High School Sports

2023-24 High School All-American Elite Team

(Image: Courtside Films)

Mr. Basketball USA Cooper Flagg, national junior player of the year Cameron Boozer and three of Flagg’s teammates highlight 30th annual All-American Elite Team. Elite honor squad includes 20-man first team and 30-man second team.

The 2023-24 All-American Elite Team, now published for the 30th consecutive season and on the Ballislife.com platform for the tenth year, includes 41 of the nation’s best seniors, led by 2024 Mr. Basketball USA Cooper Flagg of FAB 50 No. 1 Montverde Academy and 10 talented juniors.

Flagg and five juniors, including class player of the year Carlos Boozer of FAB 50 No. 2 Columbus (Miami), headline the 20-player overall first team. 

There are eight repeaters off the 2022-23 All-American Elite Team, including six who made first team. Boozer is a repeat first five choice and was the 2022-23 Mr. Basketball USA as a sophomore, the first ever tenth-grade honoree. Flagg, who was classified as a sophomore last season, moved up from the second five to earn Mr. Basketball USA honors as a senior in his third year of playing high school basketball. Two other 2022-23 sophomores earning repeat All-American honors as juniors are third five selection Koa Peat of FAB 50 No. 22 Perry (Gilbert, Ariz.) and fourth five selection Maleek Thomas of Lincoln Park Performing Arts (Midland, Pa.). Both Peat and Thomas led their teams to state titles in 2023-24.

Kansas-bound big man Flory Bidunga of Kokomo (Ind.) moves up from third five to second five and Texas-bound Tre Johnson of FAB 50 No. 6 Link Academy (Branson, Mo.) repeats as second five honoree. Johnson was last season’s national junior of the year at Lake Highlands (Garland, Texas).

There are three players off last season’s 30-player second team who earned All-American status, including Rutgers-bound first five choice Dylan Harper of FAB 50 No. 19 Don Bosco Tech (Ramsey, N.J.), a scoring guard that challenged Flagg for Mr. Basketball USA honors. Two second team repeaters helped Montverde Academy make history with four All-Americans choices off this year’s roster, the first time ever one program has had more than three players honored not only in the last 30 years, but including our retroactive picks dating back to the 1954-55 season.

UCONN-bound Liam McNeeley averaged 12.7 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 2.9 apg and 1.1 spg while shooting 46 percent from 3-point range and 80 percent from the free throw line for the FAB 50 champions. Meanwhile, Baylor-bound point guard Rob Wright averaged 12.2 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 6.0 apg and 1.2 spg while shooting 42.8 percent from 3-point range on a team that not only included the eventual Mr. Basketball USA choice, but another first five performer in Maryland-bound Derik Queen.

All underclassmen are eligible for All-American Elite Team selection. No sophomore was selected and in 30 seasons of publishing annual All-American teams (plus the retroactive teams), no freshman has ever made the first team.

Our national coach of the year is Jim Baker of Central Cabarrus (Concord, N.C.). The Vikings finished No. 12 in the FAB 50 and own the nation’s longest winning streak at 65 games.

National Grassroots Editor Ronnie Flores selects this performance-based All-American team with input from Mr. Basketball USA panelists. It is chosen after the conclusion of the season, which makes the All-American Elite team more reflective of players who made state championship runs.
This honors squad has been chosen in its current format since the 1994-95 season and is powered by Ballislife.com for the tenth consecutive season. This team is chosen regardless of class and is not exclusive or preferential to seniors chosen for national all-star games.

2023-24 All-American First Team

First Five

G — Dylan Harper, Don Bosco Tech (Ramsey, N.J.) 6-4 Sr.

One of four juniors to make the second team in 2022-23, one left for college early, two repeated and Harper catapulted to serious national player of the year candidate as a result of a monster season that included individual and team success. The powerful guard averaged 22.4 ppg, 5.7 rpg and 2.7 apg for a team that captured the New Jersey Non-Public A state title with a 29-3 record. Harper went for 38 points and eight rebounds in the North Jersey Non-Public A title game for a team that finished No. 19 in the FAB 50. With his size, change of pace and explosiveness, Harper was the most dominant guard in the country and displayed his talent in the post-seasons all-star games. He was named co-MVP of the McDonald’s All American Game with 22 points and five assists. He also made the game-winning shot in the Jordan Brand Classic and finished with a game-high 30 points. His production led him to two first-place votes in the Mr. Basketball USA Tracker and 86 points, second only to eventual honoree Cooper Flagg. He will join fellow first five selection Ace Bailey at Rutgers.

F — Cooper Flagg, Montverde Academy (Montverde, Fla.) 6-9 Sr.

Even though he only put up modest numbers last season (9.8 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 3.0 apg, 2.2 bpg) it was readily apparent he was one of the nation’s best players as a sophomore for the nation’s No. 2 team. Flagg re-classed up to the 2024 class and took his game one step further as a senior, leading an unbeaten club that was expected to be the nation’s best to the FAB 50 title with a 33-0 record. Flagg led a team that recorded 24 wins over ranked teams by dominating with his defensive prowess and shot-making ability. After becoming only the third sophomore to earn first or second five All-American honors in the last ten years, Flagg received eight of 10 first place votes to become Montverde Academy’s fifth Mr. Basketball in 10 seasons. For the season, Flagg averaged 16.1 ppg, 7.6 rpg, 3.9 apg, 2.7 bpg and 1.6 spg while being named EYBL Scholastic League Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year. 

*

F — Airious Bailey, McEachern (Powder Springs, Ga.) 6-9 Sr.

