AMERICA’S EAGLES: No. 1 Etiwanda (CA) Eagles are Blue Star Media Elite 25 Girls’ National Champions; No. 3 Montverde Academy (CA) wins third straight Chipotle Nationals crown

BROWNSBURG, Ind. – The Eagles have landed atop the Blue Star Media Elite 25 girls’ basketball rankings.

When the previous top-ranked team lost in the semifinals of the CHIPOTLE High School Girls Basketball Nationals here inside Brownsburg High School’s Varsity Field House, it opened the door for a new No. 1. After much thought and crunching the numbers, it’s time to say it:

The Etiwanda Eagles are the Blue Star Media Elite 25 Girls’ Basketball National Champions.

The decision to elevate the Eagles was a no-brainer and the seeds started to germinate last month at the California Interscholastic Federation Open Division final. On March 9, Etiwanda took down then-No. 1 Archbishop Mitty (San Jose), 60-48, in impressive fashion for the program’s second straight Open Division state championship.

Coach Stan Delus busted out a 3-2 zone flummoxing the Monarchs. Kennedy Smith, a 6 foot 1 All-American guard, averaged 19.4 points and 7.8 rebounds and will play at USC in the fall. At 6-3, junior Grace Knox (17.2 ppg, 11.9 rpg) is a double-double machine and back for her final prep season for the Eagles, who must contend with the likes of Sierra Canyon School (Chatsworth), Mater Dei (Santa Ana), Ontario Christian, Bishop Montgomery (Norwalk) and Sage Hill (Newport Beach) in the CIF-Southern Section when the season restarts in November.

Etiwanda’s win in the Open Division final gave Long Island Lutheran (Brookville, N.Y.) the green light to overtake the Mitty Monarchs for No. 1. LuHi still needed two wins at CHIPOTLE Nationals to secure the coveted Elite 25 National Champions but lost to eventual champions and No. 3 Montverde (Fla.) Academy, 69-68, on a last-second shot by Ohio State-bound guard Jaloni Cambridge in the semifinals. Montverde would go on to win the CHIPOTLE chip and its third straight title at the annual event.

The final order is based on strength of schedule and head-to-head competition. Etiwanda, Mitty, Montverde and LuHi are the top-4 and that’s a wrap on the Elite 25 for another season.

As for the Elite 25 rankings for the first week in April and all the state championships concluded, the CHIPOTLE Nationals brought the curtain down on the 2023-24 term. No. 3 Montverde zoomed up 17 slots after winning the tournament for the third straight year. No. 7 IMG Academy leaped three spots. Twenty teams shifted positioning this week with five teams static. For the season, 18 teams from the preseason rankings made it to the final ones.

Congratulations to all the state and postseason tournament champions!

There’s more.

Big Macs

 Last week, the McDonald’s All-American Games were staged on April 2 inside the Toyota Center in Houston.

The JamFest was conducted on April 1. The winners were Mikayla Blakes of Rutgers Prep (Somerset, N.J.) for the girls’ knockout; Tahaad Pettiford of Hudson Catholic (Jersey City, N.J.) for boys’ knockout; UConn-recruit Allie Ziebell of Neenah (Wis.) for the 3-point competition and the slam-dunk champion was Jalil Bethea of Archbishop Wood (Warminster, Pa.) and Miami recruit.

In the boys’ game last Tuesday, the East squad defeated the West, 88-86. Derik Queen of Montverde Academy and Dylan Harper of Don Bosco Prep (Ramsey, N.J.) were named co-MVPs. Queen produced 23 points and 8 rebounds in the win while Harper, a Rutgers recruit, scored 22 points for the West.

Connecticut-bound Sarah Strong of Grace Christian (Sanford, N.C.) posted a double-double with 11 points and 12 rebounds and Joyce Edwards of Camden (S.C.) popped in 19 to share MVP accolades for the East girls’ team in a 98-74 blowout of the West.

Edwards, who signed with South Carolina, is the Gatorade and Morgan Wootten players of the year.

Southern California commit Kennedy Smith of Etiwanda (Calif.) tallied 15 points and Me’Arah O’Neal added 12 points and six rebounds. O’Neal, a 6-foot-4 center from Episcopal School (Houston) and Florida signee, is the daughter of Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal and was the hometown favorite.

Jordan Brand Classic

The Jordan Brand Classic games are scheduled for April 21 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y. It will be the last time the players are featured on the high school level.

The girls’ game tips at 4 p.m. EDT, followed by the boys at 6 p.m. Both games will air on the NBA App and simulcast on NBA’s YouTube Channel.

