2008-09 Top High School Performers

Author:
SI Staff
Publish date:
Jul 7, 2009

2008-09 Top High School Performers

Jordan Hasay

Though her Goldlilocks hairstyle remains her trademark, the 5-foot-4 Californian captured onlookers' attention for her times the last four years. In July 2008, she broke the national high school record for the 1,500 meters with a time of 4:14.50 during a semifinal heat at the U.S. Olympic Trials at the University of Oregon.

Bryce Brown

A blur out of the backfield, the Tennessee-bound rusher totaled 1,873 yards and 29 touchdowns as a senior. After originally committing to Miami, where his brother is a reserve linebacker, Brown re-opened his recruitment and slipped on a Volunteer-orange hat after National Signing Day.

Manti Te'o

Rivals.com rated the Notre Dame signee No. 12 in its top 100 rankings, and Charlie Weis expects the five-star prospect to contribute right away. Along with the smash-mouth hits comes the Morman sense of duty. Te'o intends on taking time off from football to serve a mission in the next few years.

Keanon Lowe

An all-state wide receiver and defensive back, Lowe has already given a verbal commitment to the University of Washington, where he will be expected to run routes for Joe Montana's son, Nick, starting in the fall of 2010. Just as dangerous on the track, Lowe ran a 10.77 in the 100 meters for the Crusaders.

Patrick Schuster

The national spotlight found this Florida signee during the spring when he pitched four consecutive no-hitters. The lanky lefthander surrendered a double on an 0-1 count in what turned out to be his last high school game as Mitchell was eliminated from the playoffs by Gaithers High, 9-4.

China Crosby

At 5-foot-5, the Virginia-bound New Yorker was the shortest player in the McDonald's All American game, but she still outlasted her competition in the skills competition, which tested her speed, passing and ballhandling.

Matt Barkley

Considered by many national talent evaluators to be the top prospect on the prep circuit, Barkley followed the footsteps of Mater Dei alumnus Matt Leinart when he signed on with USC. As a junior in 2007, he was named Gatorade's Nathional Athlete of the Year, the first underclassman to earn the honor.

John Wall

Kentucky coach John Calipari pulled another recruiting coup in landing the nation's best point guard. A dynamic scorer who can get by defenders with ease, Wall was one of the last holdouts before choosing the Wildcats.