No. 1 Prolific Prep Crew (FL) atop Blue Star Media Elite 25 preseason boys basketball rankings; powerhouse program relocates to South Florida

BENSALEM, Pa. – The Prolific Prep Crew of Fort Lauderdale, Florida starts the season as the No. 1 team in the Blue Star Media Elite 25 Preseason boys’ basketball rankings.

Are you thinking Fort Lauderdale as the school’s location? Well, maybe you missed it in May when the school announcedit was uprooting from Napa, California (think wine country) to sunny, hip Broward County in South Florida (think South Beach). Obviously, the move is playing dividends because a bevy of skillful, talented players have checked in and coach Ryan Bernardi must be giddy.

“This move gives us everything we need — elite facilities, resources to support our student athletes, and a thriving basketball culture — to keep developing NBA-level talent and competing for championships. We’re building something special in Ft. Lauderdale, and I’m proud to lead this next chapter of Prolific Prep,” the coach said in May.

Flush with talent is a good thing and the Crew have positioned themselves as the preseason favorite.

A season ago, Prolific Prep, No. 4 in the Elite 25 final rankings, went 35-6 while winning the Grind Session World Championship for the third straight year and fourth time since 2020. The Crew split two games at the CHIPOTLE Nationals in Fishers, Indiana.

That means four private schools and one Florida High School Athletic Association are in the Elite 25 preseason rankings. If you think Florida is a breeding ground for football players, basketball is licking at their heels. Wow!

Once again, the Nike EYBL Scholastic is a key player as nine of the 20 teams from the national league of powerhouse programs are in the Elite 25 preseason rankings.

Here’s the Nike EYBL Scholastic Conference lineup for 2025-26:

East Division 
Brewster Academy (Wolfeboro, N.H.); CATS Academy (Boston, Mass.); Christ School (Asheville, N.C.); La Lumiere School (La Porte, Ind.); Long Island Lutheran (Brookville, N.Y.); Montverde (Fla.) Academy (Montverde, Fla.); Oak Hill Academy (Mouth of Wilson, Va.); Spire Academy (Geneva, Ohio); Tennessee Collegiate Academy (Millington, Tenn.) and The St. James (Springfield, Va.).

West Division

AZ Compass Prep (Chander, Ariz.); CIA Bella Vista (Phoenix); Dream City Christian (Glendale, Ariz.); Faith Family Academy (Dallas, Texas); Iowa United Prep (Des Moines, Iowa); Link Academy (Branson, Mo.) Sunrise Christian Academy (Bel Aire, Kan.); Utah Prep (Hurricane, Utah); Veritas Academy (Corona, Calif.) and Wasatch Academy (Mount Pleasant, Utah)

The breakdown of the Elite 25 by region: Southland 8; East 7; and the Far West and Midwest with five apiece. Florida leads the way with five teams.

It’s a long season and in some cases goes for five months. The CHIPOTLE Nationals is the end all for most Elite 25 teams.

That’s all for now.

The Blue Star Media Elite 25 boys’ basketball rankings will return in December with the initial update as the holiday tournament schedule kicks in. Obviously, if there is a breaking story that affects the Elite 25, we’ll have your back.

Although we’re a few weeks out, have a Happy Thanksgiving and God’s Blessings to your family and friends.

Bye for now.

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

Blue Star Media Elite 25 Preseason Boys’ Basketball Rankings, Oct. 31, 2025

Statistics and records are from the 2024-25 season and players are seniors unless denoted.

1. Prolific Prep, Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (35-6)

Low-down: The Crew have shifted coasts with the program leaving Northern California for Southern Florida. Could this be the year the Crew finishes No. 1? The coaching, roster and schedule are in place, so the answer in short is yes. The Crew won the Grind Session World Championship for the third straight year and fourth time since 2020. Also split two games at the CHIPOTLE Nationals but capturing the big chip is the last hurdle to national credibility. It’s a who’s who of a lineup with 6-5 Keriawn Berry, Ohio State-bound PF Alex Smith, 6-5 Caleb Holt, 6-9 Davion Adkins (Kansas recruit), 6-8 M.J. Madison and juniors 7-foot Obinna Ekezie, 6-6 Gabe Nesmith, 6-7 Bruce Branch III and 6-2 Nasir Anderson and 6-7 precocious freshman Draydne McDaniel. Coach Ryan Bernardi has loaded up the schedule but with a loaded roster, the best competition might be in practice sessions.

