Preseason 2026-27 FAB 50: Top 15 Teams!

We conclude our 2026-27 preseason FAB 50 National Team Rankings powered by Ballislife.com with an in-depth look at the nation’s top 15 teams. We began with teams No. 31-50, continued with teams No. 16-30 and this is an in-depth look at the nation’s 15 best teams. AZ Compass Prep of Arizona is the nation’s preseason No. 1 team for the first time in program history. The Dragons’ No. 1 start ends a streak of nine consecutive seasons a program based in Florida has been ranked preseason No. 1 among the nation’s best high school basketball programs.

All 50 teams are written up with explanations for why they are placed in these positions. This marks the 40th consecutive season the FAB 50 has been published as a weekly endeavor and high school basketball has undergone so much change in that time frame and continues to do so.

GO TO: No. 1 / No. 2 / No. 3 / No. 4 / No. 5 / No. 6 / No. 7 / No. 8 / No. 9 / No. 10 / No. 11 / No. 12 / No. 13 / No. 14 / No. 15

2026-27 High School Basketball: International Game

The “COVID-19” era of high school basketball is long gone and the “NIL” era is in full swing. Similar to NCAA basketball, high school basketball is a high stakes game with an influx of international prospects raising the level of play along with those stakes. That was evident last season when CIA Bella Vista of Phoenix became the third different member of the NIKE EYBL Scholastic League to win the FAB 50 title in the past four seasons with a large internationally influenced roster. CIA Bella Vista (which merged with Canyon International Academy in 2024-25) carried players on its roster from six different countries, including ringleader and All-American Miles Sadler, a Toronto (Canada) native now at West Virginia.

The competition among teams ranked in the FAB 50 National Team Rankings, powered by the Ballislife.com for the 12th consecutive season, has never been higher. International recruiting keeps the talent pool growing and reaching the pinnacle of high school basketball keeps getting more difficult because the talent tends to be concentrated at academy-type programs. Similar to NCAA basketball, the roster turnover among academy-type programs is high and its elite players are represented by big agencies for NIL-related legal representation. The business side of the game permeates all high school and grassroots events, while some of the actors don’t have the players’ best interests at heart.

College coaches don’t particularly care where the talent comes from only that it’s up to snuff. One comment we hear repeatedly from college coaches in recent seasons is they love players from well-run academy-type programs because those programs are run like college teams and players come in already with great experience at their natural collegiate positions. It’s no secret many star players from traditional high school must play out of position in order to help their team win and have a shot at cracking the FAB 50 rankings. That is usually not the case at high powered academy-type programs.

Elite high school basketball programs are molded and run like a college basketball program. High expectations, high turnover and a win-now focus and pressure.

More International Flavor

The international influence of high school basketball went a step further in the off-season with the early October announcement of the ATLAS League. It’s a 11-team international league with five American academy programs and six outside the United States borders in Canada, Germany, Lithuania, Serbia and two in Italy. The FAB 50 staples that have joined the league are DME Academy (Orlando, Fla.), IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.), Prolific Prep (Southwest Ranches, Fla.), SPIRE Academy (Geneva, Ohio) and Sunrise Christian Academy (Bel Aire, Kan.).

All the ATLAS League teams will participate in an event at IMG Academy (Nov. 11-13, 2026), in Kaunas, Lithuania (Jan. 4-7, 2027), in Phoenix for NBA All-Star weekend (Feb. 18-20, 2027) and in Toronto for the ATLAS League playoffs (March 4-7, 2027).

One of the main goals of the American teams will be to qualify for Chipotle Nationals the weekend of the NCAA Final Four in Indianapolis. In 2025-26, SPIRE Academy and Sunrise Christian Academy were members of the EYBL Scholastic League, which was formed in 2021. That league consisted of 14 teams in 2024-25 and 20 in 2025-26 with separate East and West Divisions. For the 2026-27 season, the EYBL Scholastic League no longer has an East-West format and consists of 15 teams, with Monarch Academy (Kansas City, Kan.) and Master’s International Academy (Stow, Mass.) the two new teams.

Last season, Montverde Academy of Florida won the EYBL Scholastic East Division title with a perfect 9-0 mark while AZ Compass Prep of Arizona won the West Division title at 9-0. This season, there are no divisions and each member will play 14 league games with the third annual EYBL Scholastic Tournament deciding the champion.

The Grind Session Power Conference, which began in the 2015-16 season, is the other major scholastic basketball league with an international flavor. This season the Grind Session World Championships take place March 19-21, 2027 in Owensboro, Ky.

Prolific Prep has captured the Grind Session World Championship four consecutive seasons. The Crew will play in both the Grind Session and ATLAS League.

“We’re very excited about being a part of both leagues,” Prolific Prep coach Ryan Bernardi told Ballislife.

AZ Compass Prep: No. 1 For First Time

With the talent level at an all-time high, not to mention the intense scrutiny and pressure to win at the highest levels of high school basketball, getting to the mountain top of high school basketball is harder than ever. This season, there is no slam dunk team to start out preseason No. 1 in the FAB 50. There are several teams worthy of consideration and when the ink dried on all the research, note taking and phone calls, AZ Compass Prep of Arizona edged Prolific Prep of Florida for 2026-27 preseason FAB 50 No. 1.

It was a close call, as there are at least five teams with the personnel, schedule and track record to deserve No. 1 consideration. Many FAB 50 coaches we informally polled during the data-collection process feel the No. 1 spot will change hands more than once this season. That’s nothing new to AZ Compass Prep head coach Pete Kaffey, whose program has experienced hovering at the mountain top. The goal this year is not to be in the catbird’s seat, but to finish on top.

“We have a top three roster and are in position to compete for No. 1” Kaffey said. “Every year our schedule puts us in position to be competitive.”

The Dragons and Prolific Prep have two other key elements on their side: experience and motivation. AZ Compass was first eligible for the FAB 50 in 2022-23 and did reach FAB 50 No. 1 in its first EYBL Scholastic League game, but ended up that season at No. 9. Prolific Prep was FAB 50 eligible for the first time in 2023-24 and last season opened up as preseason No. 1 for the first time in program history.

Even though it faltered during the EYBL Scholastic Tournament, AZ Compass Prep opened up 2026 Chipotle Nationals as the No. 1 seed. It fell in double overtime to eventual finalist Montverde Academy of Florida in the semifinals. Prolific Prep, meanwhile, was the No. 1 team in the FAB 50 entering the same end-of-season event and fell in dramatic fashion in the quarterfinals to the same Montverde Academy team.

Both programs have scores to settle, so to speak, and Prolific Prep is simply going to have to end its season stronger than it has in recent seasons if it’s going to once again challenge for No. 1. Montverde Academy and SPIRE Academy were also considered for preseason No. 1.

GO TO: No. 1 / No. 2 / No. 3 / No. 4 / No. 5 / No. 6 / No. 7 / No. 8 / No. 9 / No. 10 / No. 11 / No. 12 / No. 13 / No. 14 / No. 15

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.)

