All 50 ranked groups written up with explanations for why they have been positioned in these positions with comparisons to preseason rating. The FAB 50 Nationwide Crew Rankings powered by Ballislife.com is the official rankings of the Nationwide Sports activities Information Service, which date again to the 1952 season. Duncanville of Texas is the 2021-22 legendary nationwide champion, the third public faculty program in seven season to complete because the FAB 50 No. 1 and the primary Texas program in 20 years.
Compiled by Ronnie Flores
(Preseason rating in parentheses; *Signifies forfeit wins, forfeit losses not included; **Signifies forfeits and defaults not included.)
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1. (7) Duncanville (Duncanville, Texas) 35-1
What put the Panthers in place to complete because the No. 1 ranked workforce within the nation was their non-district schedule. Coach David Peavy’s membership scheduled aggressively, and by the point it performed then No. 1 Montverde Academy at Hoophall West in Phoenix in early December, it was its sixth FAB 50 ranked opponent in 10 video games. Duncanville’s 67-66 buzzer-beating victory on a 3-pointer by junior guard Aric Demings turned out to be the largest shot of the 2021-22 season. That’s as a result of the Eagles went on to seize the GEICO Nationals in opposition to a few of the nation’s greatest academy-type applications. Duncanville rose to No. 1 after that victory, however misplaced the pole place after falling in extra time by two factors (60-58) to Richardson (Texas) in late December on the Whataburger Match. Because of the nature of that loss and since each Texas groups take part in the identical UIL playoff division, Duncanville by no means fell behind Montverde Academy within the rankings and Richardson received to as excessive as No. 7 within the FAB 50. Duncanville was behind then No. 1 Dawn Christian Academy (Bel Aire, Kan.) for the second half of the common season, however when the Buffaloes have been upset at GEICO Nationals’ opening recreation it catapulted the Panthers again to No. 1 within the FAB 50. Duncanville downed No. 28 McKinney (Texas), 69-49, within the UIL Class 6A title recreation after that membership downed Richardson by two factors (54-52) within the regional quarterfinals and beat seven FAB 50 ranked groups, together with No. 5 Centennial (Corona, Calif.), 75-70, and No. 32 Sierra Canyon (Chatsworth, Calif.), 80-73. McDonald’s All-American Anthony Black (13 ppg, 58 % FG, 5 rpg, 3.5 apg) was named District 11-6A Offensive Participant of the Yr and junior Ron Holland (15 ppg, 60 % FG, 8 rpg, 2 spg) its general participant of the yr for a workforce that’s the third UIL program to seize the FAB 50 title in 20 years, becoming a member of Lincoln (Dallas) in 2001-02 and Yates (Houston) in 2009-10. Duncanville has now gained three consecutive Class 6A state crowns and been Texas’ high ranked workforce for the previous 4 seasons and may subject one other robust workforce in 2022-23
2. (1) Montverde Academy (Montverde, Fla.) 22-4
There was some thought to put the Eagles at No. 1 after capturing GEICO Nationals for the second consecutive season and the sixth time general since 2013, which was coach Kevin Boyle’s second season on the helm. In his first season (2011-12), the Eagles misplaced within the GIECO Nationals title recreation and completed at No. 9. They haven’t completed decrease than No. 5 previously 10 seasons. Maybe if the Eagles had a number of much less losses, there would have been a stronger push to put them No. 1 for the third consecutive season, however the head-to-head end result with No. 1 Duncanville finally couldn’t be overcome. Montverde Academy downed AZ Compass Prep (Chandler, Ariz.) in its GEICO Nationals opener, 72-63, beat No. 6 IMA Academy in comeback style within the semifinals, 62-57, to avenge the 2 losses in Nationwide Interscholastic Basketball Convention (NIBC) play and downed No. 4 Hyperlink Academy, 60-49, within the championship recreation. Montverde Academy additionally cut up video games with NIBC champ and No. 3 Dawn Christian Academy. No matter its last rating, it was one other spectacular season for a program that misplaced 2020-21 Nationwide Junior of the Yr Jalen Duren to early enrollment at Memphis. Duke-bound Dariq Whitehead stepped as much as common 17.1 ppg, 5.1 rpg and three.8 apg after averaging 10.4 ppg and eight.3 ppg, respectively, on back-to-back FAB 50 title groups in 2021 and 2020. Whitehead hit clutch photographs down the stretch within the GEICO Nationals victories over IMG Academy and Hyperlink Academy, whereas Texas-bound Dillon Mitchell additionally performed to an All-American stage. The proficient ahead averaged 11.9 ppg, 6.6 rpg, and 1.4 bpg at GEICO Nationals and was MVP of the Metropolis of Performs Basic after the Eagles downed No. 8 Oak Hill Academy within the title recreation, 60-55.
3. (3) Dawn Christian Academy (Bel Aire, Kan.) 25-2
No matter how its season completed, it shouldn’t diminish the actual fact Luke Barnwell’s unit had a superlative yr within the first full season of the eight-team Nationwide Interscholastic Basketball Convention (NIBC). After shedding to Montverde Academy within the 2021 NIBC title recreation, the Buffaloes solely misplaced one recreation convention and common season recreation. After shedding to Montverde Academy 53-44 throughout NIBC weekend in December, the Buffaloes bounced again with a 71-61 victory throughout January NIBC weekend, as Kansas-bound Gradey Dick (20 factors) and junior Scotty Middleton (19 factors) prepared the ground. Along with the cut up with MVA, the Buffaloes handed No. 4 Hyperlink Academy its solely common season loss, defeated No. 6 IMG Academy twice, downed No. 8 Oak Hill Academy (64-61) and No. 11 La Lumiere (60-45). Regardless of shedding two All-People and 4 starters, the Buffaloes completed No. 3 within the FAB 50 for the second consecutive season, as Dick stepped up and have become a bonafide Mr. Basketball USA candidate by averaging 18 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 2 apg and a pair of spg whereas being named NIBC MVP. The sphere was thought-about wide-open heading into GIECO Nationals due to depth and stability and that turned out to be correct when the top-seeded Buffaloes have been upset by No. 8 seed Prolific Prep (Napa, Calif.), 59-56, behind a 3-pointer from the left nook with 4 seconds remaining by sophomore Julian Sensley. Had Dawn Christian captured GEICO Nationals, it might have captured this system’s first ever FAB 50 crown. Additionally delivering an All-American marketing campaign for Barnwell’s membership was Duke-bound Mark Mitchell (16.1 ppg, 6.0 rpg and a pair of.7 apg.). Junior Layden Blocker additionally his terrific moments for a membership that spend a majority of the common season ranked No. 1.
