Top 25 preseason high school girls basketball rankings: No. 1 Etiwanda led by 5-star seniors Grace Knox, Aliyahna Morris

1. Etiwanda (CA)

2023-24 record: 32-3

The reigning national champions have a chance to repeat based on their host of returning stars despite graduating First Team All-American Kennedy Smith (USC). For all the Eagles’ high-end talent, their continuity, culture, and chemistry might be enough to edge out other contenders with even more big names and depth.

Etiwanda might have the top duo in the country in 5-star seniors Aliyahna “Puff” Morris, a Cal-bound point guard, and forward Grace Knox, who just committed to LSU. It also brings back standout guards Shaena Brew and Arynn Finley, and welcomes promising sophomores Chasity Rice (Mater Dei transfer), Andrea Alamo (Santiago-Corona transfer), and Aliyah Phillips to their core rotation.
 

2. Montverde Academy (FL)

2023-24 record: 24-4*

Unsurprisingly, Montverde Academy has the most top-end talent in the country – at least on paper. And all the size it could ask for. With the team coming off back-to-back championships at Chipotle Nationals and only two seasons removed from its first mythical national title, who’s to say it won’t finish on top again?

3. IMG Academy (FL)

2023-24 record: 23-4*

After a challenging 2022-23 campaign, IMG Academy bounced back in a big way last season to stay in the national title hunt until the end. And with a tremendously talented and experienced senior class, the Ascenders might have their best shot yet at a natty.

IMG Academy has a balanced roster with elite talent in every department. The backcourt will likely be its strongest suit, anchored by returning 5-star seniors Kelis Fisher (UConn) and Deniya Prawl, who’re joined by another 5-star senior guard, Thomas Dale (VA) transfer and Auburn commit Nylah Wilson. With that said, IMG is talented – and sizable – up front too. 5-star senior and 6-foot-4 Stanford commit Lara Somfai is ready for a bigger role, 4-star transfer Manuela Alves-Fernandez (6-3) is fresh off an Illinois commitment, and 6-foot-3 junior transfer Kelsi Andrews (Hazel Green, AL) is hungry to reassert herself as a superstar after some injury issues.

4. Ontario Christian (CA)

2023-24 record: 28-5

5. Westtown (PA)

2023-24 record: 25-2

It’s been nearly a year since Westtown lost a basketball game. And that might not change for a long time. The young Moose dropped back-to-back contests against juggernauts Winston-Salem National Christian and IMG Academy five games into the year, and finished the season on a 22-game tear – including blowing out some national heavyweights. In 2024-25, they should be even better from day one.

5-star sophomore Jordyn Palmer was already one of the best players in the country regardless of class as a freshman. Between Palmer and Jessie Moses (No. 15), Westtown is as good as it gets in the Class of 2027. 3-star junior Atlee Vanesko is another high-major recruit, and then there are returning seniors Olivia Jones (Harvard) and Aidan Langley. To top it off, two more big-time seniors have entered the fold in Kennedy Hall (Boston College) and Kennedy Henry (Villanova), both of whom can play multiple positions and are upwards of six feet tall.
 

6. Bishop McNamara (MD)

2023-24 record: 28-5

When 5-star point guard Maddy McDaniel got injured following an amazing start to the season, the narrative around the Mustangs’ season revolved around their overperformance with McDaniel out or less than full-strength. Now with McDaniel off to South Carolina and Lanae Corbett at Hofstra but everyone else back, there needn’t be any qualifiers on Bishop McNamara’s success or expectations. This team has the talent and experience needed to swing for the fences.

Along with wing Qandace Samuels (No. 9 in 2027), senior forward Zhen Craft (Georgia) is a two-way focal point who impacts games much more than her counting stats or No. 64 ranking would indicate. Maisie Crowley (UMBC) adds a third experienced player in the range of 6-3. And the Mustangs have a deep, talented army of guards, namely seniors Vanessa Harris (Rhode Island), Princess-Alexandria Moody (Providence), and Mary Amoateng (George Mason), and sophomore transfer Nyair McCoy (Archbishop Carroll). As if that weren’t enough, Bishop McNamara has reportedly added 6-foot-2 sophomore wing Nevaeh Roberson from Georgetown Day (DC), who already has numerous Power-4 offers.

