Video: Preseason Top 25 basketball rankings
Breaking down the national contenders heading into the 2019-20 season.
Head Coach: John Buck
Last Season: No. 17 in final Top 100, 25-2 (New York federation Class AA tournament of champions winner)
Key Contributors:
Zed Key (6-8, Sr., Sr., F) — Committed to Ohio State
Drissa Traore (6-7, Jr., W)
Head coach John Buck
File photo by Catalina Fragoso
Dec. 17-22 vs. TBD — Iolani Classic
Dec. 26-31 vs. TBD — Beach Ball Classic
Jan. 23-25 vs. TBD — Montverde Academy Invitational Tournament
Guard Andrew Curbelo
File photo by MIke Braca
The Crusaders responded to the controversial end of their 2017-18 campaign with a New York federation Class AA tournament of champions title last season.
The Crusaders return three starters from last year's group — led by quickly ascending senior point guard Curbelo.
Along with Curbelo, high-motor big man Key will again be a crucial piece, while Celestine looks to build on an impressive AAU summer circuit.
Two key transfers add to the rotation this season as Pinzon and Klaczek compete for a starting spot with key role players Traore, Jordan and Bergstrom.
After finishing outside the Top 15 last season, the Crusades enter 2019-20 with repeat expectations behind a strong returning core and talented newcomers.
Long Island Lutheran takes on one of the more challenging schedules in high school basketball, traveling to the 'Iolani Classic, Beach Ball Classic and Montverde Academy Invitational before taking on No. 3 Sierra Canyon and No. 7 Patrick School in February.
