Preseason Top 25: No. 21 Christ School

21. Christ School (Arden, N.C.)
Coach: David Gaines (247-66, 10 years at Christ School)
2007-08 record: 34-2, NCISAA state champion
Top players: F Mason Plumlee (6-11), Sr.; G/F Lakeem Jackson (6-5), Sr.; G/F Dee Gieger (6-6), Sr.; F Marshall Plumlee (6-10), So.; F Sebastian Koch (6-8), Jr.; F Lucas Troutman (6-9), Jr.
Team strength: Experience, size
Question mark: Depth at point guard
Toughest games: Dec. 20-23 Chick-Fil-A Classic; Dec. 27-30 Glaxo/Smith/Kline Tournament; Jan. 19 vs. Oak Hill Academy (Va.); Feb. 14 vs. Centennial (Ga.)
Outlook: The Greenies, who won their third North Carolina Independent Schools state title in four years, have four returning starters and as many as six Division I prospects on their roster. A talented senior class is led by Indiana native Plumlee, a Top 50 national recruit who is committed to Duke. As a junior, Plumlee averaged 12 points and 10 rebounds. He is very skilled and athletic for a big man. Jackson is a South Carolina recruit who plays tough defense and slashes to the hoop on offense. Giger, who has a great outside shooting touch, is committed to Harvard. Christ Church also has three underclassmen who also are Division I prospects. Marshall Plumlee, younger brother of Mason, already has scholarship offers from the likes of Notre Dame, Indiana, and Purdue. Koch, who played at Wren (S.C.) last season after moving to the United States from his native Germany, is a talented wing who can handle the ball. Troutman, a transfer from Belton-Honea Path (S.C.) adds depth to the Greenies' already strong corps of interior players.