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20 Best High School Basketball Teams In The Nation

By Abhay Acharya / 29 December 2023 09:51 AM

Source : instagram

The high school basketball season is underway, with young athletes from all over the country competing for championship honors.

The Link Academy Lions basketball was named last season's GEICO National champions after a 73-55 victory over the AZ Compass Prep basketball program.

Besides the Lions, here's a glimpse into the contenders for the title of best high school basketball team in the nation.

Source : twitter

  • 2022-23 Season: 27-1
  • Location: Branson, Missouri

Though the Link Academy Lions is a relatively new high school in Branson, Missouri, its basketball program has already established itself as one of the best in the nation.

Link Academy went on an incredible 27-1 run in their second season, which included a win at the esteemed GEICO Nationals.

This dominant performance cemented their position as the No. 1 team in the nation, according to ESPN's SCNext Top 25 rankings.

With a team entire of elite prospects and a head coach in Bill Armstrong, Link Academy's explosive offense and intimidating defense left rivals flat-eyed.

2. Montverde Academy Basketball

Source : twitter

  • 2022-23 Season Record: 23-3
  • Location: Montverde, Florida

Montverde Academy Eagles in Florida are a formidable opponent in high school basketball. Consistently ranked among the nation's best, the Eagles have earned their reputation for producing top-tier talent and championship-caliber teams.

Montverde has an outstanding record; the team has won six national titles in the last ten years alone (2013, 2014, 2015, 2018, 2021, and 2022)

Some of the most talented young athletes in the nation have been drawn to them because of their commitment to player development and winning culture.

3. Duncanville Basketball

Source : twitter

  • 2022-23 Season Record: 29-1
  • Location: Duncanville, Texas

Ranking third in ESPN's top 25 list, the Duncanville Panthers Basketball is a perennial powerhouse, consistently ranking among the best in the nation.

The Panthers were a force to be reckoned with, clinching three state titles in a row (2020, 2021, and 2022), showcasing their exceptional teamwork and skill.

The Panthers' explosive offense, spectacular dunks, and domineering defense make their games an incredible show for spectators.

4. AZ Compass Prep Basketball

Source : twitter

  • 2022-23 Season: 24-6
  • Location: Chandler, Arizona

AZ Compass Prep, the fiery Dragons from Chandler, Arizona, has dominated the high school basketball scene, claiming the title of one of the best teams in the nation.

Victories over giants like Montverde Academy and Sunrise Christian during the 2022-23 season cemented their status as contenders.

5. Long Island Lutheran Basketball

Source : twitter

  • 2022-23 Season: 22-3
  • Location: Brookville, New York

Long Island Lutheran (LuHi) basketball is a titan in its own right, routinely ranked among the best high school teams in the nation.

Boasting a lineup with future college basketball players like V.J. Edgecombe, Kayden Mingo, Kiyan Anthony, and Nigel James, LuHi plays in a class apart.

This team is honed by the head coach, John Buck, who demands excellence and fosters a winning culture.

6. John Marshall Basketball

Source : rvahub

  • 2022-23 Season: 28-0
  • Location: Richmond, Virginia

The John Marshall Justices weren't messing around in 2023 with their dominant defense and explosive offense.

This Richmond, Virginia powerhouse etched its name in history as the nation's undisputed best high school basketball team.

They didn't just win. They crushed the competition, finishing the season undefeated at 28-0. They left opponents in the dust with an astounding 85.1 points on average per game.

7. St. Paul VI Basketball

Source : twitter

  • 2022-23 Season: 31-4
  • Location: Chantilly, Virginia

The St. Paul VI Panthers, as they're called, have built a reputation for producing talented players, winning championships, and showcasing an exciting brand of basketball.

There are several reasons why St. Paul VI basketball is so successful. A crucial component of the program is its capacity to draw in and nurture gifted participants.

Numerous Panthers players have gone on to have prosperous collegiate careers; a few have even made it to the NBA.

8. Sunrise Christian Basketball

Source : facebook

  • 2022-23 Season: 22-8
  • Location: Bel Aire, Kansas

For some years, Bel Aire, Kansas-based Sunrise Christian Basketball has been recognized among the country's top high school basketball teams.

Their stellar performance history, excellent roster, and winning culture cemented their place as a dominant force in the prep basketball landscape.

As the 2023-2024 season unfolds, Sunrise Christian remains a top contender for national championship honors.

9. IMG Academy Basketball

Source : facebook

  • 2022-23 Season: 18-8
  • Location: Bradenton, Florida

IMG Academy basketball is a draw for elite talents, as seen by their roster like Blue Cain and Jamier Jones.

Their NBA-caliber coaching staff and top-notch facilities turn undeveloped talent into polished stars.

They've produced about 16 NBA draftees, incorporating two in the 2022 draft alone. With their sights set on the GEICO National Championship, IMG Academy is more than just a high school team.

10. Prolific Prep Basketball

Source : facebook

  • 2022-23 Season: 35-2
  • Location: Napa, California

Nestled in the picturesque Napa Valley, California, lies Prolific Prep, a basketball program unlike any other.

