By Adam C. Warner

SportsPower Editor

1.) Maalik Wayns, PG, Sr. (Roman Catholic Eagles, Philadelphia, PA):

At 6-0, this strong, aggressive guard can distribute and share the rock

at an elite level and always seems to be one step ahead and can pass

with the best of them. The Villanova recruit is a fiery player with a

competitive edge, a strong defender and gets to the rim well. Wayns

averaged 22 points per game and five assists per game for his AAU squad

this year.

2.) Alex Oriakhi, PF/C, Sr. (Tilton Rams, Tilton, NH):

Oriakhi is a big, powerful player equipped with a mid-range game that

is steadily improving. The Connecticut recruit can certainly finish,

frequently dominates the paint offensively and can turn around and be a

force defensively, whether its on the boards, blocking shots or

providing helpside defense. At 6-9, 225 lbs., Oriakhi is a one of a

kind athlete.

3.) Lance Stephenson, SG, Sr. (Lincoln Railsplitters, Brooklyn, NY):

This 6-5 guard is a pure scorer and can penetrate at breakneck speeds

and get to the basket. Meanwhile, Stephenson can also spot up and hit

the tough outside shots. The Brooklyn native – who is looking at

Kansas, UNC, Memphis and Indiana for his collegiate destinations --

passes well and likes to have the ball in his hands when the game is on

the line.

4.) Dominic Cheek, G/F, Sr. (St. Anthony Friars, Jersey City, NJ):

Cheek is currently considering Villanova, Kansas, Pitt, Memphis for

college and its easy to see why. The 6-7 guard/forward is one of the

most explosive players in the region. Cheek, who was a member of the

U.S. Under-18 junior National Team, is a big time outside shooter, but

has a reputation for being unselfish and can pass at a high level.

Under the tutelage of legendary coach Bob Hurley at St. Anthony, Cheek

is one of the most sought-after players in the nation.

5.) Dexter Strickland, SG, Sr. (St. Patrick Celtics, Elizabeth, NJ):

Strickland is an excellent scorer who can also play some point guard.

That versatility will be very important this season as St. Patrick has

a daunting schedule. This North Carolina recruit is extremely athletic

and gets to the rim quickly with either hand. All the while, he can

shoot three’s well, excels at pull-up jumpers and also creates his own

shot, too.

6.) Tristan Thompson, F, Jr. (St. Benedicts Prep Gray Bees, Newark, NJ):

Thompson owns a wide frame, excels at rebounding, is great around the

rim and can even score with accuracy to about 15 feet. The Texas

recruit runs fast for a big guy and can get up and down the floor. Add

that to his stout defense and ability to block shots and you have one

of the region’s most talented forwards.

7.) Josh Selby, G, Jr. (DeMatha Stags, Hyattsville, MD):

Even playing on a team filled with Division I prospects, Selby is still

the standout. The Tennessee recruit is a top-notch scorer and can play

both shooting guard and point guard. Selby can shoot jumpers well and

can also take it to the hole and finish with consistency. You can count

on hearing his name frequently this year.

8.) Thomas Robinson, PF, Sr. (Brewster Bobcats, Wolfeboro, NH):

At 6-8, Robinson is a giant in the paint and can finish well

offensively, grab offensive boards, boxes out well and controls the

glass on defense. The Kansas recruit has made major strides in the last

year and is a true competitor, which will serve him well under Bill

Self.

9.) Erik Murphy, PF, Sr. (St. Marks Lions, Southborough, MA):

Murphy is a superior post presence with top-notch skills and seemingly

controls the glass with ease. The Florida recruit’s mid-range game is

improving, which makes him even more of a threat. Murphy is a leader on

and off the court and is terrific off the ball on both ends of the

hardwood.

10.) Dante Taylor, PF, Sr. (National Christian, Fort Washington, MD):

Taylor is an athletic, aggressive and tough player that can be

effective in both transition and a half-court setting. The Pittsburgh

recruit is versatile for a big guy. He can hit outside jumpers with

consistently or can drive to the hole and finish. All the while, the

Fort Washington native can also dominate the boards on both ends, which

makes him very tough to match up against.

