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Student Sports FAB 50 Basketball – PRE/SEASON

Pre-Season Poll

By Doug Huff

Poll Editor
Posted Nov 7, 2003

In the first national basketball poll released, you will find Orlando Edgewater and Melbourne's Florida Air Academy in the mix with 48 of the best boys teams in the nation!

Unlike some other preseason rankings that have come out, you won't see any teams with fifth-year players among our best. Oak Hill of Virginia could be better than ever with another controversial revamped all-star lineup, while the top-ranked teams from Illinois, New York and Florida all appear poised to take a grab at the national No. 1 ranking as well. Part II of a two-part package, covering teams ranked from No. 1 to No. 25.

Contributing: Mark Tennis, Sheldon Shealer, Brad Eye.

Listed with final 2002-2003 record and national ranking.

1. Oak Hill (Mouth of Wilson, Va.) 31-4 (8)
The Warriors, by their standards, had an `off-season' in 2002-2003 so they upgraded the roster with a trio of preseason All-American honorees: 6-8 Josh Smith, an Indiana recruit from Georgia; 6-9 Brian Johnson from Virginia, the youngest member of the U.S. Junior National team; and 6-6 Dayshawn Wright, a Syracuse recruit from New York. Add to the mix 6-1 Rajon Rondo from Kentucky, 6-5 junior K.C. Rivers from North Carolina, and two foreign transfer students -- Bamba Fall (6-11) and Donatas Visockis (6-9). Coach Steve Smith, in his 18th season, figures to improve on his career record of 532-36, including four mythical national crowns.

2. Peoria Central (Peoria, Ill.) 31-1 (14)
Four starters return from a team that won its last 29 games and the state Class AA title. Leading the way for the Lions is all-stater and top recruit Shaun Livingston, a 6-6 point guard who averaged 15.5 points and seven rebounds a game last season. Other veterans include seniors Brandon Lee (6-0) and Jacob Mottele (5-9) plus touted 6-6 junior DeAndre Miranda.

3. Lincoln (Brooklyn, N.Y.) 31-4 (20)
The Railsplitters have a solid nucleus to defend their state Federation Class A crown. Included are two regulars in two-time all-stater and top recruit Sebastian Telfair plus 6-7 junior Antonio Pena, the MVP of the state finals. The 6-foot Telfair was the Student Sports National Junior of the Year. An All-City football player, 6-3 junior Nyan Boetung and touted 6-6 freshman Brandon Walters should contribute.

4. Montrose Christian (Rockville, Md.) 20-1 (5)
Seven players return from last season's once-beaten team that finished with 15 straight wins, including one over pre-season No. 1 Oak Hill. Senior leaders include 6-6 point guard Churchill Odia, 6-10 center Tunji Siroye and 6- foot guard Antwan Hardy. Junior veterans are 6-8 starter Michael Freeman, 6-2 K.J. Marshall, 6-8 Eche Echefu and 6-5 Darrell Johnson. Joining the mix is 6-5 wing guard Tom Hammonds.

5. Edgewater (Orlando, Fla.) 34-2 (19)
The Eagles return four key veterans, including two-time all-stater and University of Memphis recruit Darius Washington from the state Class 6A runnerup team. The 6-foot guard averaged 30.1 points last season. Other returning senior starters are 6-1 Brandon Johnson and 6-6 Kenny Ingram, also a football standout. Junior Quintin Thornton (6-8) anchors the middle and senior Jeremie McClendon (5-10) is another veteran.

6. Dunbar (Fort Worth, Texas) 37-1 (7)
Four senior starters are back from a Wildcat team that won its last 35 games and the state Class 4A title. The leader of the pack is 6-5 all- stater Jeremis Smith, who averaged 25.2 points and 12 rebounds. Other vets are 6-3 Dominique Williams (13.1 ppg), 6-3 Jeffrey Muriel (11.6 ppg) and 6-4 Jared Whatley (6.7 ppg). Last season's Student Sports National Coach of the Year, Robert Hughes, is the all-time winningest coach nationally with a 45-year record of 1,282-248.

