No. 24 Paul VI Eagles (NJ) land in Blue Star Media Elite 25 girls’ basketball rankings; Indiana, Texas playoffs nearing state tournaments

BENSALEM, Pa. – There are occasions when it takes nearly an entire regular season for teams to find their way into the Blue Star Media Elite 25 girls’ basketball rankings.

One such team is back in the Elite 25 after two years and a 22-0 record with just over a week remaining before entering the postseason. The No. 24 Paul VI Eagles of Haddonfield, N.J. are the latest addition and have an impressive passel of work.

The Eagles are New Jersey’s No. 2 team—behind Elite 25’s No. 2 Morris Catholic (Denville)—and could clash in the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association Non-Public A final with the Crusaders. More on that after the brackets are released later this week.

The schedule featured several region teams from Delaware, New York and Pennsylvania but there was something missing: A signature win over an Elite 25 team.

Coach Orlando Hidalgo’s team delivered last week when they recorded a 65-57 road win at then-No. 12 Long Island Lutheran (Brookville, N.Y.). They were down 14 points, 39-25, at halftime before launching a huge comeback.

In case you forgot, the coach’s daughter, Hannah Hidalgo, is an All-American sophomore guard for the top-ranked Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Hannah is sure fire future WNBA lottery pick.

New Jersey playoffs get underway next week but Florida, Indiana and Texas are also approaching state championship games. California is currently in sectional play with six teams from the Elite 25 competing. That includes four in the California Interscholastic Federation-Southern Section Open Division pool-play playoffs.

In Texas, three teams are in the University Interscholastic League regionals with the state tournaments tipping next week (Feb. 27-March 1) at the Alamodome in San Antonio.

Indiana and Florida are also zeroing in on finish lines. No. 11 Hamilton Southeastern (Fishers, Ind.) plays in the Class 4A Semi-states and No. 23 Winter Haven (Fla.) needs two more regional wins to reach the Class 7A state tournament in Lakeland.

We’ll give you updated scoop on the key playoff results and games next week. There are 18 teams from the Elite 25 playing or on the verge of postseason action.

One of the top stand-alone games of the week is Wednesday, Feb. 19 when No. 4 Montverde (Fla.) Academy travels to No. 6 IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.) for a clash of Florida titans. Since both are private schools and do not compete for a Florida High School Athletic Association state championship this is a pivotal game.

It might be the lone meeting but there’s a strong possibility both are extended invitations to the CHIPOTLE High School Nationals in April in Fishers, Ind. The result will impact the top of the Elite 25 order.

In Pennsylvania, the Philadelphia Catholic League final is set with top-seeded Neumann-Goretti (Philadelphia) meeting Archbishop Carroll (Radnor, Pa.) Sunday, Feb. 23 at 12 p.m. at The Palestra on the campus of the University of Pennsylvania. Get your tickets here. Order soon because it’s a doubleheader with the boys final and sellouts are common.

We’ve already mentioned Paul VI entering the but the remainder of the Elite 25 was jostled with one result from Long Island, N.Y. That’s when Paul VI pulled off a road shocker. No. 25 Long Island Lutheran slipped 13 spots but they also lost a second game in three days at No. 20 Sidwell Friends (Washington, D.C.). Consequently, the Quakers popped up five slots with the big win. In total, 12 teams moved up the Elite 25 this week and the top-11 remained stationary.

Well, that’s it for the second week of February. The Blue Star Media Elite 25 girls’ basketball rankings return on Wednesday, Feb. 26.

Here’s a last reminder.

In Southern California, people are in desperate need after the wildfires ravaged the surrounding Los Angeles area. After two months, people are starting to pick up the pieces of their lives. It’s going to be a long haul.

Consider donating here to the Red Cross to assist the relief efforts, The Salvation Army or Fire Aid. No dollar amount is too small and prayers are always welcome. Be safe California and keep the faith during the recovery phase.

Bye for now.

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

Blue Star Media Elite 25 Girls’ Basketball Rankings, Feb. 19, 2025

1. Ontario (Calif.) Christian (26-1)

Previous rank: 1.

The Lowdown: The Knights defeated Sage Hill School (Newport Coast), 68-35, in the CIF-Southern Section Open Division Pool A. They have two games left in pool play against Bishop Montgomery (Torrance) on Wednesday, Feb. 19 and No. 3 Sierra Canyon School (Chatsworth) on Saturday, Feb. 22. The Open Division final is Saturday, March 1 at the Toyota Center in Ontario.

