The 25 Best Sneakers Worn in High School Basketball History

It's "Back to School" time. While many of us see the beginning of September as nearing the end of the 4th quarter, others see it as a new semester, a new start, or another reason to be extra-fresh. In yet another respect, a high-school basketball player sees "Back to School" as another year of hard-fought battles on the court. Though many have been playing since they could walk or talk, this is the time where their actions have to speak louder than words – where an ordinary sophomore can become an All-American.

During those four tender years, we've seen guys like Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Kobe Bryant and Allen Iverson become the greatest and most popular players in the nation — in turn getting flooded with scholarship offers and new "friends." However, while we've seen them blossom, we've also seen them hit the court in some of the best and most nostalgic basketball sneakers ever made. Though it has oft been said that it's the man that makes the shoes, we've also got to give respect when respect is due – there are some sneakers that are just plain dope, no matter which way you slice it. So here, we've got The 25 Best Sneakers Worn in High School Basketball History. Another reason to revisit maybe even your own glory days. Take a walk down memory lane.

High School: Power Memorial Academy – New York, New York
Class of: 1965

Playing in the ultimate (and basically the only) basketball shoe at the time — at a school which also produced the likes of Len Elmore, Mario Elie, Chris Mullin, and Dick Bavetta — a young Lew Alcindor led Power Memorial to a 71-game winning streak and three straight New York City Catholic School championships. For this reason, Power Memorial is now revered as "the No. 1 high school team of the [20th] century."

High School: Emsley A. Laney High School – Wilmington, North Carolina
Class of: 1981

As a self-proclaimed "adidas nut," Michael was at many times seen rocking the adidas Pro Model during his high school career – where, during his sophomore year, he was just 5-11 and deemed too short to play on the varsity team at Laney High.

Furthermore, as has been comedically replicated, Jordan's high school buddy, Harvest Leroy Smith, was the only sophomore to make the varsity team. (Jordan has been said to have checked into hotels during his playing days with the alias "Leroy Smith", Ron Mexico-style). Jordan being cut by his high school coach, Clifton "Pop" Herring, is said to have been a significant impetus in defining Michael as both the player and person that we have come accustomed to knowing today. In the same token, many are today more familiar with the Pro Model's low-cut cousin, the Superstar, but the Pro Model has been revamped again and again and continues to remain a pivotal (no pun intended) basketball sneaker.

High School: Cambridge Rindge and Latin – Cambridge, Massachusetts
Class of: 1981

The Nike Franchise Hi was one of only a handfull of basketball sneakers released by Nike in the time period of 1972-1980. Though these early Nikes kept Ewing fresh, they weren't enough to spare him ridicule, which was due in large part to his strong Jamaican accent. Opposing crowds frequently taunted Pat with creative (we love sarcasm) signs stating "Ewing can't read." His profound response? "But I sure can count. And someday I'm going to be in the pros and counting my money all the way to the bank!" "I have a B.A. in Fine Arts from Georgetown" is something Ewing would probably have said a few years later.

High School: Paul Laurence Dunbar High School – Baltimore, Maryland
Class of: 1983

Playing on one of the best high school basketball teams of all-time with three other future NBAers — Reggie Lewis (top left), Reggie Williams (top center), and David Wingate — Muggsy Bogues, though the "Short Man" (as he was called), was noted as the 'catalyst' of said team that went 31-0 to become ranked as the USA Today #1 high school team in the country. The Pro-Keds Shotmaker, with its durable vulcanized sole and leather upper, was a pioneer amongst basketball sneakers and a shoe that was appreciated by both ballers and breakdancers alike.

Oh yeah, Sam Cassell and Tupac Shakur also had brief stints at Dunbar. Also, let's not forget THIS.

High School: Christ The King Regional High School – Queens, New York
Class of: 1986

Bruce Kilgore's Air Force 1 was, and always will be, a masterpiece. Supported by the NBA's "Original Six" and, apparently, Jayson Williams (we tried to draw some fun facts about him from his Wiki page but it was basically a rap sheet), the Air Force 1 has grown to be an utter staple in society. Peep Jay Will's opponents' kicks, too.

