(Compiled by StudentSportsBasketball.com Senior Editor Doug Huff & Senior Writer Mark Tennis. Intro written by StudentSportsBasketball.com Managing Editor Ronnie Flores who also contributes to the Rivals.com FAB 50. Mike Loveday of MDVarsity.com also provides additional write-ups, which include final 2006-2007 won-loss record & FAB 50 ranking where applicable.)

Ever since it was announced that Duncanville High of Texas would tangle with defending FAB 50 national champion Oak Hill Academy right before Christmas, Lone Star State prep basketball followers have been giddy in anticipation for the start of the 2007-2008 season.

The reason they are so excited is that the Panthers not only have the players to run with Oak Hill, but a talented enough team to claim the first mythical FAB 50 national title from Texas since the Chris Bosh-led Dallas Lincoln club in 2002 as they claim the No. 1 rating in the 2007-2008 Rivals.com Preseason FAB 50 National Rankings.

Last season's EA SPORTS National Coach of the Year, Phil McNeely, welcomes back nine lettermen form a club that defeated Kingwood, 60-46, to win the Class 5A state title. And with 6-foot-9 transfer Will Brown also in the fold this season, this unit could be McNeely's best team yet.

Brown is a banger in the mold of former Maryland All-American Buck Williams and the top scoring threat is 6-foot-6 Shawn Williams, one of the nation's top juniors who averaged 14.5 points per game on a balanced team. Another top-notch junior is 6-foot-5 Roger Franklin, who averaged 10 points and is considered one of the top 100 players in his class nationally.

The floor general is 5-foot-9 Brian Talley, who returns with averages of 9.7 points and 5.5 assists, while depth and leadership is provided by 6-foot-5 Kevin Butler, the state tournament MVP last season.

Last season's state title was the third for McNeely at Duncanville since 1991 with the other one coming from 1999. He sports a 639-171 career record and is the son of the late and legendary Pampa coach Clifton McNeely. Although Oak Hill will travel to Texas for its match up with the Panthers, the Warriors are used to playing on the road in hostile environments so Duncanville has to show the talent it has on paper can translate into wins against national-level programs.

What can the defending FAB 50 national champion do for an encore after posting back-to-back 40-1 record seasons? Oak Hill, which has won 96 of its last 98 games, retains only one starter in 6-foot-1 point guard Brandon Jennings, an Arizona recruit, but has reloaded with transfers to the small private school. Coach Steve Smith, who has guided six national title teams and has a 22-year record of 684-40, welcomes in 6-foot-9, 280-pound Keith Gallon from Texas and wing Malik Story (6-4) from California and a USC recruit. From Ohio is 6-2 sophomore Pe'Shon Howard while 6-7 junior Glenn Bryant hails from Michigan. It will probably be a three-guard attack for the Warriors, which has been successful in previous seasons.

Five touted foreign-born transfers will join five returning veterans from an unbeaten team as this Sunshine State private school is loading up for a shot at the FAB 50 mythical title. The lead returnee in the backcourt is 6-foot point guard Dashan Harris (11.1 ppg, 10 apg), a native of California who's headed to Texas A&M. Other veterans are senior Femi Akinpetide (6-6) and junior Nick Diatta (6-8). The rangy newcomers include 7-foot Johannes von Schoenfeldt, 6-11 Egor Shakhemtov, 6-9 Steve Tchiengang, 6-8 Kadeem Green and 6-5 Dmitry Zimin. Six-foot-5 Washington State commit Marcus Capers is also in the mix after averaging 17 ppg. at Lake Region of Polk County. Sutton is a former assistant under Montrose Christian's Stu Vetter and last year Montverde Academy posted a win over Vetter's squad.

The Mustangs have reloaded with new players to go with three talented junior veterans who should contend for the FAB 50 national title. Veteran coach Vetter feels he has 10 solid players for a rotation that could give most teams fits. The juniors are third-year starter Terrell Vinson (6-6), Tristan Spurlock (6-7) and Isaiah Armwood (6-8). Senior Brandon Rascoe (6-4) was sixth man last season and 5-9 junior Micah Fraction also saw action. The newcomers include two rangy Nigerians in 7-foot, 245-pound junior Brian Ameka Orum and 6-10 senior Temidayo Adebayo. Two other transfers include 6-2 junior Dominic Milburn and 6-3 senior Kevon Moore. Sophomore Kieth Crockett (6-3) also is in the mix.

