Best Basketball School in Los Angeles | Rolling Hills Prep

How Rolling Hills Prep’s Small School Dominates CIF Division 1

When people think of powerhouse high school basketball teams, they usually picture sprawling public schools or elite sports academies. That’s why it surprises many to learn that Rolling Hills Prep—a small private school in Los Angeles—is home to both a Division 1 CIF boys basketball team and a Division 2 girls team, making it one of the best basketball schools in Southern California.

Why Rolling Hills Prep is the Best Basketball School for Student-Athletes

Located in San Pedro, Los Angeles, Rolling Hills Prep has emerged as the premier basketball destination in the South Bay area. As a leading private school in Los Angeles, we combine elite athletics with personalized education in a small learning environment that allows every student to thrive both on and off the court.

Despite our small school size, we’ve built a basketball program that rivals institutions many times larger. This rare achievement stems from our unique approach: combining exceptional coaching, intentional leadership development, college prep academics, and an unwavering commitment to student growth. Our success proves that being the best independent school isn’t about size—it’s about vision, dedication, and community.

What Makes a CIF Division 1 Sports School?

In California, high school sports are governed by the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF). Schools earn their divisional placement based on performance, not enrollment size. For basketball, this means:

• Division 1 represents the highest level of CIF competition, including only the top 10–15% of programs statewide
• Division 2 features highly competitive programs with elite athletes and coaching
• Advancement is earned through winning records, playoff success, and strength of schedule

Simply put, you don’t reach Division 1 or 2 without proving it on the court. For Rolling Hills Prep to compete at these levels—as a small private school—demonstrates years of excellence and a commitment to being the best basketball school in our region.

The Boys Basketball Program: Why We’re the Best Boys Basketball School

At the heart of RHP’s rise to becoming the best boys basketball school in Los Angeles is legendary head coach Harvey Kitani. With over 1,000 career wins, Coach Kitani ranks as the 3rd all-time winningest coach in California basketball history. His recent induction into the Southern California Basketball Hall of Fame places him among the most elite figures in West Coast basketball.

Coach Kitani’s Impact at Rolling Hills Prep:

• Transformed our program from Division 5AA to Division 1 since joining in 2016
• Brings 35 years of championship experience from Fairfax High School (4 L.A. City titles)
• Develops college-ready student-athletes in our small school environment
• Emphasizes character, academics, and athletic excellence equally

Under his leadership, Rolling Hills Prep has become a true D1 sports school, routinely producing college-bound talent while maintaining our commitment to personalized education. Our small learning environment allows Coach Kitani to mentor each player individually—an advantage larger schools simply can’t match.

The Girls Basketball Program: Champions Define the Best Girls Basketball School

The Rolling Hills Prep girls basketball team has established itself as the best girls basketball school in the South Bay under Coach Moniquee Alexander’s exceptional leadership. Their crowning achievement—winning the CIF Division 2A Championship for 2024–2025—showcases their dedication, discipline, and team-first mentality.

What Sets Our Girls Program Apart:

• Championship culture built on empowerment and excellence
• Personalized coaching in a supportive small school setting
• Strong college prep focus with athletic development
• Leadership skills that extend beyond basketball

Coach Alexander has cultivated an environment where female athletes thrive academically and athletically, making RHP the ideal choice for families seeking the best girls basketball school that values both education and competitive success.

The RHP Athletics Advantage: Small School, Big Dreams

What distinguishes Rolling Hills Prep as both the best independent school and premier basketball destination is how we deliver big-school athletics within our intimate community setting:

Our Comprehensive Athletics Program:

• 18 competitive sports teams across three seasons
• Participation in the prestigious CIF Coastal League
• World-class coaching staff, including Hall of Fame coaches
• Proven track record of collegiate recruitment
• No-cut policy ensuring opportunities for all skill levels

As a college prep school, we understand that athletic success opens doors to higher education. Our basketball programs exemplify how a small private school in Los Angeles can compete at the highest levels while maintaining our core educational mission.

Experience the Best of Both Worlds

At Rolling Hills Prep, we’ve proven that being a small school is our greatest strength. As the best basketball school in Los Angeles for students seeking both athletic excellence and academic success, we offer:

• Elite coaching and Division 1 competition
• Personalized attention in a small school setting
• Strong college prep academics
• A supportive community where every student matters

We may be a small private school in Los Angeles, but we dream—and play—big. Whether your student aims to play college basketball or simply wants to be part of a championship culture while receiving an exceptional education, Rolling Hills Prep provides the perfect environment for growth, success, and lifelong memories.