No. 21 Frisco (TX) Liberty, No. 23 St. John’s (DC) occupy Blue Star Media Elite 25 girls’ basketball rankings slots after winning big chips

BENSALEM, Pa. – The march to the month of March is here and with it state champions—lots of them—and the recently renamed Chipotle High School Basketball Nationals will selecting six teams to determine girls’ basketball royalty.

The Chipotle Nationals were formerly known as the GEICO Nationals and have a new home in the Midwest. The Chipotle Nationals will call Brownsburg High School (near Indianapolis, Ind.) as its new home from April 4-6. That’s quite a shift from sunny, hip Fort Myers, Fla., to the basketball-centric Hoosier State.

Should be a good mixture of fandom and multiple teams from the Blue Star Media Elite 25 girls’ rankings. All games will be broadcast live on ESPN platforms (ESPN, ESPN2 and ESPNU).

Provided there’s a six-team girls’ bracket, the Elite 25 teams that make the most sense are Long Island Lutheran (N.Y.),  IMG Academy (Fla.), DME Academy (Fla.), Grayson (Ga.) and Morris Catholic (N.J.). The latter two teams still must win state championship games in Georgia and New Jersey, respectively. Others in the mix are Montverde Academy (Fla.), St. John’s College (D.C.), Sidwell Friends (D.C.) and Hebron Christian (Ga.). The field will be announced shortly.

The latest Blue Star Media Elite 25 girls’ rankings have two additions that annexed state championships last weekend.

No. 21 Frisco (Texas) Liberty won its second straight Class 5A chip and No. 23 St. John’s College (Washington, D.C.) hit the double last week after capturing the District of Columbia State Athletic Association Class AA and Washington Catholic Athletic Conference titles. The WCAC is a three-peat for the Cadets and gives them a chance at an invitation to the Chipotle Nationals. Coincidentally, both newcomers knocked off the teams in the playoofs that dropped out of the Elite 25 this week.

There are several state tournaments this weekend but if you are in California, think about heading to Sacramento for a couple of days of quality basketball.

The California Interscholastic Federation rolls out 12 state championship games—six boys and six girls—on Friday and Saturday at the Golden 1 Center.

Although the pairings were not determined until late Tuesday, the Open Division girls final could feature a national championship tome with No. 1 Archbishop Mitty (San Jose) looking to close out an unbeaten season. The Monarchs played Clovis West (Fresno) Tuesday in the Northern Regional final. In the Southern Region, it was a doozy with Elite 25 teams Etiwanda and Sierra Canyon School (Chatsworth) meeting for the second time in less than two weeks. The Open Division and Division I boys finals will highlight Elite 25 teams too.

Here’s the lineup and ticket information (All times Pacific):

Friday

10 a.m.: Division V Girls

12 p.m.: Division V Boys

2 p.m.: Division III Girls

4 p.m.:   Division III Boys

6 p.m.:   Division I Girls

8 p.m.:   Division I Boys

Saturday

10 a.m.: Division IV Girls

12 p.m.: Division IV Boys

2 p.m.:   Division II Girls

4 p.m.:   Division II Boys

6 p.m.:   Open Division Girls

8 p.m.:   Open Division Boys

Elsewhere, the Jordan Brand Classic released the rosters for the annual senior All-American Game that will be played on April 21. The game is slated for the Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

Several of the players are rostered on teams from the current Blue Star Media Elite 25 boys’ and girls’ rankings. The rosters are composed of 26 players that will split into teams for the game. All players are listed alphabetically.

Here are the girls roster:

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.

Finally, one of the truly great coaches said last week, he would step down at the conclusion of the season.

Kevin Kiernan, the all-time winningest girls’ coach in California history, coached his final game over the weekend when Mater Dei (Santa Ana) lost to No. 4 Etiwanda, 76-58, in the CIF-Southern Region semifinals. Kiernan finished his 17^thseason at Mater Dei and he previously guided Troy (Fullerton), totaling exactly 900 career wins.

Kiernan won six state and 12 sectional titles. At Mater Dei, he raised the bar high, capturing three state championships, six Southern Section and 17 consecutive Trinity League crowns.

It was announced he won’t coach basketball but will continue as the school’s athletic director.

Kiernan said in a statement: “I would like to thank all my players, parents, staff, and coaches — past and present. You are what makes Mater Dei girls’ basketball special, and you took me along for a great ride! My current staff is outstanding, and it has been an honor to coach with you.

“I will continue to serve the school through my work in the Athletics Department supporting our outstanding coaches, staff, and faculty. I look forward to helping launch a new era of excellence for the girls’ basketball program.”

Kiernan will assist in hiring his replacement and have already started that process. The Mater Dei gig is sure to draw high level coaching candidates to a program with at national name and frequently appearing in the Blue Star Media Elite 25 rankings.

Great job, coach!

