As the 2024-25 high school basketball season heats up, ESPN has released their updated SCNext Top 25 rankings, highlighting the nation’s top boys’ teams. In a stunning turn of events, IMG Academy of Bradenton, Florida has reclaimed the No. 1 spot after an impressive week on the court.
IMG Academy Rises to the Top
The Ascenders, who currently boast a 7-1 record, made a strong case for the top ranking with a trio of victories last week. Most notably, IMG took down previous No. 21 Oak Hill Academy in a thrilling 80-71 contest.
Leading the charge for IMG was none other than 5-star Arkansas commit Darius Acuff, the nation’s No. 7 prospect in the ESPN 100. Acuff put on a show, dropping 27 points and dishing out 8 assists in the statement win. Not to be outdone, Syracuse signee Sadiq White (ESPN 100 No. 16) added an efficient 19 points on 9-of-10 shooting.
Brewster Academy Making Noise
While IMG Academy sits atop the rankings, No. 4 Brewster Academy is a team to keep a close eye on. The New Hampshire powerhouse is off to a scorching 9-1 start, with their only loss coming in a narrow 59-57 defeat to Montverde Academy, last week’s No. 1 team.
Brewster bounced back in a big way, taking down Montverde 59-47 in a rematch behind a dominant 20-point, 9-rebound performance from James Madison signee James Fowler. The win not only avenged their earlier loss but also solidified Brewster’s place among the nation’s elite.
A Deep and Talented Field
Rounding out the top five are California’s Prolific Prep at No. 2, Florida’s Columbus High School at No. 3, and Missouri’s Link Academy at No. 5. These teams, along with the rest of the SCNext Top 25, represent the cream of the crop in high school basketball.
Notable risers in the rankings include Utah’s Wasatch Academy, who climbed from No. 19 to No. 13 after an undefeated week, and Texas’ San Antonio Brennan, who jumped from No. 23 to No. 15 on the strength of a perfect 10-0 record.
The Road Ahead
As the season progresses, fans can expect plenty of movement in the rankings as these talented teams jockey for position. With showcases like the Hoophall Classic and City of Palms Classic on the horizon, there will be no shortage of opportunities for teams to prove themselves against top-tier competition.
One thing is for certain: the 2024-25 high school basketball season is shaping up to be one for the ages. With a deep pool of talented teams and elite prospects, the battle for supremacy will be fierce. As ESPN’s SCNext Top 25 rankings continue to evolve, one question remains: who will ultimately emerge as the nation’s top team?
This season is going to be special. The level of talent and competition across the country is incredible, and we can’t wait to see how it all unfolds.
– A source close to the high school basketball scene
For now, IMG Academy sits atop the throne, but with challengers like Brewster Academy, Prolific Prep, and a host of other elite programs nipping at their heels, the Ascenders will have to bring their A-game each and every night to maintain their grip on the No. 1 ranking.
As the season marches on, basketball fans across the nation will be treated to a spectacle of top-tier talent, fierce rivalries, and unforgettable moments. The journey to the top of the SCNext Top 25 is just beginning, and the basketball world will be watching with bated breath to see which team will ultimately claim the crown.
