SBLive Top 25 preseason national girls basketball rankings: Long Island Lutheran (New York) No. 1
SBLive scoured the country to compile the nation's top high school girls basketball programs entering the 2023-24 season.
SBLive's girls basketball rankings will highlight teams affiliated with the state high school athletic association in the state in which it resides, or those allowed to play affiliate high schools in their home state as well as some of the country's top prep schools and basketball academies.
Find the complete breakdown of the preseason SBLive Power 25 preseason national girls basketball rankings below.
The Power 25 rankings are compiled by SBLive reporters Lance Smith and Todd Milles based on observations and conversations with an extensive network of coaching and media sources across the country. Reach Lance on Twitter (@LanceSmithTPC) or email him at lance@scorebooklive.com.
SBLIVE POWER 25 NATIONAL GIRLS BASKETBALL RANKINGS
Nov. 15, 2023
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1. Long Island Lutheran (Brookville, NY)
Last season: 22-3
Final 2022-23 ranking: 2
Head coach: Christina Raiti
Photo by Lonnie Webb
Last season, Long Island Lutheran took the high school basketball world by storm, coming up just short of a national title relying exclusively on underclassmen. Now, the Crusaders enter as the favorite, returning nearly their whole team and playing a perilous schedule. Their superstar cast includes five-star seniors Kate Koval (Notre Dame), Syla Swords (Michigan), and Kayleigh Heckel (USC), four-star senior Shy Hawkins (Syracuse) and five-star sophomore Savvy Swords.
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2. Etiwanda (Rancho Cucamonga, CA)
Last season: 32-3
Final 2022-23 ranking: 3
Head coach: Stan Delus
After posting the two strongest seasons in program history, Etiwanda has a chance to be even better. Five-star senior Kennedy Smith (USC), four-star junior Aliyahna "Puff" Morris and Long Beach State-bound senior Mykelle Richards form an all-star trio of returning starters. And they're joined by two high-impact junior transfers – five-star forward Grace Knox, from Centennial (NV), and Shaena Brew, from Mater Dei (CA). Team also expects Arynn Finley, Ryann Riddle, and Sania Jenkins to take leaps.
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3. Montverde Academy (Montverde, FL)
Last season: 26-1
Final 2022-23 ranking: 1
Head coach: Matt Shewmake
The reigning national champions graduated most of their top players, with the exception of four-star senior Vivian Iwuchuwu. But they still have a chance at back-to-back titles in Matt Shewmake's first season at the helm. Montverde Academy picked up several big-name transfers, including Jaloni Cambridge – the top-ranked class-of-2024 point guard – four-star senior guard Eris Lester (Alabama) and four-star junior wing Holland Harris. Also, ninth grader Finley Chastain (Tennessee commit) in the fold.
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4. Morris Catholic (Denville, NJ)
Last season: 28-4
Final 2022-23 ranking: 13
Head coach: William Lovett
Last season's ending was a bitter taste in the Crusaders' mouths, as they headed to the State Champions Invitational with national title aspirations and left with an upset loss to Desert Vista. However, they're in good shape to come back with a vengeance, bringing back most of their top players and adding a handful of impact players. In addition to the Pauldo twins, Mia and Mya, two of the top lead guards in the Class of 2025, Morris Catholic returns walking double-double Alexis Rosenfeld (Manhattan College) and promising underclassmen Kamaria Bowens and Bliss Vimbor. To top it off, the Crusaders have key transfers in Madison Miller, Kennedy Brown, and Tatiana Collins, and a top-notch freshman class that includes Jax Edelman.
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5. Archbishop Mitty (San Jose, CA)
Last season: 28-3
Final 2022-23 ranking: 9
Head coach: Sue Phillips
Thanks in large part to reigning national freshman of the year McKenna Wolizcko, Archbishop Mitty was a few points away from an in-state Open Division state title and top-five ranking last season - despite five-star UConn commit Morgan Cheli missing 18 games. Led by Cheli, Woliczko, and senior forwards Elena Weisman (Bucknell) and Belle Bramer (Lehigh), this team has the making of Mitty's best team ever. After being ineligible as a junior, Bramer could be the piece that pushes this group over the top.
