LIONS ROAR: No. 19 Roselle Catholic (NJ) re-enters Blue Star Media Elite 25 boys’ rankings; top two teams to meet in Metro Classic this weekend

BENSALEM, Pa. – One of the great treats within the Blue Star Media Elite 25 boys’ basketball rankings is vaunted but rare No. 1-versus-No. 2 matchup.

That’s right, it’s undefeated Link Academy (Branson, Mo.) facing Montverde (Fla.) Academy Friday in Kean University’s Harwood Arena in Union, N.J. Tipoff is 8 p.m. ET. The two are familiar with each other after Montverde beat the Lions last April in the GEICO High School Nationals final in Fort Myers, Fla. There’s a strong chance this won’t be the last meeting between the prep powerhouses.

It’s a homecoming for Montverde coach Kevin Boyle, who was a schoolboy star, played collegiately at Saint Peter’s and Seton Hall and raised St. Patrick (Elizabeth) to national prominence in the 1990s and early 2000s before departing for the Florida school. Link junior guard and North Carolina commit Eliott Cadeau is from nearby West Orange and previously starred at Bergen Catholic (Oradell).

The starry game is part of the Metro Classic, which runs Thursday through Sunday, and rolls out 23 contests that any hoop junkie would crawl to in a snowstorm. Three Thursday games will be shown live on ESPNU or ESPN+, including two from the National Interscholastic Basketball Conference. There’s a link to the entire slate and how to purchase ticketsbecause the event is sure to sell out.

The NIBC is also visiting IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla., where five games will be shown on ESPNU or ESPN+. Here’s the schedule for both NIBC locations.

No. 19 Roselle (N.J.) Catholic, which will be playing at the Metro Classic, re-enters the Elite 25 rankings after an impressive run of victories. Overall, 10 of the Top 11 teams remained the same. Thirteen switched positions with four dropping. No. 24 Gonzaga (Washington, D.C.) cratered 14 slots and No. 25 Don Bosco Prep (Ramsey, N.J.) went down five. No. 13 Corona (Calif.) Centennial and No. 14 Camden (N.J.) rose three positions apiece.

Elsewhere on Sunday afternoon, there was a medical scare at a game between two Elite 25 teams on Long Island. That game between Long Island Lutheran and Roselle Catholic was suspended in the second quarter when an RC player collapsed and was stretchered off the court in Brookville, N.Y.

Highly recruited junior forward Tarik Watson is okay and reportedly did not need CPR or an AED after the incident. Roselle Catholic decided to call the game and after what happened on Monday night football earlier this month with Damar Hamlin of the Buffalo Bills, it was an excellent call. Apparently, the LuHi trainer and paramedics immediately dashed onto the court to tend to Watson.

We only wish Tarik a speedy recovery, prayers, and all the best moving forward.

The McDonald’s All American Game boys’ rosters were released and 13 players who play for teams from the latest Elite 25 rankings were selected.

This year the games are scheduled for Houston on March 28, with the girls game at 6:30 p.m. and the boys game at 9 p.m. The girls game will air on ESPN2 and the boys on ESPN.

East Roster

Xavier Booker, Cathedral (Indianapolis); D.J. Wagner and Aaron Bradshaw, Camden (N.J.); Matas Buzelis, Sunrise Christian (Bel Aire, Kan.); Stephon Castle, Newton (Covington, Ga.); Justin Edwards, Imhotep Institute Charter (Philadelphia); Kwame Evans Jr. and Sean Stewart, Montverde (Fla.) Academy (Fla.); Aden Holloway, Prolific Prep (Napa, Calif.); Elmarko Jackson, South Kent (Conn.) School; MacKenzie Mgbako, Roselle (N.J.) Catholic and Cody Williams, Perry (Gilbert, Ariz.).

