SBLive/Sports Illustrated Power 25: Montverde Academy back on top of national high school boys basketball rankings (Feb. 6)

When Montverde Academy (Florida) began the 2022-23 season ranked No. 1 in the country, it was coming off of a GEICO Nationals championship and returned a roster full of five-star prospects.

Nearly four months and several changes atop the SBLive/Sports Illustrated Power 25 later, the Eagles are back on top.

The Eagles are the top-ranked squad for the first time since opening week, and this time they earned the position with multiple wins over ranked opponents — the most recent being the former No. 1 team.

Montverde (22-2) once again sits at No. 1 in the nation following its takedown of former No. 1 Link Academy (Missouri), which was previously unbeaten. The Eagles asserted their dominance in a 84-58 romping of the Lions at the Metro Classic in New Jersey, picking up their fifth win of the season over a nationally-ranked opponent. It wouldn't be their last ranked win of the week, as they knocked off No. 23 Roselle Catholic the next day for their sixth Power 25 win.

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Last week was a bloody one for Power 25 teams. Seven different teams suffered a loss, including four of the top 11. Despite the carnage, no teams fell from or joined the national rankings.

Find the complete breakdown of the 12th update to the SBLive/SI Power 25 below:

The Power 25 is a collaboration between SBLive and Sports Illustrated. Power 25 rankings are compiled by SBLive reporter Zach Shugan based on observations and conversations with an extensive network of coaching and media sources across the country. Reach Zach on Twitter @ZachShugan or email him at zshugan@gmail.com.

SBLIVE/SI POWER 25 NATIONAL BOYS BASKETBALL RANKINGS

Feb. 6, 2023

1. Montverde Academy (Montverde, Fla.) (22-2)

Last ranking: 3

Up next: Feb. 10 vs. No. 9 IMG Academy (Fla.)

Montverde Academy treated last week's daunting three-game slate like a walk in the park. The Eagles went 3-0 at the Metro Classic in New Jersey, defeating La Lumiere (Indiana) and No. 23 Roselle Catholic (New Jersey) in addition to their win over No. 2 Link Academy (Missouri).

2. Link Academy (Branson, Mo.) (23-1)

Last ranking: 1

Up next: Feb. 10 vs. Winston-Salem Christian (North Carolina)

After opening the season with 23 consecutive wins, Link Academy hit a wall against new No. 1 Montverde Academy (Fla.) at the Metro Classic in New Jersey. The Lions trailed Montverde 29-7 after one quarter in a game and ended up losing by 26 points in a game that was never particularly close.

3. Duncanville (Duncanville, Tex.) (24-1)

Last ranking: 2

Up next: Feb. 6 vs. Mansfield (Tex.)

Duncanville went on the road and beat Waxahachie (Tex.) 67-54 to extend its win streak to nine games. Four players scored in double digits for the Panthers, led by five-star Texas signee and McDonald’s All-American Ron Holland (21 points).

4. Prolific Prep (Napa, Calif.) (24-1)

Last ranking: 4

Up next: Feb. 10 vs. Quality Education Academy (N.C.)

Prolific Prep went 2-0 at the Thoroughbred Classic in Kentucky, taking down Hamilton Heights (Tennessee) and Premier Prep (Arizona). Highly-touted freshman Tyran Stokes posted 17 points, eight boards and eight assists in the Crew’s 113-85 win over Premier Prep.

5. St. Paul VI (Chantilly, Va.) (22-1)

Last ranking: 5

Up next: Feb. 7 vs. St. Mary’s Ryken (Maryland)

St. Paul VI got a little too close for comfort in a 69-65 win over Bishop McNamara (Md.). The Panthers looked much more dominant later in the week in a 97-45 win against The Heights (Md.). The win streak for PVI is now up to 15 games, with the team’s only loss this season coming to No. 6 Columbus (Fla.) on Dec. 21 at the City of Palms Classic.

6. Columbus (Miami, Fla.) (20-3)

Last ranking: 6

Up next: District Playoffs vs. TBD

Columbus wrapped up its regular season with an 87-48 win against Southwest (Fla.) on senior night. It was the only outing last week for the Explorers, who have won 11 games in a row since falling to No. 16 John Marshall (Va.) on Dec. 29 at the Chick-Fil-A Classic.

