Preseason 2026-27 FAB 50: Teams No. 16-30!

We continue our 2026-27 preseason FAB 50 National Team Rankings powered by Ballislife.com countdown with an in-depth look at teams No. 16-30.

Note: The FAB 50 powered by Ballislife.com is a continuation of the National Sports News Service ratings that began in 1952. These were the first national high school rankings and the late Art Johlfs of Minnesota compiled them. They were compiled for many years by the late Barry Sollenberger of Phoenix, who merged them into the FAB 50 27 years ago.

Preseason 2026-27 FAB 50 National
Team Rankings Powered by Ballislife.com

By Ronnie Flores

(Final 2025-26 ranking in parentheses; *Indicates forfeit wins, forfeit losses not included; **Indicates forfeits and defaults not included; Look for preseason Region-By-Region Top 20 Rankings on Tuesday, November 10 and for the preseason Mr. Basketball USA Tracker on Wednesday, November 18.)

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

16. (7) Calvary Christian Academy (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.) 24-1
Key Players: PG Cayden Daughtry 6-1 2027 (No. 3 247Sports.com, Ballislife First Team All-American), SG James Nowells 6-2 2027 (North Florida commit), SF Alex Jenkins 6-6 2028, PF K’Nard Callender 6-8 2027 (No. 79 247Sports.com), C Anthony Goring 6-9 2027.
Why This Team is in Contention: The Eagles have arguably the nation’s most productive player and a terrific supporting cast as they gun for a third consecutive FHSAA Class 3A state crown. Daughtry is that guy and is a returning All-American after averaging 26.5 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 5.2 apg and 2.7 spg for a club that defeated three other FAB 50 ranked teams. This team graduated plenty of firepower, including three D1-bound seniors, but has an influx of newcomers that should make it a threat for a third consecutive state crown. The going won’t be tougher just because of the personnel losses, but because the FHSAA has implemented an open division, which means there will be just one state champ, as opposed to multiple state champs, from the Sunshine State in the final rankings as has been the case in recent seasons.
X-Factor Player: Anthony Goring. Well-traveled big man was at SPIRE Academy last season, but his presence will be necessary and his production key to Calvary’s fortunes. The Eagles are not a big team by any means, but Goring has improved his strength and has good hands as a lob threat around the basket. Goring’s ability to finish against teams with length and size will take plenty of pressure off the dynamic backcourt.
Key Transfer: James Nowells. His play as a secondary ball-handler to Daughtry and his ability as a scorer and shooter will help make this team go. Nowells was named Class 7A, District 11 Player of the Year as a junior at Olympia (Orlando, Fla.) after averaging 18.3 ppg and 5.4 ppg while shooting 39 percent from 3-point range.
Key FAB 50 Stat: This is the second time the program has been preseason FAB 50 ranked under coach Cilk McSweeney after beginning at No. 21 in 2022-23. The previous season, the Eagles were No. 17 in the Southeast Region but finished No. 7 in the FAB 50 after winning the 2021-22 Class 3A state title. Ironically, Calvary Christian started No. 17 in the regional rankings last year when it finished No. 7 in the FAB 50 and in that exact same preseason regional spot in 2024-25 when it finished No. 9 in the FAB 50.
Bet You Didn’t Know: Nowells played with Daughtry on the Florida Rebels travel ball club that won the prestigious 2026 Nike EYBL Peach Jam title. In the title game win over Drive Nation, Daugthry capped off a terrific travel ball season with a 33-point, 9-rebound, 6-assist performance.
Mark Your Calendar: This program is 46-2 over the past two seasons and we can see a scenario where the Eagles have a few more losses but remain in this rankings range. They’ll have plenty of opportunities against other top-rated clubs, plus the first ever FHSAA open division playoffs. The ability to move up exists in the post-season since the Eagles will have to deal with FAB 50 contenders such as No. 8 Columbus and No. Providence, among others. Calvary Christian will face FAB 50 title contender Wisconsin Lutheran at the Panini Hoophall Classic (Jan. 16).

17. (18) Greensboro Day (Greensboro, N.C.) 36-2
Key Players: C Mason Robinson 6-10 2027 (Charlotte commit), SG Micah Gunter 6-3 2028 (No. 45 Rivals.com), SF Andrew Juergens 6-8 2028, SF Jagger Emerson 6-6 2027, PF Grant Duggins 6-10 2029 (No. 5 ESPN.com, Ballislife Underclass All-American).
Why This Team is in Contention: The Bengals burst back on to the national scene last year with a club that won their second straight North Carolina Independent Schools Athletic Association (NCISAA) Class 3A state crown. No. 3 in a row, and perhaps more, is in play, with three starters and a whopping 11 lettermen back from a club that destroyed then FAB No. 32 Concord Academy (N.C.), 62-34, in the state title game. Gunter was an all-state performer and PTAC Conference Player of the Year. He is a sniper from the outside, can back up the point and is primed for a big season after a strong summer. Robinson is the interior anchor for veteran coach Freddy Johnson, as he cleans up on the glass and is a quality shot blocker. This team’s depth and experience will be tough to deal with and its size could be the difference in matchups with top foes.
X-Factor Player: Grant Duggins. His size and skill level make Duggins one of the top talents in the national class of 2029. An all-stater as a mere freshman, Duggins’ feel is high level and his shot-making ability top notch. If he takes his game to the next level, that will open up opportunities for Robinson Izaiah Drew-King (6-8, 2027) and the rapidly improving Thomas Bowes (6-6, 2028).
Key Transfer: Last year’s state title team didn’t have any newcomers, but this year Rem Frasher (6-4, 2028) comes over from Durham Academy. He can stroke the 3-ball and provides some depth handling the ball, which is a concern for the coaching staff.
Key FAB 50 Stat: This program begins preseason FAB 50 ranked for the seventh time in 12 seasons under Johnson. This positioning represents the program’s highest preseason ranking ever. The Bengals were preseason ranked each season between 2015-16 and 2019-20 and qualified for Chipotle Nationals in 2015 and 2017.
Bet You Didn’t Know: Coach Freddy Johnson’s 50th team at Greensboro Day could be his best. Now that Richard Duease of Madison-Ridgeland Academy (Madison, Miss.) has retired with 1,293 wins (against 452 losses) after 43 years as a boys coach, Johnson now has the second most wins among active coaches (1,257-335) behind Gary McKnight of Santa Ana (Mater Dei, Calif.) with 1,316 victories. McKnight has won 11 CIF state titles, while Johnson owns a record 14 NCISAA state titles.
Mark Your Calendar: Greensboro Day will participate in both the City of Palms Classic in Florida and the John Wall Invitational (Dec. 26-30). The Bengals open the COP with Lehigh (Fla.) and will likely play No. 16 Calvary Christian Academy in their second round game. Johnson’s boys will also venture to the Panini Hoophall Classic to take on highly-regarded Archbishop Wood of Pennsylvania (Jan. 16).