St. Patrick's won the Tournament of Champions for the second consecutive year in New Jersey and Boyle was selected as 2007 State Coach of the Year. St. Patrick's participates in the NIKE Extravaganza in California on Feb. 4 and is scheduled to face FAB 50 No. 10 Fairfax. In state, the Tournament of Champions could feature an exciting match up against FAB 50 No. 6 St. Anthony's, which was handed its only loss last season by the Celtics. These two teams have a history as the Celtics knocked the Friars out of the North Jersey Non Public B tournament last season. The Celtics are anchored by 6-3 Dexter Strickland, who averaged 10 points per game and 6-6 Paris Bennett. Running the point again this season is 5-10 Jermel Jenkins, who averaged 7.1 assists per game while dropping six points per game on opponents. With a schedule that includes FAB 50 No. 2 Oak Hill, St. Patrick's will be battle tested by the time it seeks a third straight state title.

Hurley may have one of the more potent lineups in the nation this season with five Division I athletes on the roster. Rutgers commit Mike Rosario highlights the roster of experienced players that lost only one game last season. St. Anthony's looks to avenge that sole loss, which was to St. Patrick's, in the North Jersey Non Public B tournament. Along with Rosario , St. Anthony's also returns Tyshawn Taylor and Jiovanny Fontan plus St. Joseph bound A.J. Rogers. Dominic Cheek rounds out the roster and is a top junior prospect who gives the Friars depth at guard.

The Blue Devils have been a state, and national, contender the last five years and this season should be no different. Norcross will seek a third straight state Class 5A crown with a roster that includes two returning starters plus three contributing reserves plus two touted newcomers. The team is anchored by 6-8 all-stater Al-Farouq Aminu, a Wake Forest recruit and junior All-America honoree. Aminu averaged 13.7 points and 9.5 rebounds last season. The other returning regular is 6-1 junior guard Taariq Muhammad (6.1 ppg, 5.9 apg). Other veterans include 6-3 senior Taylor Killian and a pair of juniors – Prince Kent (6-4) and Denzail Jones (5-10). The newcomers are 6-6 senior transfer A. J. Hawkins and promising junior Quinton Square (6-1).

The Lions return as the defending California Div. I state champions and open up the season as slight favorites in the talent-laden L.A. City Section over a loaded Taft club and Western League rival Westchester. Four of the top seven players return for veteran coach Harvey Kitani, including 6-foot-2 senior Chris Solomon (11.5 ppg, 2.5 apg) and athletic 6-foot-6 junior Solomon Hill (8.5 ppg, 6.5 rpg). The returnees and Kitani's track record alone would make Fairfax one of the top teams in California, but what makes the Lions more of a favorite to win their third state title in five years is the arrival of 6-foot-10 junior Renardo Sidney. Last season he helped Artesia of Lakewood win a Div. III state title by averaging 18.6 points and nine rebounds per game while at times looking like the most dominant player in the state. Fairfax might drop a game or two early but once Sidney jells with the veterans -- including 6-foot-2 junior Lance Bailey and 6-foot-4 senior Darius Singletary -- watch out. Depth will be provided by juniors Wesley White (6-6) and Kendrick Thomas (6-6) plus sophomore newcomers Donte McFrazier (6-0) and Dre Coleman (6-1).

The Eagles return nine players, including three senior starters, from a team that went unbeaten in the regular season before suffering their only loss in the state Division 1 semifinals. The anchor is 6-foot-8 southpaw forward Delvon Roe, a Michigan State recruit who was named EA SPORTS National Junior of the Year. Roe averaged 20.5 points last season. Other veterans on hand include 6-8 center Tom Pritchard, an Indiana recruit who averaged 11.6 points last season, and 6-2 point guard Frankie Dobbs (5.1 ppg).

When Lincoln is mentioned, one name might come to mind, Lance Stephenson. The 2006 EA SPORTS National Freshman of the Year was last seen putting up 20 points and 15 rebounds as Lincoln won the Class AA Federation state title last season with Stephenson again being named the top player nationally in his class. According to head coach "Tiny" Morton, this year's team could be even better. Three transfers -- junior James Padgett, junior Vincent Council and senior Reggie Davis -- give this year's team versatility and athleticism that will give Morton options. The Railsplitters will be able to play a big or small lineup, depending on their competition and with guard Devon McMillian pushing the offense the team will be able to stretch the court. What may take some time early in the season is for Morton to find a seven-man rotation that works every night. The team's biggest game amongst a schedule that takes them to Louisville, North Carolina and Ohio may be the Jan. 25 game against preseason FAB 50 No. 11 St. Benedict's (N.J.).

