10 Greatest High School Basketball Teams of All Time January 12 2019, 110 Comments
We came up with the 10 best high school basketball teams of all time. The list includes teams as far back as 1952 and as recent as 2016. In addition, the list features several different regions of the United States. What are the teams judged off? Star power, strength of schedule, coaching, points differential and overall chemistry. Enjoy, drop us a comment and let us know who we missed.

Players: Mugsy Bouges (NBA), Reggie Lewis (NBA), Reggie Williams (NBA), David Wingate (NBA), Gary Grahm (UNLV), Tim Dawson (Miami), Keith James (UNLV), Darryl Woods (Virginia Union), Jerry White
Notable Wins: Camden (NJ), DeMatha (MD), John Caroll (MD), Flint Hill (VA), Cardinal Gibbons
Head Coach: Bob Wade
Here comes trouble, no question the Dunbar Poets are number one on the list. Their team was an unstoppable force going a combined 60-0 from 1982 to 1984. Arguably, the greatest collection of high school talent ever assembled on one roster. Subjects of the book Boys of Dunbar, the Poets had three future first round NBA draft picks in Reggie Williams, who was the national player of the year as a senior, point guard Muggsy Bogues and Reggie Lewis, who was actually a reserve player on the 1982 and 1983 team. The statistical calculations of 3 players drafted in the first round on the same high school team is 4,037,639 to 1. The media ranked Calvert Hall number 1 and Dunbar number 3 to begin the season. Camden of New Jersey was sandwiched in between at 2, Calvert Hall beat Camden in Philly by 5. Dunbar beat Camden at Camden by 29. But Calvert Hall and Dunbar were not scheduled to play that year and never did. Baltimore Sun ran an article called "The Greatest Game Never Played”.
Dunbar played many of the top teams in the country and won by an average of 30 points. Included among those games, was a 29-point victory over New Jersey powerhouse Camden. Throughout the season no one really came within single digits of Dunbar. When Dunbar ventured up to Camden, the fans were laughing at 5-foot-3 point guard Muggsy Bogues, but the Poets led by 33 points at halftime and won 84-59 to end a 17-year Camden home winning streak. Wingate had 37 points against Camden, while Muggsy finished with 15. They won both the Lake Clifton Tourney and the Cap City Classic. Virginia’s Flint Hill had the pleasure and misfortune of encountering Dunbar on an “on” night. Flint Hill was rated in the Top 25 nationally. To accommodate the overflow crowd, the dream matchup was held at Morgan State College. 5 Flint Hill players later went on to D1 programs, it didn’t matter as Flint Hill got embarrassed in front of all those fans. They also beat famed powerhouse DeMatha of Maryland (67-55). Following the Dematha game they blew out John Caroll high school. While they finished the season ranked #2 behind Calvert Hall, most real experts agreed the Dunbar squad was the best team in 1982. The 1982-1983 season following David Wingate’s and Gary Grahm’s graduation, saw Dunbar named national champions after another undefeated season (31-0).
The teams floor general 5-3 Mugsy Bouges was one of the most unique basketball players to ever take the court. His stifling full court defense and constant ball pressure gave opposing players nightmares. Bouges was a confident leader on the court, running the offense like a symphony. The 5-3 lead guard would go on to be the shortest player ever selected in the first round of the NBA draft.
Reggie Williams was the squads top prospect, the 6-7 forward was a future NBA lottery pick. Dunbar coach Bob Wade said, “Williams is like E.F. Hutton, when he speaks, the other guys listen.” Williams averaged 24.3 ppg and 12 rpg as a junior. He also shot over 90% from the free throw line. Famed scout Howie Garfinkel called Williams, “the kind of athletes candy bars are named after”. Reggie Williams had the perfect mixture of athleticism and touch. The future Georgetown Hoya was the primary scorer on the team and he was incredible while slashing to the hoop. Williams also had a lethal mid-range jump shot. During his senior season, USA Today voted Reggie the National High School Player of the Year.
The pair of senior stars at guard, Georgetown bound All-American David Wingate and UNLV commit Gary Grahm supplied leadership to the Poet team. Wingate won a national championship in college and went on to a multi year NBA career. He was known for his pressure defense and his explosive offensive game. Grahm was a shooting threat who also supplied pressure defense.
Junior Reggie Lewis was the best kept secret on Dunbar, the future NBA All-Star lacked the hype of some of his teammates. But Lewis was an electric scorer off the bench for the Poets, providing several timely baskets. The teams bench may have been the greatest of all time. 6-6 junior Tim Dawson started a handful of games and helped the Poets inside with his great leaping ability. Future Clemson commit, Mike Brown also came off the bench as a 6-4 guard. 5-7 Virginia Union commit Darryl Woods also came off the bench. The future UNLV guard Keith James came off the bench with Lewis, Dawson, Brown and 5-7 Woods.
Coach Wade was a strict disciplinarian, who ran practices like a boot camp. He knew that his team was going to need a whole new set of standards to live by, other than what they had been exposed to in life. Coach Wade had a special corporal punishment regiment he would impose on the players for infractions, ranging from cutting class, to missing the open wing man on the fast break. The "ghetto dun-bells" were bricks wrapped in tape and Poet practice jerseys for padding. Upon rule violation, players could be seen and heard doing jumping jacks and cross-country runs, with their bricks in hand. Wade felt the "ghetto dun-bells" gave his players stronger legs and wrists than their opponents. Above all, he believed in defense and pressure. He tried to instill in his players the same discipline he learned from Vince Lombardi as a defensive halfback for the Washington Redskins in 1969. Those selfless messages got repeated over and over at practice. Wingate insists Dunbar practices were harder than games. They were definitely longer. Practice started at 4 and went until the team got things right. “Sometimes we’d practice till 10:30, 11 at night,”
A mind blowing collection of talent when you take into account all 12 players grew up within 7 miles of one another. A far cry from the prep teams and loaded private school teams of the present. There have been several documentaries made about this team, including Baltimore's Boys from ESPN. A public school team will never again match the pure talent of the 82 Poets.

Players: Jerry Stackhouse (NBA), Jeff McGinnis (NBA), Mark Blount (NBA), Makhtar NDiaye (NBA), Alex Sanders (Louisville), Curtis Staples (Virginia), Jermaine Smith (UNLV), Mike Brittan (Memphis), Tavares Johnson (Xavier)
Notable Wins: Rice (NY), Charlotte Christian (NC), Artesia (CA), Crenshaw (CA)
Head Coach: Steve Smith
36-0 on their way to USA Today National Champions, they blew out opponents by an average of 32 points. Oak Hill’s best and deepest team of all time. This might have been the team that started the upward trend toward loaded prep school basketball. The 1993 team held the distinction at playing during a time when loaded prep schools and academies were mostly a thing of the future.
Coach Steve Smith said it best “Our 2004 team was really good but that, 93 team might be the best team we’ve ever had.” “They were all high division 1 players, I really didn't have a problem keeping them happy. “We had probably two players at every position,” Smith said. “The depth we had was more than on any other team we’ve had. We had four Division I players that didn’t start, but they all bought into their role.” Smith is one of the top high school coaches of all time, and has led his teams to more than 5 mythical national championships.
The most hyped team of the decade, they routinely received ink in multiple national newspapers every week. They were only tested twice all season. They obliterated multiple teams, including a 96-8 victory again John Battle High School.
Led by the McDonald’s All-American tandem of Jeff McGinnis and Jerry Stackhouse. Stackhouse was one of the top 3 players in the nation, he recently transferred from Kinston, North Carolina. The swingman went on to a borderline hall-of-fame career in the NBA. As a senior in 1993 Stackhouse averaged 28 points and 12 rebounds. Many thought that Stackhouse was the best guard prospect since Michael Jordan. McGinnis paced the team with 8 assist per game, while chipping in 14 points per game. Both McGinnis and Stackhouse went on to play at North Carolina.
Oak Hill had one of the best front lines in the history of high school basketball. Highlighted by future NBA players Mark Blount and Makhtar NDiaye. Blount was an elite rim protector, routinely intimidating the opposing team. Their role players were top notch, including Alex Sanders, Curtis Staples, Jermaine Smith, Mike Brittan and Tavares Johnson. The bench filled with high divsion-1 players, was one of the greatest second units of all time.
Their interior muscle was overwhelming, as Sanders, N’diaye, and Johnson each tipped the scales at 240+ lbs. At the Holiday Prep Classic in Las Vegas, that beat up teams that included prep legend Felipe Lopez and his Rice HS squad from NYC, as well as many of the best teams from California. That team filled Oak Hill’s little 400-seat Turner Gymnasium with SRO crowds that ballooned closer to 900 many wearing Tar Heel blue whenever Oak Hill played marquee games.

Players: Bobby Hurley (NBA), Terry Dehere (NBA), Rodrick Rhodes (NBA), Jerry Walker (Seton Hall) Danny Hurley (Seton Hall), Sean Rooney (Duquesne), Felix Ortiz (Radford), Woodrow Williams (Buffalo), Lamont Street (Wagner)
Notable Wins: Miami Senior (FL), Flint Hill (VA), Elizabeth (NJ), Artesia (CA), Archbishop Molloy (NY), Tolentine (NY), Cardinal Hayes (NY), Christian Brothers Academy (NJ)
Head Coach: Bob Hurley
There are several unique traits of the 1989 St. Anthony squad. The school has no home gym, they have no scholarships to give out and the enrollment for students was just over 300. Led by Legendary coach Bob Hurley and three future NBA first round draft picks. The 89 team was Hall-of-Fame coach Hurley’s greatest collection of talent. Only 2 of the 32 wins, were not by double digit margins. The Friars' average winning margin of 28 points, and it's easy to see why they were voted national high school basketball champions by USA Today and Street & Smith's.
The 1989 squad featured Bobby Hurley (son of the coach), Terry Dehere and Rodrick Rhodes, each of whom was a first-round NBA draft pick. Hurley was New Jersey's premier guard, and one of the best in the country. Eventually he would excel in college at Duke, leading the Blue Devils to the Final Four 3 times.
Rodrick Rhodes was a bonafide guard nationally and one of the top athletes in his high school class. Rhodes was merely a freshman, but his talent was clear. By the time he was a senior, he was a top-five recruit in the country, and eventually slid into the starting lineup at the University of Kentucky as a true freshman.
Dehere was a key scorer and long range shooter for the Friars. He was good enough as a senior to earn a scholarship to Seton Hall. He finished his collegiate career with almost 2,500 points and a trip to the Final 4.
Jerry Walker, who played for Seton Hall, was an intimidating forward. At 6-7 and 240 pounds, Walker displayed the physical attributes and aggressiveness atypical of high school post players. He was one of the nation's best forwards, and helped the Pirates win two Big East titles.
The center position was manned by Sean Rooney and Felix Ortiz, who were both 6-7. Guards Woodrow Williams, Lamont Street and Darren Savino rounded out the team for the friars. Another important bench player was sophomore Danny Hurley (Bobby’s brother), the future college star helped contribute off the bench with his phenomenal offensive game.
That '89 season saw St. Anthony win three national tournaments and defeat teams from 10 different states. The Friars beat nationally-acclaimed Miami Senior and Flint Hill. They also knocked off state rivals Elizabeth and Christian Brothers. That year, the Friars won their own Skyline Classic tournament, defeating Artesia of California, a team that featured Ed O’Bannon and an Archbishop Molloy team featured a young Kenny Anderson. The Friars also defeated New York powers such as Tolentine and Cardinal Hayes. They also became the first New Jersey team to win the season-ending Tournament of Champions, which matches all the divisional winners in the state. They beat rival Elizabeth in multiple games during the year. The team finished with the legionary number 1 ranking in the nation.
The Miami Senior win (68-55) came on a late run with Bobby Hurley limited by an ankle injury. Against powerhouse Flint Hill Prep (64-45), St. Anthony's blew them out by 20. They sold out practically every gym they played in that season.