18. (19) Sunnyslope (Phoenix, Ariz.) 28-2
Key Players: C Darius Wabbington 6-10 2027 (No. 12 ESPN.com, Ballislife Underclass All-American, Indiana commit), PG Delton Prescott 6-0 2027, PF Donovan Palmer 6-8 2028, SG Carter Bagley 6-4 2028, PG Noah Ondoua 5-10 2027, SF Bentley Elrod 6-5 2028, PG T.J. Mitchell 6-3 2030.
Why This Team is in Contention: This program can win its second straight Arizona Interscholastic Association (AIA) Open Division title behind a terrific group of role players and one determined All-American. The All-American is Wabbington and he gives the Vikings an inside advantage in nearly every matchup. Last season he averaged 17.2 ppg and 9.4 rpg and with a strong season could be in the running for Mr. Basketball USA honors. Veteran coach Ray Portela (our 2021 National Coach of the Year) will miss the play of his son Rider Portela (now at Colorado), but this team has good size and experienced guard play with players that will make teams pay if they overload their defense on Wabbington.
X-Factor Player: Delton Prescott. The engine that makes the Vikings’ ship go is the other returning starter. Prescott is indispensable because the team has to employ various starting lineups until every transfer is eligible. As a junior, Prescott averaged 16.2 ppg and 4.3 apg and is a throwback point guard who distributes and leads.
Key Transfer: Donovan Palmer. The junior four-man will be a nice compliment to “Wabb” inside and a key piece in Sunnyslope’s playoff run. He’s an at-the-rim type with good post footwork who rebounds well. Portela actually has four transfers who must sit the season’s first nine games: Palmer (Chandler), Elrod (Saguaro of Scottsdale) Ondoua and Bagley (St. Mary’s of Phoenix).
Key FAB 50 Stat: Academy-type programs in Arizona get plenty of attention since COVID-19 rocked the country, but AIA clubs have also had their fair share of FAB 50 ranked teams. Last year, ‘Slope started at No. 45, one spot higher than it finished in 2020-21 when it captured the Class 6A state crown. Sunnyslope has its work cut out for it in order to finish as the AIA’s highest ranked team ever. That was the Mountain View (Mesa, Ariz.) team that finished No. 7 in 1997-98.
Bet You Didn’t Know: Sunnyslope started at No. 2 among AIA teams last season behind Millennium, a team that was stunned by St. Mary’s in the AIA open semifinals 66-64, on a dramatic buzzer-beating 3-pointer by Mick Riordan when Millennium was ranked No. 23 after a regular season split with the Vikings. Sunnyslope played in the first open title game is 2022-23 and has appeared in three of the four open division title games.
Mark Your Calendar: Portela feels his team could take some lumps early because of the transfer sit outs, so it will be up to players such as Kadin Williams (6-3, 2027) to step up in their absence. Sunnyslope also has to ease Bagley into the lineup because of his broken foot. The schedule includes a gauntlet in early December with a short road trip Dec. 4 at No. 47 Basha and a Dec. 7 game with AIA contender Liberty. At Hoophall West in Scottsdale (Dec. 11-12), the Vikings face No. 24 McEachern and highly-regarded La Mirada (Calif.). The Vikings will also compete in the Tarkanian Classic (Dec. 18-22), where Basha lurks on the opposite side of the bracket along with No. 40 Redondo Union and No. 44 Vashon, whom they could meet in the semifinals. Sunnyslope will conclude the month at The Battle of The Villages in Florida (Dec. 28-30) where a potential semifinal foe is No. 42 Providence.

