High school girls basketball rankings: Long Island Lutheran starts at No. 1 in Preseason MaxPreps Top 25

Head coach: Christina Raiti
2022-23 record: 22-3
Final 2022-23 ranking: No. 2
Key players: Syla Swords (Michigan), Kate Koval (Notre Dame), Kayleigh Heckel, Savannah Swords, Olivia Jones, Shy Hawkins (Syracuse), Lauryn Swann, Diora Ressaissi
Outlook: The Crusaders return everything from a No. 2 finish last year. Koval had a monster summer, as did Savannah Swords and Jones, plus the addition of Kayla Frier (Class of 2026) and Coco Lohmiller (Class of 2027) give Raiti's squad depth.
Key games: Nike TOC, Art Turner Memorial Tip Off, She Got Game Classic, Bahamas Hoopfest, Hoophall Classic vs. Etiwanda, Montverde Academy, Sidwell Friends, Morris Catholic, Camden, St. John-Vianney

2. Etiwanda (Calif.)
Head coach: Stan Delus
2022-23 record: 32-3
Final 2022-23 ranking: No. 3
Key players: Kennedy Smith, Aliyahna Morris, Mykelle Richards (Long Beach State), Sania Jenkins, Arynn Finley, Grace Knox, Shaena Brew
Outlook: Delus, the MaxPreps Coach of the Year, guided the Eagles to the CIF Open Division title last year. They return MaxPreps All-Americans Smith and Morris while adding Boyd from Nevada's Centennial and Brew from Mater Dei. Delus is confident the Eagles are better on both sides of the floor.
Key games: Hoophall Classic vs. Long Island Lutheran and Sidwell Friends, Hoopfest in Paradise Showcase, Nike Holiday Classic Tournament, Nike SI20 Showcase

3. Montverde Academy (Montverde, Fla.)
Head coach: Matt Shewmake
2022-23 record: 26-1
Final 2022-23 ranking: No. 1
Key players: Vivian Iwuchuwu, Lourdes Da Silva Costa, Chloe Sotell, Jaloni Cambridge, Eris Lester, Holland Harris, Kamrah Banks, Finley Chastain
Outlook: The Eagles erased a second-half deficit to down Long Island Lutheran at GEICO Nationals and grab the MaxPreps National Championship. They lost a ton to graduation but retooled with Shewmake as head coach from The Webb School in Tennessee and grabbed top-ranked rising senior Cambridge to set themselves up for another run.
Key games: Nike TOC, St. James MLK Classic, Inside Exposure, Music City Hoopfest, War Games MLK Classic, Long Island Lutheran

4. Archbishop Mitty (San Jose, Calif.)
Head coach: Sue Phillips
2022-23 record: 28-3
Final 2022-23 ranking: No. 7
Key players: Morgan Cheli (UConn), McKenna Woliczko, Belle Bramer (Lehigh), Elana Weisman (Bucknell), Emma Cook, Jordan Bowar
Outlook: If not for a buzzer-beating tip-in, the Monarchs grab the CIF Open Division title. Phillips, whose coaching legacy includes 789 wins and WNBA alums, returns MaxPreps Co-Freshman of the Year Woliczko along with a healthy Cheli. Add to the mix Bramer, who had to sit last season after transferring, and "automatic bucket" Weisman, and Mitty should be in the mix all season.
Key games: Nike TOC, Nike Holiday Classic Tournament, Nike SI20 Showcase

5. Sidwell Friends (Washington, D.C.)
Head coach: Tamika Dudley
2022-23 record: 29-3
Final 2022-23 ranking: No. 5
Key players: Kendall Dudley (UCLA), Jayla Jackson, Zania Socka (UCLA), Marley Long (William & Mary), Ava Yoon, Genesis Schneeberg, Jayda Dixon
Outlook: Dudley and Jackson shined last year for the Quakers while Socka's stock rose big time over the summer. Sidwell is used to playing on the national stage and has the pieces to complete to the end of the season.
Key games: Hoophall Classic vs. Etiwanda, She Got Game vs. Sacred Heart, ‘Iolani Classic

6. IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.)
Head coach: Frank Oliver
2022-23 record: 12-13
Final 2022-23 ranking: NR
Key players: Kelis Fisher (UConn), Heloisa Carrera (Ole Miss), Sienna Dauer (Davidson), Ciniya Moore (Yale), Leah Harmon (Miami), Tajianna Roberts (Louisville), Deniya Prawl, Lena Girardi
Outlook: Oliver comes to IMG after nine years at Bishop McNamara and has compiled a roster that he expects to compete for a national title. He's laid out an aggressive schedule that will show his staff early where they stand.
Key games: Inside Exposure Thanksgiving Classic, She Got Game, Nike TOC, Tampa Bay Christmas Invitational, War Games MLK Classic

