Florida Boys Basketball Wrap-Up: The Best Teams for 2024-25

Columbus Complete Historic 4-Peat

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The high school basketball season has officially concluded in the Sunshine State, with the Columbus Explorers cementing their status as the No. 1 team after clinching victory at the Chipotle Nationals.

In addition to Columbus, what other top teams emerge now that the boys basketball season has wrapped up? We’re here to provide you with the final set of Power 25 rankings for boys basketball in Florida.

Here’s our complete assessment of Florida’s finest high school basketball teams for the 2024-2025 season, according to our rankings.

2024-25 Florida High School Boys Basketball Top 25 Rankings

1. Columbus (30-3)

Finishing the season atop the state’s high school boys basketball hierarchy are the Explorers, who secured the Class 7A state championship with a convincing win over Windermere. Columbus capped off a stellar season by triumphing at the Chipotle nationals, defeating Dynamic Prep 67-49.

2. IMG Academy (21-7)

The Ascenders endured a quick exit from the Chipotle nationals after a loss to the Sunrise Christian Academy Elite Buffaloes. Prior to that setback, IMG Academy managed to overcome Montverde Academy with a score of 68-62.

3. Montverde Academy (19-8)

Sliding down to the third position as the season comes to a close are the Eagles, who face a transition as coach Kevin Boyle heads to Ohio for a new opportunity. Montverde Academy concluded the season after a loss to Dynamic Prep, 67-52.

4. Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian (22-1)

The Eagles’ only defeat throughout the year happened early against Montverde Academy in a close 62-55 game. Other than that, Calvary Christian had a strong showing in Class 3A, dominating their competition.

5. West Oaks Academy (22-12)

West Oaks Academy saw a rise in the rankings a few weeks back, thanks to the Flames’ impressive performances throughout the season. Their narrow 10-point loss to Prolific Prep earlier this season speaks volumes about their talent.

6. St. Thomas Aquinas (30-2)

One of South Florida’s standout programs featured one of the state’s top talents with Florida State commitment Dwayne Wimbley Jr. The Raiders faced losses only against North Broward Prep and St. Frances Academy from Maryland. They secured the Class 6A title with a 71-63 win over Evans in Lakeland.

7. DME Academy (24-12)

DME Academy showcased a roster filled with potential, making them tough competition in the state. Senior point guard Mikel Brown Jr. was a standout throughout the season. Despite having played more games than any other team on this list, DME Academy ended their campaign with a narrow 78-72 loss to national powerhouse Prolific Prep.

8. Sagemont (22-8)

Sagemont brought back a talented core from last season, including shooting guard Matthew Able, who is already committed to the University of Miami (FL). They showcased their skills by defeating Victory Christian Academy for the Class 1A state championship, 84-59.

9. Stranahan (25-7)

Despite not being on our most recent list of teams, Stranahan made a statement by beating a highly skilled Gibbs squad to claim the Class 4A crown. They just edged out Gibbs after navigating one of the more challenging schedules from South Florida.

10. Gibbs (27-5)

The Gladiators seemed poised to secure another state championship until Stranahan upset Gibbs for the Class 4A title in a nail-biting finish, 63-62. Gibbs has enjoyed an impressive two-year stretch, and they are expected to remain competitive in the upcoming season.

11. Blake (24-5)

Blake, the other top team from the Tampa Bay area on this list, boasted the return of 2026 four-star forward Joe Philon. They faced off against Gibbs in the Class 4A playoffs, losing a close game, 50-49.

12. Evans (25-7)

The Trojans consistently climbed the rankings throughout the season, ultimately meeting a formidable St. Thomas Aquinas team during the Class 6A state finals. Evans concluded the year with a 71-63 loss, wrapping up a commendable season.

13. The Villages (26-6)

It was no surprise that the Buffaloes found themselves in a close game against a competitive Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian team, yet it was a bittersweet ending as they fell 66-64 to the Eagles, marking a tough conclusion to the 2024-2025 season.

14. Andrew Jackson (28-3)

The Tigers appeared primed for another successful postseason after being Class 4A state runners-up last year, but Andrew Jackson wasn’t able to return to the championship game, losing to The Villages, 57-55, in the Class 3A state semifinals.

15. Riviera Prep (22-10)

Despite Dante Allen transferring to Montverde Academy, the Bulldogs remained a force among South Florida’s elite. They proved their worth in the final moments of the season, defeating Lakeland Santa Fe Catholic for the Class 2A state title, 66-54.

16. Edgewater (20-9)

The Fighting Eagles came close to clinching the Class 6A title last year and aimed to make a return this season. However, Edgewater’s quest for glory was halted by Central Florida rival Evans, who defeated them 77-72.

17. Windermere (26-6)

While losing to a robust Columbus team in the Class 7A state championship doesn’t overshadow the Wolverines’ accomplishments this season, they earned notable victories, including one against last year’s runners-up, Oak Ridge, during the postseason.

18. Miami (22-6)

Staying in our rankings despite their sixth defeat—sustained against the eventual Class 7A state champion Columbus, with a score of 77-44—the Stingarees have established themselves as one of South Florida’s premier teams.

19. Oak Ridge (17-10)

The Pioneers faced a tough schedule, with losses coming to nationally recognized teams like Montverde Academy, IMG Academy, Gonzaga, Duncanville, and Pebblebrook. Last season’s standout, Providence commitment Jamier Jones, was a key player, but this year’s playoff run turned out to be shorter than anticipated, resulting in a significant drop for Oak Ridge in our final rankings.

20. Blanche Ely (20-9)

It’s imperative not to overlook the Class 5A state champion Tigers in our rankings. Early in the season, it was challenging to predict how this team would perform, yet ultimately, Blanche Ely was able to get by Ponte Vedra, 44-38, for the 5A crown.

21. Saint Andrew’s (26-4)

The Scots clinched the 5A crown with a close victory over Ponte Vedra, finishing 44-38. Although Saint Andrew’s postseason run in Class 3A came to an end against the eventual state champion Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian, their performance throughout the season demonstrated that they are truly contenders among the state’s elite.

22. Charlotte (22-7)

The Fightin’ Tarpons surged in the latter half of the season, raising hopes of a possible appearance in the Class 6A title game. However, Charlotte faced St. Thomas Aquinas in the semifinals and fell short with a score of 69-42.

23. Cardinal Gibbons (25-5)

Making their debut in the rankings this season are the Chiefs, who delivered impressive performances throughout the playoffs, though they were ultimately defeated by the eventual state champions, Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian, with a score of 72-58.

24. Sarasota (28-3)

The Sailors stood out as Sarasota County’s top team this season, showcasing their skills by advancing to the Class 7A state semifinals. Sarasota’s journey concluded with a loss to the runners-up, Windermere, resulting in a 59-39 score.

25. Hawthorne (20-3)

Playing in the Rural classification does not diminish Hawthorne’s ability to grab a spot in our rankings. They demonstrated dominance during the Rural playoffs, culminating in a commanding 59-38 win against Crossroad Academy.

  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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