7. Hebron Christian (GA)

2023-24 record: 32-2

Hebron Christian managed to exceed its lofty expectations last season, and it is likely to be even better in 2024-25. After competing for a top-10 ranking in the country and winning a state title a year ago, Hebron Christian is a safe bet to do it again. The question is just how high up the totem pole it’s capable of climbing.

8. Archbishop Mitty (CA)

2023-24 record: 30-1

The three-time reigning Northern California champion and state finalist is a heavy favorite to make a fourth straight finals appearance. 5-star junior forward McKenna Woliczko may prove to be the best player in the country after earning Player of the Year honors for her class as a freshman and sophomore.

However, Archbishop Mitty is one of the bigger wildcards in the top 25. With Morgan Cheli (UConn), Belle Bramer (Lehigh), Elana Weisman (Bucknell), and April Chan off to college, the rest of its core is relatively unproven – but filled with potential. 4-star junior wing Devin Cosgriff learned a thing or two about winning NorCal regional titles at Oakland powerhouse Bishop O’Dowd, and has the upside to be a focal point on a national contender. Sophomore Ze’Ni Patterson is another key addition in the backcourt after a tremendous freshman campaign at Heritage (Brentwood), and there are many other potential impact players at guard in returners Jordan Bowar, Niyati Bangalore, Tee McCarthy, and Emma Cook. Finally, freshman center Maliya Hunter already has Power-4 offers and could end up being the second-best player on the team.

9. Long Island Lutheran (NY)

2023-24 record: 21-2

If the girls basketball scene learned anything in 2022-23, it’s not to count out a reloading LuHi team comprised of promising juniors with Christina Raiti at the helm. The Crusaders graduated a generational senior class of 5-star McDonalds All-Americans Kate Koval (Notre Dame), Syla Swords (Michigan), and Kayleigh Heckel (USC) flanked by Shy Hawkins (Syracuse), Lauryn Swann (Arizona), and Diora Ressaissi (La Salle). But if the quartet of nationally-ranked juniors Savvy Swords (No. 13), Olivia Jones (No. 19), Sanai Green (No. 27), and Zeniyah Williams (No. 45) is good enough for LuHi to compete for the top spot, expect the team to do so.

In addition to its Class of 2026 core, Long Island Lutheran picked up star sophomores Taylor Brown from Delaware champion Ursuline Academy and 6-foot-3 Emily Forrester from Chambersburg (PA). If those two or any other new faces can round out the roster, the Crusaders could have national title upside.

10. Sierra Canyon (CA)

2023-24 record: 31-3

With Mackenly Randolph and Izela Arenas off to Louisville and many key role players of days past gone, Sierra Canyon has a chance to go relatively “under the radar” for a change. The Trailblazers have a lot more talent surrounding 5-star junior Jerzy Robinson than some realize, and it wouldn’t be a shock to see them blast past all preseason projections.

Sierra Canyon will once again have a combination of size and speed that few teams can withstand on either side of the ball. In addition to Robinson (No. 3 in 2026), the Trailblazers feature another budding star and elite defensive anchor in versatile 6-foot-4 post Emilia Krstevski (No. 26 in 2026). They’ve also added one of California’s better power forwards in Chaminade transfer Payton Montgomery and another promising forward in freshman Rosie Oladokun, who is upwards of 6-2. As if that’s not enough force in the frontcourt, Leia Edwards – the sixth man on Sierra Canyon’s 2021-23 championship teams – is back and ready to go after missing her entire junior year to an injury. Ashley Redd and Jalen Samuel look to step into larger roles in the backcourt and space the floor.

11. Morris Catholic (NJ)

2023-24 record: 29-1

If you have the Pauldo twins, Tennessee-bound lead guards Mia and Mya, you have a chance against nearly anybody. Morris Catholic is relatively undersized and doesn’t have as deep a war chest around them as in recent years, but shooting guard Daniella Matus (Loyola Chicago), a 15-PPG scorer and dangerous shooter, is back after playing her junior season at St. John Vianney. In other words, the Crusaders are as good as it gets in the backcourt. Will new faces emerge to give them a shot at a national title? Jacqueline Edelman and Kennedy Brown are the top candidates.