Samardo Samuels will once again lead the Grey Bees, whose only loss last year was to FAB 50 No. 5 St. Patrick (N.J.). The University of Louisville commit has improved every year and this year should be no different. The 6-9 forward is continually a power in the paint and proved it again during the fall's iS8/Nike Tip-Off Fall Classic during which he led the way his team with 29 points in its first game. Adept from 15 feet and showing an increasing ability to move with the ball and take his man one-on-one has Samuels looking the part of a future NBA player. Complimenting Samuels is 6-2 junior Tamir Jackson, which gives St. Benedict's a strong front line. A big game for the Grey Bees, who do not compete it their state tournament, is a Jan. 25 game against FAB 50 Lincoln (NY).

The Dolphins got a booster shot last summer when 6-3 junior Marcus Jordan transferred from Loyola Academy. The son of NBA legend Michael Jordan will join a talented veteran cast including senior guards Bryan Hall and A. J. Rompza and promising 6-foot-2 junior Chris Colvin. A key up front is 6-8 junior Stanford Brown. A trio of sophomores also are in the mix – Anthony Johnson, Ahmad Starks and Franklin Griffin. Johnson already is receiving major college attention.

Rice finished last season as the runner up to FAB 50 No. 10 Lincoln in the Class AA Federation Tournament, and also returns a core group of athletes, including Connecticut bound Kemba Walker. Walker runs the point and averaged 14 points per game last season. The senior's maturity has improved with games over the summer and fall. The Raiders will be hurt some by the recent transfer of Lamont "Momo" Jones and his 12 ppg to American Christian of Pennsylvania, but they should still have one of the best backcourts in the East. Also back with Walker is 6-1 Chris Fouch and 6-2 junior Durand Scott. Walker is not a flashy player, but Rice needs a consistent presence to run the point in head coach Maurice Hicks' offense and that is what Walker provides. Turnover does not seem to be in the 6-2 guard's vocabulary and with quick hands and feet he manages to wreck havoc with opposing ball-handlers.

The defending state Class A champion Trojans remain the team to beat in Michigan with three starters returning from the title club. Anchoring the roster is 6-foot-7 all-stater Draymond Green, a Michigan State recruit who averaged 25 points, 13 rebounds and six assists as a junior. Returning in the backcourt are point guard Daniel West (6-1), a Bradley recruit with junior norms of 10 points, nine assists and six steals a game, plus 6-1 junior Mike Green (11 ppg). Also back is sixth man Will Marlow (6-2). Others expected to contribute are 6-2 sophomore Christian Dawkins and 6-3 senior Courtney Washington.

With one of the nation's top rebounders and shot blockers flanked by experienced starters, the Monarchs start out No. 1 in Northern California and No. 1 for the state for schools in Division II (Fairfax is Division I). Mitty lost in last year Div. II state final in overtime to Mater Dei and had two points inadvertently taken off the scoreboard earlier in the game. UCLA-bound Drew Gordon headlines the cast of returnees. He's a 6-foot-9 four-year starter who routinely goes up beyond the box on the glass to swat shots or grab rebounds. Also back is 6-5 shooting guard Collin Chiverton (headed to St. Mary's), 6-8 forward Enoch Andoh (Bucknell) and 5-8 point guard Chris Weber. Junior John Adams also is returning. He's a 6-4 forward who was all-league as a sophomore.

All five starters are back from a squad that was 20-4 and in contention for the L.A. City Section title until it was hit with 16 forfeit losses. The Toreadors possibly would have been No. 1 preseason in the talent-laden section if Renardo Sidney had not transferred over to Fairfax. Head coach Derrick Taylor won his first title on the shoulders of L.A. Lakers guard Jordan Farmar back in 2004 and although this club doesn't have a Farmar, it does have superior depth as all five starters return plus eight of the top 10 players. Leading the way is North Carolina recruit Larry Drew Jr. (14.8 ppg.), already a two-time all-city selection who teams with 6-foot-2 junior defensive whiz Justin Hawkins (UNLV verbal) to give Taft one of the best backcourts in the state. Last season, Taylor coached at the McDonald's All-American Game in Louisville and this season Drew just might play in that game in Milwaukee. The other three starters -- 6-6 senior Eugene Phelps (Long Beach State), 6-1 junior Bryce Smith, and 6-5 junior Terran Carter -- were all double digit scorers and first team all-league selections. Add 5-foot-10 Michael Williams from a 22-3 JV team plus LaVerne Christian transfer Cody Terry and you have the makings of a juggernaut, although a lack of size could be a hindrance.