Put it all together in a memorable senior season that saw him lead the Indians to a 26-6 mark and No. 24 FAB 50 ranking. Some recruiting experts feel “Ace” has the best long-term potential of any senior, and his production wasn’t too shabby, either. Against rugged competition, Bailey averaged 32.5 ppg, 15.5 rpg, 3.5 apg and 2.4 bpg. He not only finished as a top five vote-getter in the Mr. Basketball USA Tracker, he was named Georgia Mr. Basketball by sandysspiel.com. Headed to Rutgers along with good friend and fellow first five selection Dylan Harper, Bailey was named a McDonald’s All-American and also participated in the Nike Hoop Summit, where he recorded 14 points and six rebounds for Team USA.

F — Cameron Boozer, Columbus (Miami, Fla.) 6-9 Jr.

Already named National Junior Player of the Year, Boozer didn’t repeat as Mr. Basketball USA, but he was one of four players to appear on all ten final ballots of the Mr. Basketball USA Tracker. It’s nearly impossible to meet expectations after becoming the first sophomore ever to earn national player of the year honors, but Boozer was just as dominant as a junior. He led the Explorers to their third consecutive FHSAA Class 7A state title and No. 2 final FAB 50 ranking. Columbus couldn’t get over the hump vs. Montverde Academy in two attempts, but did beat No. 3 Paul VI (Va.). Boozer had 14 points, 11 rebounds, three assists, four blocks and three steals vs. Paul IV, 20 points, eight rebounds, five assists and four steals in the first game vs. MVA and 29 points and seven rebounds in the second contest. For the season, Boozer averaged 22.2 ppg, 11.4 rpg, 2.7 apg, and 2.1 bpg while shooting 62 percent from the field (234-378), 41 percent from the 3-point line (43-105) and 82 percent from the free throw line (155-188). He has a chance next season to become the first three-time first five choice since LeBron James in 2001-2003.

C — Derik Queen, Montverde Academy (Montverde, Fla.) 6-9 Sr.

This year’s MVA team will ultimately be compared to the program’s 2019-20 juggernaut, and for the second time in five seasons, the Eagles place two players on the first five. That season, Mr. Basketball USA Cade Cunningham was complimented by Scottie Barnes, who did a bit of everything for one of the best teams of all-time. Before that duo, you have to go all the way back to 1974-75 with future NBA players David Greenwood and Roy Hamilton at Verbum Dei (Los Angeles) to find a pair of teammates selected first five Elite All-Americans. Queen was this team’s Swiss-Army-Knife in that he could contribute in a variety of ways, but was also the Eagles’ leading scorer (16.4 ppg). With his unselfishness and dominance around the basket, the Maryland bound big man added 7.6 rpg, 2.0 apg, 1.0 spg and just under a block per game for a 33-0 club. In displaying how important his role was, Queen shot 68.3 percent from the field (while only attempting three 3-pointers all season) and 79 percent from the free throw line. Many felt Queen was the most dominant player at the City of Palms and he also put forth a MVP performance at the McDonald’s All-American Game with 23 points, eight rebounds, five assists and three steals.

Second Five

G — Johnuel “Boogie” Fland, Archbishop Stepinac (White Plains, N.Y.) 6-3 Sr.

Highly regarded coming into high school, Fland produced each season and saved his best for last. With his speed and body control, Fland’s play-making ability from the lead guard was a sight to behold, as he was basically unstoppable in stretches and still unselfish. He led Stepinac to the New York Catholic League title, posting norms of 19.2 ppg, 6.6 rpg, 3.6 apg and 2.4 spg for the No. 18 team in the FAB 50. He had a 43-point, 11-rebound playoff game vs. rival Christ the King (Middle Village) and was named New York Mr. Basketball for his outstanding play. Fland was also named CHSAA Class AAA Player of the Year for the second consecutive season. He went for 17 points, five rebounds and three assists in his team’s comeback victory at the McDonald’s All-American Game.

G — V.J. Edgecombe, Long Island Lutheran (Glen Head, N.Y.) 6-5 Sr.

On a talented team that competed for the FAB 50 national title, Edgecombe was the leader on both ends of the floor and arguably the most talented two-guard in the country. With his shot making ability and spectacular defensive plays that often included clutch steals or a highlight block, Edgecombe led LuHi to a second place finish in the EYBL Scholastic League with a 10-2 mark and No. 4 finish in the FAB 50. He was named first team all-league for the second consecutive season and finished with norms of 17.3 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 4.0 apg and 2.3 spg. Bound for Baylor, Edgecomb scored 17 points for the World Team at the Nike Hoop Summit.

G — Tre Johnson, Link Academy (Branson, Mo.) 6-5 Sr.

If V.J. Edgecombe is not the top off-guard in the country, then Johnson surely is. His sweet-shooting touch was on full display at the McDonald’s All-American Game, where he knocked down 5-of-7 3-pointers and had 17 points. One of the toughest checks in the country and a repeat second five choice, both Johnson and Edgecombe appeared on five of 10 ballots in the final Mr. Basketball USA voting. After earning National Junior Player of the Year honors at Lake Highlands (Garland, Texas) last season, Johnson led Link Academy to a berth in Chipotle Nationals, where it defeated Prolific Prep in the first round of the event and finished 26-7. Johnson, bound for Texas, averaged a team-high 15.5 ppg, 3.3 rpg and 3.6 apg for the No. 6 team in the FAB 50. He finished the season shooting 39 percent from 3-point range and 89.1 percent from the free throw line.

F — A.J. Dybantsa, Prolific Prep (Napa, Calif.) 6-7 Jr.

On a talent-laden team with three McDonald’s All-American choices, it was the highly-regarded junior that was the team’s leading player. He was listed as a freshman in 2022-23, but re-classified into the 2025 class in the off-season and some feel he’s the best overall prospect not only in the class, but regardless of class. Prolific Prep battled injuries to many of its best players, but Dybansta was the most consistent, and dynamic player, capable of carrying the team or turning around a big game with his vast offensive arsenal. Originally from Brockton, Mass., Dybansta led a 33-6 team that finished No. 7 in the FAB 50 and only lost two games at full strength. He joined Cameron Boozer as the only two juniors to appear on every ballot of the Mr. Basketball USA Tracker after finishing with a team-high 21.2 ppg, 9.4 rpg (also team-high) and 3.5 apg.