2. CIA Bella Vista Prep, Phoenix (21-6)

Low-down: The Bears lost in CHIPOTLE National quarterfinals in their first trip to the event but made a national splash by sharing the Nike EYBL Scholastic regular season crown. Some think it came out of nowhere but the Bears are for real. The main seniors are 6-8 F Lucas Toukam, 5-11 PG Miles Sadler, 6-6 wing Vaughn Karvala, 6-10 post Aliou Dioum (West Virginia commit), 6-5 Dionycius Bakare (California) and 6-6 Gildas Gimenez and the junior class has 6-10 Paul Osaruyi, 6-5 Lyris Robinson and 6-4 Jalen Wright. Osaruyi is a top-five player in his class and future McDonald’s All American. The EYBL Scholastic will keep the Bears on the road but a trip to the City of Palms Classic in Florida prior to Christmas is a high profile event that gives them more credibility.

3. Long Island Lutheran, Brookville, N.Y. (21-7)

Low-down: The Crusaders went 7-4 in the Nike EYBL Scholastic regular season and would eventually lose in CHIPOTLE Nationals quarterfinals. Eventually, the Crusaders held an 18-game win streak after a spotty 3-5 start. Having crashed out early at CHIPOTLE, the Crusaders are back with a reimagined roster cobbled by coach John Buck (333-71 overall record). The main players are 6-5 wing Kayden Allen (Cincinnati recruit and Montverde Academy transfer), 6-5 CG Dylan Mingo (14.1 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 3.3 apg), 6-7 junior wing Christian Proctor (DeMatha transfer), 5-11 junior PG Jamal McKnight Jr., 6-9 Kaur Kennerth Tomann (from Estonia U18 National Team), 6-4 junior Myles Duckett, 6-11 junior Ike Davids, 6-7 Henry Beckett (Ivy and Patriot League recruit), 6-8 F Moussa Kamissoko and 6-7 F T.J. Crumble (North Texas), a big talent from Ohio. The EYBL Scholastic is a season in itself but the Crusaders also have trips to the City of Palms Classic in Fort Myers, Florida, Melo Classic in Baltimore, Jumpman Holiday Classic in Brooklyn and Hoophall Classic in Springfield, Massachusetts. The ultimate goal is reaching the CHIPOTLE Nationals and the Crusaders have the team to make another deep run into April.

4. Link Academy, Branson, Mo. (23-8)

Low-down: The Lions annexed the inaugural Nike EYBL Scholastic Conference Tournament chip but lost in CHIPOTLE National quarterfinals. The roster has a good mix of returnees and players from the transfer portal. The main components are 6-9 Tajh Ariza (Oregon commit), 7-1 C Ethan Taylor, 6-5 G Luca Foster (Gonzaga)s, 5-11 PG Carlos Medlock Jr. (Michigan State), 6-9 C Tristan Reed, 6-5 wing Trent Perry (Kansas), 6-1 CG Keonte Graybear, 6-2 junior PG Davion Thompson and 6-7 junior PF Cameron Barnes. Besides the busy Nike EYBL Scholastic schedule, the Lions have appearances in New York City, Hoophall Classic over the MLK Weekend in Springfield, Mass., and a game at the NBA All-Star Weekend in Los Angeles in February.