To contact editor Adam C. Warner, send an e-mail to adam.warner@activenetwork.com.

By Brett Manny

SportsPower Correspondent

1. Solomon Hill, SF, Sr. (Fairfax Lions, Los Angeles, CA): This 6-6, 210 lbs. wing forward has improved every year at Fairfax. With his wide frame and athletic makeup, he likes to attack the basket and can leap out of the building. His ability to improve his game is why Fairfax should shine in '09.

2. Brendan Lane, PF, Sr. (Rocklin Thunder, Rocklin, CA): This lean 6-9, 205 lbs. power forward possesses great hustle and unselfishness. He is more comfortable away from the basketball and tends to get many points on transition. The UCLA recruit will likely have to improve his strength to excel at the next level.

3. Jamal Franklin, SF, Sr. (Serrano Diamondbacks, Phelan, CA): Franklin is a great wing player who loves to run in transition. His jumper is shaky but scouts drool over his athleticism. He will need to bulk up to develop at the next level but should be making opposing teams dizzy all year with his quickness and raw scoring ability.

4. Demetrius Walker, SG, Sr. (St. Marys Knights, Phoenix, AZ):  At 6-3, 190 lbs., Walker has the ideal body for a shooting guard and will stay in state next year as he has committed to Arizona State. Walker is great in transition and can make a tough pass look simple. Known as hard worker, he constantly is a step ahead of his defenders and looks to finish plays at the rim.

5. Mike Moser, SF, Sr. (Grant Generals, Portland, OR): The best player in the state of Oregon will be heading south to play for UCLA next year.  Moser’s game is still developing, but his overall athleticism makes him a terrific defender with great wingspan. He likes to penetrate and finish near the basket where he collects most of his points. His potential is sky-high. 

6. Jeronne Maymon, SF, Sr. (James Madison Memorial Spartans, Madison, WI): Maymon is an athletic wing player who relies on his quick first step to get into the lane and finish in traffic. He can best be described as a slasher as he doesn't rely on his outside shooting ability, yet his broad build allows him to get many rebounds. The Marquette recruit should be penetrating defenses all season in Wisconsin.

7. Adbul Gaddy, PG, Sr. (Bellarmine Prep Lions, Tacoma, WA): One of the nation's best point guards will try to improve upon his 25 ppg average from a year ago. The Washington recruit, who originally committed to Arizona, is heralded as the best player in the state. His smooth ball handling skills combined with great vision makes him an ideal point guard. Look for Gaddy to defend his Gatorade Player of the Year honors in Washington.

8. Renardo Sidney, PF, Sr. (Fairfax Lions, Los Angeles, CA): There aren't many negatives in Sidney's game as the senior might be the best overall player on the West Coast. At 6-9, he can play 20 feet away from the basket and loves to penetrate. Additionally, he has great timing on his blocks which makes him an intimidating defender. He joins teammate Solomon Hill on the list to form one of the nation's best frontcourts.

9. Tyler Haws, SG, Sr. (Lone Peak Knights, Highland, UT): Not many folks outside of Utah have heard about Haws, but they should in due time He's been a major factor for Lone Peak since his freshman year and is a BYU recruit. What he lacks in athleticism he makes up with his basketball IQ and his shooting ability. Haws once again will be considered as one of the best players in the state in ‘09.

10. C.J. Wilcox, SG, Sr. (Pleasant Grove Vikings, Pleasant Grove, UT): The long and athletic guard will be a force to be reckoned with this year in Utah. Wilcox has a tremendous wingspan which allows him to create opportunities on the defensive end via steals. The Washington recruit joins Abdul Gaddy on the list to provide the Huskies with a formidable backcourt for the years ahead. Wilcox averaged 23 points a game last year -- leading Class 5A in Utah -- and posseses a dangerous outside jumper.

To contact SportsPower correspondent Brett Manney, send an e-mail to brett.manney@activenetwork.com.