USA TODAY High School Sports is revealing the 2018-19 Super 25 Preseason Girls Basketball Teams. The Super 25 has been a staple of USA TODAY for more than 30 years and highlights the best teams around the nation.
RELATED: ALL-USA Preseason Girls Basketball Team
MORE: Super 25 Preseason Boys Basketball Rankings
Each post contains analysis, key players and more from the USA TODAY Sports Sports in consultation with the USA TODAY High School Sports staff.
LOOKBACK: 2018-19 Final Super 25 Girls Basketball rankings
NO. 25 BISHOP MIEGE
Location: Shawnee Mission, Kansas
2018-19 record: 24-0
Final 2017-18 Super 25 ranking: Not Ranked
Head Coach: Terry English
Star guard Peyton Verhulst followed up her well-rounded 2018-19 season of 17 points, seven rebounds, six assists, four steals and three blocks per game by playing on the USA Basketball FIBA U-16 team. She’s only just entering junior year.
Bishop Miege has gone undefeated in three of the last five seasons, and the two years in between, the Stags went a combined 44-7. Spread that out one more season, and the team has won five championships in six years.
With all that experience and a winning pedigree in a proven system to go with the talent on the team, more success seems a foregone conclusion.
NO. 24 SOUTHEAST RALEIGH
Location: Raleigh, North Carolina
2018-19 record: 25-6
Final 2018-19 Super 25 ranking: Not Ranked
Head Coach: Nicole Meyers
Southeast Raleigh has been to three championships in a row. Three years in a row, Southeast Raleigh has lost the championship. In two of those years, it was the only loss of the season.
Now that those old wounds are reopened for the school, here’s the good: North Carolina commit Anya Poole, a five-star forward, is a senior, as is four-star guard Jamia Hazell, a James Madison commit. The two have one more year to accomplish the feat of winning a title.
Poole averaged a double-double last season and Hazell put up 13 points, five rebounds and three assists.
Southeast Raleigh is as talented and hungry as ever.
NO. 23 CENTENNIAL
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
2018-19 record: 31-2
Final 2018-19 Super 25 ranking: 5
Head Coach: Karen Weitz
Centennial won its fifth-straight championship last year, but it will be interesting to see how the team does without Melanie Isbell and Eboni Walker.
Now, Oregon commit Taylor Bigby is the undisputed leader of the team and Daejah Phillips returns as another double-digit scorer.
Head coach Karen Weitz is confident Teionni McDaniel, who’s committed to Hawaii, and Jade Thomas, a UNLV commit, can play big roles on the team.
Even without Isbell and Walker, the team will have the same type of aggressive defense, and Weitz believes her athletes have different scoring abilities that complement each other.
Centennial has gotten to the point where a championship is the expectation, not a dream.
NO. 22 MIAMI COUNTRY DAY
Location: Miami, Florida
2018-19 record: 26-2
Final 2018-19 Super 25 ranking: 2
Head Coach: Ochiel Swaby
The No. 1 team in the country for much of last year, Miami Country Day fell in the GEICO Nationals semifinals. Now, the Spartans will have to get by without Maria Alvarez and Koi Love.
The team is confident in its returners though, notably Sydney Shaw and Emani Theodule, and Andrea Daley is an incoming transfer who averaged a double-double at Pace (Miami, Florida).
The chase for the seventh-straight state title may come down to how the eighth graders do – there are four such players the team believes could get high-Div. 1 interest.
NO. 21 PRINCESS ANNE
Location: Virginia Beach, Virginia
2018-19 record: 25-1
Final 2018-19 Super 25 ranking: Not Ranked
Head Coach: Darnell Dozier
Two of the captains of last year’s 25-1 team in Tiyanna James and Kendra Johnson are returning, as is four-star junior guard Aziaha James.
Though only two players graduated, it won’t be easy to fill the shoes of Brianna Jackson (now at Miami) and Mahogany Lester (now at Maryland Eastern Shore)
But after winning six consecutive championships and only losing 10 total games in that span – that’s an average of fewer than two per season — Princess Anne has earned all the benefit of the doubt.
NO. 20 ST. FRANCES ACADEMY
Location: Baltimore, Maryland
2018-19 record: 23-4
Final 2018-19 Super 25 ranking: Not Ranked
Head Coach: Jerome Shelton
Angel Reese was named to the ALL-USA First Team last season after very nearly averaging 20 points and 20 rebounds per game. The No. 2 player in the Class of 2020, Reese led St. Frances to its fourth straight A Conference championship.
The team is returning Aniya Gourdine, who put up 16.2 points and 4.2 assists per game and Anani Humphrey, who averaged 7.5 points.
Newcomers include 6-foot-3 junior center Zyan Reynolds, who averaged more than 10 points per game, and guard Keyonte Lewis, who averaged 12.6 points per game.