West Roster

Omaha Biliew, Waukee (Iowa); Isaiah Collier, Wheeler (Marietta, Ga.); Mookie Cook, AZ Compass Prep (Chandler, Ariz.); Baye Fall, Accelerated Schools (Denver); Jeremy Fears, Joliet (Ill.) West; Brandon Garrison, Del City (Okla.); Ron Holland, Duncanville (Tex.) Bronny James, Sierra Canyon School (Chatsworth, Calif.); Jared McCain, Corona (Calif.) Centennial (Calif.); Reed Sheppard, North Laurel (London, Ky.); Andrej Stojakovic, Jesuit (Carmichael, Calif.) and Ja’Kobe Walter, Link Academy (Branson, Mo.).

Congratulations to all the players, it is quite an accomplishment.

In Chicago, coach Robert Smith of No. 11 Simeon checked another career box last week when his Wolverines defeated Brooks (Chicago), 82-36, for his 500th victory.

What’s more special is the milestone victory for the 19-year, veteran mentor is Smith announced he’s retiring at season’s end. Smith began his career at his alma mater in 2004 when future NBA MVP Derrick Rose was a freshman. Smith’s teams have captured seven Chicago Public League and six Illinois state championships.

This year’s team is top ranked in Illinois Class 3A and the favorite to win states. Same goes for Chicago Public League City Tournament that tips this week with the opening two rounds.

We’ve known Smith for several years and recognize him to be one of the most affable and accomplished coaches.

Kudos! Only the best to Smith, who still has plenty of work left this season.

That’ll do it for another week.

The Blue Star Media Elite 25 boys’ rankings will return on Feb. 7.

Stay safe.

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

Blue Star Media Elite 25 Boys’ Basketball Rankings, Jan. 31, 2023

1. Link Academy, Branson, Mo. (22-0)

Previous rank: 1.

Low-down: The Lions remained perfect with two wins at the Duel in the Desert in Arizona, defeating Dream City Christian (Glendale, Ariz.), 87-83, and Bell Vista College Prep (Phoenix), 68-62. The Lions have their toughest test to date against No. 2 Montverde (Fla.) Academy Friday at the Metro Classic in Union, N.J.

2. Montverde (Fla.) Academy (18-2)

Previous: 2.

Low-down: Won Montverde Academy Invitational Tournament championship, beating St. Rita (Chicago), 90-70, in the final. Most Valuable Player Liam McNeeley contributed 30 points and 10 rebounds. Teammates Sean Stewart and Kwame Evans Jr. were named to the all-tournament team. The Eagles, who have 18 consecutive wins, play three games this weekend at the Metro Classic in Union, N.J., including No. 1 Link Academy (Branson, Mo.) Friday.

3. AZ Compass Prep, Chandler, Ariz. (17-3)

Previous: 3.

Low-down: The Dragons picked up two wins at the Duel in the Desert.

4. St. Paul VI Catholic, Chantilly, Va. (20-1)

Previous: 4.

Low-down: It was a big week for the Panthers, who took over first place in the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference, defeating then-No. Gonzaga (Washington, D.C.), 70-57, and St. John’s College (Washington, D.C.), 69-60. DeShawn Harris-Smith, a Maryland recruit, flipped in a game-high 23 points and junior Ben Hammond had 14.

5. Long Island Lutheran, Brookville, N.Y. (12-2)

Previous: 5.

Low-down: Game with Roselle (N.J.) Catholic was suspended in the second quarter when RC’s junior standout Tarik Watson collapsed and was taken off the court by stretcher. He was fortunate that LuHi trainer and paramedics were attending to him in seconds. Watson was taken to the hospital. The Crusaders have two games scheduled at the Metro Classic this weekend in Union, N.J.

6. Sunrise Christian School, Bel Aire, Kan. (13-5)

Previous: 6.

Low-down: The Buffaloes have two games booked this weekend in the NIBC in Bradenton, Fla.

7. Ben Davis, Indianapolis (22-0)

Previous: 7.

