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We've got a Final Four already.
In the always confusing world of prep basketball, picking a national champ is, at best, guesswork, but this season, at least, there are four clear contenders. Even better, all will be at the Nike TOC in Phoenix, and winner of the top bracket in that tournament will have a leg up on finishing number one in the nation. Of course, that requires winning all of the games after the TOC, which for the top teams won't be easy. They all play in other elite tournaments and Lynwood must survive the California Division I playoffs.
But that's enough rambling -- on to the rankings ...
2. Bishop McNamara (Forestville, Md.) 27-3 (nr): As always, preseason rankings are greatly influenced by strength of schedule -- and the Mustangs play one of the best in the country. Add to that the five returning starters and 6-2 transfer Iman McFarland, and you've got a recipe for a potential national champ. Of course, to make that happen, McNamara has to win both the Nike TOC (with the top four teams in the nation, plus 14 other Fab 50 teams) and the Lone Star Invitational (with Lynwood, Narbonne and the best of Texas).
3. Oregon City (Oregon City, Ore.) 25-3 (14): Usually a team that loses three D-1 players to graduation can be expected to slump a little, but the Pioneers are going to be better. Led by 6-2 junior Kristin Forristall, Oregon City can run out a horde of talented, well-drilled, athletic players. The Pioneers will be at the Nike TOC, and also at the big-name packed Diamond State Classic in Delaware.
4. Christ the King (Middle Village, N.Y.) 24-3 (37): Bob Mackey says this is the best team he's ever had, and he compares it to the Sue Bird-led national champs of '98. But the Royals only play in one big tournament (the Nike TOC in Phoenix), and they have to win that one. They just might, but on strength of schedule, they drop to fourth in the Big Four.
5. Northside (Fort Smith, Ark.) 28-1 (3): Rickey Smith's eight-year record is 243-53, and the Lady Bears have won four straight state titles. The only loss last season was to Lynwood, and though the frontcourt graduated, all three guards return. In addition, 6-4 Almeli da Silva transferred in from Brazil. Northside hosts its own elite tournament early in December, and we'll find out then just how much the Lady Bears have left.
6. Sacred Heart Academy (Louisville, Kent.) 37-1 (15): With all five starters back, the Valkyries could make a serious run at number one. The only problem is a schedule that's almost all Kentucky. They will play in Florida, and hopefully will meet South Sioux City, a perennial national power. A win there, and an undefeated season, could set Sacred Heart up for a national championship.
7. South Sioux City (South Sioux City, Neb.) 24-3 (34): Speaking of Nebraska's finest, the Cardinals slot in right behind Sacred Heart Academy, a ranking that can be quickly reversed in Naples. Post Jane Horkey and guards Jenny Flynn and Amanda Wiltgen (all seniors) lead the team, which will be unchallenged in Class B play in Nebraska, but has a solid out-of-state schedule.
8. Shelbyville (Shelbyville, Tenn.) 25-4 (nr): Every year Rick Insell's team starts out high in the rankings, and every year the tough schedule, and the brutal in-state competition in Tennessee, knocks the Lady Eaglettes down. Four starters return this year, though, and the schedule's a little easier (though the Deep South Classic will be a challenge), so expect Shelbyville to remain high on the list all season.
9. Ribault (Jacksonville, Fla.) 37-0 (2):: Graduation depleted Ribault but 5-7 standout Dorian Williams returns, and she should be enough to keep the Trojans in the top ten. Mighty mite guards Takia Brown and Erika White will keep Ribault quick, but 6-5 center Chamara Warwick is the key to the season. If she is an inside presence at both ends of the floor, the Trojans will be able to hang with anyone in the nation.
10. Mountain View (Orem, Utah) 21-2 (18): As always, the Bruins are Utah's best. And as always, they'll be at the Nike TOC, where they'll get a chance to prove they belong this high. With the Hansen twins and Mallory Gillespie all back, Mountain View's fate lies in the hands of its young post players.
11. Fenwick (Oak Park, Ill.) 30-4 (nr): Purdue-bound Erin Lawless leads this perennial Illinois power, which also returns four other starters. The Friars' only problem last year was an inability to close out games, as they led at the half every time out. But with three seniors, and three-year starter Kristin Heidloff, who's a junior, at the point, that weakness should be erased.
