WCAC Rankings: Top 5

As we gear up for another season of HS basketball in the DMV, we thought it would be best to start off with a WCAC preview for this upcoming season. Our scouts attended open gyms, spoke with area and national scouts, as well as local coaches to rank what many consider to be the best conference in American High School basketball. These rankings are based off of last season's results, incumbent talent, incoming transfers, and where we think they will end the regular season. Important to note: The Heights aren't included, their school will not be fielding a varsity team this season.   1. Gonzaga Purple Eagles   Last season: 28-6, 10-3 WCAC, WCAC Runners-Up   Key losses: Blake Harper (graduated), [player_tooltip player_id='2353547' first='Jymin' last='Veney'] (transfer)   Key additions: [player_tooltip player_id='2353555' first='Malachi' last='Terrell'] (JV), David Mbuyamba (freshman), [player_tooltip player_id='2194789' first='Xavier' last='Gurdak'] (freshman)   Projected Starting 5:   Nyk Lewis- Senior   [player_tooltip player_id='1370496' first='Derek' last='Dixon']- Senior   Will Harper- Senior   [player_tooltip player_id='1434219' first='Alex' last='Touomou']- Senior   [player_tooltip player_id='1409272' first='Christian' last='Gurdak']- Senior   Breakout Candidate: [player_tooltip player_id='1434219' first='Alex' last='Touomou']   Outlook:   The prohibitive favorites in the league return all 5 senior starters and most of their returners from last season's squad that finished as the runner-up in last season's tournament. WCAC 1st teamers [player_tooltip player_id='1370498' first='Nykolas' last='Lewis'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1370496' first='Derek' last='Dixon'] head into their senior season looking for some hardware in their 4th season together after committing to Xavier and UNC. Lewis serving as a dynamic double double machine, Dixon with his shooting and play-making both on or off the ball. Richmond commit Will Harper fills the wing with as a shooter that can attack closeouts and defend at a high level. VT-commit [player_tooltip player_id='1409272' first='Christian' last='Gurdak'] will provide a consistent rebounding, scoring, and defensive presence in and around the paint-- although I think he can surprise some people as a C+S and passing threat from the perimeter. Harvard-bound [player_tooltip player_id='1434219' first='Alex' last='Touomou'] is healthy again and enters the season extra motivated to show his 3+D wing versatility as an athletic tweener prospect. '27 G [player_tooltip player_id='2353555' first='Malachi' last='Terrell'] will add in perimeter scoring punch, '27 PG [player_tooltip player_id='2454543' first='Chase' last='Hogg'] will provide steady play-making off the bench, '26 [player_tooltip player_id='1782769' first='Saxton' last='Simley'] seems poised for a breakout season as a 3+D wing that has improved his ability to create his own shot. [player_tooltip player_id='1784445' first='Carter' last='Meadows'], [player_tooltip player_id='1784446' first='Allen' last='Mbuyamba'], and [player_tooltip player_id='1784444' first='Tyson' last='Harley'] will provide plenty of grit, rebounding, screening, and defensive versatility off the bench. Will be interesting to see what names-if any- from a talented 2028 class compete on varsity this season. But Coach Turner leads a group that heads into this season as the odds-on favorite to win another WCAC Championship for Gonzaga this season.   Hit their ceiling if: Starters move the ball, a consistent bench scorer emerges     2. St. John's College High School Cadets   Last season: 25-8, 10-4 WCAC, WCAC Quarterfinalist   Key losses: [player_tooltip player_id='1370499' first='Pete' last='Newman'] (transfer)   Key additions: [player_tooltip player_id='2353547' first='Jymin' last='Veney'] (transfer), [player_tooltip player_id='2524394' first='Kareem' last='Smith-Bey'] (freshman), [player_tooltip player_id='2616662' first='Isaiah' last='Fowlkes'] (JV), KJ Argueta (freshman)   Projected Starting 5:   [player_tooltip player_id='1969210' first='Geremy' last='Clark']- Junior   [player_tooltip player_id='1782663' first='Devin' last='Toatley']- Junior   [player_tooltip player_id='2242034' first='Jon' last='Barton']- Senior   [player_tooltip player_id='1414529' first='Omari' last='Witherspoon']- Senior   [player_tooltip player_id='1782593' first='Zyion' last='Chase']- Junior   Breakout player: [player_tooltip player_id='1969210' first='Geremy' last='Clark']   Outlook:   Coach O'Connor heads into his second season as the HC of the Cadets to lead a DEEP stable of guards. The Cadets had a great summer and should have the horses to apply pressure defensively while having a deep rotation of versatile offensive weapons that should make them difficult to gameplan against this season. The PG rotation of Clark/Toatley/Argueta/Fowlkes gives them 4 dynamic point guards that efficiently run the offense while also quarterbacking the defense. Barton (Towson commit) will provide a physical presence that can guard 1-4, shoots gaps for steals off the ball, can run or finish plays in transition, and has improved to be a viable C+S 3 point threat. Pittsburgh commit [player_tooltip player_id='1414529' first='Omari' last='Witherspoon'] had one of the best summers in the area as a versatile guard prospect that can flourish both on the ball as a player that can score from all 3 levels as well as off the ball as a knock-down shooter. Junior forward [player_tooltip player_id='1782593' first='Zyion' last='Chase'] will surprise some as a respectable C+S target on the perimeter that can attack closeouts, fly around defensively as a helper, and hit the glass hard. Junior F [player_tooltip player_id='1588109' first='Finley' last='Billy'] will space the floor as a perimeter shooter that can rebound and defend in the paint while also providing some secondary play-making off the bounce thanks to an improved handle. Sophomore transfer [player_tooltip player_id='2353547' first='Jymin' last='Veney'] steps into a role as a scoring combo guard that can fill his team's needs as a shooter, driver, defender, and leader off the bench. The area's #1 freshman in [player_tooltip player_id='2524394' first='Kareem' last='Smith-Bey'] enters HS ready to make an impact as a physical guard prospect that can get to the basket, finish plays above the rim, serve as a connector in the halfcourt, and be a defensive menace capable of guarding multiple positions. A national schedule should test both their depth and defense, but the Cadets seem up for the challenge.   Hit their ceiling if: shooters hit shots in marquee matchups     3. Paul VI Panthers   Last season: 35-3, 15-0 WCAC, WCAC Champions   Key losses: Ben Hammond (graduation), Isaiah Abraham (graduation), Darren Harris (graduation), Garrett Sundra (graduation), Pat Ngongba (graduation), Ant Brown (transfer)   Key additions: Derek "Beau" Daniels (transfer), [player_tooltip player_id='1782590' first='Lawrence' last='Brown'] (transfer), [player_tooltip player_id='2353625' first='Andrew' last='Ross'] (transfer), Matt Mena (transfer), [player_tooltip player_id='2194780' first='Aaron' last='Bryant'] (freshman), [player_tooltip player_id='1782697' first='Cooper' last='Sundra'] (JV)   Projected Starting 5:   [player_tooltip player_id='1782590' first='Lawrence' last='Brown']- Junior   [player_tooltip player_id='2148767' first='Jordan' last='Smith'] Jr.- Junior   [player_tooltip player_id='1956071' first='Adlan' last='Elamin']- Senior   [player_tooltip player_id='1494103' first='Jaquan' last='Womack']- Senior   Beau Daniels- Sophomore   Breakout Candidate: [player_tooltip player_id='2194780' first='Aaron' last='Bryant']   Outlook:   The Panthers head into the season hot off an undefeated run through the WCAC last season but with a host of new faces on the roster. Their starting 5 all moved on to HM CBB programs but the cupboard is never bare for Coach Farello in Chantilly. PVI begins and ends with its unquestioned leaders in [player_tooltip player_id='2148767' first='Jordan' last='Smith'] Jr and Womack. I expect Smith to add more on-ball creation responsibilities as the easy looks that he will generate in the paint for the Panthers will likely be