C — Flory Bidunga, Kokomo (Ind.) 6-10 Sr.

After being the second leading vote-getter on the Indiana A.P. All-State team as a junior, he was named Mr. Basketball of the state as a senior, out-distancing Purdue-bound guard Jack Better of Brownstown Central in points, 198-122. Bidunga also tied for No. 8 on the final Mr. Basketball USA Tracker with fellow second teamer Tre Johnson and moves up from the third five as a junior when he led the Wildkats to their first state title game appearance since 1989. This season, the McDonald’s All-American selection averaged 19.0 ppg, 12.9 rpg, 3.2 apg and 4.4 bpg in leading Kokomo to the Class 4A regional finals. Bidunga is not only a terrific defender and shot blocker, he’s one of the most efficient offensive players in high school basketball history. After making 81 percent (207-263) of his shots from the field as a junior, he converted 236-of-290 shots (81.4 percent) as a senior and shot 80.3 percent from the field in his three-year career. The Congo native was a two-time Gatorade State Player of the Year and finished his career with 1,609 points, 1,132 rebounds and 402 blocked shots. Bidunga posted six triple doubles, including three as a senior, and 49 double-doubles the past two seasons.

Third Five

G — Travis Perry, Lyon County (Eddyville, Ky.) 6-2 Sr.

Not only is Perry one of the most accomplished players on this year’s Elite team, he’s now a Bluegrass Folk Hero after leading Lyon County to a Sweet 16 title and No. 47 FAB 50 ranking. He led a program where 277 students attend the school to a 36-3 mark and scored 27 points in the state title game to earn Sweet 16 MVP honors. For the season, the future Kentucky Wildcat averaged 29.5 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 5.0 apg, and 3.9 spg while earning state Mr. Basketball honors while receiving 91 of 124 first-place votes. His career numbers are mind boggling, as Perry began playing with his Lyon County teammates in second grade and joined the varsity in seventh grade. Perry scored 5,481 points in 201 career games, while scoring in double figures in 196 of those games with four of those five single-digit games coming before ninth grade. He also made career 712 3-pointers.

G — Trent Perry, Harvard-Westlake (North Hollywood, Calif.) 6-4 Sr.

Emotional leader and clutch play-maker for a team that won CIF section and state crowns and finished No. 8 in the FAB 50. Perry actually led Harvard-Westlake to back-to-back CIF open crowns and averaged 18 ppg, 6 rpg, 5.8 apg and 1.2 spg as a senior for a 33-3 club. Even more than his averages, Perry was clutch for the Wolverines in their biggest games, as he had a open division record 10 assists in the 2023 CIF state final vs. Santa Maria St. Joseph to go along with 16 points and eight rebounds, while scoring his team’s last six points after trialing 45-44, in this season’s state final. Perry was named California Mr. Basketball for his efforts and was this season’s CIFSS Open Division Player of the Year. He’s a two-time all-state choice and two-time Mission League Player of the Year. The UCLA recruit led led Harvard-Westlake to a 108-15 mark against rugged competition and is headed for UCLA.

F — Isaiah Evans, North Mecklenburg (Huntersville, N.C.) 6-7 Sr.

In a strong year for teams and individual talent in North Carolina, Evans stood out among the best players, earning state player of the year honors from the N.C. Basketball Coaches Association. He’s one of the country’s most dynamic talents and offensive players, capable of carrying his team when necessary. He led North Meck to a 30-3 mark and the NCHSAA Class 4A title and along the way scored a season-high 48 points, including 21 consecutive in the third period, in a state quarterfinal victory over FAB 50 ranked Myers Park (Charlotte). For the season, the Duke recruit averaged 27.4 ppg, 6.1 rpg, 3.2 apg and 2.3 spg and was selected top play in the McDonald’s, Jordan Brand and Nike Hoop Summit all-star games.

F — Darren Harris, Paul VI (Fairfax, Va.) 6-5 Sr.

His resume is much like his PVI teammate last year, Deshawn Smith-Harris, who was also a third five selection. Harris was MVP of the prestigious Washington Catholic Athletic Conference (WCAC) and led his team to the VISAA D1 state title (its third straight) as well as the WCAC regular season (15-0) and tourney title. This team was expected to compete for a FAB 50 title and did, advancing to the Chipotle Nationals title game with Harris leading the way by averaging 24.0 ppg, including 36 in the first round win over IMG Academy. For the season, Harris averaged 17.2 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 3.1 apg and 2.0 spg for one of the most balanced and talent-laden teams in the country. He’ll join Mr. Basketball USA Cooper Flagg and fellow first team All-Americans Isaiah Evans and Kon Knueppel at Duke.

F — Koa Peat, Perry (Gilbert, Ariz.) 6-8 Jr.

A repeat third five selection, Peat has a terrific chance to supplant 1996 Mr. Basketball USA Mike Bibby as the most accomplished player the Arizona Interscholastic Association (AIA) has ever produced. The AIA open division started in Peat’s sophomore season and he scored 35 points in the title game win over Sunnyslope of Phoenix. In this season’s open title game, he went for 21 points, 13 rebounds and four assists to help his team overcome a 17-point deficit to defeat Millennium (Goodyear). Perry won the Class 6A crown in 2021-22 and is 14-0 in the playoffs the past three seasons with this powerful forward in the lineup. He’s already been a two-time Gatorade State POY and enters his senior season with 1,649 points. Peat, also an accomplished player for USA Basketball who will look to earn a third gold medal later this summer at the FIBA 17U World Cup, posted season averages of 20.5 ppg, 10.6 rpg, 3.4 apg, and 2.2 bpg as Perry finished 24-6 and No. 22 in the FAB 50.