Pickett describes this year's Chester team as interchangeable. The team has five players who can play multiple positions and with four starters and its top eight players returning from a team that went to the state championship, experience is also a factor. This year's team is hungry and after holding the state's No. 1 ranking and losing in the title game, it's been working hard in the off-season to prepare for another run. Last year's starting point guard, Karon Burton, is back and the 5-9 athlete will have Nasir Robinson and Rahlier Jefferson back. Pickett said the biggest difference between this year and last year's team is its quickness. This year the team gains quickness with the tremendous improvement of two-guard Kevin Green-Germany and Alonzo Jones. Nine to 10 players will be played every night which gives the team needed experience and depth heading into the playoffs, but to get there the team will have at least one hurdle. On Feb. 2. Chester plays FAB 50 No. 30 Roman Catholic.

The Dons won the California Div. II state title in 2004 and lost in the SoCal regional final in 2005, but slipped noticeably the last two seasons from the dominance usually displayed by Russell Otis-coached teams. This is the season Dominguez likely returns to national prominence as the program might have its most depth since Tyson-Chandler led teams in 1999 and 2000. Although a dominant post presence like Chandler isn't around on this team, the Dons do potentially have a 20 ppg. scorer in 6-foot-7 Dorsey of Los Angeles transfer Jordan Hamilton. A third team all-state selection last season, Hamilton is often listed as one of the top 10 juniors in the country but may play only one season for Otis. Also returning to the fold is 6-foot-8 junior Aaron Moore, who spent most of last season at Riverside Poly after playing for the Dons as a freshman. At one time, Moore was considered one of the top 10 players in his class nationally. Dominguez was dominant in the summer and has young players in its program who would be potential starters at most other schools. That excellent depth is provided by the likes of seniors Cameron Nettles (6-5) and Darren Turpin (6-4), juniors Myron Green (6-3) and Thurman Woods (6-5) plus sophomores Chayson Williams (6-3) and Kevin Smith (6-0).

The Wolverines lost three key players, including All-America guard Derrick Rose, from a two-time state Class AA title team but was reinforced last summer when 6-foot-9 Stanley Simpson transferred in to join two key holdovers. They are point guard Kenyon Smith, an Illinois State recruit, and 6-6 Pierre Sneed. Another transfer is 6-6 Steve Walker, a Northern Illinois recruit. A pair of newcomers also are in the playing time mix. They are Josh Anderson, the son of ex-NBA player Nick Anderson, and Brandon Orange.

This could be one of the best teams ever from Utah and the Knights could get a chance to prove that by playing a more national schedule this season, including their appearance on Dec. 27-29 at the T-Mobile Invitational in New Mexico where they could face St. Anthony of New Jersey. Headlining a group of experienced players is 6-4 junior guard Tyler Haws, who was MVP of last year's Class 5A state playoffs where he shot 69 percent on three-pointers. In the state final, when Lone Peak drubbed Riverton, 68-43, the leading scorer was 6-7 Bracken Funk, who also returns this year and is headed to Fresno State. Also back is 6-9 Justin Hamilton (Iowa State) and 6-7 Josh Sharp, who also could end up with a Division I ride.

The ranking stock of the state Class 3A private school rose last summer when 6-foot point guard Kenny Boynton transferred in after leading Ely of Pompano Beach to the state Class 6A crown last season. Boynton, the runner-up for EA Sports National Sophomore of the Year and state overall Player of the Year, averaged 29.1 points and four assists. He will join two of his summer teammates from an AAU team that won a national tournament title -- center Eloy Vargas (6-10) and transfer Ray Taylor. Other major contributors should be 6-6 junior Sudan native Bok Bok, 6-8 transfer Jake Wheeler and 5-10 junior Everton Chin.