key to their offensive success. Womack will serve as a vocal leader and likely second-leading scorer on the team along with his usual defending, rebounding, play-finishing around the rim. Utah State commit [player_tooltip player_id='1956071' first='Adlan' last='Elamin'] should surprise some people with his play-finishing around the basket and versatility as he steps into a bigger role this season. Elamin will space the floor well with his perimeter shot-making along '27 Dylan Harsanyi, '27 [player_tooltip player_id='2353625' first='Andrew' last='Ross'], and '26 [player_tooltip player_id='2612817' first='Colin' last='Byrd']. [player_tooltip player_id='1782590' first='Lawrence' last='Brown'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1782691' first='Jordan' last='Hunter'] will push the Panthers in transition this season, getting to the rack or kicking out to shooters. [player_tooltip player_id='2353620' first='Troy' last='Tomlin'] should supply a spark off the bench as an above the rim athlete that can knock down C+S threes and defend. The incoming sophomore transfer duo of Beau Daniels and [player_tooltip player_id='2353633' first='Matthew' last='Mena'] should also play a big role in the Panther's success this season, with the former finishing plays around the basket and protecting the paint while the latter will space the floor with his perimeter shooting and play-making from the high post. Freshman PG [player_tooltip player_id='2194780' first='Aaron' last='Bryant'] looks ready for a big season as a knockdown three point shooter that can play-make out of side PnRs and defend. Senior F [player_tooltip player_id='2146762' first='Jacob' last='Moore'] will provide PVI another play-finisher around the basket that is capable of knocking down midrange looks while mixing it up in the paint for rebounds. This will be a scrappy, balanced, and deep group that will likely need to raise the tempo even more this season to create easy opportunities in transition off of defensive stops.   Hit their ceiling if: they find consistent perimeter shooting     4. Bishop McNamara Mustangs   Last season: 16-13, 9-6 WCAC, WCAC Quarterfinalist   Key losses: [player_tooltip player_id='1782594' first='Jalyn' last='Collingwood'] (transfer), [player_tooltip player_id='1370501' first='Jaren' last='Curtis'] (transfer), [player_tooltip player_id='2242030' first='Flynn' last='Rillstone'] (transfer)   Key additions: [player_tooltip player_id='2353561' first='Brandon' last='Woodard'], [player_tooltip player_id='1281028' first='Jamyr' last='Coleman']   Projected Starting 5:   [player_tooltip player_id='2353528' first='Kirby' last='Duran']- Sophomore   Alex "Prince" Moody- Junior   [player_tooltip player_id='1782660' first='Qayden' last='Samuels']- Junior   [player_tooltip player_id='2353549' first='Jordan' last='Taylor']- Sophomore   [player_tooltip player_id='2353561' first='Brandon' last='Woodard']- Sophomore   Breakout Candidate: [player_tooltip player_id='2458557' first='Jayden' last='Mills']   Outlook:   On paper, the Mustangs might have the second most talented roster in the league. [player_tooltip player_id='1782660' first='Qayden' last='Samuels'] is a proven perimeter scorer that has added better touch in the paint, can really rebound the basketball, and can score in bunches. [player_tooltip player_id='1782655' first='Prince' last='Moody'] is an athletic slashing guard that is defending at a higher level and is starting to see some of the passing reads on his drives to the rim. [player_tooltip player_id='2353528' first='Kirby' last='Duran'] is a knockdown 3 point shooter that I think is capable of facilitating from the wings and creating shots for himself or teammates in space. [player_tooltip player_id='2353549' first='Jordan' last='Taylor'] is a workhorse wing prospect that hits the glass incredibly hard at both ends of the floor, contests shots without fouling, finishes plays around the rim, and gets to the line for some easy points. Lanham transfer [player_tooltip player_id='2353561' first='Brandon' last='Woodard'] is an uber-athletic W/F tweener that can knock down shots from the