Low-down: Indiana’s top-ranked regardless of classification defeated Carmel, 46-45, andCrispus Attucks (Indianapolis), 62-39. The schedule takes a break until Feb. 7.

8. Duncanville, Texas (23-1)

Previous: 8.

Low-down: The Panthers are cruising to the District 11-6A title with an unbeaten district record after defeating Cedar Hill, 98-70, and Lake Ridge (Mansfield), 69-62.

9. Prolific Prep, Napa, Calif. (21-1)

Previous: 9.

Low-down: Idle.

10. Columbus, Miami (19-3)

Previous: 12.

Low-down: Won the Great Miami Athletic Conference championship, defeating Palmetto (Miami), 84-57, in the final. Also beat Southridge (Miami), 81-47, in the semifinals.

11. Simeon, Chicago (21-2)

Previous: 11.

Low-down: Coach Robert Smith, who announced his retirement following this season, picked his 500th win when the Wolverines defeated Brooks (Chicago), 82-36. That good feeling didn’t last long as they were then upset by Curie (Chicago), 50-48, but rebounded to beat Cape Girardeau (Mo.) Central, 70-57. The Wolverines open the Public League playoffs hosting Catalyst Maria Charter (Chicago) Wednesday. The second round is Friday.

12. Harvard-Westlake, Studio City, Calif. (26-1)

Previous: 14.

Low-down: Defeated De La Salle (Concord), 63-42, at the Nike Extravaganza XXVIII in Santa Ana. In the Mission League, the Wolverines stopped Chaminade (West Hills), 70-53, and St. Francis (La Canada), 68-55, clinching the top seed for this week’s league tournament. Trent Perry produced a triple-double of 18 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists versus Chaminade.

13. Centennial, Corona, Calif. (23-3)

Previous: 16.

Low-down: Junior Eric Freeny had a career night with 34 points and UCLA-bound Devin Williams scored 14 in a 90-64 thrashing of Liberty (Henderson, Nev.) at the Nike Extravaganza XXVIII. In league play, the Wolves topped Santiago (Corona), 104-36, and Norco, 92-57. Additionally, Duke-bound Jared McCain was selected to play in the McDonald’s All American Game in March in Houston.

14. Camden, N.J. (17-2)

Previous: 17.

Low-down: In a showdown, the Panthers edged then-No. 18 Imhotep Institute Charter (Philadelphia), 60-57. D.J. Wagner scored 18 of his game-high 22 points after halftime. Saint Louis-bound guard Cian Medley added 13 points and 7 assists. Also defeated New Jersey schools St. Augustine (Richland), 82-51, Cherry Hill West, 102-33, and Camden Catholic (Cherry Hill), 86-50. Last week, future Kentucky Wildcat teammates Wagner and Aaron Bradshaw were named McDonald’s All Americans.

15. John Marshall, Richmond, Va. (19-0)

Previous: 13.

Low-down: Defeated Lake Taylor (Norfolk), 83-48, Thomas Jefferson (Richmond), 100-57, and Glen Allen, 89-44. The Justices close out the regular season this week with two games.

16. IMG Academy, Bradenton, Fla. (14-4)

Previous: 15.

Low-down: Defeated Riviera Prep (Miami), 56-52, and Southeast (Bradenton), 77-36. This weekend the Ascenders host two key NIBC games.

17. Imhotep Institute Charter, Philadelphia (16-3)

Previous: 18.

Low-down: Lost to then-No. 17 Camden (N.J.), 60-57. Kentucky-bound Justin Edwards put up 16 points and 10 rebounds and Ahmad Nowell scored 20 points in the loss. Also defeated Bartram (Philadelphia), 79-22, in Public League A action.

18. Bishop Montgomery, Torrance, Calif. (24-1)

Previous: 19.

Low-down: Defeated St. Anthony (Long Beach), 78-55. The regular season wraps up on Wednesday.

19. Roselle (N.J.) Catholic (10-4)

Previous: Not ranked.