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6. Sierra Canyon (Chatsworth, CA)
Last season: 31-1
Final 2022-23 ranking: 4
Head coach: Alicia Komaki
Will the finale for this vaunted senior class, which includes five-star forward Mackenly Randolph and four-star guard Izela Arenas (Louisville), be another year of national title contention? Even with Juju Watkins gone, Sierra Canyon has the talent and depth to remain a top-five team in the country, especially after adding top-ranked sophomore Jerzy Robinson (Desert Vista, AZ) and Ashley Redd (Blair Academy, NJ) to the roster. After last year's late disappointment, expect this squad to come out determined.
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7. Sidwell Friends (Washington, DC)
Last season: 30-3
Final 2022-23 ranking: 5
Head coach: Tamika Dudley
Even without 2021-22 national player of the year Kiki Rice, Sidwell Friends remained in the national-title discussion last season. Doing so will be even harder now with Jadyn Donovan and Leah Harmon gone, but its returners are ready to shoulder a heavier load – namely the five-star trio of senior UCLA pledges Kendall Dudley and Zania Socka and talented sophomore Jayla Jordyn Jackson. Sidwell also expects jumps from key role players Ava Yoon, Marley Long, and Genesis Schneeberg.
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8. IMG Academy (Bradenton, FL)
Last season: 12-13
Final 2022-23 ranking: Unranked
Head coach: Frank Oliver Jr.
It's a new era for IMG Academy, which is set up to bounce back from a disappointing 2022-23 under new coach Frank Oliver Jr (who replaces Shell Dailey after 16 seasons). The Ascenders not only return four-star senior Tayla Thomas (Northwestern), five-star junior Kelis Fisher (UConn), and 6-foot-4 post Heloisa Carrera (Ole Miss), but add five-star senior Tajianna Roberts (Louisville), four-star senior Leah Harmon (Miami), and five-star junior Deniya Prawl to a talent-laden roster.
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9. DME Academy (Daytona Beach, FL)
Last season: 20-7
Final 2022-23 ranking: Unranked
Head coach: Mike Panaggio
A third Florida academy in the top 10, last year was supposed to be a rebuilding season for the program - but still did enough to remain nationally relevant. Syracuse signee Olivia Schmitt and four-star forward Tabitha Betson (Colorado) are back as seniors, and are surrounded by three more four-star senior prospect who have transferred in – Tahj Bloom (Mississippi State), Ines Goryanova (Baylor), and Schmitt's fellow Syracuse pledge Keira Scott.
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10. Sacred Heart (Louisville, KY)
Last season: 36-3
Final 2022-23 ranking: 16
Head coach: Donna Moir
After entering the national picture last season and winning their third consecutive state title, the Valkyries are ready to take another step in 2023-24. They return not only ZaKiya Johnson, one of the premier players in the class of 2025, but also two more double-digit scorers in Reagan Bender and Angelina Pelayo. Sacred Heart also has key newcomers in junior transfer Addison Kincaid and Amirah "Tootie" Jordan, the top-ranked ninth grader in Kentucky.
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11. Clark (San Antonio, TX)
Last season: 34-3
Final 2022-23 ranking: Bubble
Head coach: Rihana Houy
After knocking off two-time defending champion DeSoto for its first Class 6A state title last season, Clark returns most of its top players and enters 2023-24 as the top-ranked team in Texas. In addition to five-star 6-foot-4 senior center and reigning 6A tournament most valuable player Arianna Roberson (Duke), Clark features talented returners Kamryn Griffin (Central Arkansas), Natalie Huff (TAMU-Corpus Christi) and Jade Perez. Team is 85-8 over the past three seasons.
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12. DeSoto (DeSoto, TX)
Last season: 28-6
Final 2022-23 ranking: Unranked
Head coach: Andrea Robinson
Last season was a great start for DeSoto's highly-touted 2026 class, consisting of Amari Byles, Rieyan Desouze, Kamora Pruitt, and Amayah Garcia. The Eagles made it to the Class 6A state title game, and all six of their losses were by seven points or fewer to other national-caliber opponents. Senior Ma'Riya Vincent (Missouri signee) transferring out to Cypress Springs is a big blow, but DeSoto is still poised for a jump based solely on this talented sophomore class.