19. (39) Sunrise Christian Academy (Bel Air, Kan.) 16-11
Key Players: PF Teke Deng 7-0 2027 (No. 72 247Sports.com), PG Valdis Valters 6-4 2027, PG Aidan Carter 6-7 2028 (No. 60 247Sports.com), PF Ben Dzabatou 6-8 2027, SF Braelon “Boogie” Bradshaw 6-5 2027 (Nebraska-Omaha commit).
Why This Team is in Contention: The team has a nice blend of talent, size and motivation to move up from this spot. The Buffaloes are an unselfish group and bring intensity to each possession. Deng is a bit underrated by national recruiting networks and although he’s still a bit raw, he’s incredibly gifted defensively and as a shot-blocker. Deng runs the floor well and gives this team an element of rim protection and allows the other four spots to be aggressive. Coach Kyle Lindsted, now in his fourth season, feels many on his roster are unheralded and that gives them plenty of motivation and excitement going to the ATLAS League while seeking a Chipotle Nationals berth.
X-Factor Player: Ben Dzabatou. Linsted calls this well-traveled and experienced player Sunrise’s “anchor”. He leads with effort, hustle and toughness and what he brings to the table is contagious. Linsted is quite frank in saying the senior forward is not nearly the most talented player of the bunch, but mentioned the key will be Dzabatou’s improvement as the season wears on and teams are able to scout his tendencies.
Key Transfer: Aidan Carter. Linsted feels this 6-foot-7 point guard has the most talent and upside of any player he’s coached since taking over the program in 2023-24. Last season he was an all-state player at St. Joseph (Metuchen, N.J.) and will need to at his best in big games. His ball-handling duties and facilitating will be key to creating opportunities for talents such as Valters and Victor Wilson (6-4, 2030), an Ohio native who is a shot in the arm with his physicality and good 3-point shooting.
Key FAB 50 Stat: The Buffaloes are preseason FAB 50 ranked for the ninth consecutive season. They were preseason No. 2 in 2022-23 and No. 3 in both 2020-21 and 2021-22. They have been on the national radar longer than that, earning regional consideration each season between 2012-13 and 2017-18. In 2013-14, Sunrise Christian started No. 24 in the FAB and finished No. 33 at 14-5.
Bet You Didn’t Know: The program qualified for Chipotle Nationals (then known as GEICO Nationals) for the first time in 2018-19 when it started No. 17 and finished No. 11, losing to No. 1 La Lumiere by a point and to No. 2 McEachern in overtime. The Buffaloes are 3-4 (.429) all-time at the end-of-season event.
Mark Your Calendar: In its last two seasons in the EYBL Scholastic League, the Buffaloes finished in a four-way tie for second place and tied for fifth place and hope to make more noise in the newly formed ATLAS League. The coaching staff and players are excited to see how it transpires with landmines all over the schedule. They will meet No. 28 DME Academy (Dec. 6), No. 41 Link Academy (Dec. 12) and have big tests against FAB 50 title contenders SPIRE Academy (Jan. 4) and Prolific Prep (Jan.7) after the New Year’s. If the Buffaloes can somehow overcome their lack of interior depth, they will be a tough out for any team on the docket.

20. (NR) Master’s Academy International (Stow, Mass.) 0-0
Key Players: PG Antonio Pemberton 6-1 2027 (No. 20 247Sports.com, Ballislife Underclass All-American, Michigan St. commit), SG Josiah Adamson 6-3 2027, SG Mekhi Robertson 6-4 2027 (No. 135 Rivals.com, Merrimack commit), PF Braxton Bogard 6-9 2028 (No. 39 ESPN.com), PG A’Mire Gill 6-3 2027 (Miami OH commit), PG Brayden Buckley 6-3 2028.
Why This Team is in Contention: The Mavericks are a new program on the block and join the 15-team EYBL Scholastic League. Even though they join the gauntlet of academy-type programs in the nation’s most powerful conference, this will be nothing new for its players or its coach. Head man Jason Smith moves over from Brewster Academy in New Hampshire and brings with him Pemberton, a third team all-EYBL Scholastic League selection who averaged 16.3 ppg, 3.2 rpg and 5.1 apg while shooting 38 percent from 3-point range. The jersey might be different, but Pemberton’s production is likely to be even better for a team with a plethora of good guards whose sum is better than the individual output. Adamson is another proven commodity who was the leading scorer at CATS Academy in Boston (which is no longer part of the EYBL Scholastic League) while Gill comes highly-regarded from Princeton (Cincinnati, Ohio).
X-Factor Player: Brayden Buckley. He’s quite skilled and during the Border League in the fall, we could hardly keep our eyes off this junior guard. He comes over from Thayer Academy (Mass.) and can really knock down the outside shot.
Key Transfer: A new program naturally has plenty of newcomers, but we single out Braxton Bogard because of the unique set of skills he brings to this team. Bogard is a skilled and productive combo forward who can rebound and step out and shoot the open jumper. He’s productive and will be a difficult check for a team where defenses will gear up to stop its backcourt.
Key FAB 50 Stat: Smith comes over to MAI after a successful 26-year stint at Brewster Academy (Wolfeboro, N.H.), a program that joined the EYBL EYBL Scholastic League in 2023-24 and was preseason FAB 50 ranked for two consecutive seasons at No. 17 in 2024-25 and No. 8 in 2025-26. Smith amassed a 703-158 mark at Brewster, where his teams captured seven National Prep Championships between 2010 and 2020. His 2024-25 unit finished No. 2 in the FAB 50. Brewster Academy will return to the New England Preparatory School Athletic Council (NEPSAC) and continue its post-grad teams.
Bet You Didn’t Know: Master’s Academy International opened in the fall of 2026 on an 82-acre campus with a focus on rigorous academic and athletic excellence. The new school was founded by Peter and Chris Masters, New England natives with a hockey background.
Mark Your Calendar: The Mavericks will play at the usual EYBL Scholastic League stops and will also make a trip to the Jordan Brand Classic in New York City after Christmas and the Panini Hoophall Classic MLK weekend. At some point interior play and rebounding will make a difference in the outcomes of some big games and that’s where the production of Mike McNamara (6-9, 2027) and Aidan McGrath (6-8, 2029) will come into play.