12. Lawrence North (Indianapolis, Ind.) 20-2 (nr): The big news, figuratively and literally, at Lawrence North is that 6-6 Reicina Russell transferred in, joining point guard Robyn Stone and power forward Haley Bourke. Unfortunately, the Wildcats won't play anyone out of state, so we'll never know just how good they are.
13. Hoover (North Canton, Ohio) 26-1 (46): So do you like superstars or balance? Great individuals or team play? You won't find any of the Vikings on national top player lists, but all five starters (four of whom return) will sign D-1 scholarships. Point guard Amber Robinson might be the best, but on this team, it's the whole that matters, not the parts.
14. Independence (Columbus, Ohio) 21-2 (nr): The 76ers are built around 6-5 Jessica Davenport, one of the top centers in the country, and Indiana-bound point guard Angel Hornsberger. Two other starters also return for a team that was a last-second 23-foot three-pointer away from a shot at the Ohio state title last year.
15. Heights (Wichita, Kan.) 24-1 (21): Four starters return for the Falcons, including 5-11 junior Taylor McIntosh. Heights will also go the Northside tournament in Arkansas, which will give everyone a look at a team that needs only strong play in the post to bust into the top ten.
16. Riley (South Bend, Ind.) 24-4 (nr): It's a good year in the Midwest -- unless you're trying to win a lot of games there. The Wildcats were awfully good last season, and have four starters back plus a transfer sophomore point guard who should supply the missing piece to the puzzle.
17. Murry Bergtraum (New York, N.Y.) 28-2 (35): For the past two seasons, the Lady Blazers have labored in obscurity until season's end, when they upset Christ the King in the New York playoffs. This year, with four starters back, they're playing in two major tournaments (the Diamond State Classic and the Nike TOC) and will no longer be a mystery.
18. Willingboro (Willingboro, N.J.) 20-2 (nr): Six-two junior Crystal Langhorne is one of the top juniors in the country, and three other returning starters make the Chimeras (love the mascot) the preseason pick in New Jersey. Games against Christ the King and Archbishop Carroll of Pennsylvania give Willingboro a chance to show how good Garden State basketball really is.
19. Duncanville (Duncanville, Texas) 30-5 (nr): The Pantherettes were going to be pretty good anyway, but when 6-3 Tiffany Jackson transferred over from Lincoln, they suddenly got a whole lot better. If all the talent meshes, Duncanville will be the best in Texas.
20. Narbonne (Harbor City, Calif.) 27-4 (8): The usual unrelenting schedule gives the Gauchos a chance to return to glory, but they lost a lot to graduation. It's Camille Lenoir's team this year, and the point guard could carry them a long way.
21. Kokomo (Kokomo, Ind.) 17-4 (nr): There are four D-1 senior returning starters, but none of them are taller than 5-9. If the posts step up, this could be the year the Wildkats finally break through and win an Indiana state title.
22. Marlboro (Marlboro, N.J.) 26-5 (nr): The kids who were already legendary as freshmen are now juniors, and Sharnee Zoll still leads the way. The Mustangs could use some more height, and a little more depth, but there are few teams in the country that are more athletic.
23. Oak Ridge (Oak Ridge, Tenn.) 34-2 (nr): The alma mater of Jennifer Azzi is back in the national spotlight again, as five D-1 players dot the Wildcats' roster. They'll be at the Nike TOC, and they also play Shelbyville before the state playoffs, so Jill Prudden's team will have plenty of chances to show the world how good it really is.
24. Gainesville (Gainesville, Ga.) 28-5 (nr): You've got to love any team called the Red Elephants, but when they have 6-3 junior Tasha Humphrey, who can pretty much play anywhere on the floor, you've got national recognition too. The Red Elephants will be at the Deep South Classic, and also play Ribault, which is why the addition of 6-4 transfer Krista Watson is so important.
25. Pickerington (Pickerington, Ohio) 22-3 (nr): Five-ten junior Marscilla Packer is an elite player, and Cydnei Stoudt is the daughter of former NFL quarterback Cliff Stoudt. OK, maybe I just wanted to prove I could spell 'Cydnei' correctly, but she's a key player on this young and talented team. Did I say young? There are no seniors.
