Florida Boys Basketball Rankings: Columbus Holds Top Spot

Columbus is the back-to-back defending state champ

Image: SLAM HIGHLIGHTS | YouTube

High school basketball season is thriving across the nation, and the Sunshine State is home to an abundance of exciting action on the hardwood.

With the holidays of Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s firmly in the rearview, several national tournaments have concluded, showcasing many of Florida’s top teams.

So, which elite squads should we keep an eye on? We present our latest Power 25 rankings for boys basketball in Florida.

Here’s a comprehensive overview of the top high school basketball teams in Florida as we assess the 2024-2025 season rankings.

Florida High School Boys Basketball Power 25 Rankings

1. Columbus (13-3)

Fresh off another Class 7A state championship, the Explorers are aiming to cap off the Boozer twins’ tenure with one last trophy. This squad has once again fortified its roster with an array of transfers. The Explorers ascended to the top after a narrow 59-57 victory over Montverde Academy in the City of Palms championship game.

2. Montverde Academy (8-2)

The Eagles boast an impressive influx of talent this season, arguably making them one of the most skilled teams in the nation. The standout transfer is CJ Ingram, who has a commitment to Florida. Their only losses have come at the hands of Brewster Academy National and Columbus, but they’ve bounced back with wins against Legacy Early College and Southeastern Prep Academy.

3. IMG Academy (10-3)

Highlighted by Arkansas commitment Darius Acuff Jr. and Syracuse commit Sadiq White Jr., the Ascenders showcase another impressive collection of talent this season. Dominating a solid Oak Ridge team by 30 points at the City of Palms tournament reflects IMG’s prowess.

4. Oak Ridge (7-4)

For the Pioneers, their losses have come against highly ranked teams, including Montverde Academy, IMG Academy, Gonzaga, Duncanville, and Pebblebrook. Last season, Providence commitment Jamier Jones was the standout star, leading them to the Class 7A finals, while LSU commit Jameel Jones complements him to form a formidable pair.

5. West Oaks Academy (12-4)

West Oaks Academy recently climbed the rankings following a string of successful outings in their first 19 games. A close 10-point loss to Prolific Prep early in the season attests to their skill and potential.

6. Westminster Academy (4-5)

Westminster Academy, returning key players including Florida commitment Alex Lloyd, shouldn’t be overlooked despite their record. They’re currently one of the top teams in the state and have secured victories in their last four matches.

7. DME Academy (12-5)

DME Academy is poised to be among the state’s frontrunners this fall, with senior point guard Mikel Brown Jr. leading the charge. Having played the most games on this list, DME Academy’s most recent contest resulted in an 89-81 loss against powerhouse Prolific Prep.

8. Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian (9-0)

Senior small forward Shon Abaev stands out among a talented Eagles squad that has surged to eleven consecutive victories.

9. Gibbs (7-3)

The Gladiators, who secured last year’s Class 4A state championship, possess one of the finest lineups in the Tampa Bay area, with Jacob Daniels and O’Neal Delancy leading the way. Center Isaiah Medina bolsters this strong squad, which, despite a setback to St. Thomas Aquinas in the Kingdom of the Sun tournament, has rallied to win five games in a row.

10. Sagemont (11-3)

Sagemont brings back a talented roster from last season, featuring shooting guard Matthew Able, who has already committed to the University of Miami (FL). However, Sagemont has faced some recent challenges, suffering back-to-back losses to Blake and Windermere.

11. Riviera Prep (9-2)

Despite losing Dante Allen to Montverde Academy, the Bulldogs are expected to remain a competitive force in South Florida. They’ve dropped four consecutive games, but each came against a top-tier opponent, including the top-ranked Columbus.

12. The Rock School (14-2)

The Rock School consistently produces strong teams, and this season is no exception, with the return of Joseph Hartman (2026 3-star). We’re eagerly anticipating tonight’s matchup between The Rock National and Williston.

