Louisiana high school boys basketball Top 25 rankings (1/17/2024)

Top 4 from previous list remains intact; St. Thomas More moves to Top 5

Check out our latest edition of the SBLive Louisiana Top 25 boys prep basketball rankings for the 2023-24 season. 

Let us know your thoughts on X @SBLive_LA and on Facebook at SBLive Louisiana. Who is too high? Who is getting slept on? We want to know.

Note: Power ratings and records as reflected by Geaux Preps on Jan. 15.

1. Madison Prep, 12-1 (previous rank: 1) - LHSAA Power Rating Division II select No. 1

The Chargers defeated Dunham, 49-47, on Jan. 8 and were scheduled to face Alexandria on Jan. 15.

Madison Prep has won eight state titles since 2013, winning Class B in 2013, Class 1A in 2015 and 2016, Class 2A in 2016 and 2017 and Class 3A in 2018, 2019, 2021 and 2022.

6-foot-7, 200-pound junior forward Chris Lindo is a powerful presence down low.

The Chargers' upcoming schedule is brutal with Capitol, Catholic-BR, Zachary, Scotlandville, Woodlawn-BR, McKinley, Doyle and Liberty all lying in wait.

2. Liberty Magnet, 13-1 (previous rank: 2) - LHSAA Power Rating Division I select No. 2

The Patriots have secured four big recent wins vs. Ponchatoula, Archbishop Hannan, Southside and Scotlandville.

In the 66-49 win over Ponchatoula, senior Jaylen Peters fired in 17 points. Howard Gaskins Jr. scored 16, Chandler Holmes had 11 and Malek Robinson added 10 points. Liberty won all four games by at least 10 points.

Liberty has an impressive loss this season. The Patriots dropped a 65-63 overtime decision to Dynamic Prep, a national prep program in Irving, Texas, that is 13-1 with only a two-point loss to national powerhouse Link Academy.

Games vs. out-of-state opponents are not tabulated in the LHSAA Power Ratings. Therefore, Liberty's only official loss was to Madison Prep. Upcoming opponents include Ponchatoula, Southern Lab, St. Thomas Aquinas and Isidore Newman, ahead of a district game vs. defending Division I select state champion Catholic-Baton Rouge and a rematch vs. Madison Prep on Feb. 4.

3. Peabody Magnet, 17-2 (previous rank: 3) - LHSAA Power Rating Division II select No. 2

The Warhorses knocked down Tioga, Neville and Huntington, winning the latter two games by a combined total of nine points.

In the 59-54 win over Huntington at the Lincoln Prep Tournament in Grambling, Justin Burns scored 21 points. Others scoring in double-figures were Rashad Mitchell (17), Isaiah Jones (11) and Greg McInnis Jr. (10).

Burns (6-5, Sr.) totaled 20 rebounds and four blocks for Peabody, which hosts Liberty Magnet on Jan. 19 and is at Wossman on Feb. 3.

4. Lafayette Christian, 18-0 (previous rank: 4) - LHSAA Power Rating Division II select No. 3

The Knights' last three wins are against David Thibodaux, Carencro and Acadiana. In the 55-48 road win at David Thibodaux, its neighborhood rival, Tulane signee Kameron Williams scored 10 points in the fourth quarter and finished with 24 points, 10 rebounds, three blocks and two assists, according to Eric Narcisse of the Acadiana Advocate.

The Knights rallied with a 21-6 run to overcome a second-half deficit. LCA faces Iowa on Saturday at Brad Boyd's Cajundome Classic in Lafayette.

5. St. Thomas More, 14-1 (previous rank: 6) - LHSAA Power Rating Division I select No. 1

The Cougars topped Southside, Westgate and Archbishop Hannan. STM put on a defensive clinic in its 51-19 win vs. Westgate. Michael Mouton scored 19 points against Westgate and 22 vs. Southside.

STM has games this week vs. Carencro, Northside and against Metairie Park Country Day at Brad Boyd's Cajundome Classic. Assistant coach Wesley Cortese has been excellent calling the shots with legendary STM head coach Danny Broussard recovering from surgery.

Louisiana high school girls basketball Top 25 rankings (1/12/2024)

6. New Iberia, 17-3 (previous rank: 7) - LHSAA Power Rating Division I non-select No. 2

The Yellow Jackets notched double-digit victories over Jennings and city rival Westgate. A Jan. 15 game vs. Iowa was canceled due to weather concerns.

Wayne Randall-Bashay leads the team with 15.1 points, eight rebounds, four assists, 2.3 steals and two blocks per game. Otis Anderson and Austin Delahoussaye are combining to add 16 points per game. Anderson is grabbing six rebounds per game.