"I remember walking around my neighborhood with TV cameras following me around," recalled Walker. "It was such a big story at the time because we didn't have a gym and we were the No. 1 team in the country. I remember being on Regis & Kathie Lee, just getting so much exposure. Dateline, People Magazine. It was crazy. We were like rock stars.” At the end of the season the St. Anthony's win streak reached 50.

4) 2005-2006 Lawrence North (Indianapolis, IN) (29-0)
Players: Mike Conley (NBA), Greg Oden (NBA), Stephen Van Treese (Louisville), Damian Windham (Chicago St.),
Notable Wins: Dunbar (OH), Proviso East (IL), Pike, Franklin Central, North Central, Glenbrook North (IL)
Coach: Jack Keefer
In 2003, Greg Oden and Mike Conley became the first freshmen to start for head coach Jack Keefer and the two have been linked ever since. After back-to-back state titles, 2006 had all the makings of a dream season. They became the first Indiana team to win the mythical national championship since Cripus Attucks in 1955. The season prior the Wildcats finished with a 24-2 record, winning the last 16 games of the season. The Wildcats might have had the best inside/outside duo in high school history.
They made their way through a vaunted national schedule to reach a 31-0 mark. Lawrence North beat up on Dunbar (Ohio) featuring five-star guard Daequan Cook in a nationally televised game. The game was held at Butler University and was a blowout from the tipoff. They played another game on ESPN2, as they took on future pro Eric Gordon and North Central. They embarassed Franklin featuring future NBA big man Juwan Johnson. Another marquee out-of-state match-up against Jon Scheyer and Glenbrook North in Evanston, Ill. The Wildcats went on the road and beat the nationally-ranked Spartans in front of a capacity crowd. By the end of season their winning streak had reached 45 games.
"Oden was the best big man that Indiana's ever had, and Conley's the best point guard Indiana's ever had,” a local writer would comment. Regarded by many as the top high school basketball player in America, many thought Oden was the most dominant big since Shaquille O’Neal. The 7-foot center dominated the post for four seasons and was a runaway IndyStar Mr. Basketball. He helped Ohio State reach the national championship game in his one season there. He was the pied piper in Indy and puts the sold out sign on the ticket office everywhere he goes. As a senior, Oden averaged 22.1 points, 10.5 rebounds and 3.5 blocks per game while shooting 74 percent from the floor.
Don't forget about Mike Conley. The future NBA All-Star was a blur with the ball in his hands, he remained a consistent force for the Wildcats. As a senior, the point guard averaged 16.5 points and 4.2 assists. Conley and Oden would star together at Ohio State as Freshman, where they led the Buckeyes to the 2007 NCAA tournament title game.
6-5 Damian Windham was a solid contributor from the wing for the Wildcats. Brandon McDonald was a defensive player who locked up opposing teams top offensive players. Future Louisville Cardinal Stephen Van Treese backed up Oden at center.
The Wildcats won three Class 4A championships in a row, going 72-4 along the way. A sellout crowd of 18,345 at Conseco Field house witnessed history as Lawrence North became only the third team to win three consecutive state titles. In the championship game they rolled over Muncie Central 80-56. Greg Oden had 26 points and Mike Conley went for 21.
The team was even the subject of a book Uncaged: The Rise of Greg Oden, Mike Conley, and the National Champion Lawrence North Wildcats by Dave Krider. In the illustrious history of Indiana basketball, no team has been better over a three-year stretch. The facts remain the Wildcats lost just four games in three years, beat opponents by nearly 20 points a game, won three straight state championships and were named national champions for the 2005-06 season.

Players: Jalen Rose (NBA), Vashon Lenard (NBA), Howard Eisley (NBA), Garland Mance (St. Bonaventure), Elton Carter (Penn State)
Notable Wins: Saginaw, Cooley, Pershing
Head Coach: Perry Watson
After title game losses in 7 of the previous 8 seasons, Southwestern finally delivered coach Watson's first championship in the 1990 State Finals. Senior Howard Eisley and junior Voshon Lenard were sensational in their own right, but it was Jalen Rose who starred for the Prospectors. Aside from the big three, they had plenty of division one talent up an down the roster. 8 of the players on the roster went on to play d-1 basketball. Perry Watson’s 1991 squad, which featured seniors Jalen Rose and Voshon Lenard, may have gotten the recognition as the country’s top team. But it was the school’s 1990 squad, that featured Rose, Leonard, and senior Eisley, that laid the groundwork for the national acclaim. The team was as disciplined and hard working as any team ever. They would run around the school, even hallways on rainy days. Words were rarely exchanged if a loss did occur. And you can be assured they would practice that night. Three of the best players in the state of Michigan, and in the country. "That 1990 team would rip your face off before they let you score a basket," said T.C. Cameron, an expert on Michigan high school sports. They also played in Detroit at a time in which the Detroit Public School League, was among the best in the nation.
During his high school years, Jalen Rose led the Prospectors to state titles his junior and senior seasons. Over his 14-year NBA career, he totaled over 13,000 points. In his junior season, the versatile 6-7 Rose averaged 18 points, 6 assists and 8 rebounds. Rose played mostly point guard and forward for the Prospectors. An interesting side note to this team, Chris Webber was anticipated to enroll at Southwestern as a freshman in 1988 (instead enrolling at Detroit Country Day).
Junior guard Voshon Lenard was a long-range shooting specialist who was part of back-to-back state title teams at Southwestern. At 6-5, Lenard had good enough size and athleticism to land a scholarship for Minnesota. He went on to star in the NBA, where he scored over 6,700 points.
Howard Eisley was the senior leader of the Prospectors. The 6-2 guard was a lethal shooter and tough defender. As one of the top players in the state Eisley routinely drilled clutch shots for the Prospectors. He would go on to play in the 1997 and 1998 NBA Finals with the Utah Jazz.
St Bonaventure commit Garland Mance was a role player for Southwestern. The 6-4 forward provided depth for the state champions. Mance went on to a successful college career at St. Bonaventure, averaging double digit points for his career. Elton Carter played on the inside for the Prospectors, before playing in the Big 10 at Penn State.
Their state championship game was both a celebration and triumph. After head coach Watson struggled to win the big one, Southwestern prevailed with a 67-54 victory over Saginaw. The program was controversial because rival coaches accused Watson of recruiting players, a charge the coach has always denied. In the broader view, it hardly mattered. City kids were succeeding. Few could argue that Watson wasn’t a positive influence. This team was so talented that legendary Yankee Derek Jeter claimed to have played this team in high school, after the game he simply decided basketball wasn't his sport.

6) 2013-2014 Montverde Academy (Mont, FL) (27-1)*
Players: DeAngelo Russell (NBA), Ben Simmons (NBA), Justin Bibbs (Virginia Tech), Jayln Patterson (LSU), Jordan Caroline (Nevada), Chris Egi (Harvard), Ifeanyi Umezurike (St. Francis). Ahmaad Rorie (Oregon), Christ Koumadje (Florida St.), Makinde London (Chattanoga), Ifeanyi Umezurike (Saint Francis)
Notable Wins: Norcross (GA), Providence School (FL), Lincoln (NY), Paul VI (VA), Christ the King(NY), Roselle Catholic (NJ), Huntington Prep (WV), Oak Hill
Head Coach: Kevin Boyle
Beginning in the early 90’s several powerhouse prep schools started to gain stream, schools with the ability to recruit talent nationally. This may have been one of the best prep school rosters ever assembled, led by the unstoppable combination of future NBA lottery picks DeAngelo Russell and Ben Simmons. Along with 2 top-3 NBA picks, came a roster loaded with 8 division-one prospects. Legendary coach Kevin Boyle continued his dominance, posting a 27-1 record. All while facing a daunting national schedule.
Ben Simmons helped guide Florida's Montverde Academy to three consecutive National High School Invitational championships. Simmons and Russell became roommates and together led the school to national championships in 2013 and 2014. Russell recalls a young Simmons. "Ben's always been as good as he is," Russell said. "Off the court, you could never guess how old he was. On the court, his game was very mature back then.” The 6-foot-10 Simmons came into the NBA touted as a point-forward. His versatility, passing skills and playmaking instinct were apparent as a teenager. As a junior in 2014, Ben Simmons posted 18.5 points, 9.6 rebounds and 2.7 assists. The future number 1 overall pick was the star of the 2014 NHSI championship game, scoring 24 points, grabbing 12 rebounds and dishing out five assists in his team's 71-62 victory over Oak Hill Academy.
DeAngelo Russell attended Central High School in Louisville before transferring to Montverde Academy for his sophomore season. In 2014, he helped Montverde win back-to-back High School National Tournament championships. He later played in the McDonald's All-American Game and Jordan Brand Classic. Russell averaged 19.3 points, 4.7 assists and 3.6 rebounds per game as a senior. The guard became the first player in the school’s history to have his jersey and number retired.
Future NCAA tournament star Jordan Caroline mostly played inside for the Eagles. The son of NFL star Simeon Rice had a big senior season averaging 14 points and 7 rebounds. The future Nevada star was one of the more slept on recruits in the 2013 class. He went to Nevada where he would score over 1,700 points and 600 rebounds before entering his senior season.
Senior Justin Bibbs started at guard for the Eagles before going on to play for the University of Virginia Tech. He currently plays in the NBA’s developmental league. Jayln Patterson went on to play at LSU after his prep career. Chris Egi a 6-7 forward went on to play at Harvard. Both Egi and Patterson were key contributors off the bench for the Eagles.
When it comes to strength of schedule, this team ranks first of all time. The Eagles’ championship at Dick’s Nationals capped off a season in which it beat 16 teams that were at some point ranked or included in the final FAB 50. They routed Oak Ridge in a nationally televised ESPN game 93-57. At the Bass Pro tournament they beat Village Christian, Christ the King and White Station. The won the vaunted City of the Palms tournament by defeating Milton, Lincoln, Providence School and Paul VI. Additional signature wins came over Huntington Prep, Roselle Catholic, Wheeler, Norcross and Sagemont. They faced off with Karl Anthony Towns and his St. Jospeh team from New Jersey, before prevailing 79-70.
In a controversial game they took on Curie Metro Chicago featuring five star Cliff Alexander. If it weren't for a loss to Curie at the Spalding Hoophall Classic that was later ruled a forfeit, this team would be higher on this list. In the opening rounds of the National High School Tournament they beat national power Huntington Prep. The Eagles defeated No. 3 Oak Hill Academy 71-62 in the finals of the National High School Tournament to capture their second consecutive mythical national title.
Players: Jeff Malone (NBA), Terry Fair (Georgia), Michael Hunt, Bobby Jones (Western Kentucky), Hook McCarthy, Eric Hightower (GA Southern),
Notable Wins: Oak Hill Academy, Northeast Macon, Bristol (TN), Vanguard (FL), St Johns (DC), Baylor Prep (TN)
Coach: Duck Richardson
Southwest Macon may have been the best kept secret in the history of high school basketball. The engine of the team was head coach Duck Richardson, once described by one of his players as “The Black Hitler”. The Southwest team single handily changed the perception of basketball in the south. They ran the table to win their second straight state title. Every key player from the 1978 state title team was returning in 1979. Southwest set out to be the first team from the south to win a national championship in basketball. Led by 3 of the best players the state has ever produced, Southwest packed arenas across the East Coast and South. They were not overly big, but the Pats were abundantly skilled and stocked with talent.
Future NBA All-Star Jeff Malone was a bonafied scorer that averaged over 20 points per game for over 13 seasons in the NBA. The 6-foot-4 Malone taunted opponents with his silky-smooth jump shot, shooting out to 25 feet. Malone went on to break the all-time scoring record at Mississippi State University, was a lottery pick in the 1983 NBA Draft, and a two-time All-Star. In 13 NBA seasons, he averaged over 19 points per game, shot 51 percent from the field, 81 percent from the free-throw line, and was a certified lock-down defender. Malone had been groomed since his freshman season to be the teams scorer, he did not disappoint leading the team in scoring during the 1979 season.
