Top 25 Texas high school boys basketball rankings: Dynamic Prep opens on top (1/2/2024)

Find out who debuted in the first SBLive Texas Boys Basketball Power 25

Texas high school basketball seasons are heating up entering 2024, and SBLive is taking a weekly look at the top 25 boys basketball teams in the Lone Star State across all associations and classifications, from the UIL, to TAPPS, to the Texas Christian Athletic League.

Dynamic Prep debuts at No. 1 after a pair of Top 10 national wins and Plano East opened at No. 2 after its Whataburger Invitational championship victory over Stony Point, which opens at No. 3. 

Find out below in this complete breakdown of the SBLive Texas Power 25 boys basketball rankings, as of Tuesday, January 2, 2024.

Have a case to make about a team? A bone to pick? Reach our Texas editor at andy@scorebooklive.com.

SBLIVE TEXAS BOYS BASKETBALL POWER 25 

Jan. 2, 2024

1. Dynamic Prep (Irving, Tex.) (12-1)

Last week: 3-0 record. Def. Combine Academy, 65-57; Def. Dream City Christian, 72-69; Def. Prolific Prep, 76-70.

What a week for Dynamic Prep, which competes in the Texas Christian Athletic League (non-UIL). In three days at the Chick-Fil-A Classic in Columbia, South Carolina, it picked up wins over the No. 3 (Prolific Prep) and No. 6 (Dream City Christian) ranked teams in the country, as well as national power Combine Academy to win the event. The program is run by six-time NBA All-Star Jermaine O'Neal and features Top 100 juniors Jaden Toombs and Jermaine O'Neal Jr. Leon Horner, a 6-foot-6 wing, was named tournament MVP. 

Up next: R.W. Goines Stem Academy, Monday, 6 p.m.

2. Plano East (Plano, Tex.) (21-0, 2-0)

Last week: 4-0 record. Def. Birdville. 90-44, Def. Rouse, 51-47, Def. Martin, 73-48, Def. Stony Point, 55-50

Plano East capped off an undefeated final week of the non-conference schedule with a Whataburger Invitational championship victory over Stony Point. Along with marquee win over the Tigers last weekend, the Panthers also have non-district wins over Allen, Highland Park, and Waxahachie. Now, it's back to District 6-6A play.

Up next: Against Plano, Friday, 7 pm.

3. Stony Point (Round Rock, Tex.) (20-1, 2-0)

National rank: Bubble
Last week: 3-1 record. Def. Keller, 80-73; Def. South Grand Prairie, 72-68; Lost to Plano East, 55-50.

The Tigers lost their first game of the season last weekend in the championship match of the Whataburger Invitational to Plano East after three close games.Led by 2024 Villanova commit Josiah Moseley (22 points per game), Stony Point is off to an undefeated start as district play will be in full effect this week.

Up next: Against Cedar Ridge, Friday, 7 p.m.

4. Seven Lakes (Katy, Tex.) (22-2, 5-0)

Last week: 4-0 record. Def. Bay City, 94-30: Def. Eisenhower, 79-63; Def. Bay City, 110-31; Def. Mesa, 62-47.

The Spartans are off to another hot start, winning their first five District 19 contests. After winning the Bay City Holiday Classic last week in convincing fashion, Seven Lakes jumps back into district play this week with atop the standings. Seniors AJ Bates, Brett Norton and co. are seeking their third straight district title. 

Up next: Against Katy, Tuesday, 7 p.m.; Against Cinco Ranch, Friday, 7 p.m.

5. Lake Travis (Austin, Tex.) (19-3, 4-0)

Last week: 2-2 record; Def. Lake Highlands 74-56, Lost to Lake Ridge, 63-40, Def. Amarillo 47-30, Lost to Plano, 64-47.

Despite two losses last week in a holiday tournament, the Cavaliers have quality wins over Oak Cliff Faith Family Academy and Waxahachie, San Antonio Reagan, and district rival Austin-Westlake. Led by 2025 forward Hudson Greer (24 points, 7 rebounds per game), the Cavaliers will resume District 26 play this week with two conference contests. 

Up next: Against Austin, Tuesday, 7 p.m; Against Austin-Bowie, Friday, 7 p.m.

6. Brennan (San Antonio, Tex.) (16-4, 4-0) 

Last week: 1-0 record. Def. San Antonio Warren, 68-36.