After EA SPORTS and McDonald's All-American Darrell Arthur moved on to the University of Kansas following the 2005-2006 season, some felt the Bears would be down in 2006-2007 but SOC responded by winning its third consecutive Class 4A title with a 54-42 victory over Beaumont Ozen. SOC is shooting for an unprecedented fourth consecutive large school state title with 6-foot-10 senior center J' Mison Morgan leading the way. Morgan, a defensive stalwart who averaged four blocks, nine rebounds and 14 points per game, was an all-area selection by the Dallas Morning News and is considered one of the two best senior college prospects in the state. Rounding out South Oak Cliff's stellar frontcourt is 6-foot-6 Brandon Jones and 6-foot-5 Baron Brown. The Bears, who lost twice to defending 5A state champ Duncanville last season, welcome back four other lettermen to aid their pursuit of a fourth consecutive title.

Although Mr. Basketball Taylor King now plays at Duke University, the returning players gained enough experience along the way and should make a run at defending the Monarchs' Div. II state title. In fact, all four of Mater Dei's losses last season were to teams that finished in the FAB 50 top 12 and the Monarchs might be more balanced not having to rely on points from King. Six-foot-10 twins Travis and David Wear return for their junior season much improved and are expected to develop into go-to offensive players. Another junior, 6-foot-7 Andy Brown, will be a full-time starter and at times last year in the Monarchs' big games played like the second best player on the club. Moving into the starting role at point guard for three-year starter Kamyron Brown is 6-foot-1 sophomore Gary Franklin, who has the potential to be a better player than the Oregon recruit. Depth will be provided the likes of seniors Blake Arnett (6-0) and Jamaal Trice (6-5) and sophomore Michael Pierce (6-0).

The defending state Class 6A champion Rattlers got some unexpected help since school opened. DeMarcus Cousins, a 6-foot-10 junior ranked among the nation's top underclassmen, moved in after playing at Birmingham Erwin last season. He joins four players from a team that lost only to three FAB 50 ranked teams last season. The only returning starter is rangy 6-foot-5 wing Nick Williams, a Marquette recruit. Other senior veterans include 6-7 touted DeMario James plus 6-6 center James Buford and 6-4 forward Melvin Payne.

Four senior starters and three key reserves remain from last season's state Class 4A runner-up squad that enters the season No. 1 ranked in Mississippi. Anchoring the squad is 6-foot-9, 245-pound pivot Rashanti Harris. The all-stater averaged 17.9 points,12.4 rebounds and shot 60 percent from the floor. The team's top scorer, 6-2 Dale Hughes (23 ppg), also returns along with two other starters – Kendrick Bush (6-4) and Ray Knight (6-1), who averaged 14 points and five assists as a junior.

The defending state champion Mount Vernon team will look a bit different this year with the graduation of Mike Coburn, who now plays at Rutgers. Coburn was the team captain and a dominant personality on the team the past two years, but with four starters back along with eight players overall it's still going to be a team to beat in New York. Co-captain Kevin Jones and Ketema Brooks are back to lead the team and did a good job leading the team in summer ball, but Cimmino would like to see them become more vocal leaders. Cimmino attributes the team's tough schedule as the reason for the program's success and this year is no different. To get the Knights ready for the tough conference schedule, they will travel to Hawaii to play in the Iolani Prep Classic, which has Montrose Christian (MD) and Rice (NY) participating.

The Wildcats appear ready to return to the type of state title contention they enjoyed during the recent Greg Oden-Mike Conley era. The top player is three-year varsity veteran Stephen Van Treese. The 6-foot-9 Van Treese also is rated the state's top junior prospect. Other promising junior veterans are 6-9 Jeff Robinson and 6-7 Chris Read. A touted sophomore is slender 6-8 Dominique Ferguson.

An experienced Cougar squad, anchored by 6-foot-10 All-America Greg Monroe, will bid to capture a state Class 4A title this season after falling short a year ago. Monroe, rated among the top five senior recruits this season, averaged 19.3 points and double-digit rebounds last season. Supporting Monroe will be three other veterans in 6-3 senior guard Calvin Thomas, 6-5 junior wing Taj Givens and 6-3 sophomore Robert Howard. Another familiar player back is senior point guard Tony LaCoure, who returns from Texas after being relocated following Hurricane Katrina.

