The Scholastic Preseason Invitational features an impressive lineup of Texas high school basketball teams, each bringing unique strengths and standout players. Here’s a full team breakdown:

1. Allen

Allen is a strong program with a deep roster that focuses on both shooting and rebounding. They’ve consistently been a top team in Texas and will be one to watch.

Strengths: Allen consistently fields a team that excels in both perimeter shooting and rebounding. They have a disciplined offense, often utilizing ball movement to create open looks for their shooters. Their defensive toughness and ability to control the boards allow them to dominate the tempo, making them a well-rounded program with deep playoff potential.

Key Players: Trent Payne, Nehemiah Lawyrence, Khalil Walker 

2. Arlington Sam Houston

Sam Houston has seen significant improvement in recent years. Despite some setbacks in the last season, they have a solid core of players like Rylan Austin who are making big strides

Strengths: Known for their athleticism and defensive pressure, Sam Houston thrives on creating turnovers and scoring in transition. They play with a relentless energy that often overwhelms opponents. Their guard-heavy lineup focuses on applying full-court pressure and capitalizing on fast-break opportunities.

Key Players: Rylan Austin, Armani Green, Keven Arron

3. Carter (Dallas)

Carter High School is a young and exciting team that should be on everyone’s radar this year. Known for their toughness and athleticism they’re set to continue competing with the all the top teams in Texas.

Strengths: Carter excels in high-energy, fast-paced games. Their strength lies in their ability to create turnovers and  with aggressive defense, leading to quick points in transition. The team plays with high tempo, often running a full-court press to wear down opponents. Their athleticism is key to their success.

Key Players: Armion Hunter, Terrell Jackson

4. Cleburne

Cleburne is building a strong program through disciplined team play. They focus on executing plays well and taking care of the basketball. Look for James Sanderson to be a key player in their success this season.

Strengths: Cleburne is known for their team-oriented, disciplined style of play. They prioritize defensive assignments and limiting turnovers. Offensively, they rely on structured sets and solid shooting. Their focus on fundamentals makes them a tough matchup for any opponent.

Key Players:  Matthew David, Erik Lucero, Cooper White

5. Crowley

Crowley’s team has been built around speed and athleticism. Their ability to run the floor and score in transition will be key to their success this season.

Strengths: Crowley emphasizes physical play, soaring to the ball on both ends of the floor. Defensively, they make it tough to score, while offensively they focus on paint touches to create open shots and securing second-chance opportunities.

Key Players: Kamden McGilvery, Chandin Davis

6. Lincoln (Dallas)

Known for their fast pace and up-tempo style, Lincoln is another Dallas powerhouse with a legacy of success and a deep bench of young, talented players ready to step up.

Strengths: Dallas Lincoln is a fast-paced team that excels in transition. They rely heavily on quick, athletic guards who can break down defenses with their speed and ball-handling skills. 

Their defensive pressure is relentless, forcing opponents into uncomfortable positions and creating easy scoring opportunities off turnovers.

Key Players: JaKorian Jackson, Montreal Horner

7. Denton Guyer

A team known for their offensive firepower, Denton Guyer boasts shooters and athletic guards who can change a game quickly with their ability to score in bunches.

Strengths: Denton Guyer has a versatile offensive attack, with a balanced inside-outside game. Their guards are skilled shooters, while their big men control the paint. They excel in spacing the floor and executing offensive sets, making them difficult to defend. Guyer also boasts a strong defense, particularly around the basket.

Key Players: Jordan Lowery, Tyler Copes

8. Duncanville

This powerhouse program continues to be a dominant force in Texas basketball. Known for producing top-tier talent, Duncanville is a perennial state title contender and has players that compete on both ends of the floor with high-level athleticism and skill.

Strengths: A Texas powerhouse, Duncanville excels in nearly every aspect of the game. Their guard play, athleticism, and ability to play both fast and slow make them a nightmare for opponents. Duncanville has elite perimeter defenders, and one of the most efficient transition offenses in the state. Their players are highly skilled, allowing them to dominate at every level of competition.

Key Players: Kayden Edwards, Christoper Hunt Jr, Cameron Smith, Beckham Black

9. Frisco Emerson

Relatively new on the radar but making noise, Emerson has steadily improved in talent and depth, making them a team to keep an eye on in the upcoming season.

