KNIGHT MOVES: No. 1 Ontario Christian (CA) continues winning, bagging first-ever CIF-Southern Open Division chip; No movement in Blue Star Media Elite 25 girls’ basketball rankings

BENSALEM, Pa. – There comes that point when every state has completed or are smack dab in the middle of their postseasons. And that’s when the Blue Star Media Elite 25 girls’ basketball rankings are shaken, rearranged or standing pat.

Each week brings a new set of state champions or a series of upsets. So, we’ll get right to it with handful of state and region tournaments that will impact the Elite 25 girls’ rankings.

We’ll start in the California Interscholastic Federation Open Division playoffs. The Elite 25 teams help populate both the Northern and Southern Regions.

Last weekend, No. 1 Ontario Christian won its first-ever CIF-Southern Section Open Division title after beating reigning champion and No. 3 Etiwanda, 65-63, in the final. The Knights were up 11 points in the fourth quarter but held on. In the CIF-Central Coast Section Open Division final, No. 9 Archbishop Mitty (San Jose) successfully defending its title and won for the 13^th straight time.

The Southern Section finals drew 14,866 fans for two sessions on Saturday, March 1 at the Toyota Arena in Ontario but 11,625 were there for the main games in the evening. Bravo!

When the brackets for the  regions were released, Ontario Christian and Mitty earned top seeds and automatic byes to the semifinals, meaning one less game en route to the state final on March 15 in Sacramento.

Four teams from the Elite 25 (and in the top-10) are in the SoCal bracket with two (also No. 8 Clovis West, Fresno) in NorCal. Matchups in the region and state finals pairing Elite 25 teams are likely.

One of the nation’s hotbeds for girls hoops is hosting its state tournament this week in Normal, Illinois. The Illinois High School Association Class 4A bracket is stuffed with national-caliber teams.

The semifinal pairings for Friday, March 7 at CEFCU Arena in Normal: Kenwood (Chicago) vs. Alton, 11:30 a.m. CT and defending champion and No. 24 Loyola Academy (Wilmette) vs. Fremd (Palatine), 1:15 p.m. CT. The final and third-place consolation are Saturday, March 8 at 8 p.m. and 9:30 a.m. CT, respectively.

There are also state tournaments in Class 3A, 2A and 1A in town at the same time, starting Thursday, March 6 running all day. Tickets are here.

No. 21 Winter Haven (Fla.) goes for a second straight Florida High School Athletic Association state championship this weekend at the RP Funding Center in Lakeland. The Blue Devils are bracketed in Class 7A. Everything starts Tuesday, March 4 and goes for four days in Class 7A, 6A, 5A and 4A. If Columbus four-peats, it goes to the CHIPOTLE Nationals. The girls schedule is here. The boys tournament runs simultaneously in the same venue.

Just to the north, the Georgia High School Association/Dr. Ralph Swearngin state championships  will be rocking in the Macon Coliseum. No. 12 Hebron Christian (Dacula) faces Holy Innocents’ Episcopal (Atlanta) in the Private School final 1 p.m. ET on Wednesday, March 5. Tickets for all days.

The tournaments run for four days, tipping off on Wednesday thru Saturday, March 8.

Des Moines is the capital of Iowa but this week it’s the focal point for the Iowa High School Girls Athletic Union state tournaments. The first round was played on Monday, March 3 at the 16,110-seat Wells Fargo Arena with No. 14 Johnston going for a second straight Class 5A crown. The Dragons (24-0) won their 50^th consecutive game with a quarterfinal triumph over Iowa City Liberty, 73-45.

The Dragons face Ankeny Centennial on Thursday, March 6, 10 a.m. CT, in the semifinals. The final is Friday, March 7 at 6 p.m. CT. Check out the tickets.

We’ll look at another set of state tournaments, including New Jersey and Ohio, next time.

In recruiting news, the rich, in the case South Carolina, got richer. Last week, 6-foot-1 guard Agot Makeer of No. 2 Montverde (Fla.) Academy committed to the Gamecocks. The Toronto, Canada native made her choice over Connecticut and Michigan State.

Makeer’s bond with the coaching staff was a key factor in her ultimate decision. Makeer is the second high-level prospect heading to South Carolina after Ayla McDowell of Cypress Springs (Texas) committed in October.

Makeer’s versatility in the backcourt and South Carolina’s up-tempo system suits her style well. She transferred to Montverde for the start of the 2024-25 school year from Crestwood Prep in Toronto.

This week, the Elite 25 rankings had no movement. With the state tournament schedule picking up in the next two weeks, change is inevitable.