High School: Concord High School – Elkhart, Indiana
Class of: 1987

The Nike Delta Force was released following in the footsteps of other popular basketball shoes such as the Nike Dunk and Nike Terminator. These shoes were largely marketed towards college teams and utilized a great deal of color blocking in effort to match the colorways of particular teams.

Speaking of colleges, after a stellar high school career, though Shawn Kemp signed a letter of intent to play at the University of Kentucky, he later left the team after he allegedly pawned two gold chains that belonged to teammate Sean Sutton — the son of the coach, the legendary Eddie Sutton! Kemp then transferred to Trinity Valley Community College, where he didn't play, but rather declared himself eligible for the NBA Draft after a semester. The pawning of a coach's son's jewelry can mean one or all of three things: 1) College players should probably be paid. 2) Shawn Kemp never actually wanted to play college basketball. 3) Shawn Kemp is amazing.

High School: Washington High School – Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Class of: 1988

Though Sprewell had never taken basketball seriously, or even played organized ball until his senior year of high school, his kicks at the time were certainly no joke. The New Balance P790 is most recognizable as the signature shoe of NBA legend "Big Game James" Worthy. Apparently, it was in these shoes that Sprewell began to develop the reputation of a hard-worker and became instilled with the attitude that led him to later play alongside future NBA players Robert Horry, Jason Caffey, and James Robinson at the University of Alabama. In other news, P.J. Carlesimo still regrets asking Spree to "put a little mustard" on his pass.

High School: Indian River High School – Chesapeake, Virginia
Class of: 1988

With its ankle strap, double ankle padding/inner bootie, inner midfoot strap and signature "Y-Bar," the Converse Maverick was surely ahead of its time in terms of support and technology. Being that the Maverick was a great deal more expensive than most basketball shoes at the time, Zo either knew what he was doing in the store that day or was fortunate enough that his high school was sponsored by Converse. If it was the latter, he certainly returned the favor by leading his team to 51 straight victories and a state title in his junior year.

High School: Detroit Country Day School – Oakland County, Michigan
Class of: 1991

When he was in high school, both Chris Webber and the Air Force 3 were extremely popular. In fact, at that time, the Air Force 3 was the most popular of the Air Force series due to its more rugged look and strong AIR FORCE/half basketball logo on the tongue. With both of these forces combined, Webber became the "most recruited Michigan high school player since Magic Johnson" and, as most know, went on to the University of Michigan to join the "Fab Five" and revolutionize college basketball. For that, Chris, we thank you.

High School: St. Joseph Notre Dame High School – Alameda, California
Class of: 1992

When Da Kidd was a kid, he frequented the city courts of Oakland where he often found himself playing against fellow future NBA All-Star Gary Payton. While Kidd and Payton were still entertaining NBA dreams, Scottie Pippen was rocking and popularizing the lightweight Air Flight Lite II Mid during the Dream Team's Olympic Gold Medal run and his second NBA Championship. Although Kidd was touted as the nation's top high school player, he shocked many who believed he'd end up at the University of Arizona, Kentucky or Kansas by attending the University of California, Berkeley — a team who had just come off of a 10-18 season and hadn't won a conference title since 1960. Kids, follow your heart!

High School: Bethel High School – Hampton, Virginia
Class of: 1994

At the same time he won a state championship as a quarterback for his high school football team, Iverson was fulfilling the same championship goals on the court while wearing Scottie Pippen's signature Nike Air Maestro. There was, at one time, a chance we could have never seen Iverson's infamous crossover on Jordan or one of the greatest Reebok signature lines ever, as Iverson was charged with the felony of maiming by mob and sentenced to a 15-year prison sentence (with 10 years suspended). However, four months later the conviction was overturned for insufficient evidence and we were fortunately granted our opportunity to see one of the best to ever do it.

