Preseason Top 25: No. 13 St. Anthony

13. St. Anthony (Jersey City, N.J.)
Coach: Bob Hurley (933-102, 36 years at St. Anthony)
2007-08 record: 32-0, Won State Tournament of Champions and finished ranked No. 1 in National Prep Poll
Top players: G Dominic Cheek (6-6), Sr.; F Jamee Jackson (6-6), Sr.; F Devon Collier (6-7), Jr.; Derrick Williams (6-6), Jr.; F Ashton Pankey (6-7), Jr.
Team strength: Return of Cheek, size
Question mark: Inexperience in backcourt
Toughest games: vs. Whitney Young (Chicago); Dec. 26-30 MaxPreps Torrey Pines (Calif.) Classic; Jan. 19 vs. Putnam City (Okla.) at HoopHall Classic
Outlook: Just one starter returns from St. Anthony's third Prep Poll championship team since 1989. That player is Cheek, a very skilled wing with an excellent outside shooting touch. As a junior, the high-major prospect averaged 15 points, seven rebounds, four steals, and dished out three assists per game. In a way, this looks like the reverse image of last year's squad. Seven seniors signed with Division I programs, and five of them were guards. But, outside of Cheek, the key contributors this season are likely to be in the front court. There are four forwards on the roster with good size and ability. The veteran of the bunch is Jackson, a hard working Quinnipiac recruit who, with more playing time available, could have a breakthrough senior year. Three junior transfers will also be counted on heavily. Williams averaged 15 points and 10 rebounds at Burlington Life Center (N.J.). Collier notched 17 points and eight rebounds playing for All Hallows in New York City. Pankey contributed 15 points and seven boards at Archbishop Molloy (N.Y.).