Fourth Five

G — Mercy Miller, Notre Dame (Sherman Oaks, Calif.) 6-3 Sr.

This sweet shooting guard received plenty of attention during the season for his lack of respect in national player rankings, even though he’s the son of a celebrity (rap mogul Master P). He’s been on our radar for years as a talented prospect and put it all together in a monster senior season in which he became the first Notre Dame player to score 1,000 points or more in a season. Miller was one of the nation’s best two-guard scorers (28.8 ppg), an instinctual rebounder (9.3 rpg) and unselfish in knowing when to get teammates involved or take over a game. Despite facing defenses that sold out to stop him, Miller was at his best in big games, and in any five-game sample from Notre Dame’s 31-4 season Miller’s averages would be nearly identical to his season averages, including the eight state ranked teams the Knights faced. Miller had 29 points in the win over state No. 1 Harvard-Westlake and 33 in the loss in the Mission League final to the same team and was considered the runner-up for state Mr. Basketball to third five pick Trent Perry. After leading Notre Dame to the CIF Southern Section D1 crown, he was named his section’s D1 Player of the Year and chosen to the L.A. Times All-Star Team. He’s headed to Houston.

G — Meleek Thomas, Lincoln Park Performing Arts (Midland, Pa.) 6-3 Jr.

A repeat fourth five selection, Thomas’ season was on par with what he accomplished as a sophomore: fantastic outings for a 27-3 team that finished No. 19 in the East Region Top 20. A top five recruit in his class, many in West Pennsylvania are hoping he joins his good friend and teammate Brandin Cummings at Pitt. As a sophomore, Thomas was named Pittsburgh Tribune-Review Player of the Year and this season he and Cummings (22.8 ppg) shared the honor after leading Lincoln Park to back-to-back WPIAL and PIAA Class 4A titles. Known for his competitive nature and clutch play, Thomas averaged 22.7 points and 10.4 rebounds for a team that won its last 20 games. Cummings (who averaged 29.8 ppg in the PIAA playoffs) finished with 2,224 career points, while Thomas enters his senior season with 1,750.

F — Kon Knueppel, Wisconsin Lutheran (Milwaukee, Wis.) 6-6 Sr.

Led his team to a perfect 30-0 mark and No. 10 FAB 50 ranking by getting teammates involved or taking over when he had to. Knueppel saved this best for last, posing 11 points and 11 assists in the WIAA D2 state title game win over three-time defending state champ Pewaukee. For the season, Knueppel averaged 25.9 ppg, 8.6 rpg and 5.3 apg and was named WBCA state Mr. Basketball in the process. For his career, Knueppel racked up 1,978 points, 808 rebounds and 398 assists, while Wisconsin Lutheran posted a 99-11 four-year mark. Knueppel is part of a Duke recruiting class that includes four first team selections, including Mr. Basketball USA Cooper Flagg.

F — Morez Johnson, Thorton (Harvey, Ill.) 6-9 Sr.

One of the nation’s most dominant interior players, Johnson made the most of his only season in a Wildcats’ uniform, leading Thorton to a 29-5 mark and the Class 3A Super-Sectionals. Johnson produced each night despite defenses geared to stop him, posting 29 double-doubles. He finished the seasons with norms of 17.2 ppg, 14.1 rpg, 3.5 apg, 3.4 bpg and 2.6 spg. For his efforts, Johnson was named Gatorade State POY and voted state Mr. Basketball by coaches and the media. This season was the third time he was named a first team IBCA all-state selection, with the first two all-state nods coming at St. Rita of Chicago. He had eight points, four rebounds and blocked a shot off the bench for Team USA in the Nike Hoop Summit.

C — Caleb Wilson, Holy Innocents (Atlanta, Ga.) 6-9 Jr.

One of the top 2025 prospects in the country, Wilson is a versatile talent who had a breakout junior campaign. Wilson can dominate the game in various fashions and is capable of triple-doubles with assists or blocked shots in any game he plays. For the season, Wilson averaged 20.8 ppg, 14.6 rpg, 4.7 apg and 4.4 bpg for a Holy Innocents team that finished 26-7 as the Class AAAA runner-ups. For his efforts, Wilson was named first five all-Georgia and the Class AAAA Player of the Year.

2023-24 All-American Second Team

G — Darius Acuff, IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.) 6-2 Jr.
G — Jalil Bethea, Archbishop Wood (Warminster, Pa.) 6-4 Sr.
G — Brayden Burries, Roosevelt (Eastvale, Calif.) 6-5 Jr.
F — K. Annor Boateng, Central (Little Rock, Ark.) 6-5 Sr.
F — Jacob Cofie, Eastside Catholic (Sammamish, Wash.) 6-9 Sr.
G — Brandin Cummings, Lincoln Park Performing Arts (Midland, Pa.) 6-3 Sr.
F — Donnie Freeman, IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.) 6-8 Sr.
G — Gicarri Harris, Grayson (Loganville, Ga.) 6-4 Sr.
F — Matthew Hodge, St. Rose (Belmar, N.J.) 6-8 Sr.
F — Jaxon Johnson, Alta (Sandy, Utah) 6-9 Sr.
F — Jamier Jones, Oak Ridge (Orlando, Fla.) 6-6 Jr.
F — Ryan Jones Jr., The Rock (Gainesville, Fla.) 6-8 Sr.
G — Cooper Lewis, Lehi (Utah) 6-2 Sr.
F — Jackson McAndrew, Wayzata (Plymouth, Minn.) 6-9 Sr.
G — Trey McKenney, St. Mary’s Prep (Orchard Lake, Mich.) 6-3 Jr.
F — Liam McNeeley, Montverde Academy (Montverde, Fla.) 6-7 Sr.
G — Paul McNeil, Richmond Senior (Rockingham, N.C.) 6-5
G — Juni Mobley, Wasatch Academy (Mt. Pleasant, Utah) 6-0 Sr.
F — Josiah Moseley, Stony Point (Round Rock, Texas) 6-8 Sr.
F — Trent Noah, Harlan County (Baxter, Ky.) 6-6 Sr.
G — Ahmad Nowell, Imhotep Charter (Philadelphia, Pa.) 6-0 Sr.
G — Tahaad Pettiford, Hudson Catholic (Jersey City, N.J.) 5-11 Sr.
G — Labaron Philon, Link Academy (Branson, Mo.) 6-4 Sr.
F — Billy Richmond, Camden (N.J.) 6-6 Sr.
F — Cameron Scott, Lexington (S.C.) 6-6 Sr.
C — Thomas Sorber, Archbishop Ryan (Philadelphia, Pa.) 6-9 Sr.
F — Bryson Tucker, Bishop O’Connell (Arlington, Va.) 6-6 Sr.
F — Dylan Warlick, Edmond North (Edmond, Okla.) 6-6 Sr.
G —Robert Wright II, Montverde Academy (Montverde, Fla.) 6-1 Sr.
F — Tounde Yessoufou, St. Joseph (Santa Maria, Calif.) 6-5 Jr.