1. (3) AZ Compass Prep (Chandler, Ariz.) 25-3**
Key Players: SF DeMarcus Henry 6-8 2027 (No. 1 Rivals.com, Ballislife Underclass All-American, North Carolina commit), SG KyiKyi Miles 6-3 2027 (No. 19 ESPN.com, Ballislife Underclass All-American, Arizona St. commit), PG Jimmie “Tripp” Haywood III 6-4 2027 (No. 128 247Sports.com, Washington commit), PF Zion Green 6-9 2027 (No. 16 ESPN.com, Alabama commit), PG Darren Ford 6-2 2028 (No. 30 ESPN.com, Ballislife Underclass All-American), SF Terrence Byrd 6-6 2028 (No. 99 247Sports.com).
Why Team is a National Title Contender: The Dragons have the talent, temperament and motivation to begin — and finish — No. 1 in the FAB 50. Teams ranked high know how hard it is to remain in those positions but getting to No. 1 is a whole other ballgame. The program ascended to No. 1 in 2022-23 and again last season when six different teams spent time at No. 1. If Henry and Green play at the level displayed during the fall and the guards play to the level coach Pete Kaffey believes the group should, perhaps there won’t be anything close to a half dozen teams in the rankings position the Dragons currently sit. Henry is as complete a forward as there is in the country, able to dominate and score against bigger front court players and shoot well from the corners against smaller defenders. Henry takes just as much pride on the defensive side of the ball as he does on offense and has a strong argument as the best overall player in the country. Green had a dominant summer and fall and is still underrated by recruiting networks despite moving up in the rankings. If Alex Bozikovic (6-11, 2028) is serviceable and takes pressure off the Dragons’ 1-2 punch, this team could be nearly impossible to slow down. Ford, a heady player who loves to attack the basket, and Haywood, a good shooter off the catch and dribble, give Kaffey multiple options and ways to attack opponents’ weaknesses.
X-Factor Player: Malachi Kaffey (6-1, 2028). The coach’s son is a key backcourt defender and could set the tone with his team-first attitude. This team will go as far as its perimeter defense and Kaffey’s contributions could make the difference in a close game against another highly-ranked foe.
Key Transfer: KyiKyi Miles. He was the sole focus of defenses at Mesa (Ariz.), but in this program he must display a more well-rounded game on both sides of the ball. “He’s still not acclimated to how we do things,” Kaffey said in early October. If this smooth scorer can impact the game without being the go-to scorer and work as hard on defense as his talent level indicates, AZ Compass Prep could beat some ranked teams even without its best offensive effort.
Key FAB 50 Stat: The selection of AZ Compass Prep breaks the state of Florida’s stranglehold on the preseason pole position. For nine consecutive seasons between 2018 and 2026, a program from the state was preseason FAB 50 No. 1.
Bet You Didn’t Know: The Dragons are the first team ever from Arizona to be preseason No. 1. Last season they were one of six programs to sit at No. 1 during the season and were the No. 1 seed going into Chipotle Nationals, even though they were not the No. 1 team in the FAB 50 at the time. Prior to this season, the highest preseason ranking for this program was No. 4 in 2022-23, the first season it was eligible to be ranked.
Mark Your Calendar: The Dragons have four early home games in November before taking on Houston Christian on Nov. 13 and Reese Alston and his team at Second Baptist (Houston, Texas) the next day at the Houston Tip-Off. It only gets harder from there. AZ Compass Prep will host the Compass Classic (Dec. 4-5) where it meets highly-regarded Iowa United Prep and No. 7 Oak Cliff Faith Family of Texas. The Dragons meet No. 6 Southeastern Prep at Hoophall West on Dec. 10. On MLK Monday (Jan. 18), Kaffey’s boys will face No. 3 Montverde Academy. The Hoophall dates are always big for AZ Compass Prep, but Kaffey feels it won’t matter if the backcourt doesn’t pick up the defensive intensity and execution. He feels approximately four rotation players need to compete with a better motor and communicate effectively. This could be a special season for the Dragons, and getting off to a good start will help keep the team-first attitude this group displayed during the fall. Last season, CIA Bella Vista became the first program to win the EYBL Scholastic Tournament and Chipotle Nationals in the same season and AZ Compass Prep looks to replicate that feat.

2. (4) Prolific Prep (Southwest Ranches, Fla.) 38-4
Key Players: PG Nasir Anderson 6-4 2027 (No. 8 247Sports.com, Ballislife Underclass All-American), C Lewis Uvwo 7-0 2027 (No. 6 ESPN.com, Providence commit), SF Malachi Jordan 6-6 2027 (No. 20 ESPN.com, Ballislife Underclass All-American, St. John’s commit), PG Michai White 6-0 2028 (No. 24 ESPN.com, Ballislife Underclass All-American), C Ahmadou “Bamba” Touray 7-0 2028 (No. 3 Rivals.com), SG Braxton Keathley 6-4 2027 (Pacific commit), SF Draydne McDaniel 6-7 2029 (No. 2 ESPN.com).
Why Team is a National Title Contender: The program has been FAB 50 eligible for four years and has never started below No. 8 or finished lower than No. 7. With this team, expect the streak of high FAB 50 finishes to continue with a real shot at the national title. Simply put, this is the deepest and most physical team The Crew has put out in coach Ryan Bernardi’s five-year tenure. It begins with Anderson, one of the best players in the country who has plenty of big-game experience, including a 12-point, 4-rebound, 7-assist performance in a heart-breaking loss to Montverde Academy in the quarterfinals of last year’s Chipotle Nationals tournament. In Bernardi’s tenure, Anderson is the first ever full-time returning starter (Kansas freshman Tyran Stokes returned as a sophomore after getting some starts as a ninth-grader) and that should pay dividends when it matters in March. With his relentless effort, incredible defensive instinct and kid-in-the-candy-store approach, Uvwo is a certain All-American this year. If Touray can play up to expectations and remain on the floor, Prolific Prep can be lights out defensively and that would allow the guards to take chances and create turnovers. Jordan and White are not only talented, they are experienced in pressure-packed games that affect the top of the FAB 50. As a junior, Jordan was a third team all-EYBL Scholastic League selection at Dream City Christian in Arizona and is primed for a big senior season.
X-Factor Player: Draydne McDaniel. His passing and play-making can potentially make The Crew a great team. Bernardi would like to see him in the role Cooper Flagg took as a young player at Montverde Academy where he could dominate for stretches without scoring. If McDaniel scores 8-12 points per game on a low volume of shot attempts, Prolific Prep will be in business.
Key Transfer: Braxton Keathley went well over 3,000 career points at Martin County High School and was Kentucky’s second-leading scorer (33 ppg, 9 rpg) in 2025-26. Obviously his role will change on this roster, but he and players such as McDaniel got plenty of game experience this fall when Anderson and Touray sat out the Border League and other events. That gained experience will help Prolific Prep when Keathley’s number is called.
Key FAB 50 Stat: The program will look to qualify for Chipotle Nationals for the eighth consecutive year, where it holds a 3-6 (.333) all-time mark. Bernardi has acknowledged his program’s 1-4 mark at the event under his leadership and is focused on his team peaking at the right time. In contrast, AZ Compass Prep is now 4-5 all-time at the event and that difference is a factor in The Dragons edging out The Crew for the preseason No. 1 spot. This year’s end-of-season tournament takes place April 1-3 in Indianapolis.
Bet You Didn’t Know: Prolific Prep has players from six different countries on its roster, including five abroad. Although it joined the newly-formed ATLAS League, The Crew will continue to play in the Grind Session Power Conference, where it has only one loss since joining the conference in 2022-23.
Mark Your Calendar: In order to keep its gaudy Grind Session won-loss record intact, and to have a shot at No. 1 in April, Prolific Prep will need to fare well vs. No. 6 Southeastern Prep. The Crew could potentially play SEPA on Dec. 23 in the City of Palms Signature Series championship provided it defeats highly-regarded Dynamic Prep of Dallas the night before. It could play SEPA again at the John Wall Holiday Classic (Raleigh, N.C.) after Christmas or could meet No. 10 IMG Academy once again after playing that club on Dec. 2 in an ATLAS League game. The Crew plays No. 4 SPIRE Academy on Dec. 12 in an ATLAS League game, will see SEPA on MLK Monday (Jan. 18) at the Panini Hoophall Classic and meet No. 8 Columbus on Jan. 28.

