High school basketball in America is in the midst of a revolution. For years, Chicago, New York, and Philadelphia produced the bulk of the nation’s elite prep talent. But as the summer circuits expand and scouts spread their nets wider, new schools are establishing themselves as national pipelines for the stars of tomorrow.
Screen Shot 2025-08-27 at 11.36.40 PM.png
In 1983, the talk among college recruiters isn’t just about New York’s playground legends or Chicago’s Catholic league powerhouses. Instead, programs like Dutch Fork (South Carolina), Montverde Academy (Florida), Kenwood Academy (Chicago), Simeon (Chicago), DeMatha (Maryland), Oak Hill Academy (Virginia), Wasatch Academy (Utah), Columbus High School (Miami, FL), Morgan Park (Chicago), and even smaller programs like Crane Tech (Chicago) are beginning to define the national prep scene.
Screen Shot 2025-08-27 at 11.39.36 PM.png
Simeon (Chicago, IL)
Simeon has established itself as the Chicago program to beat, thanks largely to Ben “Benji” Wilson (SF, 6’7”), the city’s most celebrated prep star. Wilson’s mix of size, vision, and control has scouts calling him the top player in the nation. Flanking him are David Karl (C, 7’0”), a shot-blocking giant still polishing his offensive game, and sophomore forward Bryan Cook (PF, 6’7”), who’s already catching eyes from ACC and Metro Conference recruiters. Morgan Park (Chicago, IL)
The Mustangs are making noise with Wilson Collier (SF, 6’6”), a smooth-scoring wing whose polished midrange jumper makes him a problem for defenses. Collier is positioning himself as Chicago’s next great scorer.
Crane Tech (Chicago, IL) Smaller schools in the city still find ways to produce toughness. Edward Lowry (C, 6’9”) may not have the flair of Wilson or Karl, but his rebounding and grit give him a real chance at carving out a high-major role. He’s the type of center coaches love: all effort, no ego. Montverde Academy (Montverde, FL)
Montverde shook the prep scene when it landed Leonard Madison (SF, 6’6”), the high-flying transfer from Dutch Fork. But Madison isn’t the only name to watch. Malcolm Lyons (SF, 6’5”) has long dreamed of the NBA, but scouts remain divided. Lyons is a strong scorer and competitor, but some question his ability to separate against elite defenders. Still, schools like Duke are monitoring him closely, and he already holds offers from Portland State and Murray State. If Lyons can prove himself against Madison in practice and Montverde’s national schedule, his stock could rise quickly. Dutch Fork (Irmo, SC)
Screen Shot 2025-08-27 at 11.35.53 PM.png
Even without Madison, Dutch Fork has Jesse Grant (C, 6’10”), a back-to-the-basket big who controls the paint with length and soft touch. Oak Hill Academy (Mouth of Wilson, VA)
Screen Shot 2025-08-27 at 11.35.28 PM.png
Oak Hill may boast the strongest frontcourt in the nation. Maurice Simpson (PF, 6’8”) sets the tone physically, while Mike Jameson (C, 7’1”) is already drawing attention from pro scouts. DeMatha (Hyattsville, MD)
As always, DeMatha runs the cleanest system in the country, producing polished guards who know how to run a team. Their lead floor general has recruiters buzzing about his vision. Wasatch Academy (Mt. Pleasant, UT)
A perimeter-oriented system is unusual in the early-’80s, but Wasatch has a 6’3” sniper whose deep range forces defenses to stretch the floor in ways most aren’t used to. Columbus High School (Miami, FL)
Columbus is Miami’s rising power. Their lead guard has elite quickness, and recruiters expect them to be a Florida hotbed in the coming years.
Screen Shot 2025-08-27 at 11.40.14 PM.png
Bottom line:
The Class of 1983 is stacked with surefire stars — Benji Wilson, David Karl, Leonard Madison, Mike Jameson — but also with intriguing stories like Malcolm Lyons, a gifted forward still fighting for respect. That mix of polish and potential, glamour and grit, is what makes this year’s recruiting scene one of the most compelling in memory.
Comment