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  1. High School Sports

    Section 7: Millennium & Owyhee Make History

    For the first time in the five-year history of the Section 7 Team Camp, an Arizona club won one of the top two divisions, as Millennium (Goodyear, Ariz.) went 4-0 during the prestigious June Scholastic Live Period event. Owyhee (Meridian, Idaho) also makes history capturing a team championship at the 2024 edition of the event held over the weekend at State Farm Arena in Glendale, Ariz.

    The Section 7 Team Camp is a staple on the NCAA’s June Scholastic Live Period calendar and sets the bar for how June live period events should be executed. When it comes to setting the bar for individual play, Cameron Boozer of Columbus (Miami, Fla.) set the bar extremely high in 2023 when he put on a virtuoso performance in leading his team to a major division title at the event and further cementing his status as one of the most productive high school players to come down the pike in recent memory.

    The 2024 edition of the must stop June event for college coaches, national scouts and high school teams in the West Region was a more wide open affair without a dominant top five type player leading a prohibitive favorite. With 160 teams from 12 states and well over 500 prospects who could garner some NCAA or NAIA interest at State Farm Stadium for the event put on by the Arizona Basketball Coaches Association, somebody was bound to step up and lead his team and help his recruiting stock in the process.

    The player who foot the bill in those areas was 6-foot-7 2025 (rising senior) Kingston Tosi of Millennium (Goodyear, Ariz.), who turned in a spectacular performance in leading the Tigers to a 69-58 victory over Archbishop Riordan (San Francisco, Calif.) in the title game of the Legacy Foundation Bracket. Tosi, who helped the Tigers reach the 2024 Arizona Interscholastic Association (AIA) open division title game, netted 31 points on 12-of-15 shooting from the field against a talented Riordan team. The talented scoring wing who excels with a variety of mid-range shots in Millennium’s offense, had 19 points at halftime as the Tigers held a 42-31 lead.

    Riordan cut its deficit to six points (56-50) when Tosi went to the bench with foul trouble, but Millennium quickly re-gained its form when he re-entered the game. Riordan, which defeated Redondo Union (Redondo Beach, Calif.) in its semifinal contest, 69-57, and defeated Sierra Canyon (Chatsworth, Calif.), 68-52, earlier in its Saturday quarterfinal game, started hunting jump shots down the stretch to get back in the game and they didn’t fall, as Millennium maintained their lead.

    Jasir Rencher, a 6-foot-6 2025 wing with a mature game who helped his stock immensely at this event, led three Riordan players in double figures with 16 points. Riordan finished the game 1-of-15 from 3-point range, while Millennium went through its offense and got its main players good looks from the field.

    “We work on our offense alot and work to get each other open,” said Tosi, who averaged 26.8 ppg and was credited with 12 blocks in four Section 7 games. Not only did Tosi average 26.8 ppg, he might have been the most efficient offensive player in the event in terms of taking quality shots.

    “With shooters like Cam (Holmes) and Quincy (Everson), it opens up looks for me and with the guys giving me confidence, it feels like no one can guard me. We’ll see if my phone blows up (with schools calling me.)”

    Tosi definitely will see an uptick in his recruitment after his Section 7 performance and for his teammate Cameron Holmes, the 6-foot-6 2026 (rising junior) who was an underclass All-American for a 25-6 club in 2023-24, this event solidified his status as one of the best 2026 wing prospects in the national junior class. He finished the title game with 22 points, including 2-of-3 3-pointers, and shined in high profile matchups earlier in the event.

    Holmes finished with 28 points, 10 rebounds and five assists in a 75-65 quarterfinal victory over Mater Dei (Santa Ana, Calif.) and its highly-regarded 2026 wing Brannon Martinsen. In the semifinals, the Tigers downed Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas, Nev.), a program that won major Section 7 division titles in both 2019 and 2022, 83-57, as Tosi made 7-of-12 field goals and 8-of-10 free throws en route to 23 points. Holmes and 6-foot-1 2025 Quincy Everson, finished with 18 and 15 points, respectively. Tosi got Millennium’s successful weekend off on the right foot on Friday when he made 15-of-21 shots from the field in a 38-point performance, as the Tigers downed St. Joseph (Santa Maria, Calif.), 84-79, in their first round matchup. Holmes finished with 18 points, eight rebounds, four assists, four blocks and four steals in his showdown with probable 2025 McDonald’s All-American Tounde Yessoufou

    With its 4-0 mark, Millennium became the first AIA club to capture a Section 7 championship in one of the two major divisions. Before this year, those divisions have been dominated by Bishop Gorman and Southern Section powers from the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF).

    Millennium being the first AIA program to be in the Section 7 spotlight is a fact Holmes did not sell short.

