BENSALEM, Pa. – The Blue Star Media Elite 25 boys’ basketball rankings were reshaped after a tumultuous week of postseason games. Seems like California, Georgia and Texas inflicted the most damage.

There are three newcomers to the Elite 25, including one that re-enters following a remarkable run in the CIF-Southern Section playoffs in fertile southern California. No. 16 Norcross (Ga.), No. 17 Mater Dei (Santa Ana, Calif.) and No. 24 Allen (Texas) slide into the rankings. For Mater Dei it marks a return after capturing the Southern Section Open Division title. Norcross and Allen could be state champions a week from now.

We’re also ready to report the GEICO Nationals are zeroing in on their eight-team field for the event that tips off on March 29 at the Christ the King High School in Middle Village, N.Y. It’s safe to say Montverde (Fla.) School, Oak Hill Academy (Mouth of Wilson, Va.), Findlay Prep (Henderson, Nev.) and likely La Lumiere School (La Porte, Ind.) will be four schools from the private school pool.

On the public school side, things are still muddled, but Garfield (Seattle) is in after claiming the Washington Class 3A state title and so is Shadow Mountain (Phoenix) while University School (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.) and Norcross (Ga.) can clinch spots by winning state championships this weekend. This is not set in stone as a few other schools are making a late push for inclusion.

There is one storyline developing at Oak Hill Academy, where for the second straight week there’s an issue with a fifth-year player on the roster. Unbeknownst to school officials and coach Steve Smith, the student-athlete in question is from Canada is Maurice Calloo and played briefly as an eighth grader. However that player has been dismissed from the team and was a role player who played in just 19 games this season. He’s also being suspended from the school, according to sources to the situation. Apparently the player “duped the school’’ on his eligibility (he also attended St. Joseph in Huntington, W.Va.). OHA self-reported the issue when it recently discovered that player had appeared on a roster as an eight grader. This should not affect No. 2 Oak Hill’s eligibility for the GEICO Nationals and the Warriors remain in the Elite 25 rankings. Essentially OHA is exonerated.

OK, moving on in the world of prep basketball.

DeMatha (Hyattsville, Md.) added two key pieces of hardware to its trophy. The Stags won the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference and Maryland Private Schools titles and could complete the treble later this week in a remote city in western Maryland.

This weekend is the prestigious Alhambra Catholic Invitational Tournament to be played Thursday through Saturday at Frostburg State University in Maryland. Thursday’s first round pairings—featuring two teams from the Elite 25—are No. 9 Paul VI (Fairfax, Va.)-Bishop Walsh (Cumberland, Md.), 4 p.m.; Gonzaga (Washington, D.C.)-Mount St. Joseph (Baltimore), 5:45; St. Maria Goretti (Hagerstown, Md.)-No. 8 DeMatha (Hyattsville, Md.), 7:30; and St. Frances Academy (Baltimore)-Bishop O’Connell (Arlington, Va.), 9:15. Gonzaga and St. Frances are ranked in the East Region.

Hopefully the GEICO Nationals field will be revealed sooner than later but aforementioned eight teams should compose the field barring an upsets.

The Elite 25 rankings return on March 13 and state playoffs will once again play a prominent role. So enjoy the games wherever you are.

Hope to see you at one soon. – Christopher Lawlor

Blue Star Media Elite 25 Boys’ Basketball Rankings, March 6, 2018

1. Montverde (Fla.) Academy (32-0)

Previous rank: 1.

Low-down: The Eagles are idle until the GEICO Nationals tipping on March 29 in New York.

2. Oak Hill Academy, Mouth of Wilson, Va. (42-1)

Previous: 2.

Low-down: David McCormack doubled down with 19 points and 10 rebounds and Keyontae Johnson scored 18 as the Warriors defeated Knoxville (Tenn.) Christian, 96-50. Coach Steve Smith’s team has games scheduled for Friday and Saturday at home before a short respite and then preparation for the GEICO Nationals later this month in New York.

3. University School, Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (31-1)

Previous: 3.

Low-down: Won the Class 5A, Region 4 title, stopping Booker T. Washington (Miami), 66-43, in the final and Calvary Christian (Fort Lauderdale), 59-38, in the semifinals. The Sharks advance to the Class 5A semifinals against Tampa Catholic Wednesday. The final is Thursday. If they win 5A, an invite to the GEICO Nationals is inevitable.

4. Shadow Mountain, Phoenix (25-1)*

Previous: 4.