Low-down: After a 0-3 start, the Lions return to the Elite 25. Armed with two McDonald’s All Americans, they have won eight of their last nine games, including an impressive 78-67 win over Bergen Catholic (Oradell) in the Hearts 2 Hands Tom Sacks Memorial Classic in Roselle. Mackenzie Mgbako (Duke signee) and Simeon Wilcher (North Carolina) tossed in 20 points apiece. Two crucial games are on tap this week at the Metro Classic in Union.

20. West Ranch, Valencia, Calif. (25-1)

Previous: 21.

Low-down: At the Nike Extravaganza XXVIII, the Wildcats defeated Bishop O’Connell (Arlington, Va.), 78-68. Also stopped Hart (Newhall), 91-39.

21. Ss. Neumann-Goretti, Philadelphia (14-2)

Previous: 22.

Low-down: Defeated Father Judge (Philadelphia), 69-54, and St. Joseph’s Prep (Philadelphia), 69-54. The Saints host rival Roman Catholic (Philadelphia) Friday in a showdown that should determine the top seed in the upcoming Philadelphia Catholic League Tournament.

22. West Linn, Ore. (16-1)

Previous: 23.

Low-down: Defeated Lake Oswego, 70-63, and Lakeridge (Lake Oswego), 78-38.

23. Christ the King, Middle Village, N.Y. (15-4)

Previous: 25.

Low-down: The Royals rebounded to defeat Iona Prep (New Rochelle), 51-45, St. Peter’s (Staten Island), 71-41, and Xaverian (Brooklyn), 74-67. Coach Joe Arbitello’s squads faces fellow Queens Borough rivals St. Francis Prep (Fresh Meadows) Tuesday and Archbishop Molloy (Briarcrest) Friday on the road before winding up the schedule with three at home.

24. Gonzaga, Washington, D.C. (18-3)

Previous: 10.

Low-down: Lost twice in the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference to No. 4 St. Paul VI Catholic (Chantilly, Va.), 70-57, and Good Counsel (Olney, Md.), 74-58.

25. Don Bosco Prep, Ramsey, N.J. (18-2)

Previous: 20.

Low-down: The Ironmen are the top seed in the Bergen County Jamboree and topped Northern Highlands (Allendale), 78-51, in the second round. In the regular season, junior guard Dylan Harper totaled 51 points in a 66-46 league win over DePaul Catholic (Wayne) and 68-60 loss at No. 19 Roselle Catholic.

Dropped: No. 24 Sierra Canyon School (Chatsworth, Calif.).

High-Fives by Region

East

1. Roman Catholic, Philadelphia (16-1)
2. St. Francis Prep, Fresh Meadows, N.Y. (14-4)
3. Archbishop Stepinac, White Plains, N.Y. (12-6)
4. Mount St. Joseph, Baltimore (24-3)
5. Reading, Pa. (19-1)

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

Midwest

1. St. Edward, Lakewood, Ohio (15-0)
2. Park Center, Brooklyn Park, Minn. (14-0)
3. Cass Tech, Detroit (15-0)
4. Benet Academy, Lisle, Ill. (23-1)
5. De Pere, Wis. (17-0)

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

Southland

1. Lake Highlands, Dallas (22-3)
2. Beaumont (Texas) United (25-1)
3. Carmel Christian, Matthews, N.C. (24-3)
4. Carter, Dallas (22-2)
5. Warren Central, Bowling Green, Ky. (21-1)

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

Far West

1. Garfield, Seattle (17-0)
2. St. John Bosco, Bellflower, Calif. (22-4)
3. Notre Dame, Sherman Oaks, Calif. (19-8)
4. Sierra Canyon School, Chatsworth, Calif. (19-6)
5. Perry, Gilbert, Ariz. (22-1)

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

Records through Sunday’s games

About: The Blue Star Media Elite 25 High School Boys Basketball Rankings are released weekly from November 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. Follow him on Twitter at @clawlor.