A 6-8 physical specimen and McDonald’s All-American selection, Terry Fair could run like a deer. On offense he could finish above the rim and alter shots on defense. Fair went on to play at the University of Georgia, where he set several scoring and rebounding records. He led the Bulldogs to the 1983 Final Four. Malone and Fair would become high school All-Americans in ’79.
While Fair and Malone were spectacular, but it was Michael Hunt who was the team’s unquestioned leader. The 6-4 lead guard was an extension of coach duck on the floor. A gritty swingman, Hunt was the coach on the floor and an extension of Duck, and he took extreme pride in his role. Bobby Jones was the 5’10 junior point guard who contributed a nice blend of scoring and distributing. Jones played college ball at Western Kentucky and set the all-time assists and steals record for a number of years until they were broken. Henry “Hook” McCarthy was a 6’3 junior power forward that was an X-factor on the team. Other complementary players included 6’2 guard Clint Whitehead, 6’4 big man Alonzo “Mickey” Patrick, Carl “Ironhead” Tyler, Glenn Harden and Eric Hightower, a top-tier athlete with noticeable jumping ability that helped him land a basketball scholarship at Georgia Southern University.
Don “Duck” Richardson was the harshest disciplinarian in all of high school basketball, often compared to Indiana general Bobby Knight. Duck had no place for egos on his team, and he had neither the time nor the tolerance for self-pity. The stories about Duck seem fictional but the coach went on to win 8 titles in his time at Southwest. Duck was doing things way before other coaches and trainers. He would routinely run full-court passing drills while players wore weighted vest and threw 50-pound weighted balls to each other at full speed to rebounding/box-out drills to three-man weaves to defensive slides. Terry Fair commented “We trained like no other team ever trained. His work ethic…I’ve never seen anything like it. For me, I call him the Black Hitler. Fatigue was not an option. Ask any guy from that era and there say the games were much easier than the practices.” Fair shared a story so cruel and so unusual we had to share it “This man made me get out of the shower and do line drills butt-naked,” says an animated Fair. “Hell yeah, that man crazy.”
At a time when teams didn’t play a national schedule, the Patriots looked to challenge themselves facing several out of state opponents. They slaughtered vaunted Oak Hill Academy by 51 and whipped St. John's, Bristol, Vanguard and Baylor Prep in a burly out-of-state schedule. They won back to back state tournament games 82-45 and 104-57. They beat their rival Northeast Macon, 4 times during the year. Still the last playoff matchup got close. Southwest ended up victorious in a 69-60 contest. The Southwest-Northeast rivalry hit its apex in 1979 as both were legitimate state championship-caliber teams.
They were one of the first high schools to be sponsored by Nike. Coach Richardson was one of the first coaches to work the famous Nike All-American camp that took place in Georgia. Sonny Vaccaro got in contact with Coach Richardson and offered to pay for their warmup clothing and shoes.
There's no questioning Southwest’s greatness, the teams average margin of victory was 29 in the regular season and 27.5 during the state playoffs. The team averaged over 88 points per game in an era without a 3-point line, their defense was stifling. The Patriots were loaded with 13 players who are said to have gone on to play college ball of some sort. When it was all said and done multiple players had success at the next level. They finished with the No. 1 overall ranking in the country capturing the first High School National Championship for a southern school.

Players: Lonzo Ball (NBA), Onyeka Okongwu (NBA), LaMelo Ball (Europe), LeAngelo Ball (UCLA), Eli Scott (LMU), Andre Ball (Pepperdine) Cameron Shelton (NAU),
Notable Wins: Bishop Montgomery, Mater Dei, Montverde Academy (FL), Patrick School (NJ), Foothills Christian, Jefferson (NY), High Point Academy (NC), Bishop Gorman (NV),
Coach: Steve Baik
Led by the trio of the Ball brothers, the team had plenty of other talent on the roster. This team faced a national schedule which showcased their abundance of talent and depth. The team played at a blistering speed offensively, running their full court break. Chino Hills was one of the most exciting high school basketball teams of the 2000s, averaging 98 points per contest and tying the state record with 18 100-point games in 2015-6.
McDonalds All-American and future NBA lottery pick Lonzo Ball was the unquestioned leader of the team. The pass first 6-6 point guard was drawing comparisons to Jason Kidd as early as his sophomore season. His senior season was something to behold, averaging over 25 points, 11 assists and 11 rebounds, 5 steals. He provided suffocating full-court defense for all four quarters. The team also includes his brothers LaMelo Ball (freshman) and LiAngelo Ball (junior) who is also committed to UCLA. Junior LiAngelo Ball averaged over 27 points as a junior. The little brother LaMelo had an outstanding freshman season averaging over 16 points and 4 assists.
Chino was led inside by intimidating 6-8 freshman Onyeka Okongwu. The rising recruit led the team with 5 blocks per game. Okongwu's shot-blocking skills were game changing in the final month of the season. He went on to averaged 8 points, 7 rebound and 5 blocks as a freshman. A 5-star recruit of the 2019 class, Okongwu recently committed to play basketball for USC.
6-5 swingman Eli Scott contributed to the Huskies success. Scott helped with a bevy of showtime dunks and inside rebounding. He averaged over 15 points and 8 rebounds as a senior. The LMU signee would go on to average more than 12 points per game during his freshman season in college, a true sign of this teams depth. Sophomore and future Pepperdine commit Andre Ball was barely good enough to touch the floor for Chino only averaging 4 points per game.
The Huskies captured a City of Palms Classic title while notching a signature win over Montverde Academy. The Huskies also beat Jefferson and The Patrick School to win the City of Palms Holiday Tournament. 3 days later the team traveled to another national tournament in the Maxpreps Holiday Classics. There they took down Seattle Prep, Milwaukee King and Redondo Union. They defeated seven preseason ranked FAB 50 teams after New Year’s, including No. 36 Bishop Montgomery 71-67 in one of California’s most anticipated regular-season games in recent memory. They beat Foothills Christian twice featuring 5-star recruit Tj Leaf. In February, they matched up with Nevada's top squad Bishop Gorman who featured 3 of the top bigs in the country. They were no match for Chino’s run and gun style, as the Huskies won 98-81. The California Open division playoff was especially tough in 2016, as Chino faced three top 50 opponents on their way to the state crown. No team from California ever played tougher national competition. In the CIF Southern Section Open Division semifinals they demolished a good Mater Dei team 102-54. Before beating down Sierra Canyon 105-83 and Foothills Christian 82-62. They once again beat Bishop Montgomery in the Southern California final. The state championship game saw them cruise over De La Salle 70-50.
The state championship victory clinched a 35-0 season and assured a mythical national championship. It cemented the school's first state title and erased a bitter defeat in last year's Division I double-overtime championship loss. Considering the Huskies defeated 11 top 50 teams in the country this year, fans wondered if they are the best team in state history. Lonzo Ball had an answer ”We believed before the start of season we had the chance to be the best ever," he said. "Tonight sealed it in our minds.” Said Chino Hills coach Steve Baik, whose team scored at least 100 points 18 times, which tied a state record: "We have to be in the conversation. Our body of work is pretty impressive. Historians will need to take a hard look."

Players: Oscar Robertson (NBA), Albert Maxey (Nebraska), Willie Merriweather (Purdue)
Notable Wins: Rosesevelt Gary, Northeast Macon, Bristol (TN), Milan (Hickory), Lafayette Jefferson
Coach: Ray Crowe
There were a ton of great achievements by this Oscar Robertson led Indiana state champ. "There's a lot of insensitivity still out there," Robertson said. "Because it's a black school, people just don't care. Nobody cares about black issues. And I simply won't stand for that. Not with what we accomplished.’" Oscar was probably the greatest high school and collegiate player to ever live. He led Attucks to 3 State titles in Indian’s vaunted state tournament. Aside from Robertson they had plenty of star power to match up with anyone. In 1954, Attucks lost in the state quarterfinals to eventual state champions Milan, whose story would later be the basis of the classic 1986 movie Hoosiers. In 1955, Attucks finished with a 30-1 record and the first ever state title for an all black starting five. In the 1955-1956 season they won a second straight Indiana state title, becoming the first team in Indiana to secure a perfect season and compiling a state-record 45 straight victories. The Tigers average margin of victory was 28 points in the regular season and 23 points during the tournament. The team played with pace and pressure defense never before seen in America. They were a new type of basketball team, and a very dominant one at that.
At the time, Oscar Robertson was the greatest prep player in the history of basketball. The future NBA hall-of-famer went on to play for the University of Cincinnati where he was twice named the NCAA Player of the Year. Robertson dominated his high school career winning Indiana’s Mr. Basketball as a senior. Following the season he was named MVP of Indiana-Kentucky all-star game. Robertson was an Olympic team co-captain and was an innovator in the NBA by averaging a triple-double over a season. As a junior for Attucks, he averaged 24 points and 12 rebounds. Robertson ended his high school career by scoring 39 points before 15,000 fans at Butler Fieldhouse.
Besides Robertson, the Tigers featured forward Willie Merriweather. As a senior in 1955, he averaged over 18 points per game. He would go on to star at Purdue and play semipro basketball. He was good enough to be elected into the Indiana State Basketball Hall of Fame.
Guard Albert Maxey played basketball at Nebraska after his high school career. He was also elected to the Indiana State basketball Hall of Fame.
Attucks played a in a time where Indiana’s state playoff had no size discrimination, meaning it was a one division open tournament. In the playoffs Attucks defeated New Albany 79–67 in the state semifinals. In the Championship game at Historic Hinkle Fieldhouse, Attucks rolled over Gary Rosesevelt 97-74. Robertson led the way with 30 points as Merriwather contributed 21 points. After their championship game wins, the team was paraded through town in a regular tradition, but they were then taken to a park outside downtown to continue their celebration, unlike other teams. Robertson stated, "[Officials] thought the blacks were going to tear the town up, and they thought the whites wouldn't like it. The Tigers were social pioneers, being the first African-American team to win a state basketball championship during a period in which they had difficulty finding opponents and accommodations. Immediately after winning the championship game, the team, cheerleaders and fans were denied the tradition of riding a firetruck and celebrating by riding around Monument Circle. The omission of the traditional celebration left the team’s players, including Basketball Hall of Fame member, Oscar Robertson, to conclude that they simply “weren’t wanted.” Their success changed things and went well beyond the realm of high school sports.” There is even a distinct piece of Attucks history at the Black History Museum. Spread between tributes to Martin Luther King Jr. and the Tuskegee Airmen is a letterman's jacket from the 1956 undefeated state champs and a medallion from the 1955 trailblazers. There are pictures and trophies, paintings and plaques commemorating everything the Crispus Attucks basketball teams of the 1950s were able to accomplish.

10) 1972-1973 DeMatha Catholic (Hytesville, MD) (30-1)
Players: Adrian Dantley (NBA), Kenny Carr (NBA), Billy Langloh (Virginia), Ron Satterthwaite (William & Mary), Eric Coard (Nebraska), Buzzy O’Connell (Stetson), Vern Allen (Niagara),
Notable Wins: St Johns, Gonzaga, Calvert Hall, Archbishop O’Connell, Carroll
Coach: Morgan Wootten
DeMatha is a basketball institution led by gatekeeper Morgan Wooten. They play in one of the top conferences in America. Their dominance as a program has reached more than 50 seasons. The 1973 team was the best DeMatha ever had. This team had an unbelievable amount of size and discipline. They were headlined by the tandem of 6-6 Adrian Dantley and the 6-7 Kenny Carr, both future NBA lottery picks.