Low-down: Won second straight 4A state title. The Matadors next play at the GEICO Nationals in March 29 in New York. Regular season is complete.

5. Findlay Prep, Henderson, Nev. (29-4)

Previous: 6.

Low-down: Next up for the Pilots are the GEICO Nationals later this month in New York.

6. Simeon, Chicago (27-3)

Previous: 7.

Low-down: Won the Class 4A Reavis Regional, defeating Crete-Monee, 77-66, in the final and Reavis (Burbank), 79-41, in the semifinals

7. Bishop Montgomery, Torrance, Calif. (28-1)

Previous: 8.

Low-down: The Knights are back in it and have righted the ship after an upset lost as they clipped then-No. 25 Etiwanda, 65-51, in the CIF-Southern Section Open Division third-place game. That sets up a meeting with Mission Bay (San Diego) in the CIF-Southern California Region Open Division first round Friday. A likely matchup with No. 18 Sierra Canyon looms in the quarterfinals on March 13.

8. DeMatha, Hyattsville, Md. (29-5)* *

Previous: 10.

Low-down: It was a monumental week for the Stags, who won the Maryland Private School championship, defeating Riverdale Baptist School (Upper Marlboro), 67-51, in the final and Capital Christian Academy (Upper Marlboro), 48-46, in the semifinals. Also won first Washington Catholic Athletic Conference championship since 2011, beating then-No. 19 Gonzaga (Washington, D.C.), 54-53. Earl Timberlake scored 14 points. It was the school’s 40th basketball title and the seventh under coach Mike Jones.

9. Paul VI, Fairfax, Va. (32-3)*

Previous: 9.

Low-down: Won the Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association Division I championship, defeating Bishop O’Connell (Arlington), 58-40. Also stopped St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes School (Alexandria), 69-49, in the semifinals andPotomac School (McLean), 65-52, in the quarterfinals. The Panthers play in the 56th Alhambra Catholic Invitational Tournament starting Thursday against Bishop Walsh (Cumberland, Md.) in Frostburg, Md. The semifinals are Friday and the final is Saturday.

10. East, Memphis, Tenn. (27-3)

Previous: 12.

Low-down: Won Region 8-AAA title defeating Whitehaven (Memphis), 62-46, in the final and Ridgeway (Memphis), 92-54, in the semifinals. Played Cordova in Class AAA sectionals on Monday.

11. Salesian College Prep, Richmond, Calif. (30-1)

Previous: 14.

Low-down: Won the CIF-North Coast Section Division III title, stopping Campolindo (Moraga), 67-53, in the final and Hayward, 69-29, in the semifinals. The Pride plays Folsom in the CIF-Northern California Open Division first round on Friday.

12. Imhotep Charter, Philadelphia (26-2)

Previous: 16.

Low-down: Won Class AAAA City Title game, topping Conwell-Egan (Fairless Hills, Pa.), 99-48. The Panthers open their PIAA Class AAAA title defense on Friday against Kennard-Dale (Fawn Grove) in the first round.

13. Garfield, Seattle (28-1)*

Previous: 23.

Low-down: Won the Class 3A state tournament title, defeating Rainier Beach (Seattle), 72-63, in overtime. Tre Anderson’s three made free throws forced the extra session in the final. The Bulldogs also beat Eastside Catholic (Sammamish), 56-48, in the semifinals and O’Dea (Seattle), 73-53, in the quarterfinals. Next stop is the GEICO Nationals later this month in New York.

14. Clarkston, Mich. (19-1)

Previous: 17.

Low-down: The Wolves clinched the Oakland Activities Association Red Division title after beating Hazel Park, 48-38. Michigan State-bound Foster Loyer suffered a slight meniscus tear in his knee and may not be available for the playoffs. He’ll be re-evaluated this week but his teammates will open the Class A, District 13 playoffs against Lake Orion on Wednesday.

15. Westlake, Austin, Texas (35-3)

Previous: 18.

Low-down: Won the Class 6A, Region 4 title, defeating Lake Travis (Austin), 76-60, in the final, South San Antonio (San Antonio), 45-23, in the semifinals and San Antonio Wagner, 58-57, in the quarterfinals. Next up is Katy Tompkins in the 6A state semifinals Friday in San Antonio

16. Norcross, Ga. (28-3)

Previous: Not ranked.