In the 60-50 win over Jennings, Randall-Bashay had 22 points. Anderson chipped in 13 points and Delahoussaye contributed nine.

7. Zachary, 16-3 (previous rank: 8) - LHSAA Power Rating Division I non-select No. 1

The Broncos defeated Wossman, McMain and Plaquemine, and have won seven straight games. Zachary beat Wossman, 71-59, on a neutral court in Lake Charles.

Zachary has upcoming games against McKinley, Archbishop Hannan and Madison Prep.

8. Wossman, 19-3 (previous rank: 5) - LHSAA Power Rating Division II non-select No. 1

The Wildcats took wins over Richwood and Bossier with a loss to Zachary. The two wins were by a total of four points. Antron Mason II, who scored 28 points, drilled a 3-pointer at the buzzer in the 61-58 win at Bossier.

A District 1-3A showdown awaits on Jan. 19 vs. Carroll (17-6).

9. Iowa, 16-3 (previous rank: 10) - LHSAA Power Rating Division II non-select No. 2

The last four wins for the Yellow Jackets were against Teurlings Catholic, Alexandria, Hamilton Christian and Beau Chene.

The 66-60 win over Alexandria was a premier matchup of two of the state's top teams. Iowa, which has won eight straight games, has upcoming games vs. Jennings and Lafayette Christian.

10. Captain Shreve, 17-3 (previous rank: 11) - LHSAA Power Rating Division I select No. 3

The Gators earned wins over Haughton, Benton and Airline. In the 61-32 win at Haughton, Jyrin Sowell totaled 21 points, three rebounds and four steals. E'Joshua McDonald had 11 points, five rebounds and two steals.

E'Jayden and E'Joshua McDonald combined for 25 points in the 54-33 win over Benton. Captain Shreve meets Southwood (15-5 overall) on Jan. 19 in a battle of programs that are undefeated in District 1-5A.

11. Ponchatoula, 15-3 (previous rank: 9) - LHSAA Power Rating Division I non-select No. 5

The Green Wave has recent wins over Southwood, Hammond and Catholic-Baton Rouge, with a loss to Liberty Magnet.

The Green Wave outscored Liberty Magnet, 39-37, over the second and third quarter but were outscored, 24-7, in the first quarter of a 66-49 loss.

12. Isidore Newman, 8-3 (previous rank: 12) - LHSAA Power Rating Division III Select Unrated (playoff status TBA)

The Greenies beat John Curtis Christian, 46-33.

The Greenies have played several out-of-state opponents, including Brennan (Texas), South Grand Prairie (Texas), DeMatha (Maryland), Trinity (Kentucky) and Beaumont United (Texas). Those games aren't factored into the power ratings.

A hearing is scheduled for Jan. 18 on the legal status of Newman's program as it relates to coach Randy Livingston and a postseason ban. An LHSAA ruling suspending Livingston, vacating victories and rendering the Greenies ineligible for the postseason was put on hold by an injunction obtained by Livingston.

13. Ruston, 11-7 (previous rank: NR) - LHSAA Power Rating Division I non-select No. 6

The Bearcats, who have won seven straight games, beat Calvary Baptist and Pineville. Freshman Ahmad Hudson scored 24 points and snatched 23 rebounds in the 80-61 District 2-5A win at Pineville.

Aidan Anding scored 18 points with five assists, according to Bret McCormick of the Ruston Daily Leader. Lonnie Dimmer had 16 points, six assists and four steals. Joran Parker had 15 points and five rebounds. Zaterrion Sutton and Zhy Scott also played integral roles in the win.

14. Natchitoches Central, 17-3 (previous rank: 20) - LHSAA Power Rating Division I non-select No. 4

The Chiefs defeated District 1-5A opponents Airline and C.E. Byrd.

In the 57-55 win over Airline, Logan Smith had 17 points and 10 rebounds. Jadell Demery added 13 points and four rebounds. Jacorien Beard also had 13 points and four rebounds. Jaden Braden chipped in 10 points and six assists.

Smith totaled 28 points with eight rebounds in the 84-35 rout of Byrd. Demery had 19 points and six boards. Camryn Davis, who recently received an offer to play receiver for the Northwestern St. football team, added seven points and four assists.

15. Denham Springs, 20-2 (previous rank: 21) - LHSAA Power Rating Division I non-select No. 3)

The Yellow Jackets beat Plaquemine, McKinley and Belaire.