2. Morris Catholic, Denville N.J. (20-0)

Previous: 2.

The Lowdown: In the Morris County Tournament semifinals, the Lady Crusaders defeated Morristown, 85-44. Tennessee-bound guard Mia Pauldo bucketed 22 points with six 3-pointers and six assists. The McDonald’s All American surpassed 2,000 points for her career off an assist from her twin Mya (15 points, 7 assists). The county final is Friday, Feb. 21 against second-seeded Chatham at the County College of Morris in Randolph.

3. Sierra Canyon School, Chatsworth, Calif. (26-1)

Previous: 3.

The Lowdown: The Trailblazers opened the CIF-Southern Section Open Division Pool A playoffs, defeating Bishop Montgomery (Torrance), 74-38. The pool schedule resumes with Sage Hill School (Newport Coast) on Wednesday, Feb. 19 and No. 1 Ontario Christian on Saturday, Feb. 22.

4. Montverde (Fla.) Academy (22-1)

Previous: 4.

The Lowdown: Saniyah Hall scored 22 points and Aliyah Crump added 20 when the Eagles defeated Central Pointe Christian (Kissimmee), 77-30. Up next is the showdown at No. 6 IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.) on Wednesday, Feb. 19.

5. Mater Dei, Santa Ana, Calif. (29-2)

Previous: 5.

The Lowdown: In CIF-Southern Section Open Division Pool B play, the Monarchs defeated Windward (Los Angeles), 62-35. Iowa-bound Addie Deal surpassed 2,000 points for her career and was presented with her game jersey for the McDonald’s All-American Game. The Monarchs have their two pool games this week.

6. IMG Academy, Bradenton, Fla. (17-3)

Previous: 6.

The Lowdown: Idle. The Ascenders have  pivotal home game on Wednesday, Feb. 19.

7. Clovis West, Fresno, Calif. (29-0)

Previous: 7.

The Lowdown: The Golden Eagles completed a perfect regular season and opened the CIF-Central Section Division I playoffs with Arroyo Grande on Tuesday, Feb. 20 in the quarterfinals. The semifinals are Thursday, Feb. 20 and the final is Saturday, March 1.

8. Bishop McNamara, Forestville, Md. (24-1)

Previous: 8.

The Lowdown: Defeated St. Mary’s Ryken (Leonardtown, Md.), 73-24, St. John’s College (Washington, D.C.), 44-35, and St. Paul VI Catholic (Chantilly, Va.), 58-36, closing out the regular season. This weekend the Lady Mustangs will play in the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference Tournament in Washington after going 14-0 in league play.

9. Etiwanda, Calif. (23-4)

Previous: 9.

The Lowdown: In CIF-Southern Section Open Division Pool B, the Eagles defeated Fairmont Prep (Anaheim), 96-57, in the first of three pool games. Up next is Windward (Los Angeles) on Wednesday, Feb. 19. The pool play finishes up Saturday, Feb. 22 with No. 5 Mater Dei (Santa Ana).

10. Archbishop Mitty, San Jose, Calif. (20-3)

Previous: 10.

The Lowdown: Defeated Archbishop Riordan), 71-50, and Sacred Heart College Prep (San Francisco), 69-23. The regular season closed with St. Francis (Mountain View) on Tuesday, Feb. 18.

11. Hamilton Southeastern, Fishers, Ind. (26-0)

Previous: 11.

The Lowdown: Won Class 4A regional title, defeating Homestead (Fort Wayne), 65-48. The Royals play Valparaiso in the Class 4A Semi-state semifinals. The winner gets Warsaw Community or McCutcheon (Lafayette) in the final.

12. Conway, Ark. (27-1)

Previous: 13.

The Lowdown: Defeated Cabot, 65-29.

13. Westtown School, West Chester, Pa. (24-3)*

Previous: 14.

The Lowdown: The Moose are the top seed in the Pennsylvania Independent School Athletic Association Tournament and have a bye until the second round on Tuesday, Feb. 25.

14. Hebron Christian Academy, Dacula, Ga. (26-1)

Previous: 15.

The Lowdown: Defeated Hart County (Hartwell), 78-23, for the Class AA, Region 8 championship. Auburn-bound JaKerra Butler doubled up with 22 points, 14 rebounds and 7 blocks.

15. Bradley Central, Cleveland, Tenn. (26-1)

Previous: 16.

