SBLive/Sports Illustrated Power 25: West Linn (Oregon) debuts in national high school boys basketball rankings (Jan. 2)
The biggest high school basketball story of the week came from the Portland suburbs.
West Linn (Oregon) knocked off No. 16 Sierra Canyon and national No. 1 Duncanville on consecutive days to win the Les Schwab Invitational championship, earning its debut in the SBLive/Sports Illustrated Power 25 national rankings at No. 17.
The Lions (10-0) are led by Oregon commit Jackson Shelstad, who led a memorable MVP-winning tournament performance (33 points per game), as well as guard Adrian Mosley and Division I football commits Mark Hamper (Idaho) and Sam Leavitt (Michigan State).
Duncanville suffered its first loss of the season at the hands of West Linn, so for the third week in a row, there's a new No. 1 in the national high school boys basketball rankings: Prolific Prep (California).
The undefeated Crew (17-0) have steadily climbed their way to the top since entering the season ranked No. 6 in the country.
Prolific Prep took the throne following a 3-0 week at the John Wall Holiday Invitational in North Carolina. Led by sharpshooting backcourt members Aden Holloway and Trey Green, fierce big men Michael Nwoko and Yves Missi, plus star freshman Tyran Stokes, the Crew notched wins over No. 15 Combine Academy, formerly-ranked Word of God and Cannon to win their bracket at the tournament.
West Linn (Ore.), John Marshall (Virginia) and Gonzaga (D.C.) debuted in the rankings after taking down ranked opponents, while Roselle Catholic (New Jersey), Carmel Christian (N.C.) and American Fork (Utah) fell from the top 25 following losses.
Find the complete breakdown of the seventh 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
Jan. 2, 2023
1. Prolific Prep (Napa, Calif.) (17-0)
Last ranking: 3
Up next: Jan. 6 vs. Our Savior Lutheran (New York)
Prolific Prep went to North Carolina for the John Wall Holiday Invitational and took down three of the state’s best teams to win a championship, including No. 15 Combine Academy and formerly-ranked Word of God. Auburn signee Aden Holloway earned tournament MVP honors and was joined on the all-tournament team by teammates Trey Green and Tyran Stokes.
2. Link Academy (Branson, Mo.) (15-0)
Last ranking: 2
Up next: Jan. 7 vs. Pembroke Hill (Mo.)
The Lions finished 2022 with a trip to New York City for the Jordan Holiday Classic, where they defeated Our Savior Lutheran and George School to remain undefeated. Five-star junior Elliot Cadeau announced his commitment to North Carolina prior to one of the team’s games.
3. Duncanville (Duncanville, Tex.) (15-1)
Last ranking: 1
Up next: Jan. 3 vs. Cedar Hill (Tex.)
Duncanville’s magical run to open the season came to a halt with a stunning loss to previously-unranked West Linn (Oregon) in the championship of the Les Schwab Invitational. The Panthers’ path to the tournament final included a win over No. 24 Bishop Gorman (Nevada).
4. AZ Compass Prep (Chandler, Ari.) (10-2)
Last ranking: 4
Up next: Jan. 2 vs. Red Rock Academy (Nev.)
AZ Compass Prep hasn’t played since Dec. 17, when it beat Legacy (Tex.) at Hoophall South. The Dragons received a present over the holidays when shooting guard Jamar Phillips, a four-star junior committed to the University of Arizona, decided to transfer to the program from Modesto Christian (Calif.).
5. Montverde Academy (Montverde, Fla.) (9-2)
Last ranking: 5
Up next: Jan. 5 vs. No. 6 Sunrise Christian (Kansas)
The last time Montverde took the court on Dec. 21, it beat Milton (Georgia) to take third place at the ‘Iolani Classic after falling to Mount St. Joseph (Maryland) in the semifinals. The Eagles will look to continue rebuilding momentum with a couple of strong wins this week when they visit La Porte, Indiana, for NIBC matchups with No. 6 Sunrise Christian (Kan.) and Wasatch Academy (Utah).
6. Sunrise Christian (Bel Aire, Kan.) (9-2)
Last ranking: 6
Up next: Jan. 5 vs. No. 5 Montverde Academy (Fla.)
The Buffaloes closed out their 2022 slate a couple weeks ago with wins over Oak Ridge (Fla.) and Roselle Catholic (New Jersey), ranked No. 12 at the time, at Hoopfest in Paradise in the Bahamas. They’ll need to quickly shake off any rust, as they’re set to take on No. 5 Montverde Academy (Fla.) and No. 12 IMG Academy (Fla.) in Indiana this week.
7. Imhotep Charter (Philadelphia, Pa.) (9-1)
Last ranking: 7
Up next: Jan. 3 vs. Constitution (Pa.)
Imhotep fell to No. 14 Long Island Lutheran (New York) at the Jordan Holiday Classic in New York City but bounced back from its first loss of the season with a home win over Simon Gratz (Pa.) later in the week. The Panthers will travel to Illinois this week for a clash with No. 21 Simeon (Illinois) on Jan. 7.