Denham Springs coach Kevin Calaberro secured his third straight 20-win season by defeating Plaquemine, 56-43. Jean and Sean Goldmond combined for 27 points, according to Jim Kleinpeter of the Baton Rouge Advocate. Brock Smith added 11 points.

16. Brusly, 17-0 (previous rank: NR) - LHSAA Power Rating Division II non-select No. 3

The Panthers defeated East Iberville, Northshore and Port Allen.

Key players include Edrick Snearl (6-4, Jr.), Cody Loupe (6-2, Sr.), Steven Wesley (6-3, Jr.), senior Tyran Young, sophomore Micah Bryant and sophomore Ryland Johnson.

Bryant came off the bench to nail seven 3-pointers and score 28 points in the 73-41 win over Lakeshore, according to Jim Kleinpeter of the Acadiana Advocate.

Brusly has wins over Archbishop Shaw, Plaquemine, Terrebonne, H.L. Bourgeois and Episcopal

17. Alexandria, 14-5 (previous rank: 18) - LHSAA Power Rating Division I select No. 10

The Trojans trounced West Ouachita and lost by six points to Iowa.

Jaylin Johnson scored 16 points in the 68-37 win vs. West Ouachita. Jordyn Johnson added 14 points. Markel Gaines had 11 points. Jordan Smith drew four charges and scored nine points.

LaMar Gafford of Cenla Preps and SBLive Louisiana ranks Alexandria second in central Louisiana behind Peabody.

18. Pineville, 14-2 (previous rank: 13) - LHSAA Power Rating Division I select No. 4

The Rebels lost to Ruston and beat Beau Chene at The Tour Louisiana Hoopfest presented by Mal Mundy.

Analyst Clifton Dixon reacted to 6-foot-7 post Javonte Thomas' performance in the 46-41 win over Beau Chene, writing that Thomas "was disruptive defending down low" and "showcased a high motor."

19. Scotlandville, 14-7 (previous rank: 19) - LHSAA Power Rating Division I select No. 11

The Hornets scored 26 points in the first six minutes and change in an 83-62 win over Carencro at The Tour Louisiana Hoopfest presented by Mal Mundy at Southside High in Youngsville on Jan. 13.

The Hornets, who dropped a 69-56 decision to George Washington Carver on Jan. 9, looked sharp vs. Carencro. Jamal Drewery (2025) canned eight 3-pointers and finished with 26 points and five assists. Drewery joined the 1,000 career-point club, as well.

Mundy wrote on X that Drewery is "a pure floor general" who "controls the pace of the game."

Ja'Marriyon Brown had 14 points and five rebounds. Lamarkus Williams (6-5. 250, Sr.) added 16 points and eight rebounds.

The Hornets lost their last game, vs. Edna Karr, on Jan. 15 by a score of 45-37.

20. Calvary Baptist, 13-4 (previous rank: 14) - LHSAA Power Rating Division III select No. 3

The Cavaliers lost to Ruston and East St. John by scores of 69-61 and 59-54.

Henderson State point guard commit Rondae Hill scored 25 points with five assists and five rebounds in the loss to Ruston.

Calvary Baptist has an upcoming game vs. Wossman on Jan. 20 at Mal Mundy's Extravaganza Classic. The Cavaliers are the host school for the event, which also includes Evangel Christian vs. Ouachita Parish, Huntington vs. Rayville, Captain Shreve vs. Franklin Parish, Southwood vs. Peabody and Bossier vs. St. Augustine.

21. George Washington Carver, 12-5 (previous rank: 15) - LHSAA Power Rating Division II select No. 5

The Rams beat Crescent City and Scotlandville and lost to Southside at The Tour Louisiana Hoopfest presented by Mal Mundy at Southside High.

Analyst Clifton Dixon wrote on LouisianaHoops.com that Carver 6-foot-10 post Daijon Leatherman was "a menace on the glass" and that he "finished everything that touched his hands" in the 45-42 loss to Southside.

Carver climbed right back into the win column with a 67-63 win over St. Augustine at the MLK Classic on Jan. 15. Daijon Leatherman had 20-plus points and Lawrence Nathan had 25 points, including two late free throws that iced the game.

Leatherman showed off a nice all-around game. The big man scored in the paint, defended well, asserted himself on the boards and handled the ball well in the center of the court against a physical, athletic St. Augustine squad.

22. Vandebilt Catholic, 16-3 (previous rank: 22) - LHSAA Power Rating Division II select No. 4

The Terriers beat St. Charles Catholic and Franklin. The latter game was held at Southside High as part of Mal Mundy's The Tour Louisiana Hoopfest.

