The debate over the greatest high school basketball team has reignited, with fans weighing the merits of Cooper Flagg’s 2024 Montverde Academy, Cade Cunningham’s 2020 Montverde squad, and Lonzo Ball’s legendary 2016 Chino Hills team. This discussion centers around which group truly deserves the title of the most dominant high school team of all time.
In response to this ongoing debate, MaxPreps took to Instagram on Thursday to ask followers to narrow down their choices by eliminating two teams, prompting a surge of passionate reactions from basketball enthusiasts.
Fan Reactions Show Enduring Loyalty to Lonzo Ball’s Chino Hills Team
The 2016 Chino Hills team, featuring brothers Lonzo, LaMelo, and LiAngelo Ball alongside Onyeka Okongwu, remains a focal point of admiration. This public high school squad from Chino, California, captivated fans by completing an undefeated 35-0 season, earning the California state title and securing the number one national ranking. Their unique style and unprecedented dominance captured national attention, reshaping perceptions of high school basketball.
Fans expressed strong support for the 2016 Chino Hills team. One user emphasized the team’s connection to their city, stating,
“I’ll take Chino Hills any day. It’s a real public HS with local players from the city,”
while another boldly declared,
“Chino Hills was the best High school team ever there I said it.”
Others reinforced this view with statements like
“Keeping 2016 chino hills,”
and
“gimme 2016 Chino Hills.”
Comparing Montverde Academy’s Powerhouse Squads of 2020 and 2024
Opposing opinions favored Montverde Academy’s 2020 and 2024 teams. The 2020 squad, led by Cade Cunningham, Scottie Barnes, Moses Moody, and Day’Ron Sharpe, left a remarkable mark by finishing 25-0 with an average winning margin of 40 points. This team produced several NBA lottery picks, with Cunningham becoming the No. 1 pick in the 2021 NBA Draft.
The newest Montverde team of 2024, anchored by Cooper Flagg, Liam McNeeley, Derik Queen, and Asa Newell, also went undefeated at 33-0, earning another national championship for the program. Some fans believe this team continues the tradition of excellence at Montverde, with one remarking,
“2024 Montverde will be the best.”
Cooper Flagg Reflects on Draft Night Emotions and Family Support
Following his selection as the first overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft by the Dallas Mavericks, Cooper Flagg shared heartfelt reflections on the moment he heard his name called. He described an emotional exchange with his mother, saying,
“I just looked at my mom. She was crying. And from then, it was just kind of a blur.”
The significance of family support was clear when Flagg spoke about his older brother,
“My oldest brother, Hunter, he just told me how proud he is of me. So that was really special.”
Cooper Flagg’s freshman season at Duke University was impressive, as he led the team in multiple key categories, earned the college player of the year award, and helped guide Duke to the NCAA Tournament Final Four. His accomplishments underscore why he was the top pick in his draft class.
The Lasting Impact of 2016 Chino Hills in the High School Basketball Conversation
While each team discussed has shown exceptional talent and achieved remarkable success, the 2016 Chino Hills squad remains a benchmark in the eyes of many basketball fans. Their undefeated record, state championship, and national recognition have left an indelible mark on the sport. Lonzo Ball’s journey from star of that team to the No. 2 overall NBA draft pick adds to the team’s legendary status, and LaMelo Ball‘s Rookie of the Year award further highlights their legacy.
As new teams like Cooper Flagg’s 2024 Montverde Academy continue to rise, the conversation about the best high school basketball team is likely to remain alive among fans, showcasing the evolving talent in youth basketball while honoring the trailblazing spirit of the 2016 Chino Hills team.