Former UCLA basketball coach John Wooden described Morgan Wootten when he said, "I know of no finer coach at any level – high school, college or pro. I stand in awe of him.” On October 13, 2000, Coach Morgan Wootten was inducted into the Hall of Fame, one of three high school basketball coaches ever so honored. His overall record at the time was 1,210 wins and 183 losses. During his coaching career at DeMatha, he received job offers from North Carolina State, Georgetown, Duke, Wake Forest, and Virginia. Wootten turned down the offers, according to Sports Illustrated, because the Maryland job, was the only college job he wanted. The 1973 DeMatha team was coach Morgan Wooten’s most talented team.
Facing one of the top leagues in America, Dematha faced several out of state schools as well. They won the Alhambra Catholic Invitation Tournament, beating Mater Christi, Power Memorial and Leo High School.
Adrian Dantley was the greatest player in DeMatha history and one of the best ever produced in the Washington area. The athletic forward was a smooth outside shooter, a force on the inside with an explosive first step, and a master of psychology. “Nobody had a work ethic like Adrian Dantley,” Morgan Wootten said. He practiced obsessively, even on Christmas Day, when he would pick up the gym key from Coach Wooten's house. As a freshman in 1969, Wooten received a knock on the door. He was shocked when their stood the 6-4 Dantley, on not just any morning but Christmas morning. As a senior leader in 1973 Dantley averaged over 22 points and 11 rebounds per game. During his career, he led DeMatha to a combined 57-2 record, earning high school All-America honors.
The 6-7 Kenny Carr was an unbelievable power forward for Dematha. As a junior in 1973 Carr dominated the paint, before heading off to NC State. Eventually he was drafted by the Lakers 6th overall in the 1977 NBA draft. Giving the 1973 team, 2 NBA lottery picks.
Billy Langloh was a speedy 6-3 guard that went on to play in the ACC for the University of Virginia. He had a good career at Virginia averaging 11 points per game. As a senior in 1973 Langloh was one of the primary guards for Dematha. Buzzy O’Connell was the primary ball handler for the Stags. O’Connell ran Wootten’s offensive system just to coaches liking.
The team featured guard Ron Satterwaite who played at William & Mary. Eric Coard seldom played until his senior season, he played good enough to earn a scholarship to the University of Nebraska. Vern Allen started at center for the Stags, his role was mostly to rebound and play defense. He was good enough to play at the University of Niagara.
The Stags only had one loss on the year and it came to Baltimore powerhouse Dunbar. ”I will never forget that game," Wootten said several years ago. "We had played St. John's the night before, and we came up to Baltimore the next day and just got outplayed. The place was packed, and Sugar's guys came to play. Skip Wise was unbelievable. Absolutely unbelievable.” Wise scored 39 points (22 in one of the most dominating fourth quarters ever) on an array of long jump shots and slashing drives that left the crowd in an absolute frenzy.
Although they didn’t finish the season with the vaunted number one ranking, few doubt they were the best team in the nation. The team was absolutely dripping with talent, under the leadership of Morgan Wooten it was hard to deny their greatness. They played in one of the toughest leagues in America and only lost a game to a standout individual performance.
Honorable Mention: 1957 Middletown (OH), 1959 McClymonds (CA), 1964 Power Memorial (NY), 1974 Verbum Dei (CA), 1977 West Philadelphia (PA), 1977 T.C. Williams (VA), 1978 Dematha High School (MD), 1979 Benjamin Franklin Harlem (NY), 1979 West Memphis (AR), 1988 St. Tolentine Bronx (NY), 1995 St. Augustine (LA), 1995 Lincoln (NY), 1996 Christ The King (NY), 2001 Willowridge (TX), 2002 Westchester (CA), 2003 Blaire Academy (NJ), 2003 St. Vincent St. Mary (OH), 2004 Oak Hill Academy (VA), 2005 South Gwinnett (GA), 2005 Oak Hill Academy (VA), 2005 Niagara Falls (NY), 2007 Norcross (GA), 2009 Findlay Prep (NV), 2017 La Lumiere (IN)
Comments
First, While i loved the highly ranked the 1973 Dematha team whoever discussed them made a very bad error. Very early in that season the great 6-7 Kenny Carr hurt his knee avg 2ppg in 1973 and barely played. 1974 was his breakout season as a Senior. That team started 6-3 Bill Langloh-13.8ppg-sr(UVA), and Kenny Roy-6-0-sr-10.5ppg(Maryland for football). The Starting frontcourt was Ron Satherwaite-6-3-SR-10.3ppg(Will. @ Mary), Adrian Dantley-6-5-SR-24.5ppg(N.dame and NBA hall of famer), and the great defender(one of Coach Wotten’s Favorite players of all-time(called ‘The Chairman of the Boards) Carroll Holmes- 6-3-SR-10.3ppg…..Back-up center was Vern Allen-JR-2.6ppg. Back-up guard was Eric Coard-6-0-JR-4.1 ppg, and back uo at PG was 6-0-SR Buzzy O’connell. Mike Morton was a back-up 6-6-Fow who then in 1974 tranferred to an all-time great DC-Eastern team. He avg 3.1 in 1973. My best Hs team of all-time was the 26-0 1966-67 Newark NJ Weequahic Indians coached by Les Fein. The starting Backcourt was Dennis ‘MO’ Layton-6-1-SR-13.1ppg(Starred at USC and was a very good NBA player!!), and Billy Mainor-6-2-SR-11.3ppg(starred at Fordham for Digger Phelps and for ATL Hawks in NBA). The Center was Dana Lewis-6-10-SR-19.7-ppg(AVgG 20 PPG for Tulsa and was a high 1st RD NBA draft pick of Philly) The Forwards were George Watson-6-8-SR-9.4ppg(USC) and LE-Roy Cobb-6-7-SR-10.7ppg(USC). Top sub was 6-3-G-JR Phi Hickson(Rhode Island) Beat 23-1 Camden 80-43 in finalle!!!! The
First, While i loved the highly ranked the 1973 Dematha team whoever discussed them made a very bad error. Very early in that season the great 6-7 Kenny Carr hurt his knee avg 2ppg in 1973 and barely played. 1974 was his breakout season as a Senior. That team started 6-3 Bill Langloh-13.8ppg-sr(UVA), and Kenny Roy-6-0-sr-10.5ppg(Maryland for football). The Starting frontcourt was Ron Satherwaite-6-3-SR-10.3ppg(Will. @ Mary), Adrian Dantley-6-5-SR-24.5ppg(N.dame and NBA hall of famer), and the great defender(one of Coach Wotten’s Favorite players of all-time(called ‘The Chairman of the Boards) 6-3-SR-10.3ppg…..Back-up center was Vern Allen-JR-2.6ppg. Back-up guard was Eric Coard-6-0-JR-4.1 ppg, and back uo at PG was 6-0-SR Buzzy O’connell. Mike Morton was a back-up 6-6-Fow who then in 1974 tranferred to an all-time great DC-Eastern team. He avg 3.1 in 1973. My best Hs team of all-time was the 26-0 1966-67 Newark NJ Weequahic Indians coached by Les Fein. The starting Backcourt was Dennis ‘MO’ Layton-6-1-SR-13.1ppg(Starred at USC and was a very good NBA player!!), and Billy Mainor-6-2-SR-11.3ppg(starred at Fordham for Digger Phelps and for ATL Hawks in NBA). The Center was Dana Lewis-6-10-SR-19.7-ppg(AVgG 20 PPG for Tulsa and was a high 1st RD NBA draft pick of Philly) The Forwards were George Watson-6-8-SR-9.4ppg(USC) and LE-Roy Cobb-6-7-SR-10.7ppg(USC). Top sub was 6-3-G-JR Phi Hickson(Rhode Island) Beat 23-1 Camden 80-43 in finalle!!!!
First, While i loved the highly ranked the 1973 Dematha team whoever discussed them made a very bad error. Very early in that season the great 6-7 Kenny Carr hurt his knee avg 2ppg in 1973 and barely played. 1974 was his breakout season as a Senior. That team started 6-3 Bill Langloh-13.8ppg-sr(UVA), and Kenny Roy-6-0-sr-10.5ppg(Maryland for football). The Starting frontcourt was Ron Satherwaite-6-3-SR-10.3ppg(Will. @ Mary), Adrian Dantley-6-5-SR-24.5ppg(N.dame and NBA hall of famer), and the great defender(one of Coach Wotten’s Favorite players of all-time(called ‘The Chairman of the Boards) 6-3-SR-10.3ppg…..Back-up center was Vern Allen-JR-2.6ppg. Back-up guard was Eric Coard-6-0-JR-4.1 ppg, and back uo at PG was 6-0-SR Buzzy O’connell. Mike Morton was a back-up 6-6-Fow who then in 1974 tranferred to an all-time great DC-Eastern team. He avg 3.1 in 1973. My best Hs team of all-time was the 26-0 1966-67 Newark NJ Weequahic Indians coached by Les Fein. The starting Backcourt was Dennis ‘MO’ Layton-6-1-SR-13.1ppg(Starred at USC and was a very good NBA player!!), and Billy Mainor-6-2-SR-11.3ppg(starred at Fordham for Digger Phelps and for ATL Hawks in NBA). The Center was Dana Lewis-6-10-SR-19.7-ppg(AVgG 20 PPG for Tulsa and was a high 1st RD NBA draft pick of Philly) The Forwards were George Watson-6-8-SR-9.4ppg(USC) and LE-Roy Cobb-6-7-SR-10.7ppg(USC). Top sub was 6-3-G-JR Phi Hickson(Rhode Island) Beat 23-1 Camden 80-43 in finalle!!!!
Lawrence North MIGHT be a good #4 in state of Indiana….but
overall is just absurd.
I played in that game in 1973 against Dematha stopping their winning streak and keeping our 37 game streak going. I would like to say the year before 1971-72 team played 18 games on the opponents gym and went undefeated, can you show me where that has been done in High School history
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Malcolm B on November 20 2023 at 05:20AM
Compton Dominguez should be on this list.
Malcolm B on November 20 2023 at 05:20AM
Compton High School should absolutely be at the top of this list.
M. Tiro on November 20 2023 at 05:20AM
How about Ralph Tasker at Hobbs, NM from 1949-1998. He had a career 54-year record of 1122-291, a yearly average of 26-5, and a 79% overall win percentage. He had 13 players drafted by the NBA, dozens who played major-college basketball, and several who became high-school and college coaches. All this in Hobbs, NM, a town that had a population of 14,000 when Tasker arrived in 1949 and about 30,000 when he retired in 1998. His 1970 team was 26-1, won the NM state championship, averaged 114.6 points per game, and scored 100 points or more in 14 consecutive games, both national high school records. Tasker and that team ought to be on this list somewhere.
Sheldon on November 20 2023 at 05:20AM
http://www.tedsilary.com/westphillyBB.htm
West Philly 1976-1978 68-0
with Mc Donald’s All Americans Gene Bank (Duke U and NBA ) and Clarence “Eggy” Tillman Mc Donald’s All American
West Catholic T 46 39
Malvern T 72 45
Murrell Dobbins Tech NL 79 53
University City NL 101 48
Martin Luther King PLRS 91 43
Benjamin Franklin NL 97 50
Roxborough PLRS 83 38
Kennedy (Cleveland) T 68 37
Brashear (Pittsburgh) T 69 65
Simon Gratz PLRS 76 57
Germantown PLRS 75 60
Central PLRS 65 36
George Washington PLRS 105 45
Olney PLRS 91 62
Northeast PLRS 93 33
Frankford PLRS 86 73
Coatesville NL 95 63
Southern PLRS 77 61
Edward Bok Tech PLRS 118 61
John Bartram PLRS 69 48
Overbrook PLRS 83 72
Abraham Lincoln PLRS 96 42
Jules Mastbaum Tech PLP 83 59
Olney PLP 89 52
Dunbar (Baltimore) NL 80 65
Overbrook PLP 61 51
Georgetown Prep (D.C.) T 62 50
McKinley (D.C.) T 72 69
St. John’s (D.C.) T 71 56
Father Judge CT 72 52
H Smith on November 20 2023 at 05:20AM
Gotta look at the Hobbs NM Eagles esp the 1972 team Voach Ralph Tasker
Todd Sherrod on May 23 2023 at 08:21PM
This list has omitted the great basketball programs the state of Connecticut has established through the years, particularly during the 1970s. Wilbur Cross of New Haven was ranked number one team in nation in 1974, and had won I believe 54 straight before losing in the state championship in 1975 to Central High School of Bridgeport on a buzzer beating jump shot by Kenny Small. And speaking of Bridgeport, what about those great Harding High squads that featured guys like Wes Matthew’s, John Bagley, Charles Smith (all legit NBA pros). I’m addition to Bridgeport and New Haven, Great teams hailed as well from Middletown, Hartford, and Walt Lucketts Kolbe High School.
