High School Boys Basketball Top 25

Four members of this week’s Xcellent 25 Boys Basketball Rankings presented by the National Guard nearly found out about the heartbreak of playoff hoops the hard way in recent days.
- In Florida, No. 11 Providence needed overtime and a big effort from Kentucky-bound Stacey Poole Jr. to get past Florida Air Academy and reach the Class 2A semifinals. Poole scored 10 of the team’s 13 points in the extra session.
- In Pennsylvania, No. 15 Plymouth Whitemarsh and No. 21 Penn Wood were pushed in district play. Penn Wood was down 10 points with two minutes to go against underdog Bensalem, but fought back for a 56-55 win.
- In Texas, No. 20 Wagner of San Antonio was on the other end of things, nearly blowing a 19-point lead against Pflugerville in the Class 5A round of 64 (area round).

Xcellent 25 National High School Boys Basketball Rankings
March 10, 2010
1. (1) Yates (Houston, Texas), 30-0
The Lions reached the round of 32 in Texas’ Class 4A state tournament with a pair of blowout wins last week. In bi-district play (first round) against Houston Sterling, senior guard Brandon Peters led a pack of six players in double figures with 17 points as Yates rolled 126-61. Friendswood didn’t fare much better in area round play as the Lions pounced 104-48. Houston Jones will be the opponent Monday in regional quarterfinal action.

2. (2) Northland (Columbus, Ohio), 20-0
Junior guard Trey Burke scored 17 points and dished out nine assists as Northland dominated Marysville in its playoff opener, 71-31. Senior Player of the Year candidate Jared Sullinger added 15 points and eight rebounds as the Vikings advanced to face Ashville Teays Valley on Saturday in the District 3 semifinals.

3. (3) Bloomington South (Bloomington, Ind.), 20-0
The Panthers capped the regular season with a dominant performance against Indianapolis Decatur Central, winning 86-41. Bloomington South’s win streak stands at 46 games – the second-longest in Indiana history behind Lawrence North’s 50 in a row from 2005-06. Head coach J.R. Holmes’ squad opens sectional play Friday against Columbus East.

4. (4) Paterson Catholic (Paterson, N.J.), 26-0
The Cougars handled Paterson Kennedy 80-61 on Saturday night to capture the Passaic County Tournament for the third year in a row. Guards Myles Mack and Kyle Anderson combined for 40 points in the win, which put an exclamation mark on an undefeated regular season.

5. (5) St. Benedict's Prep (Newark, N.J.), 20-1
Regular season complete. An appearance in the ESPN Rise National High School Invitational (April 1-3) is likely for the Gray Bees.

6. (6) Mater Dei (Santa Ana, Calif.), 28-1
The Monarchs will face Etiwanda on Saturday in the CIF Southern Section Division I-AA championship game. Mater Dei blasted Los Alamitos (80-60) and Moreno Valley Rancho Verde (94-58) last week, respectively, to earn a shot at its 20th section title under head coach Gary McKnight.

7. (7) Ames (Ames, Iowa), 23-0
The Little Cyclones opened the postseason with an 87-45 thumping of Mason City behind 23 points from – guess who – Harrison Barnes. Ames goes for its 50th-straight win tonight against Des Moines North.

(8) Christ School (Arden, N.C.), 37-1
The Greenies notched their fourth NCISAA 3A state title in as many years with a 78-59 win over Charlotte Christian on Saturday night. Tony Kimbro paced Christ School in the championship game with 18 points and five assists. The Greenies expect to be part of the field at the National High School Invitational.

9. (9) Sts. Neumann & Goretti (Philadelphia, Pa.), 23-1
Wake Forest-bound guard Tony Chennault scored 23 points to lead the Saints past Philadelphia St. Joseph’s Prep in a Catholic League playoff semifinal, 74-60. Neumann-Goretti meets Radnor Archbishop Carroll on Monday for the championship.

10. (10) Findlay Prep (Henderson, Nev.), 29-2
Despite news painting an uncertain future for the program, Findlay Prep clobbered Westwind Prep of Phoenix (120-106) and Las Vegas Impact Academy (120-65) over the weekend to close out the regular season. Senior guard Cory Joseph cemented his status as an All-American by averaging 29.5 points, 10.0 rebounds and 9.5 assists in the Friday-Saturday double-dip. The Pilots captured last season’s inaugural National High School Invitational and will be back to defend their title.

11. (11) Providence (Jacksonville, Fla.), 29-1
The Stallions barely survived a Class 2A regional final matchup with Melbourne Florida Air Academy on Saturday night, getting a game-high 20 points from Kentucky-bound wing Stacey Poole Jr. in a 62-59 overtime win. Syracuse-bound 7-footer Fab Melo and Weston Sagemont will be the opponent in the FHSAA semifinals Friday in Lakeland.