3. (2) Montverde Academy (Montverde, Fla.) 23-7
Key Players: SG O’Neal Delancy 6-2 2027 (No. 35 ESPN.com, Ballislife Underclass All-American, Houston commit), PG Javion Tyndale 5-9 2027 (No. 53 ESPN.com, Seton Hall commit), SF Xavier Skipworth 6-6 2028 (No. 18 ESPN.com, Ballislife Underclass All-American), SF Isaiah Hamilton 6-7 2028 (No. 3 247Sports.com), C Joel Patrick 6-9 2028 (No. 44 247Sports.com), PF Chudier Diew Yak 6-9 2029 (No. 20 ESPN.com), SF Maddox Davis 6-4 2027.
Why Team is a National Title Contender: It was a close call at the top among the top four teams, but a few defections from this roster and less size and depth up front than some of the other prime contenders prevented the Eagles from a potential No. 1 start. The main reason they will be in contention is a veteran backcourt that gained major experience in the run to the 2026 Chipotle Nationals title game. Delancy averaged 14 ppg in the Eagles’ three Chipotle Nationals games and teams with Tyndale, a set up man and big-time play-maker who stepped up last season when MVA had injury issues. He solidified his status as one of the nation’s top returnees when he led Canada to the FIBA 18U Americas Championship with a MVP performance in the Gold Medal upset win over Team USA. “We believe in our backcourt and teams that have a veteran backcourt go on to win the national title,” said coach Steve Turner. Patrick is a good shot blocker and rim protector who Turner is confident can compete with any front court player in the country. Turner also likes his team’s depth and feels practice will quickly make back-ups better players when called upon.
X-Factor Player: Xavier Skipworth. Turner is looking for dynamic play-making that puts pressure on defenses and “X” fits that mold. If teams put too much defensive emphasis on the backcourt, Skipworth is a perimeter wing threat who can go inside or be used as an oversized guard who can shoot. Turner feels he brings a lot of the same traits and intangibles that second team All-American Dhani Miller (Kent St.) brought to last year’s successful team. Turner is excited to find out who else will step up when the veteran guards create opportunities for others.
Key Transfer: Isaiah Hamilton. The Toronto native comes over from Crestwood Prep and is eager to show he’s one of the best players in the country, regardless of class. Hamilton is a complete specimen who can beat teams with strength, explosiveness and skill. He’s also a high-level rebounder with the ability to step out and shoot the 3-pointer.
Key FAB 50 Stat: This program started out No. 13 last season in the first year under Turner (who came over from Gonzaga of Washington, D.C.). It represented the lowest start since the Eagles started out at No. 32 in 2008-09 under then coach Kevin Sutton. Even after a 0-3 start partly because of season-ending injuries, MVA was able to bounce back and compete for a FAB 50 title, so Turner is confident this team has an even better chance to maintain a high ranking this season.
Bet You Didn’t Know: The roster contains players from nine different countries, as Turner is among the many elite high school coaches who feel the nation’s top teams operate in a college-like atmosphere with plenty of turn-over each season. According to Turner, last school year Montverde Academy flew 103 different flags to represent the students on the international boarding school campus.
Mark Your Calendar: For academy-type programs, collecting a roster full of Elite Top 50 type recruits is not always the answer to success, as roster cohesion has become more prevalent since the creation of the EYBL Scholastic League. Turner obviously doesn’t want his team to begin 0-3, but warns this team might not start out guns blazing. He feels the meat of the league schedule is most important and keep in mind MVA did go 9-0 to win its division last season. There are no more EYBL Scholastic Divisions, as MVA will play 14 league games with the first four falling in the first three weeks of the seasons vs. Oak Hill Academy of Virginia, Master’s International Academy, Tennessee Collegiate Academy and Veritas Prep of California. MVA will meet top-ranked AZ Compass Prep on MLK Monday (Jan. 18). The Eagles will host the Montverde Academy Invitational (MAIT) from Jan. 28-30 as teams such as DeMatha Catholic of Maryland, and Oak Ridge and Westminster Academy (both of Florida) challenge the host club.

4. (8) Spire Academy (Geneva, Ohio) 29-5
Key Players: PG Darrell Davis 5-11 2027 (No. 31 247Sports.com, Houston commit), PG King Gibson 6-4 2027 (No. 13 ESPN.com, Ballislife Underclass All-American, LSU commit), PG Micah Gordon 5-11 2027 (No. 33 Rivals.com, Ballislife Underclass All-American, Creighton commit), SF Moussa Kamissoko 6-8 2027 (No. 9 Rivals.com, Ballislife Underclass All-American, Syracuse commit), PF Charles Pur 2027 (No. 89 ESPN.com, Kent St. commit), PF Moh Keita 6-8 2027.
Why Team is a National Title Contender: This team has all the pieces to capture the FAB 50 title in coach Kevin Boyle’s second season at the helm. Teams at this level excel with experienced guard play and that’s exactly what Boyle has at his disposal with Gibson, a second team all-EYBL Scholastic League selection last season and Davis, a third team choice. Gibson averaged 15 ppg (46 % 3-point) and 3.7 apg while Davis averaged 9.7 ppg, 4.0 rpg and 4.7 apg. Those numbers might not increase, but that’s only because of the presence of Gordon, a true field general who we rated the top guard at the 2026 Pangos All-American Camp. Gordon makes others better and will help the front court players meet the level of expectations the coaching staff has for them. Kamissoko has All-American potential on a team that has plenty of depth to challenge for the FAB 50 crown.
X-Factor Player: Charles Pur. He can take this team to another level with his play-making ability around the basket. Spire Academy can play fast, and Pur runs the floor well and is a fantastic finisher with good hands and touch.
Key Transfer: Moh Keita. This talented four-man, who is of Malian descent, wasn’t with the team during its fall tour but he’s expected to make a big impact. Before announcing his decision to attend Spire Academy, Keita was in Spain and developed in FC Barcelona’s youth program. Boyle feels Keita is a Top 20 talent and his presence could take this team to the next level defensively.
Key FAB 50 Stat: Last year in Boyle’s first season with the program, Spire’s preseason ranking (No. 12) was the lowest for a team he coached since his 2004-05 St. Patrick (Elizabeth, N.J.) team began at No. 14. Boyle was a bit perplexed at the preseason positioning and his stance proved to be accurate as his team was one of six teams to reach No. 1 last season, joining Link Academy of Missouri, Paul VI of Virginia, Prolific Prep of Florida, Compass Prep of Arizona and eventual FAB 50 champ CIA Bella Vista. The team eventually settled in around the range forecasted in the preseason after losing at Chipotle Nationals in the quarterfinals to AZ Compass Prep, 69-52.
Bet You Didn’t Know: Boyle enters the season with a career won-loss mark of 921-135. He was 529-96 in 23 seasons at St. Patrick (Elizabeth, N.J.) and 363-34 in 13 seasons at Montverde Academy before moving to SPIRE Academy for the 2025-26 season. He and retired Oak Hill Academy (Mouth if Wilson, Va.) coach Steve Smith have captured seven FAB 50 national titles.
Mark Your Calendar: The schedule is jammed packed and includes a trip to Kaunas, Lithuania (Jan. 4-7, 2027) as part of the ATLAS League where all 11 teams in the newly-formed league will participate. SPIRE will face No. 10 IMG Academy in a league contest on Nov. 12 and also faces No. 8 Columbus on Nov. 21. Another key league contest comes on Dec. 6 vs. No. 2 Prolific Prep while a matchup vs. No. 6 Southeastern Prep awaits on Dec. 21 at the City of Palms Classic in Ft. Myers, Fla.