5. Spire Academy, Geneva, Ohio (16-19)

Low-down: The biggest change in the offseason was Kevin Boyle leaving Montverde (Fla.) Academy for Spire. Boyle racked up a 363-33 record in 14 seasons, won the Blue Star Media Elite 25 National Championship on several occasions and sent numerous players to the Division I and the NBA. He’s hoping to do the same on the shores of Lake Erie east of Cleveland. Spire’s new look roster is reshaped with transfers who will compete in the Nike EYBL Scholastic this winter. The Class of 2026 has 6-8 Alex Constanza, 6-6 F Tarris Bouie (Alabama commit), 6-10 PF Collin Ross (VCU) and 6-6 sharpshooter Aiden Derkack (Providence). Constanza is a mismatch on the perimeter with his size and length (7-3 wingspan). At 6-10, Frenchman Dorian Ronaldo-Komlan was impressive at the adidas GenNext Euro League Munich with positional versatility with fluid movement and perimeter skills. The junior class is highlighted by 6-4 CG King Gibson, 5-11 PG Darrell Davis, 6-2 Shawn Foster, 6-7 Jaylan Mitchell, 6-8 PF Nolan Nelson and 6-6 wing Aidan Dayco-Green. In a season tune-up, Spire went to Europe (Barcelona and Rome) for a 10-day, four-game tour (Oct. 19-29), giving Sparky a distinct edge heading into November.

6. Montverde (Fla.) Academy (19-8)

Low-down: There was a changing of the guard in Central Florida when Steve Turner (497-176 in 21 years) left powerhouse Gonzaga (Washington, D.C.) to fill the vacancy left by Kevin Boyle bolting for No. 5 Spire Academy (Geneva, Ohio). Turner is one of the best and has rebuilt the program in his image. Last season, the Eagles slumped and lost in the first round of the CHIPOTLE Nationals. That’s a year removed from the perfect 33-0 mark while capturing the Blue Star Media Elite 25 National Championship with Cooper Flagg (2025 lottery pick of the Dallas Mavericks) as their star. Turner hit the portal bringing in high-end prospects such as 6-7 Jayden Hodge (Northwestern pledge), 6-8 PF Joe Philon III, 6-2 junior CG Oneal Delancy, 6-6 F Kevin Thomas (LSU), 6-7 junior G Sebastian Ndour (from Senegal), 6-7 junior Malachi Booker (from Houston), 6-8 junior F Lincoln Cosby and 6-8 junior post Derek Daniels to join returnee Dhani Miller, a 6-2 mid-major shooting guard. The schedule is stuffed with big-time competition and events in New York, Tennessee, South Carolina and Massachusetts plus the EYBL Scholastic grind. Additionally, there are appearances in the City of Palms Classic and their own Montverde Academy Invitational Tournament (Jan. 29-31, 2026).

7. Wasatch Academy, Mount Pleasant, Utah (25-6)

Previous: 18.

The Lowdown: The Tigers rebounded last season under coach Paul Peterson with a solid run in the Nike EYBL Scholastic—tying for the regular season title—and went 1-1 at the CHIPOTLE Nationals, advancing to the quarterfinals. The top player is 6-4 Junior County who selected the UConn Huskies over Arizona, Indiana, Maryland and Purdue. At 6-4, Katrelle Harmon is a skilled, proven scorer and will sign with Creighton. Six-three G Mariano “Manu” Manciel bolsters the backcourt while 6-7 F Chidi Nwigwe is a returning starter with offers from ACC and Big Ten schools and 6-5 Jayden Johnson is a Division I-ready wing. The schedule is demanding with EYBL Scholastic appearances and more in Maryland, Ohio, Nevada and Florida.

8. Sierra Canyon School, Chatsworth, Calif. (27-7)

Low-down: The Trailblazers will aim higher this season after winning the CIF State Division I championship. Think the Open Division and with a strong, deep squad it’s certainly realistic. A trio of seniors, led by 6-5 Brandon McCoy Jr., a transfer from St. John Bosco (Bellflower, Calif.) is a top-10 player and shoo-in for the McDonald’s All-American Game. Additionally, there’s 6-8 F Maximo Adams, who had a breakout summer on the EYBL circuit and 6-6 Brannon Martinsen (a transfer from JSerra Catholic), a skilled lefty perimeter player with exceptional footwork and defending prowess. Another transfer, 6-3 G Delan Grant, verbally committed to New Mexico State. Coach Andre Chevalier (456 career wins) is approaching 500 victories and with another grueling nationally themed schedule and the Mission League slate, it puts the Blazers in a good position for the CIF-Southern Section playoffs.