7. Westchester (Los Angeles, Calif.) 33-3 (4)
Wow, what a difference a transfer makes, especially if it's a prominent player who figures to fit in perfectly where he's needed most. Meet Amir Johnson, a 6-10 center who until a few days ago was enrolled at Verbum Dei of Los Angeles. One of the top juniors in the nation, Johnson's arrival at Westchester brings the Comets way back up toward the top of the national rankings. Before he came in, let's just say we had Westchester tabbed between No. 35 and No. 25. Coach Ed Azzam already was looking to returnees Marcus Johnson and Jonathan Toliver plus newcomers Gabe Pruitt and Ray Reese to lead this year's team. Pruitt and Reese transferred in a year ago, but weren't eligible until this season. Yet another new arrival is athletic forward Rodgerick Craig, son of former NFL great Roger Craig, who's transferred in from Valley Christian of San Jose. Westchester is going for its third straight CIF state Division I title.

8. Mater Dei (Santa Ana, Calif.) 35-2 (3)
The Monarchs were the No. 1 team in the state last year and should have another potent starting lineup, although they may not be as deep. Freshman Taylor King (6-6) has already committed to UCLA and could flourish as a wing guard with junior point guard Mike Gerrity getting him the ball. Also back for Mater Dei is 6-9 Sean Henry and 6-7 Marcel Jones. Sophomore Rashad Austin, a transfer from Claremont, is another to watch.

9. West Aurora (Aurora, Ill.) 27-4 (nr)
Three of Illinois' top 10 players return to lead the Chicago metro area's No. 1 ranked team. Veterans include 6-9 Shaun Pruitt, an Illinois recruit, plus Seton Hall recruit Justin Cerasoli (6-5) and Jaeh Thomas (6-2).

10. St. Raymond's (New York, N.Y.) 26-4 (35)
Three regulars and four of the top six players return from defending state Parochial A champs. Leading the way are 6-4 Brian Laing, 6-7 Gavin Grant and 5-10 Wesley Wicks. Other junior vets include touted 6-4 Ricky Torres and 6-5 Shawn Hilliard.

11. Cardinal Dougherty (Philadelphia, Pa.) 24-4 (nr)
Four starters return from last year's city Catholic League runnerup. The leader of the pack is 5-11 point guard Kyle Lowry, a top recruit. He's joined by fellow seniors DeSean White (6-8) and Bilal Benn (6-5) and touted junior Shane Clark (6-7).

12. St. Anthony (Jersey City, N.J.) 21-5 (nr)
The Friars' stock rose in impressive summer camp team competition and appear ready to contend for state and national honors. Coach Bob Hurley enters his 32nd season with a 796-91 record, eight state Tournament of Champions' crowns and two national poll titles. Leaders include 6-2 senior guards Otis Campbell and Marcus Williams along with Derrick Mercer (5-9) and Lamar Alston (6-2). Ahmed Mickens, a 6-8 junior transfer, and 6-5 sophomore Barney Anderson also should contribute.

13. St. Patrick's (Elizabeth, N.J.) 27-4 (9)
The Celtics have reloaded from last year's state Tournament of Champions' title team. Joining the squad is 6-1 guard Devon Moffat, who scored 1,350 points at Clifton High. He joins 5-11 Desmond Sanders with help from 5-11 Tyrone Cook and touted 6-4 sophomore Ruben Guillandeaux. Cook's 6-7 sophomore brother, Daquan, will be up front with two 6-6 players -- junior Andre Davis and senior Marcel Brantley.

14. Lawrence North (Indianapolis, Ind.) 21-3 (nr)
Eleven veterans, including all five starters, are back for Indiana's No. 1 ranked team. Leading the way is one of the nation's top sophomores in 6-11 Greg Oden. Another sophomore, 6-1 Mike Conley, returns along with junios Donald Coutier (6-6) and Brandon McPherson (6-1) and seniors Stefan Routt (6-5) and Anthony Sargent (6-2).

15. Fairfax (Los Angeles, Calif.) 28-4 (16)
California Sophomore of the Year Jamal Boykin and high-scoring shooting guard Josh Shipp have the Lions assuming a favorite's role to start the season in the CIF L.A. City Section. Three of Fairfax's losses last year were to Westchester of Los Angeles, one of the nation's top teams.

16. Mason County (Maysville, Ky.) 35-2 (27)
Four of five starters who scored in double figures and five of the top six players return from defending one-class state title team. All-stater Chris Lofton (6-3) averaged 22.1 points last season, including 39 in the title game. Also back are 6-3 seniors Jarrod Litzinger and Dustin Grutza plus juniors Wes Jones (6-1) and Andrew Tibbs (5-11).