21. (NR) Grayson (Loganville, Ga.) 26-3
Key Players: SG M.J. Curry 6-6 2027 (No. 71 ESPN.com, Ballislife Underclass All-American, George Mason commit), SF Austin Leonard 6-6 2029 (No. 6 Rivals.com, Ballislife Underclass All-American), PF Byron Lee 6-8 2027, SF Jacori Thompson 6-8 2029, PF Elijah Tillman 6-8 2028.
Why This Team is in Contention: The Rams have the talent and motivation to win the Georgia High School Association (GHSA) Class AAAAAAA state title over a strong group of clubs that includes No. 24 McEachern, No. 39 Wheeler along with highly-regarded Hillgrove. Coach Geoffrey Pierce (321-89) returns most of his production from last year’s Elite 8 team and hopes his two new starters blend in seamlessly. Grayson has the biggest lineup in the state and talent to boot with the likes of Curry and Leonard, both who are top five preseason all-state selections by sandysspiel.com. Curry was a Top 30 selection at the Pangos All-American Camp while Leonard burst onto the Georgia high school scene by averaging 16.0 ppg, 7.7 rpg and shooting 50 percent from 3-point range. This team is not only tall; it boasts plenty of weapons.
X-Factor Player: Elijah Tillman. This 230-pound Grid-Hoop stud brings that physicality from the football field that matters when the going gets tough vs. FAB 50 level opponents. Tillman, who is quite athletic and nimble for his size, will provide a spark off the bench for a team that is not easy to match up with.
Key Transfer: Xavier Butler. The combo forward comes over from North Cobb Christian, where he made all-state in that program’s classification. Butler averaged a double-double and even though those numbers might not be duplicated, he relishes the big-time atmosphere and competitive landscape the Rams’ program plays in. Butler will provide a paint presence with a nice blend of athleticism and is an underrated passer.
Key FAB 50 Stat: The Rams are FAB 50 ranked for the fifth time in seven years and open as the GHSA’s top-ranked team for the second time in that time frame. The last time it happened in 2024-25, the Rams lost in the state AAAAAA semifinals to snap a 49-game in-state winning streak and finished unranked. They were preseason state No. 2 in both 2019-20 and 2020-21 and rose to No. 4 in the FAB 50 in 2020 before being upset in the GHSA state AAAAAAA title game by one point.
Bet You Didn’t Know: Grayson won its only state title in boys hoops in 2023-24 when it went 30-2 and finished No. 23 in the FAB 50. The Rams started the season No. 29. The Rams’ girls basketball team also won a state title the same season.
Mark Your Calendar: Grayson will know where it stands right away when the Rams battle preseason state No. 4 Hillgrove in their first game Nov. 7. Grayson will battle No. 24 McEachern in an early state No. 1 vs. No. 2 battle at the On the Radar Hoops Tip-Off Classic Nov. 14. In total. Grayson will play in 11 showcases or tournaments, including a meeting with No. 35 Eagle’s Landing Christian Academy Dec. 12.

22. (11) Wasatch Academy (Mt. Pleasant, Utah) 25-7
Key Players: PG Mana Winitana 6-2 2027, PG Troy Kaufusi 6-4 2028 (No. 84 Rivals.com), PF Jay Zhang 6-8 2028, C Youri Warren 6-8 2028, C Strahinja Zelic 6-11 2028 (No. 105 247Sports.com), SG Ayman Malibert 6-6 2027.
Why This Team is in Contention: The Tigers lost a load of production and scoring from last year’s team that finished tied for third place in the EYBL Scholastic West Division with CIA Bella Vista. That team went on to win the EYBL Scholastic Conference tournament and Chipotle Nationals, so coach Paul Peterson uses that as a barometer to prepare his team to play its best when it matters. The Tigers have a nice blend of returning lettermen and talented newcomers with size, including Winitana and Zelic. At Border League and other fall events, Winitana (9 ppg, 3 apg) showed marked improvement and that he is a D1 level player with shot-making ability and ball-handling. Zelic is the other veteran who is skilled and versatile and will be counted on to score while Winitana will have to double his numbers for this team to move up in the rankings.
X-Factor Player: Jay Zhang. This Asian import is the Tigers’ best overall player and really turned heads this fall. With a big season, Zhang could develop into one of the nation’s best players in the national class of 2028. He has a beautiful stroke as a shooter, rebounds his area well and is more fluid off the ball and as a defender than one might think at first glance.
Key Transfer: Ayman Malibert. This French import is oozing with potential and does some things that make you look twice. With his 6-foot-10 wingspan, Malibert is Wasatch’s best overall defender and will cause opponents fits because when the game gets faster he can keep up.
Key FAB 50 Stat: This program has been preseason FAB 50 ranked 10 of the past 11 seasons with the highest start at No. 10 in 2018-19, when it finished No. 28. The following season, it began No. 23 and finished No. 2 in the FAB 50 behind an all-time great Montverde Academy team. Chipotle Nationals wasn’t played that season because of COVID-19 and Peterson hopes his team can turn the corner at the end-of-season event, where it holds a 1-6 all-time mark.
Bet You Didn’t Know: There are only two American players on the roster, including Kaufusi. He will end up playing starter’s minutes because he can play the one-guard to free up Winitana to score and is a ball-screen savant who will punish teams in pick-and-roll situations. He comes over from Orem (Utah).
Mark Your Calendar: Not only does Peterson want his team to peak at the right time, he wants to get the season off on the right foot by defeating FAB 50 title contender Oak Cliff Faith Family on Nov. 20 in a true road game because it would set the tone for the rest of the season. Peterson felt Border League helped his team tremendously because of the language barrier with Zhang and others. It made the coaching staff realize its communication has to improve in order for this team to reach its goals. After the Iolani Classic in Hawaii, the Tigers return home for two days for Christmas then head to New York for the Jordan Holiday Classic where they will meet high-regarded Monarch Academy of Kansas and No. 20 Master’s Academy International.