Brennan is the top ranked team in the San Antonio area and are looking to return to the Alamodome for a second straight year after a strong start to the season. The Bears have continuity from its regional championship team in 2022: 2025 guards Kingston Flemings (17.2 points per game) and 2026 wing Isaiah Ward (13.7)

Up next: Against San Antonio Stevens, Tuesday, 7:30 p.m.; Against Sotomayor, Friday, 7:30 pm. 

7. Veterans Memorial (San Antonio, Tex.) (22-1, 1-0) 

Last week: Def. San Antonio Pieper, 64-39.

The Patriots are red hot to the start the season and continued their strong play last week earning their first TX-5A, District 26 win. Veterans Memorial is looking for their third straight district title and looking for another deep run in the state tournament to make the short trip to the Alamodome. Led by 2024 wings Demarion Dennis and his 14.4 points per game and Gervai Maeweathers (11.1 points per game) will continue district play.

Up next: Against Smithson Valley, Tuesday ;  Against Seguin, Friday, 6:30 pm.

8. Beaumont United (Beaumont, Tex.) (18-1, 0-1) 

Last week: 4-0 record. Def. Horn, 64-54, Def. Amarillo, 61-57, Def. Lake Ridge, 56-55, Def. Allen, 70-62.

Beaumont United capped off 2023 with a championship victory over Allen in the In-N-Out Invitational re-entering district play. The Timberwolves have made four straight Alamodome appearances, led by 2024 guards Clarence Payia (20.2 points per game), Kayde Dodson (17.8) and senior center Weston Davis (12 rebounds per game). 

Up next: Against Houston-King, Wednesday, 7 p.m.; At Summer Creek, Friday, 7 p.m.

9. Clements (Fort Bend, Tex.) (18-0, 4-0)

Last week: 4-0 record. Def. Austin, 53-35, Def. Round Rock, 47-30, Def. Austin St. Michaels, 64-57, Def. Westlake, 47-35.

The Rangers ended the non-district slate in fashion last week with a Round Rock Tournament championship. Undefeated Clements has now won two tournaments so far this season and will be looking to use this momentum to capture a Class 6A District 20 crown. The Rangers will be challenged in conference play against Ridge Point and Fort Bend Hightower and are being led in scoring senior Divine Ugochukwu (18 points per game). 

Up next: Against Fort Bend Hightower, Wednesday 7 p.m.; At Fort Bend Dulles, Saturday, 1 p.m. 

10. St. Michaels (Austin, Tex.) (22-1)

Last week: 3-1 record. Def. Paetow, 80-56, Def. Schertz-Clemens, 59-42, Lost to Fort Bend Clements, 64-57, Def. Langham Creek, 72-47

The Crusaders debut as the top TAPPS team after a hot start. St. Michaels will continue non-district play this week with two contests against Class 6A District 27 opponents already having marquee wins over Austin-Westlake. Sophomore Bo Ogden leads the team in scoring (17.8 points per game) and 2025 forward Aiden Disu hauls in seven rebounds a game. 

Up next: Against San Marcos, Tuesday; Against New Braunfels, Friday

11.  Allen (Allen, Tex.) (20-4, 3-0)

Last week: 3-1 record. Def. Naaman Forest, 81-47, Def. East Central, 83-73, Def. Richardson, 83-67, Lost to Beaumont United 70-62.

The Eagles wrapped up non-district play last week with a second place finish in the Allen In-N-Out Invitational. Allen had three of their four losses coming to teams in the Top 5. Their strength of schedule should help when the defending district champ resume district play with repeat hopes. 

Up next: Against McKinney, Tuesday, 4 p.m.; Against Denton-Guyer, Friday, 7:15 p.m.

12. Belton (Belton, Tex.) (19-2, 1-0)

Last week: 2-1 record. Lost to Haltom, 71-54, Def. Arlington, 64-40, Def. TMI-Episcopal, 63-60

The Tigers wrapped up non-district play last weekend with two victories in the Fort Worth ISD Classic after taking a loss in the opening round. It has been a strong start to the season so far, led by 2,000 point scorer and Montana State commit Trap Johnson.

Up next: Against University (Waco), Tuesday, 7 p.m.; Against Waco, Friday, 7 p.m.