13. St. Thomas Aquinas (11-1)

The Raiders from South Florida feature standout player and Florida State commit Dwayne Wimbley Jr. Their sole loss came against St. Frances Academy from Maryland, and they recently triumphed over Gibbs (as detailed below) in the Kingdom of the Sun tournament final.

14. Western (9-3)

The Wildcats concluded last season after a postseason defeat to Columbus, but this year they boast another impressive lineup, highlighted by leading scorer Ethan Panton-Hazell. Western kicked off the season with a thrilling 51-48 win over Pembroke Pines, though they faced a narrow loss to St. Thomas Aquinas, 58-57. Their other setbacks came against Jefferson (New York) and Providence Christian Academy, and the Wildcats are currently on a four-game winning streak.

15. Blake (10-1)

Another notable team from the Tampa Bay area is the Yellow Jackets, who welcome back 2026 4-star forward Joe Philon. Blake recently secured victories over Gaither and Jefferson, following a loss to Gibbs.

16. St. Cloud (13-1)

The Bulldogs entered the rankings recently after knocking off area powers like Colonial and Lake Highland Prep. Impressive start so far for St. Cloud, with the only loss coming to Upperman (Tennessee).

17. Edgewater (8-6)

The Fighting Eagles came incredibly close to clinching the title in Class 6A, and with the talented roster they have returning, they stand a solid chance of making it back to the finals. Darius Washington’s transfer from Orlando Christian Prep has injected even more firepower into this already formidable team. Their losses have come against some highly competitive teams, including Blake, Columbus, Evans, Mater Dei (California), St. Thomas Aquinas, St. Joseph (California), and Riviera Prep.

18. Miami Country Day (10-2)

Even with defeats against Miami Northwestern and Miami Norland, we maintain the Spartans’ position in our rankings; they continue to show they are among South Florida’s stronger teams.

19. Andrew Jackson (13-1)

The Tigers were the Class 4A state runners-up last season and have the components needed to make another significant playoff run this winter. Andrew Jackson was undefeated until they faced Fleming Island, losing by just one point, 55-54. Since then, the Tigers have gone on to win seven consecutive contests.

20. Hialeah Educational Academy (6-3)

It’s a challenge to drop Hialeah Educational Academy from our rankings, particularly given their notable wins and competitive losses throughout their schedule.

21. Evans (9-3)

The Trojans have made a significant leap in the rankings after defeating Edgewater last week, with Evans laying claim to being Central Florida’s top team. Of their four losses, two have come against Windermere.

22. Gateway Charter (8-4)

The Griffins continue to rank strongly due to the caliber of their competition. After a loss to Blake on January 2nd, Gateway Charter has bounced back with four consecutive wins.

23. Miami (10-3)

The Stingarees remain in our rankings despite their recent setback against Sagemont, losing 72-65. Miami has proven to be one of the top teams emerging from South Florida.

24. The Villages (13-1)

Sophomore Aaron Britt Jr. has stood out as one of the top players in the 2027 class this season, averaging around 20 points per game. The Buffaloes’ latest defeat came against Gibbs, where they fell 61-56.

25. Windermere (11-2)

Following a narrow loss to Lake Highland Prep at the start of the season, the Wolverines have emerged as one of the best teams in the state. Their two victories over Evans have further established the Trojans’ strong season.

  1. Athletic Highlights

    Tufanua Ionatana Umu-Cais Joins 2026 Polynesian Bowl Roster

    2026 Englewood Cherry Creek DL offer Tufanua Umu-Cais

    2026 Englewood Cherry Creek DL offer Tufanua Umu-Cais

    Englewood (Colo.) Cherry Creek defensive lineman Tufanua Ionatana Umu-Cais has received an invitation to participate in the 2026 Polynesian Bowl, as announced on Tuesday.

    The standout player from Colorado expressed his excitement about this honor.