12. (12) Bellaire (Houston, Texas), 33-1
The Cardinals cruised into Class 5A regional quarterfinal play with easy wins over Houston Eisenhower (115-50) and Katy Mayde Creek (71-39) last week. Junior Texas Longhorn commitment Sheldon McClellan sparked the offensive barrage against Eisenhower with 28 points. Bellaire faces Alief Elsik on Monday night with a trip to the round of 16 on the line.

13. (13) Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas, Nev.), 30-2
The Gaels won five games in seven days to capture their second-straight Class 4A state title, beating North Las Vegas Canyon Springs 69-48 in the final. Senior reserve Taylor Spencer, a Nevada-Las Vegas football signee, led Gorman with 19 points against Canyon Springs. Head coach Grant Rice’s squad dominated in the postseason much the same way it has all year, winning by an average of 22.4 points per game.

14. (14) Half Hollow Hills West (Dix Hills, N.Y.), 20-0
Bay Shore was billed as a threat to the unbeaten Colts in a Suffolk AA semifinal game Sunday night, but the trio of brothers Tobias and Tyler Harris and Tavon Sledge thwarted the upset bid in a big way. Led by Tyler Haris’ 23 points and a 32-8 third-quarter advantage, Half Hollow Hills West crushed Bay Shore 96-48. Tobias Harris and Sledge combined for 42 points. It was all Tobias Harris last Tuesday in an 80-63 win over Copiague as the Tennessee-bound senior scored 27 points, pushing his career total past 2,000.


15. (15) Plymouth Whitemarsh (Plymouth Meeting, Pa.), 24-1
The Colonials are through to the District 1 Class AAAA semifinals after wins over Fort Washington Upper Dublin (58-51) and Media Penncrest (39-22). Plymouth Whitemarsh overcame stall ball against Penncrest. The teams combined for just five points in the second quarter and the score at halftime was just 17-8 in favor of PW. Next up is West Chester Rustin.

16. (16) Detroit Country Day (Beverly Hills, Mich.), 17-1
A blowout win Saturday night over Saginaw Arthur Hill – ranked No. 3 in Michigan’s Class A media poll – gave the Yellowjackets their seventh-straight win following a late January loss. Junior Amir Williams, a 6-10 post player, scored a game-high 17 points for DCD against Arthur Hill to help turn the heavily-anticipated showdown into an 84-61 victory. Wednesday against Detroit Denby Tech, senior All-American candidate Ray McCallum registered 22 points, eight assists and five rebounds as Country Day came away with a 75-64 victory.

17. (17) Oak Hill Academy (Mouth of Wilson, Va.), 28-3
Uncommitted senior Doron Lamb continued his late-season surge with 20 points in a 79-65 win over Benedictine (Richmond, Va.) on Saturday night at the inaugural Massey Cancer Center Classic. The Warriors have won 28 games or more in 19-straight seasons dating back to 1992.

18. (18) St. Patrick (Elizabeth, N.J.), 23-3
The Celtics used arguably their most impressive performance of the year Saturday night to capture the Union County Tournament. Facing a Plainfield program that entered the game with a 21-2 record, Kyrie Irving poured in 30 points to spark an 82-45 whipping. A federal court date today will decide the program’s postseason fate after being banned from the state tournament in February by the NJSIAA.

19. (19) Montverde Academy (Montverde, Fla.), 22-4
The regular season is complete for the Eagles. Expect Montverde Academy to earn a spot in the National High School Invitational.

20. (20) Wagner (San Antonio, Texas), 35-1
After leading by as many as 19 points in the area round against Pflugerville, Wagner needed some clutch free-throw shooting down the stretch to hang on for a 77-75 win. Senior Jordan Clarkson scored 28 points to help the Thunderbirds set up a regional quarterfinal meeting with San Antonio Churchill tonight.

21. (21) Penn Wood (Lansdowne, Pa.), 21-3
The Patriots had to overcome a 10-point deficit in the final two minutes for a 56-55 win over Bensalem on Tuesday, but found the going a little easier in a 74-52 victory over Neshaminy on Saturday. Junior wing forward Aaron Brown scored 26 points in the latter contest, which sent Penn Wood to the PIAA District 1 Class AAAA semifinals against Souderton.

22. (23) Westchester (Los Angeles, Calif.), 26-3
The Comets have won 19 of 20 games after bullying fellow Los Angeles schools Fremont (84-48) and Washington (90-53) in City Section playoff action. Westchester meets Woodland Hills Taft for the section title Saturday.

(24) St. Anthony (Jersey City, N.J.), 22-2
It should come as no surprise with Bob Hurley on the bench, but the Friars have put opponents on lockdown since the beginning of February. St. Anthony has allowed just 34.8 points per game in six wins since Feb. 2, including a 57-32 clinic last Wednesday against a solid Long Island Lutheran program from Brookville, N.Y. Lutheran managed just 12 points in the second half.