17. Renaissance (Detroit, Mich.) 21-4 (nr)
Two of the nation's Top 30 players, and both four-year starters, return to the defending City Public School League title team -- Michigan recruit Joe Crawford (6-3) and Malik Hairston (6-5). Also back are 6-1 Marcus Stout and touted 5-8 point guaard Tajuan Porter.

18. Milby (Houston, Texas) 29-6 (nr)
Four senior starters will anchor this periennial contender, including Univ. of Arizona recruit Jawann McClelland (6-5). He's joined by Larry Posey (6-5), Leon St. Rose (6-5) and Tramaine Webster (5-5).

19. Mount Vernon (Mount Vernon, N.Y.) 26-1 (nr)
Three all-state players return to face a beefed-up schedule -- seniors Dexter Gray (6-5) and Keith Benjamin (6-3) plus sophomore Jonathan Mitchell (6-6), labeled New York's top freshman last season.

20. Rainier Beach (Seattle, Wash.) 25-3 (11)
The Vikings shouldn't drop much if at all even with the departure of superstar twins Rodrick and Lodrick Stewart. C.J. Giles, a 6-10 center who has committed to the University of Miami, headlines the roster. Also back are 6-6 Jarvis Stewart and 6-5 junior Terrence Williams.

21. El Camino (Oceanside, Calif.) 31-3 (32)
Recent transfers Craig Austin, a 6-10 center, and Brad Alkizin, a 5-11 point guard, should fit in perfectly for a Wildcat team that returns three other key starters. Forwards Gyno Pomare (6-6) and James Daniels (6-4) and guard Justin Armstrong (6-3) all played key roles last season as El Camino was good enough to beat L.A. Fairfax and then lost a close game to the same team in the Southern Regional playoffs.

22. Moeller (Cincinnati, Ohio) 23-4 (29)
Three starters are back from last season's state Division 1 title team, the school's second in five years. All-state forward Josh Duncan (6-7), an Xavier recruit, anchors the lineup which includes 6-7 Andrew Brackman and 6-1 Adam Walther, an Akron signee. Duncan averaged 20 points and 11 rebounds last season.

23. Gaffney (Gaffney, S.C.) 28-0 (39)
The Indians return eight veterans from an unbeaten state Class 4A championship team. Two 6-4 all-state returnees are Sidney Rice, a South Carolina football recruit, and A.Z. Reid. Other vets include juniors Phillip Buckson (6-7) and Donald Sims (6-0) and sophomores Nick Melton (6-0) and Julius Wilkerson (6-3).

24. Wheeler (Marietta, Ga.) 30-2 (33)
Seven veterans return as the Wildcats seek a third straight state Class AAAAA crown. The leader will be 6-foot junior Sharaud Curry, who averaged 15.7 points and 5.8 assists last season. Other key vets include senior Mike Williams (6-1) and juniors Chris Hanna (6-3) and Xavier Gilstrap (6-4). Size is the main concern.

25. Rice (New York, N.Y.) 19-8 (nr)
University of Kansas recruit Russell Robinson (6-3) heads the returnees for a team that annually plays one of the most demanding schedules. Other key performers are senior Arturo Dubois (6-7) and touted sophomore Curtis Kelley (6-8).

26. Hightower (Sugar Land, Texas) 34-3 (nr)
Three senior veterans from last season's state Class 5A semifinalist will be joined by touted 5-10 sophomore transfer Nic Wise, son of the Hurricane coach. The vets are 6-6 Jacque Jones, 6-6 Reginald Fuller and 6-7 Larry Handy. Senior Brandon Rose (6-2) and touted 6-8 sophomore Darris Santee also should contribute.

27. Florida Air Academy (Melbourne, Fla.) 29-0 (26)
The Falcons are 85-4 the last three seasons with two unbeaten teams and three straight state title berths. The defending state Class 2A champs will be led by 6-11 all-stater and Kansas recruit Alexander Kaun plus 6-foot guard Walter Hodge.

28. Hazelwood Central (Florissant, Mo.) 18-9 (nr)
Three of the top players in the St. Louis area are teammates for Hazelwood Central, including Univ. of Missouri recruit Kalen Grimes (6- 8), sophomore Alex Tyus (6-6) and senior Aaron Jackson (6-4), who led the team with an 18-point average last season. Junior Zach Riley (6-1) is another contributor.