7. Sierra Canyon (Chatsworth, Calif.)
Head coach: Alicia Komaki
2022-23 record: 31-1
Final 2022-23 ranking: No. 4
Key players: MacKenly Randolph, Izela Arenas (Louisville), Emilia Krstevski, Jerzy Robinson, Leia Edwards, Kayla MalekAlissa Evangelista
Outlook: The Trailblazers fell to Etiwanda in the Southern Section playoffs and lost MaxPreps Player of the Year Juju Watkins but Komaki returns Randolph and Arenas after strong summers. Plus, Sierra Canyon adds Co-Freshman of the Year Robinson, whose monster summer will boost her confidence and the team's fortunes.
Key games: Holiday Hoopfest vs. South Grand Prairie, Duncanville, Clovis West Showcase, ‘Iolani Classic vs. Sidwell Friends, Chosen 1s vs. Paul VI, West Coast Jamboree, Desert Vista

8. Bishop McNamara (Forestville, Md.)
Head coach: Ronald James
2022-23 record: 21-6
Final 2022-23 ranking: NR
Key players: Madisen McDaniel (South Carolina), LaNae' Corbett (UMBC), Zhen Craft, Vanessa Harris, Princess-Alexandria Moody, Maisie Crowley, Qandace Samuels
Outlook: The Mustangs will be led by McDaniel, the MaxPreps Maryland Player of the Year and WCAC Player of the Year. She is joined by a talented core that excelled on the EYBL circuit over the summer. Incoming freshman Samuels is the sister of UConn frosh Qadence Samuels, who played for Bishop McNamara last year.
Key games: Riverdale Baptist, She Got Game Super Games, Capital Invitational vs. Duncanville, She Got Game DMV vs. IMG Academy, Nike TOC, Boo Williams Invitational, Blue Star Invitational, The Mecca NY vs. Rutgers Prep, St. James MLK Invitational

9. DeSoto (Texas)
Head coach: Andrea Robinson
2022-23 record: 28-6
Final 2022-23 ranking: NR
Key players: Amari Byles, Kamora Pruitt, Amayah Garcia, Rieyan Desouze, Mylasia Smith (Tarleton State), Nisaa Muhammad
Outlook: The Eagles are still young with four sophomore starters but all had great summers and come in battle-tested after last season.
Key games: Thanksgiving Hoopfest vs. Etiwanda, Holiday Hoopfest vs. Ridgeline and Lone Peak (Utah), Hoopfests in Paradise Showcase, Nike Holiday Classic Tournament

10. Sacred Heart (Louisville, Ky.)
Head coach: Donna Moir
2022-23 record: 36-3
Final 2022-23 ranking: No. 15
Key players: ZaKiyah Johnson, Reagan Bender, Angelina Pelayo (North Carolina-Wilmington), Claire Russell, Emi-Lee Howe, Amirah "Tootie" Jordan, Addison Kincaid, Morgan Frey, Kat Cummins, Gabby DeCamillis
Outlook: The leader of this group is Johnson, who has been the MaxPreps Player of the Year as a freshman and sophomore in the past two seasons. She averaged nearly 22 points per game as the Valkyries won the Kentucky title and return a substantial core of that squad.
Key games: Hoops for Harvest vs. Example Academy, Nike TOC, St. James MLK Invitational, Raatz Fence Classic vs. Incarnate Word Academy, Louisville Invitational Tournament

11. Morris Catholic (Denville, N.J.)
Head coach: William Lovett
2022-23 record: 28-3
Final 2022-23 ranking: No. 8
Key players: Alexis Rosenfeld (Manhattan), Mia Pauldo, Mya Pauldo, Kamaria Bowens, Bliss Vimbor, Madison Miller, Kennedy Brown, Tatianna Collins, Jaqueline Edelman, Anastasia Bonfante, Morgan Fulston
Outlook: The defending New Jersey Non-Public B champions have two dynamic guards in the Pauldo twins but have depth as well as size with the 6-3 twin towers of Miller and Rosenfeld and 6-2 Fulston. That inside-out combination should wreak havoc for opposing teams. The Crusaders also compiled an aggressive national schedule that will have them battle-tested come postseason.
Key games: John Wall Invitational, Battle at the Boardwalk vs. Red Bank, Hoophall Classic vs. Mater Dei, St. James Invitational, The Mecca NY, IMG Academy, St. John-Vianney, Long Island Lutheran