High School: Abraham Lincoln High School – Brooklyn, New York
Class of: 1995

Being labeled as New York's "Mr. Basketball" by the end of his high school career, Marbury's talents were somewhat of a legacy handed down to him by his father and his other older brothers. Though he was seen killing it on the court in the "Duke" Air Max 2 Uptempo – with its Max2 air bag (reminiscent of the Air Max 2 CB) and mesh upper, it was at Georgia Tech that Starbury would eventually shine, alongside Matt Harpring and Drew Barry. Then there was Steve & Barry's, USTREAM and Vaseline.

High School: Farragut Career Academy – Chicago, Illinois
Class of: 1995

The Air Assist was released around 1994 – a time when a young KG had began to think about transferring from Mauldin High School in South Carolina to Farragut Career Academy in Chicago. Although not directly involved in a racially charged incident between white and black students, Garnett was one of three students arrested for second-degree lynching (a ridiculous, antiquated charge that includes mere simple assault and one that would later be expunged and erased from Garnett's record). Due to the controversy, fear of becoming a target, and persuasion from new friend and future teammate Ronnie Fields, Garnett finally left to attend Farragut, where he'd be named Player of the Year by USA Today, "Mr. Basketball" for the State of Illinois, and simultaneously excel in soccer. Adversity averted.

High School: Lower Merion High School – Ardmore, Pennsylvania
Class of: 1996

If one were to trace back to Kobe's early playing days, it'd appear that adidas and Kobe have always had a little thing for each other. While many instantly equate the adidas Crazy 8 with a young No. 8 on the Lakers, it was the The Four that enticed Bryant early on. Although he was named the Naismith High School Player of the Year, the Gatorade Men's National Basketball Player of the Year, and a USA Today All-USA First Team Player, Kobe has claimed that he would have attended Duke University if he had chosen to go to college. However, despite his collegiate afterthoughts, it seems as though Kobe was always ready for the big stage — seeing that he scrimmaged against Jerry Stackhouse while still in high school and wound up taking singer Brandy Norwood to his senior prom. Must be nice!

High School: La Salle Academy – New York, New York
Class of: 1997

With its durabuck upper, supportive arch strap, and subtle inner bootie, the Air Strong was considered to be an all-around shoe with "something for everyone on the team." In the same dynamic and strong fashion, Artest gained his on-court intensity and earned the nicknames "Tru Warier" and "The New World Order" playing on some of the toughest courts in the country. Artest gave insight into his playing style when he stated "It [basketball] was so competitive, they broke a leg from a table and they threw it, it went right through his [19-year-old Lloyd Newton] heart and he died right on the court. So I'm accustomed to playing basketball really rough." We see you, Metta.

High School: Oak Hill Academy – Mouth of Wilson, Virginia
Class of: 2002

Michael Jordan was born in Brooklyn, New York. Carmelo Anthony was born in Brooklyn, New York. Michael Jordan relocated to another state. Carmelo Anthony relocated to another state. Michael Jordan won the NCAA National Chapionship as a freshman. Carmelo Anthony won the NCAA National Championship as a freshman. Michael Jordan IS Jordan Brand. Carmelo Anthony is signed to Jordan Brand. With all of these divine commonalities, it's no wonder Melo laced up the "True Blues" while at Oak Hill Academy — or maybe it's just one of the best Jordans ever released. We're not too superstitious, so we'll go with the latter.

High School: St. Vincent–St. Mary High School – Akron, Ohio
Class of: 2003

Let's be real, you've got to be a pretty special player in order to get your own Jordan player exclusive. However, after being featured in SLAM Magazine, Sports Illustrated, and ESPN The Magazine during his high school career, James' high school popularity grew way past being "Most Popular" in his high school yearbook's superlatives — so much so that he was no longer even able to practice in his own high school gym (practices were moved to the James A. Rhodes Arena at the University of Akron). Furthermore, though it wasn't even a thought, even if LBJ wanted to study Taxidermy while playing ball in college, he was later officially declared ineligible by the NCAA for participating in more than two high school all-star events. Clearly, 'Bron was always just too cool for school.