4. (40) Hyperlink Academy (Branson, Mo.) 34-2
As a first-year program, we determined to sluggish play the Lions within the preseason despite the fact that we knew their expertise stage exceeded their positioning. We should always of had the Lions a minimum of 15-20 spots larger, however even then they nonetheless would have exceeded preseason expectations, shedding just one recreation within the common season and advancing to GEICO Nationals title recreation. Coach Rodney Perry’s membership beat a bunch of high quality golf equipment and have been sitting at 26-0 coming into a match-up with then No. 1 Dawn Christian Academy. Behind their terrific entrance courtroom, the Lions have been in vary to tug off the win earlier than the Buffaloes executed a bit higher down the stretch and gained, 74-65. Hyperlink Academy’s possibilities at avenging that loss went out the window when the Buffaloes have been upset within the first spherical of GEICO Nationals by a Prolific Prep workforce the Lions already beat twice in the course of the common season. After defeating No. 8 Oak Hill Academy, 81-67, in its opening spherical recreation, Hyperlink Academy took care of Prolific Prep, 60-53, in its semifinal contest. The Lions have been proper within the championship recreation versus Montverde Academy till Dariq Whitehead hit a jumper to offer MVA a 55-49 lead with 1:30 remaining within the recreation. Tennessee-bound Julian Phillips was Hyperlink’s solely double digit scorer within the title recreation with 16 factors. Jordan Walsh and Phillips have been each McDonald’s All-American selections with Michigan-bound Tarris Reed the third anchor on the stellar entrance line.
5. (14) Centennial (Corona, Calif.) 33-1
Just like No. 4 Hyperlink Academy, the Huskies exceeded preseason expectations though their suspending was consistent with the expertise stage at coach Josh Giles’ disposal. Often the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) has 4 or 5 groups within the last FAB 50, however despite the fact that solely two groups be part of the Huskies within the last rankings, it doesn’t in any respect diminish what they achieved. They have been spectacular in closing out a decent recreation versus NorCal open champ Modesto Christian with a 11-2 run en path to a 59-50 victory within the CIF open title recreation on the Golden One Heart in Sacramento. It was realistically the one one among seven post-season video games Giles’ membership didn’t dominate. Actually, its closest margin of victory in opposition to SoCal open competitors was a 68-48 win over No. 43 Harvard-Westlake, a workforce that cut up with No. 32 and state No. 2 Sierra Canyon. After avenging a CIF Southern Part open playoff loss to Harvard-Westlake, Sierra Canyon was no match for the Huskies within the SoCal open last, falling 83-59. All 5 of Centennial’s starters reached double figures within the win over Sierra Canyon and 4 of them will likely be again. The one graduating senior is Cal-Hello Sports activities Mr. Basketball selection Donovan Dent (New Mexico). Two hours earlier than Centennial wrapped up its state crown, No. 1 Duncanville gained the Texas Class 6A state crown after defeating Centennial and Sierra Canyon on back-to-back nights in Texas again in November. That 75-70 setback was the one loss for a program that completed No. 22 in 2020-21 with 4 sophomore starters. That season, CIF basketball was a spring sport and Centennial selected to not play within the regional as a result of there was no state championships. This was really this system’s first CIF state crown with the Huskies ending as Cal-Hello Sports activities State Crew of the Yr in back-to-back seasons.
6. (2) IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.) 21-5
Since capturing the FAB 50 crown 2018-19 within the second season beneath present coach Sean McAloon, the Ascenders have been proper within the thick of the FAB 50 title race and have been aggressive as soon as once more this season. This proficient group solely misplaced to different NIBC golf equipment, falling twice to common season champ Dawn Christian Academy, splitting with No. 8 Oak Hill Academy and No. 11 La Lumiere. The spotlight of the common season was twice defeating No. 2 Montverde Academy, 65-64 and 57-53. After shedding to La Lumiere on the Metro Basic, the Ascenders defeated the Lakers within the first spherical of GEICO Nationals, 76-51. Within the semifinals in opposition to Montverde Academy, that they had a 47-41 lead after three quarters however have been outscored, 21-10, within the last quarter and misplaced 62-57. IMG gave a valiant effort at GEICO despite the fact that it performed with out injured Alabama-bound level guard Jaden Bradley, a three-year standout for McAloon. 4-year standout Jarace Walker averaged 16.7 ppg (68 % from the sphere) 8.2 rpg, 4.0 apg, and a pair of.2 bpg whereas taking pictures guard Keyonte George (Baylor) averaged 17 ppg, 4.7 rpg and three.1 apg, together with 21.5 ppg and 5.5 rpg at GEICO Nationals. Had IMG Academy held its lead within the third recreation with Montverde Academy, or if Hyperlink Academy would have been GEICO Nationals champ, the outcomes nonetheless would have pointed towards inserting Duncanville at No. 1 since each of these golf equipment misplaced to first spherical loser Dawn Christian Academy.
7. (21) Calvary Christian Academy (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.) 26-2
After capturing the Florida Excessive Faculty Athletic Affiliation (FHSAA) Class 4A state crown, the Eagles have been the favorites on the inaugural State Champions Invitational, which was created this yr by Paragon Advertising Group as a spin off of GEICO Nationals for eligible state championship golf equipment. The Eagles answered any questions on which was the perfect of the 4 groups in subject by defeating No. 23 Sidwell Associates (Washington, D.C.) within the semifinals, 59-37, as Central Florida commit Taylor Hendricks led the best way with 24 factors and 12 rebounds. CCA was even higher versus No. 36 Auburn (Wash.) within the championship recreation at Berkeley Prep in Tampa, Fla., dominating the Trojans from the opening tip on each ends of the ground en path to a 71-44 victory. CCA jumped out to leads of 18-4 and 24-5 and by no means regarded again, as all 5 starters hit for double figures with tourney MVP Hendricks ending with 13 factors, 5 rebounds and three blocks. As spectacular as Calvary Christian Academy was in its two SCI wins, it had nowhere to rise within the last FAB 50 after shedding to unranked Milton (Ga.) and to GEICO Nationals champ Montverde Academy on the buzzer on a 3-pointer by Illinois-bound Skyy Clark. No. 6 IMG Academy, after all, beat MVA twice in the course of the common season. Florida Atlantic-bound Brenen Lorient, Michigan-bound Gregg Glenn and juniors Carl Cherenfant and Marvel Allen rounded up the superb lineup for coach Cilk McSweeney. If the SCI falls on the perfect dates and might add some energy states corresponding to Texas and California, it’ll in the future be as coveted a title as GEICO Nationals.
8. (6) Oak Hill Academy (Mouth of Wilson, Va.) 33-8
The 81-67 loss to No. 4 Hyperlink Academy within the opening spherical of GEICO Nationals marked an finish of an period in highschool basketball, because it was the final recreation for longtime Warriors coach Steve Smith. He took over this system in 1985-86 and after an early tough patch have been a few of the nation’s high applications refused to play academy-type faculties, Smith cleaned up the fame of his program and it helped all unbiased academies going ahead. For over three many years his workforce was the standard-bearer so far as bringing in expertise from all around the nation, meshing it right into a advantageous workforce and getting out on the street and difficult itself in opposition to the perfect competitors. If Smith wasn’t profitable, it’s laborious to think about GEICO Nationals and the NIBC current. Smith’s final workforce performed proper to the extent anticipated within the preseason: aggressive within the NIBC and a troublesome out for any workforce within the nation. The Warriors had one poor outing vs. AZ Compass Prep (78-55) and misplaced twice to No. 2 Montverde Academy, whereas splitting with No. 6 IMG Academy and No. 11 La Lumiere. One other terrific win for this membership was a 61-54 triumph on the Metro Basic over No. 9 Roselle Catholic. Smith’s high participant and thirty fourth McDonald’s All-American selection was massive guard Chris Livingston, who averaged 18.1 ppg, 9.1 rpg and three.2 apg. Different backcourt standouts included Judah Mintz and Caleb Foster, whereas Devin Ree was an unsung hero upfront. Smith captured the GEICO Nationals title in 2016 (when the workforce completed No. 2 within the FAB 50) captured its final FAB 50 title in 2012 (when it didn’t play at GEICO Nationals) and completed No. 1 within the FAB 50 seven instances general. The 2016 workforce was the ultimate one among eight through the years that completed No. 2 within the FAB 50. Solely as soon as for the reason that FAB 50 started 1987-88 have been the Warriors unranked to start the season (1988-89).