12. Red Bank Catholic (NJ)

2023-24 record: 27-5

Even with less size and fewer household names than the teams near them in the rankings, the Caseys are a particularly safe bet to stay ranked. That’s because they return their entire rotation after spending all of last season on the bubble or just inside the top 25. 4-star junior guard/wing Addy Nyemchek led the team with 15 points, 3.8 assists, 3.3 steals, and 1.3 blocks to go with 6.8 rebounds per game last year, and the other key returners are Tessa Carman (Monmouth), Christian Liggio (Navy), Katie Liggio, Lola Giordano, and Sophie Smith. Scarlet LeVake, a versatile 6-foot-2 transfer from Paul VI (VA), could raise the team’s ceiling tremendously with a breakout junior season.

13. Legion Prep (TX)

2023-24 record: 22-4

There’s a new kid on the block in Texas, and it has the country on notice. Second-year program Legion Prep had a great debut in 2023-24, and now is loaded with enough talent to contend with anyone. However, 5-star junior Jacy Abii – a transfer from Liberty (Frisco, TX) who’s arguably the team’s top player – is out with an injury. But with 4-star studs Kamora Pruitt and Rieyan DeSouze over from DeSoto and underrated UTEP commit Brooklyn Terry over from Mansfield Timberview, Legion Prep will surely still dominate. Adding yet more firepower at guard/wing is the Bulldogs’ top returner, Mari Dangerfield, who averaged double figures in their inaugural season.

14. Lawrence Central (IN)

2023-24 record: 30-1

The Bears’ stock is at an all-time high. They just won their first state title earlier this year and look to be even better in 2024-25. 4-star Mississippi State commit Jaylah Lampley (No. 38 in 2025), younger sister and fellow 4-star recruit Lola Lampley (No. 23 in 2026), Laila Abdurraqib, and Aniyah McKenzie all averaged double-digits last season while contributing in other ways. Playing at the highest level in Indiana is never easy, but with a handful of other national opponents mixed in this year, Lawrence Central has a special opportunity to make noise.

15. Bradley Central (TN)

2023-24 record: 34-1

Like the previous team in the rankings, Bradley Central is a public school powerhouse that just won a state title, returns four big names plus key reserves, and, well, has “Central” in its name. Entering the season on a state-best 20-game winning streak, Bradley Central is led by a pair of 4-star guards/wings, junior Kimora Fields and senior Harmonie Ware (Arkansas). Seniors Avary Brewer (Samford) and TaTianna Stovall (Kennesaw State) round out the nucleus, and a handful of other Bearettes could emerge as core players such as Malia Wilcox (Walters State), Alliyah Osborne, Love Howard, and Addie Geren.

16. Sidwell Friends (DC)

2023-24 record: 25-7*

With Kendall Dudley, Zania Socka, and Marley Long off to college, there are no more returning members of the Quakers’ 2021-22 national title team, which is in the discussion for the best high school girls basketball team ever. No returning playes, that is – Tamika Dudley and co. are still at the helm, and they still have an outstanding roster, so Sidwell Friends isn’t going anywhere. Jayla Jordyn Jackson (No. 9 in 2026), Ava Yoon (Princeton), and McDonogh (MD) transfer Autumn Fleary (No. 14 in 2025) form one of the nation’s top backcourts. Sophomore Jayda Dixon is out with an injury, but freshman Iris Leonard is expected to provide further guard depth. Genesis Schneeburg returns at forward to help shore up the paint.

17. Mt. Zion Prep Academy (MD)

2023-24 record: 22-16

After competing at a high level in the program’s first two seasons of existence, look for Mt. Zion Prep Academy to take a leap from impressive to dominant in year three. The Warriors have assembled an overwhelming roster with every component expected of a national contender. The laundry list of big-name players includes Amori Jarrett (Rhode Island), Crystal Hardy (NC A&T), Lily Deng, former JSerra (CA) standout Jailynn Clayton, Alexis Riggs, and Olivia Coles. Can this brand-new group coalesce in time to prove itself as a national contender?

