National High School Basketball Preseason Rankings: Top 25 Teams - Nov. 11

As high school football is in the final stages of its season, it will pass the baton to high school basketball as its calendar goes into full swing by mid-November. As another campaign starts, the nation’s top teams will garner the most attention as they compete for more glory in the hardwood.

That said, here is the National Top 25 Preseason Ranking as of Nov. 11 based on the data provided by the On3 Massey Ratings. Most of the teams in this list are favored to compete for state championships. Lifting the title trophy could be a fitting farewell for their top players bound for college basketball.

The On3 Massey Ratings, officially used during the BCS era, is a model that ranks sports teams by analyzing game outcomes, strength of schedule, and margin of victory.

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1. Montverde Academy

The Eagles completed an unblemished run en route to their eighth national championship, defeating Paul VI 79-63. As the nation’s top high school basketball squad, they are in an excellent position to tally more than 34 consecutive victories, even if Cooper Flagg is already off to Duke.

Leading the charge for Montverde Academy from the backcourt this season are four-star college-bound prospects Kayden Allen, CJ Ingram (Florida), Hudson Greer (Creighton), Mazi Mosley (LSU), and Dante Allen (Villanova). Meanwhile, Trent Sisley (Indiana) and Trent Steinour (Clemson) are their go-to guys in the frontcourt. Montverde will commence its season against Freedom on Nov. 19.

2. Paul VI Catholic

Despite losing the national championship to Montverde Academy, the Panthers still had a successful season. Paul VI finished with a 35-3 record, including a 15-0 mark in Virginia Division 1. They defeated some powerhouse teams like Gonzaga, IMG Academy, and Link Academy before losing to the Eagles.

Guard Jordan Smith Jr. will lead Paul VI’s redemption tour this season. He will get support from power forward Adlan Elamin, a Utah State commit, and point guard Anthony Brown. The Panthers will begin their 2024-25 high school basketball season at home against Westfield on Dec. 4

3. Long Island Lutheran

The Crusaders finished with a 21-5 record last season. While they defeated Albany Academy and South Shore in the LuHi Postseason Invitational, they ended their campaign with a loss to Columbus in the National Tournament quarterfinals.

Despite that setback, Long Island Lutheran still has a formidable roster, led by shooting guard Kiyan Anthony and point guard Dylan Mingo. Likewise, Kayden Mingo (Penn State) and Nigel James (Marquette) will be essential contributors this year. The Crusaders will open their season against St. Joseph’s Collegiate Institute on Nov. 30.

4. Link Academy (+1)

After winning the 2022-23 national high school basketball championship over AZ Compass, the Lions finished 21-8 last season, with the last defeat coming against Paul VI. Despite that ending, the academy remains one of the country’s best teams in its fourth season.

Power forward Chris Cenac will lead the way, and he will get much assistance from Davion Hannah, Jerry Easter, and Trent Perry. The Lions’ roster includes Texas commit John Clark and Ohio State commit A’mare Bynum. Link Academy opened their season with a 111-24 demolition of OKC Prep last Nov. 7.

5. Harvard Westlake (-1)

The Wolverines can earn their third consecutive Open Division state championship this season. That result heavily depends on Duke commit Nikolas Khamenia’s performance in every game. Joe Sterling, Cole Holden, and Dom Bentho will also banner Harvard Westlake’s campaign. The Wolverines have the nation’s eighth-best defense, which they should unleash in their season opener against Temecula Valley on Nov. 19.

6. Sierra Canyon

In addition to being the nation’s sixth-best team, the Trailblazers are California’s second-best team. Sierra Canyon is coming off a 26-4 season that ended with a loss to St. Joseph in the CIF State Basketball Tournament Open Division.

Bryce Cofield is the only starter returning this year. However, he will have a formidable crew featuring four-star Rutgers commit Chris Nwuli, Gavin Hightower, Jaden Nickens, and Bryce James. The Trailblazers open their season against San Gabriel Academy on Nov. 18.

7. Allen (+22)

The biggest jumper on the list started their season with a 104-61 domination over Fort Worth powerhouse Keller. Five players finished with double-digit points, led by senior Nnamdi Ubawike with 17 points. Antonio Shannon contributed 16 points, while DeAndre Thomas scored 14.

Meanwhile, Nehemiah Lawrence had a splendid all-around game with 13 points, six rebounds, and seven steals. It’s a fantastic start for a team that finished with a 32-6 record last season. Allen hopes to keep the momentum going against Highland Park on Nov. 12.

8. Columbus (+1)

The Explorers’ quest for a fourth consecutive Florida Class 7A state championship starts with a road game against Prolific Prep on Nov. 19. Duke commits Cayden Boozer and Cameron Boozer will lead Columbus in their march to another state title. However, contributions from Jaxon Richardson, Eric Dibami, and Caleb Gaskins are equally important.

9. North Mecklenburg (-2)

The ninth-best team in the national high school basketball ranks number one in North Carolina. They are a formidable team after finishing with a 30-3 record last year. The defending North Carolina Class 4A state champions will heavily rely on Ashton Pierce and senior Isaiah Evans. North Mecklenburg’s title defense will start against Phillip O. Berry Academy on Dec. 5.

10. Gonzaga (+1)

The Eagles fell short of the DCSAA Class AA state championship last season, losing by one point to Sidwell Friends. It’s time to finish the job this year, and they have the roster that can put them over the hump. North Carolina commit Derek Dixon, and Xavier signee Nyk Lewis will be Gonzaga’s 1-2 punch in their journey toward another title shot.

Meanwhile, teammates Christian Gurdak (Virginia Tech), Alex Touomou (Harvard), and Will Harper will provide ample support. The Eagles will start their campaign by visiting Oak Ridge on Dec. 6.

Teams 11-25 in the National High School Basketball Preseason Rankings

11. IMG Academy (-3)
12. Dynamic Prep (+10)
13. Mater Dei (-1)
14. Central Cabarrus (-10
15. Prolific Prep
16. Grayson (-2)
17. Duncanville (+14)
18. Bellevue West (-2)
19. St. John Bosco (-2)
20. Centennial (-1)
21. The Bullis School (-3)
22. Wisconsin Lutheran (-2)
23. Stony Point (+34)
24. Perry (-1)
25. Kell (+18)