24. (25) DeMatha (Hyattsville, Md.), 26-3
The Stags atoned for an earlier loss to Gonzaga (Washington, D.C.) with a 73-69 win over the Eagles last Monday. Indiana-bound wing Victor Oladipo led DeMatha with 26 points against Gonzaga. Three nights later against Our Lady of Good Counsel (Olney, Md.), the storied Washington Catholic Athletic Conference program closed out its regular season with a 79-65 win behind 15 points apiece from Oladipo and junior guard Quinn Cook. The game marked DeMatha’s final game at Morgan Wootten Gymnasium.

25. (NR) Melrose (Memphis, Tenn.), 29-4
The Golden Wildcats notched a pair of big wins last week, beating White Station 71-64 for the AAA District 16 title on Tuesday, then opening the Region 8 AAA playoffs with a 74-51 win over Germantown on Saturday. Melrose, winners of seven in a row, will face Memphis Southwind next in the Region 8 AAA semifinals.

2009 MaxPreps All-American High School Football Team

The 2009 MaxPreps All-American Football Team features the nation's top high school players from all across the country.

The MaxPreps 2009 Player of the Year will be released on Monday, Jan. 11.
Da'Rick Rogers, WR, 6-2, 210, Calhoun (Ga.), Senior, Georgia

Rogers set a state record with a whopping 85 receptions and 1,641 receiving yards, but he really made a name for himself in the playoffs, carrying Calhoun to the AA final by catching 37 passes for 707 yards and 10 touchdowns in five games. He finished with 22 receiving TDs.

Kyle Prater, WR, 6-5, 210, Proviso West (Proviso, Ill.), Senior, USC

The 6-5, 210-pound Prater hauled in 64 passes for 1,151 yards and 13 scores, earning him first-team all-state recognition.

Greg Dent, WR, 6-0, 175, Glades Central (Belle Glade, Fla.), Senior, Florida State

One of the most impressive players in the talent-laden area of south Florida, Dent had a monster senior campaign. He finished with 54 catches for 1,387 yards and 14 TDs. He also added two special teams touchdowns.

Austin Seferian-Jenkins, TE, 6-7, 250, Gig Harbor (Wash.), Junior

A monstrous target at 6-7, Seferian-Jenkins was remarkably productive, with 60 receptions for 1,050 yards and 10 TDs. He earned all-state honors for his work.

Seantrel Henderson, OL, 6-8, 310, Cretin-Derham Hall (St. Paul, Minn.), Senior, Undecided

Henderson, the nation's top overall recruit and the AP State Player of the Year, helped pave the way to a state title for the Raiders.

Ja'Waun James, OL, 6-6, 285, North Gwinnett (Suwanee, Ga.), Senior, Tennessee

James was the leader on an offensive line that helped the Bulldogs to a 12-1 record. He was also named to the AAAAA all-state team.

Jake Alexander, OL, 6-2, 270, Jenks (Tulsa, Okla.), Senior, Tulsa

Jenks' potent ground game was due in large part to the work of Alexander, a four-year starter and the region co-player of the year.

Tuni Kanuch, OL, 6-1, 285, Bingham (South Jordan, Utah), Senior, BYU

Kanuch was Utah's 5A MVP, after leading Bingham to a state title and opening up holes for star running back Harvey Langi.

Evan Washington, OL, 6-5, 285, DeSoto (Texas), Senior, LSU

A 5A first-team all-state selection, Washington didn't allow a sack all season. The son of former NFL player Marvin Washington.

Dylan Favre, QB, 5-11, 195, St. Stanislaus (Bay St. Louis, Miss.), Senior, Undecided

It was an amazing season for Favre, who broke several state records en route to leading St. Stanislaus to a 4A state title. He amassed 341 completions on 539 attempts for 5,511 yards and 63 touchdowns to power the Rock-a-Chaws.

Christian LeMay, QB, 6-3, 195, Butler (Matthews, N.C.), Junior

LeMay led the nation's No. 3 team to a 15-0 season, including two convincing wins over longtime nemesis Independence. He was 170-of-248 passing for 3,926 yards and 44 touchdowns. He was only intercepted twice.

Malcolm Jones, RB, 6-0, 215, Oaks Christian (Westlake Village, Calif.), Senior, UCLA

The Los Angeles Daily News Player of the Year, Jones was the workhorse on a successful Oaks Christian squad that lost only once. He rushed 236 times for 2,470 yards and 40 touchdowns while also making contributions as a linebacker on defense.

K. P. Parks, RB, 5-7, 190, West Rowan (Mount Ulla, N.C.), Senior, Virginia

Parks owns the North Carolina state record for rushing yards in a season and in a career, with 3,794 and 10,895, respectively. He found the end zone 59 times this year on 407 carries, as West Rowan captured its second straight 3A title.

Herschel Sims, RB, 5-10, 185, Abilene (Texas), Junior

Sims was a first-team all-state selection in 5A after rushing for 2,346 yards and 35 scores on 252 carries. He was the catalyst for an Abilene team that captured a 5A-II state title and finished No. 2 in the country.