13. New Braunfels (New Braunfels, Tex.) (20-2)

Last week: 4-0 record. Def. George Ranch, 52-42; Def. Pearland, 64-53; Def. Nimitz, 59-41; Def. Brazoswood, 66-34.

The Unicorns are showing through the first two months that they are a strong contender to reach the Alamodome. New Braunfels won the 50th Annual BISD Holiday Classic last weekend to push its winning streak to five games, led by 2024 wing Lance Beeghley and guard Jaxon Huff, the Unicorns are a favorite to claim the Class 6A District 27 championship. 

Up next: At No. 7 Austin-St. Michaels, Friday, 7:30 p.m.

14. North Crowley (Fort Worth, Tex.) (17-3, 1-0)

Last week: 1-2 record. Def. St. Peters (Staten Island, N.Y.), 68-58; Lost to Bishop O'Connell, 58-52; Lost to Lexington, 74-69.

The Panthers hit a hiccup last week dropping two of their three games in the Beach Ball Classic wrapping up their non-district schedule. North Crowley has early season marquee wins over Allen and Atascocita as they have two tournament victories this season; McDonalds Texas Invitational and Raising Canes Key City Classic. North Crowley will seek their seventh straight district championship this season. 

Up next: Against Trinity, Tuesday, 8 p.m.; Against Boswell, Friday, 8 p.m.

15. Longview (Longview, Tex.) (15-2, 1-0)

Last week: 1-0 record. Def. Pine Tree, 98-56 on Dec. 19.

The Lobos will return to action after the holiday break this week with Class 5A District 15 play after a successful non-district slate. Longview is led by senior center Robert Blandburg (12 points, 7 rebounds, 2 blocks per game). 

Up next: At Marshall, Tuesday, 7:30 p.m.; Against Whitehouse, Friday, 7:30 p.m.

16. Boerne-Champion (Boerne, Tex.) (18-3, 1-0)

Last week: 4-0 record. Def. Gregory-Portland 64-34, Def. Sinton 73-41, Def. Laredo-United, 65-51, Def. Canyon, 45-41.

It was a busy holiday week for the Chargers. Champion cruised to a Boerne ISD championship victory with a 3-0 record, and then opened up district play with a narrow victory on Saturday. The Chargers will certainly be in the thick of a tight district championship race with No. 6 Veterans Memorial all season long as Champion is on an 11-game winning streak led by seniors Tre Hudspeth and Charlie Georgelos. 

Up next: At Kerrville Tivy, Tuesday 6:30 pm ; Against Pieper, Friday, 6:30 pm

17. Shadow Creek (Pearland, Tex.) (13-9, 1-1)

Last week: 1-0 record. Def. Pearland, 70-59, Dec. 19.

The Sharks will return to action after a holiday break this week with two road district contests looking to extend their 10 game winning streak. Shadow Creek will look to claim their second district championship in three years with an experience squad led by senior wing Kaden Tate, who averages a double-double (12.1 ppg, 10.3 rpg) and junior point guard Michael Collins (17 points per game). 

Up next: At Alief Hastings, Tuesday, 1 p.m.; At Alief Elsik, Friday, 7 p.m.

18. Keller (Keller, Tex.) (16-5, 2-0)

Last week: 3-1 record. Def. Highland Park, 70-43; Lost to No. 2 Stony Point, 80-73; Def. McKinney 77-70; Def. Rouse, 67-64.

Impressive start to non-district play, wrapping up the early part of the schedule with an impressive tournament slate. Keller will resume conference play this week with one contest with junior combo guard Steven Ramirez with 21.7 points per game and hauling in nearly seven rebounds a game. 

Up next: Against Fossil Ridge, Friday, 7 p.m.

19.  St. Johns (Houston, Tex.) (16-5)

Last week: 3-1 record. Def. St. Thomas Catholic, 77-69; Def Lutheran South Academy, 70-67; Def. St. Thomas Episcopal, 78-72; Lost to Second Baptist, 69-61.

The Mavericks wrapped up non-district with a second place finish in the Private School Classic Championship. Led by junior Sebastian Williams-Adams (21 points, 9 rebounds per game), freshman guard Malachi Booker (16.4 points per game) is the Mavs' second scoring threat.