9. (20) Roselle Catholic (Roselle, N.J.) 29-2
The No. 2 seed within the last New Jersey Match of Champions, coach Dave Boff’s membership was in a position to avenge its solely common season loss with a 61-58 victory over No. 12 Camden within the championship recreation. Senior Braxton Jones hit a jumper to offer the Lions a 58-57 lead with 27.7 seconds remaining in extra time and it was his solely factors of the hotly-contested contest. North Carolina-bound Simeon Wilcher, a junior, had an enormous recreation with 22 factors, seven rebounds and 5 assists, whereas sophomore Wealthy Brisco added 10 factors and eight rebounds. Camden got here into the sport No. 10 within the FAB 50 and had crushed the Lions 67-64 within the season opener for each groups. Wilcher averaged 17.5 ppg, 6.5 rpg and seven.1 apg for a membership whose solely different loss was to No. 9 Oak Hill Academy and can go down because the final workforce to seize the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Affiliation’s TOC crown. Roselle Catholic additionally captured its fourth TOC crown since 2013, whereas its 2020 workforce additionally certified earlier than the season was minimize brief by COVID-19. The TOC’s first champ, 1988-89 St. Anthony of Jersey Metropolis, is taken into account among the best highschool groups of all-time and the TOC was priceless for nationwide rankings functions, however the vote to finish it handed overwhelmingly, 33-4, with two abstentions. The thought course of behind the choice is the extension of the season advantages few and now the common season will likely be prolonged per week for the profit on many extra.
10. (NR) Weddington (Matthews, N.C.) 31-0
After ending 18-0 and successful the North Carolina Excessive Faculty Athletic Associationx(NCHSAA) Class 3A title in 2020-21, the Warriors ought to have acquired extra preseason consideration within the nation’s longest-running weekly rankings. Because it stands, they end as the best ranked workforce that wasn’t on our preseason radar after shifting as much as Class 4A, capturing the state title with an unblemished mark and ending the season with a 49-game successful streak. The Warriors copped their second consecutive state title with a 75-58 victory over Panther Creek (Cary, N.C.), as Belmont-bound Kyle Frazier (21 factors), William & Mary-bound Chase Lowe (20 factors) and Presbyterian-bound A.J. Prepare dinner (17 factors) led a balanced assault. Lowe averaged 17.1 ppg, 8.1 rpg, 4.4 apg and a pair of.6 spg, Frazier averaged 15.2 ppg, 5.9 rpg, and a pair of.1 apg, whereas Prepare dinner averaged 12.1 ppg, 3.2 apg and a pair of.1 spg for a senior-oriented bunch.
17. (22) North Little Rock (North Little Rock, Ark.) 27-3
The Charging Wildcats completed proper within the vary anticipated on them within the preseason after capturing this system’s second consecutive Arkansas Actions Affiliation (AAA) Class 6A state crown. North Little Rock closed out the season with a 65-47 victory over Bentonville, as guard Nick Smith Jr. netted 25 factors. For coach Johnny Rice, it was technically his program’s third consecutive state crown, because the 2019-20 6A last was canceled due to COVID-19, and his sixth in 10 seasons. The 2020-21 membership started on the FAB 50 bubble and completed No. 47, however the expectations for this membership have been a lot larger after Smith transferred over from Sylvan Hills (Sherwood, Ark.). Rice’s membership misplaced to No. 6 IMG Academy (80-59), No. 7 Calvary Christian Academy (64-55) and to No. 20 Jonesboro (62-48), however the Jonesboro loss on the Barry Pruitt Hurricane Basic was offset by victories over No. 29 Beaumont United and No. 30 Oak Cliff Religion Household, plus high quality golf equipment Kimball (Dallas, Texas), Richardson (Texas), Dr. Phillips (Orlando, Fla.) and Whitney Younger (Chicago, Sick.). Smith, the two-time Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Participant of the Yr who some really feel is the nation’s high recruit within the 2022 class, averaged 26.5 ppg, 8 rpg, and seven.3 apg, whereas fellow McDonald’s All-American Kel’el Ware (Oregon) averaged 20.3 ppg, 12 rpg and 5.7 bpg.
18. (10) Imhotep Constitution (Philadelphia, Pa.) 27-4**
The 2020-21 membership may get no larger than No. 20 within the East Area as a result of a COVID-19 interruption pressured the Panthers to overlook the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Affiliation (PIAA) state tourney, however this yr’s membership was in a position to full the duty. Actually, there wasn’t a lot shock Imhotep dispatched of New Citadel (Pa.) quite simply, 54-39, within the Class 5A last. In any case, it additionally simply took down Chester within the state semifinals, 66-41. Junior Justin Edwards led the best way within the title recreation with 20 factors, six rebounds and 4 steals, whereas fellow junior Rahmir Burno added 12 factors and 6 rebounds. The Panthers began the season with a 60-57 loss to preseason No. 18 Studying (Pa.), however have been in a position to climb again up within the rankings with victories over No. 34 Mt. St. Joseph, No. 35 Neumann-Goretti, No. 37 St. Frances Academy and highly-regarded Vashon (St. Louis, Mo.). The opposite losses got here in opposition to No. 6 IMG Academy (88-69), No. 16 Paul VI (59-50) and in extra time to cross-town Lincoln, a workforce it cut up with. The PIAA’s high rated membership was led by Edwards, who averaged 18.3 mpg and eight.3 rpg. Burno is already a two-time all-state selection whereas sophomore guard Ahmad Nowell is likely one of the greatest gamers in his class nationally.
19. (31) Cardinal Hayes (Bronx, N.Y.) 26-3
We rated the Cardinals because the slight favorites within the race for the NYC Catholic Excessive Faculty Athletic Affiliation (CHSAA) Class AA title over No. 24 Archbishop Stepinac. On the finish of the day, the golf equipment cut up 4 video games, nevertheless it was Hayes that gained the town title with a 79-59 victory. Senior ahead Tobe Awaka had 24 factors, 9 rebounds and 4 blocked photographs, whereas tremendous sophomore Ian Jackson had 21 factors, 4 assists and three rebounds within the title recreation. Within the semifinals, Hayes was in a position to avenge its solely different loss with a 73-62 win over a St. Francis Prep (Contemporary Meadows, N.Y.) that was for a time the best ranked New York FAB 50 workforce. Awaka was named the CHSAA’s MVP after sporting norms of 19.2 ppg, 13.9 rpg, 2.0 apg and three.0 bpg, whereas Jackson (19.5 ppg) was additionally named first workforce all-state.