    “Oh my God, to go 4-0 it means alot,” said Holmes. “It means alot to have Section 7 here in this stadium, with all the college coaches and everything that is going on.”

    Millennium was not the only school to break through and earn a major Section 7 title. Owyhee (Meridian, Idaho) used terrific teamwork and outside shooting to capture the Legacy Foundation Bracket with a 83-64 victory over Oak Ridge (Orlando, Fla.). The visitors from Florida were the same program that lost to Columbus (Miami, Fla.) in the 2024 FHSAA Class 7A state title game and were impressive in making it to Sunday’s title game versus a school that has only been open for four years.

    The talent-laden Oak Ridge club carried only seven players, but impressed in its 75-71 semifinal victory over Harvard-Westlake (North Hollywood, Calif.), the defending CIF open champs and a team that lost to Columbus in the 2023 Section 7 top division title game. Perhaps the Pioneers were a bit weary playing their fourth game in three days with a limited bench, but Owyhee being a veteran, cohesive and talent-laden cub in its own right was probably the biggest factor in the outcome.

    The Legacy Foundation title tilt went back-and-fourth early and the team from Southwest Idaho that has been around a shorter period of time that Section 7 itself took a 38-33 halftime lead. Eventually, its crisp passing that led to open 3-pointers and bullish shots around the paint from 6-foot-7 2025 power forward Jackson Rasmussen led to Owyhee taking control of the game in the second half.

    Owyhee took a 44-33 lead on a conventional 3-point play by the Idaho-bound Rasmussen and never looked back from there. Rasmussen, who covers ground with the ball, has good defensive instincts and broad shoulders and can finish over both of them, had more than one conventional 3-point play and Owyhee was able to get to the spots around the key that is usually the prime real estate for success. Rasmussen finished with 24 points, six rebounds, three assists, two blocks and two steals for the Storm.

    While Rasmussen already has made a verbal commit to Idaho and is a terrific pick-up for the Vandals, Owyhee coach Andy Herrington is a bit perplexed (to put it mildly) 6-foot-3 2025 combo guard Boden Howell is not receiving more college interest. Herrington coins Howell a legitimate D1 basketball player and based on his performance in Arizona we whole-heartedly agree. He reports an offer from Portland, but his recruitment should pick up tremendously after Section 7 weekend.

    Howell, whose confidence permeates in all his movements on the floor and excels on corner 3-pointers and pull-ups, finished with 21 points, including 3-of-7 from 3-point range, and chipped in three assists versus Oak Ridge. Owyhee also got a big game from Logan Haustveit, a 5-foot-10 2026 guard who also excels on the gridiron. Haustveit, a terrific southpaw shooter, netted 18 points, including 4-of-9 3-pointers.

    As a team, Owyhee made 11-of-27 from 3-point range, while Oak Ridge only connected on 2-of-11. This was Owyhee’s fourth trip to Section 7 and to get the opportunity to win a championship in a top division was meaningful for its players and program. Incredibly, Owyhee traveled to Arizona for the first time for the event before the school even opened in the fall of 2021.

    “We play terrific team defense,” Howell said. “We definitely came here to let people know Owyhee can play some basketball and to prove we can play with anybody.”

    Oak Ridge was led by Providence-bound 6-foot-5 win Jamier Jones with 19 points. Speaking of Grid-Hoopers, C.J. Ingram, a 6-foot-5 2025 specimen who plays quarterback and will likely play another skill position at any college of his choice, might be the nation’s best. He showed at the recent Pangos All-American Camp and at Section 7 he could be a major contributor at a P5 school in hoops if he chose to. He was the most explosive athlete around the rim at this event, even hurdling an opponent for a dunk in its 60-55 quarterfinal win over Damien (La Verne, Calif.). Ingram, who led Hawthorne (Fla.) to state titles in both sports as a junior, finished with 13 points and eight rebounds for Oak Ridge.

    Ingram had 12 points, five rebound and three steals versus Damien, while contributing 13 points, six rebounds and three assists in the semifinal win over Harvard-Westlake. Jones and 6-foot 2025 guard Jalen Reece, the son of Oak Ridge head coach Steve Reece, each scored 18 points against Harvard-Westlake.

    Owyhee defeated Salesian (Richmond, Calif.), 58-48, in its semifinal contest as Howell led the way with 26 points. That result set up a third place game in the Legacy Foundation bracket that was a rematch of the 2024 CIF open division state title game in California. Some of the cast of characters were different, but it was still a meaningful “rematch”. Havard-Westlake had a 57-51 lead late, but Salesian’s Isaiah Davis, a 5-foot-10 2026 point guard, hit a clutch 3-pointer to tie the game with 10 seconds remaining. Harvard-Westlake’s Dominique Bentho, a 6-foot-8 2026 forward known for his work around the basket, then banked in a 14-footer from straightaway just before the buzzer sounded to give the Wolverines a 61-59 victory.

    In other Section 7 title games, St. Piux-St. Matthias (Downey, Calif.) defeated Mojave (North Las Vegas, Nev.), 83-74, in the Coco 5 Bracket. In the AZ Family Bracket, St. Anthony (Long Beach, Calif.) downed Clovis North (Clovis, Calif.), 53-51, as 6-foot 2026 guard Jayshawn Kibble nailed a 16-footer from the right wing right before time expired. In the Willeng Construction Bracket, Rolling Hills Prep (San Pedro, Calif.) defeated Campbell Hall (North Hollywood, Calif.), 67-50. In the Mayo Clinic Bracket, Crespi (Encino, Calif.) defeated Canyon (Anaheim, Calif.), 65-56.

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  2. High School Sports

    NBPA Top 100: Teamwork Makes Dream Work!

    The 30th annual NBPA Top 100 Camp closed out on Wednesday and a talented and unselfish Houston Rockets team closed out the four-day camp 9-0 after beating a talented New York Knicks team twice, including in the championship game. Camp is loaded with big men and 6-foot-10 Chris Cenac of Newman (New Orleans, La.) is named MVP among 110 campers.