29. Rufus King (Milwaukee, Wis.) 24-1 (28)
The Generals return their top two scorers from a state Division I title team -- top recruit Dupree Fletcher (6-0) and Matt Goodwin. Joining them are touted 6-11 Mitchell Carter plus a talented sophomore group of Troy Cotton, Laneal Harris, James Pruitt, Greg Knox and Eric O'Neal.

30. Timpview (Provo, Utah) 23-2 (nr)
The Thunderbirds are well fortified to seek a fourth state Class 4A crown in six years. The anchor is 6-10 all-stater Chris Miles, who averaged 11.0 points, 7.9 rebounds and 4.8 blocked shots on a balanced team. Also returning is 6-0 Matt Pinegar, 6-5 Taylor Jackson and juniors Matt Mortensen (6-5) and Matt Reynolds (6-6), a touted football prospect.

31. Spalding (Severn, Md.) 26-7 (nr)
Top recruit Rudy Gay (6-8) is one of three veterans returning to Spalding. Others are 6-11 Jason Loughry, a Mt. St. Mary's recruit, and 6- 2 junior Justin Castleberry.

32. Cedar Hill (Cedar Hill, Texas) 30-3 (nr)
Four starters and the sixth man return from a regional final team. The anchor is 6-2 Missouri recruit Jason Horton, an all-state point guard. Other vets are Roderick and Richard Adams (6-1), Folarin Olawoye (6-2) and junior Bishop Wheatley (6-4).

33. Arlington Country Day (Jacksonville, Fla.) 19-5(nr)
Three new juniors help Country Day reload this season around starters Jason Bennett, a 7-2, 235-pound sophomore, and 6-6 senior Harold Griffin plus sixth man Eddie Brown, a 6-1 junior. The newcomers are 6-5 Brian Hoff, 6-4 David Huerta and 6-2 Will Nabrill. Others include 6-10 sophomore Ray Ducette and touted 6-7 freshman A.J. Stewart.

34. Provine (Jackson, Miss.) 26-5 (41)
Three starters return from the defending state Class 4A champions including state Player of the Year Charlie White. The 5-foot-10 point guard averaged 14.5 points, seven assists, four rebounds and steals per game for the Rams.

35. Wilcox Central (Camden, Ala.) 29-4 (nr)
Mike Williams, a 6-foot-9 all-stater and All-American who committed to Texas, returns to anchor the defending state Class 5A champions. Williams averaged 22 points and 14 rebounds to lead the Jaguars.

36. Lanier (Jackson, Miss.) 31-4 (42)
Junior Monta Ellis, the Student Sports National Sophomore of the Year, is one of three starters returning for the state Class 4A runnerup team. The 6-4 Ellis, a two-time all-stater, averaged 27.2 points last season. Other vets are 6-5 Shawn Johnson and 6-5 junior Sam Walton. Charles Rhodes (6- 9), who sat out last season, and 6-2 freshman Al Graham should be other key regulars.

37. Harvard-Westlake (North Hollywood, Calif.) 29-7 (nr)
California Mr. Basketball candidate Bryce Taylor will be joined by three other returning starters, including 6-8 Evan Harris and sharp-shooting 6- 2 Ed White. The Warriors are coming off a 2002-03 season in which they were runner-up in the CIF Division III state playoffs.

38. Centennial (Compton, Calif.) 19-11 (nr)
The Apache have to go behind Harvard-Westlake to start the season due to a close loss to the Warriors in last yearâ€™s Southern Section playoffs. But no one will be surprised if it's Centennial reigning at season's end, especially now that 6-6 UCLA-bound Arron Aflalo and his 26 points per game are going to be back. Afflalo recently came back to Centennial after attending classes for two months at Price of Los Angeles. The Apache also will feature 6-6 Jervaughn Johnson, who was last season's CalHiSports.com State Freshman Player of the Year.

39. Midwest City (Midwest City, Okla.) 16-11 (nr)
The Bombers' stock rose last spring when 6-9 standout Darnell Jackson decided to transfer schools and join four returning veterans -- guards Calen Parks, Jeremy Kimbro and Nolan Johnson plus 6-7 Quincy Wilson. Also available is touted 6-8 sophomore Keith Clark.

40. Pike (Indianapolis, Ind.) 29-0 (2)
The Red Devils were penciled in as a Top 10 team before top returnee and Indiana recruit Robert Vaden enrolled in September at Bridgton Academy in Maine. The top player back is 6-4 Courtney Lee as Pike seeks fourth straight state final and fifth in seven years.