Okay, February is in the book and let the March Madness begin. Although there are state champions from Arizona, Hawaii, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Illinois, Texas, Iowa, District of Columbia, Utah, Washington, Indiana and Louisiana, there are plenty more in the making.

This weekend states such as New Jersey, Florida California, Oregon and New York will hand out their championship hardware.

The Blue Star Media Elite 25 girls’ basketball rankings will return on March 13.

Be sure to follow us on X at @clawlor. We appreciate your readership and clicks. If you like what you read, please send it out on the social media or direct message us via X.

Don’t forget to move your clocks ahead this weekend. Spring ahead, fall is the rule of thumb for Daylight Savings Time.

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

 Blue Star Media Elite 25 Girls’ Basketball Rankings, March 6, 2024

1. Archbishop Mitty, San Jose, Calif. (29-0)

Previous rank: 1.

The Low-down: The Monarchs are two wins away from a perfect season and national title after beating Folsom, 82-71, in the CIF-Northern Region Open Division semifinals. They met Clovis West (Fresno) Tuesday in the region final with the winner heading to Sacramento for Saturday’s final.

2. Long Island Lutheran, Brookville, N.Y. (21-1)

Previous: 2.

The Low-down: Idle. The Chipotle Nationals in Brownsburg, Indiana from April 4-6 is the likely next stop.

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

Previous: 3.

The Low-down: Won the Pennsylvania Independent Schools championship for the third straight year, defeating archrivals Friends Central (Philadelphia), 76-24, in the final. The Moose raced to 41-8 lead at halftime and were never challenged. Temple-bound Savannah Curry netted 15 points, junior Aidan Langley had 14 points and the freshman tandem of Jordyn Palmer tallied 12 and 11 points, respectively. Season complete.

4. Etiwanda, Calif. (30-3)

Previous: 4.

The Low-down: Defeated Mater Dei (Santa Ana), 76-58, in the CIF-Southern Region Open Division semifinals. The Eagles played No. 7 Sierra Canyon School (Chatsworth) Tuesday in the region final with the winner off to the state final Saturday in Sacramento.

5. Incarnate Word Academy, Bel Nor, Mo. (27-0)

Previous: 5.

The Low-down: Defeated Pattonville, 66-28, in the Class 6, District 3 semifinals. The Red Knights played in the final on Tuesday versus archrivals St. Joseph Academy (St. Louis). Last week, junior Nevaeh Caffey verbally committed to Indiana.

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

Previous: 7.

The Low-down: Won Class 4A state championship, defeating Nazareth Academy (La Grange Park), 44-40, in the final. Paige Engels scored 17 points and junior Aubrey Galvan added 15. Also defeated Fremd (Palatine), 43-40, in the semifinals. Engels, a Cornell recruit, scored 17 points and cleared 12 rebounds. It was the program’s third state title and the first since the 1997-98 campaign. Season complete.

 7. Sierra Canyon School, Chatsworth, Calif. (31-2)

Previous: 8.

The Low-down: Defeated Ontario Christian, 76-69, in the CIF-Southern Region Open Division semifinals. Sophomore Jerzy Robinson bucketed 29 points. The region final was played Tuesday night.

8. Grayson, Loganville, Ga. (31-0)

Previous: 9.

The Low-down: Advanced to the Class AAAAAAA title game, defeating Lowndes County (Valdosta), 66-25, in the semifinals and Norcross, 59-38, in the quarterfinals. The Lady Rams are 32 minutes from a perfect season and a likely berth in the Chipotle Nationals in April but must get past North Paulding (Dallas) Saturday in Macon.

9. Morris Catholic, Denville, N.J. (26-1)

Previous: 10.

The Low-down: Won the Non-Public B North championship, defeating Montclair Immaculate Conception (Montclair), 53-47, in the final and Saddle River (N.J.) Day, 84-66, in the semifinals. In the final, junior Mia Pauldo bucketed game-high 24 points, while her twin Mya Pauldo scored all 16 points in the second half. Up next is Rutgers Prep (Somerset) Friday afternoon in the Non-Public B state final at Jersey Mike’s Arena on the Rutgers University campus in Piscataway.

10. IMG Academy, Bradenton, Fla. (23-3)

Previous: 11.

The Low-down: Regular season is complete.

11. Purcell Marian, Cincinnati (26-1)

Previous: 12.

The Low-down: Defeated Marshall (Dayton), 74-23, in the Division II district final. The Lady Cavaliers have surpassed 25 wins for the third season in a row and have secured six straight district crowns. They played Bloom-Carroll Tuesday in the District 8 semifinals with the winner moving into Friday’s district final in Springfield.

12. Hebron Christian Academy, Dacula, Ga. (29-2)

Previous: 13.

The Low-down: In the Class AAA Tournament, the Lions crushed Monroe (Albany), 97-42, semifinals and Morgan County (Madison), 75-28, in in the quarterfinals. Up next is Wesleyan (Norcross) Friday in the Class AAA final in Macon.

13. Duncanville, Texas (35-4)*

Previous: 14.