26. St. Mary's (Stockton, Calif.) 33-3 (42): Four starters return for Northern California's best team. The Rams are relative newcomers to the national scene, but they'll be in Phoenix for the Nike TOC -- and they're also moving up to Division I in California, which means postseason play will be tougher too.
27. Campbell County (Gillette, Wyo.) 25-2 (13): Three starters return for one of the surprise teams of 2001-02, and 6-0 senior Michelle Lieber will once more lead the way. The Camels will be at the Nike TOC again, and will host Lynwood at their annual Energy Classic.
28. Deerfield Beach (Deerfield Beach, Fla.) 30-3 (nr): Another one of those small, talented teams, the Bucks have no one taller than 6-0, but use quickness and skill to dominate opponents. One uncertainty is that Portia Mitchell has to step in and take over as coach of a team with five returning starters.
29. Collins Hill (Suwanne, Ga.) 31-2 (43): Seniors Shannel Harris and Stacy Booker will both go to South Carolina next year, and any high school team with two SEC players on it is going to be pretty good. Unfortunately, those are the only two starters back, but the Eagles still look like the class of 5A in Georgia.
30. Long Beach Poly (Long Beach, Calif.) 33-2 (12): Losing Kamecka Simmons as a senior transfer to Lynwood hurts the Jackrabbits, but they will still be quick, deep, quick, talented and quick. They're experienced, they'll play in the Nike TOC, and, oh yes, they're very quick.
31. ThunderRidge (Highlands Ranch, Colo.) 21-3 (nr): The Waner sisters (senior Emily and sophomore Abby) lead a high-scoring group that should be the best in Colorado. Two other starters return, but the Grizzlies could use some more size. They could also use a space between 'Thunder' and 'Ridge,' but that's another issue entirely.
32. St. John's (Washington, D.C.) 29-6 (48): Seniors Chela Turner, Brittany Pickney and Keke Thomas spark the Cadettes, who lost two players to bigtime college programs. Still, the returning talent, a relatively tough schedule and the impressive D.C.-area competition earn them this early ranking.
33. Marian Catholic (Chicago Heights, Ill.) 31-2 (24): Though four starters return, 6-4 Maureen Simon (now at DePaul) is a big loss. And senior point guard Missy Mitidiero is hurt, but she'll be back soon -- and 6-3 junior Lauren Lacey is a sought-after post player. Illinois teams can't travel, so the Spartans can't prove themselves nationally.
34. Canyon (Canyon, Texas) 31-2 (41): Kalee Carey is a 6-5 senior bound for Texas, and Brooke Baughman is a 5-10 shooting guard who's ticketed for Texas Tech, so the Lady Eagles have a lot to build around. Coach Joe Lombard is a canny veteran on the sidelines, and Canyon should challenge Duncanville for the best-in-Texas title.
35. Orangeburg-Wilkinson (Orangeburg, S.C.) 24-0 (39): Senior Brittany Sumpter and junior Nicole Pittman should have the Bruinettes on top again in South Carolina. They won't get out of state, so even though long-time coach Edward Pellman likes this team a lot, it's hard to justify starting them out higher than this.
36. Lakeville (Lakeville, Minn.) 29-0 (35): Led by 6-2 senior center Liz Podominick (headed for Minnesota), the Panthers are clearly the class of Minnesota. Andy Berkvam thinks this year's version is better than last year's, and should add to the existing 40-game win streak. Too bad they don't get out of state.
37. Westwood (Westwood, Mass.) 26-0 (nr): Since 1974, the Wolverines are 509-12 and have recorded 27 undefeated seasons. Pause a minute to consider just how amazing that is. This year, the uptempo Wolverines should extend that record to 28 undefeated seasons, but it's extremely difficult for Massachusetts teams to get out of state, so it probably deserves an asterisk. And according to coach Bill Riley, there was a 293-game winning streak in there too, and no matter who that was against, it's mind-numbing.
38. South Broward (Hollywood, Fla.) 31-3 (7): Tamara James is gone, but three starters return, and four other seniors, so Abby Ward should have yet another powerhouse. Laquetta Ferguson, Keunta Miles and LaShaunda Slade lead the way.