    “Being selected to the Polynesian Bowl is a huge honor,” stated Umu-Cais. “It’s a recognition of all the hard work, dedication, and sacrifices I’ve made, and it means even more knowing how much pride and history are connected to the game. I have seen many players in the Poly Bowl and even players that are in the league now. It is truly special to be a part of something like that.”

    Umu-Cais is eager to immerse himself in the experience in Hawaii.

    “I’m extremely excited,” he said. “The Polynesian culture is so rich, full of pride, family, and tradition. I’m looking forward to learning more, meeting new people, and embracing everything the experience has to offer. I am extremely excited to immerse myself in the Poly community because it’s my culture. I can’t wait to really put on for my family as well as my community.”

    This will mark his first visit to the Aloha State.

    “I haven’t been to Hawaii yet, so this will be my first time,” Umu-Cais shared. “I’m really looking forward to it—the beauty, the culture, and the experience of a lifetime.”

    Additionally, Umu-Cais is enthusiastic about the opportunity to compete alongside some of the nation’s top talents.

    “I do not know the roster yet and what players are going to be attending, but I look forward to meeting them and also competing,” he noted.

    The roster for the 2026 Polynesian Bowl includes early invitees such as Immanuel Iheanacho, Faizon Brandon, DJ Jacobs, Myson Johnson-Cook, Brandon Arrington, Chris Henry Jr., Kendre Harrison, Cederian Morgan, Honor Fa’alave-Johnson, Xavier Griffin, Kelsey Adams, Jamier Brown, George Toia, and Jett Washington.

    The 2027 Polynesian Bowl will feature early invites including Elijah Haven, Trent Seaborn, and Marcus Fakatou.

    Launched in 2017, the Polynesian Bowl saw its first Offensive MVP awarded to former Stanford all-purpose back Connor Wedington, while Buffalo Bills defensive lineman A.J. Epenesa earned the Defensive MVP. The following year, Kyler Gordon from the Chicago Bears and Tanner McKee from the Philadelphia Eagles were named Co-MVPs.

    The 2019 contest awarded co-MVP honors to Daniel Heimuli, a linebacker from Arizona, and Puka Nacua of the Los Angeles Rams. In 2020, Sol-Jay Maiava, the quarterback from BYU, and Meki Pei from Hawaii won co-MVP awards.

    The 2021 edition saw Travis Hunter from Colorado take home the offensive MVP title, while Jaishawn Barham of Michigan earned defensive MVP honors. In 2023, Nico Iamaleava, a quarterback from Tennessee, was named offensive MVP, and linebacker Andrew Harris garnered defensive MVP accolades.

    The 2024 game awarded offensive MVP to Mike Matthews from Tennessee and defensive MVP to David Stone of Oklahoma. Lastly, the 2025 contest featured co-MVPs on offense in Husan Longstreet from USC and Dakorien Moore from Oregon, while 2026 defensive lineman Deuce Geralds earned the defensive MVP honor.

    The tenth Polynesian Bowl is scheduled for January 16, 2026, in Honolulu and will be broadcasted by NFL Network.

    For more details on the 2026 Polynesian Bowl roster, go here.

    The eleventh Polynesian Bowl is slated for January 22, 2027, in Honolulu and will also be aired by NFL Network.

    For insights on the 2027 Polynesian Bowl roster, go here.

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  2. Athletic Highlights

    Creighton Secures Former MEAC Player of the Year Blake Harper

    DMV Hoop Session Interviews Suburban All Star Blake Harper

    DMV Hoop Session Interviews Suburban All Star Blake Harper

    Blake Harper, a standout freshman basketball player from Howard University, confirmed his transfer to Creighton University on Sunday through social media.

    Harper, who garnered both the MEAC Player and Rookie of the Year honors, shared his decision on Instagram @_bharp.

