Katie Lou Samuelson was named the ALL-USA Girls Basketball Player of the Year in 2014-15 (Photo: Kelvin Kuo, USA TODAY Sports)

The University of Connecticut women’s basketball team continued its record winning streak, reaching 98 games with Tuesday’s victory against Cincinnati.

UConn’s last loss was Nov. 17, 2014, in overtime against Stanford. Amazingly, that loss snapped a 46-game winning streak.

Here’s one thing we know: It helps to have great players to string together national championships and winning streaks.

During the streak, seven former American Family Insurance ALL-USA high school players have suited up for the Huskies. That includes three former Players of the Year and two of the players are from the same high school and were never teammates at UConn.

Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis, a 6-foot guard who was named ALL-USA Player of the Year in 2010-11, and Katie Lou Samuelson, a 6-3 forward who was named ALL-USA Player of the Year in 2014-15, are both graduates of Mater Dei (Santa Ana, Calif.). Each also made the ALL-USA team as high school juniors. Mosqueda-Lewis was picked third overall in the WNBA Draft in 2015.

The other ALL-USA player of the year who starred for UConn during the streak is of course, Breanna Stewart, the 2011-212 winner from Cicero-North Syracuse (N.Y.). Stewart was selected first overall by Seattle in the 2016 WNBA Draft and was named Rookie of the Year.

Crystal Dangerfield was first-team ALL-USA last season (Photo: Daily News Journal)

Samuelson, currently a UConn sophomore, is joined by two additional former ALL-USA players as the Huskies attempt to continue the streak.

Freshman Crystal Dangerfield was named to the first team in 2015-16 as a senior at Blackman (Murfreesboro, Tenn.). A two-time Tennessee state player of the year, she averaged 23.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 2.5 steals per game this past season, leading Blackman to a 27-4 record last season.

Sophomore Napheesa Collier was named to the first team in 2014-15 as a senior at Incarnate Word in St. Louis. She averaged 26.2 points, 13 rebounds, 4.1 blocks, 4.1 steals and 2.7 assists while leading her team to a third consecutive Class 4 state title.

Two other ALL-USA players were part of the streak as it began: Morgan Tuck and Moriah Jefferson. Tuck, from Bolingbrook (Ill.), was named ALL-USA first team in 2011-12 and third team in 2010-11. Jefferson, from THESA (the home school athletic association in Texas), was first team ALL-USA in 2011-12.

Zion Williamson, from Spartanburg (S.C.), is one of the most physically dominant players in high school basketball. The No. 1 junior in the nation, the 6-7 Williamson often looks like a man among boys.

That didn’t stop Bryson Bishop, a 5-6 eighth grader from Oakbrook Prep (Spartanburg), from trying to guard him at least during a few possessions in the first half of Spartanburg Day’s 78-54 victory.

Bishop also hit three three-pointers in the first half.

See the video above from HoopDiamonds.

It was another perfect week on the mats for No. 1 Blair Academy (Blairstown, N.J.). The Bucs were 4-0 in dual matches, improving to 10-1 on the season, which keeps them atop the latest USA TODAY/National High School Coaches Association Super 25 High School Wrestling Rankings.

MORE: See the full Super 25 rankings

For the first time in several weeks, there’s a new team in the Top 10. Nazareth (Nazareth, Pa.) breaks in at No. 10 after defeating No. 8 Bethlehem Catholic (Bethlehem, Pa.) for the District XI dual championship. These two have now split their dual matches this season and there’s a chance that they could meet again for the Pennsylvania Class 3A dual championship.

In Ohio, No. 3 St. Edward (Lakewood, Ohio) has a big weekend ahead. The Eagles will look to defend their Ohio Division I dual championship against a very tough eight-team field that includes No. 14 Elyria (Ohio) and Brecksville-Broadview Heights.

There’s one new team in the Super 25 this week as Lockport Township (Lockport, Ill.) enters at No. 25. Lockport began the season ranked in the Super 25.

As we near the close of the high school basketball regular season, we took a look at the state by state rankings according to the Super 25 Computer.

Super 25 Computer rankings are provided by Ken Massey. The ratings are designed to reward teams for their performance, and objectively quantify those performances. Strength of schedule is built into the model. The model also corrects for home field advantage. Teams lose less for a loss on the road and gain more for a win on the road. Margin of victory also is factored in. Because some of the data is based on past performances, the computer will be more accurate as the season progresses. Once a team plays three games, the computer can better slot how it stacks up against teams nationally.

RELATED: Full computer rankings searchable by state

Check below to see who is the top team in each state, according to the Super 25 Computer.