Tom Graham on May 23 2023 at 08:21PM
The best team was the 1967 Ambridge Team undefeated state champions. Then you have
Midland 1965 and Uniontown of 1963 both
Undefeated. These are true high school teams.
A lot if these teams that was mentioned are prep
teams. You cannot compare prep teams with true high school teams. Prep team teams get players from around the The United States. The same thing happens with high school football teams. I get so sick and tired of this.
Moses on May 23 2023 at 08:21PM
Detroit Southwestern teams were in the state finals pretty much every year in the 80s. They lost consistently to teams from flint, mi. Flint Central won 3 straight titles. Flint Northwestern then followed with 2 straight titles. The northwestern team had nba player jeff grayer, glen rice, and andre rison. 1 of those flint teams were just as good as the southwestern teams if not better. The 80s had a lot of great Michigan teams/players
L.T. Money on May 23 2023 at 08:21PM
People Forgot that Calvert hall defeated Dunbar in triple overtime 1982… Calvert Hall should be at the TOP
Larry Finley on May 23 2023 at 08:21PM
The 1958-1960 Washington DC archbishop Carroll high School basketball team was the most intimidating high school team I have ever seen. With 6 ft 11 John Thompson and 6’10 Tom Hoover you only got one shot at the basket, no rebounds to be had. This was an era when there was no three-point basket and playing under those rules I pity anybody that had to play against them. Also they had perhaps the best ball handling guard in the country with George Leftwich who also had an excellent outside shot.
I saw the DC city championship game against I believe it was Gonzaga who came out and put on a slam dunk show during warm up and I thought oh my goodness, but then when I saw Carol high School come out and with their 2 big men they just dominated the game.
John Austin was also a very good player but younger than the main starting five and he later transferred to DeMatha in Prince George’s county where the newspapers picked him as one of the five all county players.
Using the rules of that era (no three-point shot) I pity anyone who had to play against them (you got no offensive rebounds and we’re lucky to get defensive rebounds).
Dean M. Freer on May 23 2023 at 08:21PM
Is there a record on file of the all-State basketball teams on file preferably the year of 1957 ??
ray brendlinger on May 23 2023 at 08:20PM
back in the 60s and 70s h.s. basketball was so ’’everything’’ now do kids even go to games at all?? A lot of teams talked about had 1 0r 2 great players. but Thornridge was a TEAM Quinn made sure of it. Batts was skinny 6’ 7’’ only 185lbs. but he hanged in there at Forward Center. I remember St. Francis De Sales game, at their house, beat them 113 to 55 if I remember. Almost got ran off their court into Lake Michigan. TR should be in top 25 no doubt about it. At the championship game at half time it was TR 57 Quincy 26. Ill. is the 5 largest state in population, so lots of compition. I was there I rest my case.
Mike Lambright on May 23 2023 at 08:20PM
One of the McClymonds squads is honorable mention; but in terms of talent produced they had hall of famers on the same team(s) and other guys who became HOF’s in Baseball. All the posters are big high school hoop fans, and I’d encourage to learn about the school of champions.
Ken Tecza on May 23 2023 at 08:20PM
Passaic NJ High School’s WONDER TEAMS…159 in a row 1921-1925…STILL the all time record ! End of discussion !!!!
Jerry on May 23 2023 at 08:20PM
I totally agree with Thomas G that those incredible Power Memorial teams lead by “Lew Alcindor” should be in the TOP TEN!
Jerry on May 23 2023 at 08:20PM
The River Rouge (MI) HS Panthers won 12 Michigan State Championships under Coach Lofton Greene, including 4 consecutive tiles from 1969-1972.
Affiliation: High School Basketball Coach
Basketball Coach River Rouge (41 years)
Won over 700 games
12x State Champion
National High School Hall of Fame
Michigan High School Coaches Association
Basketball Coaches Association of Michigan
About Lofton Clinton Greene:
Lofton Clinton Greene
High School Basketball Coach – River Rouge (1943 – 1984)
Lofton Greene was born in Barlow, Kentucky moving to Jackson, Michigan at the age of nine and graduating from Jackson High School. He went on to play basketball and baseball at Western Kentucky University graduating in 1940. After graduation he embarked on a coaching career that would lead him to River Rouge High School where he would stay for forty-one years. During that time, he would compile a record of 739 – 231, becoming the all-time wins leader in Michigan high school history, winning twelve Class B State Championships with four additional runner-up finishes and a total of twenty-three District titles. He was named the National High School Coaches Association Coach of the Year in 1972 and was a two-time Michigan Coach of the Year. Lofton Greene was inducted into the National High School Hall of Fame in 1986, the Michigan High School Coaches Association in 1968, the Basketball Coaches Association of Michigan in 1985 and was inducted into the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame in 1974. He passed away on July 15, 2003 at 84 years of age.
Joseph Riley on May 23 2023 at 08:20PM
St. Nicholas of Tolentine 1988 was a great team. 3 All Americans and 7 Division 1 players.
Richard Watter on May 23 2023 at 08:20PM
Richard Watter on May 23 2023 at 08:20PM
Am sorry I left out the name of the Dematha player called ‘The Chairman of the Boards’. CARROLL HOLMES-6-3-F-C.
Richard Watter on May 23 2023 at 08:20PM
Richard Watter on May 23 2023 at 08:20PM
skip towne on May 23 2023 at 08:20PM
I doubt if any these teams had two freshmen and only one senior on their starting five as the 2015-16 Chino Hills team did.
skip towne on May 23 2023 at 08:20PM
I doubt if any these teams had two freshmen and only one senior on their starting five as the 2015-16 Chino Hills team did.
David on May 23 2023 at 08:20PM
Love all the posts up in here! Well, since I’m fro. NEW JERSEY and I’ve been to almost 600 h.s. games, AMAZINGLY NO ONE has mentioned Perth Amboy, NJ 1968/1969!!!!! This team went undefeated in 1968 and win Group IV state championship. Then they went undefearted(again) the next year and went back to Group IV championship again and just barely lost! 69-1 in 2 years. Brian Taylor was on this team and he played with Dr. J. Didn’t khow my h.s. coach was an assistant on this team until 30 years after I left h.s. And East Orange in the early 70’s. Carry on. And my mom told me about Weequahic in the 60’s. Mo Layton and Alvin Attles.
David on May 23 2023 at 08:20PM
Love all the posts up in here! Well, since I’m fro. NEW JERSEY and I’ve been to almost 600 h.s. games, AMAZINGLY NO ONE has mentioned Perth Amboy, NJ 1968/1969!!!!! This team went undefeated in 1968 and win Group IV state championship. Then they went undefearted(again) the next year and went back to Group IV championship again and just barely lost! 69-1 in 2 years. Brian Taylor was on this team and he played with Dr. J. Didn’t khow my h.s. coach was an assistant on this team until 30 years after I left h.s. And East Orange in the early 70’s. Carry on. And my mom told me about Weequahic in the 60’s. Mo Layton and Alvin Attles.
J. Michael on May 23 2023 at 08:20PM
McKinley Tech 1969 D.C. championship team. WHEW!
Arguably the best to come out of D.C. Four All Metropolitan/City players and one that should have been. A couple played in the NBA or were drafted. I played at that time for the Maryland State 2A (4A today) champs and College ball. Most commenters have emotional ties to their favorites. I understand. But, I don’t give a care! I don’t have any favorites ; Dematha, Dunbar (D.C./Balt.), Gonzaga, etc. I’ve seen (and played) against the best in the D.C. area from the mid sixties until the mid eighties. During “that period” these guys were THE BEST!
Those who really know the game (coaches, players, fans) will agree.
J. Michael on January 10 2022 at 12:18AM
McKinley Tech 1969 D.C. championship team. WHEW!
Arguably the best to come out of D.C. Four All Metropolitan/City players and one that should have been. A couple played in the NBA or were drafted. I played at that time for the Maryland State 2A (4A today) champs and College ball. Most commenters have emotional ties to their favorites. I understand. But, I don’t give a care! I don’t have any favorites ; Dematha, Dunbar (D.C./Balt.), Gonzaga, etc. I’ve seen (and played) against the best in the D.C. area from the mid sixties until the mid eighties. During “that period” these guys were THE BEST!
Those who really know the game (coaches, players, fans) will agree.
Vincent L Hall on January 10 2022 at 12:18AM
The 1968 Roosevelt Devil’s out of WPB Florida went undefeated won the state title and averaged 90 points a game Now that’s the best High School basketball team ever.
LJCool on January 10 2022 at 12:18AM
1977 Public school Ballard HS has for many years flown under the radar as one of the best teams before Prep dominance.
Jeff Lamp Virginia NBA Round: 1 / Pick: 15th overall
Lee Raker Virginia NBA 4th round (8th pick, 77th overall)
Jerry Eaves Louisville National Champion PG NBA Round: 3 / Pick: 55th overall
Curtis Jeffries George Washington 4 yr starter
Norm Miller Mississippi
6th man Alphonso Miller Tampa
Ernest Toodie Rogers on January 10 2022 at 12:17AM
The 81-82 Dunbar Poets of Baltimore, was and is the greatest High School Basketball team of ALL TIMES , hands down and for any one to think other wise is insane. Greg, April 25, 2021, you mentioned something about players transferring to Dunbar, well I’m a little confused, who were the players your speaking of ??? That team had 4 player make the NBA, and 3 more that really could have made it Gary Graham, Tim Dawson, and Keith James….. If you can find a High School team better then the Dunbar Poets of 81-82, please shut me up!!!!! They were $$$$$$$$$
Ernest Toodie Rogers on January 10 2022 at 12:17AM
The 81-82 Dunbar Poets of Baltimore, was and is the greatest High School Basketball team of ALL TIMES , hands down and for any one to think other wise is insane. Greg, April 25, 2021, you mentioned something about players transferring to Dunbar, well I’m a little confused, who were the players your speaking of ??? That team had 4 player make the NBA, and 3 more that really could have made it Gary Graham, Tim Dawson, and Keith James….. If you can find a High School team better then the Dunbar Poets of 81-82, please shut me up!!!!! They were $$$$$$$$$
MJ on January 10 2022 at 12:17AM
Updated: 23 Sept. 2021\
1958-59 & 1959-60 Archbishop Carroll (Washington, DC) 30-2 and 33-0; 55-0 against high schools
Players: Tom Hoover (Villanova; NBA), John Thompson (Providence; NBA), John Austin (Boston College; NBA), George Leftwich (Villanova; NBA offer)
Notable Wins: University frosh teams: Georgetown U.; George Washington U. (2 times); Navy Plebes (2); Maryland U. (2); Villanova U. DeMatha HS (4 times); Queen of Peace (NJ), Pacelli (MN), Malloy (NY), Power Memorial (NYC), All Hollows (NYC; 2), Trenton Catholic (NJ; 2), Mon. Bonner (PA); St. Catherine’s (WI); Demarest (NJ)
Coach: Bob Dwyer
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1958-59 Archbishop Carroll High School (ACHS) Basketball Team:
High schools 21-0
University Freshmen 2-2
DC City Champ 1-0
K-of-C Tournament, DC 3-0
ESCIT, Newport, RI 3-0
30-2 overall; 28-0 against high-school opponents
The 1958-59 Archbishop Carroll basketball team was undefeated (28-0) against high-school competition and won two of four games against university freshmen. One of the losses was to the Maryland Frosh by one point on their home court; the second loss was to Georgetown University frosh. The Carrol “Lions” crushed George Washington University freshmen by 40 points and defeated the Navy Plebe team on their home court. Only six of 28 high-school opponents came within 20 points of Carroll’s power. Carroll’s 1958-59 championship team was led by Parade-Magazine First-Team High-School All-American and future NBA player, Tom Hoover, who reportedly was the leading high-school rebounder in the nation. Carroll’s team also included future high-school All-American and future NBA player, 6’-10” John Thompson, as well as playmaker George Leftwich, who turned down an NBA offer for a coaching career. In 1964, Thompson of Providence U. won honorable mention on the AP All-American college teams. Two other 1958-59 Carroll starters included defensive-star Walter Skinner, who won a scholarship to Catholic University, and “Monk” Malloy, who played for Notre Dame and later served as its President (1987-2005).