A new head coach will be guiding the Commandos, who have placed third in Class AA the last two years. Courtney Hargrays, a former Marshall player who has served as a girls basketball assistant coach for five seasons, was named in October to replace dismissed head coach Lamont Bryant. The Commandos had gone 108-23 in four seasons under Bryant, who lost his job for allegedly breaching the school's code of conduct for coaches, but is seeking legal action to regain the job. Returning to the squad are two of the state's top players in 6-3 Ryan Hare, an Oregon State recruit, and touted 6-2 junior guard Darius Smith. Guard Ardarius Simmons also has college attention. Others in the mix include 6-5 sophomore Quontangelo Temples, 6-6 Dorian Tyler, 6-4 Jaron Lee, 6-6 junior Eriq Harris, guard Davaris Davis and junior guard Dion Stamps, also a touted football running back.

The defending state Class A champion rates the nod despite the recent arrest of top player Bud Mackey on drug charges. While his situation is uncertain, the Cardinals still retain a lot of experienced senior talent from last season, including 6-6 Jordan Lee (8.3 ppg, 6.5 rpg), 6-4 Cameron Hundley (7.5 ppg, 4.5 rpg), and 6-5 sixth man Tyler Portwood. Junior Richie Phares (6-7) impressed in summer play and should contribute. Four other seniors should be in the mix--Markus Burchfield, Adrian Givens, Tyler Royse and Jordan Adams.

One piece of news to come out of Philadelphia in recent weeks has been the commitment of Courtney Stanley to Loyola University-Chicago. The 6-1 point guard averaged eight points per game last season as Roman Catholic defeated Neumann-Goretti 59-56 to win the Catholic League championship game again. The title is the school's 28th in all. Stanley is a talented ball-handler who gives Roman Catholic a steady presence in the backcourt along with 6-foot point guard, and Villanova recruit, Maalik Wayns. Steady is what the team will need as the Cahillites face a tough schedule with a game against FAB 50 ranked Chester (PA) on Feb. 2 and a stop at the Gonzaga Classic in D.C.

In last year's Class 4A state semifinals, the Quakers lost to eventual champion Ferris of Spokane, 100-79, and had 6-8 center Deangelo Casto score 27 points against them. This year, Casto is on their side after moving from the other side of the state and joins forces with returning guard Peyton Siva to make Franklin the team to beat in Washington. Casto was first team all-state as a junior with an average of 15.4 ppg. Siva was second team as a sophomore with 18.6 ppg. Siva is not the only talented junior on hand, either. Kerr has high hopes for 5-11 combo guard Sterling Carter, 6-2 guard Freddy Wilson and 6-2 guard Chris Holmes. Franklin's biggest game of the season, as far as national rankings go, could come on January 21 against Fairfax of Los Angeles at the King Holiday Hoopfest, which will take place at the University of Washington.

Putting a finger on Raleigh-Egypt may prove difficult this season, mostly due to the rotating lineup that will likely change from game to game. Adams uses a rotating lineup and also brings up players from the junior varsity team throughout the season. Because of that, Adams returns three players who started last year and 10 players who saw significant playing time. Junior guard Gentry Hines already has an offer from Ole Miss and sophomore Ronald Brown is gaining interest from UTEP. Anthony Jones Jr., is the son of former Los Angles Laker Anthony Jones Sr. Adams also keys in on point guard Jeremy Holmes when talking about this year's team, "If he does his job at the point, I think everyone else is solid." Adding to the returnees are three transfers who all started at their previous schools. Arnett Moutie is already committed to UTEP while Marvin Paige and Reggie Fondren give the team depth at forward.

The Giants should contend with Lawrence North and others for the top billing in the Hoosier State. Leading the way is 6-3 Julius Mays, a North Carolina State recruit who averaged 20 points and five assists last season. He's joined by veterans Jay Edwards (6-4) and junior Scott Wood. Frontcourt player Lamar Jackson and junior playmaker Jovon Freshwater also figure in the mix.

Midwest City has won four straight Class 6A state titles, but must replace two starters and four players from last year's team. Luckily for Dindy, the Bombers return three starters and the team looks to be a strong favorite to repeat. Jarrod McDaniel, James Davis and Chuck Sanders are the senior leaders. Five sophomores looking to see significant playing time this season are Xavier McClish, Deontrey McCoy and Deandre Clayton. Dindy said the team will be bigger and faster than last year and will challenge opponents on both offensive and defensive rebounding. McDaniel is ideal for Midwest City at the point due to his ability to create open scoring chances for teammates.