    “you can’t say i ain’t earn it??” he wrote. “RDJ”

    A Washington, D.C. native who previously played at Gonzaga College High School, Harper entered the transfer portal on March 24 and ultimately chose Creighton, turning down offers from LSU and Ohio State. Standing 6-foot-8, he also had the choice to return to Howard.

    Harper is set to join a Creighton team coached by Greg McDermott, who led the Bluejays to an impressive 25-11 overall record, including a 15-5 performance in the Big East Conference during the 2024-25 season. The Bluejays secured an NCAA Tournament spot and concluded the season ranked 24th in the USA Today Coaches poll.

    Throughout the 2024-25 season, Harper made an impact at Howard, starting in all 32 games and averaging 19.5 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 3.4 assists, contributing to the Bison’s 12-20 record, which included a 7-7 performance in the MEAC.

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  3. Athletic Highlights

    Which Teams Are Leading Michigan High School Baseball This Week?

    Bay City Western baseball ready for state semifinals

    Bay City Western baseball ready for state semifinals

    The Michigan high school baseball season has kicked off, and we’re here to deliver weekly rankings of the top teams across the state during the spring and summer months.

    Check out this week’s standout teams in the Mitten region.

    Michigan High School Baseball Rankings: Apr. 29

    1. Bay City Western (12-1)

    Bay City Western triumphed over Flint Powers Catholic 9-0 last Thursday but faced a setback with a 4-1 loss against Midland on Monday. The Warriors are gearing up for their next games against Lapeer on May 1 and Grand Blanc on May 5.

    2. De La Salle (12-2)

    The Pilots swept Auburn Hills Avondale on Saturday, winning both games 15-0, with game one ending after four innings and game two after three. De La Salle’s next challenge comes in the form of a doubleheader against Bloomfield Hills Brother Rice on April 30.

    3. Northville (14-1)

    The Mustangs notched wins against Hartland and two over Utica last week, followed by a victory against Howell on Monday. Northville is poised for a rematch against Howell on April 30.

    4. Dakota (11-4)

    After a heavy 10-0 loss to Rochester Adams last weekend, the Cougars bounced back with decisive wins against Sterling Heights Stevenson, claiming victories of 10-0 on Monday and 14-2 on Tuesday. Dakota is slated to face Stevenson two more times to wrap up their four-game series.

    5. Birmingham Brother Rice (11-6)

    The Warriors pulled off a sweep against Detroit Edison last week (2-0) and secured a 10-6 victory over Hartland on Friday. Up next, Brother Rice will face rival De La Salle for a doubleheader on April 30.

    6. Grosse Pointe South (18-2)

    With a win over Detroit Edison on Saturday, the Blue Devils set a new school record with their 15th consecutive victory. Although they stumbled against Anchor Bat on Monday, they have a chance for revenge on April 30 and May 1.

    7. Saline (15-1)

    The Hornets swept Chelsea in two games on Saturday and achieved a similar result against Ann Arbor Huron on Monday. With a five-game winning streak, Saline is stepping into the final match of their three-game series against Ann Arbor Huron on April 30.

    8. Orchard Lake St. Mary’s (10-8)

    OLSM traveled to Ohio over spring break, where they faced three games: an 8-7 defeat against Anthony Wayne, a 3-2 loss to Defiance on Saturday, and an 8-3 loss to Perrysburg later that day. The Eaglets are set to resume their Catholic League schedule on April 30 with a doubleheader against U of D Jesuit.

    9. Romeo (16-2)

    The Bulldogs are on an impressive seven-game winning streak, recently sweeping Stoney Creek on Saturday. They’ll look to maintain their momentum with a visit to Utica Ford next on May 1.

    10. Sterling Heights Stevenson (12-2)

    Stevenson is riding a three-game winning streak after defeating Anchor Bay twice on Saturday and mercying Dakota on Monday. The Titans will meet Dakota again on April 30 and May 1 before a brief pause, then face Utica Ford on May 5.