20. (NR) Jonesboro (Jonesboro, Ark.) 28-3
The Hurricane received their season off to a grand begin by knocking off preseason No. 22 North Little Rock within the Barry Pruitt Hurricane Basic title recreation, 62-48, as junior Isaac Harrell was named MVP. Jonesboro was no match for No. 4 Hyperlink Academy in its subsequent recreation (72-41), however didn’t lose in-state en path to the Class 5A state crown, this system’s fifth since 2013-14. Jonesboro capped the season off with a 55-28 rout of Marion, as Oklahoma St.-bound Quion Williams led the best way with 17 factors. Deion Buford-Wesson additionally had an enormous recreation with 15 factors for a membership that misplaced video games to Amarillo (Texas) and Dr. Phillips (Orlando, Fla.), the latter which was FAB 50 ranked for a majority of the season. The Hurricane misplaced to Dr. Phillips 55-44 and No. 21 Orlando Christian Prep misplaced to the identical membership, 48-37.
21. (23) Orlando Christian Prep (Orlando, Fla.) 26-4**
Not having an open division or match of champions kind format actually hurts followers of FHSAA basketball eager to see the perfect groups duke it out within the state title recreation. Fortuitously this season, Florida’s high groups performed powerful schedules and the highest three ranked preseason golf equipment all participated within the Metropolis of Palms Match. We started defending Class 7A champ Dr. Phillips because the top-ranked workforce, however No. 7 and defending Class 3A champ Calvary Christian beat that membership, 55-51, and OCP misplaced to Dr. Phillips, however that membership didn’t find yourself repeating whereas the Warriors rolled to their second consecutive Class 2A state crown with a 66-49 win over Sagemont (Weston, Fla.). A.J. Brown (Ohio College) had 21 factors whereas Ven-Allen Lubin (Notre Dame) had 15 factors and 11 rebounds of their last highschool recreation. OCP performed a a lot harder schedule than it did final season when it completed 28-0 and this season completed proper within the vary anticipated of it within the preseason with key victories over St. John’s (Washington, D.C.) and Patrick Faculty (Elizabeth, N.J.) with its different losses coming in opposition to Calvary Christian in extra time (73-66), to No. 2 Montverde Academy (75-34) and to cross-town Olympia by two factors in its second recreation. Brown averaged 17.8 ppg and three.4 rpg whereas Lubin averaged 14.3 ppg and seven.3 rpg.
22. (NR) Pickerington Central (Pickerington, Ohio) 26-2
The Tigers moved slowly into the FAB 50 and have been sitting at No. 43 coming into the Ohio Excessive Faculty Athletic Affiliation (OHSAA) Division I Closing 4 on the College of Dayton Area. After knocking off St. Edward (Lakewood, Ohio) within the semis, 74-42, Choose Central took on 29-0 and No. 11 Centerville for the title, a membership which took aside St. Ignatius (Cleveland, Ohio), 64-33, in its semifinal contest. The Tigers figured to offer Centerville a superb recreation and it led by two factors coming into the fourth interval earlier than Choose Central outscored them 19-14 to safe the D1 state crown with a 55-48 victory. Junior Devin Royal led Choose Central with 20 factors, 4 rebounds and two assists, whereas senior Josh Harlan added 11 factors. Royal (19.6 ppg) was named first workforce All-Ohio D1 for a workforce that misplaced to Newark in its second recreation and cut up with Reynoldsburg. It was the primary state crown for the Tigers since 2011-12, when this system completed No. 11 within the Midwest Area and in addition completed with a 26-2 mark.
23. (NR) Sidwell Associates (Washington, D.C.) 29-2
The Quakers put collectively a terrific season, capturing the District of Columbia Colleges Athletic Affiliation (DCSAA) Class AA title with an exhilarating 46-45 victory over Wilson (Washington, D.C.). Wilson had the lead with beneath 10 seconds remaining, however an unforced turnover gave the ball again to Sidwell Associates. The Quakers’ Caleb Williams alertly seen his teammates last-second 17-foot jumper can be brief, so he grabbed it out of the air in entrance of the basket and banked it dwelling because the buzzer went off to set off a dramatic celebration. The shot gave the Quakers a shot at No. 7 Calvary Christian within the first ever State Champions Invitational, however CCA overwhelmed them 58-37. Williams (12.2 ppg) was Sidwell Associates’ solely double digit scorer as his workforce shot 14-of-53 from the sphere whereas CCA shot 55 % (22-of-40) from the sphere. Sidwell Associates, which solely carried three seniors on its roster, recorded a 49-41 playoff semifinal victory over St. John’s (Washington, D.C.) and in addition defeated WCAC common season champ and No. 26 Bishop McNamara (Forrestville, Md.), a workforce that beat No. 16 Paul VI.
24. (34) Archbishop Stepinac (White Plains, N.Y.) 26-4
The Crusaders have been in a position to defeat No. 19 Cardinal Hayes 51-40 to win the CHSAA Archdiocesan title, however the Cardinals returned the favor to seize the CHSAA Class AA title with a 79-59 victory. The explanations Hayes finishes 5 spots forward of Stepinac is successful the final of 4 conferences between the applications, the margin of victory within the last recreation and Stepinac shedding yet another general recreation. Hayes was in a position to avenge its third loss, whereas coach Patrick Massaroni’s membership fell to Mt. St. Michael’s Academy (a workforce Hayes simply beat twice) and to Patrick Faculty (Elizabeth, N.J.), a workforce that misplaced to No. 21 Orlando Christian Prep. Johnuel “Boogie” Fland (14.4 ppg) was one of many nations’s greatest sophomores and in addition incomes all-state laurels for the Crusaders was senior guard Sam Gibbs (12.5 ppg). Though the New York Federation Match hasn’t returned and Hayes wasn’t in a position to symbolize New York’s Catholic faculties in it, Stepinac and the remainder of the CHSAA was completely happy to get a whole season in after COVID-19 principally worn out the 2020-21 season. Many are grateful Massaroni’s teaching workers and faculty administration hosted a spring match and senior mix to salvage the 2020-21 season.
25. (24) Centerville (Centerville, Ohio) 29-1
The OHSAA D1 Closing 4 on the College of Dayton Area noticed three No. 1 seeds advance to the semifinals. Centerville took on No. 3 seed St. Ignatius (Cleveland, Ohio) and dispatched that membership, 64-33, as Gabe Cupps had 15 factors, Tom Home completed with 13 factors and Wealthy Rolf added 12. Centerville entered the D1 state title recreation with then No. 43 Pickerington Central driving a 45-game successful streak. With a win the Elks would have completed with a High 10 last FAB 50 rating, nevertheless it all got here crashing down with a 55-48 setback, as Centerville was denied its second consecutive state title. Centerville trialed 42-41 after a bounce shot by Cupps, however received no nearer in a recreation performed with no shot clock. Though the loss with a gut-wrencher, the Elks performed to a stage anticipated of them within the preseason and Cupps (14.2 ppg) was named D1 State Participant of the Yr. Drexel-bound Rolf (17.4 ppg) and Florida St.-bound Home (15.3 ppg) have been additionally first workforce All-Ohio D1 picks.