The Low-down: Won the Class 6A state championship, defeating then-No. 22 South Grand Prairie (Grand Prairie), 59-41, in the final. It was the program’s 12^th state championship and the first since 2020. Mariah Clayton scored 19 points and Chloe Mann added 13. In the semifinals, the Pantherettes needed overtime but managed to beat Summer Creek (Humble), 39-31, as Clayton scored 18. The Pantherettes used an 8-0 run in the extra session to win it. Season complete.

14. Bradley Central, Cleveland, Tenn. (31-1)

Previous: 15.

The Low-down: Won the Class AAAA Sectional, defeating Oakland (Murfreesboro), 67-23.

Also won the Region 3-AAAA title beating Cleveland, 75-43, in the final. The Bears face Clarksdale Wednesday in the Class AAAA state quarterfinals.

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

Previous: 16.

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

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

Previous: 19.

The Low-down: Won a seventh straight state championship, defeating Huffman (Birmingham), 57-38, in the Class 6A final. Alabama-bound Leah Brooks was named the Most Valuable Player after contributing a double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds. Teammates Kristen Johnson (13 points) and Amiya Redus were added to the all-tournament team. The Lady Trojans also defeated Hillcrest (Tuscaloosa), 52-38, in the semifinals. Coach Tim Miller has won more state titles than any other coach in state history after bagging his 11^th crown. Season complete.

17. Johnston, Iowa (26-0)*

Previous: 20.

The Low-down: Won its third state championship in five years, annexing the Class 5A state chip in a 48-36 victory over Dowling Catholic (West Des Moines). Jenica Lewis topped the Dragons with 20 points and Aili Tanke had 15 point and hauled down 13 rebounds. They also beat Waukee, 74-33, in the semifinals. Season complete.

18. Grace Christian, Sanford, N.C (30-0)*

Previous: 21.

The Low-down: Won NCISAA 3A state championship. Season complete.

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

Previous: 23.

The Low-down: Regular season is complete

20. Montverde (Fla.) Academy (21-4)

Previous: 24.

The Low-down: Regular season is complete.

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

Previous: Not ranked.

The Low-down: Won Class 5A state championship, defeating then-No. 6 Mansfield Timberview, 60-51, in the final. The Redhawks rallied with a 16-4 fourth-quarter spree to win it for the second straight year and third time in the last five years. Freshman sensation Jacy Abii posted 30 points and 12 rebounds and Aziyah Farrier added 16 points and 6 rebounds. Season complete.

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

Previous: 22.

The Low-down: Advanced to the Class 6A state championship, where it fell to No. 13 Duncanville, 59-41. Junior Taylor Barnes totaled 14 points and 8 rebounds. In the semifinals, the Warriors beat Brennan (San Antonio), 53-42, as Barnes netted 24 points. Season complete.

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

Previous: Not ranked.

The Low-down: It was a phenomenal final week of the season for the Cadets and coach Jonathan Scribner. The Cadets captured the District of Columbia State Athletic Association Class AA title after beating then-No. 18 Sidwell Friends (Washington), 42-39, in overtime. Earlier in the week, they stopped then-No. 25 Bishop McNamara (Forestville, Md.) to claim a third straight Washington Catholic Athletic Conference championship. The Cadets are a serious candidate for the Chipotle Nationals. Regular season is complete.

24. DeSoto, Texas (27-6)

Previous: 17.

The Low-down: Advanced to Class 6A, Region II final. Season complete.

25. Sidwell Friends, Washington, D.C. (25-6)*

Previous: 18.

The Low-down: Lost in the DCSAA Class AA championship game to No. 23 St. John’s College (Washington), 43-39, in overtime. Season complete.

Dropped: No. 6 Mansfield (Texas) Timberview and No. 25 Bishop McNamara (Forestville, Md.).

High-Fives by Region

East

1. Bishop McNamara, Forestville, Md. (25-5)
2. Archbishop Wood, Warminster, Pa. (21-5)*
3. Christ the King, Middle Village (27-3)*
4. Rutgers Prep, Somerset, N.J. (24-4)
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. Nazareth Academy, La Grange Park, Ill. (32-4)
2. Millard West, Omaha, Neb. (27-1)*
3. Olentangy, Lewis Center, Ohio (24-1)
4. Minnetonka, Minn. (25-2)
5. Hopkins, Minnetonka, Minn. (24-3)

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

Southland

1. Lake Highlands Prep, Orlando, Fla. (25-5)*
2. Dr. Phillips, Orlando, Fla. (25-4)
3. Mansfield Timberview, Arlington, Texas (40-2)
4. Neshoba Central, Philadelphia, Miss. (33-1)*
5. Summer Creek, Houston (35-4)

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

Far West

1. Clovis West, Fresno, Calif. (31-2)
2. Mater Dei, Santa Ana, Calif. (25-8)
3. Ontario (Calif.) Christian (28-5)
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.

Records through Monday’s games

 * 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.