5. (1) Bella Vista (Phoenix, Ariz.) 26-4
Key Players: PG Keaundre Morris 6-1 2027 (No. 85 ESPN.com, St. Mary’s commit), PG Liam Mitakaro 6-4 2028 (No. 18 Rivals.com), C Hassan Abdulkadir 6-10 2028 (No. 41 ESPN.com), PF Mustafa Mohamed 6-10 2028 (No. 142 Rivals.com), PF Settimo Yugu 6-8 2028 (No. 40 Rivals.com), SG Semaj Cuyler 6-4 2029 (No. 54 Rivals.com), C Ronny Ewanke 6-10 2027.
Why Team is a National Title Contender: The Bears reached the summit of high school basketball last year after becoming FAB 50 eligible for the first time in 2024-25. Two seasons ago, they shared the EYBL Scholastic League regular season crown with Brewster Academy and Wasatch Academy and last season tied with Wasatch Academy for third place in the West Division before catching lightning in the bottle down the stretch behind the play of point guard Miles Sadler. He graduated and there is a whole new team in place for coach Adeel Sahibzada, who takes over for FAB 50 title-winning coach D.J. Wright (now a scout for the NBA’s New Orleans Pelicans). This team is ultra talented led by Mitakaro and Abdulkadir. Mitakaro is a jumbo scoring point guard who shoots the ball well. The natural comparison is to two-time NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Abdulkadir is an explosive talent and can handle the rock quite well for his size. In fact, he is probably this team’s most impressive prospect so it’s more than surprising the national recruiting networks don’t have Abdulkadir ranked in the Top 30 (or even higher).
X-Factor Player: Settimo Yugu. This Winnipeg, Manitoba (Canada) product is the key to the Bears’ defensive success. Yugu is a defensive savant who can guard pretty much every position. In the tough EYBL Scholastic League games, his play could be the difference between winning and losing for this young team.
Key Transfer: Keaundre Morris. This transfer from nearby academy program Dream City Christian will provide experience and leadership as the sole senior starter. Morris can handle the ball or play off it and has a nice pull up jumper in his arsenal.
Key FAB 50 Stat: CIA Bella Vista was 0-1 at Chipotle Nationals before winning three games at last year’s event to finish No. 1 in the FAB 50. Along the way it became the first program to win the EYBL Scholastic Conference tournament and Chipotle Nationals in the same season, beating seven FAB 50 ranked teams in the process.
Bet You Didn’t Know: No, stalwarts such as Ballislife Underclass All-American Paul Osaruyi (6-10, 2027) and Lyris Robinson (6-6, 2027) didn’t transfer out of the program; they are simply on another team within the program. The sprawling program has more than one team and the senior-laden team will play in the Atlanta-based Overtime Elite League. The program’s “third” team will play in the Grind Session and yet another team will play in the AOG Power 32 League. Other programs that will participate in the Overtime Elite League are Calvary Christian of Florida, (Fear of God), Dynamic Prep of Texas (Faze), Moravian Prep of North Carolina (YNG Dreamerz), Southeastern Prep of Florida (RWE), Woodstock Academy of Connecticut, plus traditional high schools Columbus of Florida and Coronado of Nevada. Of course, only one team per program is eligible to be FAB 50 ranked regardless of what association it belongs to.
Mark Your Calendar: The defending FAB 50 national champs play always tough Veritas Academy on Nov. 20 and will host No. 7 Oak Cliff Faith Family and Dream City Christian on Dec. 4-5. The Bears will participate in the Iolani Prep Classic in Hawaii (Dec. 17-22) and play at top-ranked AZ Compass Prep on Feb 26.

6. (27) Southeastern Prep Academy (Orlando, Fla.) 42-9
Key Players: PG Beckham Black 6-2 2027 (No. 1 ESPN.com, Ballislife Underclass All-American), PF C.J. Rosser 6-9 2027 (No. 2 Rivals.com, Ballislife Second Team All-American), SF Marri Wesley 6-5 2027 (No. 71 ESPN.com), PG Aiden Groce 6-2 2027 (Sam Houston commit), SG Ka’Shawn Gill 6-4 2028 (No. 112 247Sports.com), PF J.J. Watts 6-7 2027, SF Flory Kuminga 6-6 2029 (No. 8 ESPN.com).
Why Team is a National Title Contender: The Falcons have the personnel, coaching and team culture to make a serious run at the FAB 50 title. SEPA started out at No. 7 last season and this season come in a spot higher with a roster that can compete with any in the country. It starts with Black, arguably the best overall player in America who averaged 16.4 ppg, 5.4 rpg and 9.6 assists last season for a club that joined the Grind Session’s Power Conference. Black’s physical dominance at his position and shot-making ability means he has the ability to dominate nearly any high-stakes game SEPA plays in. Not far behind him (if at all) is Rosser, an oozing talent who makes the offensive game at this level look easy. He’s returning with averages of 16.7 ppg and 6.7 rpg and like Black, will likely boost that scoring number by 20 percent as a senior. How well this team’s complimentary pieces play will ultimately decide SEPA’s rankings fate.
X-Factor Player: Marri Wesley. Second-year coach David Peavy (who guided Duncanville, Texas to the 2022 FAB 50 national title and a No. 3 finish in 2023) built his traditional program with defensive depth and Wesley’s injuries last season hurt SEPA’s capabilities on both ends of the floor. Wesley is an aggressive play-maker who excels getting downhill to the basket. He also plays bigger than his listed size and can help SEPA when it goes to a big or smaller lineup.
Key Transfer: Precious Sam (6-11, 2027). It’s no secret among FAB 50 title contenders that interior play is fierce and key to success. SEPA doesn’t have depth up front, so the play and productivity of this Veritas Prep (Chino Hills, Calif.) transfer will be key. He gained plenty of experience last season in the EYBL Scholastic League and it should pay dividends in SEPA’s key Grind Session games and their quest for a Chipotle Nationals berth.
Key FAB 50 Stat: Perhaps it’s a good omen for SEPA that this is its second go-around on the national level. In 2023, Link Academy won the FAB 50 title in only its second year as an eligible program and last season CIA Bella Vista was preseason ranked for the first time and went on to finish No. 1.
Bet You Didn’t Know: With Black and Rosser, this roster contains arguably the No. 1 and No. 2 ranked recruits in the country. Having two McDonald’s All-Americans on the same high school team is not all that rare anymore (there’s even been three on a few occasions), but the two top-ranked seniors in the country have never played for the same team in the same season. The closest to that occurred in 2019-20, when the HOOP SCOOP (our sister website for national rankings) had Montverde Academy’s Cade Cunningham No. 1 and Scottie Barnes No. 4 on what was considered one of the best high school teams of all-time.
Mark Your Calendar: SEPA is still smarting over being left out of the Chipotle Nationals field last season, as their overall loss count kept the Falcons outside the FAB 50’s final Top 25. As a member of the Grind Session’s Power Conference, SEPA will get plenty of opportunity to move up and will have to face No. 2 and four-time conference champ Prolific Prep more than once. Peavy’s club also faces No. 4 SPIRE Academy at the City of Palms Classic (Dec. 21) has a game vs. No. 1 AZ Compass Prep taking place Dec. 10 at Hoophall West in Arizona.

