SC Next Top 25: High school boys’ basketball rankings for 2025-26

Spire Academy (Ohio) leads the ESPN SC Next Top 25 team rankings to begin the new calendar year. The program is ranked No. 2 in the nation after picking up wins over three ranked Southeastern Prep (Fla.), AZ Compass Prep (Ariz.) and Faith Family (Texas). After a tenure as principal at Montverde Academy (Fla.), Kevin Boyle is in his first year leading Spire Academy.

Principia (Miss.) and Bartlett (Tenn.) both cracked the top 25 after outstanding performances at the City of Palms Classic. Principia earned ranked wins over Columbus (Fla.), Wheeler (Ga.) and Bartlett (Tenn.). Meanwhile, Bartlett defeated Long Island Lutheran (NY) and Petersburg (Va.), and then defeated Southeastern Prep (Fla.) 68-62 at the Memphis Hoopfest event.

Next on the major showcase schedule is the Hoofl Classic on Jan. 15-19 in Springfield, Mass., featuring multiple teams as well as players from the 2026 ESPN SC Next Top 100, 2027 ESPN SC Next Top 60 and 2028 ESPN SC Next Top 25.

SC Next Player Rankings:
2026 sc next 100 , 2027 sc next 60 , 2028 sc next 25

2025-26 Boys SC Next Top 25

1. Link Academy (Miss.)

2. Spire Academy (Ohio)

3. Prolific Prep (Fla.)

4. Dynamic Prep (Texas)

5. AZ Compass (Ariz)

6. Paul VI (Va.)

7. Bella Vista (Ariz.)

8. La Lumiere (Ind.)

9. Principia (Miss.)

10. Bartlett (Tennessee)

11. Southeastern Prep Academy (Fla.)

12. Columbus (Florida)

13. Montverde Academy (Fla.)

14. Brewster Academy (NH)

15. Sunrise Christian (Kan.)

16. Calvary Christian (Fla.)

17. Wasatch Academy (Utah)

18. Archbishop Stepinac (NY)

19. Sierra Canyon (California)

20. Bishop O’Connell (Va.)

21. IMG Academy (Fla.)

22. Sunnyslope (Ariz.)

23. Wheeler (Ga.)

24. Santa Margarita (California)

25. Faith Family (Texas)