9. Brewster Academy, Wolfeboro, N.H. (28-5)

Low-down: The Bobcats advanced to the CHIPOTLE Nationals semifinals, going 1-1 at the national event and fared well in their first year on the Nike EYBL Scholastic circuit. At 6-2, Darien Moore, a Seton Hall recruit, is one of the nation’s top wing guards. Markus Kerr, a 6-5 shooting guard, is one of the tops at his position from the Class of 2027 and 6-0 sophomore Michai White completes the backcourt from the point. Junior PG Antonio Pemberton adds more depth to the backcourt and is a captain. At 6-7 Brayden Jones is a Fairfield commit and 6-5 Kevin Wheatley from The Bronx, N.Y. is a highly-rated sophomore.

10. Southeastern Prep Academy, Orlando, Fla. (16-8)

Low-down: The Central Florida school is new to the Elite 25 but its high-profile coach isn’t. That’s because David Peavy, who guided powerhouse Duncanville (Texas) to multiple UIL state championship, including last spring in Class 6A, Division I, is the new man in charge. The Falcons are slated to compete on the Grind Session, a national power conference that includes No. 1 Prolific Prep. Peacy’s initial team features a bevy of talented prospects and transfers from the Class of 2027—7-0 C Obinna Ekezie (from Prolific Prep), 6-9 PF C.J. Rosser (from Rocky Mount, N.C.) and explosive 6-3 G Beckham Black (from Duncanville), who averaged 9.7 points, 5.2 assists and 3.5 rebounds per game on a state titleist squad. The transfer portal also delivered juniors Kellan Cantrell, Aiden Groce, Griffin Starks, Marri Wesley and Jayden Wilkins. The goal is win the Grind Session World Championship in March and then advance to CHIPOTLE Nationals. It’s a matter of time when the Falcons achieve both objectives.

11. Archbishop Stepinac, White Plains, N.Y. (26-4)

Low-down: The Crusaders return 11 players (nine with Division I offers) from back-to-back-to-back New York CHSAA AA City and State champions. History says only five CHSAA teams have won three straight AA crowns and none at four. At 6-3, SG Hassan Koureissi (11.0 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 3.0 apg, 1.6 spg) is a sniper from the perimeter and headed to nearby Fordham of the Atlantic 10. The 7-foot Ratliff twins, Adonis and Darius, recently committed to USC over Alabama, Arkansas and Texas. Add junior Josh Rivera, 6-7 Dylan Perry (Monmouth) and 6-5 Jasiah Jervis, who verballed to Michigan State over three others, to the rotation. The loaded schedule has trips to the Hoophall Classic in Massachusetts and City of Palms Classic, not to mention a brutal league ledger.

12. AZ Compass Prep, Chandler, Ariz. (19-8)

Low-down: A year ago, the Dragons competed in the EYBL Scholastic Conference with mixed results. They expect a reversal of fortune this season and look to gain an invitation to the CHIPOTLE Nationals after missing it. This year’s foundation is 6-3 CG Kaden House (Maryland commit), 6-4 SG Quincy Wadley and Xavier-bound 6-3 Kalek House. The latest additions are 6-1 PG Rajan Roberts, 6-6 junior F DeMarcus Henry, 6-3 junior G Jimmie “Tripp” Haywood, 7-1 C Alex Ensor (Santa Clara recruit), 6-7 Elijah Summers-Livingston and 6-7 F James Turner. It was announced in September that 6-10 PF Miikka Muurinen (from Finland) would not return but signed a pro contract with Partizan Belgrade of the Serbian League. Still, the Dragons are loaded and the rest of the EYBL Scholastic is on notice.