7. (14) Oak Cliff Faith Family (Dallas, Texas) 27-11
Key Players: PG Josiah Rose 6-3 2028 (No. 3 247Sports.com, Ballislife Underclass All-American), C Xavier Young 6-10 2027 (No. 9 ESPN.com, LSU commit), SF Cadien Hudson 6-5 2029 (No. 10 ESPN.com, Ballislife Underclass All-American), SG Mekhi Allen 6-5 2028 (No. 115 Rivals.com), SG Jahari Miller 6-3 2027 (No. 44 ESPN.com).
Why Team is a National Title Contender: In the Eagles’ first foray in the EYBL Scholastic League, they finished in fourth place in their division but were one of the better teams in the country. This season they start out as the league’s No. 4 ranked club but with the program’s best opportunity to compete for the FAB 50 title. It begins with two returning starters and four lettermen for veteran coach Brandon Thomas (415-108), including ringleader Josiah Rose. Thomas sang Rose’s praises last preseason and he more than lived up to the billing, earning Underclass All-American honors with averages of 15.8 ppg, 4.8 rpg and 4.4 apg. Rose is a big-time shot-maker, can pass with both hands and is a matchup problem whether he operates on the perimeter or without the ball. He’s surrounded by a core of players with a nice blend of athleticism and toughness.
X-Factor Player: For the second consecutive season, it’s Xavier Young. Some of the teams ranked in the range of Faith Family are huge along the frontline, but the Eagles are not. Thomas will look to create matchups problems with good ball movement, covering ground and beating teams to loose balls, but at some point Young’s production will be key. He has improved and moves well for his size, and must stay out of foul trouble in the key stretches of a loaded schedule.
Key Transfer: Cadien Hudson. There is very little this talented tenth-grader can’t do on a basketball court. He covers a tremendous amount of ground and similar to other perimeter players on the roster, gets off the ground quickly. Last season Hudson earned Underclass All-American honors at Mt. Bethel Christian (Marietta, Ga.) after averaging 16 ppg, 6 rpg, and 4 apg. His numbers this season likely won’t reflect his impact. Jahari Miller will also be counted on for his two-way work, as he is a tough on-ball defender and has good range on his jump shot.
Key FAB 50 Stat: This is the fourth consecutive season Faith Family is preseason FAB 50 ranked. Prior to this season, the highest preseason start for the Eagles was in 2023-24 when it began No. 27, but finished unranked.
Bet You Didn’t Know: The program will play in nine Classics, showcases or tournaments this season, including the Advance Global Cup in Malaga, Spain (Jan. 23-29)
Mark Your Calendar: Needless to say, the Eagles played a loaded schedule. They will obviously need to keep the loss count low to move up and compete for the No. 1 spot, but if they do meet exceptions Rose has a chance to be the EYBL Scholastic League Player of the Year as a junior; he is that talented and locked in. Faith Family plays highly-regarded Dynamic Prep of Dallas on Nov. 14, hosts No. 22 Wasatch Academy on Nov. 20, faces No. 15 La Lumiere and Veritas Prep at the Level Up Hoopfest in Salt Lake City (Nov. 23-24) and gets its crack at No. 1 AZ Compass Prep on Dec. 4 at the Compass Classic after participating in the Thanksgiving Hoopfest in Dallas (Nov. 27-28).

8. (26) Columbus (Miami, Fla.) 26-6
Key Players: C Akol Nyok 7-1 2027 (No. 70 Rivals.com), SG Tai Bell 6-3 2028 (No. 17 247Sports.com, Ballislife Underclass All-American), SF Jordan Fisher 6-6 2028 (No. 51 Rivals.com), PF Martin Sibal 7-2 2028 (No. 16 247Sports.com), SF Sebastian Garcia 6-3 2027, C Martin Simko 7-1 2028 (No. 42 Rivals.com).
Why Team is a National Title Contender: Even without 2026 NCAA Player of the Year Cam Boozer and his twin brother Cayden (who starred at Duke), the 2025-26 Explorers had enough talent to capture a fifth consecutive FHSAA Class 7A state crown and finish in the range forecasted for them during the preseason. This season the expectations are a bit higher, as Columbus has one of the biggest teams in all of high school hoops. They are also talented, too, as Sibal and Nyok are a load to deal with. Sibal is as skilled of an underclass big there is in the country and excels as a pick and roll finisher. Nyok is an active defender and quite mobile. He made a big splash at the Border League in October and is the key to Columbus’ defense. As if that duo wasn’t enough, Simko is a 7-footer off the bench.
X-Factor Player: Jordan Fisher. He gets plenty done with or without the basketball. Fisher brings a physical presence to the Explorers’ lineup, relishing contact. He’s also a talented scorer on the baseline.
Key Transfer: Tai Bell. The transfer from Mater Lakes Academy (Miami) is the key to the engine for this team. Bell’s play-making and production will be key in Columbus’ run at its second FAB 50 title in three years. Last season as a tenth-grader, the son of former NBA player Raja Bell averaged 33.5 ppg, 7.5 rpg, 5.1 apg and 4.0 spg. This offseason, he’s displayed an improved physique, plus better agility, and even if his numbers are not as gaudy on a more talented team, his impact could be even more dramatic.
Key FAB 50 Stat: The state of Florida is home to four teams in the Top 10 in the FAB 50 and five in the Top 15, but Columbus is the only one that is a full-time member of the Florida High School Athletic Association FHSAA and plays for a state title. Columbus is also the only FHSAA program to win the FAB 50 title (in 2025) since the advent of the National Prep Poll (FAB 50 precursor) in 1987-88. That season Miami Senior (led by legendary coach Shakey Rodriguez) began at No. 1, but finished No. 7.
Bet You Didn’t Know: Columbus is preseason FAB 50 ranked for the fifth consecutive season. In that time frame, last year’s No. 22 mark was the Explorers’ lowest start.
Mark Your Calendar: Columbus plays a loaded regular season schedule, plus the road to a sixth consecutive FHSAA state title will be much harder. That’s because after seeing other state’s playoff models and local clamouring, the state association has decided to adopt an open division. It will consist of the FHSAA’s top eight ranked teams, they don’t drop back to their original division after a loss and will play out as two pools of four teams, two semifinals and a FHSAA open final. The top teams that could challenge for an open berth besides the Explorers are No. 16 Calvary Christian, No. 42 Providence, The Villages, Riviera Prep, Coral Glades, Oak Ridge and Sagemont, among others. Columbus plays No. 4 SPIRE Academy on Nov. 21 and meets No. 2 Prolific Prep on Jan. 28. It also plays in the main bracket at the City of Palms Classic in Ft. Myers, Fla., where it opens with No. 49 Millennium.