Besides winning the Washington-Baltimore Catholic League and the Washington, DC City Championship, the 1958-59 Carroll team also won the Knights of Columbus Tournament at Georgetown University in Washington, DC and the Eastern States Catholic Invitational Tournament (ESCIT) in Newport, RI. During post-season play, Carroll beat six high-caliber teams in two tournaments: Queen of Peace (NJ), Pacelli (MN), Malloy (NY), Power Memorial (NYC), All Hollows (NYC), and Trenton Catholic (NJ). Carroll overwhelmed each the first five tournament teams by an average of 25 points. Only one of Carroll’s high-school games in 1958-59 was even close, and that was Carroll’s victory over Trenton Catholic in the final game of the season.
-——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————-
1959-60 Archbishop Carroll High School Basketball Team:
High schools 17-0
University Freshmen 6-0
DC City Champs 1-0
HS All-Star team 1-0
K-of-C Tournament, DC 3-0
ESCIT, Newport, RI 3-0
Philly Champ: Bonner 1-0
32-0 overall against 26 high schools and 6 university freshmen teams
The 1959-60 Carroll basketball team was undefeated (32-0); they extended their win-streak from the 1958-59 season to 55 games. Carroll’s conquests over university-freshmen teams on their home courts included: Georgetown U. by 26 points; George Washington U. by 22; Villanova U. by 4; Maryland U. by 21; Navy Plebes by 11; and Maryland U. by 4 points. One quarter (25%) of Carroll’s regular season games in their 1959-60 season were against university-freshman teams. Only four of 32 teams came within 10 points of Carroll: two high school and two university-freshman teams. The average margin of Carroll’s victories across all games was over 27 points. The 1959-60 Carroll team again won the Washington-Baltimore Catholic League Championship, the DC City Championship, the Knights of Columbus Tournament in DC, the ESCIT in Newport, RI, and then defeated Monsignor Bonner High School, who had won the Philadelphia city championship. In tournament play, Carroll successively beat LaSalle (MD), St. James (PA), St. Catherine’s (WI), St. Michaels (NJ), All Hollows (NYC), and Trenton Catholic (NJ). The 1959-60 Carroll Lions were led by Parade-Magazine Second-Team All-American and future NBA player, 6’10” John Thomson, Jr., and playmaker George Leftwich. Thompson, Leftwich and defensive-star Walter Skinner were starters on both the 1958-59 and the 1959-60 Carroll teams. John Austin was the only non-senior starter on the 1959-60 Carroll team; he was a 1962 Parade-Magazine First-Team High-School All-America (then at DeMatha HS), an honorable mention on AP’s 1966 college All-American teams, and a future NBA player. Senior Kenny Price was the fifth starter in 1959-60.
Of the seven regular starters on these two Carroll teams, three (Hoover, Thompson, Austin) played in the NBA, and a fourth (Leftwich) turned down an NBA offer to enter coaching. In 1960, the Scholastic Sports Association name Carroll’s Bob Dwyer as their Coach of the Year. Dell Magazine chose George Leftwich as their “Outstanding Player of the Area,” and the Scholastic Sports Association selected George as their “Player of the Year.”
All-Metropolitan (DC) basketball selections from Carroll
http://www.dcbasketball.com/all-met-all-metro.php
1958: Tom Hoover, George Leftwich
1959: Tom Hoover, George Leftwich, John Thompson, Edward Malloy
1960: George Leftwich, John Thompson, Walter Skinner
Washington Post All Metropolitan (DC)
https://interhighhistory.blogspot.com/2007/11/washington-post-all-highs-all-mets-1919.html
1958: Tom Hoover, George Leftwich
1959: Tom Hoover, George Leftwich, John Thompson
1960: George Leftwich, John Thompson
MJ on January 10 2022 at 12:17AM
1958-59 & 1959-60 Archbishop Carroll (Washington, DC) 30-2 and 33-0; 63-0 against high schools
Players: Tom Hoover (Villanova; NBA), John Thompson (Providence; NBA), John Austin (Boston College; NBA), George Leftwich (Villanova; NBA offer)
Notable Wins: University frosh teams: Georgetown U.; George Washington U. (2 times); Navy Plebes (2); Maryland U. (2); Villanova U. DeMatha HS (4 times); Queen of Peace (NJ), Pacelli (MN), Malloy (NY), Power Memorial (NYC), All Hollows (NYC; 2), Trenton Catholic (NJ; 2), Mon. Bonner (PA); St. Catherine’s (WI); Demarest (NJ)
Coach: Bob Dwyer
-———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————
1958-59 Archbishop Carroll High School (ACHS) Basketball Team:
High schools 21-0
University Freshmen 2-2
DC City Champ 1-0
K-of-C Tournament, DC 3-0
ESCIT, Newport, RI 3-0
30-2 overall and 28-0 against high-school opponents
The 1958-59 Archbishop Carroll basketball team was undefeated (28-0) against high-school competition and won two of four games against university freshmen. One of the losses was to the Maryland Frosh by one point on their home court; the second loss was to Georgetown University frosh. The Carrol “Lions” crushed George Washington University freshmen by 40 points and defeated the Navy Plebe team on their home court. Only six of 28 high-school opponents came within 20 points of Carroll’s power. Carroll’s 1958-59 championship team was led by Parade-Magazine First-Team High-School All-American and future NBA player, Tom Hoover, who reportedly was the leading high-school rebounder in the nation. Carroll’s team also included future high-school All-American and future NBA player, 6’-10” John Thompson, as well as playmaker George Leftwich, who turned down an NBA offer for a coaching career. In 1964, Thompson of Providence U. won honorable mention on the AP All-American college teams. Two other 1958-59 Carroll starters included defensive-star Walter Skinner, who won a scholarship to Catholic University, and “Monk” Malloy, who played for Notre Dame and later served as its President (1987-2005).
Besides winning the Washington-Baltimore Catholic League and the Washington, DC City Championship, the 1958-59 Carroll team also won the Knights of Columbus Tournament at Georgetown University in Washington, DC and the Eastern States Catholic Invitational Tournament (ESCIT) in Newport, RI. During post-season play, Carroll beat six high-caliber teams in two tournaments: Queen of Peace (NJ), Pacelli (MN), Malloy (NY), Power Memorial (NYC), All Hollows (NYC), and Trenton Catholic (NJ). Carroll overwhelmed each the first five tournament teams by an average of 25 points. Only one of Carroll’s high-school games in 1958-59 was even close, and that was Carroll’s victory over Trenton Catholic in the final game of the season.
-——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————-
1959-60 Archbishop Carroll High School Basketball Team:
High schools 18-0
University Freshmen 6-0
DC City Champs 1-0
K-of-C Tournament, DC 3-0
ESCIT, Newport, RI 3-0
Philly Champ: Bonner 1-0
32-0 overall against 26 high schools plus 6 university freshmen teams
The 1959-60 Carroll basketball team was undefeated (32-0); they extended their win-streak from the 1958-59 season to 55 games. Carroll’s conquests over university-freshmen teams on their home courts included: Georgetown U. by 26 points; George Washington U. by 22; Villanova U. by 4; Maryland U. by 21; Navy Plebes by 11; and Maryland U. by 4 points. One quarter (25%) of Carroll’s regular season games in their 1959-60 season were against university-freshman teams. Only four of 32 teams came within 10 points of Carroll: two high-school and two university-freshman teams. The average margin of Carroll’s victories across all games was over 27 points. The 1959-60 Carroll team again won the Washington-Baltimore Catholic League Championship, the DC City Championship, the Knights of Columbus Tournament in DC, the ESCIT in Newport, RI, and then defeated Monsignor Bonner High School, who had won the Philadelphia city championship. In two tournaments, Carroll successively beat LaSalle (MD), St. James (PA), St. Catherine’s (WI), St. Michaels (NJ), All Hollows (NYC), and Trenton Catholic (NJ). The 1959-60 Carroll Lions were led by Parade-Magazine Second-Team All-American and future NBA player, 6’10” John Thomson, Jr., and playmaker George Leftwich. Thompson, Leftwich and defensive-star Walter Skinner were starters on both the 1958-59 and the 1959-60 Carroll teams. John Austin was the only non-senior starter on the 1959-60 Carroll team; he was a 1962 Parade-Magazine First-Team High-School All-America (then at DeMatha HS), an honorable mention on AP’s 1966 college All-American teams, and a future NBA player.
Of the seven players who were regular starters on these two Carroll teams, three (Hoover, Thompson, Austin) played in the NBA, and a fourth (Leftwich) turned down an NBA offer to enter coaching. In 1960, the Scholastic Sports Association named Carroll’s Bob Dwyer as their Coach of the Year. Dell Magazine chose George Leftwich as their “Outstanding Player of the Area,” and the Scholastic Sports Association selected George as their “Player of the Year.”
All-Metropolitan (DC) basketball selections from Carroll:
http://www.dcbasketball.com/all-met-all-metro.php
1958: Tom Hoover, George Leftwich
1959: Tom Hoover, George Leftwich, John Thompson, Edward Malloy
1960: George Leftwich, John Thompson, Walter Skinner
Washington Post All Metropolitan (DC):
https://interhighhistory.blogspot.com/2007/11/washington-post-all-highs-all-mets-1919.html
1958: Tom Hoover, George Leftwich
1959: Tom Hoover, George Leftwich, John Thompson
1960: George Leftwich, John Thompson
Ryandale on January 10 2022 at 12:17AM
No list is valid without EC Washington 1971
Johnnie Walker on January 10 2022 at 12:17AM
Dunbar Senior High, Washington D.C. bicentennial year. Number one team in the nation didn’t play a home game won every game away on the road on their way to a national title.
Mike Grady on January 10 2022 at 12:16AM
Hard to blieve that the 1959-60 Archbishop John Carroll (Washington DC) team was not included here. This team won 55 straight games. It lso had gaet players that went to he pros.
Lorenzo Neil on September 09 2021 at 07:07PM
I may have been impatient and just missed it but in 1966 WEAWAICK out of Newark was UNBELIEVABLE 7’1" 6’9" 6’ 7" 6’1" 6’2" MANY PRO TEAMS WEREN’T THAT BIG
Thomas Gargiulo on September 09 2021 at 07:07PM
Can’t anyone remember Power Memorial 63-65? Lew Alcindor / Jabar was the quintessential HS player on an iconic team: 1 loss in 3 years.
Donald Rittel on September 09 2021 at 07:07PM
This can’t be serious. In 1971, East Chicago Washington had a 29-0 record and an Indiana state title. Jr. Bridgeman was joined in the lineup by Pete Trgovich, Tim Stoddard, Darnell Adell and Ruben Bailey. All five went on to play major college basketball, with Trgovich (UCLA) and Stoddard (North Carolina State) being part of national championship teams.