The Comets were a young team last season that advanced all the way to the SoCal Div. I regional final where the wheels came off in a 77-44 loss to Western League rival Fairfax. The Comets hope to get back to that point this season as they only lose three lettermen and two regulars off that club, including one player that made all-city (6-7 Dane Suttle) as a junior who really didn't play much down the stretch last season as a senior. Leading the whopping 11 returnees are senior all-city players Jarred DuBois (6-3) and Oscar Bellfield (6-1). DuBois is a versatile talent who can play both inside and out while Bellfield is an excellent defender. Both were selected to the first team underclass all-state team last season. Another returnee selected to the all-state underclass team, 6-foot-7 Dwayne Polee Jr., is expected to step up and play a bigger role offensively this season as a sophomore. Although the Comets have excellent depth provided by the likes of 6-foot-6 Cordell Handnot, they have now lost six of their past seven meetings against Fairfax after dominating the rivalry during the first half of this decade.

Four veterans return as Wheeler will bid to dethrone Norcross as the king of the Georgia courts. Graduation claimed North Carolina State recruit and All-American J.J. Hickson but 6-5 senior DeQuan Jones made strides over the summer and should lead the team. Other touted players are a pair of juniors in 6-6 Ari Stewart and 6-7 Richard Howell plus 5-7 sophomore point guard Phil Taylor.

Four starters and 10 letter winners are back for a program that has won two CIF Division I state titles since 2000. The Spartans will still be young, but junior point guard Brandon Smith and sophomore center John McArthur may be the two most talented players at De La Salle since the Barry brothers (Scooter, Brent, Jon, Drew) played there. Smith averaged 10.3 points and 5.2 assists per game as a sophomore and is "one of the greatest boys I have ever coached," said Allocco. McArthur started as a freshman for the Spartans and is a dominant interior player. Among others to watch is 6-6 junior guard Jefferson Powers, who can shoot the three or slash to the basket, and greatly improved 6-2 shooting guard Greg St. Jean, son of former NBA head coach Garry St. Jean.

McCluer returns four starters from the team that won the Missouri 5A crown with a 69-57 victory over Rockhurst. With three D-I athletes, McCluer is a favorite to repeat as champion. Last season's team was led by underclassmen and because of that the only losses to graduation were a couple of role players. Southern Illinois commitments Anthony Booker and Torres Roundtree along with Saint Louis-bound Femi John provides a solid nucleus for Reed. Booker is a 6-8 center that will dominate the paint while John will anchor the frontcourt. Roundtree is a smooth handler with the ball and is able to create his own shot and along with John at the other guard position the backcourt is in steady hands.

Iowa's top-ranked team will be seeking a third state Class 4A crown in four years after winning titles in 2007 and 2005. Nine lettermen return including two starters -- senior point guard Grant Gibbs (6-5) and junior pivot Zach Bohannon (6-6). Gibbs, a Gonzaga recruit, averaged 13 points as a junior.

There is little change to the team that won the state championship last season with four starters and eight players overall returning. The big change is who is in charge of it. McMillian takes over as head coach after the resignation of Linc Lyles. The change to McMillian should be negligible as he runs the same offensive and defensive scheme that Lyles' ran. New Hanover returns seven-footer and Wake Forest commitment Ty Walker who can dominate on both offense and defense. Crosstown transfer Jakiel Moore helps solidify the guard position and 6-7 forward Nick Becton will help New Hanover's interior defense. Walker is a shot-blocking center whose offensive game is rapidly improving. In fact, Walker is now a threat from the three-point line which, for a player who was already tough to guard, makes him almost impossible to cover. New Hanover will have little trouble in the area with Wilmington almost an island unto itself in North Carolina, so expect the real challenge for Wildcats to come once they reach the state tournament.

The Mustangs lost Texas Tech recruit Mike Singletary and a few other veterans who helped them advance to their third consecutive Class 5A state title game, but they just have enough returning to warrant a spot in the FAB 50. Besides, Huseman has an excellent track record and his last three clubs have all been nationally ranked while racking up 112 wins against only 13 losses. Leading the returnees this year is a pair of 6-foot-5 dynamos in Jordan McGowan (6 ppg., 4 rpg.) and Nick James (5 ppg), both who are expected to double their production of last year. Two underclass players that should make an impact for Huseman are 6-foot-2 junior Hunter Martin and talented 6-foot-2 sophomore Tevin Svihovec. This club might start off slowly, but its coaching, defense and experience should lead to another deep run in the state tournament where top-ranked Duncanville is the obvious roadblock for every 5A team in Texas.