12. DME Academy (Daytona Beach, Fla.)
Head coach: Michael Panaggio
2022-23 record: 20-7
Final 2022-23 ranking: NR
Key players: Tabitha Betson (Colorado), Olivia Schmitt (Syracuse), Asya Barnes, Keira Scott (Syracuse), Ines Goryanova (Baylor), Tahj Monet Bloom (Mississppi State)
Outlook: One of two squads with four seniors among the top 100 prospects.
Key games: The Mecca N.Y., Grind Session MLK, Inside Exposure Thanksgiving, Montverde Academy, Bella Vista, Link Academy, Example Academy, Legacy Early College

13. South Grand Prairie (Grand Prairie, Texas)
Head coach: Brion Raven
2022-23 record: 27-7
Final 2022-23 ranking: NR
Key players: Adhel Tac (South Carolina), Taliyah Parker, Erica Carr (San Diego State), Anyla Herbert
Outlook: Injuries plagued the Warriors last season as Tac and Parker were both missed time. Now healthy, they are ready to make a state title run with a tall, senior-heavy lineup.
Key games: Thanksgiving Hoopfest, Dallas Mavs Fall Classic, Mansfield Spring Creek Christmas tournament

14. Hebron Christian Academy (Dacula, Ga.)
Head coach: Jan Azar
2022-23 record: 32-0
Final 2022-23 ranking: NR
Key players: Aubrey Beckham, Kerra Butler, Danielle Osho, Amiya Porter, Camryn Register, Nickyia Daniel, Aniya Moodie, Alanna Beckham, Kayla Lane, Jayden Watts
Outlook: Depth, shooters and players that get after it on defense give Azar the most talented bunch she has had.
Key games: Nike TOC, Hawks Classic vs. Norcross, MLK event at Whitefield Academy, St. Francis, McEachern

15. Mater Dei (Santa Ana, Calif.)
Head coach: Kevin Kiernan
2022-23 record: 29-4
Final 2022-23 ranking: NR
Key players: Addison Deal, Jenessa Cotton (Duke), Kaeli Wynn, Devyn Kiernan, Amaya Williams, Emily Shaw (Central Washington)
Outlook: Deal had a spectacular summer. The five-star can run the floor and shoot from anywhere while the 6-3 Cotton is a multi-dimensional player who adds size to the lineup.
Key games: Nike TOC, Matt Denning Hoops Classic, Hoophall Classic vs. Morris Catholic

16. Purcell Marian (Cincinnati)
Head coach: Jamar Mosley
2022-23 record: 27-2
Final 2022-23 ranking: NR
Key players: Dee Alexander, Ky Miller, Cyaira Miller, Jayda Mosley (Youngstown State), McKenzie Jones, Trinity Small, Seini Hicks (Ohio State), Samaya Wilkins, Jordan Day (Canisus)
Outlook: The Cavaliers have won back-to-back state titles and return MaxPreps All-American and Miss Ohio Basketball Alexander, who averaged 25.8 points, 9.6 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 2.5 steals. Mosley also added two Division I players and get 6-3 freshman Wilkins in the mix.
Key games: Queen City Tip Off vs. Springboro and Magnificat, Junior Orange Bowl Classic, MLK Showdown vs. Western Reserve and Example Academy, Columbus Africentric

17. Duncanville (Texas)
Head coach: Neiman Ford
2022-23 record: 26-5
Final 2022-23 ranking: NR
Key players: Chloe Mann, Mariah Clayton, Kaylinn Kemp, Jasmine Gipson, Trystan James, Samari Holmen, Aja Smith
Outlook: Ineligible for postseason in 2022-23, the Pantherettes didn't lose a game to a Lone Star State opponent. They might be better this year as they are deep, fast and shoot the lights out.
Key games: Piney Woods Hoopfest, Thanksgiving Hoopfest, The Lake Showcase, Red River Hoopfest, She Got Game Classic

18. Dr. Phillips (Orlando, Fla.)
Head coach: Anthony Jones
2022-23 record: 30-2
Final 2022-23 ranking: No. 20
Key players: Trinity Turner, Kendall Perry, Anilys Rolon, Sariah Johnson
Outlook: Turner, who averaged 20.6 points last season, took over in the state championship win and the other returners all averaged double figures.
Key games: Montverde Academy, DME Academy, Lake Highland Prep, Palm Bay