Pete Zwerling on September 09 2021 at 07:07PM
Just some observations:
Early ‘80s Dunbar (Balt.) without question best HS team I’ve ever seen.
Who else on planet Earth was at both 1960 Boys-Wingate and 1973 Dunbar-DeMatha to witness the 2 greatest individual high school performances of all-time, namely “the rajah” and “the honeydip”. They both went for 39!!!
Does anyone else remember a game back in 1976 or so between Dunbar of DC and Lake Clifton of Baltimore. I was sitting courtside and I thought it was an NBA game. Dunbar DC had Craig Shelton, bey bey Duren, and Kenny Matthews. Lake Clifton had Arnold Gaines, Rodney Wright, Lance Hill and the Graham brothers (Kevin and Ernie). The level of play was amazing.
Deborah on September 09 2021 at 07:07PM
The COMPTON HIGH 1968 AND 1969 TEAMS WENT 33-0 EACH YEAR! This record has not been broken in California! These two teams should be tied for #1. What is the ranking criteria??? Check out the trailer to the documentary, “Living Legends 66-0” by clicking on the following link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_tw8zKRkpng&t=40s . GIVE COMPTON IT’S DUE RESPECT!!!
Matt Spicer on September 09 2021 at 07:07PM
Obviously this is an impossible list to put together. Everybody is going to argue for a team near their home town or one they played on. Any list, no matter who created it, would fail to satisfy a significant number of people.
I have a couple general points. Some of the best HS players I have ever seen in person never played in college let alone the NBA. Back in the 60’s and into the 70’s, the NBA money was not an incentive for most guys. Many players in the NBA worked other jobs after the season. Endorsement money wasn’t even a consideration. Even after salaries exploded in the NBA from the 80’s until today, the best players in HS are not always the ones that play in the NBA. Players develop at different rates and the things that make some players extremely good in HS don’t transfer to college or the NBA. I don’t think you can say necessarily that a HS team that had more NBA players was better than a team with less NBA players. I personally think that isn’t true in a lot of cases.
Second point is coaching. Coaching in HS is a huge difference maker. Teams that have great coaches in HS regularly beat teams with more talent. Yet I did not see many mentions of a coach being a big factor in why a team either is on this list or belongs on this list.
The best team I have ever seen in person is the 89 St. Anthony’s team. Outstanding talent but also the best hs coach I have ever seen. That made a huge difference in making that team even better than the level of its talent and its talent level was insane.
I saw some of the great Camden teams of the late 70’s and early 80’s and they were also extremely good. I was very young though. My father played for Livingston HS in the late 50’s and then for Furman in the early 60’s where Frank Selvy was his freshman coach. He has seen the best that NJ hs basketball has to offer over decades and he believes the 89 St Anthony team was the best followed by either the 67 or 68 Weeqhuahic team not sure of the year and then always talks about the great Camden teams in the late 70’s and early 80’s. Also, several other St Anthony teams that haven’t been mentioned. We grew up going to games all over the state from the time I was 8 years old so I have seen literally hundreds of hs games. I would have loved to see a lot of the teams on the list and others mentioned in the comments.
Jim Dumas on September 09 2021 at 07:07PM
You might mention New Haven, Connecticut Wilbur Cross of 1974.. Won 57 straight games including a win over Butch Lee’s Dewitt Clinton..Per Washington Post, the number one team in the country in 1974…Bruce (Soup) Campbell, Jim (Jiggy) Williamson….
Jim Dumas on September 09 2021 at 07:07PM
Wilbur Cross (New Haven, Ct) in 1974
Per Washington Post, the number one team in the nation….Bruce (Soup) Campbell, Jim (Jiggy) Williamson, John Thomas..
Won 57 straight games in 2 years including a win over Butch Lee and Dewitt Clinton (Bronyx NY)…
Marcus E. Jenkins Sr. on September 09 2021 at 07:07PM
How you not mentioned the 90-91 Dunbar Poets
TJ Trimboli on September 09 2021 at 07:07PM
Norwalk High School 1996 (CT) 28-0
Finished ranked 3rd in the Tri-state that year. Avg margin of victory was 28 and played in the LL class of CT schools.
Larry D Felder on September 09 2021 at 07:07PM
It’s sad the greatest is out of 5th Ward Houston Texas Phyliss Wheatley Wildcats champions in 3A 1946 thru 1972. Coach Jackie Carr what a basketball genius
Kevin r Livingston on July 25 2021 at 07:25PM
How could you not mention 3 schools in Connecticut,wilbur cross,hillhouse,Hill house, harding of Bridgeport,your list is really bogus and if you do your homework some of the names you find will have been in the N.B.A.
Taumafai Iuli on July 25 2021 at 07:25PM
Ok, way down in San Diego, back in 1968-1970, a Bill Walton basketball team won 40+ straight. Then he won 88 straight at UCLA.
Tony DiPrima on July 25 2021 at 07:25PM
Sorry but if you print a list like that and you don’t name ONE Mt Vernon NY HS team that won so many NY State Championships with names like Richie Garner (who was College player of the year at Manhattan College) Bill Peas,
and the MVHS 1971 team 21-1 state champs with William Earl Tatum, NBA World Champ Gus Williams , Former Knicks and Celtic Ray Williams, Center Rudy Hacket , Forward Mike Young and years of top college and pro players in the future years to come, well, it shows you are not qualified to make this list. Do your homework and try again or let a knowledgeable
person in this subject take over .
Colin Taylor on July 25 2021 at 07:25PM
Crenshaw 1985. Led by Stephen Thompson the team would boast 9 D1 players and would win the Los Angeles City Title, CA State Title, and a World Title beating teams from other countries by an average of 98 points while finishing 31-0.
Will on July 25 2021 at 07:25PM
How you leave off the 90-91 Dunbar team from Baltimore they won 59 games in a row and beat a few of your top 10 teams..
Trevonn11 on July 25 2021 at 07:25PM
Great info. its obvious that the different eras plays a huge part on determining a list like this because basketball and its rules have changed Most teams of the past didn’t have the resources to travel and play against many other teams. most teams didn’t have resources to recruit players from other states. To me, to be fair, try to rank the teams the had players who at least lived in the same town of the school. Separate the list for top traditional schools and top prep schools.
Allen Powery on July 25 2021 at 07:25PM
The best team in Florida in 1968 was all black West Palm Beach Roosevelt 27-0
john mccarthy on May 25 2021 at 04:54AM
Ridiculous list for excluding the Power memorial teams of the ‘60s and Mount Vernon NY teams f the 70s!!!
George Palumbo on May 25 2021 at 05:01AM
1970 Mt Vernon. Gus Williams. Rudy.Hacket. Earl Tatum. Mike Young. Great team.
Daniel Sheridan on April 25 2021 at 04:32PM
There are 3 Indiana teams you left out that were as good as any of your Top 10. 1968 Indianapolis Washington with George McGinnis and Steve Downing and the 1971 EC Washington team with Junior Bridgeman, Pete Trgovich and Tim Stoddard. And probably the best was the 1960 Muncie Central Bearcats who had 5 players that played pro, Ron Bonham, Jim Dampier, Jim Davis , Jimmy Nettles and Bill Dinwiddie.
Bob oliva on April 25 2021 at 05:12PM
19 1989 Christ the King team New York I coached was good not good enough to be in the top 10 but how could any List not have Power memorial with Lou Alciindor not in the top 10 Best high school team in New York City history
Fritz Smith on April 25 2021 at 05:15PM
Dunbar of D.C. team from 75-76 belongs in top ten. They went undefeated with Craig Shelton, Johnny Duren, Kenny Matthews, Joe Holston and a lot of other talent. Beat a great De Matha team with Hawkeye Whitney for the Metro Championship. And their team from the year before probably had even more talent, with Joe Thweatt and Johnny Duren’s brother Lonnie and big Steven Dade as seniors.
MX on April 25 2021 at 05:22PM
Camden NJ constantly Start with two straight undefeated seasons in the tough NJ highest school division led by the legendary Ron Itchy Smith and Golden Sunkett and ball handling wiz Pud Wilson in the 59 and 60 season the team was the original showtime before showtime doing Harlem Globetrotters warm up before the game and the dazzling dribbling displays at the end then the 74 state championship team with Doc Lee and NFL players Derrick Ramsey and Art Still who blew out star Jackie Galloons team in the state championship the 77 SC team with Art’s brother Dennis and won it again the next year with BC and a Soph name Milt Wagner the #1 in the country team of 86 with Lou Banks and Vic C they talk about the loss to Dunbar in 82 with the best players in Balt surprisedly playing on one team but Did they say D scouted numberous Camden games to prepare and decided to play Camden with their best team ever ironically the year after Milt left mind you the year before Milt dropped 52 on #1 Damatha with no 3 pt line Camden has been playing a national schedule since the 60s and duck noone and whoever beats them has a holiday and it’s the talk of their town for decades which let’s you know how much respect the program has not to mention Dajuan and now his son DJ hey Dunbar how come you don’t play them every year? There use to be a time that ST A wouldn’t even think about playing them and they win with kids from that city and even the 67 W team from Newark who were good that year who do you think they beat in the state championship game ? You got it Camden in the state of NJ the top teams know they usually have to go through to win it and even last year who do you think ended up being the #1 team in the state with a freshman name DJ Wag Camden so we aren’t talking one great team or a couple good seasons we are talking decades
MX on April 25 2021 at 05:23PM
Camden NJ constantly Start with two straight undefeated seasons in the tough NJ highest school division led by the legendary Ron Itchy Smith and Golden Sunkett and ball handling wiz Pud Wilson in the 59 and 60 season the team was the original showtime before showtime doing Harlem Globetrotters warm up before the game and the dazzling dribbling displays at the end then the 74 state championship team with Doc Lee and NFL players Derrick Ramsey and Art Still who blew out star Jackie Galloons team in the state championship the 77 SC team with Art’s brother Dennis and won it again the next year with BC and a Soph name Milt Wagner the #1 in the country team of 86 with Lou Banks and Vic C they talk about the loss to Dunbar in 82 with the best players in Balt surprisedly playing on one team but Did they say D scouted numberous Camden games to prepare and decided to play Camden with their best team ever ironically the year after Milt left mind you the year before Milt dropped 52 on #1 Damatha with no 3 pt line Camden has been playing a national schedule since the 60s and duck noone and whoever beats them has a holiday and it’s the talk of their town for decades which let’s you know how much respect the program has not to mention Dajuan and now his son DJ hey Dunbar how come you don’t play them every year? There use to be a time that ST A wouldn’t even think about playing them and they win with kids from that city
MX on April 25 2021 at 05:22PM
Camden NJ constantly Start with two straight undefeated seasons in the tough NJ highest school division led by the legendary Ron Itchy Smith and Golden Sunkett and ball handling wiz Pud Wilson in the 59 and 60 season the team was the original showtime before showtime doing Harlem Globetrotters warm up before the game and the dazzling dribbling displays at the end then the 74 state championship team with Doc Lee and NFL players Derrick Ramsey and Art Still who blew out star Jackie Galloons team in the state championship the 77 SC team with Art’s brother Dennis and won it again the next year with BC and a Soph name Milt Wagner the #1 in the country team of 86 with Lou Banks and Vic C they talk about the loss to Dunbar in 82 but Did they say D scouted numberous Camden games to prepare and decided to play Camden with their best team ever ironically the year after Milt left mind you the year before Milt dropped 52 on #1 Samantha
Greg on April 25 2021 at 05:25PM
Let’s tell the ENTIRE story. Geez! I went to Woodrow Wilson.
That CAMDEN team didn’t even make it to the STATE title game. Let’s not act like that was the best Camden team.
Rookie point guard. No Milton Wagner. Play that game a year earlier and then see.