Alabama: Hazel Green

Alaska: Dimond (Anchorage)

Arizona: Mesquite (Gilbert)

Arkansas: Fayetteville

California: Clovis West

Colorado: Grandview (Aurora)

Connecticut: New London

Delaware: Ursuline Academy (Wilmington)

District of Columbia: St. John’s

Florida: Miami Country Day

Georgia: Holy Innocents (Atlanta)

Hawaii: Maryknoll (Honolulu)

Idaho: Eagle

Illinois: Lombard-Montini

Indiana: North Central (Indianapolis)

Iowa: Valley (West Des Moines)

Kansas: Olathe South

Kentucky: Butler (Louisville)

Louisiana: Destrehan

Maine: Gorham

Maryland: St. Frances Academy (Baltimore)

Massachusetts: Bishop Feehan (Attleboro)

Michigan: Heritage

Minnesota: Hopkins (Minnetonka)

Mississippi: Olive Branch

Missouri: Strafford

Montana: Sentinel (Missoula)

Nebraska: Lincoln Christian

Nevada: Centennial (Las Vegas)

New Hampshire: Bedford

New Jersey: Rutgers Prep (Somerset)

New Mexico: Carlsbad

New York: Long Island Lutheran (Brookville)

North Carolina: Millbrook (Raleigh)

North Dakota: Century (Bismarck)

Ohio: Newark

Oklahoma: Choctaw

Oregon: Southridge (Beaverton)

Pennsylvania: Neumann-Goretti (Philadelphia)

Rhode Island: St. Andrew’s (Barrington)

South Carolina: Myrtle Beach

South Dakota: Harrisburg

Tennessee: Riverdale (Murfreesboro)

Texas: Duncanville

Utah: Alta (Sandy)

Vermont: St. Johnsbury Academy

Virginia: Paul VI (Fairfax)

Washington: Central Valley (Veradale)

West Virginia: Huntington

Wisconsin: King (Milwaukee)

Wyoming: Campbell County (Gillette)

Earlier this week, it was reported that New Orleans-area high school coaches planned to boycott LSU after running backs coach Jabbar Juluke was reassigned.

Juluke later left for Texas Tech, but the issue in question has apparently reached a resolution with the hiring of Mickey Joseph to coach wide receivers.

Joseph, a New Orleans native, indicated Thursday there was never a planned meeting of coaches to discuss an LSU boycott.

“It was never a meeting that was going to discuss a boycott,” Joseph said on Thursday during his introductory press conference, according to 247Sports. “The meeting was taking place to educate themselves about the recruiting game.

“We don’t know how that started or got out there.”

Further, Joseph claims to have deep roots in the community in question.

“I have a strong relationship with those coaches in New Orleans,” Joseph said. “Been recruiting there since 1999.”

In addition to Joseph, LSU brought on Tommie Robinson from Southern Cal to act as recruiting coordinator.

Casey Clinger named 2016-17 Gatorade National Boys Cross Country ROY. (Photo: Gatorade)

American Fork (Utah) cross country runner Casey Clinger won the Gatorade National Boys Cross Country Runner of the Year on Thursday, and it came via unexpected delivery from the local police.

Clinger was pulled over by the police, but rather than a speeding ticket, he got the trophy.

Clinger, a BYU commit, won a second consecutive national title with a time of 15:28.4 at the Nike Cross Nationals Final. He also won the Class 5A individual state title in 14:42.9, a course and meet record and helped the team to a state title.

“Groomed in one of the country’s best cross country programs and starring in one of the most talent-rich states, Casey Clinger set himself apart and may end up as the best prep distance runner in Utah history,” said Doug Binder, an editor for DyeStat.com. “At the Nike Cross Nationals Final, he became the first repeat individual boys champion in event history. He was undefeated in 2016 and beat the national Foot Locker championships’ top three finishers. Smooth, swift and strong, Casey is the complete package.”

Clinger also has a 4.0 GPA in the classroom and is an Eagle Scout and volunteers with the Utah State Developmental Center to help those with intellectual disability.

Clinger is now a finalist for the Gatorade Male High School Athlete of the Year award, which will be presented in July.

Jarred Vanderbilt receives his McDonalds All American Game honorary jersey Photo: McDAAG)

Jarred Vanderbilt is the youngest of six children, and basketball runs in his family. His mother and father and two of his siblings played in college.

He started playing the game at 3 and his first organized game was at 5.

“Almost every generation has played basketball in my family,” the Kentucky signee said. “From my siblings to my father and grandfather, it was just instilled in me at an early age.

“It’s very competitive (when we played), but that’s where it all started. That’s where I get the drive and passion that I have now.”