With all that, St. Frances looks set to make a run at championship No. 5 in a row.
NO. 19 FAYETTEVILLE
Location: Fayetteville, Arkansas
2018-19 record: 20-5
Final 2018-19 Super 25 ranking: Not Ranked
Head Coach: Vic Rimmer
With five-star guard Sasha Gofoth, an Oregon State commit, and four-star guard Coriah Beck, a Memphis commit, Fayetteville is one of the few schools whose top players are both seniors.
Can that experience help the Bulldogs improve upon a 20-5 season that ended with a two-point loss in the semifinals to Northside? With only 16 total losses over the last five seasons, Fayetteville has the history, experience and talent to make noise.
NO. 18 MOUNT NOTRE DAME
Location: Cincinnati, Ohio
2018-19 record: 27-2
Final 2018-19 Super 25 ranking: 14
Head Coach: Scott Rogers
Last year’s leading scorer for Mount Notre Dame was a freshman. KK Bransford, with 15.7 points per contest, led the way for the 27-2 Cougars.
The five-star guard returns as a sophomore to form a fierce duo with four-star junior guard Laila Phelia, who averaged 8.9 points in 8.2 minutes last year. Can those two be enough to get over the loss of Gabbie Marshall, last year’s star now at Iowa?
The Cougars haven’t lost more than five games in a season since 2013-14, showing the system is strong beyond one single player, but it may be hard to replicate last year’s success without steps forward from some young stars.
NO. 17 MATER DEI
Location: Santa Ana, California
2018-19 record: 22-3
Final 2018-19 Super 25 ranking: Not Ranked
Head Coach: Kevin Kiernan
With the help of Trinity League MVP Brooke Demetre, Mater Dei defended its conference title – again — last season.
She returns as a junior raring to keep the streak intact, but losing three-star guard Cailyn Crocker, who is now at Cal, won’t make the task any easier. But it’s not a one-woman show.
Mater Dei, with 12 Trinity League titles in a row, has proven its worth. The Monarchs haven’t even lost a league game since the 2007-08 season.
There’s not much else to say as they try to keep this ridiculous streak intact for year No. 13.
NO. 16 WESTLAKE
Location: Atlanta, Georgia
2018-19 record: 30-0
Final 2018-19 Super 25 ranking: 17
Head Coach: Hilda Hankerson
With five-star junior point guard Raven Johnson, who averaged 17.3 points, nine rebounds, 3.4 assists and 3.5 steals last season, entering just her junior year, Westlake appears to be in good hands.
The team returns almost off of its major contributors, all five players who averaged 20 minutes and three players who scored 10-plus points.
The Westlake Lions have combined for a 60-2 record over the last two years – one of which ended in an undefated season, one of which a GEICO Nationals appearance, and both with championships.
They appear capable of extending their dominance.
NO. 15 HAMILTON SOUTHEASTERN
Location: Fishers, Indiana
2018-19 record: 27-1
Final 2018-19 Super 25 ranking: 9
Head Coach: Chris Huppenthal
Sydney Parrish, a five-star Oregon commit named to the ALL-USA Indiana First Team last season, averaged 21 points and 6.9 rebounds per game as she led the Royals to a championship.
If there’s one thing that can stop Hamilton Southeastern from repeating, though, it’s the depth behind Parrish. Four of the five next-highest scorers on the team graduated last season, which will force the team to rely on different faces this year.
Maybe someone like Jackie Maulucci, the only non-senior of that group, can be the one to provide a boon after averaging 7.2 points per game last season.
NO. 14 CHERRY CREEK
Location: Greenwood Village, Colorado
2018-19 record: 24-4
Final 2018-19 Super 25 ranking: 21
Head Coach: Clint Evans
Jana Van Gytenbeek was a stud in last year’s playoff run, posting more than 20 points in each of the final four games as Cherry Creek raced to the championship.
The five-star Stanford commit leads a cast whose four leading scorers are returning, including Cali Clark, who averaged 14.7 points and 9.8 rebounds per contest.
The Bruins are in position to chase a repeat – though if there’s one thing that could stop them, it’s lack of post defense, as Clark is the only player on last year’s team to average a block per game, according to MaxPreps. But that didn’t stop them last year, so opponents can’t count on that happening this.
Cherry Creek is talented, experienced and returning the main group.
NO. 13 NORTHSIDE
Location: Fort Smith, Arkansas
2018-19 record: 28-1
Final 2018-19 Super 25 ranking: 11
Head Coach: Ricky Smith
Two of the top players for Northside last season were sophomores. Jersey Wolfenbarger, a four-star point guard, averaged 15.7 points in 22.5 minutes per game. And power forward Tracey Bershers rounded out her game, posting 8.4 points, 6.7 rebounds and 3.3 assists.
After a 28-1 championship season, these two will be looked to for more production.