8. Columbus (Miami, Fla.) (10-3)
Last ranking: 9
Up next: Jan. 4 vs. No. 10 Camden (N.J.)
Columbus defeated W.J. Keenan by 32 points in the third place game of the Chick-Fil-A Classic after losing in the semifinals to newly-ranked John Marshall (Virginia), adding to losses this season against No. 3 Duncanville (Tex.) and No. 7 Imhotep Charter (Pa.). The Explorers have wins over No. 9 St. Paul VI (Va.) and No. 20 Wheeler, and they have a chance to pick up their third ranked win this week against No. 10 Camden (N.J.).
9. St. Paul VI (Chantilly, Va.) (9-1)
Last ranking: 12
Up next: Jan. 3 vs. St. Mary’s Ryken (Md.)
Coming off its third-place finish at the City of Palms Classic, where it lost to No. 8 Columbus (Fla.) but beat No. 20 Wheeler (Ga.), St. Paul VI earned a quality win over Archbishop Stepinac (N.Y.) last week. The Panthers open league play in the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference this week with games against St. Mary’s Ryken (Md.), Our Lady of Good Counsel (Md.) and Bishop O’Connell (Va.).
10. Camden (Camden, N.J.) (7-0)
Last ranking: 14
Up next: Jan. 4 vs. No. 8 Columbus (Fla.)
Five-star Kentucky signees DJ Wagner and Aaron Bradshaw have Camden off to a scorching hot start. The undefeated Panthers are winning by an average margin of 32 points through seven games, but they’ll have their toughest test yet this week when they face off with No. 8 Columbus.
11. Corona Centennial (Corona, Calif.) (11-3)
Last ranking: 10
Up next: Jan. 3 vs. M.L. King Riverside (Calif.)
Jared McCain and company lost for the third time in five weeks, as five-star junior Dylan Harper and Don Bosco (N.J.) beat Corona Centennial 65-63 at the John Wall Holiday Invitational in North Carolina. Following trips to Texas, Arizona, Florida and North Carolina, the Huskies will be back in California for the next couple weeks. They’re set to take on M.L. King Riverside (Calif.) on Tuesday in their first home game since Nov. 21, and they’ll see formerly-ranked Notre Dame (Calif.) on Saturday.
12. IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.) (7-2)
Last ranking: 8
Up next: Jan. 3 vs. St. John’s (DC)
IMG Academy got past Providence Day (N.C.) and The Rock (Fla.) in the first two rounds of the American bracket at the Chick-Fil-A Classic, but the Ascenders were upset by Huntington Prep (West Virginia) 67-46 in the championship game. They’ll head to the nation’s capital this week looking to hand St. John’s (DC), which won the Torrey Pines Holiday Classic last week, its first loss of the season.
13. Harvard-Westlake (Studio City, Calif.) (16-1)
Last ranking: 11
Up next: Jan. 6 vs. Alemany (Calif.)
The Wolverines entered last week unbeaten and took care of business in the first three rounds of the platinum division at the Damien Classic, picking up wins over Narbonne (Calif.), Etiwanda (Calif.) and Curtis (Wash.), but they came up short to Liberty (Nev.) in the championship game.
14. Long Island Lutheran (Brookville, N.Y.) (7-2)
Last ranking: 21
Up next: Jan. 5 vs. Bishop Walsh (Md.)
Long Island Lutheran had one of the best weeks of any Power 25 team, as it gave No. 7 Imhotep (Pa.) its first loss of the season at the Jordan Holiday Classic in New York City and added a win over Lancaster at Hoophall East in Delaware. Since losing back-to-back games to No. 5 Montverde Academy (Fla.) and No. 12 IMG Academy (Fla.) early in the season, the Crusaders have won six games in a row.
15. Combine Academy (Lincolnton, N.C.) (18-3)
Last ranking: 13
Up next: Jan. 4 vs. Elevation Prep (N.C.)
After losing to Huntington Prep (W.V.) the previous week for its first loss of the season, Combine Academy couldn’t take down new No. 1 Prolific Prep (Calif.) in the semifinals of the John Wall Holiday Invitational. The Goats followed that up with a two-point loss to Winston-Salem Christian (N.C.) the next day in the third place game of the TJ Warren bracket.
16. Perry (Gilbert, Ari.) (15-0)
Last ranking: 15
Up next: Jan. 3 vs. Pinnacle (Ari.)
The Pumas were off last week after going 4-0 the previous week at the Visit Mesa Challenge. They’ll be back in action this week against in-state teams Pinnacle and St. Mary’s. Some of Perry’s top victories this year include Cardinal Hayes (N.Y.), San Ysidro (Calif.) and Liberty (Ari.).
17. West Linn (West Linn, Ore.) (10-0)
Last ranking: Unranked
Up next: Jan. 3 vs. Nelson (Ore.)