Here is the roster of girls:

Izela Arenas, Sierra Canyon School (Chatsworth, Calif.); Tajianna Avant-Roberts, IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.); Mikayla Blakes, Rutgers Prep (Somerset, N.J.); Jaloni Cambridge, Montverde (Fla.) Academy; Justice Carlton, Seven Lakes (Katy, Texas); Morgan Cheli, Archbishop Mitty (San Jose, Calif.); Kendall Dudley, Sidwell Friends (Washington, D.C.); Joyce Edwards, Camden, S.C.; Katie Fiso, Garfield (Seattle); Toby Fournier, Crestwood Secondary (Ontario); Kayleigh Heckel, Long Island Lutheran (Brookville, N.Y.); Zamareya Jones, North Pitt (Bethel, N.C.); Kate Koval, Long Island Lutheran; Jordan Lee, St. Mary’s (Stockton, Calif.); Madisen McDaniel, Bishop McNamara (Forestville, Md.); Alivia McGill, Coon Rapids, Minn.; Kiyomi McMiller, Life Center Academy (Burlington, N.J.); Me’Arah O’Neal, Episcopal (Houston); Olivia Olson, Benilde-St. Margaret’s School (St. Louis park, Minn.); MacKenly Randolph, Sierra Canyon School; Kennedy Smith, Etiwanda, Calif.; Sarah Strong, Grace Christian (Sanford, N.C.); Syla Swords, Long Island Lutheran; Blanca Thomas, Charlotte (N.C.) Catholic; Kennedy Umeh, McDonogh School (Owings Mills, Md.); and Allie Ziebell, Neenah, Wis.

The JBC is a wonderful event and we’ll have it covered.

Finally, the Nike Hoop Summit is slated for Saturday at Moda Center in Portland. The 2024 event will be the 25th edition of the event, featuring a men’s game and a women’s game with the top international athletes 19-and-younger facing off against the top American high school seniors.

Tickets for the 25th Nike Hoop Summit can be purchased by clicking here.

USA Basketball previously announced the USA rosters for the 2024 game. Nike Hoop Summit has been held annually since 1995, except for 2001-03 and 2020-21, and has been in Portland since 2008.

For the entire World rosters click here.

That’s it for another year. It’s been a blast!

After nine months of ranking teams in basketball, football and girls’ volleyball, we’re taking a break and refueling for the 2024-25 academic year. We’re less than four months away from the Elite 25 football preseason rankings which debut in early August followed by the Net 25 girls’ volleyball rankings.

We’d like to thank all our loyal readers and those on X for sharing the Elite 25 rankings with the world. The Elite 25 rankings are a labor of love and many thanks to the coaches, fans and media members who have assisted throughout the year. You made the task easier.

For those celebrating Passover starting April 22 through nightfall on April 30, “chag sameach” or Happy Passover.

Onward.

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

Blue Star Media Elite 25 Girls’ Basketball Final Rankings, April 8, 2024

1. Etiwanda, Calif. (32-3)!*

Previous rank: 2.

The Low-down: Coach Stan Delus and the Eagles are Blue Star Media Elite 25 National Champions. Also won a second straight CIF Open Division state championship.

2. Archbishop Mitty, San Jose, Calif. (30-1)

Previous: 3.

The Low-down: Advanced the CIF Open Division final and won the CIF NorCal Open Division chip.

3. Montverde (Fla.) Academy (24-4) %

Previous: 20.

The Low-down: The Eagles are CHIPOTLE High School Nationals Champions after winning three games in three days capped by a 68-62 win over No. 7 IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.) in the final. Ohio State-bound guard Jaloni Cambridge was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player.

4. Long Island Lutheran, Brookville, N.Y. (21-2)

Previous: 1.

The Low-down: Lost in CHIPOTLE Nationals semifinals to No. 3 Montverde (Fla.) Academy, 79-78.

5. Westtown School, West Chester, Pa. (26-2)**

Previous: 4.

The Low-down: Won the Pennsylvania Independent Schools championship for the third straight year and Friends School League championship for the fourth straight time.

6. Incarnate Word Academy, Bel Nor, Mo. (31-0)*

Previous: 5.

The Low-down: Won Class 6 state championship for fourth straight undefeated season and the seventh consecutive title for the program. The win streak is 131 consecutive games.

7. IMG Academy, Bradenton, Fla. (25-4)

Previous: 10.

The Low-down: Went 2-1 at the CHIPOTLE Nationals for second place. The Ascenders lost to No. 3 Montverde (Fla.) Academy, 61-53, in the final.

8. Grayson, Loganville, Ga. (32-0)*

Previous: 6.