Strengths: Frisco Emerson is a rising program that emphasizes teamwork and discipline. They rely on smart ball movement and consistent shooting from their guards. Defensively, they focus 

on limiting penetration and forcing opponents into tough shots. Their ability to execute in the half-court makes them a strong contender.

Key Players: James Sanderson, Jordan Hopkins

10. Kimball (Dallas)

One of the most historic programs in the state, Kimball has built a reputation for its intense defense and clutch performances in playoff settings. Expect them to be competitive again this season.

Strengths: Kimball is known for their defensive intensity and ability to score in transition. Their guard-heavy roster is filled with playmakers who thrive in an up-tempo offense. They excel at applying full-court pressure and capitalizing on mistakes. Kimball’s athleticism allows them to run opponents off the floor, often using fast-break opportunities to dominate games.

Key Players: Lance Carr, Marri Wesley

11. Lancaster

Always a threat in the Texas basketball landscape, Lancaster brings a physical style of play with a focus on dominating the paint and rebounding, making them a top contender.

Strengths: Lancaster is a physical, defense-first team that excels in controlling the tempo. They are strong on the boards, particularly on the offensive end, allowing for second-chance points. Lancaster is known for its half-court defense, which suffocates opponents and forces low-percentage shots. Offensively, they play an inside-out game, relying on post play and outside shooters.

Key Players: Desmeon Jones, Deveon Pearson Jr

12. Melissa

Melissa is on the rise with a strong core of young players. They emphasize a team-first mentality, relying on disciplined offensive sets and high-effort defense.

Strengths: Melissa is building a reputation as a fundamentally sound, disciplined team. They emphasize ball movement and shot selection, rarely forcing the issue offensively. Defensively, 

they are known for their ability to execute a strong zone defense, limiting opponents’ opportunities from deep while protecting the paint.

Key Players: Austin Goosby, Trey Edwards, Jaxson Vicknair

13. North Crowley

North Crowley High School’s basketball program has been a prominent force in the local high school scene, showcasing a blend of skill, athleticism, and strategic play. The team competes in a highly competitive district and aims to build on its successes from previous seasons.

Strengths: North Crowley’s strength lies in their defensive intensity and ability to push the ball in transition. They are quick on the perimeter, able to guard multiple positions effectively. Offensively, they move the ball well and excel at breaking down defenses to create open shots. Their speed and athleticism are key to their success.

Key Players: Isaac Hayes, Ryland Groom, Trey Hall, Ryan Groom

14. Red Oak

Red Oak has been a solid team over the years, characterized by their discipline and ability to win close games. Expect them to be a tough out in the playoffs.

Strengths: Red Oak combines athleticism with solid guard play, allowing them to break down defenses and create open looks. They play a fast-paced style, excelling in transition and putting constant pressure on opponents. Defensively, they are aggressive, often forcing turnovers that lead to easy points on the other end.

Key Players: Devan Kirk, AJ Burdine, Jamil Houston

15. Richardson Berkner

Richardson Berkner High School’s basketball program is poised for a competitive season, driven by a mix of experienced players and rising talent. With a focus on enhancing their strengths and addressing weaknesses, they aim to challenge for the district title and make a significant impact in the playoffs. The coaching staff’s commitment to player development will be crucial as they navigate a demanding schedule.

Strengths: Berkner thrives on fast-paced offensive sets and solid shooting from the perimeter. They move the ball quickly and efficiently, often creating mismatches for their shooters. Defensively, they excel at defending the three-point line and use their athleticism to control the pace of the game.

Key Players: Hudson Baughman

16. South Oak Cliff (SOC)

SOC continues to assert itself with its gritty play style and emphasis on defense. Their squad is filled with players that excel in transition and create turnovers.

Strengths: SOC is known for their defensive tenacity and ability to control games with their full-court press. They thrive on turning defense into offense, forcing opponents into turnovers and scoring quickly in transition. Their athleticism and intensity on both ends of the court make them a tough opponent for any team.

Key Players: Jabari Muhammed, Ian Black Jr, Barok Jones

This invitational sets the stage for an exciting season, highlighting Texas’ best high school basketball talent. Each of these teams brings a unique style and approach to the game, making them strong competitors in Texas high school basketball. Their varied strengths create exciting matchups and make them contenders for deep playoff runs. Follow along on socials to see the action:

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