Prolific Prep's reputation precedes itself. Its alumni list reads like a who's who of rising NBA stars, including Jalen Green, Josh Jackson, and Gary Trent Jr.

The current roster boasts a collection of phenoms like Mikey Lewis, Atticus Day, and Tyran Stokes, all projected as high-level Division I recruits and potential future NBA draft picks.

11. Harvard-Westlake Basketball

Source : twitter

  • 2022-23 Season: 33-2
  • Location: Studio City, California

Harvard-Westlake High School's basketball team, the Wolverines, has been making serious noise in the national high school basketball scene in recent years.

The Wolverines have a team full of very skilled players. Several of their players are already being pursued by elite Division I universities, and their starting lineup includes some of the country's most talented and athletic athletes.

12. Centennial Basketball

Source : instagram

  • 2022-23 Season: 30-4
  • Location: Corona, California

Centennial High School has a rich basketball tradition, consistently producing teams that rank among the nation's best.

The Huskies have regularly participated in prestigious national tournaments, making deep runs and even claiming victories against some of the country's top high school teams.

They utilize an athletic and skilled roster to run the floor, create scoring opportunities, and put on a show for the fans.

13. Imhotep Charter Basketball

Source : instagram

  • 2022-23 Season: 30-3
  • Location: Philadelphia

The Imhotep Charter Panthers have established themselves as a national powerhouse, consistently churning out talented players and racking up championships.

The Panthers boast seven PIAA Class 4A state, eight Philadelphia Public League, and five city championships.

These accolades are a testament to the program's dedication to excellence, both on and off the court.

14. Columbus Basketball

Source : instagram

  • 2022-23 Season: 26-4
  • Location: Miami

Spearheaded by five-star talent Cameron Boozer, the Columbus Explorers boast a potent blend of offensive firepower and defensive tenacity.

The team consistently outshines opponents with smart team play, relentless hustle, and an unwavering competitive spirit.

Coach Andrew Moran's leadership has also been instrumental, crafting a system that maximizes his players' strengths.

15. Camden Basketball

Source : instagram

  • 2022-23 Season: 23-2
  • Location: New Jersey

Consistently ranked among the nation's elite, Camden Basketball boasts a legacy of raw talent and electrifying play.

For decades, their hardwood court has been a breeding ground for future NBA stars. The likes of D.J. Wagner and Dajuan Wagner are just a few names etched in the annals of Camden's basketball royalty.

Their lightning-fast breaks, thunderous dunks, and pinpoint 3 pointers leave audiences breathless.

16. St. John's College HS basketball

Source : facebook

  • 2022-23 Season: 32-4
  • Location: Washington, D.C.

St. John's College High School boasts a basketball program that consistently ranks among the nation's best. 

The Cadets' success can be attributed to their ability to attract and develop exceptional talent. The program has produced numerous Division I and professional players.

The current roster is packed with promising young players like Geremy Clark, Jon Barton, and Finley Billy, who are being scouted by top colleges across the country.

17. Sidwell Friends Basketball

Source : wtop

  • 2022-23 Season: 29-4
  • Location: Washington, D.C.

The Sidewell Friends Quakers, as they're known, boast a rich history and a reputation as one of the nation's best high school basketball programs.

Three DCSAA State Championships under their belt speak volumes about their consistent dominance within the region.

Head Coach Eric Singletary, along with his experienced staff, provides players with top-notch guidance and mentorship.

18. Ben Davis Basketball

Source : instagram

  • 2022-23 Season: 33-0
  • Location: Indianapolis

With four state championships, numerous Final Four appearances, and a passionate fan base, the Ben Davis Giants have cemented their place in Indiana high school basketball history.

Firstly, Ben Davis consistently attracts talented players from the Indianapolis area, a hotbed for basketball talent.

Secondly, the school has a strong coaching tradition, with legendary coaches like Gayle Towles and Steve Witty laying the foundation for future success.

Finally, the Giants play an exciting, up-tempo style of basketball that is both effective and fun to watch.

19. Perry Basketball

Source : instagram

  • 2022-23 Season: 30-1
  • Location: Gilbert, Arizona

While not consistently ranking among the absolute top teams in the nation, the Perry Pumas' recent achievements and overall talent suggest they're definitely a force to be reckoned with.

Perry captured their first-ever AIA Open Division state championship in 2023, and they're currently gunning for a repeat performance this season.

The Pumas boast a roster brimming with skilled players, including several college prospects.

20. Lake Highlands Basketball

Source : instagram

  • 2022-23 Season: 34-3
  • Location: Dallas, Texas

The Lake Highlands Wildcats from Dallas, Texas, are no strangers to hardwood dominance. The program fosters a culture of dedication, teamwork, and unwavering commitment to improvement.

While they may not currently hold the #1 spot in every national ranking, their recent achievements and talented roster have many considering them a top contender.

The Highlands recently captured the Texas 6A state championship, their first since 1968. They finished the season with a stellar 24-game win streak and took down powerhouse teams like Beaumont United in the finals.