9. (17) Bartlett (Bartlett, Tenn.) 33-4
Key Players: SF Dylan Jones 6-7 2027 (No. 32 Rivals.com, Texas A & M commit), SF D.J. Okoth 6-8 2028 (No. 12 Rivals.com, Ballislife Underclass All-American), PG Braylon Williams 6-0 2028, PG Malachi Hill 6-2 2029.
Why Team is a National Title Contender: There is plenty to like off a team that rolled to the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association (TSSAA) Class 4A D1 crown. The Panthers return three starters and five lettermen and added more firepower to an already potent lineup. Coach Dion Real (478-191) has at his disposal the returning Class 4A Mr. Basketball in Okoth (13.3 ppg, 5.1 rpg), who can dominate at both ends of the floor and is an improved shooter. Jones (16.4 ppg, 4.3 rpg) was named the MVP of the state tourney and could also be in line for big post-season honors with an uptick in production. Williams, the team’s veteran floor general, was the second leading scorer last season and leading assist-man (15.3 ppg, 4.7 apg). In last year’s state semifinals, Bartlett downed then No. 48 Bearden of Knoxville, 71-61, as Jones and Williams combined for 42 points.
X-Factor Player: Malachi Hill. The sophomore point guard contributed last season (2.3 ppg, 2.1 apg) but he’s going to be counted on to step up against Bartlett’s vaunted schedule and to help replace some of the graduated depth. Hill gained valuable experience as a member of Mokan Elite’s 15U EYBL Championship club and an uptick in production is expected.
Key Transfer: Unlike last season, the Panthers do have newcomers from other programs that will bolster the lineup. Antonio McGaughey (6-6, 2027) is a big-time combo wing talent from Cordova (Tenn.), while Makel Boyd (6-2, 2027) averaged 14 points at Memphis Central. Boosting the depth up front will be Rod Lucas (6-7, 2028) a physical specimen who averaged 10 ppg and 8 rpg at Arlington (Tenn.).
Key FAB 50 Stat: The Panthers are FAB 50 ranked for the third time in five seasons. Last season and in 2022-23, Bartlett was one of the last entries in the FAB 50, but this time around is considered one of the top teams in the loaded Southeast Region with a club that has five players that are capable of 20-point outings on any given night. The highest preseason start for any Tennessee club came in 2017-18, when Memphis East was edged by eventual FAB 50 champ Montverde Academy edged for the top spot and began No. 2.
Bet You Didn’t Know: The highest ranked FAB 50 finish ever for a Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association (TSSAA) club is No. 3 by the Memphis East in 2016-17. No TSSAA team has ever won a national title but during the days of segregated schools, teams from the state claimed National Negro High School Tournament titles between 1958 and 1963, including four by Pearl of Nashville.
Mark Your Calendar: It’s a bit of a misnomer that public and parochial schools that fall under the leadership of the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) can’t compete with academy-type programs. It’s getting harder, but when a program has sustained success, returning firepower and some elite players, they fare solidly against the academy-types because of the continuity. That’s the hopeful outcome for the Panthers, who play in nine showcases or tournaments during the season that will give them an opportunity to move up in the rankings despite losing six seniors to graduation. Real’s boys will take on No. 44 Vashon on Dec. 11 and meet No. 4 SPIRE Academy on Dec. 13. After the City of Palms Tournament (where Bartlett opens with Riviera Prep of Florida and could meet No. 10 IMG Academy in the second round), the Panthers face No. 11 Sierra Canyon on Jan. 2 at the Memphis Hoopfest. Bartlett is the favorite at the Bass Pro Tournament of Champions in Missouri (Jan. 14-16). Before the playoffs, the team will face No. 2 Prolific Prep.Before the playoffs, the team will face No. 2 Prolific Prep.

10. (24) IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.) 21-8
Key Players: SF Josh Leonard 6-7 2027 (No. 29 Rivals.com, Ballislife Underclass All-American), PG Quentin Mosby 6-2 2028 (No. 74 247Sports.com), SG Lucai Anderson 6-5 2027 (No. 63 ESPN.com, Michigan commit), SG Malik Olajuwon 6-5 2027 (No. 61 ESPN.com, SMU commit), SG Jordan Page 6-6 2027 (No. 10 247Sports.com, Ballislife Underclass All-American, UConn commit), C Dylan Betts 7-4 2028 (No. 9 Rivals.com), C Yahya Basaran 7-2 2028 (No. 23 Rivals.com), SF Will Brunson 6-6 2028 (No. 22 247Sports.com, Ballislife Underclass All-American), PF Bentley Lusakueno 6-10 2028 (No. 8 247Sports.com).
Why Team is a National Title Contender: The Ascenders definitely deserve a high ranking and are major FAB 50 title contenders. Observing them in fall leagues, their talent level is nearly frightening and their size is pro level. Coach Jackson Johnson has at least nine high major prospects at his disposal and various lineups he can use to attack and wear down opponents. The Ascenders have a nice combination of shooters and scorers, including Mosby, who can knock it down off the catch or dribble. Olajuwon can play both on or off the ball and Page is another high level scorer. With Page, Anderson and Brunson, Johnson has three lefties that bring plenty of offensive firepower. Leonard can also shoot it and is strong on the baseline while Betts and Lusakueno bring plenty of length up front. Both of them have yet to reach their full potential and if they do, IMG Academy can be scary good.
X-Factor Player: Lucai Anderson. He’s not a true point guard, but Anderson can facilitate and shoot. If he can develop into that on-court leader that this team needs, it will bode well for IMG Academy as it looks to capture the ATLAS League title and qualify for Chipotle Nationals.
Key Transfer: Yahya Basaran. He’s 7-foot-2 and when combining his talents with what Betts and Lusakueno bring to the table, it’s obvious why his impact could be telling and cause nightmares for Ascenders’ foes. Basaran is a talented player who led Australia to the FIBA 18U Asia Cup, earning MVP honors while averaging 15.7 ppg and 10.7 rpg.
Key FAB 50 Stat: This is the eleventh consecutive season this program has been ranked in the preseason FAB 50. Last year at No. 11 represented the lowest start since it began at No. 24 in 2017-18. The program started no lower than No. 7 for seven consecutive seasons under previous head coach Sean McAloon, whose final team with the program failed to qualify for Chipotle Nationals after beginning No. 11 in last season’s rankings.
Bet You Didn’t Know: The Ascenders’ new coach came over from The Newman School in Boston, where he led it to back-to-back New England Preparatory School Athletic Council (NEPSAC) AAA Championships. Led by McDonald’s All-American Quinn Costello (Michigan) and Lucas Morillo (Illinois), his final team at The Newman School also captured a National Prep title. He’s eager to build his culture at a program with extremely high expectations and plenty of talent on tap.
Mark Your Calendar: IMG was no longer part of the EYBL Scholastic League beginning last season, but has joined the ATLAS League for 2026-27 and will once again play a loaded schedule. In league play, the Ascenders face No. 4 SPIRE Academy on Nov. 12, face No. 28 DME Academy on Nov. 19 and have a showdown with No. 2 Prolific Prep on Dec. 2. The Ascenders are also in the main bracket of the City of Palms Tournament in Ft. Myers, Fla. (Dec. 18-23) and open with Dallas Carter. Their likely second round foe would be the winner between No. 9 Bartlett and Riviera Prep of Florida.

11. (6) Sierra Canyon (Chatsworth, Calif.) 30-1
Key Players: SF Jordan Mize 6-7 2028 (No. 13 ESPN.com, Ballislife Underclass All-American), PG J.J. Sati-Grier 6-1 2028 (No. 27 ESPN.com), SG Houston Rolle 6-5 2028 (No. 43 247Sports.com), SG Josh Lowery 6-4 2028 (No. 22 Rivals.com), PF Carson Butler 6-8 2027.
Why This Team is a National Title Contender: For the second straight year, the Trailblazers are battling Mission League foe Notre Dame for supremacy in California. From a national perspective, last year was the first time in state history three teams from the same league began 1-2-3 as the top-ranked CIF clubs. Those preseason rankings, however, came out right before National Junior of the Year Tyran Stokes withdrew from school at preseason California No. 1 Notre Dame and that team didn’t quite play up to that level without him. This year, it’s splitting hairs between the Trailblazers and Notre Dame and we give the closest of nods to Sierra Canyon. It’s a simple formula: it is the defending CIF open champ, have enough returning talent and get the benefit of the doubt until somebody takes them down when it matters. There is plenty to like about this junior-dominated club, including Mize, one of the most talented forwards in the country. Lowery is somewhat unheralded, but his improvement will be key. When you throw in Sati-Grier, you have three players that gained tremendous experience in helping Sierra Canyon win the 2026 CIF state title, especially after McDonald’s All-American Brandon McCoy Jr. (Michigan) went down with injury in the final game. Rolle is a talented scorer and if he finds his role there is no reason why this program can hold up its fourth CIF open crown.
X-Factor Player: J.J. Sati-Grier. He showed what he was capable of in last year’s CIF open title game when went for 11 points and 10 assists. He is spectacular at times, but also streaky with his outside shooting. Sati-Grier’s presence on the floor with his blinding speed and play-making will be key, but he’ll need to display consistency in order for this team to meet its goals.
Key Transfer: Carson Butler. Rolle gets plenty of attention for the terrific individual summer he had, but the reality is he plays similar positions to Sierra Canyon’s strengths, so it’s the play of Butler that will be key. The Roosevelt (Eastvale, Calif.) transfer gives Sierra Canyon much needed size and physicality in the interior. It will be needed in big matchups, especially vs. Mission League foe St. Francis that features 7-foot-3 Cherif Millogo and 7-foot Yann Kamagate.
Key FAB 50 Stat: The Trailblazers are preseason FAB 50 ranked for the 12th time in 13 seasons. This is Sierra Canyon’s highest preseason ranking since 2021-22, when the team was fragmented by injuries and lost in the SoCal open final to a Corona Centennial team featuring Donovan Dent and Jared McCain that it edged out for California preseason No. 1. In its current FAB 50 run, the highest the Trailblazers ever started was in 2019-20 at No. 6 when they captured the SoCal open title on a dramatic jumper by Ziarie Williams be were unable to play for the CIF open title because of the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Bet You Didn’t Know: In recent seasons Sierra Canyon has produced some of the most talent-laden teams in San Fernando Valley history and California history. Before Sierra Canyon came around as a state power in the early 2010s, coach Andre Chevalier played on what was considered the most talented unit in SFV history at Cleveland (Research, Calif.) in 1988-89. After winning the prestigious Holiday Prep Classic in Las Vegas, the team with eight future college players was ranked No. 2 in the state for a majority of the season before being upset in the L.A. City Section quarterfinals. Chevalier said that experience taught him a lot about sacrifice, work ethic and fleeting success.
Mark Your Calendar: Sierra Canyon heads to Arizona Dec. 2 to face No. 49 Millenium at Hoophall West. The Trailblazers face No. 45 Archbishop Stepinac at Hoophall Puerto Rico (Dec. 3-5) and could face the winner of Wheeler of Georgia and Archbishop O’Connell in the traditional bracket championship. The defending CIF open champs then face No. 33 Mater Dei Dec. 22 at Pepperdine University Pavilion as part of the Mission-Trinity League Challenge and also has a big matchup on Jan. 2 with No. 9 Bartlett at the Memphis Hoopfest. In reality, the regular season Mission League title could be decided in the first week of league play as the Trailblazers travel to play St. Francis of La Canada on Jan. 6 and No. 13 Notre Dame on Jan. 8.