The Low-down: Won the Class AAAAAAA state championship and lost in the CHIPOTLE Nationals semifinals.

9. Loyola Academy, Wilmette, Ill. (38-0)*

Previous: 7.

The Low-down: Won Class 4A state championship.

10. Sierra Canyon School, Chatsworth, Calif. (31-3)

Previous: 8.

The Low-down: Advanced to the CIF Southern Region Open Division final.

11. Morris Catholic, Denville, N.J. (27-1)*

Previous: 9.

The Low-down: Won second consecutive Non-Public B state championship.

12. Purcell Marian, Cincinnati (29-1)*

Previous: 11.

The Low-down: Won Ohio Division II state championship. It was the third straight state title for the Lady Cavaliers. Dee Alexander was named Ohio Ms. Basketball for the second consecutive year. She is just the seventh player in the history of the award to win back to back years.

13. Hebron Christian Academy, Dacula, Ga. (30-2)*

Previous: 12.

The Low-down: Won the Class AAA state championship.

14. Duncanville, Texas (35-4)*

Previous: 13.

The Low-down: Won the Class 6A state championship for the program’s 12^th state championship and the first since 2020.

15. Bradley Central, Cleveland, Tenn. (34-1)*

Previous: 14.

The Low-down: Won Division I Class 4A state championship. It was the Bearettes’ second straight title and third in six years.

16. Lawrence Central, Indianapolis (30-1)*

Previous: 15.

The Low-down: Won Indiana Class 4A state championship.

17. Hazel Green, Ala. (32-4)*

Previous: 16.

The Low-down: Won the Class 6A state championship for the program’s seventh straight state title.

18. Johnston, Iowa (26-0)*

Previous: 17.

The Low-down: Won its third state championship in five years, annexing the Class 5A state chip.

19. Grace Christian, Sanford, N.C (30-1)*

Previous: 18.

The Low-down: Won NCISAA 3A state championship and lost in the Chipotle Nationals quarterfinals, snapping a 41-game win streak. Sarah Strong, who last week verbally committed to Connecticut, scored 31 points and hauled down 19 rebounds in the loss.

20. DME Academy, Daytona Beach, Fla. (20-7)

Previous: 19.

The Low-down: The Lakers played a national schedule and beat No. 3 Montverde (Fla.) Academy along the way.

21. Frisco (Texas) Liberty (34-7)*

Previous: 21.

The Low-down: Won Class 5A state championship for the second straight year.

22. South Grand Prairie, Grand Prairie, Texas (33-4)

Previous: 22.

The Low-down: Advanced to the Class 6A state final.

23. St. John’s College, Washington, D.C. (26-5)**

Previous: 23.

The Low-down: Won District of Columbia State Athletic Association Class AA title and a third straight Washington Catholic Athletic Conference championship.

24. DeSoto, Texas (27-6)

Previous: 24.

The Low-down: Advanced to Class 6A, Region II final, where it lost to rival and No. 14 Duncanville.

25. Sidwell Friends, Washington, D.C. (25-7)*

Previous: 25.

The Low-down: Won Independent School League AA championship but lost in the  CHIPOTLE Nationals quarterfinals.

Dropped: None.

High-Fives by Region

East

1. Archbishop Wood, Warminster, Pa. (26-5)**
2. Bishop McNamara, Forestville, Md. (28-5)*
3. Christ the King, Middle Village, N.Y. (29-3)**
4. Red Bank (N.J.) Catholic (26-5)*
5. McDonogh, Owings Mills, Md. (25-4)*

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

Midwest

1. West Bloomfield, Mich. (27-1)*
2. Minnetonka, Minn. (29-2)*
3. Nazareth Academy, La Grange Park, Ill. (32-4)
4. Millard West, Omaha, Neb. (27-1)*
5. Olmstead Falls, Ohio (26-3)*

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. (31-7)*
2. Dr. Phillips, Orlando, Fla. (27-4)*
3. Lake Highlands Prep, Orlando, Fla. (25-5)*
4. Neshoba Central, Philadelphia, Miss. (33-1)*
5. Putnam City West, Oklahoma City (27-1)*

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

Far West

1. Clovis West, Fresno, Calif. (31-3)
2. Ontario (Calif.) Christian (28-5)
3. Mater Dei, Santa Ana, Calif. (25-8)
4. Bishop Gorman, Las Vegas (24-4)*
5. Iolani School, Honolulu (26-3)*

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

! Blue Star Media Elite 25 National Champions

 % CHIPOTLE High School Nationals Champions

 * 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 (formerly Twitter) at @clawlor.