    The purpose of the NBPA Top 100 Camp is to help in the development of the world’s elite high school-aged basketball players and give them a taste of what it is like to play in the NBA. The NBA is an exclusive group (there has been less than 5,000 NBA players all-time since the league’s inception) and this exclusive camp, held annual at the Disney Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, Fla., has featured some of the biggest names in basketball over the past 30 years, from the likes of Kevin Durant, Anthony Edwards, Jaylen Brunson, Kyrie Irving and James Harden, plus a plethora of other future pros.

    There is no doubt plenty from the 2024 crop of 110 campers will one day play in the NBA, but for now it was all about competing, learning and getting better, not to mention performing well in front of scouting representatives of every NBA team and hundreds of college coaches.

    There was roughly 11 players on each of the camp’s 10 teams coached by current or just retired NBA players going through a coaching mentorship program put on by the NBPA. The four-day camp was also one of attrition, as the participants play NBA regulation length games with NBA rules and on the last two days of the camp, each team played three games in a seven-hour period.

    When the dust settled, the Houston Rockets team used balance and teamwork to post a 9-0 record, the last one a 120-119 championship game victory over a New York Knicks team that came into the contest 6-2. It was actually the Rockets’ second victory over the Knicks, as they beat that team to start off the camp’s final day, 106-101, in a competitive game. Even though the Rockets were no stranger to the attrition themselves, they did a good job of taking quality shots, hitting their free throws in seven of nine games, and making timely 3-pointers, particularly by 6-foot-5 2025 (rising senior) point guard Brayden Burries of Roosevelt (Eastvale, Calif.) and 6-foot-8 2025 wing Shon Abaev of Calvary Christian Academy (Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.).

    The Rockets played the first contest versus the Knicks without Burries, who was arguably the top guard in attendance with his strong frame, powerful drives, timely passing, clutch shot-making and presence. Rockets coach Terrance Mann of the L.A. Clippers had others step up in his absence, as five players scored in double figures with two more on the 10-man roster going for nine points. Mike Williams, a 6-foot-1 2025 guard from Jackson Academy (Miss.) and the son of former NBA guard and Jackson State coach Mo Williams, particularly stepped up with 16 points, including 2-of-5 3-pointers and 6-of-6 free throws, to go along with six rebounds and four assists. Williams’ rebounding from the guard position, his instincts on defense and change of pace on offense was a huge lift for Mann all week at camp.

    Seven-foot-1 2025 center Malachi Moreno of Great Crossing (Georgetown, Ky.) matched up with all-star selection, 7-foot 2025 Eric Reibe of Bullis School (Washington, D.C.), and came up with a double-double of 16 points and 12 rebounds. The left-handed Reibe was the most effective player on the court with 25 points, including 3-of-6 3-pointers, and added six rebounds and two assists. Reibe has a terrific feel and plays a style similar to former Kansas great Raef LaFrentz but with more shooting range and more ground covering. Six-foot-8, 250-pound 2025 Zymicah Wilkins of Christ School (Arden, N.C.) had a great impact in both games versus the Rockets with his power game, motor and relentlessness in crunch time. Wilkins finished the first contest with 17 points.

    Burries returned for the eighth game, one in which Houston jumped out to a 29-10 lead over the Indian Pacers and never looked back in a 106-96 victory. He finished with 17 points, five rebounds and five assists. Moreno led seven in double figures with 19 points and eight rebounds. The center made all five of his free throws, but the rest of the Rockets were 8-of-18 in that second to last game.

    After shooting so well from the charity stripe in its first seven games, that performance was an omen for the final game, as weary free throw legs and the never-say-die attitude of the Knicks kept them in the championship contest in the second half after trialing by as many as 19 points early. The Rockets were without Elijah Williams, a 6-foot-6 2026 (rising junior) wing out of Brother Rice (Bloomfield Hills, Mich.) and the son of Detroit Pistons head coach Monty Williams, for the final two games and without Mike Williams in the championship rematch, but gutted out the one-point victory after building a 64-50 halftime lead by coming up with a defensive stop after Burries missed a free throw (worth two points) with under five seconds remaining in the game.

    Reibe hurt the Rockets, in the first contest, but was neutralized more in the rematch, finishing with 14 points and five rebounds while not attempting a shot from 3-point range. Moreno matched him with 11 points and 10 rebounds, as he finished the camp with three triple doubles while missing another by just one rebound. Moreno is a team-oriented player with a great pace and understanding of the game and once he gets into his offensive move and makes his decisions on the block quicker, he’s going to be an excellent college player. While Reibe was kept in check, the Rockets simply had no answer for Wilkins in the rematch, as he kept his team in it with relentless offensive rebounding, tough shot making on the move and even hit a key 3-pointer while the Knicks were making their second half run. He finished with 29 points and 14 rebounds and impressed college coaches and the NBPA Top 100 selection committee with his inspired play.

    Burries finished the title game with 24 points, including 4-of-6 3-pointers, despite missing six of 10 free throws. As a team, the fatigued Rockets made 14-of-32 free throws, but dug deep to make 10-of-20 3-pointers. The leading scorer for the victors was 6-foot-1 2025 point guard Acaden Lewis of Sidwell Friends (Washington, D.C.), who made 4-of-7 3-pointers and finished the title game with 25 points, five rebounds and eight assists. Lewis impressed college coaches with his crafty offensive package, ability to finish in either direction and dominate in the half court, particularly in pick-n-roll sets. The Rockets don’t go unbeaten without Lewis’ efforts, particularly his 26-point effort in a 117-112 win over a L.A. Lakers team that might have been the camp’s second most talented one. He made 4-of-9 3-pointers in that contest and was dominant enough to over the final two days to be selected to the camp’s 10-man all-star team.

