guys like Burch, Santos, Gant and Gibson. Gant can stroke it from the outside and Burch has improved his perimeter game. Gibson is solid and keeps everyone involved while Santos can score, is intelligent and makes his teammates better. LaPlante is a hard-working big man from South Carolina who will have to give Tabor some rebounding. Abdullah is the best athlete on the squad, but needs to work on his offensive game.

Strength: Quickness
Weakness: Depth

Tournaments: Kingdom USA (Fla.); Bull City Classic (NC); Springfield Hall of Fame (Mass.)
Next Game: Nov. 23 at Holy Cross JV

Ozen (Beaumont, Texas)

Last Year: 32-3 (Class 4A runner-up)
Coach: Andre Boutte (6th season)
Top Player: C Kendrick Perkins (6-11, 290, SR)
Starters: F Keena Young (6-6, SR); SG Rayburn Morris (6-2, SR); PG Anthony Daigle (5-9, JR); G Rodrick Bellard (6-0, SOPH)
Others: Andre Boutte Jr. (6-4, SOPH); F Titus Stevenson (6-5, SOPH); F-C Joseph Lamb (6-4, SOPH)

Notes: Perkins has gained more than 20 pounds since the spring, is arguably the top big man in the country and committed to Memphis after averaging 24 points and 12 rebounds per game as a junior. Boutte has an influx of young talent and both his son and Bellard can knock down the 3-pointer, which will help Perkins inside.

Strength: Perkins
Weakness: Inexperience

Tournaments: Slam Dunk to the Beach (Del.)

Others to Watch: Oakland Tech (Oakland, Calif.); Rice (Manhattan, N.Y.); John Bartram (Philadelphia, Pa.); Patrick Henry (Minneapolis, Minn.); Berkmar (Lilburn, Ga.); White Station (Memphis, Tenn.); Christ the King (Middle Village, N.Y.); Proviso East (Maywood, Ill.); Lincoln (Brooklyn, N.Y.); Putnam City (Putnam City, Okla.); Gulfport (Gulfport, Miss.); Fairfax (Los Angeles, Calif.); Paterson Catholic (Paterson, N.J.); DeMatha (Hyattsville, Md.); Edgewater (Orlando, Fla.); Crane Tech (Chicago); Kickapoo (Springfield, Mo.); Booker T. Washington (Tulsa, Okla.); Florissant (Hazelwood, Mo.); Jefferson (Portland, Ore.); Franklin (Seattle, Wash.); Waterloo East (Waterloo, Iowa); Monroe Parrish (Ouchita, La.); Loyola (Los Angeles); Memphis East (Memphis, Tenn.); Denver East (Denver, Colo.); McEachern (Powder Springs, Ga.).