HOLLYWOOD, Fla. – A lot has happened during the opening month of the high school boys’ basketball season and we’ll bring you up to speed with the latest Blue Star Media Elite 25 rankings.

First, No. 1 Montverde (Fla.) Academy is playing like, well, Montverde. And that means a model of excellence and aggressive scheduling that will include a pair of tournaments this month in Florida and North Carolina.

Second, three of the top-5 teams from the preseason rankings have remained but No. 2 The Patrick School (Hillside, N.J.) slides up one spot and No. 4 Paul VI (Fairfax, Va.) crashes the party with an impressive start to the season. Patrick School does not open the season until later this week and coach Glenn Farello’s boys from Virginia have crafted an unblemished mark through six games and that includes wins over then-No. 2 IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.)—dropped five spots—and  Archbishop Wood (Warminster, Pa.) in seven overtimes last weekend. Wood is a member of the Philadelphia Catholic League and coached by John Mosco, one of the best on the East Coast and a favorite to win Pennsylvania’s Class AAAAA state title in March.

Which brings us to the updated Elite 25. Normally there is no alarm when following a month there is change and this week it’s four teams that debut in the Elite 25: No. 15 Hamilton Heights Christian (Chattanooga, Tenn.); No. 17 Grayson (Loganville, Ga.); No. 19 Harvard-Westlake (Studio City, Calif.) and No. 24 St. Frances Academy (Baltimore).

No. 14 Archbishop Stepinac (White Plains, N.Y.) made the biggest jump, elevating six spots. The Crusaders are prime for a big week at the City of Palms Classic in Fort Myers, Fla.

We are looking to attend the City of Palms later this week but will concentrate on the Gulliver Prep Holiday Tournament in Miami. It’s eight-team event held at Gulliver Prep that starts Thursday afternoon at 2:30 p.m. The field is comprised of Florida schools, mostly from Miami Dade and Broward counties, but we’re interested in Gulliver, which is now coached by Gary DeCesare. For those who do not know DeCesare you should. He’s a New York hoop legend at St. Raymond (Bronx), who left high school in the early 2000s to coach at Richmond and DePaul, before returning to lead St. Rita (Chicago). He’s coached in two of the top Catholic leagues in the country; he’s coached McDonald’s All Americans and was a head coach in the all-star game a few years ago in Chicago and knows how to build a program. He was hired earlier this year at Gulliver and will get it done in the Florida sunshine.

Gulliver faces North Miami Beach Thursday at 7:30. The tournament continues Friday with four games and Saturday with the final at 7:30. So that will keep us occupied.

The Blue Star Media Elite 25 boys’ rankings will return Dec. 31. The holiday tournament calendar is the feature attraction in the latter portion of December. They usually have an impact on the Elite 25. Expect more change this month. Next week we’ll reveal the final Elite 25 football rankings on Dec. 24. Who will be No. 1? Check back on Christmas Eve and you’ll find out.

In the meantime, have a Merry Christmas or Happy Hanukkah, but mostly enjoy the holidays. Make it a December to remember with family and friends.

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

Blue Star Media Elite 25 boys’ basketball rankings, Dec. 17, 2019

1. Montverde (Fla.) Academy (6-0)

Previous rank: 1.

Low-down: The Eagles continue to soar in the first month, averaging 92 points, against a quality schedule. So far coach Kevin Boyle’s team recorded a signature win over then-No. 23 DeMatha (Hyattsville, Md.), 76-56. The schedule picks up this week with Sanford School (Hockessin, Del.) Thursday in the opening round of the prestigious City of Palms Classic in Fort Myers, Fla., an even they have fared well at. After Christmas the John Wall Holiday Invitational in Raleigh, N.C. is on the docket and a chance to meet No. 2 The Patrick School (Hillside, N.J.).

2. The Patrick School, Hillside, N.J. (0-0)

Previous: 3.

Low-down: The Celtics have an early showdown with No. 16 Roselle Catholic on Dec. 23 in the Kyrie Irving Invitational at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y.

3. Sierra Canyon School, Chatsworth, Calif. (8-0)

Previous: 4.

Low-down: It was a satisfying road trip for coach Andre Chevalier’s team following a 59-56 victory over St. Vincent-St. Mary (Akron, Ohio). Terren Frank sank two free throws in the final seconds and Sierra withstood a potential game-tying shot at the buzzer. Freshman Bronny James scored the winning basket in the final minute for a 557-56 lead and wound up with 15 points to beat his father LeBron James’ alma mater before a large crowd in Columbus, Ohio (dad was sitting courtside). The Trailblazers are back at it before Christmas at the Tarkanian Classic in Las Vegas, and then play in a local tournament post-Christmas.