Dillon Baxter, ATH, 6-0, 205, Mission Bay (Calif.), Senior, USC

Baxter did it all for Mission Bay, accounting for a state-record 76 touchdowns for the 13-0 Buccaneers. Playing primarily at quarterback, he rushed 261 times for 2,974 rushing yards and 50 TDs, setting a section record for yardage. He completed 102 of 166 passes for 1,736 yards and 25 touchdowns.

Zach Hocker, K, 5-11, 170, Russellville (Ark.), Senior, Undecided

Also playing punter for Russellville, Hocker did it all with his leg. He nailed 15 of 23 field goal attempts, with a long of 52. Only five of his kickoffs were returned this season. Named the Defensive Player of the Year by the Arkansas Democrat.

First Team Defense

Jadeveon Clowney, DL, 6-6, 240, South Pointe (Rock Hill, S.C.), Junior

One of the nation's most impressive juniors, Clowney compiled 144 tackles and 23 sacks. The 6-6 defensive end was the Charlotte Observer Defensive Player of the Year as well as the Rock Hill Herald Player of the Year.

Jacques Smith, DL, 6-2, 235, Ooltewah (Tenn.), Senior, Tennessee

An all-state selection, Smith became the first player to win Tennessee's Mr. Football Lineman award twice. Fighting constant double teams, he totaled 57.5 tackles and 8.5 sacks.

Jackson Jeffcoat, DL, 6-5, 233, Plano West (Plano, Texas), Senior, Undecided

Jeffcoat piled up numerous local awards after a fine conclusion to an outstanding career. In 2009, he registered 87 tackles and 8.5 sacks. He also intercepted two passes, blocked two picks and forced three fumbles. He was the 8-5A Defensive Player of the Year.

Sharrif Floyd, DL, 6-3, 310, Washington (Philadelphia), Senior, Undecided

The top player in Philadelphia this season, Floyd was flat-out dominant. More than half of his 60 tackles were for a loss. He also blocked five punts and a field goal.

Matt Elam, LB, 5-10, 190, Dwyer (Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.), Senior, Florida State

A difference-maker on both sides of the ball, Elam recorded 75 tackles on defense to go along with his 27 touchdowns from the running back position. He is expected to play safety in college.

Jordan Hicks, LB, 6-2, 210, Lakota West (West Chester, Ohio), Senior, Undecided

Hicks was the Ohio Division 1 Player of the Year. He finished with 96 tackles and scored a defensive touchdown off an interception.

William Gholston, LB, 6-6, 245, Southeastern (Detroit), Senior, Michigan State

Perhaps no defensive player was more disruptive than the 6-7 Gholston, who pounded opposing quarterbacks with 31 sacks. He also caused 10 fumbles, blocked two punts, and had an interception.

Corey Nelson, LB, 6-1, 200, Skyline (Dallas), Senior, Texas A&M

Nelson took home honors as 5A's Defensive Player of the Year; he was the leader on a Skyline defense that allowed less than 14 points per game.

C.J. Mosley, LB, 6-2, 220, Theodore (Ala.), Senior, Undecided

With 186 tackles, seven sacks, four interceptions and five fumble recoveries, Theodore was the 4A-6A Defensive Player of the Year, in addition to being the 6A Lineman of the Year.

Robert Woods, DB, 6-1, 170, Serra (Gardena, Calif.), Senior, USC

Woods could have made this team as a wide receiver, with 1,115 yards and 15 TDs. However, he was equally dominant on the defensive side of the ball, compiling eight interceptions to go along with 96 tackles.

Nick Perry, DB, 6-2, 190, Prattville (Ala.), Senior, Alabama

The Montgomery Advertiser Player of the Year, Perry made 49 tackles and had six sacks for the 6A runner up Lions. He was also recognized as the 6A back of the year.

Demarco Cobbs, DB, 6-2, 205, Central (Tulsa, Okla.), Senior, Texas

Cobbs starred at defensive back, quarterback and on special teams as he was named the Tulsa World's Player of the Year. Accounted for 28 touchdowns on the season, including six on kickoff returns. Also had 68 tackles on defense although he could play a number of different positions at the next level.

Keenan Allen, DB, 6-3, 195, Northern Guilford (Greensboro, N.C.), Senior, Alabama

Offensively, Allen amassed an astounding 53 total touchdowns, but he was a star on defense. He made 145 tackles and eight interceptions in earning all-state honors.

Matt Darr, P, 6-2, 210, Frontier (Bakersfield, Calif.), Senior, USC

Darr averaged nearly 43 yards per punt, with a long of 71. Also one of the top discus throwers in the country, Darr is a two-time all-area performer.

Second Team Offense

Robert Joseph, WR, 5-9, 170, Northwestern (Rock Hill, S.C.), Junior

A first-team all-state selection, Joseph set a state record with 150 receptions. He finished with 1,843 receiving yards and 20 TDs.

Tai-ler Jones, WR, 6-0, 180, Gainesville (Ga.), Senior, Notre Dame

A favorite target of quarterback Blake Sims, the speedy Jones made 76 catches for 1,399 yards and 18 scores. Sims was selected as a member of MaxPreps' Georgia all-classification all-state team, joining fellow All-American Da'Rick Rogers.