Low-down: The Blue Devils are back in the Class AAAAAAA state final after defeating Newton, 86-66, in the semifinals. Brandon Boston tossed in 23 points and Kyle Sturdivant added 21 points and seven rebounds. Earlier in the week, the Blue Devils knocked off then-No. 11 McEachern (Powder Springs), 75-55, in the quarterfinals. Now they face Meadowcreek (Norcross) in the state final Saturday at Georgia Tech’s McCamish Pavilion.

17. Mater Dei, Santa Ana, Calif. (23-6)

Previous: Not ranked.

Low-down: The Monarchs re-enter the Elite 25 after beating then-No. 13 Sierra Canyon School (Chatsworth), 55-53, the CIF-Southern Section Open Division championship. Next up is rivals Fairfax (Los Angeles) in the CIF-Southern California Region Open Division first round Friday.

18. Sierra Canyon School, Chatsworth, Calif. (23-4)

Previous: 13.

Low-down: Lost to No. 17 Mater Dei (Santa Ana), 55-53 in the CIF-Southern Section Open Division final. Next up is Foothills Christian (El Cajon) in the CIF-Southern California Region Open Division first round Friday. The quarterfinals are March 13.

19. La Lumiere School, La Porte, Ind. (23-3)

Previous: 12.

Low-down: Regular season complete. The Lakers are in line for an invite to the GEICO Nationals.

20. Roselle (N.J.) Catholic (25-4)

Previous: 22.

Low-down: The Lions crushed three inferior foes to open the postseason. Kahlil Whitney’s 29 points proved too much in a 92-63 blow out of Immaculate (Montclair) in the Non-Public B North semifinals. They also beat Christ the King (Newark), 101-48, in the quarterfinals and Koinonia Academy (Plainfield), 90-51, in the first round. Next up is Gill St. Bernard (Gladstone) Wednesday in the sectional final.

21. Oak Ridge, Orlando, Fla. (26-4)

Previous: 22.

Low-down: Won Class 9A, Region 2 championship, defeating Osceola (Kissimmee), 57-54, in the final and Dr. Phillips (Orlando), 79-46, in the semifinals. Next up is West Orange (Winter Garden) in the 9A state semifinals on Friday in Lakeland.

22. Wasatch Academy, Mount Pleasant, Utah (24-2)

Previous: 20.

Low-down: The Tigers closed out the regular season beating Impact Academy (Las Vegas, Nev.), 81-64. Matt Bradley threw in a game-high 37 points. Season complete.

23. Long Island Lutheran, Brookville, N.Y. (22-2)

Previous: 24.

Low-down: Idle. The Crusaders await the New York State Federation Class AA semifinals.

24. Allen, Texas (32-5)

Previous: Not ranked.

Low-down: Upset then-No. 5 Denton Guyer, 40-36, in the Class 6A, Region I final. The Eagles carry a 10-game win streak into the 6A state semifinals on Friday against South Garland in San Antonio.

25.  Denton (Texas) Guyer (38-2)

Previous: 5.

Low-down: The Wildcats were upset in the Class 6A, Region I final, falling to No. 24 Allen, 40-36. Season complete.

Dropped: No. 11.McEachern, Powder Springs, Ga.; No. 19 Gonzaga, Washington, D.C.; and No. 25 Etiwanda, Calif.

High-Fives by Region

East

1. St. Frances Academy, Baltimore (35-5)*
2. Gonzaga, Washington, D.C. (27-7)
3. Plymouth-Whitemarsh, Plymouth Meeting, Pa. (27-1)
4. Christ the King, Middle Village, N.Y. (22-5)
5. Archbishop Stepinac, White Plains, N.Y. (23-5)

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

 Midwest

1. Orr, Chicago (27-4)
2. Warren Central, Indianapolis (28-0)
3. Curie, Chicago (25-4)
4. Hopkins, Minnetonka, Minn. (25-1)
5. Creighton Prep, Omaha, Neb. (23-1)

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

Southland

1. Cox Mill, Concord, N.C. (28-3)
2. Mountain Brook, Birmingham, Ala. (34-4)*
3. Scott County, Georgetown, Ky. (33-1)
4. Meridian, Miss. (31-1)
5. South Garland, Garland, Texas (36-3)

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

Far West

1. Jefferson, Portland, Ore. (24-3)
2. Gonzaga Prep, Spokane, Wash. (26-0)*
3. Bishop Gorman, Las Vegas (29-4)*
4. Etiwanda, Calif. (28-3)
5. Olympus, Salt Lake City (27-0)*

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

* Won state, national or conference/league postseason tournament championship

(Note some schools have won multiple tournament titles]

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. 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. Teams with fifth-year players cannot be ranked. 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 @clawlor.