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13. Dr. Phillips (Orlando, FL)
Last season: 30-2
Final 2022-23 ranking: Bubble
Head coach: Anthony Jones
Well under the radar for much of last season, the Panthers eventually entered the national spotlight after going undefeated against Florida competition on their way to a Class 7A title. Their losses were to nationally-ranked foes Georgetown Visitation Prep and Las Vegas Centennial (latter in the State Champions Invitational). Returning nearly their whole team, including four-star senior Trinity Turner and double-digit scorer Kendall Perry and plenty of depth, Dr. Phillips is primed for another historic year.
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14. Purcell Marian (Cincinnati, OH)
Last season: 27-2
Final 2022-23 ranking: Bubble
Head coach: Jamar Mosley
Purcell Marian was a preseason top-25 squad a year ago, and remaining on the bubble much of the season. Is the program ready to climb the national ranks in 2023-24? In addition to Dee Alexander, the fourth-ranked junior in the country, the Cavaliers bring back Ky’Aira Miller and Jayda Mosley (Youngstown State), add seniors Seini Hicks (Ohio State) and Jordan Day (Canisius) and introduce Samaya Wilkins, one of the top ninth grade post players in the nation.
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15. South Grand Prairie (Grand Prairie, TX)
Last season: 27-7
Final 2022-23 ranking: Unranked
Head coach: Brion Raven
The Warriors were a clear top-25 team nationally for a stretch of last season before they were derailed by injuries. Most of the team returns, including one of the best and most physically imposing senior trios in the country – five-star center Adhel Tac (South Carolina), four-star guard Taliyah Parker (Alabama) and San Diego State-bound forward Erica Carr. Health permitting, South Grand Prairie is a safe bet to pick up where it left off.
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16. St. John's (Washington, DC)
Last season: 26-7
Final 2022-23 ranking: 21
Head coach: Jonathan Scribner
With Duke-bound Delaney Thomas missing two months to an injury, St. John's spent the majority of last season with the same team it has this upcoming season. It is led by four-star guard Kyndal Walker (Maryland), four-star wing Tatum Greene (Boston College) and Carolae Barton (Navy), all of whom are back as seniors. St. John's' core is surrounded by impact role players, including Jaidyn Harper (East Tennessee State) and Ava O'Neil, as well as one of the region's top ninth graders in Logan Miller.
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17. Incarnate Word Academy (Bel-Nor, MO)
Last season: 32-0
Final 2022-23 ranking: 6
Head coach: Dan Rolfes
With a national-best 100-game winning streak and six consecutive Class 6 state titles, it has been quite a stretch for the Red Knights. But with the graduation of Natalie Potts (Nebraska) and Brooke Coffey (Illinois State), can they remain nationally relevant? With three D1-signing seniors - Kaylynn Janes (Northern Iowa), Zoe Best (Southeast Missouri State) and Abbie Sextro (Ottawa), and a pair of junior standouts in Nevaeh Caffey and Peyton Hill, it is their turn to pad "The Streak."
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18. Mater Dei (Santa Ana, CA)
Last season: 29-4
Final 2022-23 ranking: Bubble
Head coach: Kevin Kiernan
After the Monarchs finished last season as one of the first teams to miss the top 25, their stock rose over the offseason after versatile five-star junior Addie Deal and four-star Duke-signed senior Jenessa Cotton both had huge summers. Mater Dei will miss starting guards Caia Elisaldez and Shaena Brew, but backcourt depth will remain a strength as Amaya Williams, Emily Shaw (Central Washington), and Devyn Kiernan are all ready for bigger roles. And Kaeli Wynn is another high-upside breakout candidate.
19. Sage Hill (Newport Beach, CA)
Last season: 21-10
Final 2022-23 ranking: Unranked
Head coach: Kerwin Walters
A returning 10-loss newcomer to the rankings? Last season, Sage Hill played a national schedule for the first time, establishing itself as a top-five team in southern California - and a team for national analysts to watch. Long, quick, and balanced, Sage Hill is set for another huge leap this season bringing back all five starters – seniors Emily Eadie (Princeton), Kat Righeimer (Northwestern), Annabelle Spotts (Chicago) and Zoie Lamkin, and blue-chip sophomore Amalia Holguin, as well as two D1 newcomers.