23. (21) Rainier Beach (Seattle, Wash.) 29-1
Key Players: PG J.J. Crawford 6-5 2029 (No. 1 ESPN.com, Ballislife National Freshman of the Year), SF Kam Babbs 6-5 2027, SG Micah I’li Menesse 6-4 2027, PF Louis Harris 6-8 2029, PG K.J. Hightower 6-1 2027, SF Achilles Reyna 6-7 2027, PF Wesley Armstrong 6-6 2027.
Why This Team is in Contention: Veteran coach Mike Bethea has been at this program in the Pacific Northwest for over 30 years and has repetitively used the same formula to win. Rainier Beach basketball is most successful when it has sleek wings who get out and run with experienced guard play. It’s been a formula that has made this program known all over the country. With four returning starters and nine lettermen, Bethea loves this team’s chemistry, outside shooting, and tough defense that leads to transition basketball — just as the Vikings like it. It starts with Crawford, who earned national acclaim among freshmen last season after averaging 19.1 ppg, 3 rpg and 4 apg and earning all-state acclaim. All the ingredients are in place to capture a third consecutive Washington Interscholastic Athletic Association (WIAA) Class 3A state crown.
X-Factor Player: Louis Harris. This fast-rising sophomore displayed glimpses last season when he started seven games for the eventual state champs. In those games he used his length and timing to average a double-double, including a single-season high of seven blocks. Bethea said Harris has some of the traits Cleveland Cavs All-Star Evan Mobley possesses and feels Harris needs to give this team 12 points, 12 rebounds and three blocks per game in order for the team to meet expectations.
Key Transfer: Heaven Chea (6-1, 2028). This transfer from Ontario Christian (Calif.) could give the Vikings a shot in the arm off the bench and even more perimeter prowess if he finds his role. He had some standout games on the P32 travel ball circuit and is capable of double-digit scoring.
Key FAB 50 Stat: This program has been preseason FAB 50 ranked 14 times in Bethea’s long tenure, including four straight between 2002-05 and seven straight seasons between 2013 and 2019. The 2013-14 team started No. 12 in the FAB 50 and rose to No. 2 before losing its only game ever at Dick’s Nationals (now known as Chipotle Nationals) to now defunct Findlay Prep of Nevada to finish No. 6.
Bet You Didn’t Know: Bethea (705-195) won his 700th career game last season when he won his 16th Metro League championship game. Since taking over the program for the 1994-95 season, Bethea has won 10 WIAA state titles. His first Class 3A state title came in 1997-98 when the Vikings were led by J.J.’s father, current NBC television personality and NBA 6th Man extraordinaire Jamal Crawford. The team finished 27-2 and ranked No. 22 in the National Prep Poll (FAB 50 precursor).
Mark Your Calendar: The Vikings will battle Bremerton for Washington supremacy and the two teams (who compete in two different playoff classifications) will meet in a preseason state No. 1 vs. No. 2 affair on Dec. 19. Rainier Beach will participate in the Les Schwab Invitational in Oregon (Dec. 26-30) where it could meet clubs such as FAB 50 title contender Notre Dame of California and No. 49 Millennium. J.J. and company will face highly-regarded Woodward Academy of Georgia at the Panini Hoophall Classic in Springfield, Mass. (Jan. 16).

24. (NR) McEachern (Powder Springs, Ga.) 25-5
Key Players: SG Chase Lumpkin 6-5 2027 (No. 19 Rivals.com, Ballislife Underclass All-American, Alabama commit), PG Zach Graves 6-1 2027, SG Zion Williams 6-3 2027, PF Alvin Pettway Jr. 6-8 2029, SF Abu Jallow 6-7 2028.
Why This Team is in Contention: The Indians have four returnees, including one potential All-American, and a newcomer that could be a difference-maker in the quest for a Georgia High School Association (GHSA) Class AAAAAAA state title. Lumpkin is a versatile talent on or off the ball and uses his craftiness to beat defenders to the basket or keep them honest from the outside. He led McEachern to the state semifinals after averaging 27.6 ppg, 9.8 rpg, 4.2 apg and 2.1 spg as a junior. Coach Tremayne Anchrum likes the pieces around his star player, and feels the growth of Pettway will be one of the keys. He is growing into his body and the experience he gained as a 14-year old starter has college coaches taking notice and it’s beginning to pay dividends for this program.
X-Factor Player: Zion Williams. He will take over a starting role after averaging double figures off the bench last season. With his defense and speed with the ball and intangibles that Anchrum loves, Williams will fit seamlessly into McEachern’s three guard offense that also features a floor general in Graves.
Key Transfer: Abu Jallow. He’s just what the doctor ordered after coming over from Kennesaw Mountain. Jallow helps take the pressure off Pettway as he can defend multiple positions and is a versatile talent. McEachern’s depth is aided by underclass talents Jamari Gaston (6-6, 2028) from Excel Christian, Deshawn Wilmington (6-1, 2029) from East Paulding and Timothy Alexander (6-5, 2029) from Creekside.
Key FAB 50 Stat: Last season, McEachern began at No. 19 in the Southeast Region, No. 4 among GHSA programs and No. 2 among AAAAAA clubs behind top-ranked Wheeler. That team knocked McEachern off in the state semifinals and went on to win the title. Both clubs are now Class AAAAAAA. This is McEachern’s first FAB 50 start since the Ace Bailey-led club began at No. 21 in 2023-24.
Bet You Didn’t Know: That 2023-24 club lost to Grayson in the AAAAAAA final and prior to that had a run where the program started at No. 4 in 2018, No. 16 in 2019 and No. 10 in 2020 with the 2019 team finishing No. 2 in the FAB 50.
Mark Your Calendar: The Indians come in at No. 2 among AAAAAAA behind No. 21 Grayson but regardless that rankings pecking order will be settled at the On the Radar Hoops Tip-Off Classic (Nov. 14). McEachern has a good tune up for that game vs. Wilson Academy on Nov. 6 with matchups vs. No. 39 Wheeler on Nov. 21 and No. 35 Eagle’s Landing Christian Academy on Nov. 27. McEachern will head to Hoophall West in Scottsdale, Ariz. to face No. 49 Millennium (Dec. 10) and No. 18 Sunnyslope (Dec. 11). The Indians will also participate in The Classic at Briston, Tenn. (Dec. 26-31) with the likes of FAB 50 title contender Bartlett of Tennessee, Coral Glades of Florida and St. Joseph of Santa Maria, Calif.