26. (NR) Bishop McNamara (Forestville, Md.) 22-6
The Mustangs weren’t on our radar as a workforce from the WCAC regardless of rating three or 4 from the highly effective convention 9 out of the final 10 preseason rankings. McNamara didn’t fairly shut the season as it might have preferred, absorbing a three-game shedding streak, however that doesn’t diminish what it achieved in the course of the common season in opposition to a few of the most interesting nightly competitors within the nation. The Mustangs captured the WCAC common season title, sweeping St. John’s (Washington, D.C.), defeating Bishop O’Connell (Arlington, Va.) and Gonzaga (Washington, D.C.), whereas splitting video games with No. 16 Paul VI. Coach Martin Keithline’s membership avenged an everyday season loss to DeMatha Catholic (Hyattsville, Md.) within the WCAC playoff semifinals, earlier than falling to Paul VI within the title recreation on a final second shot. The subsequent two losses (to No. 37 St. Frances Academy and Bishop Walsh of Maryland) got here on the Alhambra Match the place typically instances the depth stage just isn’t almost the identical as WCAC video games. Though mainstays corresponding to senior Favour Aire and junior Jeremiah Quigly led the Mustangs to some massive wins, they have to stay behind No. 23 Sidwell Associates due to a 52-46 loss.
27. (NR) Hayfield (Alexandria, Va.) 32-0
Public faculties loved loads of success on a nationwide scale in 2021-22 and the Hawks deserve acclaim for his or her unblemished season. Coach Carlos Poindexter’s membership capped its season with a Virginia Excessive Faculty League (VHSL) Class 6 title courtesy of its 67-47 victory over Battlefield (Haymarket, Va.). Battlefield downed beforehand unbeaten Patriot (Nokesville, Va.) in its semifinal contest and received off to a superb begin vs. the Hawks, however an enormous third quarter (holding Battlefield to 10 factors, making three 3-pointers, taking pictures 6-of-6 from the free throw line) propelled the Hawks to soar down the stretch. Greg Jones, one of many nation’s most underrated juniors, completed with 23 factors, whereas junior David King added 12 factors and 7 rebounds and D.J. Holloway, one other junior, added 11 factors. This workforce is taken into account one of many VHSL’s greatest from Northern Virginia in latest reminiscence, however can’t be ranked any larger within the FAB 50 due to its lack of wins exterior the area. Jones and King will return subsequent season having earned all-state laurels.
28. (BB) McKinney (McKinney, Texas) 35-6
The Lions and Guyer (Denton, Texas) tied for first in District 5 play, nevertheless it was Guyer than gained the district championship with a 65-55 victory. McKinney bounced again from that in an enormous approach, making their first Class 6A state championship recreation look, the place they fell to No. 1 Duncanville, 69-49. On their approach to the title recreation is the place McKinney earned this rankings regardless of shedding to Mansfield Timberview and splitting with Allen in the course of the common season. McKinney downed then No. 7 Richardson within the regional quarterfinals, 54-52, after which No. 30 Westlake within the state semifinals in double extra time, 68-66. Junior Ja’Kobe Walter averaged 23.3 ppg and seven.6 rpg whereas Texas-bound Alex Anamekwe offered the memorable post-season heroics. Walter had a shot blocked by Richardson’s Cason Wallace, however he instinctually tapped the ball upward in the direction of his personal basket afterwards and Anamekwe noticed the flight of the ball, caught it in mid-air and banked it in to attain the game-winning factors with 1.3 seconds remaining. Towards Westlake, Anamekwe got here up with the steal and dunk to ship his workforce to the state title recreation.
29. (19) Beaumont United (Beaumont, Texas) 36-3
It took some digging to determine what do with No. 28 and the Timberwolves, the latter the two-time UIL Class 5A state champions. McKinney did lose to the Mansfield Timberview membership Beaumont United defeated, however McKinney will get enormous rankings credit score for its Class 6A semifinal win over No. 46 Westlake and for downing Richardson when it was in FAB 50 title competition. Houston-bound Terrance Arceneaux, who nailed each the game-tying and game-winning shot within the 2021 Class 5A title recreation, got here up massive once more within the state title recreation for the Timberwolves, scoring 10 of his 14 factors within the last two minutes of a 62-57 victory over regionally-ranked Mansfield Timberview. Within the state semis, Beaumont United downed one other regionally-ranked membership, Kimball (Dallas, Texas), 66-64, by closing the sport on a 14-4 run over the ultimate three minutes. Arceneaux averaged 15.1 ppg, 7.6 rpg, 2.2 apg and a pair of.2 spg, whereas Wesley Yates III, a robust bodied junior guard, averaged 19.7 ppg, 4.0 rpg and a pair of.8 spg.
30. (BB) Oak Cliff Religion Household (Dallas, Texas) 34-4**
Whereas the McKinney-Beaumont United rankings debate was a detailed name, it was an easier name to put Beaumont United in entrance of the UIL Class 4A state champions. Beaumont United down the Kimball membership that defeated the Eagles, 81-77. Beaumont United misplaced to No. 17 North Little Rock (North Little Rock, Ark.), 82-72, whereas Oak Cliff Religion Household fell to the identical membership, 79-63. The opposite two losses for coach Brandon Thomas’ membership got here in opposition to No. 14 Liberty within the semifinals of the Tarkanian Basic (79-62) and within the finals of the Torrey Pines Vacation Basic, in extra time, to No. 15 Bishop Gorman (80-73) in a recreation it led by as a lot as 13 factors. The Eagles, as anticipated, steamrolled to the state crown, closing it out with a 76-50 win over Hirschi (Wichita Falls, Texas). Ole Miss-bound level guard T.J. Caldwell and UT-Arlington-bond ahead Brandon Walker earned all-state acclaim, whereas junior ahead J.T. Toppin confirmed flashes of brilliance for a membership that defeated groups from seven completely different states.
31. (NR) Christian Brothers (Memphis, Tenn.) 28-0
The Purple Wave defeated a proficient Knoxville Catholic membership within the Tennessee Secondary Faculty Athletic Affiliation (TSSAA) Division II Class AA last, 79-72 to cap an unbeaten season. Florida State-bound Chandler Jackson had 20 factors, 10 rebounds and 5 assists, whereas junior guard Michael Pepper added 20 factors whereas solely lacking one shot from the sphere. It was a hotly contested recreation as solely three subs performed for each groups, together with one which performed one minute for Christian Brothers. From a rankings perspective it was an enormous win for the Purple Wave after Knoxville Catholic knocked off then No. 20 Brentwood Academy (Brentwood, Tenn.) within the state semifinals, 63-55. Coach William Luckett’s membership was No. 48 within the FAB 50 and rose from there as an unbeaten membership. Just like No. 27 Hayfield, it couldn’t crack the High 25 due to a scarcity of nationwide foes. Jackson joined fellow seniors Hunter Pratt and Zion Owens on the Division II-AA all-state squad.
