The high school basketball season is shifting into high gear. After a whirlwind of multi-team events and coast-to-coast travel, teams are now locked in on localized district and regional play. With playoff brackets taking shape across the nation, the stakes are higher than ever.
In Indiana, a stunning upset saw Lawrence North topple previously undefeated Lawrence Central 47-42, ending Central's season with a 22-2 record. Despite the loss, they remain in the national top 25 conversation.
California's CIF Section Playoffs are underway, with powerhouses like Ontario Christian, Mater Dei, Archbishop Mitty, and Etiwanda all vying for the coveted CIF Open Division Championship, slated for late March.
This week features key matchups for Sidwell Friends (DC), including a showdown with Bullis on Monday and a highly anticipated clash against Long Island Lutheran on Sunday.
Several teams are making a late-season push for top 25 recognition as they head into the postseason. Keep an eye on Boswell (TX), Providence Academy (MN), Putnam City North (OK), Princess Anne (VA), Ridgeline (UT), and St. John's College Prep (DC).
The ultimate prize for eligible teams? A bid to the Chipotle Nationals, set to take place April 3-5 in Indiana and broadcast on ESPN Networks. The nation's best will converge for a thrilling conclusion to the high school basketball season.
Top 25 Teams (as of publication):
Ontario Christian (CA)
Montverde (FL)
Mater Dei (CA)
Bishop McNamara (MD)
Westtown (PA)
IMG Academy (FL)
Sierra Canyon (CA)
Clackamas (OR)
Sidwell Friends (DC)
Morris Catholic (NJ)
Archbishop Mitty (CA)
Long Island Lutheran (NY)
Etiwanda (CA)
Hamilton Southeastern (IN)
Bradley Central (TN)
Bullis School (MD)
Bishop Ireton (VA)
Hebron Christian (GA)
Winston Salem Christian (NC)
Lawrence Central (IN)
Faith Family (TX)
Conway (AR)
Johnston (IA)
Sacred Heart (KY)
Purcell Marian (OH)