Tobias Singleton, WR, 6-2, 180, Madison Central (Madison, Miss.), Junior

The Clarion Ledger Metro Player of the Year, Singleton was a threat to score whenever he touched the ball. He caught 55 passes for 890 yards and notched 12 receiving touchdowns.

Xavier Grimble, TE, 6-5, 245, Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas), Senior, USC

Grimble staked his claim as one of the nation's top tight ends by catching 39 passes for 709 yards in Bishop Gorman's potent offensive attack. He added nine touchdowns, was a 4A all-state selection and the Southwest District Offensive MVP.

James Hurst, OL, 6-5, 285, Plainfield (Ind.), Senior, North Carolina

Indiana's All-West Player of the Year, the 6-5 Hurst was a force to be reckoned with on offense and defense for Plainfield, which finished with an 8-4 record.

Matt James, OL, 6-8, 280, St. Xavier (Cincinnati, Ohio), Senior, Undecided

The 6-4 James was a first-team Division I all-state selection after plowing through defensive lines around Cincinnati all season long.

Tyler Grubbs, OL, 6-6, 277, Highlands (Fort Thomas, Ky.), Senior, Miami (Ohio)

Highlands had an amazing 2009 campaign and Grubbs was a key factor to the Bluebirds' success. He was an all-state selection, as his work in the trenches allowed Highlands to roll up 3,865 yards on the ground.

Christian Lombard, OL, 6-6, 280, Fremd (Palatine, Ill.), Senior, Notre Dame

An all-state selection, Lombard enjoyed an impressive senior season, as Fremd made it to the 8A quarterfinals.

Nick Rowland, OL, 6-4, 295, Centennial (Peoria, Ariz.), Senior, Oregon

Recognized as Arizona's top senior lineman, Rowland was instrumental in the success of Centennial's potent ground attack.

Scotty Young, QB, 6-3, 190, Ryan (Denton, Texas), Senior, Texas Tech

Young's prolific passing numbers were too good to ignore. He was 288-of-453 for 4,470 yards and 64 TDs and was a 4A all-state selection.

Phillip Sims, QB, 6-1, 215, Smith (Chesapeake, Va.), Senior, Alabama

Sims closed a storybook career at Smith by completing 175 of 283 passes for 2,690 yards and 36 touchdowns to power a Tigers squad that was nationally ranked for much of the season. His 10,725 yards passing and 119 touchdowns are both state records.

Tony Jones, RB, 5-8, 180, Don Bosco Prep (Ramsey, N.J.), Senior, Undecided

The quintessential big-game player, Jones thrived in the spotlight for Don Bosco Prep, the nation's top team. He rushed 174 times for 1,387 yards and 34 TDs, a team record. He was the state's offensive player of the year.

Marcus Lattimore, RB, 6-0, 210, Byrnes (Duncan, S.C.), Senior, Undecided

Playing a brutal schedule that featured games against Aquinas (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.) and two against state champion Dorman, Lattimore was still able to manage 1,898 rushing yards on 260 carries and scored 31 touchdowns on the ground. He was South Carolina's Mr. Football award winner.

Matt Perez, RB, 5-11, 200, Maine South (Park Ridge, Ill.), Senior, Indiana

Despite losing quarterback Charlie Goro to Vanderbilt, Maine South was able to repeat as 8A state champions thanks to the superb play of Perez. He rushed 192 times for 2,246 yards and 34 TDs, including five in the state title game.

Gavin Webster, ATH, 5-10, 200, Lutcher (La.), Senior, Undecided

Webster put up video game numbers in his senior season, completing 191 of 279 passes for 2,962 yards and 38 scores. He added 171 rushing attempts for 1,350 yards and 26 scores on the ground, as Lutcher enjoyed a fine season in 2009.

Carey Spear, K, 5-10, 165, Mayfield (Cleveland, Ohio), Senior, Undecided
Spear was a first-team all-state selection and had 13 field goals, including a state-record 61-yarder, to his name.


Second Team Defense

James Wilder Jr., DL, 6-3, 220, Plant (Tampa, Fla.), Junior

Wilder was probably the best all-around player in the Tampa area, excelling at linebacker and running back for state champion Plant. Wilder compiled 19 sacks, six pass deflections and four forced fumbles.


Reggie Wilson, DL, 6-4, 240, Haltom (Haltom City, Texas), Senior, Texas

The 3-5A Defensive MVP, Wilson made a habit of finding his way into the backfield, piling up 60 tackles, 25 of which went for loss. He also had nine sacks and 25 QB pressures.


Shawn Green, DL, 6-1, 273, Grayson (Loganville, Ga.), Senior, Georgia Tech

Green, the Gwinnett County Defensive Player of the Year and an all-state selection, was a key cog in Grayson's stingy defense. He finished with 16 tackles for a loss, four sacks and one interception.