Expect the CHIPOTLE High School Nationals to be announced next week or shortly thereafter. Elite 25 schools Montverde Academy and IMG Academy from Florida are slam dunks. Methinks Ridgeline of Utah is another solid choice as are Westtown School of Pennsylvania and Bishop McNamara of Maryland. Sidwell Friends of District of Columbia is eligible for an invite. Paragon Marketing can round out the brackets with schools from Georgia, Arizona, North Carolina, South Carolina, Washington and Florida. The event is April 2-5 in Fishers, Indiana.

That’s it for February.

Welcome to March Madness! Get your women’s brackets ready because we’ll make predictions after Selection Sunday, March  9. It’s the best time of year.

The Blue Star Media Elite 25 girls’ basketball rankings return on Wednesday, March 12.

Elsewhere, life is beginning to take shape in southern California. Since the wildfires ravaged the surrounding Los Angeles area in early January, the locals have been displaced and are picking up the pieces of their lives.

We’ve vetted a few places that will make a difference.

Consider donating here to the Red Cross to assist the relief efforts or to The Salvation Army. No dollar amount is too small and prayers are always welcome. Here’s another one called Fire Aid. Stay strong California.

Just a reminder it’s time to move the clocks forward for Daylight Savings Time on Sunday, March 9 at 2 a.m., and the time moves to 3 a.m. Although most Americans will lose an hour on the second Sunday in March, they gain it back on the first Sunday of November. Think of the extra hour as brighter evenings. It’s always a sign that warm weather is ahead and March Madness has arrived. Opening day for major-league baseball is right around the corner.

Finally, for Christians worldwide, it’s Ash Wednesday on March 5, signifying the start of Lent. It’s a span of six and a half weeks leading up to Easter Sunday (on April 20) and Lent asks individuals to repent for their sins.

Additionally, our friends in the Muslim world started Ramadan (ninth moth of the Islamic calendar) on Friday, Feb. 28 and it lasts until Saturday, March 29. It’s a month of fasting, prayer, reflection and community. Ramadan Bubaraki!

Bye for now.

Hope to see you at a game soon. – Christopher Lawlor

Blue Star Media Elite 25 Girls’ Basketball Rankings, March 5, 2025

1. Ontario (Calif.) Christian (29-1)

Previous rank: 1.

The Lowdown: Won the CIF-Southern Section Open Division championship, beating then-No. 2 Etiwanda, 65-63, in the final. It was the program’s first Open Division title. Super sophomore Kaleena Smith scored 13 points and handed out 8 assists but hit three late free throws to help ice it. Tati Griffin posted 19 points and 12 rebounds and Sydney Douglas netted 14 points. Coach Aundre Cummings’ team won’t play until the CIF-Southern California Open Division Region semifinals on Saturday, March 8 against No. 4 Sierra Canyon School (Chatsworth) or Mission Hills (San Marcos).

2. Montverde (Fla.) Academy (24-1)

Previous: 3.

The Lowdown: Regular season is complete. The Eagles should get an invitation to the CHIPOTLE High School Nationals in Fishers, Indiana, running April 2-5.

3. Etiwanda, Calif. (25-5)

Previous: 2.

The Lowdown: Lost to No. 1 Ontario Christian, 65-63, in the CIF-Southern Section Open Division championship game before 11,625 at the Toyota Arena in Ontario. Aliyahna Morris had 20 points and Arynn Finley dropped 14 points. The Eagles earned a bye to the SoCal Region semifinals on Saturday, March 8, facing No. 7 Mater Dei (Santa Ana) or Bishop Montgomery (Torrance).

4. Sierra Canyon School, Chatsworth, Calif. (27-2)

Previous: 4.

The Lowdown: Idle. The Trailblazers meet Mission Hills (San Marcos) on Wednesday, March 5 in the SoCal Open Division first round with the winner facing No. 1 Ontario Christina in the semifinals on Saturday, March 8.

5. Morris Catholic, Denville N.J. (25-0)

Previous: 5.

The Lowdown: In the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association Non-Public A North Section quarterfinals, the Lady Crusaders jumped to a 34-2 lead after one quarter en route to a 101-22 trouncing of Paramus Catholic. Jacqueline Edelman (three 3s) and Mya Pauldo (four 3, 10 assists) teamed for 44 points and seven treys. Tennessee-bound Mia Pauldo had 13 points and 10 assists. Up next is DePaul Catholic (Wayne) on Thursday, March 6 in the semifinals. The final is Monday, March 10. In the regular season finale, the Lady Crusaders defeated Montclair Immaculate, 79-69. Mia Pauldo contributed 29 points with six 3-pointers, 3 rebounds, 5 assists and 1 steal and her sister Mya added 19 points, 8 assists and 3 steals.

6. Bishop McNamara, Forestville, Md. (26-1)*

Previous: 6.

The Lowdown: Idle. The Lady Mustangs played on Tuesday, March 4 with St. Mary’s Ryken (Leonardtown, Md.) in the Maryland Private Schools Tournament quarterfinals in Kensington.