18. Purcell Marian (OH)

2023-24 record: 28-1

A heavy favorite to win their fourth straight state title, the Cavaliers will be a force once again despite lacking the depth of previous years. As long as they have 5-star forward/wing Darianna “Dee” Alexander (No. 8 in 2025 – Cincinatti), they’re the top dogs in Ohio until proven otherwise. Rounding out the nucleus and balancing out the roster construct are post Samaya Wilkens and point guards and twin sisters Ky Miller (Bowling Green) and Cy’aira Miller. The expected X-factor and sixth man is senior guard Trinity Small.

19. Incarnate Word Academy (MO)

2023-24 record: 31-0

Another year, another outstanding senior class gone for the Red Knights, but the nation-leading 131-game unbeaten streak has a chance to live on for years to come. Dan Rolfes is once again at the helm and ready to roll after a health-related scare during last postseason, and 4-star senior point guard Nevaeh Caffey (Indiana) is once again ready to lead IWA to state championship glory. Sophia Otten and Peyton Hill are considered the other cornerstone players on the team.

20. Mater Dei (CA)

2023-24 record: 25-8

21. Clackamas (OR)

2023-24 record: 24-4

Led by 5-star USC commit Jazzy Davidson (No. 3 in 2025), Clackamas is your classic senior-heavy team that enters the season with huge expectations and a championship feel. The Cavaliers won a state title two years ago when their current seniors were sophomores and they had a terrific senior class in its own right, but they fell flat in the semifinals last season. Davidson is surrounded by major accompanying talent in fellow seniors Sara Barhoum (Oregon), Dylan Mogel (Seattle), Reyce Mogel (Southern Oregon), Allie Roden (Colorado State), and Avery Peterson.

22. Johnston (IA)
 
2023-24 record: 29-0

Their roster isn’t as formidable as it was in some years past, but who’s to say the Dragons won’t run the table again? If nothing else, they’re the odds-on favorite to repeat in Iowa, and a force to be reckoned with. Aili Tanke is now at Iowa State, but 5-star guard Jenica Lewis (No. 15 in 2026) and senior forward Amani Jenkins (Virginia Tech) both averaged over 12 PPG last season, and with a strong supporting cast, they have a good chance to lead Johnston to another state title.

23. Pewaukee (WI)

2023-24 record: 29-1

The Pirates went undefeated within their state and more or less rolled to a WIAA Division 2 state title last season depending almost exclusively on underclassmen. So it’s hard not to like their chances to keep trending upwards this season despite a glaring lack of size. Pewaukee’s entire roster is guards, led by Michigan State-committed twins Amy and Anna Terrian and Wisconsin commit Giselle Janowski. Losing Kylie Pieper to injury takes some wind out of their sails, but Vanessa Johnson is expected back from injury this season. Kennedy Retherford (Truman State) rounds out the core rotation.

24. Blue Valley North (KS)

2023-24 record: 20-5

The Mustangs worked their way into the national rankings last season before losing a handful of close games down the stretch. Blue Valley North has almost every player back, and appears ready to put it all together in 2024-25. The firepower is there with 5-star senior Jaliya Davis and 4-star senior Aubrey Shaw (Harvard) running the show and bringing the size at 6-2. Logan Parks, Delia Gregory, and Ashley Alverson round out what should be the top nucleus in Kansas with room to spare.

25. Thomas Dale (VA)

2023-24 record: 24-2

Dale was on top of the world for most of last season, starting 22-0 with underclassmen running the show before falling to Manchester twice in the playoffs. Then its biggest name and leading scorer, 5-star Auburn commit Nylah Wilson, departed for IMG Academy. While 2023-24 still constituted an overwhelming, that’s a gut punch. But the Knights had so much young talent that they might still be a top-25 team in the country yet. Guards Syvannah Dawson and Timani Harris will likely be able to replace much of Wilson’s production, and a litany of potential breakout players return around them. If Thomas Dale is going to hang, look for leaps from Allie Broadus, Aniyah Dudley, and Khya Epps.