Strictly BBall Newsletter 7

Best HS team by State Part II, Underrated Seton Hall commit, and more!

Who is the best team in each state? Find out here!

by Griffin Greenberg on November 15

Major high school basketball events are starting next week that will be covered in next week’s issue. But for now, take a look at the next 10 teams that are the best in their state, an underrated Seton Hall commit, our player of the week and more!

THIS WEEK’S TOP STORIES

The Best by State

by Griffin Greenberg 

Hawaii - St. Louis

The reigning HHSAA state champions look to be the best team in the state once again. They return 3-sport athlete and Gatorade Player of the Year Pupu Sepulona. Sepulona, who averaged over 18 PPG last season, and his team will look to win their straight title.

Idaho - Owyhee

After a tough end to a season that saw them falling in the first round of the IDHSAA 5A playoffs as a No. 2 seed, Owyhee should bounce back with their 4-star USC commit Liam Campbell in his senior year. Last year’s top-seeded playoff team and state champion, Lake City, was very senior heavy. 2025 SF Jackson Rasmussen should also have a big role for Owyhee as they aim for a state title.

Illinois - Benet

Coming off of a 35-2 season, Benet has a younger team this year. The state’s top ranked sophomore Gabriel Sularski is very promising and should play big minutes alongside Daniel Pauliukonis and Colin Stack. Illinois is very well balanced in high school basketball this year and there are a ton of teams that can be considered contenders.

Indiana - La Lumiere

The Lakers reloaded with one of the top rosters in the nation. They’re made up of five elite junior players, three of whom are 5-star recruits in Jalen Haralson, Darius Adams, and Jerry Easter. Senior 4-stars Ace Bucker and Steven Solano help round out their squad and make them very complete. The Strictly BBall No. 7 ranked team has a legit chance at a national championship.

Iowa - Kennedy

Kennedy was the top seed heading into the IAHSAA 4A playoffs last season after ending the regular season with a 22-0 record, but they were upset in the first round. However, Kennedy has a lot of returners and a strong senior class in Joseph Bean, Micah Schlaak, Cyrus Courtney and more.

Kansas - Sunrise Christian Academy

This year’s Sunrise Christian team looks very different from last year’s. Sunrise has a powerful guard trio in Kansas State commit David Castillo, 2025 Jeremiah Green, and 2025 Caleb Williams. Spencer Ahrens and Miikka Muurinen should also be a big piece for their squad as they are right outside the top-10 rankings as one of the best teams in the nation.

Kentucky - Lyon County

Lyon County finished 31-6 last season and has a chance to improve that even more in Kentucky commit Travis Perry’s senior season. UT Martin commit Brady Shoulders and senior Jack Reddick will also have big roles in their final year of high school. This squad fell short in the second round of the playoffs and has a legit shot to win a state championship this year. Watch out for Western Kentucky commit Kade Unself and the defending state champions Warren Central, who finished with an incredible 37-1 record last season.

Louisiana - Isidore Newman

The defending DIII state champions have a strong returning roster. 2024 Todd Jones is a forward that makes an impact on each end. 4-star big Chris Cenac holds multiple high-level offers and is poised for a big season, as well as Christopher Birden Jr. who recently took a visit to Missouri. Isidore Newman has a chance to repeat as champion.

Maine - Bridgton Academy

Bridgton Academy plays on a national schedule, predominantly playing teams out east. Kalvin Catchings, who has interest from multiple mid-major schools, is a 6-8 wing and is a punishing player inside that is a huge piece for the team. Joey Pulin is a well-rounded guard that can do a bit of it all. This team is underrated!

Maryland -  The Bullis School

The Bullis School has a powerful roster with many high major players. Caden Diggs is the team’s 3-star forward committed to Old Dominion, he’s also ODUs highest ranked commit of all time. Alongside him, Adrien Stevens is a versatile guard that can affect the game on both sides of the floor and has been on the radar for many colleges due to his dominant summer. Eric Reibe is a skilled 7-footer that recently picked up offers from Michigan, Ohio State, and Oregon.

Strictly BBall Player of the Week

Kaden Magwood of Oak Hill Academy (VA) - 26.5 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 2.5 APG

Magwood has had a dominant season so far with Oak Hill and is this week’s player of the week after some dominant performances. Magwood has looked very impressive scoring the rock and displayed his efficiency throughout his play this week. He’s a tough two-way guard that isn’t afraid to stick his nose in and make extra plays on the defensive end. He scores it well all over the floor and is very good in the mid-range area and inside.

The pesky guard will have a big season for Oak Hill in an increased role.

Who is this? (Underrated Player Profile)

by Griffin Greenberg

Jahseem Felton of Combine Academy (NC)

Felton is a Seton Hall commit currently ranked as a 3-star but has proven himself multiple times against top competition. He’s a guard that is very aggressive, with an elite ability to be a polished playmaker and create for his teammates. He gets to his spots and knocks down shots at a high rate and is successful more often than not when taking it to the hoop.

Felton should climb in that rankings pending a successful senior season with Combine Academy.

Weekly Recruiting Update

by Griffin Greenberg

Commitments

Class of 2024 5-star Link Academy (Fairfax, VA) guard Tre Johnson has committed to Texas.

Class of 2024 5-star Word of God Christian Academy (Raleigh, NC) center Jayden Quaintance has committed to Kentucky.

Class of 2024 4-star IMG Academy (Bradenton, CA) guard Khani Rooths has committed to Michigan.

Class of 2024 4-star AZ Compass Prep (Chandler, AZ) guard Vyctorious Miller has committed to Oregon.

Class of 2024 4-star Lyon County (Eddyville, KY) guard Travis Perry has committed to Kentucky.

Class of 2025 4-star Moravian Prep (Hickory, NC) guard Eli Ellis has committed to South Carolina.

Class of 2024 4-star Grayson (Loganville, GA) guard Gicarri Harris has committed to Purdue.

Class of 2024 3-star Long Island Lutheran (Glen Head, NY) center Godswill Erheriene has committed to Seton Hall.

Class of 2024 3-star St. Pius X-St. Matthias Academy forward Tyrone Riley has committed to San Francisco.

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