7. Mater Dei, Santa Ana, Calif. (28-3)

Previous: 7.

The Lowdown: Idle. The Monarchs host Bishop Montgomery (Torrance) on Wednesday, March 5 in the CIF-So Cal Region Open Division first round. The winner advances to face No. 3 Etiwanda on Saturday, March 8 in the semifinals.

8. Clovis West, Fresno, Calif. (32-0)

Previous: 8.

The Lowdown: Won the CIF-Central Section Division I championship, defeating Clovis, 53-44, in the final. It was the 13^th sectional title for the Golden Eagles. Up next is San Ramon Valley (Danville) or Pinewood School (Los Altos Hills) on Saturday, March 8 in the NorCal Open Division semifinals.

9. Archbishop Mitty, San Jose, Calif. (25-3)

Previous: 9.

The Lowdown: Won the CIF-Central Coast Section Open Division, defeating Pinewood (Los Altos Hills), 59-51, in the final. It was the program’s 33^rd Central Coast Section title. In Pool A play, the Monarchs went 3-0 after defeating Archbishop Riordan (San Francisco), 66-32. Up next is Acalanes (Lafayette) or McClatchy (Sacramento) on Saturday, March 8 in the NorCal Region Open Division semifinals.

10. Westtown School, West Chester, Pa. (27-3)**

Previous: 10.

The Lowdown: Won a fourth straight Pennsylvania Independent School Athletic Association AA state championship, defeating Friends Central (Wynnewood), 71-47, in the final. Sophomore Jordyn Palmer netted a game-high 26 points and Jessie Moses added 16. The Moose also topped Shipley School (Bryn Mawr), 77-36, in the semifinals and Penn Charter (Philadelphia), 86-26, in the quarterfinals. CHIPOTLE Nationals might be next. Regular season is complete.

11. IMG Academy, Bradenton, Fla. (17-4)

Previous: 11.

The Lowdown: Regular season complete. The Ascenders will likely receive an invitation to the CHIPOTLE Nationals in April.

12. Hebron Christian Academy, Dacula, Ga. (29-1)

Previous: 12.

The Lowdown: Defeated Galloway (Atlanta), 74-32, in the GHSA Private State Tournament semifinals and Mount Paran Christian (Kennesaw), 53-46, in the quarterfinals. Up next is the state final against Holy Innocents’ Episcopal (Atlanta) on Wednesday, March 5 at the Macon Centreplex.

13. Bradley Central, Cleveland, Tenn. (30-1)

Previous: 13.

The Lowdown: Defeated McMinn County (Athens), 122-24, in the Class AAAA, Region 3 quarterfinals and East Hamilton (Chattanooga), 101-18, in the semifinals. The final is Wednesday, March 5 at Cleveland.

14. Johnston, Iowa (24-0)

Previous: 14.

The Lowdown: Defeated Iowa City Liberty, 73-45, in the Class 5A state quarterfinals in Des Moines. It was the Dragons 50^th straight win dating back to the 2023 Class 5A state final. Senior Armani Jenkins scored 16 points, connecting on 7-of-10 shots. Up next is Ankeny Centennial on Thursday, March 6 in the semifinals. The final is Friday, March 7 also at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines. In the Class 5A, Region 1 final, the Dragons defeated Ames, 76-40.

15. Incarnate Word Academy, Bel Nor, Mo. (23-2)

Previous: 15.

The Lowdown: The Red Knights tip off the postseason in the Class 6, District 3 tournament with Ritenour (St. Louis) on Thursday, March 6. In the regular season finale, the Red Knights beat Notre Dame (St. Louis), 87-14. Peyton Hill scored a game-high 18 points, Indiana-bound Nevaeh Caffey had 12, and Ava Albanese and Savannah Stricker scored 11 apiece.

16. Boswell, Fort Worth, Texas (39-2)*

Previous: 16.

The Lowdown: Won the Class 6A, Division II state championship, defeating Fort Bend Hightower (Missouri City), 51-42, in the final. Camille Williams doubled up with 12 points and 10 rebounds, Seleste Massey scored 16 points and Sydney Darrah added 17 with three 3-pointers. Season complete.

17. Ridgeline, Millville, Utah (28-0)*

Previous: 17.

The Lowdown: Won the UHSAA Class 4A state championship for the third straight year. Regular season complete.

18. Sidwell Friends, Washington, D.C. (27-3)**

Previous: 18.

The Lowdown: Won the District of Columbia State Athletic Association Class AA state championship, crushing St. John’s College (Washington), 72-44, in the final. Junior Jordyn Jackson topped all scorers with 27 points, earning the game’s Most Valuable Player honors. Also beat Maret School (Washington), 72-51, in the semifinals. Season complete.