13. Dynamic Prep School, Irving, Texas (34-5)

Low-down: A year ago, the nascent program from the Dallas Metroplex took the nation by storm and earned a spot in the CHIPOTLE Nationals championship game but fell short against Columbus (Miami). Dynamic and its coach and school founder Jermaine O’Neal has reloaded with 6-6 Dakari Spear (Texas Tech recruit with 6-10 wingspan), 6-1 PG Kam McGilvery, 6-4 Seven Spurlock, Phoenix Woodson, Xavier Roberson, junior 6-7 PF Elton Smith and 6-8 junior C/F David Baliraine. Spear was the District 12-6A MVP at The Colony after averaging 23.0 points, 7.0 rebounds and 4.0 assists last season. With that cast, Dynamic could earn another invitation to CHIPOTLE.

14. IMG Academy, Bradenton, Fla. (20-8)

Low-down: The Ascenders lost in the CHIPOTLE Nationals first round but have retooled the roster with prospects such as 6-7 Cole Cloer (North Carolina State), 6-8 Ralph Scott (Tennessee), Stanford-bound 6-8 F Aziz Olajuwon (son of Hall of Fame center Hakeem Olajuwon), 6-2 Trey Beamer (Boston College), 6-3 Jermal Jones and 6-8 Chase Foster (both committed to Pittsburgh) and 6-7 junior Zain Majeed is a talent. So is 7-0, 200-pound beanpole Bamba Touray by way of Senegal. IMG’s schedule is littered with several Elite 25 matchups that could pay dividends in early April.

15. Bishop McNamara, Forestville, Md. (14-15)

Low-down: The Mustangs managed an 8-6 record in the unforgiving Washington Catholic Athletic Conference after a brutal nine-game winless skein to open the 2024-25 campaign. The Mustangs advanced in the WCAC and Maryland Private School State tournaments and this year eye both chips. They are also a candidate for the CHIPOTLE National with a strong returning cast of Division I talent. Coach Jay Gavin’s top two players are 6-6 Qayden Samuels (23.2 ppg), a candidate for the McDonald’s All-American Game, and Indiana-bound 6-4 Prince Alexander Moody. At 6-11, Jahmai Drayton is a transfer post and could be the missing piece. A trio of juniors, 6-8 PF Brandon Woodard, 6-7 Jayden Mills and 6-1 Kirby Duran are top-rated in their class. Another grueling December slate is punctuated by an appearance at the City of Palms Classic.

16. St. Paul VI Catholic, Chantilly, Va. (27-6)

Low-down: Once an afterthought in the nation’s top league, WCAC, the Panthers under famed coach Glenn Farello, have won two-straight WCAC titles and three of the last four. Last year, they won the regular season and tournament championships. And there’s no letup this year with 6-4 Jordan Smith (18.8 ppg, 6.5 rpg), a potential McDonald’s All-American, with a top-6 of Duke, Syracuse, Kentucky, Arkansas, Indiana and Georgetown. Smith is flanked by Florida Gulf Coast-bound G Lawrence “Turk” Brown and juniors 6-4 J.R. Mitchell, 6-8 F Matthew Mena, 6-5 wing Farrell Djossinou and 6-7 Braydon Young, a transfer from Mount St. Joseph in Baltimore. Coupled with the WCAC grind, the Panthers are headed to the City of Palms Class, Bass Pro Tournament of Champions and Hoophall Classic plus a stand along contest with No. 17 Archbishop Stepinac (White Plains, N.Y.) in December.

17. Notre Dame, Sherman Oaks, Calif. (28-8)

The Lowdown: The Knights advanced to the CIF-SoCal Region Open Division final or one step from the state final. This year the focus is on the nation’s No. 1 recruit in 6-7 Tyran Stokes. NBA Draft experts believe he will be the lottery pick in 2027. However, Stokes is still deciding between Oregon, Kentucky, USC, Louisville and Kansas. At 6-6, Zach White bolsters the frontline and is headed to San Diego State. Six-five junior CG NaVorro Bowman Jr. is California’s second-rated player from his class and classmate Josiah Nance is a three-star recruit. Ilan Nikolov, a 6-5 transfer from Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas, Nev.) and 6-5 freshman Nico Mecilli will log key minutes. On Nov. 22, the Knights face Santa Margarita (Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif.) at the Trinity Mission League Showcase at UCLA’s Pauley Pavilion in an early season test. They also are off to the Tarkanian Classic, Les Schwab Invitational and Hoophall Classic.

