We ring in the new year with a new number one: Archbishop Mitty of California.
The program, led by Hall of Fame coach Sue Phillips, won the heralded Nike Tournament of Champions held in Phoenix. Mitty’s core of UConn signee Morgan Cheli, Bucknell signee Elana Weisman, Lehigh signee Belle Bramer and second-year super recruit McKenna Waliczko helped the Monarchs to four stellar wins, including the finals against No. 2 Long Island Lutheran. Cheli had a triple-double with 17 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists. Waliczko was named tournament MVP and added 22 points and nine rebounds in the thrilling 73-72 championship game.
Long Island Lutheran continues to play at a high level with the toughest schedule in the country. The Crusaders took home two more top-25 wins against Hebron Christian and up-and-coming Bishop McNamara. Michigan signee Syla Swords leads the team with 15.4 points, 6.6 rebounds and 5.3 assists while shooting 46% from behind the arc. Sophomore sister Savvy Swords continues her rise through the ranks and expansion of her game with 14.4 points, 7.5 rebounds and 60% shooting from the field. The balanced team also includes point guard Kayleigh Heckel (14.7 points, 7.9 assists), Notre Dame signee Kateryna Koval (14.1 points, 11.2 rebounds per game), and unsigned senior Lauryn Swann (12.4 points and 50% of 3).
High school basketball finally began in New Jersey and Morris Catholic wasted little time racking up quality wins. The Crusaders have now won back-to-back John Wall Holiday Invitationals led by junior Pauldo twins. Mia Pauldo was named tournament MVP after a 19-point, eight-assist performance in the championship game. Mya Pauldo returns to action and scored 22 points and five assists.
Hebron Christian has proven that it belongs and has up-and-coming players to thank for it. Youngsters Aubrey Beckham and Danielle Osho have added elements and experience to their game that will lead to a rise in the rankings for both. Teammate and fellow junior Ja’kerra Butler is an elite rebounder and will also be a difference-maker at the next level.
1. Archbishop Mitty (California) 10-0
2. Long Island Lutheran (New York) 9-1
3. Montverde Academy (Florida) 11-1
4. Friends of Sidwell (Washington, DC) 4-1
5.Sierra Canyon (California) 13-1
6. IMG Academy (Florida) 14-1
7. Bishop McNamara (Maryland) 8-3
8. Morris Catholic (New Jersey) 7-0
9. DME Academy (Florida) 13-0
10. Duncanville (Texas) 18-3
11. Etiwanda (California) 12-2
12. Christian of Hebron (Georgia) 11-2
13. Timberview (Texas) 24-1
14. San Antonio Clark (Texas) 20-1
15. Lake Highland Preparation (Florida) 11-4
16. Pickerington Central (Ohio) 9-1
17. Purcell Marian (Ohio) 13-1
18. Grayson (Georgia) 12-0
19. Putnam City West (Okla.) 6-0
20. St. John’s College Prep (Washington, DC) 9-1
21. Academy of the Incarnate Word (Mo.) 9-0
22. DeSoto HS (Texas) 12-5
23. Grace Christian Sanford (North Carolina) 15-0
24.Johnston (Iowa) 11-0
25. Mater Dei (California) 11-5