Kyle Singler led the Panthers to last year's Class 5A state title over Kevin Love and Lake Oswego and while Kyle is now at Duke, there's still plenty of returning firepower. Point guard Michael Harthun (6-3) was an all-state pick last year, too, and will return to run the squad once again. Two more Singlers also are still on hand. Mitch Singler, a 6-3 shooting guard, and E.J. Singler, a 6-5 forward, aren't as highly regarded as their big brother but they're still two players who rank among the best in Oregon. Grant of Portland, Oregon City and Westview of Portland all seem to be getting support for a No. 1 preseason state ranking, but South Medford is the defending champ and does have enough returning to be No. 1 until it loses.

Head coach: Sean McAllon

The name everyone knows on Benedictine is University of North Carolina-bound Ed Davis and with only one other starter returning from last season's team, it is no wonder, but according to head coach McAllon this year's team may be more talented than last year. In addition to Davis, is Virginia Commonwealth commit Bradford Burgess. Combine them with 6-7 forward Wayne Whiting and 6-3 transfer Darien Brothers and the team looks to be rounding into shape. The team is young and inexperience may be the weak spot, but McAllon is confident. "I have some young athletes who do some things better than last year's players," McAllon said. "This group doesn't miss open shots." Helping stabilize the backcourt is sophomore Kevin Gill, who was brought up from the JV last year and played well. On Dec. 15, Benedictine will take on Oak Hill.

The defending state Class 4A champion Spartans return three key players from last season's title team. Ray Shipman (6-5) is the anchor after averaging 24.8 points and seven rebounds a game last season. Senior Terrance Saintel and 6-5 junior Rakeem Buckles also have improved during the summer to make the Spartans a favorite to defend their title.

DeMatha will be a young team this season and with several transfers the Stags will have to prove they can gel if they hope to defend their Washington Catholic Athletic Conference (WCAC) Championship. Six-foot-six Rahem May-Thompson, a transfer from England, was on a U16 World Championship team last season. Naji Hibbert, a 6-4 junior guard, will be the leader of the team and already holds offers from Clemson, Maryland and Miami among others. Sophomore Josh Selby also looks like a player. He transferred from John Carroll (Md.) and played significant minutes over the summer. The loss to this year's team is Kenny Tate who is going to focus on football. The Stags have won three straight WCAC titles and five overall since 2001.

Three key players return from a team that lost to eventual state Class A champion Scott County in the 11th Region semifinals last season. Leading the way are seniors Taylor Stewart (6-5), Nathan Novosel (6-5) and three-point shooter Jordan Smart (6-6). Stewart, an athletic wing, averaged 17 points and nine rebounds last season.

Three senior starters return from last season's state Division 1 runner-up squad that could challenge FAB 50 ranked Lakewood St. Edward for state honors. Frontcourt veterans include 6-7 Walt Gibler, who averaged 15.9 points last season, and 6-6 Michael Budde (7.9 ppg). The backcourt leader will be 5-11 guard Brad Loesing, who averaged 12.9 points as a junior.

California state junior player of the year Jrue Holiday leads a team with three returning starters plus a nice blend of talented newcomers and young players who should be a year better. If Compton's DeMar DeRozan isn't the state's top prospect, then it has to be the smooth 6-foot-3 Holiday and his 22.9 points, 9.1 rebounds, 6.5 assists and 3.9 steals per game. Holiday is joined in the backcourt by 6-foot senior Dallas Rutherford, a capable scorer and distributor who was slowed by injuries last season. Also expect improvement from 6-foot-6 junior Keegan Hornbuckle (11 ppg.) and promising 6-foot-7 sophomore James "Deuce" Johnson, a physical specimen who should provide a presence underneath for this perimeter-oriented club. Kelly has 152 wins against 29 losses as the Vikings' head coach and Kelly expects this club to be better defensively than the units that won consecutive Div. IV state titles.

There's plenty of changes taking place for the Toros as many players from last year, particularly Harper Kamp (Cal) and Kendall Wallace (UNLV), are gone from a team that won a historic third straight state title. But Ernst, who is one of the nation's top coaches with an overall record of 664-265 in 33 years (the last 23 at Mountain View), also still has 6-5 shooting guard Brendon Lavender around. The University of Arizona-bound prospect is expected to fill up the score sheets and is regarded by many as the state's top player. If the younger players and the complimentary players from last season step up, there's no reason to think that Mountain View won't again rule the roost in Arizona by the end of the season.

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