7. Corona Centennial (Corona, Calif.) (25-3)

Last ranking: 9

Up next: Feb. 10 vs. Sierra Canyon

Corona Centennial closed out the regular season with league wins over Roosevelt and Corona, making it 15 straight wins to finish the slate. Up next for Jared McCain and company is a duel with Bronny James and Sierra Canyon (Calif.) in pool play of the CIF Southern Section Open Division playoffs.

8. Camden (Camden, N.J.) (19-2)

Last ranking: 10

Up next: Feb. 9 vs. Bishop Eustace (N.J.)

Camden went 2-0 last week, including an 80-57 win over No. 15 Combine Academy (N.C.). The game was played in Kentucky, giving basketball fans in the state a chance to see University of Kentucky signees DJ Wagner and Aaron Bradshaw. The five-star duo combined for 37 points in the Panthers’ third win against a ranked team this season.

9. IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.) (16-6)

Last ranking: 11

Up next: Feb. 10 vs. No. 1 IMG Academy (Fla.)

IMG Academy hosted and defeated No. 11 Sunrise Christian (Kansas) to split the season series 1-1 with the Buffaloes. The win over a former top 10 team helped offset home losses last week to Legacy Early College (South Carolina) and DME Academy (Fla.), the latter of which came on a stunning buzzer beater. A win over No. 1 Montverde Act (Fla.) this week could vault the Ascenders even higher in the national rankings.

10. AZ Compass Prep (Chandler, Ari.) (18-5)

Last ranking: 7

Up next: Feb. 9 vs. Bella Vista Prep (Ari.)

AZ Compass Prep fell to No. 15 Combine Academy (N.C.) 56-55 at the Court XIV Classic in Charlotte. The loss came one day after Compass edged out 1 of 1 Academy (N.C.) 66-61 in a game that was tied in the final minutes. The Dragons have lost four of their last five ranked matchups, with two of those losses coming at the hands of No. 9 IMG Academy (Fla.).

11. Sunrise Christian (Bel Aire, Kan.) (14-6)

Last ranking: 8

Up next: Feb. 10 vs. Huntington Prep (West Virginia)

Sunrise lost on the road at No. 9 IMG Academy (Fla.) 73-61, its third loss in the past five games. The Buffaloes got back on track Friday with a win over formerly-ranked Wasatch Academy (Utah) in NIBC play.

12. Long Island Lutheran (Brookville, N.Y.) (14-2)

Last ranking: 12

Up next: Feb. 10 vs. Oak Hill Academy (Va.)

Long Island Lutheran went 2-0 at the Metro Classic in New Jersey. In addition to a dominant win against fellow NIBC team Bishop Walsh (Md.), the Crusaders handled former Power 25 squad Calvary Christian (Fla.) 72-47. Jayden Reid dropped 22 points, and VJ Edgecombe added 15 points and five rebounds.

13. Imhotep Charter (Philadelphia, Pa.) (19-3)

Last ranking: 13

Up next: Playoffs vs. TBD

Imhotep finished the regular season with a 3-0 week, which included a win over Oak Hill Academy (Va.) at Morgan State University. The Panthers will take on the winner of King vs. Simon Gratz in the Philadelphia Public League playoffs.

14. Harvard-Westlake (Studio City, Calif.) (28-1)

Last ranking: 15

Up next: Feb. 10 vs. St. Bernard (Calif.)

Harvard-Westlake defeated formerly-ranked Notre Dame (Calif.) for the second time this season to take home the Mission League championship. The team’s only game this week is a matchup with St. Bernard (Calif.) in pool play of the CIF Southern Section Open Division playoffs. Next week the Wolverines are scheduled to take on No. 18 West Ranch (Calif.) in their third and final game of pool play.

15. Combine Academy (Lincolnton, N.C.) (28-4)

Last ranking: 16

Up next: Winston-Salem Christian Regional (N.C.)

Combine Academy took on two top 10 teams last week. One game went well for the Goats, and the other did not. Combine lost by 23 points to No. 8 Camden (N.J.) in a game that was never competitive, but it rebounded with a one-point win over No. 10 AZ Compass Prep (Ari.) the next night. USC signee Silas Demary put the Goats ahead at the free-throw line with less than three seconds remaining, as they picked up their third win over a nationally-ranked team this season.

16. John Marshall (Richmond, Va.) (20-0)

Last ranking: 14

Up next: Feb. 7 vs. Hermitage (Va.)

John Marshall rolled past Deep Run (Va.) 96-43 in its only game last week. The Justices have one opponent, Hermitage (Va.), remaining on their regular season slate.