25. (33) St. John’s (Washington, D.C.) 27-8
Key Players: PG Jymin Veney 6-3 2027, SF Jordan Taylor 6-5 2027, SG Kareem Smith-Bey 6-5 2028 (No. 79 247Sports.com), PG Kyle Brown 6-1 2028, SF T.J. Jones 6-5 2027, C Ethan Thabeet 6-11 2029.
Why This Team is in Contention: The Cadets open as the preseason favorite in the rugged Washington Catholic Athletic Conference (WCAC), the nation’s top overall traditional league, over No. 27 Paul VI. Last season St. John’s lost to the Panthers in the WCAC Tournament title game in double OT and are itching to get in the winner’s circle. Coach Patrick O’Connor (74-27) welcomes back three regulars and 61 percent of the team’s scoring, led by Smith-Bey, who can really fill it up as a shooter. He had a good summer for New World on the Adidas 3SSB circuit and is primed for a big junior year. The rock of the team is Veney, a returning second team All-Met choice who is long on experience and will fill the leadership role of graduated PG Geremy Clark (Pace University). He is an unselfish distributor or can fill it up if the situation calls for him to be a scorer.
X-Factor Player: Jordan Taylor. With the graduation of swiss army knife Zyion Chase (St. Thomas Aquinas), Taylor will take on that role for a team that has a few players that can guard multiple positions. Taylor has an inside-out game and he can really mix it up against physical opponents.
Key Transfer: Brown (Good Counsel), Jones (Severn) and Thabeet (Archbishop Spalding) are all newcomers who will play critical roles. Thabeet will spell James DiBitetto (6-11, 2027) and if he steps up, the Cadets will have multiple ways to wear down opponents.
Key FAB 50 Stat: The Cadets have been a FAB 50 contender throughout the decade and have been preseason ranked four times the past six seasons. Last year they started off outside the FAB 50 at No. 17 in the East Region Top 20, but were the preseason No. 2 WCAC club and lived up to that billing, taking Paul VI to the brink in the WCAC Tournament championship game.
Bet You Didn’t Know: This catholic school was established in 1851, making it the third oldest Christian Brothers school in the United States. The Cadets have won three WCAC championships: in 2023 (No. 17 in the FAB 50), 2016 (No. 19) and 2000. The first title came 26 years ago when they entered the WCAC tourney as the No. 7 seed but upset DeMatha Catholic in the title game. The Cadets weren’t FAB 50 ranked that season.
Mark Your Calendar: The WCAC front-runners will play No. 40 Redondo Union defending FAB 50 champ CIA Bella Vista of Arizona at the DC Hoopfest (Dec. 12-13). St. John’s plays highly-regarded The Villages of Florida (Dec. 19) and Calvert Hall (Dec. 20). The Cadets will then play at the Torrey Pines Holiday Classic (Dec. 26-30) in San Diego then jump into the thick of WCAC play after the turn of the New Year’s. The Cadets will play FAB 50 title contender La Lumiere on Jan. 30.

26. (NR) Allen (Allen, Texas) 24-7
Key Players: PF Tyson Chandler II 6-9 2027 (Butler commit), SG Cadarian Urune 6-4 2027 (Lamar commit), SF Dylan Matlock-Reed 6-5 2027, PG Ayden McClinton 6-2 2029, SG Madden Robinson 6-4 2029.
Why This Team is in Contention: The Eagles open up as the University Interscholastic League’s (UIL) top-ranked team for the second time in three seasons and the favorite in Class 6A. Coach Clark Cipoletta (143-36) has a club that gets the nod over Class 5A ringleader Highland Park of Dallas because of its shooting, depth, and defensive full court pressure. Cipoletta also points to chemistry, as a majority of the unit has played together since middle school. Urune leads three starters and nine returning lettermen in scoring (13.8 ppg) rebounds (5.1 rpg) and also contributed 1.8 spg. Matlock-Reed is an explosive slasher and will play at the next level, while Robinson and Damien Urune (6-3, 2030) will contribute and allow the guards to really get after it defensively. There is plenty to like about this team plus the coaching staff is building up this unit so it plays its best ball in March.
X-Factor Player: Tyson Chandler II. He missed a significant portion of his junior season with injury and is now starting to round into form. Chandler is a pick-and-pop 4-man who runs the floor well and can chase down blocks. Cipoletta really points to Chandler’s production and presence as a key factor to the season because Allen’s weakness is lacking a true pivot and depth on the interior.
Key Transfer: Ayden McClinton. On a team that graduated its lead guard and top scorer (Nehemiah Lawrence), the play of this young and talented point guard will be key. The transfer from iSchool in Lewisville already is racking up the offers after a standout summer on the 3SSB circuit playing for Team 99OVR.
Key FAB 50 Stat: In 2024-25, Allen started off No. 27 in the FAB 50 as the UIL’s top-ranked preseason club. The Eagles got to No. 4 before falling to UIL power Duncanville in the Class 6A D1 state semifinals, 77-74 after its desperation comeback attempt came up just short. Last year’s team began just outside the FAB 50 at No. 12 in the preseason Southwest Region Top 20.
Bet You Didn’t Know: Tyson Chandler II’s father led Dominguez (Compton, Calif.) to the 1999-2000 FAB 50 title during his junior season. The 7-foot-1 center went on to become the No. 2 pick in the 2001 NBA Draft back when high school players were still eligible to go straight from high school to the NBA.
Mark Your Calendar: The Eagles have a loaded schedule and one that will give pollsters a better gauge of where they stand nationally than the 2024-25 team because of the out-of-state competition. Allen will take on SoCal clubs Long Beach Poly and North Hollywood Campbell Hall at the Take Flight Challenge (Dec. 4-5) in Redondo Beach, Calif. The Eagles travel to Utah Dec. 11-12 for the Utah Hoopfest in Lehi. Back in the Lone Star State, the Eagles take on major Class 6A title contender Duncanville on Nov. 13, highly-regarded Dynamic Prep of Dallas, Nov. 24 and participate in the Thanksgiving Hoopfest in Dallas (Nov. 27-28).