32. (9) Sierra Canyon (Chatsworth, Calif.) 26-5
The Trailblazers completed FAB 50 ranked for the eighth consecutive season, however shut out a bit decrease than forecasted within the preseason. The massive win was a 67-64 victory over eventual Illinois Class 4A champ and No. 13 Glenbard West on a buzzer-beating 3-pointer by junior Dylan Metoyer. Coach Andre Chevalier’s membership can’t transfer any larger due to the character of its SoCal open championship loss to No. 5 Centennial (83-59). Sierra Canyon was in a position to put collectively its greatest efficiency of the season by avenging its loss to No. 43 Harvard-Westlake within the CIF Southern Part Open playoffs with a powerful 72-55 victory within the SoCal open semifinals. Led by McDonald’s All-American Amari Bailey (29.2 ppg, 9.1 rpg and 6.5 apg), the Trailblazers cut up with No. 16 Paul VI, whereas each Sierra Canyon and Centennial each fell to No. 1 Duncanville in Texas. Contemplating the shuffled lineups and gamers lacking time with bothersome accidents, together with junior Bronny James, it was one other profitable season regardless of the shortage of cohesion.
33. (NR) Park Heart (Brooklyn Park, Minn.) 32-1
The Pirates wrapped up the Minnesota Excessive Faculty League (MHSL) Class 4A state championship with a 58-53 victory over Wayzata (Plymouth, Minn.), which was gunning for its second consecutive state crown. It was the primary state crown for Park Heart, which beat Wayzata for the second time in 2021-22 behind 5 3-pointers and 23 factors from senior Cody Pennebaker and three 3-pointers and 13 factors from Ayouba Berthe. The one loss for Park Heart got here in opposition to Class 3A Totino-Grace (Fridley, Minn.), which additionally gained its first state crown. Park Heart will get the nod because the MHSL’s high ranked workforce because it really cut up video games with six-loss Totino-Grace and gained the return recreation, 87-57, after shedding the primary matchup by three factors.
34. (25) Mt. St. Joseph (Baltimore, Md.) 32-7
Within the preseason, the Gaels have been rated because the workforce to beat within the Baltimore Catholic League (BCL) over St. Frances Academy. SFA took the common season title by two video games over Mt. St. Joseph (12-2 to 10-4), however the Gaels captured the 51st BCL match with a 66-56 victory to avenge the 2 common season losses and declare their first BCL tourney title since 2016-17. Junior Amani Hansberry had 12 factors and 22 rebounds whereas sophomore Bryson Tucker had 20 second half factors (22 general) to steer the Gaels to their eighth BCL tourney title. Mt. St. Joseph misplaced to No. 18 Imhotep Constitution (82-66) and to No. 16 Paul VI (56-52) and Bishop Walsh (Cumberland, Md.) by one level in two overtimes on the season ending Alhambra Catholic Match, however on the similar time receives rankings credit score for avenging losses to Our Girl of Mt. Carmel and St. Maria Goretti. The win over Mt. Carmel got here within the Maryland Interscholastic Athletic Affiliation (MIAA) A Convention title recreation for veteran coach Pat Clatchey (754-129) who will return his two all-BCL performers plus junior guards Ace Valentine and Austin Abrams in 2022-23.
35. (NR) Neumann-Goretti (Philadelphia, Pa.) 23-4
The Saints’ general resume is terrific, as they received some assist from different groups to rank because the No. 2 PIAA workforce. Beforehand unbeaten Quaker Valley (Leetsdale, Pa.) was trying to make FAB 50 noise, however Neumann-Goretti put a muzzle on that with a 93-68 whitewashing within the PIAA Class 4A title recreation. In Class 6A, Archbishop Wooden (Warminster, Pa.) was additionally trying to break in, however Roman Catholic (Philadelphia, Pa.) gained the championship recreation, 78-65. Neumann-Goretti cut up with Roman Catholic whereas shedding to No. 18 Imhotep Constitution (64-58), a membership that defeated No. 34 Mt. St. Joseph and No. 37 St. Frances Academy. Sophomore guard Robert Wright III was the workforce’s high expertise (19.3 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 4.3 apg) and despite the fact that Masud Stewart (11.4 ppg) is a troublesome commencement loss, the Saints will likely be preseason FAB 50 ranked with abilities corresponding to junior ahead Sultan Adewale (11.7 ppg, 7.8 rpg) and sophomore guard Khaafiq Meyers (9.7 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 4.3 apg) returning.
36. (NR) Auburn (Auburn, Wash.) 28-3
The Trojans captured the Washington Interscholastic Athletic Affiliation (WIAA) Hardwood Basic Class 3A title with a 58-48 win over Rainier Seashore (Seattle). Within the state semifinals, the Trojans downed Seattle Prep, 45-34, whereas from a rankings standpoint the massive playoff win got here within the state quarterfinals. Auburn avenged one among its losses with a 64-60 extra time victory over then No. 24 Garfield (Seattle). These three wins certified Auburn for the inaugural State Champions Invitational and one other notch in its rankings resume got here courtesy of its 58-41 semifinal victory over Georgia Excessive Faculty Affiliation (GHSA) Class 7A champ and No. 48 Norcross (Ga.). Auburn assisted on its first 14 subject objectives and on 20 of its 25 subject objectives and had three turnovers, whereas Kaden Hansen netted a team-high 17 factors. As spectacular as Auburn was within the SCI semis, No. 7 Calvary Christian Academy proved within the title recreation it was only a significantly better workforce. CCA dominated the sport from the opening tip, leaping out to leads of 18-4 and 24-5 and by no means trying again en path to a 71-44 victory at Berkeley Prep in Tampa, Fla. Senior Maleek Arington was a shiny spot within the recreation with 17 factors and 4 steals for a membership that should be ranked with a large hole between it and No. 23 Sidwell Associates (the membership CCA beat in its semifinal contest 58-37). Sidwell Associates had extra spectacular victories than Auburn in the course of the season and Norcross was lacking its greatest participant on the occasion.
37. (BB) St. Frances Academy (Baltimore, Md.) 35-7
We forecasted No. 34 Mt. St. Joseph and the workforce to beat within the preseason, however ought to have given extra credence to the Panthers’ observe file despite the fact that they misplaced 2020-21 Nationwide Freshman of the Yr Derik Queen to switch. Coach Nick Myles’ program got here into the season having gained or shared the final 4 Baltimore Catholic League common season titles and the Panthers set a file by capturing their fifth consecutive championship whereas solely dropping two league video games. SFA cut up with Our Girl of Mt. Carmel and John Carroll and defeated Mt. St. Joseph twice. Mt. St. Joseph gained the rubber match within the BCL title recreation, 66-56. Junior Jahnathan Lamothe led SFA in a shedding effort with 18 factors, whereas senior Cortez Johnson added 14 factors. The Panthers did nicely within the Alhambra Catholic Tourney regardless of not having sophomore guard Daquan Davis obtainable due to harm within the post-season. They defeated No. 26 Bishop McNamara and Lengthy Island Lutheran (Brookville, N.Y.).