    11. Hudsonville (12-2)

    The Eagles wrapped up last week with a strong 5-1 record, including victories against Jenison and Rockford. Hudsonville is set to take on Rockford again on May 1 before hosting a doubleheader against Maple Valley the following day.

    12. Jenison (8-2)

    The Wildcats dominated Muskegon with a 15-0 win but narrowly lost to Hudsonville 9-8 last week. They split a doubleheader against Caledonia on Tuesday (W, 10-0; L, 3-2), with a rubber match scheduled for May 1.

    13. New Boston Huron (16-0)

    The Chiefs kept their unbeaten record intact last week with wins over Allen Park and Milan. They are set to play Flat Rock next on April 30 and have a matchup with Dearborn Divine Child on May 2.

    14. Detroit Catholic Central (10-6)

    The Shamrocks are currently on a four-game winning streak, most recently sweeping Portage Central on Tuesday. Up next, Detroit Catholic Central will face St. Francis de Sales in a doubleheader on April 30.

    15. West Bloomfield (8-3)

    The Lakers split a doubleheader with Rochester last week and followed that up with back-to-back wins against Groves, including an 8-1 victory on Tuesday. West Bloomfield will meet Groves once more on May 1 before taking on Stoney Creek on May 3.

    16. Dexter (13-6)

    The Dreadnaughts have struggled recently, dropping four of their last six games, including both matches in a doubleheader against Ann Arbor Skyline on Monday. They have another opportunity against Skyline on April 30 before heading to Adrian on May 3.

    17. Woodhaven (15-5)

    The Warriors have secured consecutive victories after experiencing two losses in a row, with their latest triumph coming against Dearborn Edsel Ford, winning 2-1 in a dramatic nine-inning game on Monday. Woodhaven’s upcoming opponents include Wyandotte on April 30, followed by Taylor on May 1.

    18. Rochester Adams (15-4)

    Rochester Adams holds a 2-2 record over its last four games, having recently suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Stoney Creek on Tuesday. The Highlanders have another chance to face Stoney Creek on May 2 before taking on Grosse Pointe North in a doubleheader on May 3.

    19. Trenton (13-3)

    The Trojans went 2-1 at the 9th Bob Kreszyn Classic on Saturday, achieving victories over Wayland and Flint Powers Catholic, with their only setback against Utica Ford. Additionally, Trenton triumphed over Taylor on Monday, and their next matchup is against Dearborn Edsel Ford on April 30.

    20. Midland (6-2)

    Midland upset the top-ranked team in the state, securing a 4-1 victory over Bay City Western on Monday. Despite a number of canceled games this season, the Chemics’ schedule is about to heat up, starting with a game against Davison on April 30.

    21. Pontiac Notre Dame Prep (9-5)

    Pontiac Notre Dame Prep faced a tough doubleheader against Flushing on Saturday, resulting in two losses, but bounced back on Monday with a solid 9-2 win over U of D Jesuit.

    22. Detroit Western (13-5)

    After a 12-7 win against Grosse Pointe North on Saturday, the Cowboys suffered an 8-3 loss to Grosse Pointe South later that day. However, they regained their momentum with a 5-2 victory over Cass Tech on Tuesday. Detroit Western is set to face Livonia Stevenson next on April 30.

    23. Grand Ledge (13-5)

    The Comets faced a tough defeat in a doubleheader against Okemos on Monday, breaking a four-game winning streak. Grand Ledge will aim to bounce back during a doubleheader against Lansing Everett on May 1.

    24. Mattawan (8-2-3)

    Mattawan has triumphed in four of its last five outings, although they faced a setback against Grandville, losing 4-3 on Saturday. The Wildcats will take on Gull Lake next in a doubleheader on April 30.

    25. Allen Park (8-5)

    The Jaguars managed to avoid a third consecutive loss by overpowering Lincoln Park with a decisive 15-0 win on Monday. Allen Park will look to build on this momentum as they prepare to host Taylor for a doubleheader on April 30.

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