19. Nazareth Academy (LaGrange Park, Ill.)
Head coach: Eddie Stritzel
2022-23 record: 35-1
Final 2022-23 ranking: NR
Key players: Olivia Austin (Dartmouth), Danielle Scully (Ohio), Ama Dray (Boston College), Allia Von Schlegelll (Milwaukee-Wisconsin), Stella Sakalas, Jane Manecke, Sophia Towne, Lyla Shelton, Mary Bridget Wilson, June Foley
Outlook: Virtually all of a 35-1 state title team returns and Stritzel believes the Roadrunners can compete with anyone.
Key games: Tampa Bay Christmas Invitational, Example Academy, Arrowhead, Benet Academy

20. Lake Highland Prep (Orlando, Fla.)
Head coach: Al Honor
2022-23 record: 25-6
Final 2022-23 ranking: NR
Key players: Eleecia Carter (Tennessee-Chattanooga), Lexi Blue (Virginia Tech), Camila DePool, Bri Rivera, Ari Woodard, Jada Eads, Alla Oskarsdottir
Outlook: The Highlanders lack size but most of their guards are Division I-level players with high basketball IQs.
Key games: Nike TOC, Tampa Bay Christmas Invitational, Florida Prospects Thanksgiving Tournament, Inside Exposure Pre-Thanksgiving Tournament

21. Hazel Green (Ala.)
Head coach: Tim Miller
2022-23 record: 36-1
Final 2022-23 ranking: No. 13
Key players: Leah Brooks (Alabama), Sydney Steward (Faulkner University), Zyriah Price, Kristen Johnson
Outlook: The Trojans grabbed a sixth straight Class 6A title and return a significant portion of a team that only lost one game last season. Brooks was a MaxPreps Junior All-American who averaged 16.1 points, 10.1 rebounds and 2.4 assists.
Key games: Nike TOC, She Got Game Classic D.C. and Atlanta, Ball Prep National Invitational

22. St. John's (Washington, D.C.)
Head coach: Jonathan Scribner
2022-23 record: 26-7
Final 2022-23 ranking: NR
Key players: Kyndal Walker (Maryland), Carolae Barton (Navy), Tatum Greene (Boston College), Jaidyn Harper (East Tennessee State), Ava O’Neil (Gettysburg College), Morgan Stewart, Amanda Bates
Outlook: The Cadets return all but one starter from a squad that won a second straight WCAC title last season. A senior-heavy roster with championship pedigree should carry them toward a WCAC three-peat and beyond.
Key games: She Got Game Classic, D.C., Kruel Classic, Blue Star Classic, Long Island Lutheran, Christ the King, Bullis

23. Incarnate Word Academy (St. Louis)
Head coach: Dan Rolfes
2022-23 record: 32-0
Final 2022-23 ranking: No. 6
Key players: Nevaeh Caffey, Peyton Hill, Kaylynn Janes (Northern Iowa), Zoe Best (Southeast Missouri State), Abbie Sextro
Outlook: The Red Knights enter the season with a 100-game win streak. That equates to experience under pressure for players like Hill and Caffey, one of the country's top point guards with more than 30 Division I offers including Indiana, Michigan and Kansas.
Key games: Holiday Hoopfest vs. Centennial, Raatz Fence Classic vs. Sacred Heart, Sophie Cunningham Classic vs. Bartlett, Park Hills South

24. Johnston (Iowa)
Head coach: Chad Jilek
2022-23 record: 24-2
Final 2022-23 ranking: NR
Key players: Aili Tanke (Iowa State), Aaliyah Riley (Northwest Missouri State), Jenica Lewis, Jaliyah Kinnetz, Isabella Balsley, Amani Jenkins, Ari Phillips, Daya Phillips
Outlook: Jilek said this might be the most talent the Dragons have had, which is saying something considering they have played in the state tournament nine straight seasons, the final four six straight times and the title game four times. Lewis, a sophomore, has more than 40 Division I offers.
Key games: Winter Tip-Off Classic in Johnston vs.Hopkins (Minn.), Nebraska Prep Classic vs. Millard West

25. Putnam City West (Oklahoma City)
Head coach: Allen Russell
2022-23: 23-5
Final 2022-23 ranking: NR
Key players: Caya Smith, Jayla Constant, Da'Nae Jefferson, Shamar Bert, Kiana Gray
Outlook: The Sooner State is talent rich and the Patriots lead the crop with top-ranked state prospect Smith. An offensive threat and defensive stalwart, she led the Patriots with 21 points per game last season. Sophomore Constant added 11.5 per night as all but one player from last year returns.
Key games: Edmond Santa Fe, Norman