17. West Linn (West Linn, Ore.) (18-1)

Last ranking: 17

Up next: Feb. 7 vs. Oregon City (Ore.)

West Linn beat Tigard (Ore.) by 20 points before a much closer 60-54 win over Tualatin (Ore.). Since taking their first loss of the season on the road at De La Salle (Calif.), the Lions have won five games in a row.

18. West Ranch (Valencia, Calif.) (27-1)

Last ranking: 18

Up next: Feb. 10 vs. St. John Bosco

West Ranch finished the regular season with emphatic wins over Golden Valley (Calif.) and Castaic (Calif.). The Wildcats earned the No. 3 seed in the CIF Southern Section Open Division playoffs and are scheduled to play St. John Bosco in pool play. Next week they’ll meet up with No. 14 Harvard-Westlake in their final game of pool play, with the winner from both pools squaring off in the finals Feb. 25 at the Honda Center in Anaheim.

19. Perry (Gilbert, Ari.) (25-1)

Last ranking: 19

Up next: Feb. 8 vs. Cienega (Ari.)

Perry closed out the regular season with a 3-0 week against section foes Basha, Brophy College Prep and Hamilton. The Pumas will take on Cienega in the first round of the AIA Open state playoffs. Win and they could see a rematch with Pinnacle — the only team to beat Perry this season — in the second round of the state playoffs.

20. Ben Davis (Indianapolis, Ind.) (22-0)

Last ranking: 20

Up next: Feb. 7 vs. Covenant Christian (Ind.)

The Giants did not play last week. They’ll be in action twice this week, as they’re set to take on Covenant Christian (Ind.) and Lawrence North (Ind.).

21. St. John’s (Washington, D.C.) (21-2)

Last ranking: 21

Up next: Feb. 7 vs. No. 24 Gonzaga (D.C.)

St. John’s took care of business in a 3-0 week against WCAC teams The Heights (Md.), Bishop O’Connell (Va.) and Archbishop Carroll (D.C.). The Cadets will have a chance to pick up their second win this season over a Power 25 team when they face off with No. 24 Gonzaga (D.C.) at home Tuesday night.

22. Dream City Christian (Glendale, Ari.) (26-4)

Last ranking: 23

Up next: Feb. 15 vs. Bella Vista Prep (Ari.)

Dream City Christian went 2-0 in Kentucky at the Thoroughbred Classic, picking up wins over Accelerated Prep (Colorado) and Tennessee Prep (Tenn.) Sophomore Alejandro Aviles led the Eagles with 14 points and 14 rebounds in the 84-71 win over Tennessee Prep.

23. Roselle Catholic (Roselle, N.J.) (12-5)

Last ranking: 24

Up next: Feb. 6 vs. Newark Central (N.J.)

Roselle Catholic’s seven-game win streak came to an end against No. 1 Montverde Academy (Fla.), but it showed fight in the 84-62 loss at the Metro Classic. Prior to that, the Lions beat Peddie (N.J.) by 45 points and took down formerly-ranked Calvary Christian (Fla.) 69-64.

24. Gonzaga (Washington D.C.) (20-4)

Last ranking: 22

Up next: Feb. 7 vs. No. 21 St. John’s (D.C.)

Since starting the season 16-0, the Eagles have lost four of their last eight games. Their most recent stumble came against WCAC power DeMatha (Md.), but they got back on track with wins over Bishop Ireton (Va.) and St. Frances (Md.). They could continue rebuilding their confidence and national resume with a win over No. 21 St. John’s (D.C.) on the road Tuesday night.

25. Beaumont United (Beaumont, Tex.) (27-1)

Last ranking: 25

Up next: Feb. 7 vs. Humble (Tex.)

Wesley Yates and company added victories against Summer Creek (Tex.) and West Brook (Tex.) to extend their win streak to 26 games.

ON THE BUBBLE

Don Bosco (Ramsey, N.J.) (20-2)

Lake Highlands (Dallas, Tex.) (24-3)

Simeon (Chicago, Illinois) (23-3)

Carmel Christian (Matthews, N.C.) (25-3)

Sierra Canyon (Chatsworth, Calif.) (20-7)

Neumann-Goretti (Philadelphia, Pa.) (16-2)

Mount St. Joseph (Baltimore, Md.) (27-3)

Wheeler (Marietta, Ga.) (16-6)

Red Rock (Las Vegas, Nev.) (16-0)

Liberty (Henderson, Nev.) (15-8)