As the anticipation for the upcoming high school basketball season reaches a fever pitch, the MaxPreps Preseason Top 25 rankings have been unveiled, offering a tantalizing glimpse into the future of the sport. From the reigning national champions to the rising stars poised to make their mark, this comprehensive guide delves into the teams and players set to captivate audiences across the nation.

Elevating the Game: A Preseason Snapshot of the MaxPreps Top 25

Defending Champions Aim to Cement Legacy

The defending national champions, Link Academy (Branson, Mo.), return just one starter from last season's dominant run, but they remain a force to be reckoned with. Led by third-team MaxPreps Sophomore All-America selection Jordan Smith, the team has reloaded with a mix of high-profile transfers and promising newcomers, including Towson commit Jaquan Womack and Utah State pledge Adlan Elamin. With a 35-3 record and a No. 1 ranking, Link Academy is poised to defend its title and cement its place in the annals of high school basketball history.

Twins Ignite Explorers' Quest for Dominance

Claiming the top spot in the Preseason MaxPreps Top 25 is Columbus (Miami, Fla.), a program that has won three consecutive Class 7A state championships and finished the 2023-24 campaign ranked No. 2 with a 29-5 record. The Explorers' success is fueled by the dynamic duo of twin stars Cameron Boozer and Cayden Boozer, who have recently committed to Duke. The reigning MaxPreps National Junior of the Year, Cameron Boozer, leads an impressive supporting cast that includes returning top 30 junior Jaxon Richardson, setting the stage for another dominant season.

Gonzaga Seeks to Reclaim WCAC Crown

After reaching the WCAC title game last season, Gonzaga (Washington, D.C.) is poised to capture its first conference championship since 2019. The Eagles return four starters from the previous campaign, headlined by a trio of four-star seniors in North Carolina commit Derek Dixon, Virginia Tech pledge Christian Gurdak, and Xavier commit Nykolas Lewis. With their experienced core and a hunger to reclaim the WCAC throne, Gonzaga is determined to make a statement on the national stage.

California Powerhouses Collide

In the talent-rich state of California, Roosevelt (Eastvale, Calif.) enters the season as slight favorites to capture the Open Division state championship. The Mustangs return four of their top five scorers from last season, led by five-star senior Brayden Burries, New Mexico commit Issac Williamson, and senior guards Myles Walker and Dominic Copenhagen. However, they face stiff competition from a loaded field that includes five teams ranked in the MaxPreps Top 25, setting the stage for an epic battle for California supremacy.

Oak Ridge Pioneers Seek Elusive State Crown

Following a run to the Class 7A state championship game last season, the Oak Ridge Pioneers (Orlando, Fla.) are determined to capture their first state title since 2018. Led by top 70 seniors Providence commit Jamier Jones and LSU commit Jalen Reece, the Pioneers also feature key contributors in Ohio commit CeZanne Mosley, top 150 senior Treyvon Maddox, and junior center Tim Winkler. With their sights set on the ultimate prize, the Pioneers are poised to make a deep postseason push.

Braves Aim to Defend Division I Crown

Defending Division I state champions, Montverde Academy (Montverde, Fla.), have added five-star junior Christian Collins to a talented returning cast that includes 2023-24 MaxPreps National Sophomore of the Year Brandon McCoy and four-star Harvard pledge Elzie Harrington. The Braves look to compete for the state title in the Open Division this season after winning their second championship in program history last year.

Pumas Seek Fourth Consecutive Open Division Title

Perry (Gilbert, Ariz.), the three-time defending state champions, return three starters from their run to the Open Division state championship last season. The Pumas' core is led by first-team MaxPreps Junior All-America selection Koa Peat, University of Missouri-Kansas City commit D'Andre Harrison, and senior guard NoNo Brown. Facing a challenging schedule that includes a trip to Hoophall West and a showdown with top-ranked Columbus, the Pumas are determined to extend their reign as Open Division champions.

Grayson Aims to Repeat as Georgia's Best

Reigning Class 7A state champions, Grayson (Loganville, Ga.), have replenished key losses to graduation with the notable additions of top five junior Caleb Holt, Cal State-Fullerton commit K.J. Garris, and senior guard Chris McLavish. Top 40 Georgia commit Jacob Wilkins and three-star center Amir Taylor lead the returning core as the Rams look to defend their title and cement their status as the top team in the Peach State.

Duncanville Bears Seek Elusive First State Crown

In search of their first state championship, the Duncanville Bears (Duncanville, Texas) return all five starters from a team that reached the Class 6A regional semifinals last season. Five-star senior Kingston Flemings is expected to be the catalyst, while Isaiah Ward, Camden Cowgill, Donovan Criss, and Talon Todd round out the returning starters for the top-ranked team out of the Lone Star State.

Wolverines Aim for Three-Peat in California

Two-time defending Open Division state champions, Sierra Canyon (Chatsworth, Calif.), have a chance to capture their third straight title this season led by top 20 Duke commit Nikolas Khamenia. The addition of four-star junior Joe Sterling is expected to stabilize major losses due to graduation in the backcourt, as Dominique Bentho and Isaiah Carroll look to step into increased roles for the Wolverines.