41. East (Denver, Colo.) 22-2 (nr)
Seven lettermen, including three regulars, will bejoined by 6-11 transfer Charley Mays, who averaged 21 points and 12 rebounds last season at Montbello. Returning starters are juniors Dazzond Thornton (6-7) and Pierre Curtis (6-3) plus 6-2 senior Sean O'Guirri, a Wichita State recruit who averaged 20 points last season.

42. Denham Springs (Denham Springs, La.) 31-4 (nr)
Tasmin Mitchell, a 6-foot-7 junior and two-time Class 5A all-stater, anchors the top-ranked Louisiana team after averaging 20 points and 11 rebounds last season. Mitchell was the Student Sports National Freshman of the Year in 2001.

43. White Station (Memphis, Tenn.) 36-2 (6)
The Spartans bid for their fourth state Class AAA title in the last five years with an experienced team that impressed in summer competition. The lone returning starter is 6-4 Johnathan Ball but others back include seniors Taylor Schell (6-8), Reiley Ervin (5-10) and Courtney Pigram (6- 0) plus two 6-6 juniors in J.P. Prince and Colin Cunningham and 6-7 sophomore Chris Williams.

44. Friendly (Fort Washington, Md.) 26-0 (24)
Senior veterans Sam Young (6-6) and Chris Howard (6-2) will lead this team in search of a repeat state title and FAB 50 ranking.

45. Bishop O'Connell (Arlington, Va.) 25-5 (47)
Three key members return including 6-5 Marcus Ginyard, one of the nation's top juniors, plus seniors Erik Smith (5-9) and Freddy Stanback (6-4). Junior David Neal (6-7) should contribute in absence of 6-9 Brian Johnson, who enrolled at Oak Hill Academy.

46. Poly (Long Beach, Calif.) 15-8 (nr)
Longtime coach Ron Palmer has retired and new coach Sharif Metoyer should hit the ground running. Several key players, most notably 6-7 Marcus Lewis, were valuable contributors two years ago when the Jackrabbits were one of the nation's top teams. The addition of transfer Curtis Allen, who played at tiny Rolling Hills Prep and who is one of the state's top players, makes Poly perhaps the favorite among CIF Southern Section Division I teams. Yet another California squad that could have easily gone into the FAB 50 is Dominguez of Compton, which should re-establish itself as one of the state's best under coach Russell Otis, who returned to lead the program last year after a two-year break.

47. Cheyenne (Las Vegas, Nev.) 31-1 (17)
The Desert Shields return starter Chris Davis (6-5) and three top reserves in seniors Eddie Coulson (6-2) and Jamar Rankin (5-10) and junior DeMarcus Branch (5-10). Key transfers who join the mix are expected starter Harvey Perry (6-5) plus Jerry Nash (6-9) and DeAngelo Dorn (6-6).

48. West Rowan (Mt. Ulla, N.C.) 31-0 (38)
When you're on a two-season, 61-game win streak and seeking a third straight state title (Class 3A) in a competitive basketball state, you deserve a ranking. Opening the season vs. No. 1 Oak Hill Academy also helps. Leading the way are seiors Brent Patterson (6-3) and Michael Mott (5-11) plus touted 6-6 sophomore Wesley Turner.

49. St. John's (Toledo, Ohio) 21-5 (nr)
Three starters return from a state Division I Final Four team, including 6-2 senior all-stater Brian Roberts, who averaged 18 points last season. Others are juniors B.J. Raymond (6-5) and Zach Hillesland (6-7). Sixth man Ted Heintschel (6-1) also returns.

50. John Carroll (Birmingham, Ala.) 36-0 (22)
Two all-staters return including state Mr. Basketball Ronald Steele, a football-basketball star and Univ. of Alabama roundball recruit. The 6-2 guard averaged 19 points, 7.6 assists and 4.1 steals last season. Also back is 6-6 DeMarre Carroll.

About Doug Huff
He's one of only three journalists who've been inducted into the National High School Hall of Fame. He's known as the founder of the national record book and still updates football and boys basketball national records regularly for Student Sports.

About Student Sports
We publish the monthly Student Sports Magazine, which is now in its 10th year of national publlication. We also produce the Nike Football Training Camps and EA Sports Elite 11 Quarterback Camp.

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