39. St. Thomas Aquinas (Overland Park, Kan.) 20-5 (nr): Junior Carolyn McCullough and senior Lauren Wenski are big-time players, and the Saints should challenge Heights in a good year for Kansas basketball. It would help if they played a tougher schedule, though.
40. Archbishop Mitty (San Jose, Calif.) 25-6 (nr): All five starters return, and eight rotation players, for one of Northern California's perennials. Six-four Jenna Green and 6-1 Khalilah Daniels are the focus for the Monarchs, who will take a shot at the nation's best at the Nike TOC.
41. Country Day (Birmingham, Mich.) 10-0* (nr): This will be the last season that Michigan's girls play basketball in the fall, but this year's midseason battle for state supremacy is, as usual, between Country Day and Martin Luther King. We'll go with balanced Country Day, but by the next ranking, there shouldn't be a question.
42. Centennial (Las Vegas, Nev.) 34-0 (nr): The Bulldogs are small, but that didn't stop them from finally breaking the northern Nevada stranglehold on the state title last season. This year, with four starters back, they'll take on the nation at the Nike TOC -- and they only have only one key senior.
43. Plainview (Plainview, Texas) 35-1 (17): Alesha Robertson might be the best player in Texas, which is saying something, and there are three starters back with her. Unfortunately, the missing piece is McDonald's all-American Chelsi Welch, so the Lady Bulldogs have something to prove.
44. Glenn Hills (Augusta, Ga.) 31-2 (nr): The Spartans don't play a real tough schedule, but 5-9 senior Marian Whitfield and 6-2 junior Tyheisha Smith are big-time players. They're a little younger this year, but still should win the 4A title.
45. Central Valley (Veradale, Wash.) 29-0 (19): The Bears are a little smaller than last year, and can't play anyone out of state, so Emily Westberg and her teammates will remain a mystery. They'll keep winning, though, and their toughest test will come in the Washington playoffs.
46. Oakland Catholic (Pittsburgh, Penn.) 30-3 (nr): All five starters, including Mel Bulger, return from a very good team. The Eagles will make their national debut at the Nike TOC in Phoenix.
47. Bellevue East (Bellevue, Neb.) 24-4 (nr): The Chieftains lost a lot to graduation, but have plenty back -- plus an infusion of talented youngsters. They'll also go to the Energy Classic, hosted by Campbell County, and should get a shot at South Sioux City as well.
48. Southwood (Shreveport, La.) 36-0 (4): So there are only two starters back -- when a team has won six state titles in the past eight years, obviously the program has plenty of talent to draw from. Junior Morenike Atunrase will carry most of the load this season, but there's not much size.
49. Hutchinson (Hutchinson, Kan.) 21-2 (nr): I'm torn. Do I like the Red Elephants, the Chimeras or the Salt Hawks the best? I swear it doesn't affect the rankings, but it is fun to write about the prospects for the Salt Hawks -- which return four starters from a very good team.
50. Ankeny (Ankeny, Iowa) 21-5 (43): Six-three sophomore Nicky Weiben is an outstanding player, and coupled with two other six-foot returners, she makes the Hawkettes the choice in Iowa this year.