4. Paul VI, Fairfax, Va. (6-0)

Previous: 8.

Low-down: The Panthers already knocked off then-No. 2 IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.), 67-56, and last weekend traveled north to beat Archbishop Wood (Warminster, Pa.), 130-128, in seven overtimes at the Diane Mosco Coaches vs. Cancer Classic. The next big challenge is No. 14 Archbishop Stepinac (White Plains, N.Y.) on Dec. 29 at the Slam Dunk to the Beach in Lewes, Del.

5. Prolific Prep, Napa, Calif. (15-0)

Previous: 5.

Low-down: The Pride is unbeaten against a nationally charged schedule and continue that trend this week in South Carolina for the Chick-fil-A Classic for three games. By the way, the 15-game win streak is a program record.

6. Oak Hill Academy, Mouth of Wilson, Va. (17-1)

Previous: 7.

Low-down: Coach Steve Smith’s club tuned up for a trip to the Iolani Classic this week in Hawaii by polishing off two South Carolina teams at the Bojangles Bash.

7. IMG Academy, Bradenton, Fla. (4-1)

Previous: 2.

Low-down: The defending Blue Star Media Elite 25 National Champions and GEICO Nationals title holders lost to then-No. 8 Paul VI (Fairfax, Va.), 67-56, earlier this month and will see how they measure up this week at the City of Palms Classic in Florida.

8. Bishop Gorman, Las Vegas (4-0)

Previous: 11.

Low-down: Over the holidays, the Gaels will compete in two high caliber events, starting with the Tarkanian Classic in Las Vegas before Christmas and then the Les Schwab Invitational in Oregon starting on Dec. 26.

9. Ss. Neumann-Goretti, Philadelphia (3-0)

Previous: 12.

Low-down:  Hysier Miller (20 points) and Hakim Byrd (19) teamed for 39 points as the Saints held off Malvern (Pa.) Prep, 77-69, at the Diane Mosco Coaches vs. Cancer Classic in Warminster, Pa.

10. La Lumiere School, La Porte, Ind. (7-0)

Previous: 13.

Low-down: The stakes are higher this week at the Chick-fil-A Classic in South Carolina and two games at the Cancer Research Classic in Wheeling, W.Va. to start of the New Year.

11. Wasatch Academy, Mount Pleasant, Utah (13-0)

Previous: 14.

Low-down: The Tigers travel to the Iolani Classic in Honolulu this week after taking down Judge Memorial (Salt Lake City), 115-58. In that game, Richie Saunders popped in 24 points to lead to lead six double-digit scorers.

12. Sunrise Christian Academy, Bel Aire, Kan. (9-0)

Previous: 17.

Low-down: The Buffaloes are off to the City of Palms Classic this week in Florida.

13. Long Island Lutheran, Brookville, N.Y. (3-0)

Previous: 19.

Low-down: The Crusaders have rolled over three New York opponents and head to the South Pacific for the talent-laden Iolani Classic in Honolulu this week.

14. Archbishop Stepinac, White Plains, N.Y. (3-0)

Previous: 20.

Low-down: The nation’s top backcourt showed why they are as North Carolina-bound RJ Davis contributed 41 points, 9 rebounds and 7 assists and junior Adrian Griffin (Duke commit) added a double-double with 29 points and 17 rebounds during a thrilling overtime-victory over rival St. Raymond (Bronx), 100-97. This week it’s a trip to Florida for the prestigious City of Palms Classic in Fort Myers.

15. Hamilton Heights Christian, Chattanooga, Tenn. (11-0)

Low-down: The Hawks crack the Elite 25 for the first time this season and will bring an unbeaten mark to Florida for the City of Palms Classic’s four-team Signature Series bracket. The opener is Friday against West Oaks Academy (Orlando, Fla.) with the winner playing Sunday versus No. 24 St. Frances (Baltimore) or No. 12 Sunrise Christian Academy (Bel Aire, Kan.). The Hawks’ top scorers are 6-7 Samson Ruzhentsev (a Florida recruit) and 6-8 Bayron Matos-Garcia (New Mexico).

16. Roselle (N.J.) Catholic (0-0)

Previous: 18.

Low-down: The Lions play Friday against Trenton Catholic Academy (Hamilton).

17. Grayson, Loganville, Ga. (10-1)

Previous: Not ranked.