Also in Camden, there wasn’t a transfer back then. If you lived near Wilson you played for Wilson.
The Dunbar team had transfer players just like teams like Oak Hill and Montverde do today.
It’s funny how many “experts” are in here that read newspaper stories and think they know it all.
What a joke.
Kevin on April 25 2021 at 05:28PM
With Lamelo Ball getting drafted third after Lonzo got drafted 2nd, that gives the Chino Hills team not just 3 future NBA players, but 2 LOTTERY picks and a top 10 pick (Okongwu got drafted 6).
Dave on January 10 2021 at 03:43AM
Unfortunately, Others have also acknowledged.
1972 Thornridge Falcons, Illinois) with All American Quinn Buckner, letterman’s Basketball & perhaps National Athlete of the Year as well…
HS Team 35-0. Quinn went on to attend Indiana U. Last Undefeated NCAA Basketball Team to win National Championship.
Actually attended closest margin of victory, St. Patrick game when I was 10 years old.
1972 T’Ridge was…..No 7, All time, Best High School Basketball Team, What Happened?? 😉
Bert Delgado on January 10 2021 at 03:42AM
@Nicholas Sacoulas, yes, Mater Christi (Astoria, NYC) won the City Championship those two consecutive years, 1978 and 1979 They also notably broke the 30 plus game winning streak of Mount Vernon HS (Westchester, NY). There were 3 HS All Americans on the team. Vern Fleming, who played in the 1984 Final Four for Georgia; was a Gold Medalist on the 1984 USA Olympic Basketball Team, was a 1st Round Draft Pick, and played 12 seasons in the NBA with the Indiana Pacers and NJ Nets. Tony “Red” Bruin, who went on to Syracuse University, and was drafted by the Chicago Bulls. Phil “Tiny” Smith, who was considered the fastest baseline to baseline HS player in the country, and went on to play for Univ. of New Mexico.
Michael Vaughan on January 10 2021 at 03:42AM
Spingarn and Sherman Douglas and Michael Graham in 1985
J Hicks on January 10 2021 at 03:40AM
McKinley tech team of 1970-71.. Won K of C tournament…Beat #1 team out of NY featuring Gus Williams, Ray Williams, Earl Tatum and Rudy Hackett…. Tech team featured Lonnie Perrin James Monroe Jeff Harrison Ron Williams James Gorham JoJo Hicks Herb Joyner ….Last City Team to accomplish this feat…
David on January 10 2021 at 03:40AM
Love all the banter and history of the posts! Dunbar should be the greatest team of all time! They beat Camden IN Camden by 29 points. Someone also forgot Perth Amboy 1968-69. Brian Taylor was on that team. 63-1 Taylor dropped 84 in one game.
Chris Demis on January 10 2021 at 03:40AM
Patrick Ewing and Cambridge Rindge and Latin 79-81
Pick a year
Chris Demis on January 10 2021 at 03:40AM
Patrick Ewing and Cambridge Rindge and Latin 79-81
Pick a year
Chris Demis on January 10 2021 at 03:40AM
Patrick Ewing and Cambridge Rindge and Latin 79-81
Pick a year
Joe Peters on January 10 2021 at 03:38AM
Any list of greatest basketball team of all time that does not include the Passaic NJ Wonder Team.159 game winning streak between 1919 and 1925——a record that still stands.
Lacy Hendrix on October 01 2020 at 12:21PM
Wilbur Cross High School New Haven, Ct 1974
Joe Smith on September 04 2020 at 04:13AM
George Washington Danville !!
1995-1996
Highest Ranked PUBLIC SCHOOL, in US Today history . Coach Harry Johnson Unranked to # 4 in the Nation . 28-0 State Champions. Averages 110 per game. All 15 o the Roster went to College !!! ALLL!
Bill Young on August 19 2020 at 06:35AM
Archbishop Carroll H.S., Washington, D.C., 1958-1959. 55 straight wins. Two City Championships. Best high school basketball team ever. Enough said.
William McAtee on July 30 2020 at 07:43AM
You guys didn’t even mention Power Memorial from 1964, Thornridge 1972, Archbishop Carroll 1959, Wilt Chamberlain’s Overbrook team 1955, Boys High with Connie Hawkins 1960, DeWitt Clinton 1966. You picked an Oak Hill team that was only ranked #3 by USA Today behind Simon Gratz and Martin Luther King from Chicago which had 7’3, 7’1, 6’5 frontline. The 6’5 guy could hit his elbow on the rim when he was a freshman. Whoever picked this list is not that knowledgeable about high school basketball history. Power’s 1964 team not only had the best player ever in Lew Alcindor, but Jack Bettridge made 2nd team Parade AA, they had 6’9 guy up front with Alcindor, a total of 4 DI signees. Thornridge beat teams by over 30 a game without evem trying. They went out of state to play a team with future NBA starter 6’8 Abdul Jeelani, and led at halftime 45-9. Thornridge had the quickest full court press, best team chemistry, and 3 highly intelligent coaches on the floor in Quinn Buckner, Mike Bonczyk, and Ernie Dunn. Archbishop Carroll had 3 AAs in 6’10 John Thompson, 6’9 Tom Hoover, and 6’2 George Leftwich. All 5 starters made All Metro DC. Wilt Chamberlain’s team beat DI teams Temple and Villanova in scrimmage games. Boys High’s 1960 team is still considered the best ever team in NY’s PSAL, the one league with more tradition than any other. The 1966 DeWitt Clinton team had all 5 starters drafted by the NBA, led by Nate Tiny Archibald. Proviso East, from Maywood Il had 3 NBA draftees from their 1991 team. The most talented team ever was Oak Hill’s 2005 team which had 4 Parade AAs led by Kevin Durant, plus a 7’1 athletic center in Bamba Fall. They had growing pains early in the season, but by January they were invincible. I think Thornridge could beat Dunbar due to their great chemistry and Buckner’s ability to will his team to win. Dunbar only beat MLK from Harlem 57-52. MLK fimshed with a not so great 16-6 record. Thornridge’s closest win was 70-56 against a good well coached Chicago St. Patrick team in a game they just were flat.
Nicholas Sacoulas on July 27 2020 at 07:55PM
What happened 78 79 mater Christie
Kenny K on May 27 2020 at 10:33AM
1986 Camden team with Banks and Carstarphen was tough! #1 team that year.
Kenny K on May 27 2020 at 10:32AM
1986 Camden team with Banks and Carstarphen was fought! #1 team that year.
Bryan on April 29 2020 at 08:45AM
Wow some great teams but you left out the greatest team in Indiana 1971 East Chicago Washington Senators Pete Trogovich UCLA Junior Bridgeman Louisville Tim Stoddard North Carolina St Darnell Adel NC St Rueben Bailey. Three professional athletes in that group plus NCAA champions with NC St and UCLA. Stoddard is a World Series Champion. You listed Crispus Attacks that team might be five best in indiana but no way better than 1971 EC Washington
Tracey R Freeman on April 14 2020 at 11:33AM
1985 Crenshaw varsity basketball city state and world champs 31-0
Tracey R Freeman on April 14 2020 at 11:31AM
1985 Crenshaw varsity basketball city state and world champs 31-0
Timmy Greene on March 22 2020 at 11:06AM
Lafayette Shelton on March 21 2020 at 11:44AM
I agree with Kstantinos(Feb14,2020), Chino Hills, should be top 5 no matter what metrics you use.
Melo & Big O will be NBA first rounders this year (2020), Cam Shelton, Eli Scott with major college stats & all conference accolades. Andre Ball will make a big impact at Pepperdine next year
reginald epperson on March 19 2020 at 01:58PM
hyou completely missed the houston Wheatley team’s from 1968 to 1970. three straight texas state championships in the first 3 years of integrated competition. plus countless titles during segregation.
ALTON B OLIVER on March 10 2020 at 08:49PM
Your rankings have left out one of the best high school basketball teams of all time. That Ashland,Ky. Tomcat team of 1928 had a season record of 38 wins and 0 losses and won the National High School Tournament in Chicago that year. Checvk it out!!!!!!!!!
dq on March 07 2020 at 06:47PM
1972 Thornridge from Illinois – closest game all year was 14 points – won the state title game by 35. Led by Quinn Buckner, definitely the gold standard in Illinois. Never challenged in any game.
themamba on February 23 2020 at 07:02PM
‘83 Dunbar, #1. ‘82 Dunbar, #2. Also, ‘78 DeMatha has that program’s best season, with ‘65, #2, then ‘73, #3. ‘73 Dunbar, featuring the legendary Skip Wise (Clemson) and Larry Gibson (Maryland) beat DeMatha by 14 and went undefeated.
Antonio on February 16 2020 at 06:40AM
What about Wilbur Cross in 1973 we were No 1 in the country and in my 4 years we lost only 2 games 70-74 and Hillhouse back in the 1950s
Antonio on February 16 2020 at 06:38AM
What about Wilbur Cross in 1973 we were No 1 in the country and in my 4 years we lost only 2 games 70-74 and Hillhouse back in the 1950s
kstantinos on February 14 2020 at 10:57AM
chino hills at number 8 is just disresptectful they didnt have a single loss and they beat teams with 30plus
DuWan Nelson on February 10 2020 at 07:00AM
In Flint, Michigan there are 3 high school teams worth mentioning is the Flint Northern team 1972 which is voted the best ever in Flint coached by Bill Frieder who later coached at the University of Michigan and they had a star name Terry Furlow. The 1981 Flint Central team led by McDonald’s All American guard Eric Turner who still holds the all-time assist record in the state of Michigan. They also had a pure jump shooter in Mark Harris who scored 44 points in the State Championship game. That team averaged 88 points per game and was the most exciting team in Flint high school basketball history. In 1984 & 1985 Flint Northwestern coached by legendary coach Grover Kirkland was part of a 60 game winning which ended in 1986 had All-American Glen Rice, Jeff Grayer, Andre Rison and McDonald’s All-American Anthony Pendleton.
Gordon Cruickshank on January 30 2020 at 12:55PM
A couple teams were left out of either the top ten or honorable mention: the 1975-76 Washington, D.C. Dunbar Poets with Craig Shelton and John “BaBa” Duren with a deep supporting cast 32-0. The 1986-87 Flint Hill Falcons from Oakton, Virginia with Dennis Scott, Aaron Bain, Reggie Chambers went 27-0 and ranked number 1 by USA Today.
Gordon Cruickshank on January 30 2020 at 12:54PM
A couple teams were left out of either the top ten or honorable mention: the 1975-76 Washington, D.C. Dunbar Poets with Craig Shelton and John “BaBa” Duren with a deep supporting cast 32-0. The 1986-87 Flint Hill Falcons from Oakton, Virginia with Dennis Scott, Aaron Bain, Reggie Chambers went 27-0 and ranked number 1 by USA Today.
D’Angelo on January 18 2020 at 07:51AM
Houston Yates lion 2009-2010
Avg 115 pts a game, national champs undefeated
Darin Dawson on December 19 2019 at 08:21PM
1982 and 83 Decatur High School state champion 82-57 game winning streak in 83 ranked number to nationally. School located in Decatur Georgia
George Copeland on November 21 2019 at 02:31PM
Crenshaw high school, 1985 with Big John William’s and Stevie Thompson. World Champs in 1986…no losses!
Michael Jackson on October 05 2019 at 10:04PM
The 1982 Decatur. High Basketball Team has to be on the list. Melvin “Hollywood” Howard and Daryl Gresham led this powerful team. From 1981-1983, Decatur High won 57 straight games. Their Coach later became an Atlanta Hawks Assistant coach.
Clarence Driver on September 26 2019 at 01:33PM
Muncie Central Bearcats High School Basketball Teams have a much better record in history in High School basketball and Stats:
The Hoosier..
State Championship 8
Semi State Championship 13
Regional State Championship 33
Sectional State Championship 58
Some of your Top 10, School history can’t touch this…
#Bearcats