    It’s hard to envision the Rockets going unbeaten without the contributions of 6-foot-9 power 2025 forward Sebastian Williams-Adams of St. John’s (Houston, Texas) as well. In the win over the L.A. Lakers, he had an incredible 11 offensive rebounds in a 18-point, 12-rebound performance and sealed the win a pass interception and close-out dunk. Twice he came up with a defensive play, steal and dunk to seal a win for his team and joined Burries and Lewis as Rockets players on the camp all-star team. Williams-Adams literally didn’t take a bad shot all week and had 20 points on 8-of-14 shooting in the championship game win. Williams-Adams is also a complete defender and for the week shot 61-of-94 (.648) from the field in nine camp games.

    Jerry Easter II, a 6-foot-4 2025 shooting guard from La Lumiere who was our top rated performer at the recent Pangos All-American Camp, had 12 points, eight rebounds and four assists for the Rockets in the title game. Easter also contributed key defense and steady ball-handling and didn’t force it much when the shots weren’t dropping. Six-foot-8 2026 forward Sebastian Wilkins also provided quality defense and good finishing around the rim for Mann’s team, 6-foot-10 2025 power forward Trent Steinour of Lake Norman (N.C.) showed potential as a rim-runner and flashes of pop around the rim, while 6-foot-9 2026 center Moustapha Diop of the Walker School (Powder Springs, Ga.) is oozing with potential as a shot blocker and long term impact college player with a bit more seasoning.

    “It was a great opportunity to be able to coach these guys that are eventually going to be playing against me in a couple years,” said Mann. “It was dope to see the high level of competition, and I was amazed by their skill and intelligence. These kids are special and the game is getting better and better.”

    The camp had talent at all positions, but was dominated by its interior play, as teams made it a point to get its pivots involved in its offensive sets. There was some terrific individual battles, as 46 campers were listed as being 6-foot-8 and taller. When it was completed, 6-foot-10 2025 Chris Cenac of Newman (New Orleans, La.) was named NBPA Top 100 Camp Most Valuable Player. Cenac’s combination of fluidity, versatility, size and length made him stand out from a group of highly-regarded campers.

    Cenac led the camp in rebounds (11.4) and finished third in blocks (1.6). All-star selection Meleek Thomas of Lincoln Park (Midland, Pa.), the recent Pangos All-American Camp MOP, was third in scoring (22.6) and first in assists (7.3). After winning two state title in Pennsylvania, Thomas recently accounted he’ll be spending his senior campaign with Overtime Elite.

    The scoring leaders in front of Thomas were 6-foot-5 wing Tounde Yessoufou of St. Joseph (Santa Maria, Calif.) at 23.1 and 6-foot-4 2025 wing Kiyon Anthony of Long Island Lutheran (Glen Head, N.Y.) at 28.5. Anthony is the son of future NBA Hall of Famer Carmelo Anthony.

    NBPA Top 100 Camp Top 5 Stock Risers

    Phillip Davis Fogle, AZ Compass Prep (Chandler, Ariz.) 6-8 SF 2025
    Acaden Lewis, Sidwell Friends (Washington, D.C.) 6-1 PG 2025
    Deron Rippey Jr., Blair Academy (Blairstown, N.J.) 6-1 PG 2026
    Zymicah Wilkins, Christ School (Arden, N.C.) 6-8 PF 2025
    Mike Williams, Jackson Academy (Jackson, Miss.) 6-1 CG 2025

    NBPA Top 100 Top 5 Rising Juniors

    Tajh Ariza, Westchester (Los Angeles, Calif.) 6-8 SF 2026
    Aliou Dioum, Accelerated Schools (Denver, Col.) 6-10 C 2026
    Caleb Holt, Buckhorn (New Market, Ala.) 6-4 PG 2026
    Jordan Smith, Paul VI (Chantilly, Va.) 6-3 SG 2026
    Qayden Samuels, Bishop McNamara (Forestville, Md.) 6-6 SF 2026

    2024 NBPA Top 100 Camp All-Star Team

    MVP: Chris Cenac, Newman (New Orleans, La.) 6-10 PF 2025
    Darius Adams, La Lumiere (La Porte, Ind.) 6-4 SG 2025
    Kiyon Anthony, Long Island Lutheran (Glen Head, N.Y.) 6-4 SG 2025
    Brayden Burries, Roosevelt (Eastvale, Calif.) 6-5 PG 2025
    Oswin Erhunmwunse, Putnam Science Academy (Putnam, Conn.) 6-10 C 2025
    Acaden Lewis, Sidwell Friends (Washington, D.C.) 6-1 PG 2025
    Eric Reibe, Bullis School (Washington, D.C.) 7-0 C 2025
    Qayden Samuels, Bishop McNamara (Forestville, Md.) 6-6 SF 2026
    Meleek Thomas, Lincoln Park (Midland, Pa.) 6-4 SG 2025*
    Sebastian Williams-Adams, St. John’s (Houston, Texas) 6-9 PF 2025
    Tounde Yessoufou, St. Joseph (Santa Maria, Calif.) 6-5 SG 2025

    *Meleek Thomas recently announced he will play at Overtime Elite in Atlanta for his senior season.

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  3. High School Sports

    Kiyan Anthony Shines at NBPA Top 100 Camp, Captivating NBA Scouts and Melo!

    Kiyan Anthony IMPRESSED NBA Scouts & Melo At NBPA Top100 Camp

    Kiyan Anthony IMPRESSED NBA Scouts & Melo At NBPA Top100 Camp

    Kiyan Anthony is certainly catching attention at the NBPA Top100 Camp, showcasing his skills with a standout performance. In one remarkable outing, he scored an impressive 34 points, leaving a lasting impression on both onlookers and NBA scouts, as well as his father.

    As we look forward to more from Kiyan, it’s clear that he is making his mark in the basketball community.

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