Low-down: The Rams debut in the Elite 25 after hammering then-No. 15 McEachern (Powder Springs), 83-57. Next up is Brookwood (Snellville) on Dec. 21 and then after Christmas it’s the Wheeler Tournament of Champions in Marietta starting on Dec. 27.

18. Mater Dei, Santa Ana, Calif. (6-0)

Previous: 22.

Low-down: Won Corona del Mar Tournament in Newport Beach, Calif., defeating Pacifica Christian (Newport Beach), 90-38. USC-bound junior Harrison Hornery flipped in a game-high 23 points. Hornery and Kentucky-bound junior Devin Askew were named co-Most Valuable Players of the tournament. The Monarchs travel to Las Vegas and Portland, Ore., for holiday tournaments starting this week.

19. Harvard-Westlake, Studio City, Calif. (11-0)

Previous: Not ranked.

Low-down: So far coach Dave Rebibo’s club has won two early season tournaments and twice at showcase events. That’s exactly what lead-up is needed for the Beachball Classic in Myrtle Beach, S.C. after Christmas. Last weekend, Mason Hooks scored 22 points in a 68-61 victory over Durango (Las Vegas, Nev.).

20. McEachern, Powder Springs, Ga. (7-1)

Previous: 15.

Low-down: The Indians saw their win halted at 39 games during an 83-57 blowout loss to Grayson (Loganville). Grayson jumped to a 24-10 lead after one period and it was too much to overcome. Now the Indians face Roman Catholic (Philadelphia) in the opening round of the City of Palms Classic on Wednesday.

21. Gonzaga, Washington, D.C. (7-2)

Previous: 10.

Low-down: Won the Gonzaga D.C. Classic, beating St. Stephen’s and St. Agnes (Alexandria, Va.), 69-63. Georgetown-bound F Terrence Williams posted a double-double with 18 points and 15 rebounds in the final. Teammates Devin Dinkins, Myles Shute (Vanderbilt signee) and Judah Mintz were named all-tournament. The Eagles fly south for the Florida sunshine and big-time hoops this week at the City of Palms Classic.

22. Huntington (W.Va.) Prep (10-2)

Previous: 9.

Low-down: The Irish suffered a loss last week and will compete this week in the Chick-fil-A Classic (Dec. 19-21 and 23) in Columbia, S.C.

 23. DeMatha, Hyattsville, Md. (5-2)

Previous: 6.

Low-down: The Stags lost two games to Elite 25 teams, No. 12 Sunrise Christian (Bel Aire, Kan.), 75-67, and No. 1 Montverde (Fla.) Academy, 76-56. After Christmas they host the DeMatha Christmas Classic, beginning for three days on Dec. 27.

24. St. Frances Academy, Baltimore (10-0)

Previous: Not ranked.

Low-down: The Panthers have cobbled a solid résumé and sit atop the MIAA A Conference standings before departing for the City of Palms Classic in Florida.

25. Greensboro (N.C.) Day School (12-1)

Previous: 23.

Low-down: The Bengals head to the loaded Chick-fil-A Classic in South Carolina this weekend riding an 11-game win streak.

Dropped: No. 16 Hillcrest Prep (Phoenix); No. 21 Rancho Christian (Temecula, Calif.); No. 24 Legacy Early College (Greenville, S.C.) and No. 25  Minnehaha Academy  Minneapolis).

High-Fives by Region

East

1. Roman Catholic, Philadelphia (2-0)
2. Wildwood Catholic, North Wildwood, N.J. (0-0)
3. St. Raymond, Bronx, N.Y. (4-1)
4. St. John’s College, Washington, D.C. (5-0)
5. Archbishop Wood, Warminster, Pa. (1-2)

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

Midwest

1. Sussex (Wis.) Hamilton (3-0)
2. Lawrence North, Indianapolis (4-0)
3. Minnehaha Academy, Minneapolis (3-1)
4. Vashon, St. Louis (2-0)
5. Bloom, Chicago Heights, Ill. (8-1)

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

Southland

1. Moravian Prep, Hudson, N.C. (14-0)
2. Briarcrest Christian Academy, Eads, Tenn. (7-0)
3. Norcross, Ga. (8-0)
4. Scotlandville, Baton Rouge, La. (7-1)
5. Duncanville, Texas (9-2)

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

Far West

1. O’Dea, Seattle (3-0)
2. Fairfax, Los Angeles (6-0)
3. St. Anthony, Long Beach, Calif. (12-0)
4. Windward, Los Angeles (10-1)
5. Sheldon, Sacramento, Calif. (4-0)

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 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. The final rankings will be released in April. Follow him on Twitter at @clawlor.