38. (NR) Neenah (Neenah, Wis.) 29-1
The Rockets have been in a position to maintain off Brookfield Central, 64-52, to seize the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Affiliation (WIAA) Division I title. Brookfield Central’s Andrew Rohde scored 34 factors, however the high seeded Rockets led for over half-hour within the title recreation and took the lead for good with 14:08 remaining within the first half on a 3-pointer by sophomore guard Brady Corso. Senior ahead J.J. Paider was the difference-maker with 14 factors and 18 rebounds, Wisconsin-Oshkosh recruit Carter Thomas had 15 factors and senior guard Chevalier Emery Jr. netted 19 factors and 5 assists. Neenah misplaced its third recreation of the season to Appleton East, 68-64, and have been in a position to avenge it with a 59-55 victory en path to a 27-game successful streak. Neenah captured its fourth WIAA state crown and first since 1977-78. The proud program leads all WIAA faculties with 28 state match appearances.
39. (NR) Varina (Richmond, Va.) 25-1
Just like No. 38 Neenah, the Blue Devils have been in a position to defeat the one workforce they misplaced to in 2021-22. After defeating Highland Springs 77-54 in the course of the common season, the Blue Devils misplaced on the street to the Springers, 68-66, within the last recreation of the common season. That end result appeared to focus Varina, which went on to dominate the competitors within the Virginia Excessive Faculty League (VHSL) Class 4 playoffs, culminating its run with a 61-35 title recreation victory over Loudoun County (Leesburg, Va.). Coach Kenneth Randolph’s membership put fourth an unimaginable defensive effort within the third quarter after main at halftime 24-19, holding Loudoun County to seven shot makes an attempt, forcing turnovers galore and outscoring it 19-2. VCU-bound Alphonzo Billups led Varina with 18 factors and 5 rebounds, whereas VMI recruit Amari Baylor added 10 factors and 9 rebounds. Varina’s 84-68 semifinal victory over highly-regarded King’s Fork (Suffolk, Va.) additionally helped the Blue Devils’ rankings trigger, as did four-loss Highland Springs successful the VHSL Class 5 state title with a 63-62 victory over Maury (Norfolk, Va.).
40. (NR) George Rogers Clark (Winchester, Ky.) 37-1
There’s something so particular concerning the Kentucky Excessive Faculty Athletics Affiliation (KHSAA) Candy 16. The one state with a single elimination, winner-take-all format, it’s not simple to come back out on high of the 16 areas. The Cardinals, nevertheless, have been in a position to intestine it out to seize this system’s first state title since 1951. The Cardinals gained their last three playoff contests by a complete of 9 factors, together with a 43-42 victory over Warren Central (Bowling Inexperienced, Ky.) within the last. Warren Central had a possibility to tie within the last minute, however a missed throw sealed its destiny as Cardinals junior Jerone Morton was named Candy 16 MVP after a 14-point efficiency. What made George Rodgers Clark’s run particular was it led the state in scoring however needed to hunker down on protection particularly in opposition to Warren Central and in its 54-51 double extra time victory over Lincoln County (Stanford, Ky.). GRC is the primary Candy 16 champ to go unbeaten in-state since Scott County went 30-0 (34-2 general) in 2006-07 when it completed No. 17 within the FAB 50.
41. (NR) Memorial (Tulsa, Okla.) 27-1
In 2018-19, the Chargers gained their third consecutive Oklahoma Secondary Faculty Actions Affiliation (OSSAA) Class 5A state crown and completed simply exterior the FAB 50 at No. 9 within the last Southwest Area High 20. On that workforce was a ninth-grader a bit apprehensive about coming into the championship recreation. 4 years later, that wide-eye freshman was a 5-11 senior level guard and the difference-maker within the state last. Ty Frierson was dynamic all through the sport and relaxed in the course of the fourth quarter when he took over the propel Memorial to a 59-47 victory over Del Metropolis (Okla.). He completed with 22 factors (together with 10 within the fourth quarter), made 4-of-7 3-pointers and completed with 4 steals. From a rankings perspective, it was an enormous end result as a result of it avenged Memorial’s solely loss in the course of the title recreation of the Match of Champions. For coach Bobby Allison’s program, its now gained 4 state titles in seven seasons (no championships came about in 2019-20) and ten general.
42. (BB) Cathedral (Indianapolis, Ind.) 26-6
We started the Fightin’ Irish as the ultimate workforce in our preseason Midwest Area High 20 and because the No. 3 Indiana Excessive Faculty Athletic Affiliation (IHSAA) membership. The way in which it closed out the season, nevertheless, it was clear they have been the state’s No. 1 workforce and will play with any workforce on this vary of the FAB 50. Within the Class 4A state title recreation at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Chesterton (Ind.) got here in unbeaten and No. 18 within the FAB 50. Instantly it was obvious Cathedral was too athletic and large for the Trojans to deal with, as Chesterton shortly trialed 10-0 earlier than it may breathe. Cathedral opened up a 22-7 lead after one interval and led 36-21 at halftime en path to a 65-31 victory. The victory was this system’s second state crown (1998) and the primary in Class 4A. Jaron Tibbs and Jaxon Edwards scored 15 and 14 factors, respectively, and Xavier Booker completed with 13 factors, 9 rebounds and 4 blocked photographs for a workforce that set a state finals file with 14 blocks. Jason Delaney within the first coach in IHSAA historical past to seize state titles at three completely different faculties (Waldron, Class A, 2004, Tech, Class 4A, 2014) and the dominance of the title recreation triggered Chesterton to drop out of the rankings and the Fightin’ Irish to land at this spot.
43. (BB) Harvard-Westlake (North Hollywood, Calif.) 25-4
From a statewide perspective, the Wolverines carried out precisely to the extent anticipated of them, however from a nationwide one this comparatively younger membership exceeded expectations because it rose all the best way to No. 19 within the FAB 50. They superior to the CIF Southern Part open title recreation for the primary time with an enormous 63-60 victory over No. 32 Sierra Canyon on the street. Coach Dave Rebibo’s membership wished it had closed stronger, because it fell to No. 5 Centennial within the part open title recreation, 68-48, and noticed its season come to an finish two video games later in a 72-55 loss to Sierra Canyon, however the future is shiny. Two-time all-state guard Cam Thrower is an enormous commencement loss, however all-CIF-SS selection Brady Dunlap, a junior, ahead Jacob Huggins, plus gritty and clutch sophomore guard Trent Perry, would be the mainstays in 2022-23. Harvard-Westlake additionally cut up with proficient Mission League foe Notre Dame (Sherman Oaks, Calif.) a workforce that will likely be even higher subsequent season when Sierra Canyon additionally joins the rugged league.