Nduka Onyeali, DL, 6-1, 240, Mullen (Denver, Colo.), Senior, Arizona State

Mullen's defense was nearly impenetrable, and Onyeali was a big reason why. Onyeali totaled 97 tackles and 15 sacks as the Mustangs captured the 5A state title.


Jason Meehan, LB, 6-4, 240, Webster Groves (Mo.), Junior

For 5A state champion Webster Groves, Meehan did it all. Meehan recorded 145 tackles, six sacks and four fumble recoveries and received 5A Defensive Player of the Year honors.


Max Bullough, LB, 6-3, 210, St. Francis (Traverse City, Mich.), Senior, Michigan State
The Division 7-8 Player of the Year, the 6-4 Bullough punished opposing offenses with 137 tackles and four sacks. St. Francis' defense allowed only 82 points in 14 games.


Ronald Powell, LB, 6-4, 240, Rancho Verde (Moreno Valley, Calif.), Senior, Undecided

Powell is one of the nation's most sought-after recruits, and with good reason. The 6-4 specimen averaged over 10 tackles a game and finished with seven sacks, as he was named the Inland Valley League MVP.

D.J. Welter, LB, 6-1, 220, Notre Dame (Crowley, La.), Senior, LSU

Louisiana's 3A all-state player of the year, Welter helped power the Pioneers to a state title. He broke up five passes, recorded four sacks and finished with 143 tackles.

Emmanuel Maxwell, LB, 5-11, 200, Midwest City (Okla.), Senior, Undecided

It was a year of mind-boggling stats for Maxwell, who tallied 179 tackles, 10 sacks and two interceptions. Perhaps most impressively, Maxwell blocked eight punts.

Alec Ogletree, DB, 6-3, 210, Newnan (Ga.), Senior, Georgia

The county and region player of the year, Ogletree was a one-man wrecking crew in the secondary for Newnan, a AAAAA semifinalist. His finest moment was a last-second blocked field goal that preserved a playoff win against Grayson.

Airek Green, DB, 6-1, 200, Thomas Dale (Chester, Va.), Senior, Undecided

Green, a AAA first-team all-state selection, was a key player for the Division 6 state champs. He was the Richmond area player of the year and had 10 sacks to go along with two interceptions.

Keanon Lowe, DB, 5-10, 170, Jesuit (Portland, Ore.), Senior, Washington

Lwoe was selected as Oregon's Defensive Player of the Year for his work at free safety, but he was also a star on offense, where he rushed for 20 touchdowns and added seven more as a receiver.

Cody Riggs, DB, 5-9, 165, Aquinas (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.), Senior, Florida

Riggs was named the the 4A-5A-6A Defensive Player of the Year by the Sun-Sentinel, receiving the award over nationally acclaimed teammate and fellow cornerback Lamarcus Joyner. Riggs had four interceptions and blocked four kicks for the Raiders.

Michael Palardy, P, 6-1, 175, Aquinas (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.), Senior, Tennessee

In his few opportunities, Palardy did an excellent job of securing field position for Aquinas. He averaged 45 yards per punt, and in his kicking duties, was 10-of-13 on field-goal attempts, with 49 touchbacks.