Editor’s note: On Wednesday, Nov. 5, Tyran Stokes withdrew from Notre Dame. His next stop is unknown. This will drastically affect the team’s Elite 25 ranking moving forward. Here’s the release from the school’s athletic department.

“Notre Dame High School acknowledges Tyran Stokes’ decision to withdraw and explore new opportunities. We appreciate the contributions he made to our basketball program and community during his time here. We wish Tyran all the best as he pursues his future goals, and we are confident he will find success,” athletic director Alec Moss said in a prepared statement.

18. La Lumiere School, La Porte, Ind. (15-13)

Low-down: It was a disappointing year for the Lakers, who are charter members of the Nike EYBL Scholastic League and are positioned in the uber competitive East Division. Coach Pat Holmes has the horses to push the Lakers over the finish line and into the CHIPOTLE Nationals in April. The lineup features highly rated seniors 6-2 PG Jonathan Sanderson (Notre Dame recruit), 6-6 Jacob Webber (Purdue), 7-0 C Gan-Erdene Solongo (Notre Dame), 6-6 F Gabe Weis (Western Kentucky) and 6-8 Rivers Knight (Purdue). Additionally, there’s a trio of juniors, including 6-3 Devin Cleveland, 6-0 Peyton Kemp and 6-7 PF Ferlandas Wright. Consider the Lakers more than capable of withstanding the treacherous national league schedule ahead.

19. Wheeler, Marietta, Ga. (29-3)

Low-down: The Wildcats continued their large-school dominance in the Peach State after winning the Class 6A state championship and the program’s 10^th. Coach Larry Thompson stresses defense and the Wildcats return 6-6 powerful wing Colben Landrew (18.3 ppg, 6.5 rpg), a Connecticut pledge, and 5-9 junior PG Kevin Savage, who stirs the drink. At 6-6, Jaron Saulsberry is a needed transfer and is headed to Mississippi. The Wildcats will test the national scene at the City of Palms Classic before Christmas in Florida.

20. Columbus, Miami (30-3)

Low-down: It was a magical four-year run for the Explorers, who won the Blue Star Media Elite 25 National Championship and CHIPOTLE Nationals titles. The Explorers also captured a fourth straight FHSAA state chip in the largest classification (Class 7A). The Boozer twins, Cameron and Cayden, were four-year starters and went 115-14 playing a mostly national schedule in their careers before heading to Duke. The change is in the air with new coach Jorge Milo taking over for Andrew Moran, who departed for the assistant gig at the University of Miami. Milo’s first team has a core of 6-5 Jaxon Richardson, 6-3 Jeremiah Hammond, 6-8 PF Caleb Gaskins, 6-4 CG Felipe Quinones (Florida Atlantic), 6-6 F Keeper Jackson and 6-4 Cello Jackson. At 7-1, junior Akol Nyok is a transfer from Glenelg Country Day (Md.). The first real test is at the City of Palms in Fort Myers, Fla.

21. Oak Hill Academy, Mouth of Wilson, Va. (23-11)

Low-down: When was the last time the Warriors dropped 11 games? Well, it never happened under future Naismith Hall of Fame coach Steve Smith (1,228-97 record in 37 years), who stepped down three years ago. John Zito is the second head coach since Smith’s departure and piloted Team Melo on the Nike summer circuit. The senior class is highlighted by 6-3 Donovan Williams, 6-10 C Kuo Deng, 6-4 Korie Corbett and 6-6 F Ethan Mgbako (Vanderbilt recruit). The Class of 2027 features Howard Williams, 6-4 elite combo guard L.J. Smith and 6-6 Jason Singh. The Warriors compete in the loaded EYBL Scholastic East Division with five others from the Elite 25 and reaching the CHIPOTLE Nationals is the ultimate goal.