*Playing in the fall
1. Lynwood (Lynwood, Calif.) 33-0 (1)
2. Oregon City OR 25-3 (6)
3. Mountain View (Orem, Utah) 21-2 (7)
4. Narbonne (Harbor City, Calif.) 27-4 (2)
5. St. Mary's (Stockton, Calif.) 33-3 (10)
6. Campbell County (Gillette, Wyo.) 25-2 (5)
7. Long Beach Poly (Long Beach, Calif.) 33-2 (4)
8. ThunderRidge (Littleton, Colo.) 21-3 (nr)
9. Archbishop Mitty (San Jose, Calif.) 25-6 (nr)
10. Centennial (Las Vegas, Nev.) 34-0 (14)
11. Central Valley (Veradale, Wash.) 29-0 (8)
12. Bishop Montgomery (Torrance, Calif.) 28-5 (11)
13. San Clemente (San Clemente, Calif.) 27-4 (nr)
14. Prairie (Brush Prairie, Wash.) 26-3 (15)
15. Highland (Gilbert, Ariz.) 32-1 (nr)
East
1. Bishop McNamara (Forestville, Md.) 27-3 (13)
Midwest
1. Sacred Heart Academy (Louisville, Kent.) 37-1 (1)
*Playing during fall season
Southwest
1. Northside (Fort Smith, Ark.) 28-1 (1)
South
1. Shelbyville Central (Shelbyville, Tenn.) 25-4 (nr)
9/27/02
2. Christ the King (Middle Village, N.Y.) 24-3 (9)
3. Murry Bergtraum (New York, N.Y.) 28-2 (7)
4. Willingboro (Willingboro, N.J.) 20-2 (nr)
5. Marlboro (Marlboro, N.J.) 26-5 (nr)
6. St. John's (Washington, D.C.) 29-6 (12)
7. Westwood (Westwood, Mass.) 26-0 (14)
8. Oakland Catholic (Pittsburg, Penn.) 30-3 (nr)
9. Red Bank Catholic (Red Bank, N.J.) 21-7
11. Archbishop Carroll (Radnor, Penn.) 20-6 (nr)
12. Cony (Augusta, Maine) 21-2 (nr)
13. Cumberland Valley (Mechanicsburg, Pa.) 32-2 (4)
14. Riverdale Baptist (Upper Marlboro, Mary.) 22-8 (nr)
15. Catherine McAuley (Portland, Maine) 23-0 (nr)
2. Fenwick (Oak Park, Ill.) 30-4 (nr)
3. Lawrence North (Indianapolis, Ind.) 20-2 (nr)
4. Hoover (North Canton, Ohio) 26-1 (7)
5. Independence (Columbus, Ohio) 21-2 (nr)
6. Riley (South Bend, Ind.) 24-4 (nr)
7. Kokomo (Kokomo, Ind.) 17-4 (nr)
8. Pickerington (Pickerington, Ohio) 22-3 (nr)
9. Marian Catholic (Chicago Heights, Ill.) 31-2 (3)
10. Lakeville (Lakeville, Minn.) 29-0 (5)
11. Detroit Country Day (Franklin, Mich.) (nr)*
12. Ankeny (Ankeny, Iowa) 21-5 (8)
13. Oshkosh (Oshkosh, Wis.) 22-3 (nr>
14. Roosevelt (Sioux Falls, S.D.) 23-0 (nr)
15. Chaminade-Julienne (Dayton, Ohio) 22-2 (11)
2. South Sioux City (South Sioux City, Neb.) 24-3 (7)
3. Heights (Wichita, Kan.) 24-1 (5)
4. Duncanville (Duncanville, Tex.) 30-5 (nr)
5. Canyon (Canyon, Texas) 31-2 (8)
6. St. Thomas Aquinas (Overland Park, Kan.) 20-5 (nr)
7. Plainview (Plainview, Texas) 35-1 (4)
8. Bellevue East (Bellevue, Neb.) 24-4 (12)
9. Hutchinson (Hutchinson, Kan.) 21-2 (nr)
10. Westfield (Spring, Texas) 33-2 (6)
11. Westmoore (Oklahoma City, Okla.) 25-2 (2)
12. Kirtland Central (Kirtland, N.M.) 26-3 (nr)
13. West Memphis (West Memphis, Ark.) 27-3 (nr)
14. Hobbs (Hobbs, N.M.) 25-2 (nr)
15. Kickapoo (Springfield, Mo.) 25-3 (nr)
2. Ribault (Jacksonville, Fla.) 37-0 (1)
3. Oak Ridge (Oak Ridge, Tenn.) 34-2 (nr)
4. Gainesville (Gainesville, Ga.) 28-5 (nr)
5. Deerfield Beach (Deerfield Beach. Fla.) 30-3 (nr)
6. Collins Hill (Suwanee, Ga.) 31-2 (7)
7. Orangeburg-Wilkinson (Orangeburg, S.C.) 24-0 (6)
8. South Broward (Hollywood, Fla.) 31-3 (4)
9. Glenn Hills (Augusta, Ga.) 31-2 (14)
10. Southwood (Shreveport, La.) 36-0 (2)
11. Edison (Miami, Fla.) 30-5 (nr)
12. Hoover (Hoover, Ala.) 25-9 (nr)
13. John Ehert (Marrero, La.) 29-3 (nr)
14. Dutch Fork (Irmo, S.C.) 29-1 (15)
15. Callaway (Jackson, Miss.) 16-12 (nr)
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