2009 Top 100 High School Football Teams

2009 Top 100 High School Football Teams
www.yahoosports.com

Team City State Record Pvs.
1 St. Thomas Aquinas Ft Lauderdale FL 0-0 1
First game: 8/29 Upper Arlington (Ohio).
2 Byrnes Duncan SC 0-0 2
First Game: 8/28 Central Gwinnett (Georgia).
3 Allen Allen TX 0-0 3
First Game: 8/28 No. 47 Longview
4 Elder Cincinnati OH 0-0 4
First game: 8/29 No. 26 East St. Louis (Illinois).
5 Grayson Loganville GA 1-0 5
Grayson opened the season with a 14-10 win over then-No. 38 Camden County.
6 Katy Katy TX 0-0 6
First game: 8/29 No. 29 North Shore.
7 Oscar Smith Chesapeake VA 0-0 7
First game: 8/28 Venice (Florida).
8 Peachtree Ridge Suwanee GA 0-0 8
First game: 8/28 Harrison.
9 John Curtis River Ridge LA 0-0 9
First game: 9/4 Mandeville.
10 Oaks Christian Westlake Village CA 0-0 10
First game: 9/4 Alemany.
11 Northwestern Miami FL 0-0 11
First game: 9/4 Carol City
12 Prattville Prattville AL 1-0 12
Defeated Carver 37-0.
13 Colerain Cincinnati OH 0-0 13
First game: 8/28 St. Xavier (Ohio)
14 Madison Central Madison MS 1-0 16
Stock Rising Madison Central showed it is legit and could end this year in the top 10. It opened the season with a 28-16 against a good Hattiesburg team.
15 DeMatha Hyattsville MD 0-0 15
First game: 9/5 Riverside Baptist
16 Cedar Hill Cedar Hill TX 0-0 17
First game: 8/29 DeSoto
17 Penn Hills Pittsburgh PA 0-0 14
First game: 9/4 Gateway
18 Centennial Peoria AZ 1-0 18
Defeated McQueen (Nevada) 51-20.
19 Poly Long Beach CA 0-0 19
First game: 9/3 Servite
20 Skyline Sammamish WA 0-0 20
First game: 9/5 No. 79 Jesuit (Oregon)
21 Pahokee Pahokee FL 0-0 21
First game: 9/4 No. 95 Atlantic
22 Don Bosco Prep Ramsey NJ 0-0 22
First game: 9/12 No. 25 De La Salle (California)
23 Union Tulsa OK 0-0 23
First game: 9/4 Broken Arrow
24 Miami Central Miami FL 0-0 24
First game: 9/4 Mainland
25 De La Salle Concord CA 0-0 25
First game: 9/4 Serra
26 East St. Louis East Saint Louis IL 0-0 26
First game: 8/29 No. 4 Elder (Ohio)
27 Lakeland Lakeland FL 0-0 27
First game: 9/11 Winter Haven
28 Mullen Denver CO 0-0 28
First game: 8/29 Eaglecrest
29 North Shore Houston TX 0-0 29
First game: 8/29 No. 6 Katy
30 Notre Dame Sherman Oaks CA 0-0 30
First game: 9/7 No. 56 Klein Oak (Texas)
31 James Madison San Antonio TX 0-0 31
First game: 8/28 O'Connor
32 Lowndes Valdosta GA 0-0 33
First game: 8/28 Woodland
33 Lakewood Lakewood CA 0-0 34
First game: 9/4 No. 57 Crenshaw
34 Booker T. Washington Miami FL 0-0 36
First game: 9/4 Killian
35 Glenville Academic Campus Cleveland OH 0-0 37
First game: 8/29 No. 61 St. Ignatius
36 St. Xavier Louisville KY 0-0 39
First game: 8/28 Ballard
37 Lutheran Orange CA 0-0 40
First game: 8/30 Pickerington Central (Ohio)
38 Hoover Hoover AL 0-0 41
First game: 8/28 Gardendale
39 South Panola Batesville MS 1-0 42
Defeated Petal 38-0
40 Dwyer West Palm Beach FL 0-0 43
First game: 9/4 Glades Central
41 West Monroe West Monroe LA 0-0 44
First game: 9/4 Leesville
42 Inkster Inkster MI 0-0 45
First game: 8/28 Pioneer
43 State College Area State College PA 0-0 46
First game: 9/4 Hollidaysburg
44 Stevenson Livonia MI 0-0 47
First game: 8/27 Cousino
45 Hamilton Chandler AZ 0-0 48
First game: 8/27 St. Mary's
46 Alta Sandy UT 1-0 82
Stock Rising A major win over Cottonwood, 59-20, pushed them into the top 50 and to the No. 1 spot in Utah.
47 Longview Longview TX 0-0 49
First game: 8/28 No. 3 Allen
48 Moeller Cincinnati OH 0-0 50
First game: 8/29 Winton Woods
49 Jenks Jenks OK 0-0 51
First game: 9/4 Bixby
50 Camden County Kingsland GA 0-1 38
Lost to No. 5 Grayson 14-10.
51 Hightower Missouri City TX 0-0 52
First game: 8/28 Eisenhower
52 Good Counsel Olney MD 0-0 53
First game: 9/4 Valhalla (New York)
53 Brophy Prep Phoenix AZ 0-0 54
First game: 8/28 Deer Valley
54 Lakes Lakewood WA 0-0 55
First game: 9/4 Bonney Lake
55 Armwood Seffner FL 0-0 56
First game: 9/4 Newsome
56 Klein Oak Spring TX 0-0 57
First game: 8/28 Cypress Creek
57 Crenshaw Los Angeles CA 0-0 58
First game: 9/4 No. 33 Lakewood
58 De La Salle Warren MI 0-0 59
First game: 8/29 Ford
59 Westfield Chantilly VA 0-0 60
First game: 8/29 Stone Bridge
60 Grant Sacramento CA 0-0 61
First game: 9/4 Montgomery
61 St. Ignatius Cleveland OH 0-0 62
First game: 8/29 Glennville
62 Bellevue Bellevue WA 0-0 63
First game: 9/4 Marriot (British Columbia, Canada)
63 Independence Charlotte NC 1-0 64
Stock Falling A narrow 42-41 escape over Mallard Creek may refocus the Patriots.
64 Cathedral Catholic San Diego CA 0-0 65
First game: 9/4 Steele Valley
65 Manatee Bradenton FL 0-0 66
First game: 9/4 Bayshore
66 Wayzata Plymouth MN 0-0 67
First game: 9/3 Eastview
67 Trinity Louisville KY 0-0 68
First game: 8/28 Lawrence North (Indiana)
68 Niceville Niceville FL 0-0 69
First game: 9/3 Lincoln
69 Columbine Littleton CO 0-0 70
First game: 9/4 Heritage
70 Southeastern Detroit MI 0-0 71
First game: 9/4 Cody
71 Osbourn Manassas VA 0-0 73
First game: 8/28 Forrest Park
72 Stony Point Round Rock TX 0-0 74
First game: 8/27 Alamo Heights
73 Liberty Bethlehem PA 0-0 75
First game: 9/4 North Penn
74 Highlands Fort Thomas KY 1-0 76
Defeated DuPont Manual 19-8.
75 Rock Hill Rock Hill SC 0-0 77
First game: 8/28 Wando
76 Neville Monroe LA 0-0 78
First game: 9/4 Ouachita Parish
77 Skyline Dallas TX 0-0 79
First game: 9/4 Kimball
79 Varina Richmond VA 0-0 80
First game: 9/11 Dinwiddie
80 Ensworth Nashville TN 1-0 83
Won in overtime 22-20 over Oakland. Kicking is a serious issue.
81 Oak Grove Hattiesburg MS 1-0 35
Stock Falling Defeated Bassfield 30-20, but lost three quarterbacks in doing so. Line play is a serious concern.
82 Garland Garland TX 0-0 84
First game: 8/28 Kimball
83 Gainesville Gainesville GA 0-0 85
First game: 8/28 Chestatee
84 Shiloh Christian Springdale AR 0-0 86
First game: 8/28 Evangel Christian (Louisiana)
85 Iowa City Iowa City IA 0-0 87
First game: 8/28 Wahlert
86 Blue Springs Blue Springs MO 0-0 88
First game: 8/28 Lee's Summit West
87 Butler Matthews NC 1-0 89
Defeated Mt. Tabor 35-14.
88 Hutchinson Hutchinson KS 0-0 90
First game: 9/4 Rockhurt (Missouri)
89 St. Peter's Prep Jersey City NJ 0-0 91
First game: 9/12 St. Joseph's
90 Oakland Murfreesboro TN 0-1 72
Stock Falling Losing a tough game to Ensworth in overtime does not knock them out of the top 100. They can still run the table in Tennessee.
91 Ben Davis Indianapolis IN 1-0 92
Defeated St. Joseph's 40-7
92 Arrowhead Hartland WI 0-0 93
First game: 8/28 Hale
93 Linganore Frederick MD 0-0 94
First game: 9/4 Wright
94 Mayfield Las Cruces NM 0-0 95
First game: 8/27 Chapin (Texas)
95 Atlantic Delray Beach Fl 0-0 96
First game: 9/4 No. 21 Pahokee
96 Millard West Omaha NE 0-0 97
First game: 8/28 Millard North
97 Palo Verde Las Vegas NV 0-0 98
First game: 8/28 Spring Valley
98 Hinsdale Central Hinsdale IL 0-0 99
First game: 8/28 Wheaton Warrenville South
99 Bishop McDevitt Harrisburg PA 0-0 NR
RivalsHigh 100 debut First game: 9/5 Harrisburg
100 Xaverian Brothers Westwood MA 0-0 100
First game: 9/11 Malden Catholic