27. (5) Paul VI (Chantilly, Va.) 33-3
Key Players: PF Matt Mena 6-8 2027, SG Brian Mitchell Jr. 6-4 2027 (No. 138 Rivals.com, Elon University commit), Ryan Bahr 6-4 2028 (Virginia Tech commit baseball), PG Damien Robinson 6-1 2028 (No. 78 Rivals.com, Ballislife Underclass All-American), SF Farrell Djossinou 6-6 2027, Dylan Harsanyi 6-3 2027.
Why This Team is in Contention: Don’t fret for the Panthers as life without Jordan Smith begins. Last season’s Mr. Basketball USA (Arkansas) willed Paul VI to many victories, but this year coach Glen Farello has a team that will rely on team depth and contributions from many to do battle with No. 25 St. John’s and the other top teams in the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference (WCAC) and DMV. There is no replacing Smith, but this team’s speed, quickness and length will lead to many wins. Mitchell is one of three returning starters and is a prime All-Met candidate after earning honorable mention as a junior. He will be counted on to make big shots as he did last year. Mena is another key cog as a two-way threat who will be counted on to man the interior against FAB 50 ranked foes. Harsanyi and Djossinou are other prime defenders on a team that will use the “next man up” approach to win games.
X-Factor Player: Ryan Bahr. After playing on the JayVee team in 2024-25, Bahr really stepped up last season and impressed the coaching staff with his play-making. He’s a great athlete and has a future after high school on the diamond, but will have to take his game to the next level if this team is going to live up to the lofty standards of recent Paul VI teams.
Key Transfer: Damien Robinson. A talented player who had a terrific sophomore campaign at Landstown (Virginia Beach, Va.). He produced 20.9 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 4.6 apg and 3.3 spg and helped his team reach the VHSL Class 6 state title game. His numbers will look different with this club, but the most important thing Farello and his staff want Robinson to do is take care of the ball, build chemistry with the veterans and be a coach on the floor.
Key FAB 50 Stat: The WCAC had three of its teams preseason FAB 50 ranked for 11 of 13 seasons between 2013-2025, while Paul VI was the overwhelming favorite in 2026 with preseason No. 2 Bishop McNamara getting hit by the injury bug. St. John’s moved into the FAB 50 and finished No. 33 after starting out as the conference’s No. 4 team, so we expect another WCAC club to emerge and likely join the FAB 50 fray. Gonzaga of Washington, D.C. is a prime candidate with Sidwell Friends, St. James Academy and Mt. Zion Prep Academy other DMV clubs that will make some serious noise.
Bet You Didn’t Know: The Panthers have been preseason FAB 50 ranked 13 of the past 15 years. Farello (644-219) has been a coach in the region for over 30 years, previously coaching at Eleanor Roosevelt (Greenbelt, Md.), where he coached future NBA players Eddie Basden and Delonte West. He’s coached three NBA players at Paul VI and close to 100 future D1 players overall.
Mark Your Calendar: As usual, the Panthers play a tough national schedule. They will participate in the DC Hoopfest at DeMatha Catholic (Dec. 12-13), and will travel to the Iolani Classic (Dec. 18-23) where the likes of No. 22 Wasatch Academy and defending FAB 50 champions CIA Bella Vista of Arizona await. The Panthers will participate in the Jordan Jumpman Holiday Classic in New York after Christmas and the Behan Strong Invitational at St. John’s (Jan. 3).

28. (BB) DME Academy (Daytona Beach, Fla.) 23-10
Key Players: C Yohane Kabongo 6-9 2027 (No. 65 ESPN.com), SF K’Majay Jenkins 6-7 2028 (No. 54 247Sports.com), PG Troy Fason 6-0 2027, C Roman Avdejev 6-9 2027, SG James Jenkins III 6-4 2029 (No. 57 Rivals.com).
Why This Team is in Contention: Coach Matt Panaggio has a team with the necessary ingredients to be competitive in the new ATLAS league with the likes of No. 19 Sunrise Christian Academy along with FAB 50 title contenders SPIRE Academy, IMG Academy and Prolific Prep. Panaggio welcomes back three starters, including Fason, a lead guard who is an indispensable cog. Fason can really light it up as a scorer. Kabongo is the top honors candidate as he is an elite post player that is quick for his size and has good footwork. This team has elite speed overall, but Panaggio is concerned about finding consistency with its outside shooting.
X-Factor Player: K’Majay Jenkins. The third returning starter can play both forward spots and operate as a big wing guard. He’s an inside-out threat that can get it done against big players with his skill and motor.
Key Transfer: Roman Avdejev. This Estonian power forward previously at Layton Christian Academy (Utah) gives this team another dimension with his intriguing skillset. Avdejev can handle it and his fluidity makes him a tough check around the basket or out of the triple threat. Also watch for Myles Fuentes (6-0, 2027) to provide a spark with his speed and ability to facilitate.
Key FAB 50 Stat: This is the first time the program has been preseason FAB 50 ranked. DME Academy was on the bubble in 2024-25 and 2023-24, coming in at No 13 and 12, respectively, in the Southeast Region. The 2025 actually finished No. 37 in the FAB 50 even though it did not win the Sunshine Independent Athletic Association (SIAA) title.
Bet You Didn’t Know: The program has won 20 or more games for the past five seasons. It played simultaneously on the Grind Session in its power conference and in the SIAA. This season after joining the ATLAS League, DME Academy will no longer participate in the SIAA post-season.
Mark Your Calendar: DME Academy will open its ATLAS League schedule along with the other teams in the new league at IMG Academy, Nov. 11-13. DME Academy will host FAB 50 title contender IMG Academy on Nov. 19. On Dec. 6 in Miami it will play another FAB 50 title hopeful in SPIRE Academy.