High School: Montrose Christian School – Rockville, Maryland
Class of: 2006

The Air Jordan XIV is most memorable as having been worn during Jordan's "Last Shot" against the Utah Jazz in the 1998 NBA Finals. For KD, more interesting is the reason why he has always worn No. 35. Kevin Durant will always don No. 35 in order to commemorate his childhood mentor and AAU coach, Charles Craig, who was unfortunately murdered at the age of 35. It's obviously the most memorable sneakers and numbers that are most prized.

High School: Simeon Career Academy – Chicago, Illinois
Class of: 2007

For many, the LeBron IV's futuristic look, slow recovery memory foam, and superior flexibility made it ahead of its time and a favorite among lovers of LeBron's signature line. Before D. Rose was down with Adidas, the LeBron IV was one of his favorites to dominate in — as was his No. 25, which for him honored Ben "Benji" Wilson, who was a promising Chicago player murdered by gang violence. However, Rose was forced to change to No. 23 at the University of Memphis, since No. 25 had already been retired in honor of Penny Hardaway. No arguments there.

High School: American Christian Academy – Aston, Pennsylvania
Class of: 2008

We've seen everyone from Seinfeld to Kanye rocking the Jordan VII "Cardinal." Thus, it should come as no surprise that Tyreke Evans laced up the VIIs to showcase his hops. But most already knew Reke Havoc could get up, as he had already began drawing comparisons to Tracy McGrady and was the focus of a documentary entitled Gunning for That #1 Spot at the age of sixteen. And now? He's a King.

High School: Rice High School – New York, New York
Class of: 2008

After being drafted by the Jordan-backed Charlotte Bobcats and rocking several great Jordans this year, many felt as though it was a no-brainer that Kemba would have been signed to Jordan Brand. Well, not so fast. Perhaps Kemba's got to prove himself first in the NBA, or maybe Under Armour just offered him a sweet deal. Either way, we'll miss checking for his tournament highlights and sick footwear.

High School: Word Of God Christian Academy – Raleigh, North Carolina
Class of: 2009

If comfort is the key to success, then that would be the exact reason why John Wall chose to play in the Zoom LeBron VI. With triple-stacked Zoom Air technology, the Zoom VI added layers on layers on layers of extra cushioning. As a certified triple-threat, by the end of Wall's high school career he had played for three different teams, while maintaining his status as one of the nation's most elite players. Looks as if the best things come in threes.

High School: Jefferson High School – Portland, Oregon
Class of: 2010

Terrence Jones couldn't have gotten it more right by donning the Jordan 60+ "Laney High School." A shoe that pays homage to four of Jordan's best games in which he scored 60 or more points, while also representing the high school of the greatest to ever do it and also matching your own school's colorway? We'd say that's a win, and that's exactly what Terrence did, becoming one of the nation's top recruits and participating in the McDonald's All-American Game.

High School: Bishop Gorman High School – Las Vegas, Nevada
Class of: 2012

Is the Grey/Blue-Red "Camo" Kobe VI the best colorway yet? That's debatable. What's a little more set in stone is the fact that Shabazz Muhammad is currently the top-rated basketball player in the class of 2012. He was named the 2011 Gatorade Player of the Year for the state of Nevada and his final shortlist of colleges include: Arizona, Duke, Kansas, Kentucky, Memphis, Texas, Texas A&M, UCLA, and UNLV. Decisions, decisions.

High School: Patterson Senior High School – Baltimore, Maryland
Class of: 2013

The "Flints" are of the most liked OG colorway'd Jordans; Aquille's not an OG, yet, but at 5-6, Aquille Carr is easily one of the most explosive and athletic players in high school basketball. Nicknamed "The Crime Stopper" due to the chance that "crime in East Baltimore probably goes down during [his] games," Carr played on the U.S. team in the Junior International Tournament in Milan, Italy. There, he won a gold medal, averaged over 40 points per game, and received a $750,000 contract offer from the Italian professional basketball club Lottomatica Roma – the largest contract ever offered by a European club to a high school player before graduation. The Baltimore Sun analogized any Aquille Carr criticism to "complaining about the floor mats on a Ferrari." Italian contract offers, comparisons to high-performance Italian cars; the kid's a diaper-dandy, baby! *Dickie V. voice*