The Lowdown: Defeated Eastern Hamilton (Chattanooga), 85-31, and Knoxville Catholic, 87-23, to finish up the regular season. The Bearettes went 6-0 in district play. The postseason opened on Tuesday, Feb. 18 at Howard (Chattanooga) in the District 6-AAAA semifinals.

16. Converse (Texas) Judson (36-1)

Previous: 17.

The Lowdown: Defeated Edinburg, 57-33, in the Class 6A, Division II Area round. The Rockets meet San Antonio Churchill on Tuesday, Feb. 18 in the Class 6A, Division II, Region 4 semifinals.

17. Johnston, Iowa (21-0)

Previous: 18.

The Lowdown: Defeated North Polk (Alleman), 71-49, in the regular season finale. The Dragons open the postseason on Friday, Feb. 21 in the Class 5A, Region 1 semifinals with Sioux City North or Lincoln (Council Bluffs).

18. Incarnate Word Academy, Bel Nor, Mo. (21-2)

Previous: 20.

The Lowdown: The Red Knights defeated Nerinx Hall (Webster Groves), 93-15, capping off a 4-0 week. Also beat Principia (St. Louis), 68-34, as Neveah Lucious and Peyton Hill scored 16 points apiece.

19. Boswell, Fort Worth, Texas (34-2)

Previous: 21.

The Lowdown: In the Class 6A, Division I Area playoff round, the Pioneers defeated Eastwood (El Paso), 74-41. Up next was Braswell (Little Elm) on Tuesday, Feb. 18 in the Class 6A, Division I, Region I semifinals.

21. Providence Academy, Plymouth, Minn. (24-0)

Previous: 22.

The Lowdown: Defeated Rock Ridge (Virginia), 84-47, and Alexandria, 89-75. The Greenway sisters Maddyn (28 points) and Beckett (15) teamed to score 43 points against Rock Ridge.

22. Lincoln, Dallas (36-2)

Previous: 23.

The Lowdown: Defeated Sunnyvale, 47-38, in the Class 4A, Division II, Region II semifinals.

23. Winter Haven, Fla. (23-2)

Previous: 24.

The Lowdown: Defeated Sarasota, 82-25, in the Class 7A, Region 3 quarterfinals. The Blue Devils played Riverview (Sarasota) on Tuesday, Feb. 18 in the Region 3 semifinals. The final is Friday, Feb. 21.

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

Previous: Not ranked.

The Lowdown: The Eagles land in the Elite 25 after an impressive string of regional wins, annexing the South Jersey Invitational Basketball Tournament championship and finally a signature win. Brooke Stagliano scored 21 points with five 3-pointers, Anya George had 13 points and Rachel Thatcher added 11 points with three 3-pointers in a 65-57 victory over then-No. 12 Long Island Lutheran (Brookville, N.J.) at the Bob McKillop Classic. Two games remain in the regular season before tipping the NJSIAA South Jersey Non-Public A playoffs.

25. Long Island Lutheran, Brookville, N.Y. (16-5)

Previous: 12.

The Lowdown: The Lady Crusaders were knocked off twice, losing to then-No. 25 Sidwell Friends (Washington, D.C.), 67-56, and No. 24 Paul VI (Haddonfield, N.J.), 65-57.

Dropped: No. 19 Sacred Heart Academy (Louisville, Ky.).

High-Fives by Region

East

1. Princess Anne, Virginia Beach, Va. (21-0)
2. St. John’s College, Washington, D.C. (24-3)
3. Bishop Ireton, Alexandria, Va. (22-5)
4. Neumann-Goretti, Philadelphia (20-3)
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. Loyola Academy, Wilmette, Ill. (29-2)
2. Strongsville, Ohio (21-1)
3. Nazareth Academy, La Grange, Ill. (29-2)
4. Belleville, Mich. (18-1)
5. Kenwood, Chicago (28-3)

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

Southland

1. Cypress Springs, Cypress, Texas (29-3)
2. Sacred Heart Academy, Louisville, Ky. (23-3)
3. Putnam City North, Oklahoma City (22-1)
4. Walker, La. (30-2)
5. Hillcrest, Tuscaloosa, Ala. (31-2)

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

Far West

1. Ridgeline, Millville, Utah (25-0)
2. Clackamas, Ore. (18-2)
3. Valor Christian, Highlands Ranch, Colo. (20-2)
4. Grandview, Aurora, Colo. (18-3)
5. Tualatin, Ore. (19-1)

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.