Up next: At St. Andrews, Friday, 7 p.m.

20. Atascocita (Humble, Tex.) (17-6, 1-0)

Last week: 5-0 record. Def. Red Oak, 44-26, Def. Sam Houston, 76-45, Def. Heritage, 74-70, Def. South Oak Cliff, 58-51, Def. Red Oak 57-38.

The Eagles had an impressive last week with a 5-0 record at the Dallas Invitational before resuming district play. Atascocita has had impressive marquee wins against No. 5 Brennan and No. 8 Beaumont United during holiday tournament play. 

Up next: Against Humble, Wednesday 7 p.m.; At Houston-King, Friday, 7 p.m.

21. Schertz-Clemens (Schertz, Tex.) (17-4)

Last week: 2-1 record. Def. Hutto, 57-41; Lost to No. 7 Austin-St. Michaels, 59-42; Def. Round Rock, 49-45.

The Buffalos are off to a great start to the 2023 season after already claiming a tournament championship at the South San Antonio ISD tournament. Clemens has signature wins against Atascocita and Antonian Prep, led by senior Travon Williams, sophomore Jamail Garland and junior Andre Starks. The Buffalos will be a contender for the Class 6A District 27 crown against rivals New Braunfels and San Marcos. 

Up next: At Antonian Prep, Tuesday, 7:30 p.m.; at Laredo-United, Saturday, 3 p.m.

22. Gregory-Portland (Portland, Tex.) (18-3)

Last week: 1-1 record. Lost to Boerne-Champion, 64-34; Def. Kerrville-Tivy, 79-58.

Gregory-Portland enters the rankings as the top team in South Texas with a hot start to the 2023 season. With signature wins against Flour Bluff and Alice, the Wildcats are led by junior forward Shawn Williams (21.1 points, 10 rebounds per game) seeking a Class 5A District 29 championship. 

Up  next: Against Aransas Pass, Tuesday, 1:15 p.m.; At Corpus Christi Miller, Friday, 7:30 p.m.

23. Amarillo (Amarillo, Tex.) (19-4)

Last week: 1-2 record. Lost to Beaumont United, 61-57; Lost to Lake Travis 47-30; Def. East Central, 61-54.

Despite dropping two games at the Allen Holiday Invitational, Amarillo has had a stellar non-district season so far boasting a Coppell Tournament championship with signature wins against McKinney and Austin-Westlake.  The Sandies are seeking their fifth straight Class 5A District 3 crown, led by head coach Jason Pillion and senior wing TJ Brown, who is committed to West Texas A&M.

Up next: Against Estacado, Tuesday 1 p.m.; At Midland-Legacy, Friday, 7:30 p.m.

24. Argyle (Argyle, Tex.) (17-2, 1-0)

Last week: 0-1 record. Lost to Lewisville, 58-57.

'The Eagles have started 2023 in a big way with two tournament championship victories as they gear up for district play beginning this week. After a down 2022 season, the Eagles are looking to bounce back after finishing sixth in the Class 4A District 7. 

Up next: At Birdville, Tuesday 12:30 p.m.

25. Lake Ridge (Mansfield, Tex.) (17-3, 1-0)

Last week: 3-1 record. Def. Rockwall, 73-47; Def. Lake Travis, 63-40; Lost to Beaumont United, 56-55; Def. Richardson, 69-52.

What a start for the Eagles to begin the season. Lake Ridge wrapped up their non-district season with an impressive showing that included a win over Lake Travis. The Eagles have a signature win over district rival Duncanville and seek a Class 6A District 11 championship. 

Up next: At Mansfield, Tuesday 1:30 p.m.; Against Dallas-Skyline, Friday 3 p.m.

ON THE BUBBLE

Fort Bend Marshall (Missouri City, Tex.) (17-2, 1-0)

Antonian Prep (San Antonio, Tex.) (16-4)

Marcus (Flower Mound, Tex.) (16-3, 1-1) 

Steele (Cibolo, Tex.) (15-6)

C.E. King (Houston, Tex.) (13-3, 1-0)

Oak Cliff Faith Family (Dallas, Tex.) (10-9, 2-0)

--Ryan Childers | ryanchilders0455@gmail.com | @SBLiveTX

Lead photo by Henry Huey (@HenryHueyPhoto)/USA TODAY NETWORK.