44. (NR) Carmel Christian (Matthews, N.C.) 26-3
The Cougars extracted a measure of revenge in capturing the North Carolina Impartial Colleges Athletic Affiliation (NCISAA) Class 4A state title; additionally they beat a top quality workforce that’s at all times knocking on the FAB 50 door. Actually, when Carmel Christian took on conventional FAB 50 energy Greensboro Day, that membership sat at No. 38 within the FAB 50. Behind a 25-points efficiency from senior guard Logan Threatt (11.6 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 3.3 apg), Carmel Christian jumped into the FAB 50 with a 71-66 victory. Senior ahead Cade Tyson (23.0 ppg, 6.1 rpg, 1.6 spg) additionally was massive all season lengthy for coach Byron Dinkins. Carmel Christian defeated groups from 4 states and solely misplaced in-state to Chambers, with its different two losses coming in opposition to Grayson (Loganville, Ga.) and John Marshall (Richmond, Va.). With the win, this system erased a few of the ache of final yr’s Class 4A state title recreation loss to Cannon.
45. (NR) Columbus (Miami, Fla.) 29-2
It was a breakthrough season for the Explorers and greater issues could possibly be on the best way sooner or later for this membership. Columbus broke into the rankings by capturing the FHSAA Class 7A state crown with an enormous 45-44 win over Dr. Phillips. That was a workforce that started off No. 13 within the FAB 50 and beat three FAB 50 ranked golf equipment, together with No. 47 Greensboro Day. Freshman Cayden Boozer (16.6 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 5.1 apg) hit the game-winning free throw with 5 seconds remaining and his brother Cameron (18.0 ppg, 10.9 rpg, 4.0 apg, 2.2 bpg), additionally a freshman, went for 17 factors, seven rebounds, and 5 assists. One in all Columbus’ losses got here in opposition to a workforce not eligible for the FAB 50 (Moravian Prep of North Carolina) and this workforce is a certain wager to be ranked a lot larger than this spot within the preseason. Cameron is a particular expertise and has an opportunity to be a three-time highschool All-American.
46. (NR) Westlake (Austin, Texas) 38-2
The Chaparrals misplaced their second recreation of the season to San Antonio Clark by two factors (55-53), then rattled off 37 consecutive victories earlier than assembly No. 28 McKinney within the UIL Class 6A state semifinals. Westlake, which got here into the sport ranked No. 30, took a 54-53 lead with 19 seconds left in regulation on a subject objective by Donovan Santoro and rebounded a missed with eight seconds remaining. McKinney pressured a turnover and an inaccurate Westlake participant jersey miscue and defensive substitution led to a technical foul and a made free throw that despatched the sport into extra time. Within the second extra time, Chaps killed 90 seconds on the sport clock and took a timeout with 11.4 seconds remaining, solely to have McKinney’s Alex Anamekwe provide you with the steal and dunk to finish Westlake’s season with a 68-66 loss. It was a gut-wrenching loss, however doesn’t take away from that truth this proud program had one other incredible season. Grid-Hooper Jaden Greathouse, who earned all-state approval for coach Robert Lucero, scored a team-high 19 factors however fouled out with just below two minutes left in regulation.
47. (BB) Greensboro Day (Greensboro, N.C.) 33-4
The Bengals have been gunning for his or her twelfth NCISAA once they confronted No. 44 Carmel Christian within the Class 4A title recreation. Greensboro Day battled valiantly, however had bother slowing down Carmel Christian’s duo of Logan Threatt and Cade Tyson and ultimately fell, 71-66, regardless of 21 factors from Charlotte-bound Nik Graves. Greensboro Day misplaced by two factors to Trinity Academy (Raleigh, N.C.) with the opposite two losses to proficient Dr. Phillips (Orlando, Fla.), which misplaced to No. 45 Columbus in its state title recreation, and to No. 7 Calvary Christian Academy. The Bengals have been gunning for his or her first state title since 2018-19 once they gained the ultimate of three consecutive championships beneath veteran coach Freddie Johnson. The 2017 Ballislife Nationwide Coach of the Yr enters 2022-23 with a 1,137-310 won-loss mark.
48. (NR) Norcross (Norcross, Ga.) 26-7
The Blue Devils are FAB 50 ranked for the primary time for the reason that 2017-18, once they completed No. 29 after ending as Georgia Excessive Faculty (GHSA) Class AAAAAAA runner-up. Coach Jessie McMillian’s membership finishes ranked decrease this time round, nevertheless it really went all the best way, capturing the AAAAAAA title with a 58-45 victory over Berkmar (Lilburn, Ga.). In 2018, Norcross was eyeing a GEICO Nationals berth, however this time round as an eligible state champion it was awarded a berth within the inaugural State Champions Invitational. Enjoying with out high participant London Johnson (Nike Hoop Summit participant), the Blue Devils fell within the tourney semifinals to No. 36 Auburn, 58-41. The highest GHSA groups weren’t fairly as robust in comparison with latest seasons and we’d have gave extra contemplating to inviting NIAA Class 4A champ and No. 14 Liberty. Regardless, Norcross has a memorable playoff run, avenging one among its losses with the state semifinal 75-72 win over Newton (Covington, Ga.) and avenging three earlier losses to Berkmar within the last.
49. (NR) Williamston (Williamston, Mich.) 27-0
It was a historic season for the Hornets, which captured their first state title since 1940 with an extra time win over one-loss Catholic Central (Grand Rapids, Mich.), 68-65. Central Catholic entered the Michigan Excessive Faculty Athletic Affiliation (MHSAA) Division 2 title recreation No. 48 within the FAB 50, however its hopes of a state crown have been dashed when the Hornets’ Mason Docks hit the go-ahead 3-pointer in extra time to propel the Lansing space program to an unblemished season wherein it gained 25 of its 27 video games by double-digits. Docks netted a team-high 27 factors for the Hornets, who additionally acquired 23 factors and 7 rebounds from all-stater Max Burton. Docks, an all-state guard as a sophomore earlier than spending his junior season in Texas, was named A.P. Division 2 State Participant of the Yr with averages of 16.2 ppg, 4.8 apg and three.8 spg.
50. (NR) Volcano Vista (Albuquerque, N.M.) 29-0
It was a dream matchup within the New Mexico Actions Affiliation (NMAA) Class 5A state title recreation at The Pit in Albuquerque. Las Cruces got here into the competition 30-0 and the Hawks stood at 28-0. In was the primary matchup of unbeatens in a Class 5A title recreation since 1998-99 and the winner was prone to finish the season FAB 50 ranked. Volcano Vista led 40-30 after three quarters, however Las Cruces gutted it out to ship the sport into extra time. It was there the place Las Cruces’ turnovers and the fouling out of Isaiah Carr lastly caught up with them, because the Hawks recorded a 66-55 victory. These two groups additionally met within the 2017 title recreation, with Volcano Vista additionally popping out on high. Led by Ja’Kwon Hill (18.1 ppg, 6 rpg, 5 apg), who had 17 factors and 7 rebounds within the title recreation, the Hawks are the primary NMAA workforce to completed FAB 50 ranked since 2002 when Hobbs gained the fourth of 4 consecutive state titles and in addition completed No. 50.
Ronnie Flores is the nationwide Grassroots editor of Ballislife.com. He will be reached at ronnie@ballislife.com. Don’t neglect to observe him on Twitter: @RonMFlores