perimeter, play above the rim, and use his athleticism on the glass. [player_tooltip player_id='2458557' first='Jayden' last='Mills'] was one of the highest risers of the summer, moving into our top 20 in 2027 as a skilled W/F prospect that can finish with either hand around the basket, make plays for teammates from the low block or high post, and knock down shots from all 3 levels. '27 [player_tooltip player_id='2575621' first='Xavier' last='Morris'], '25 Jaren Pointer, and '25 Donovan Lloyd should impact the game off the bench as guard prospects that can shoot, create, and defend. [player_tooltip player_id='1281028' first='Jamyr' last='Coleman'] transfers in from NC to provide quickness, three point shooting, and paint touches for the Mustangs off the bench. Coach Keithline and his staff amassed a talented, deep group of talent for this upcoming season. How they manage rotations, design the offense, and hold their players accountable will be crucial to hitting their ceiling as a group.   Hit their ceiling if: they play connected at both ends of the floor     5. DeMatha Catholic Stags   Last season: 24-12, 8-7 WCAC, WCAC Semifinalist   Key losses: Malcolm Thomas (graduation), AJ McClary (graduation), Beau Daniels (transfer)   Projected Starting 5:   [player_tooltip player_id='1494077' first='Jacob' last='Wallace']- Senior   [player_tooltip player_id='1782654' first='Ashton' last='Meeks']- Junior   [player_tooltip player_id='1579108' first='Cole' last='Bowser']- Senior   [player_tooltip player_id='1351693' first='Kade' last='Sebastian']- Senior   Charles Thomas- Senior   Breakout Candidate: [player_tooltip player_id='1956027' first='Caden' last='Walton']   Outlook:   Tough, veteran, defensive-minded group for Coach Jones in his third season on Madison St. A talented PG trio brings defense/play-making in '25 [player_tooltip player_id='1494077' first='Jacob' last='Wallace'], elite perimeter shooting in '26 Ace Meeks, and dynamic driving/scoring ability from sophomore floor general Jamaal McKnight. Furman commit [player_tooltip player_id='1579108' first='Cole' last='Bowser'] and American commit [player_tooltip player_id='1351693' first='Kade' last='Sebastian'] fill the wings for DeMatha as floor-spacing shooters that also defend at a high level in their senior season. '27 W/F prospects [player_tooltip player_id='2353574' first='Christian' last='Proctor'] and Danny Abass give the Stags some defensive versatility, rebounding, and C+S ability from the perimeter. Charles Thomas should thrive with more consistent minutes as the starting big, showing off some sneaky athleticism with shot-blocking and play-finishing around the rim-- how consistently the perimeter jumper falls will unlock things offensively for this team. [player_tooltip player_id='1956027' first='Caden' last='Walton'] seems poised for a breakout season as a physical wing defender that can hit C+S looks from the corners but has also really improved his ability to make plays off the bounce attacking closeouts. Soloman Davis and Nijel Cross should provide good minutes off the bench defensively and in transition. I think even the floor for this group is relatively high despite their lack of star power because of their ability to guard, how long this group has been together, their depth, and how well they execute when the ball moves.   Hit their ceiling if: Offensive execution is on point. There isn't a ton of shot creation on the roster so they will need to turn defense into offense to get easy ones in transition and execute in the halfcourt.

As we gear up for another season of HS basketball in the DMV, we thought it would be best to start off with a WCAC preview for this upcoming season. Our scouts attended open gyms, spoke with area and national scouts, as well as local coaches to rank what many consider to be the best conference in American High School basketball. These rankings are based off of last season's results, incumbent talent, incoming transfers, and where we think they will end the regular season. Important to note: The Heights aren't included, their school will not be fielding a varsity team this season.