What a week it was for West Linn, which took down defending Oregon state champion Tualatin and No. 22 Sierra Canyon (Calif.) before shocking the country with a takedown of former No. 1 Duncanville (Tex.). University of Oregon signee Jackson Shelstad took home tournament MVP honors after averaging 33 points, 7.5 rebounds and 2.5 assists over four games.
18. West Ranch (Valencia, Calif.) (15-1)
Last ranking: 19
Up next: Jan. 3 vs. Hart (Calif.)
Following a loss to Rancho Christian (Calif.), their first defeat of the season, the Wildcats avoided disaster with a comeback win over formerly-ranked Notre Dame (Calif.) at the Classic at Damien. They finished the week by beating Etiwanda (Calif.) 61-52 in consolation play of the platinum division.
19. John Marshall (Richmond, Va.) (10-0)
Last ranking: Unranked
Up next: Jan. 7 vs. Bird (Va.)
There’s only one team in the country (see: No. 17) which had a better week than John Marshall. The Justices went to South Carolina for the Chick-Fil-A Classic and went 3-0 against Greensboro Day (N.C.), No. 8 Columbus (Fla.) and No. 20 Wheeler (Ga.) to win the American bracket championship.
20. Wheeler (Marietta, Ga.) (8-4)
Last ranking: 18
Up next: Jan. 7 vs. No. 22 Sierra Canyon (Calif.)
After resounding wins over River Bluff (S.C.) and Keenan (S.C.), Wheeler took a knock from newly-ranked John Marshall (Va.) in the championship of the American bracket at the Chick-Fil-A Classic in South Carolina. The national tour continues this week for the Wildcats, who will take on No. 22 Sierra Canyon (Calif.) at the University of Southern California this weekend, and they’ll see No. 24 Bishop Gorman (Nev.) next weekend at the Spalding Hoophall Classic in Springfield, Massachusetts.
21. Simeon (Chicago, Illinois) (12-0)
Last ranking: 22
Up next: Jan. 6 vs. Cathedral (Ind.)
Simeon kept its record untarnished by going 4-0 at the Pontiac Holiday Tournament, defeating in-state opponents St. Charles North, Curie, Pontiac and Benet Academy. Their next three games are big ones, as they’re set to take on bubble team Cathedral (Ind.) and No. 7 Imhotep Charter (Pa.) this week and formerly-ranked Kenwood (Ill.) next week.
22. Sierra Canyon (Chatsworth, Calif.) (13-3)
Last ranking: 16
Up next: Jan. 4 vs. Valencia (Calif.)
Bronny James, Isaiah Elohim and Sierra Canyon put on a show for Oregon basketball fans at the Les Schwab Invitational, but the show ended sooner than many expected. After cruising past Jesuit (Ore.) and Central Catholic (Ore.) in the first two rounds, Sierra Canyon was stunned by newly-ranked West Linn (Ore.). The Trailblazers responded with a win over No. 24 Bishop Gorman (Nev.) to finish third in the tournament. This week, they are slated to host in-state teams Valencia and Chaminade before a neutral-site matchup with No. 20 Wheeler (Ga.) at USC.
23. Gonzaga (Washington D.C.) (11-0)
Last ranking: Unranked
Up next: Jan. 2 vs. St. Mary’s (Md.)
Gonzaga joined the bubble last week, and it broke through with a win over former No. 17 Roselle Catholic (N.J.) at the Jordan Holiday Classic in N.Y.C. The D.C. powerhouse went 3-0 at the event, also defeating Hudson Catholic (N.J.) and Reading (Pa.). The Eagles are led by a pair of highly-touted sophomores, Nyk Lewis and Derek Dixon, and senior Thomas Batties, a three-star Harvard commit.
24. Ben Davis (Indianapolis, Ind.) (12-0)
Last ranking: 25
Up next: Jan. 6 vs. North Central (Ind.)
Ben Davis rolled to double-digit wins over in-state teams Penn and Northwood last week after joining the Power 25 for the first time. The Giants enter 2023 as one of the final undefeated teams remaining in the national rankings.
25. Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas, Nev.) (8-4)
Last ranking: 20
Up next: Jan. 10 vs. Centennial (Nev.)
Bishop Gorman finished fourth at the Les Schwab Invitational after losing to two fellow Power 25 teams, No. 3 Duncanville (Tex.) and No. 22 Sierra Canyon (Calif.). The Gaels' other two losses this season came to No. 11 Corona Centennial (Calif.) and No. 18 West Ranch (Calif.).
DROPPED OUT
Roselle Catholic (Roselle, N.J.) (1-3)
Carmel Christian (Matthews, N.C.) (17-3)
American Fork (American Fork, Utah) (7-3)
ON THE BUBBLE
Centerville (Centerville, Ohio) (6-1)
Kell (Marietta, Ga.) (11-1)
Mount St. Joseph (Baltimore, Md.) (9-2)
Don Bosco (Ramsey, N.J.) (7-0)
St. John’s (Washington, D.C.) (12-0)
Wasatch Academy (Mt. Pleasant, Utah) (8-4)
Cathedral (Indianapolis, Ind.) (6-1)
