The heated battle for national high school basketball supremacy has a new No. 1 this week, as Florida’s IMG Academy vaulted eight spots to claim the top ranking in the latest SCNext Top 25.
Coach Sean McAloon’s IMG squad sent shockwaves through the prep hoops world with statement wins over nationally-ranked opponents La Lumiere (64-54) and Arizona Compass Prep (64-62) to open the 2024-25 campaign at 3-0. Five-star Arkansas commit Darius Acuff, ESPN’s No. 8 overall recruit, sparked the Ascenders with 25 points and 5 assists, including a clutch game-winner to edge AZ Compass.
“Darius stepped up and showed why he’s an elite player on the biggest stage,”
– an IMG assistant coach told ESPN.
Long Island Lutheran (NY) checks in at No. 2 after a dominant 74-35 season-opening rout of St. Joe’s Collegiate. Syracuse-bound star Kiyan Anthony, son of NBA legend Carmelo Anthony and the No. 36 prospect in the ESPN 100, headlines a talented LuHi roster.
Brennan Makes Noise in Texas
San Antonio Brennan surged into the Top 5 this week on the strength of an impressive 10-0 start. The Bears have already toppled three ranked foes this season, more than any other team in the country.
Much of Brennan’s early success can be attributed to the stellar play of Houston signee Kingston Flemings. The versatile 6’6″ wing, ranked No. 21 in the ESPN 100, is stuffing the stat sheet to the tune of 22 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists per game while showcasing his advanced scoring arsenal.
Historic Ranking for Mount Zion
Mount Zion Prep (MD) cracked the Top 25 for the first time in program history, coming in at No. 12 after an undefeated 8-0 start that included victories over western powers Prolific Prep (CA) and Utah Prep.
“This is a monumental achievement for our team and a testament to the hard work our guys have put in,”
– Mount Zion head coach exclaimed to local media after learning of the historic ranking.
Best of the Rest
Perennial powerhouses fill out the remainder of this week’s rankings:
- Defending GEICO Nationals champion Montverde Academy (FL) sits at No. 3
- Prolific Prep (CA), led by 5-star junior Donovan Blythe, comes in at No. 8
- Storied Virginia programs Oak Hill Academy (No. 24) and Paul VI (No. 23) remain ranked
As the season progresses, expect fierce competition and ample movement in the rankings as elite teams jockey for position and star recruits aim to make their mark. High-profile upcoming tournaments like the Kevin Durant MLK Classic and Spalding Hoophall Classic offer ranked squads prime opportunities to bolster their resumes against top-flight competition.
Stay tuned as SCNext tracks all the action and brings you the latest Top 25 rankings each week, highlighting the teams and players poised to dominate the national high school basketball landscape in 2024-25.