12. (12) Wisconsin Lutheran (Milwaukee, Wis.) 30-0
Key Players: PF Kager Knueppel 6-10 2027 (No. 15 Rivals.com, Ballislife Underclass All-American, Duke commit), PG Riley Walz 6-0 2027, PF Jamail Sewall 6-8 2027 (Minnesota commit Football), SF Kinston Knueppel 6-6 2028 (No. 52 ESPN.com).
Why Team is a National Title Contender: The Vikings return four starters and eight lettermen off a team that captured the Wisconsin Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) title with an unbeaten mark. Sure, coach Ryan Waltz will miss state Mr. Basketball Xavier Zens (Illinois), but his team has the firepower and skill level to rate (on paper) as one of Wisconsin’s best ever clubs. Knueppel is one of the most skilled front court players in the country, and taking after his older brother Kon Knueppel (Charlotte Hornets), is a terrific shooter (47 percent from 3-point range on the Nike EYBL circuit). He went for 16 points and seven rebounds in the easy state title game win to meet his season averages (16.4 ppg, 7.3 rpg.). Walz shoots the three at a 40 percent clip but more importantly is the team’s veteran floor general who knows how to take care of the ball in tight situations (7.6 ppg, 3-1 assist to turnover ratio).
X-Factor Player: Kinston Knueppel. Now that his cousin Zens has moved on to college, it’s time for the middle Knueppel brother to show he’s a big-time player and recruit in his own right. Kinston can also shoot the 3-ball (47.2 percent). That’s no surprise, but he’s also a good post player who will expand his rebounding prowess and is working hard to be a more physical presence.
Key Transfer: Tyler Treder (6-7, 2028). This California Lutheran (Wildomar, Calif.) transplant is a Grid-Hoop standout with good hands and a solid frame who will help the Vikings’ interior game tremendously. He’s also solid in transition and can knock down the spot-up 3-pointer.
Key FAB 50 Stat: Last season the Vikings were literally the No. 51 or No. 52 team in our preseason pecking order and we were kicking ourselves in the foot for not rating them in the 40s during the 2025-26 preseason. When the 2023-24 team (led by Kon Knueppel) finished No. 10 in the FAB 50 at 33-0, it was not really on our preseason radar. Kon has two more younger brothers coming down the pipeline named Kash and Kidman.
Bet You Didn’t Know: The highest ranked WIAA teams ever finished No. 8 and were preseason ranked. The 2015-16 Stevens Point team led by Sam Hauser (Marquette) went 28-0 after starting out at No. 42. The 2012-13 Germantown team led by Luke Fisher (Indiana) extended its winning streak to 56 games en route to a 28-0 season after beginning at No. 28. The streak got up to 69 games the next season.
Mark Your Calendar: Waltz (372-98) really likes his team’s size and skill and the fact its core is part of a program that has gone 111-7 over the past four seasons. The schedule is big-time and the depth created off a 22-0 JayVee team will be needed. Wisconsin Lutheran faces Highly-regarded Indianapolis Pike at the Tournament of Champions (Washington, Ill.) on Nov. 25 and the two games at the Panini Hoophall Classic (Jan. 16-18) will go a long way in determining if this club can rise from this spot. The Vikings face No. 16 Calvary Christian on Saturday and Colton Hiller and Coatesville (Pa.) on MLK Monday. They also face Totino Grace in the MN vs. WI Border Battle (Feb. 6) and play WIAA contender Slinger on national television Feb. 20.

13. (BB) Notre Dame (Sherman Oaks, Calif.) 22-8
Key Players: PG NaVorro Bowman 6-2 2027 (No. 9 ESPN.com, Ballislife Underclass All-American, UConn commit), SG Josiah Nance 6-5 2027 (No. 78 247Sports.com, SMU commit), SF King Rachal 6-7 2027 (No. 43 Rivals.com, Utah St. commit), SF Ilan Nikolov 6-5 2027, SG Zion Lanier 6-3 2028, PG Ty Lazenby 6-1 2029, PG Charlie Adams 5-11 2028.
Why Team is a National Title Contender: This team has all the ingredients to capture its first California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) and CIF Southern Section open division titles. Those ingredients are team speed, positional size and depth. Last year’s team began at No. 10 in the FAB 50 and was the slight CIF open favorite over Mission League foe Sierra Canyon, but as the preseason FAB 50 rankings were published returning Mr. Basketball USA candidate Tyran Stokes checked out of school. Without him, the Blue Knights would have started just outside the FAB 50, and that’s where they finished (No. 14 in the West Region). This team is much better and coach Matt Sargeant (267-130) is glad the returning Cal-Hi Sports State Junior of the Year is actually back in the fold after losing that player at the 11th hour last season. That player is Bowman, the most electrifying guard in the West Region who is the leading California Mr. Basketball candidate after averaging 22.5 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 5.0 apg and 1.9 spg while earning co-Mission League Player of the Year honors. Now that he’s healthy, Nance has developed into a Top 75 player in the country after battling injuries as an underclassman. Nikolov (10 ppg) provides scoring pop and is a knock-down shooter who Notre Dame will need at some key moments this season.
X-Factor Player: Zion Lanier and Nico Micelli. Sargeant pencils Lanier as your classic late bloomer and feels he has a good chance to be a national Top 100 player. Micelli is a versatile talent who provides front court depth and is a future D1 player on a team with little, if any, real weaknesses.
Key Transfer: King Rachal. He is oozing with talent and potential but has yet to experience, much less make an impact, in a pressure filled CIF playoff game. It shouldn’t be a problem, as Rachal’s ability and length will cause fits, especially when he learns to feed off Bowman as teams key on Notre Dame’s All-American.
Key FAB 50 Stat: This is the fourth time in five seasons that the Golden Knights have been preseason FAB 50 ranked. In 2022-23, Notre Dame started out No. 38 and went on to win the CIF D1 title and finish No. 46 in the FAB 50. The program is still gunning for its first CIFSS or CIF open title.
Bet You Didn’t Know: The Mission League has produced three of the past four CIF open champs, including Sierra Canyon last year and Harvard-Westlake (North Hollywood, Calif.) in 2023 and 2024. Before Sierra Canyon joined the Mission League, it was CIF Open champs in 2018 and 2019.
Mark Your Calendar: Once again the Mission League is California’s best this season and this year it’s by a wide margin. In fact, the Mission League Tournament semifinals could conceivably include the top four ranked teams in California. No. 36 Crespi is that good and St. Francis is a total wild card that could be one the nation’s best teams if it all works out for it. In addition to the Mission League gauntlet and league tournament (the semifinals and final are Feb. 1 and Feb. 3), Notre Dame will face Servite of Anaheim at the Mission-Trinity League Challenge (Dec. 22). The Blue Knights will also play in the DC Hoopfest (Dec. 11-12) vs. highly-regarded Sidwell Friends of Washington, D.C., and in the Les Schwab Tournament in Portland, Ore. (Dec. 26-30) versus the likes of No. 23 Rainier Beach, No. 39 Wheeler and No. 49 Millennium.