Northside has just five combined losses over the last two seasons, and though the Grizzlies are losing out on three key seniors, they have the talent to continue this streak.
NO. 12 CHRIST THE KING
Location: Middle Village, New York
2018-19 record: 26-4
Final 2018-19 Super 25 ranking: Not Ranked
Head Coach: Bob Mackey
Allayah Brown, who missed her junior season due to an ACL injury, is expected to return as a starter. Saniyah Glenn is entering her sophomore year after averaging 10.1 points, 5.3 rebounds and 2.1 blocks as a freshman and Natalija Marshall is a five-star Notre Dame commit who posted 13.4 points and 4.1 blocks last season.
Christ the King had four losses last season, which is remarkable even before considering that three of them came against teams who saw time in the Super 25.
With strong talent at the top, the Royals’ can chase a third-straight Federation championship appearance and second title in the last two years.
NO. 11 DESOTO
Location: Desoto, Texas
2018-19 record: 30-7
Final 2018-19 Super 25 ranking: Not Ranked
Head Coach: Andrea Robinson
In late September, Dallas News reported that the ninth DeSoto girls basketball player received a Div. 1 scholarship.
Last season, with just two seniors and one junior, the Eagles won 30 games and got to the championship.
The team is full of playoff experience and heartbreak: Two years ago, DeSoto lost by one in the second round, and last season, the team lost in the championship game by three. Can they wrap it all up to win it this year?
With young talent like four-star sophomore Sa’Myah Smith and Old Dominion commit Ash’a Thompson, DeSoto looks to have the ability to do so.
NO. 10 TAMPA BAY TECH
Location: Tampa, Florida
2018-19 record: 29-3
Final 2018-19 Super 25 ranking: Not Ranked
Head Coach: Reggie Lawrence
An extremely young team, Tampa Bay Tech’s five leading scorers last year were freshmen or sophomores. Despite that, the Titans won the championship in overtime.
With a summer of experience and growth, this team could wind up making noise nationally. In fact, they already are, as sophomore Janiah Barker was named to the Preseason ALL-USA team after averaging 15 points and nine rebounds per game.
Jasmine Peaks, who averaged 12.2 points per game, according to MaxPreps, is also expected to play a big role her junior season.
NO. 9 BISHOP MCNAMARA
Location: Forestville, Maryland
2018-19 record: 31-4
Final 2018-19 Super 25 ranking: 16
Head Coach: Frank Oliver
Coming off a 31-win season, five-star Madison Scott will need to take on an even larger role. She is an Ole Miss committed and ranked as the No. 2 wing in the Class of 2020. Without Jakia Brown-Turner, it’ll be her show at Bishop McNamara.
Aaliya Pitts, a three-star guard will also provide a crucial role as the team tries to continue competing against a very tough schedule.
The team will also need to find a strong replacement for Kaylah Thomas, now at Riverdale Baptist.
It took just two seasons for Bishop McNamara to go from its 16-13 campaign in 2016-17 to its dominant season last year. The Mustangs have proven they can develop and get tough wins.
NO. 8 AFRICENTRIC
Location: Columbus, Ohio
2018-19 record: 28-0
Final 2018-19 Super 25 ranking: 4
Head Coach: Will McKinney
Though Africentric lost First Team ALL-USA player Jordan Horston, the Nubians look deep enough to make up for her absence.
Alexia Smith is a five-star point guard committed to Minnesota who averaged 16 points and six rebounds per game last season, Sakima Walker a four-star Rutgers commit who posted 11 points and three blocks per game, Maliyah Johnson is a four-star forward who averaged 10 points and five rebounds and Nyam Thornton a three-star point guard who had 10 points and six assists per game.
All four seniors, all four started last year, all four averaged double-digit points. It’s a deep, experienced group hoping to extend its undefeated streak deep into this season.
NO. 7 RIVERDALE BAPTIST
Location: Upper Marlboro, Maryland
2018-19 record: 32-7
Final 2018-19 Super 25 ranking: Not Ranked
Head Coach: Mike Bozeman
Four Riverdale Baptist seniors are committed to Div. 1 programs, including three-star guards Elizabeth Martino and Kaylah Ivey. With those two leading the way, the Crusaders should have a strong backcourt.
Juniors Jaida Belton, who is 6-foot-4, and Kaylah Thomas, a 6-foot-3 incoming transfer from Bishop McNamara, have received recruitment interest, and the program is excited about sophomores Jalyn Brown and Kirah Dandridge, who played in 39 and 34 games, respectively, last season.
Riverdale Baptist might not have the five-star talent some other teams do, but the team is as deep as any. Playing in the Nike Tournament of Champions in December, the Crusaders will show their talent level early.