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20. Johnston (Johnston, IA)
Last season: 24-2
Final 2022-23 ranking: Unranked
Head coach: Chad Jilek
Despite coming up just short winning back-to-back Iowa state titles, Johnston kept itself on the national radar all season, led primarily by underclassmen who return as seniors - four-star guards Aili Tanke (Iowa State) and Aaliyah Riley (Northwest Missouri State), as well as four-star sophomore Jenica Lewis, who holds nearly 40 D1 offers. This Dragons' team could push their 2021-22 version for status as the program's best ever.
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21. Bishop McNamara (Forestville, MD)
Last season: 21-6
Final 2022-23 ranking: Bubble
Head coach: Ron James
A preseason top-25 entrant, Bishop McNamara was extremely close to finishing the season in the fold, but ultimately lost by one point to Paul VI (VA) in the Washington Catholic semifinals. With five-star South Carolina signee Madisen McDaniel and LaNae Corbett back as seniors, and four-star forward Zhen Craft expected to take a jump as a junior, McNamara is ready for a stronger showing. Also, watch out for ninth grader Qandace Samuels, a top-50 player in her class and sister of Qadence (UConn).
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22. Hazel Green (Hazel Green, AL)
Last season: 36-1
Final 2022-23 ranking: 19
Head coach: Tim Miller
No matter how many Alabama state titles in a row Hazel Green wins - it is up to six now - the Trojans always seem to come back ready to win another one. They've won at least 34 games every season since 2014-15, and seniors Leah Brooks (Alabama), Sydney Steward (Faulkner), Amiya Redus (Shorter) and Kristen Johnson are all back for a team with aspirations of going undefeated for the second time in three seasons. Big blow was losing U-16 national team member Kelsi Andrews (knee) before season.
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23. South Shore (Brooklyn, NY)
Last season: 22-6
Final 2022-23 ranking: 25
Head coach: Anwar Gladden
To say depth was a strength last season for the Vikings would be an understatement - they had a whopping seven players receive all-state honors in New York. That might not be the case anymore with four of those standouts gone. But the triumvirate of four-star St. John's commit Ariel Little, Yahmani McKayle and Natalia Williams will likely be counted on to pick up the slack and keep the program moving upward at the natonal level.
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24. McDonogh (Owings Mills, MD)
Last season: 23-3
Final 2022-23 ranking: 23
Head coach: Brad Rees
Graduating a talented senior class but returning one of the nation's best trios has McDonogh in the top 25 entering the season. It finished last season on a 12-game winning streak to win a Maryland state championship before losing to eventual national champion Montverde Academy at Geico Nationals. If the core of four-star Stanford commit Kennedy Ume, Maryland-bound senior Ava McKennie, and four-star sophomore Autumn Fleary continue to flourish, the Eagles have a high ceiling.
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25. Clackamas (Clackamas, OR)
Last season: 26-4
Final 2022-23 ranking: Bubble
Head coach: Korey Landolt
The team's vast potential, headlined by top class-of-2025 guard Jazzy Davidson, produced a breakthrough and convincing Class 6A Oregon championship a year ago. And while the Cavaliers graduated two key pieces in Rhyan Mogel (Portland) and Elia Buerk (Davidson), they are still loaded with enough talent around the 6-foot-1 Davidson to compete at a national level, notably Mogel's two younger sisters (Dylan, Reyce) and Allie Roden, whose sister, Audrey, is at Nevada.
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ON THE BUBBLE:
Camas (Camas, WA) - Unranked
Camden (Camden, SC) – Unranked
Centennial (Las Vegas, NV) – #17
Clovis West (Fresno, CA) – #24
Duncanville (Duncanville, TX) – #14
Garfield (Seattle, WA) - Unranked
Georgetown Visitation Prep (Washington, DC) – #22
Grace Christian (Sanford, NC) – Unranked
Hebron Christian (Dacula, GA) – Unranked
Lone Peak (Highland, UT) – #10
Mansfield Timberview (Arlington, TX) – Unranked
Miami Country Day (Miami, FL) – Unranked
Monterey (Lubbock, TX) – Bubble
Putnam City West (Oklahoma City, OK) – Unranked
Paul VI (Chantilly, VA) – Bubble
Providence Academy (Plymouth, MN) – Bubble
Rutgers Prep (Somerset, NJ) – Bubble
Wesleyan (Peachtree Corners, GA) – Unranked
– Lance Smith | lance@scorebooklive.com | @sbliveca