Clifton Dixon wrote that 6-foot-3 junior guard Josiah Johnson "ran the floor hard and played with a high level of energy the entire game" in the 49-39 win over Franklin, which finished as last season's Division IV non-select runner-up to North Central.

23. Archbishop Shaw, 14-2 (previous rank: 23) - LHSAA Power Rating Division II select No. 6

The Eagles beat Riverdale and Metairie Park Country Day. Senior Aidan LaSalle scored 15 points, freshman Triston Naquin had 14, freshman Allen Shaw scored 13 and senior Xavier Meyers had 12 points in the win over Country Day.

24. Southwood, 15-5 (previous rank: 24) - LHSAA Power Rating Division I select No. 8

The Cowboys beat Dunham, Byrd and Haughton and lost by eight points, 61-53, to Ponchatoula.

25 (tie). St. Augustine, 15-4 (previous rank: 16) - LHSAA Power Rating Division I select No. 9

The Purple Knights have lost four of their last six games with setbacks to George Washington Carver, John Curtis Christian, L.B. Landry and Madison Prep.

The team is long and talented, however, so we're going to expect the Purple Knights to emerge from this slump sooner or later and make a playoff push.

6-foot-4 forward Cy Merrett took over offensively in the loss to George Washington Carver. Turner Duncan's late 3-pointer reduced the Rams' lead to three points late in the game. Hubert Caliste, with his trademark 3-point release, got hot from the perimeter in crunch time.

25 (tie). Lafayette High, 15-2 (previous rank: NR) - LHSAA Power Rating Division I select No. 6

The Lions beat Northside, Acadiana and Anacoco.

Kevon'te Landry, Boston Sledge and Julius Broussard were catalysts in the 63-60, triple-overtime win over Northside, according to Eric Narcisse of the Acadiana Advocate. Landry scored 24 points. 6-foot-2 senior guard Romelo Joseph, like Landry, is also a standout football player.

The win at Anacoco stands out. It's tough to go into a hostile, small-school gym where basketball rules and leave with a W.

DON'T SELL SHORTHANDED SHARKS SHORT

Southside dressed only nine players but got the win over defending Division II select state champion George Washington Carver in the nightcap at The Tour Louisiana Hoopfest presented by Mal Mundy. The six-game event was held at Southside.

The Sharks, who were without guard Noah Brookter, beat the Rams, 45-42. Mundy wrote on X after the game that 2024 Southside combo guard Jayce Toliver is "a patient scorer" who "creates space for quick release" and is "automatic from midrange."

Southside's win snapped a five-game losing streak to St Thomas More, North Central, Liberty Magnet, Catholic-Baton Rouge and Peabody Magnet.

FRANKLIN NOT BACKING DOWN

The Hornets, who were the Division IV non-select runner-up to North Central last year, duked it out blow-for-blow for much of their game vs. Vandebilt Catholic at The Tour Louisiana Hoopfest presented by Mal Mundy.

Franklin, which was playing without all-star guard Jay'Shaun Johnson (official football visit to Southern Univ.),, was tied, 22-all, with the Terriers at the half.

Clifton Dixon wrote about Franklin's Jkylon Ceaser: "Efficient shooting the ball from the outside, and he did a great job creating space to get his shot off."

Franklin is 11-5 and No. 5 in the Division IV non-select power ratings behind North Central. The Hornets (4-0 in District 8-2A) visit Catholic-New Iberia (14-6, 3-0) in a league rivalry game.

Last year, the Hornets clinched the league title with a come-from-behind win at Catholic. The game was intense with multiple technical fouls and a rowdy crowd with vocal sections from both fan bases.

THE NEXT EIGHT

Brother Martin Jesuit, Carroll, Northwest, Bossier, L.B. Landry, Zwolle, Negreet

ON THE BUBBLE/BEST OF THE REST

Anacoco, East St. John, John Curtis Christian, French Settlement, Lakeview, Doyline, Lacassine, J.S. Clark, H.L. Bourgeois, St. Amant, Mandeville, Buckeye, Archbishop Hannan, L.B. Landry, David Thibodaux, Evangel Christian, University Lab, St. Thomas Aquinas, Capitol, Dunham, Catholic-New Iberia, Southern Lab, Episcopal School of Acadiana, Southside, North Central, Avoyelles Public Charter, Edna Karr, Hahnville, Rayville, Winnfield, Ringgold, Pickering, Franklin, Catholic-Baton Rouge

Photo of Liberty Magnet's Malek Robinson (with ball) and Scotlandville's Jamal Drewery by John Oubre, The Advocate 

-- Mike Coppage | @SBLiveLA