NO. 6 SIERRA CANYON
Location: Chatsworth, California
2018-19 record: 33-1
Final 2018-19 Super 25 ranking: 8
Head Coach: Alicia Komaki
Returning its key players in Vanessa De Jesus, Ashley Chevalier and Alexis Mark, the Open Division reigning champions are looking to keep the throne.
The Trailblazers are bringing back 11 of their 13 players, but the two losses could hurt, particularly Amander Olinger, a 6-foot-3 defensive anchor who also served as a sharpshooter.
Head coach Alicia Komaki is hopeful Theresa Berry and Tamia Murphy can be strong presences with health allowing, and Tama Fonoti could get starter minutes once eligible.
Komaki thinks this is the deepest team she’s had, but the Trailblazers can’t get complacent against difficult California competition as they chase the 3-peat.
NO. 5 MACARTHUR
Location: Irving, Texas
2018-19 record: 28-9
Final 2018-19 Super 25 ranking: Not Ranked
Head Coach: Suzie Oelschlegel
After going 28-9 last year, MacArthur is finally able to insert Hannah Gusters into the lineup.
The five-star post player, ineligible last season after a transfer, will now join returning district MVP Sarah Andrews, who averaged 15.1 points, seven assists and 5.6 rebounds per game last year, according to Dallas News.
Jordyn Newsome, who made the district’s First Team, also returns.
After posting a record of 13-14 in 2016-17, MacArthur has had a strong and quick turnaround, getting 20 wins the following year and 28 last.
With a high level of top-end talent, the Cardinals can chase 30 wins this season and it would be unsurprising to see them get there.
NO. 4 EDISON ACADEMY
Location: Detroit, Michigan
2018-19 record: 24-1
Final 2018-19 Super 25 ranking: 6
Head Coach: Monique Brown
Edison Academy will have to overcome the loss of Michigan Miss Basketball Rickea Jackson, who led the team to a 24-1 record last season with the sole loss being a five-point December outing against the team who ended No. 4 in the country. But the Pioneers aren’t void of talent by any means.
Jackson is the only starter who graduated from a lineup that includes two five-star players in senior Gabby Elliott, ranked as the No. 42 player and No. 6 wing in the class, and junior point guard Damiya Hagemann, ranked the No. 18 player and No. 4 at her position in 2021. Not to mention, sophomore guard Ruby Whitehorn, who may end up being the best of the group.
With three straight championships, this senior class is vying to graduate with the rare 4-for-4 title run.
NO. 3 HOPKINS
Location: Minnetonka, Minnesota
2018-19 record: 32-0
Final 2018-19 Super 25 ranking: 7
Head Coach: Brian Cosgriff
ALL-USA Second Team point guard Paige Bueckers averaged 24.3 points, 5.4 assists and 4.7 steals per game as a junior.
The Royals are returning three other starters, which includes star sophomore Maya Nnaji, ranked no. 8 in the Class of 2022, and a pair of freshmen in Taylor Woodson and NuNu Agara, who both played in all 32 games for the varsity team as eighth graders, and Woodson averaged 7.8 points.
Hopkins has been elite over the years, going a combined 150-9 over the last five seasons.
Last year the Royals went undefeated. How long can this run go with Bueckers and Co.?
NO. 2 HAMILTON HEIGHTS CHRISTIAN
Location: Chattanooga, Tennessee
2018-19 record: 22-3
Final 2018-19 Super 25 ranking: 18
Head Coach: Keisha Hunt
Hamilton Heights almost had to shut down this summer. But after donations, the school of about 60 students found a way to stay opened, according to ESPN.
Two of those 60 students are five-star girls basketball players, wing Treasure Hunt and post player Kamilla Cardoso who will be formidable on the court as top-30 players in the senior class.
Hunt averaged 18.3 points, 5.1 reboudns, 3.7 assists and 3.2 steals per game last season while Cardosa put up a near-double-double with 16.7 points and 9.8 rebounds to go with 4.6 blocks.
The team returns two other starters and is adding a 6-foot-7 freshman center.
They Lady Hawks will be a dangerous out.
NO. 1 NEW HOPE ACADEMY
Location: Landover Hills, Maryland
2018-19 record: 40-3
Final 2018-19 Super 25 ranking: 1
Head Coach: Sam Caldwell
After winning the GEICO National Championship in just its second year as a program, the New Hope girls basketball team remains on top for the preseason Super 25.
Jada Walker, the MVP of the tournament who averaged 23 points per game as a sophomore, returns as a preseason ALL-USA player, and Delicia Pinnick, the sharpshooter who had a team-high 13 points in the championship game, is now a senior.
Newcomers Tara Cousins, a Delaware commit, and Flera Vinerte, a San Diego State commit, are expected to play big roles.
It was a quick ride to the top for the Tigers, who went 14-15 in their first year and then won the championship in year two. But as the adage goes, it’s more difficult to stay at the top than get there. They’ll take on the challenge this season.