That drive and passion has taken the 6-9 forward to a ranking among the top 20 players in the Class of 2017 and to a spot in the McDonald’s All American Game.

Vanderbilt received his honorary jersey Thursday when the McDonald’s Hometown Heroes presented by American Family Insurance came to high school, Victory Rock Prep, in Houston.

“I think it’s finally sinking in — I’m really an All-American,” he said. “It really hit me after saying the speech and having the ceremony. …

“I think the event turned out great. It was a great experience. I’m thankful for everybody that came out. I’m blessed. I need to thank God for the opportunity and the talent as well. It’s a true honor to be part of this game. It’s been a goal ever since I picked up a basketball. I’m just grateful.”

RELATED: More McDonald’s Hometown Heroes

Jarred Vanderbilt presented his mom, Gwendolyn, with the Dream Champion Award. (Photo: McDAAG)

Vanderbilt will go to Kentucky, which has been home to a long line of McDonald’s All Americans. That group will include three other future Wildcats, all of whom are playing for the East in the March 29 showcase in Chicago: P.J. Washington, Quade Green and Nick Richards.

“I’m pretty watch every Kentucky game to see how the games go and how the season is going,” he said. “It’s not going to be easy. I talked to some of the guys (on the current team) already. Just because you’re a McDonalds All American nothing is going to be given to you. Guys are going to come at you every night. You’re a target now. I take that under consideration and I’m just preparing because I’m ready for the next level.”

But he is also savoring the opportunity to play with an elite group of high school talent whom he has faced and played with in AAU and other events for years.

“I’m excited about competing and playing against the best players in the country,” he said. “All of us have been playing together since middle school. I think around seventh or eighth grade, we realized that we could become McDonald’s All Americans. To see all of us achieve that goal is a great feeling.”

And once a McDonald’s All American, always a McDonald’s All American.

“It sticks with you for the rest of your life to be known as a McDonald’s All American,” Vanderbilt said. “That’s why it’s such a great honor. That’s why I have to give gratitude to everyone who played a role in this.”

Months after a special moment on the football field, Mike Purvis got his chance on the basketball court.

Purvis is 3-foot-8, but is a key member of the athletic programs at Notre Dame-Green Pond (Easton, Pa.).

During senior night on Wednesday, Purvis got the first basket of his career when he banked in a shot after taking a pass at the free throw line, according to an account from MaxPreps.

He was mobbed by his teammates.

On the football team, Purvis serves an inspirational leader. After being the manager, he decided to come out for the team as a senior. He got to share a moment on the field with his teammates at the end of the season.

“Mike’s the heart and soul of our team. He really is,” running back Mitch Daniel told LehighValleyLive.com. “He gives us a pregame speech every week to get us fired up. Whenever we need motivation, we look to Mike because he would give anything to be out there with us, but he can’t.”

Miami football lands a commitment Thursday from a five-star running back and another from his cousin, an elite freshman.

Lorenzo Lingard, ranked by 247Sports as the No. 2 running back in the Class of 2018, chose the Hurricanes from more than 30 reported offers. Florida, Florida State, Georgia and Clemson were among his options.

Last season for University (Orange City, Fla.), he ran for 1,418 yards and 22 touchdowns on 130 carries, despite sharing the load with two other backs. The state 4A champion in the 110-meter hurdles and one of the nation’s best, he intends to run track while at Miamia as well, he told The Orlando Sentinel.

Deland (Fla.) athlete Avantae Williams picked the Hurricanes from among four offers and is considered among the top freshman prospects in the nation. He is unranked based on his age.

He had 77 tackles and forced two fumbles last season as a defensive back. He also could play offense.

“The best players played at Miami,” Williams told 247Sports Ryan Bartow. “I want to continue that legacy. Sean Taylor. Ed Reed. Ray Lewis. The Rock. It’s crazy the people that played there and are part of that legacy.

Only four of the top 20 recruits from Texas opted to stay in state for college. The highest-ranked among them was No. 8 Anthony Hines Jr., a linebacker at Texas A&M, and No. 10 Jack Anderson, a guard at Texas Tech.

Walker Little is ranked as the No. 3 recruit in the state, the No. 3 offensive tackle nationally and No. 10 player overall.

Little, from Episcopal (Bellaire), signed with Stanford.

“I don’t feel like it’s the draw to get out of state. I don’t think kids want to leave the state of Texas,” Little said in an interview with ESPN 97.5. “I think it’s partly because the schools in Texas aren’t at their peaks right now as far as wins and losses.