High School Girl Dunks with Power

High School girl Dunks at Will. She dunks with power, force and doesn't need a running start.

Breaking sports news video. MLB, NFL, NBA, NHL highlights and more.

High School Kid Scores 11 Points in 46 Seconds

High School Kid Scores 11 Points in 46 SecondsThis is pretty amazing for a high school kid!!!!!

Breaking sports news video. MLB, NFL, NBA, NHL highlights and more.

The Nation's #1 Recruit, Terrelle Pryor has a Big Decision to Make as Signing Day Nears

February 6, 2008, could be the shot heard round the world all over again. The nation's number one high school football recruit must chose where to continue his career. Will it be Ohio State, Michigan, LSU, or Oregon? That's what everyone is asking themselves right now.

I have never seen an athlete that has captured the entire state of Ohio and Michigan like Pryor has done. What will he do, who will he chose? That's all you hear, and see on the web. I honestly think he is starting to toy with these schools by saying who is in the lead and wearing their clothing. He wore a Michigan sweatshirt before the High School All-American game, then placed a Buckeye Leaf on his helmet. So, you tell me, is he getting too cocky, or over his head, is his true colors starting to unfold before all of us that believe he will be the savior?

He says he would also like to play basketball. He is a tremendous talent and a top 100 basketball player (scouts inc), but is he really going to play hoops and take the chance of losing millions of dollars by getting hurt? What do you think? How many coaches will be HONESTLY willing to take that chance? I am sure they are all going to tell him that he can play both right away, but in the end, he will be playing football and only football.

I believe there have been plenty of number one quarterbacks coming out of high school and end up falling flat on their face. Jimmy Clausen anyone........ I don't think Pryor will fall, but someone will need to keep a close eye on him. Sometimes these players seem to get way ahead of themselves. Maurice Clarette????

In the end, I think Terrelle Pryor will be a tremendous asset to any football program, but it is going to take a great coach to truly bring out the best in a pre-madonna. If he goes to my beloved Buckeyes then great. If he doesn't, then I will not lose any sleep over it at least not until late November when a certain team comes to visit the Horseshoe.