29. (30) Ridge View (Columbia, S.C.) 27-3
Key Players: SG D.J. Wylie 6-3 2027 (Wofford commit), SF R.J. Davis 6-5 2028 (No. 86 Rivals.com), SF C.J. Moore 6-5 2028 (No. 40 247Sports.com), PG Chris Horton 5-10 2027, SF J.T. Van kallen 6-3 2027.
Why This Team is in Contention: The Blazers have all the ingredients to win another South Carolina High School League (SCHSL) Class 5A D1 title. With four returning starters, they are the heavy favorites and if they do they would tie the SCHSL modern era record of four straight state titles first set by Calhoun County in 2006-09 and tied by Dorman of Roebuck between 2017-2020. Wylie was second team all-state last season and is the team’s floor general. Horton is Ridge View’s vocal leader and can knock down the open shot. Coach Joshua Staley (488-140) loves this team’s overall size, defensive ability and the fact foes can’t focus on one of its weapons.
X-Factor Player: The program is gunning for its eighth state title in 10 seasons and in order for the team to reach its state and national goals Van kallen must do a bit of everything especially since there is no true pivot on the roster. According to Staley, he’s the team’s Swiss Army Knife and is physically strong for his natural off-guard position. His outside shooting is improving and he can score at the rim or in the mid-range.
Key Transfer: Zavier Gleadell-Smith (6-8, 2029) is originally from the United Kingdom and is starting to get D1 recruiting interest. He’s skilled and versatile and if he can provide some defensive pop and another offensive weapon in transition, Ridge View will be a tough out against its top opponents.
Key FAB 50 Stat: The Blazers are preseason FAB 50 ranked for the second time in three seasons. In 2024-25, they began No. 45, but they were unranked after winning the state title at 23-7. Last season, Ridge View started at No. 20 in the Southeast Region, but was able to exceed expectations by only losing one in-state game to a team it split with. The highest ranked SCHSL team ever was Dorman of Roebuck at No. 10 in 2019-20.
Bet You Didn’t Know: The only graduated starter off last year’s SCHSL title-winning team was Talan Staley, the coach’s son. He is now playing at Bowling Green.
Mark Your Calendar: The Blazers’ final positioning in the rankings will once again be determined by how it fares vs. out-of-state foes. Ridge View faces No. 17 Greensboro Day at the Antwon Jamison Classic (Nov. 21) and will also play in events such as the Tampa Hoopfest and the Marshall County Hoopfest. The Blazers will also participate in the Beach Ball Classic in Myrtle Beach, S.C. (Dec. 27-30).

30. (NR) Neuqua Valley (Naperville, Ill.) 32-2
Key Players: SF Cole Kelly 6-6 2028 (No. 20 247Sports.com, Ballislife Underclass All-American), SG Mason Martin 6-5 2027 (No. 118 247Sports.com, Illinois commit), SG Arshil Khimani 6-1 2027, PG Carter Coviello 6-1 2027, SF Luke Balgro 6-3 2027.
Why This Team is in Contention: The Wildcats have their core back from a team that came up short in its quest for a Illinois High School Association (IHSA) Class 4A state championship and open as Illinois’ top-ranked team. They return their two big guns in Kelly and Martin, one of the two 1-2 punches in the Midwest Region, and have role players that execute well. Kelly has emerged as one of the most complete players in the national class of 2028. He averaged 19.6 ppg, 7.6 rpg, 4.0 apg and 2.0 spg and was a Class 4A first team all-state choice by the Associated Press. Khimani is a high-motor guard who can impact the game without scoring. He’s also a baseball standout with a 4.3 GPA. Coviello is another sniper whose main job is to run the offense and facilitate. Balgro plays bigger than his listed height, and is expected to come up with 50/50 balls and crash the boards against bigger players.
X-Factor Player: Mason Martin. Compliments Kelly nicely and this returning second-team all-state choice is arguably the top 3-point shooter in the state. Last season he canned 118 threes while shooting 45 percent from 3-point range. He averaged 19 ppg, 4 rpg, and 2 apg and worked hard this summer on the 3SSB circuit to improve his rebounding and perimeter defense. That should pay off for the Wildcats in February.
Key Transfer: Neuqua Valley didn’t gain a transfer of note, but did lose senior guard Eli Poulakidas to Yorkville Christian. This is where the Wildcats’ depth will pay off.
Key FAB 50 Stat: This is the first time in program history that Neuqua Valley has been preseason FAB 50 ranked.
Bet You Didn’t Know: Last season the Wildcats set a single-season program record for wins before falling to Bolingbrook, 68-53, in a IHSA Class 4A sectional semifinal contest.
Mark Your Calendar: Neuqua Valley’s loss in the sectional semifinals snapped a 29-game winning streak and makes this core group motivation for better results this time around. The Wildcats’ core and motivation gives them a slight edge over Benet Academy for IHSA preseason No. 1. They will face highly-regarded St. Laurence (Burbank, Ill.) on Dec. 13.

Ronnie Flores is the national Grassroots editor of Ballislife.com. He can be reached at [email protected]. Don’t forget to follow him on Twitter: @RonMFlores

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Preseason 2026-27 FAB 50: Teams No. 31-50!

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