“Also, it’s easier to get to schools and see schools all across the county and it’s making kids find better fits for them than they would in-state at this point in time. But as the Texas schools come back up and start playing football more kids will start staying home.”

New Texas coach Tom Herman is certainly among those hoping Little is right.

Send it in, Najee!

Najee Thomas, a 6-10 center at Seventy-First (Fayetteville, N.C.), threw down a monster jam on the break Monday, which evacuated the gymnasium at Douglas Byrd (Fayetteville, N.C.).

Thomas’ jam, seen below in a video courtesy of Hudl, forced the game to be finished in the school’s auxiliary gym. Thomas finished with 12 points in his team’s 73-57 win.

Jaden Sutton of Waverly (Lansing, Mich.) hit this off-balance buzzer beater from halfcourt to send the teams to the locker room at halftime.

Waverly beat Owosso (Mich.), 57-40.

Nathan Hale’s Michael Porter Jr. (Photo: Gregory Payan, Associated Press)

Nathan Hale (Seattle) is the Metro League champion for the first time since 1994 after a 91-58 victory against Garfield on Friday night.

It is the third time this season that the Raiders, ranked No. 1 in the Super 25,  have beaten Garfield, the alma mater of Hale coach and former NBA star Brandon Roy.

Michael Porter Jr. scored 39 points and the Raiders limited Garfield to just 16 points in the first half.

Emotions spilled over with less than four minutes left and the benches cleared. Less than 30 seconds later, Roy put his starters back in after the second team allowed a 7-0 run that cut the margin to 86-53. That upset the Garfield coaching staff with some assistants yelling to the Hale bench.

“I was upset with my team,” Roy told the Seattle Times. “We gave up too many points with our second team. I wanted to send a message to my team. We need everybody to be sharp. I wasn’t even thinking of the other team. I tried to get them back out, because I don’t want to seem like I’m trying to run up the score.”

Garfield coach Ed Haskins had some stern comments for the officiating and expressed his displeasure during the game after receiving a technical foul.

“I just feel like we need a straight shake, man,” said Haskins. “I’m trying to watch my words. I know nobody is perfect. I don’t ever coach a perfect game. Kids don’t play a perfect game. I know officials don’t officiate a perfect game. I just want a straight shake. I’m not blaming the officials tonight. You don’t lose by 30-something points because of officials.”

Tara Davis, Agoura (Calif.) set the national high school indoor record in the long jump with a leap of 21 feet, 11 inches, and her reaction was priceless as seen in the video below from MileSplit.

The previous record of 21 feet, 7.5 inches had stood for 36 years and was set by Carol Lewis of Willingboro (N.J.)

She broke the record during the Dumanis Sports Group Prep Classic at The Star in Frisco, Texas. Davis is a Californian but has family in Texas who were able to see her record-setting performance.

Collin Sexton was back after missing two weeks with a concussion for Pebblebrook (Mableton, Ga.) for the Region 2AAAAAAA championship against Westlake (Atlanta) on Saturday.

Sexton, an American Family Insurance ALL-USA Preseason selection, scored 43 points and hit the game-tying three-pointer at the buzzer to force overtime. He then had a huge dunk with three seconds left in OT to close out the 87-83 victory.

The game was a rematch of last year’s state title game, won by Westlake. Westlake also won an overtime game against Pebblebrook last month.  Pebblebrook had lost the last six meetings between the teams.

“My head still hurt a lot, but I had to push through it and help my team win,” Sexton told the Marietta Daily Journal.

Pebblebrook High School’s Collin Sexton earlier this season (Photo: Fort Myers News-Press)

Gene Pingatore, already the career leading in boys basketball wins in Illinois history, reached 1,000 victories as St. Joseph (Westchester) beat St. Rita (Chicago) 81-71 in the Chicago Catholic League Tournament.

He is the 15th boys basketball coach to reach 1,000 wins, according to the National Federation record book. He is the seventh to win 1,000 games at one school.

He is second overall in Illinois history behind Marshall High girls basketball coach Dorothy Gates, who reached 1,000 wins in November 2014.

The program has won five state championships and reached 12 title games under Pingatore.

Here are the top 10 plays from Day 2 of the Metro Classic in New Jersey:

Harrison Bailey, a freshman at Marietta (Ga.), has accepted an invitation to the U.S. Army All-American Bowl in January 2020. He is the first quarterback selected for the game.

Bailey, 6-3 and 195, already has 11 reported offers, including Alabama, Georgia, Florida and LSU.

He threw for more than 2,800 yards and had 21 passing touchdowns last fall.

He accepted the invitation during the Adidas 7on7 event in Windermere, Fla.