22. Duncanville, Texas (28-7)

Low-down: The Panthers are defending UIL Class 6A, Division I state champions and enter the season with a new coach and the junior guard duo of 6-3 and 6-2 Christopher Hunt Jr. There’s more depth with 6-4 Jihren Mitchell, 6-0 Chris Gooden Jr. and 6-0 Xavion Lawson. The new coach is Neiman Ford, who was the Duncanville girls coach and an assistant under previous coach David Peavy. A seventh state title arrives if the smallish Panthers run their opponents into the hardwood.

23. DePaul Prep, Chicago (33-4)

Low-down: There isn’t a team from Illinois with more pressure than the Rams, who are the reigning Class 3A state champions with a chance at the four-peat. Three starters are back from that squad. At 6-7 210 pounds, Rashaun Porter (2.4 ppg, 7.1 rpg) is one of Chicago’s top players and chose Toledo over Wisconsin, DePaul, Central Michigan, Illinois State and Illinois-Chicago. G Ryan Woo (15.0 ppg, 3.5 apg) is headed to Brown. G A.J. Chambers has committed to Division II Michigan Tech. Pat Lovell also returns, adding more depth in the backcourt. Coach Tom Kleinschmidt takes the Rams to the prestigious Pontiac (Ill.) Holiday Tournament in Dec. 26.

24. Ss. Neumann-Goretti, Philadelphia (19-11)

Low-down: For 20 games last season, the Saints were buying into coach Carl Arrigale’s logic but once they did, it produced the program’s first-ever PIAA Class 5A state title and the 10^th overall. The Saints are deep and will be the favorite to capture the Philadelphia Catholic League championship. The nucleus is 5-9 PG DeShawn Yates, 6-2 junior Cassius Law, 5-10 junior Kody Colson, Towson-bound G Stephon Ashley-Wright and 6-6 PF Alassane N’Diaye along with super sophomore G E.J. Stanton, who stepped up in last year’s 5A final against Hershey (Pa.). Six-six junior Marquis Newsome is a solid wing.

25. Principia School, St. Louis (30-1)

Low-down: Glancing at the Panthers schedule, it’s loaded with events and tournaments for nearly three months and it will prepare them to defend their Missouri Class 3 state championship. Trips to the City of Palms and the Bass Pro Tournament of Champions highlight the slate. Quentin Coleman, a crafty 6-3 guard, committed to Wake Forest over hometown Saint Louis, Texas Tech and Iowa. A pair of juniors, 6-9 Sekou Cisse and 6-3 Gassim Toure are high-major prospects.

High-Fives by Region

East

1. Petersburg, Va. (14-10)
2. Bergen Catholic, Oradell, N.J. (27-5)
3. Father Judge, Philadelphia (24-7)
4. Christ the King, Middle Village, N.Y. (16-13)
5. Notre Dame, West Haven, Conn. (27-2)

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

Midwest

1. Sunrise Christian School, Bel Aire, Kan. (28-4)
2. Wisconsin Lutheran, Milwaukee (28-2)
3. Benet Academy, Lisle, Ill. (33-5)
4. East Lansing, Mich. (27-1)
5. Bolingbrook, Ill. (28-5)

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

Southland

1. Calvary Christian Academy, Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (22-1)
2. Grayson, Loganville, Ga. (28-4)
3. The Villages Charter, Fla. (26-6)
4. Greensboro (N.C.) Day (31-5)
5. Owasso, Okla. (25-5)

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

Far West

1. Millenium, Goodyear, Ariz. (20-8)
2. Harvard-Westlake, Studio City, Calif. (31-3)
3. Salesian College Prep, Richmond, Calif. (27-4)
4. St. John Bosco, Bellflower, Calif. (26-7)
5. Timpview, Provo, Utah (20-6)

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

About: The Blue Star Media Elite 25 High School Boys Basketball Rankings are released weekly from October until the conclusion of the high school season. 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 in April of the 2025-26 season. Follow him on X at @clawlor.