19. Providence Academy, Plymouth, Minn. (27-0)

Previous: 19.

The Lowdown: The Lions opened the Class 2A, Section 5 playoffs with a 101-25 victory over Holy Family Catholic (Victoria) in the quarterfinals. Junior Maddyn Greenway put up 32 points, Emma Millerbernd scored 22 and Beckett Greenway had 21. The final is Friday, March 7.

20. Lincoln, Dallas (39-2)*

Previous: 20.

The Lowdown: Won the UIL Class 4A, Division II state championship, defeating Cuero, 60-32, in the final. Junior Ar’jayl Elder scored 19 points with three 3-pointers, Grace Spencer had 12 points and 9 rebounds and freshman Lanae Dallas netted 15 points. It was the fourth UIL state title for the program but the first since 2008. The Tigers carry a 16-game win streak into next season. Season complete.

21. Winter Haven, Fla. (25-2)

Previous: 21.

The Lowdown: Idle. The Blue Devils play Ocoee in the Class 7A semifinals on Friday, March 7 in Lakeland. The winner gets Dr. Phillips (Orlando) or Doral Academy in the final on Saturday, March 8.

22. Paul VI, Haddonfield, N.J. (25-0)

Previous: 22.

The Lowdown: Kiyanna Blacks-Stewart, a Hofstra commit, posted a double-double with 21 points and 15 rebounds in a 67-42 victory over Our Lady of Mercy (Newfield) in the NJSIAA Non-Public A South Section quarterfinals. Azanah Campbell added 16 points. Anya George scored 19 points as the Eagles closed out a perfect regular season with a 64-43 win over Lenape (Medford). The Eagles have a showdown with St. John Vianney (Holmdel) on Thursday, March 6 in the sectional semifinals. The final is Monday, March 10.

23. Conway, Ark. (29-2)

Previous: 23.

The Lowdown: The Wampus Cats bounced back after a rare loss, beating Bryant, 64-43, and Jonesboro, 67-29. Up next is the Class 6A state tournament.

24. Loyola Academy, Wilmette, Ill. (34-2)

Previous: 24.

The Lowdown: Won the Class 4A Warren Super-Sectional defeating, Huntley, 57-33, in the final.

The Ramblers also won the Northbrook Sectional, stopping Maine South (Park Ridge), 55-30, in the final. Up next is Fremd (Palatine) in the Class 4A state semifinals on Friday, March 7 in Normal. The final and third-place game is Saturday, March 8.

25. Long Island Lutheran, Brookville, N.Y. (18-5)

Previous: 25.

The Lowdown: In team news, junior guard Savvy Swords, who missed a chunk of the season with an injury, recently announced her top five college choices are Notre Dame, Michigan, UCLA, Kentucky and South Carolina. Season complete.

Dropped: None.

High-Fives by Region

East

1. Princess Anne, Virginia Beach, Va. (24-0)
2. Bishop Ireton, Alexandria, Va. (26-6)*
3. Christ the King, Middle Village, N.Y. (24-6)*
4. Neumann-Goretti, Philadelphia (21-4)*
5. St. Frances Academy, Baltimore (23-4)*

Geography: Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont and Virginia.

Midwest

1. Kenwood, Chicago (33-3)
2. Purcell Marian, Cincinnati (21-6)
3. Pewaukee, Wis. (24-2)
4. Belleville, Mich. (21-1)
5. Nazareth Academy, La Grange, Ill. (31-3)

Geography: Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, North Dakota, South Dakota, West Virginia and Wisconsin.

Southland

1. Sacred Heart Academy, Louisville, Ky. (28-3)
2. Hoover, Ala. (32-4)*
3. Putnam City North, Oklahoma City (24-1)
4. Walker, La. (32-2)
5. Monterey, Lubbock, Texas (36-5)*

Geography: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas.

Far West

1. Centennial, Las Vegas (23-2)*
2. Clackamas, Ore. (23-2)
3. Valor Christian, Highlands Ranch, Colo. (22-2)
4. Grandview, Aurora, Colo. (21-3)…we-sa
5. Kamehameha Kapalama, Honolulu (28-3)*

Geography: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wyoming.

Records through Monday

* Won state, national or conference postseason tournament championship

[Editor’s note: Each asterisk represents a separate postseason title]

About: The Blue Star Media Elite 25 Girls’ High School Basketball Rankings are released weekly from December until the conclusion of the high school season in April. Criteria considered are the quality of the team and its players, strength of schedule, tradition, and quality of the team’s league, conference, region or district. The rankings are compiled by Blue Star Media’s Christopher Lawlor, who consults with a national network of coaches, talent evaluators and prep sports writers. The final rankings will be released at the conclusion of the season. Follow him on X at @clawlor.