14. (9) Principia (St, Louis, Mo.) 29-2
Key Players: C Tyran Frazier 6-10 2027 (No. 55 Rivals.com, Virginia Tech commit), PF Sekou Cisse 6-9 2027 (No. 130 Rivals.com), SG Kingston Money 6-3 2027, PG Gassim Toure 6-3 2027 (No. 110 Rivals.com), SF Wyatt Slay 6-5 2027 (Eastern Illinois commit), PF Majok Ater 6-9 2029 (No. 9 ESPN.com).
Why Team is a National Title Contender: The Panthers have all the ingredients to capture a third consecutive Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA) Class 3 state title. Veteran coach Jay Blossom (614-210) welcomes back three starters and seven lettermen from a state-title winning club that had a terrific resume. It did beat No. 9 Bartlett, but did lose to No. 16 Calvary Christian and we feel this spot between the two is a good place to start this club since it graduated All-American Quentin Coleman (23.1 ppg now at Illinois). Cisse is a big-time shot blocker, rim-runner and finisher with both hands who will be even more dangerous with the added interior muscle this team possesses. Slay is an indispensable piece because of his shot-making, efficiency and court awareness. There is plenty to like about his team because of its experience, size and the depth provided by a 25-1 JayVee team moving up.
X-Factor Player: Gassim Toure. Another player who will head to a D1 college, Blossom feels Toure’s play from the point guard position will be one of keys to this team’s success. Toure has good court vision, and excels at getting in the key and finishing with authority. A few key players will have to sacrifice personal numbers and accolades in order for this team to reach its goals, but Blossom will look for Toure to take his game to the next level after a standout summer.
Key Transfer: Tyran Frazier. He’s just what the doctor ordered for a team that lost its star player by adding another dimension for a team that already had size. Frazier returns to the area after spending a season with Overtime Elite he lettered at Hazelwood East his first two seasons. Frazier has good hands and is mobile and agile around the basket. His presence will also do wonders for Cisse and Ater.
Key FAB 50 Stat: We started this club out at No. 49 last season, but it was better than advertised and went on to beat four FAB 50 ranked clubs. The ability to move up from its current preseason positioning will be a bit tougher this time around, but the schedule is in place for it to be a possibility.
Bet You Didn’t Know: Blossom recorded his 600th victory last season vs. MICDS and was inducted in the St. Louis Sports Hall of Fame in 2024. He previously won three state titles at Webster Groves (2008, 2017, 2018). In his first season at Principia, the program was state runner up in D2 after finishing the previous season 3-19.
Mark Your Calendar: The Panthers once again play a loaded schedule, including a trip to the Panini Hoophall Classic where it will face highly-regarded Crossroads (Santa Monica, Calif.) on Jan. 18. They will also face an even more talented club and one that has more size up than even they do: St. Francis (La Canada, Calif.) on Jan. 9 at the Highland Optimist Shootout. Principia also participates in the Quincy Shootout, Mokan Shootout and the Bank of O’Fallon Shootout.

15. (13) La Lumiere (La Porte, Ind.) 22-5
Key Players: PG Devin Cleveland 6-3 2027 (No. 30 247Sports.com, Ballislife Underclass All-American, Missouri commit), SG Chase Branham 6-4 2027 (No. 24 247Sports.com, Ballislife Underclass All-American, Indiana commit), PG Joshua Tyson 6-1 2027 (No. 42 247Sports.com, Cincinnati commit), C Alex Mabbott 6-11 2027.
Why Team is a National Title Contender: After a disappointing 2024-25 season by the program’s standards, the Lakers bounced back last season, finishing tied for second place in the EYBL Scholastic League East Division with FAB 50 title contender SPIRE Academy. This season, the Lakers should once again challenge the top teams in the league behind three outstanding senior guards. Some of the best teams in the league have veteran guards, and even though the Lakers have plenty of new faces they also have a returning lead guard in Cleveland, last year’s leading scorer (15.3 ppg). Coach Pat Holmes expects Cleveland to have a standout senior campaign after the experience he gained last season. Branham is a terrific shooter both off the dribble and the catch. He’s well over 40 percent in both areas and knows how to find his sweet spots.
X-Factor Player: Joshua Tyson. The transfer from Lakota West in Ohio is a pass-first guard who is known for his toughness defensively. He can really set the tempo with his speed and ability to change the complexion of a game with his defensive instincts. Tyson’s abilities will compliment Cleveland and Branham well. Many of LaLu’s guards don’t dominate the ball and can play well without the rock in their hands.
Key Transfer: Post play in the EYBL Scholastic League is critical, so we point out the Lakers’ two interior players. Mabbott is a skilled 5-man who moves and finishes well around the basket. He went for 17 points for Australia vs. Team USA in the FIBA 17U World Cup. San Diego-bound Jeff Hassan (6-9, 2027) has a tremendous wingspan (7-foot-4) which he uses to block shots effectively.
Key FAB 50 Stat: Incredibly, LaLu has been preseason FAB 50 ranked for 14 consecutive seasons, peaking at No. 2 in 2016-2017 when it finished No. 2 after capturing Chipotle Nationals. Last season, the Lakers bounced back from a disappointing 2024-25 season when they started No. 9 but underachieved (3-8 league mark). They began 2025-26 No. 28 but were able to finish 7-2 in their division, tied for second place with SPIRE Academy behind division winner Montverde Academy.
Bet You Didn’t Know: Last season there were 14 EYBL Scholastic programs in the 2025-26 preseason FAB 50. This year with five less teams, eight teams appear in the in the industry’s longest-running weekly rankings (since the 1987-88 season). Even though the bottom feeders will have some talent, league cellar dwellers will not crack the rankings and LaLu should be in the mix with the middle of the road teams with the ability to move up if it gets more shots at the rim than last year and defend the perimeter well.
Mark Your Calendar: Holmes is emphasizing a stretch from Thanksgiving to Christmas where his team must jell and excel to set itself up for a run at the league title (there are no EYBL Scholastic divisions this season). At the Level Up Hoopfest in Salt Lake City, the Lakers take on No. 7 Oak Cliff Faith Family and highly-regarded Iowa United Prep. At the City of Palms Tournament in Florida (Dec. 18-23) the Lakers will likely win in the first round then take on the winner of No. 8 Columbus and No. 49 Millennium. Four of the five holiday weekends, La Lumiere will be on the road vs. FAB 50 level opponents.

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.

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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