I was on social media the other day and a question was asked to me, “Who is going to be good next year, what teams? Do you have any idea?” I stopped to think and said to myself, “Chuck, why not put out a way to early top 5 list.” I went and did a little research. Since I’ve been discussing who is on tap to run it back next season and have a good year, I knew the roster makeups held the truth.
Memphis schools didn’t have the ending many wanted, no Memphis public team won a state title. Any time that happens, I’m itching to see which team will have the opportunity to bring one back to the city. With that being said, there are things to consider. The best two kids in the area in the 2028 class will create a snowball effect I think and from there, we will see where a lot of our future freshmen will go. Shelby County is experimenting with an open enrollment policy next year and that means one thing, transfers. Who will leave what school and go where? I’ve heard some rumors already, a big one that could affect Single A and well Double A as well, but I will not speak on that just yet.
Enough with the small talk, here is my way too early Top 5
- FACS– Coach Dee Wilkes has quietly put himself among the best coaches in the state garnering his second state championship in the last 3 years. He beat a really good Providence Day team in comeback fashion to win it all on a bucket by Marcellous Jackson with 2 seconds left in the game. Speaking of Jackson, did you know he’s only a sophomore right now along with his teammate, MJ Haynes? Haynes is among the best players in the state on the private school side along with Jackson and easily a top 3 player in Memphis in 2026. Unfortunately for other teams in the area the FACS run isn’t going to be over next year or the following year. Kris Carroll, Jacob Walker and Antonio McGaughy all will return giving FACS one of the more talented teams in the city for 2024-2025. Carroll is a lights out shooter in the 2025 class, Walker just had a breakout kind of season and just received a Division 1 offer. He is a blur in the open floor, finishes with both hands and consistently gets into the paint where he’s able to score or create a shot opportunity for a teammate. I expect McGaughy to come into his own next year. He’s 6’5, can break you down offensively in iso, has perimeter shooting ability, he’s a top 4 player in 2027 in Memphis. With all of that, FACS is my pick as the best team in the city next season.
- Whitehaven High School– A few games away from a state birth this year but along with FACS, you may not find another team as talented. Arguably the best big in the city in Bob Dickson, a 6’7 /6’8 who goes to get it at the rim offensively and defensively, rebounds with toughness and can score with his back to the basket. Cameron Brown is a 6’6 wing who is capable of scoring in spurts, creates fouls with his scoring style and could lead them in scoring a lot of nights next season. Add in 6’6 Dorion Bowen (video above), a super talented big guard/wing who can do a little bit of everything and point guard KJ Smith… this team is set up to be the best team in 4A basketball in Memphis. Notice I said, “add in”? Bowen is Division 1 prospect with size and 3 level scoring ability.
- Briarcrest Christian School– Only 2 schools won state this year out of Memphis, both private. The Saints are always in the mix and next year it will be the same. Fred Smith Jr (video below) took a huge step this year. He was more vocal, and you saw some of his ability and maybe a look into the future in the state title game. He scored 28 or 29 points and had double digit rebounds. If that is the Smith we see next season, it’s going to be rough on opponents. Freshman Greg Spight played well in his role on a senior dominated team but like Smith did this year, I expect a big jump in production next year for him. They will need his scoring and he can definitely do that. Watch out for the player with the best name in the city, P-Square, P2, Power 2, Double P, 2026 6’4 Parker Pounds who can fill it up from the perimeter and Landon Rodgers to have much larger roles next year.
- Douglass High School- State runner up for the second year in a row, the Red Devils only lost 1 game all year. For them, it was Alcoa once again, who has beaten them twice in 55 games (53-2) since the 22-23 season. Is 2024-2025 the year for them? Taquez Butler, Marjavis Chandler and Jarmon Brittman will return giving them the leg up on every team in 2a next season. For the last 2 years, they have run that side and I don’t expect it to change barring anything crazy happening for them. Butler I think could be in the conversation as a Mr.Basketball candidate in 2A.
- Bartlett High School-Losing Christian Alston and R’chaun King will be tough early on but they do have some staples who will back for Coach Real. KJ Neville, their heart and soul will have the keys once again as a senior next season. I think his value to this team was seen late in the year and that confidence he gained late I think will carry over into his last prep season. Could Dylan Jones, a 6’5 2027 step into the Christian Alston go to role next season? He’s a capable scorer, ideal big guard frame, who can score off the dribble. I think he will get his shot to do that next year. Bryson Johnson defends on ball as well as most guards in the area and he plays a little bigger than he is as a defender. The 4 and 5 spots are questions for them, but Ethan Gatewood and Elliott Driver will get their chances to provide support there. Another player to keep an eye out for is Axton Perry 6’6 2026. Tyler Mosely could be in line as well to see more playing time because of his shooting ability and Sydney Thompson, a point guard in the 2026 class. Bartlett is still going to be one of the best in 4A next year, whether they are the best or second-best team.
Other Schools To Watch
ECS– Made a state appearance this year with all of their most important players coming back. Tyler Jones, Ryan Scott and Landon Royston, all 2025.
Christian Brothers– Keeper Jackson is so talented but waiting on that huge season and next year might be that year. BJ Brown is one of the more underrated point guards in 2026 and Carson Chandler is a top 10 shooter in Memphis.
Houston– Keiron Jackson, Justin Frison and Jordan Myles made them a popular pick last year. They have maybe the best player in 2025 and 2 of the top 2027 prospects. The talent is plentiful but for whatever reason it was up and down this year. I think next year could be better, especially with a more mature duo in Myles and Frison.
Southwind– Can Southwind be a surprise team next year on the 4A side. With Ron Townes along with Justin Edwards and some other pieces, I think they sneak into that 2 slot in 15AAAA for 24-25 season.
