GHSA Top 25 (1/2 UPDATE)

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The late weeks of December brought a ton of competitive basketball as showcases and Christmas tournaments around the country lined up some of the best. The top 10 continues to shuffle as even the toughest teams are tested this time of year. Here, we break down the latest movement in our top 25.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Berkmar</strong> jumps up 3 spots to #4 in our rankings after taking down Wheeler and The Academy of Central Florida at the Lemon Street Classic. Mike White has been a major difference maker since showing up in the fall and juniors, [player_tooltip player_id='1411622' first='Mekhi' last='Ragland'] and Eddie Cooke, are both playing great ball as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Kell</strong> enters the top 5 amid a 10-game win streak. They've grabbed impressive wins over out of state teams like North Broward Prep and Jackson-Reed and also beat Wheeler a couple of weeks ago. The Longhorns haven't lost since November and should roll through their region schedule over the next few weeks. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Archer</strong>'s 12-1 start to the year has earned them a spot in the top 10. The Tigers are led by an experienced group of seniors including [player_tooltip player_id='1155729' first='Kahmare' last='Holmes'], [player_tooltip player_id='1617612' first='Darrian' last='Joseph'], and Dominick Wright. Joseph's emergence has been one of the best stories of the year, averaging 17 points per game right now. Archer has the experience and talent to go deep in the playoffs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2297297' first='Maynard' last='Jackson']</strong> remains perfect through the first half of the year, up to #19 in the rankings. [player_tooltip player_id='1967644' first='Cassius' last='Watkins'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1654188' first='Yusef' last='Bowyer'] are both playing at a high level and [player_tooltip player_id='2281462' first='Cam' last='Dover'] has really stepped up in the absence of [player_tooltip player_id='1223239' first='Mekhi' last='Turner']. Region play will be the real test for Maynard as they'll have to face Chapel Hill, Tri-Cities, and Mays multiple times.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Greenforest</strong> makes their first appearance in the top 25 after a handful of impressive wins to finish up December. They first took down Newton and then followed up with convincing wins over Langston Hughes and St. Francis. Michael Robinson has been hot from beyond the arc and [player_tooltip player_id='1742138' first='Elijah' last='Lewis'] makes an impact every time out. The Eagles are hitting their stride at the right time.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Bradwell Institute</strong> sneaks into the top 25 after starting the season 14-0. Columbus State signee [player_tooltip player_id='1587027' first='Tahshaun' last='Frasier'] is one of the state's best floor generals while 6'7 sophomore Chris Perry provides a ton of versatility and [player_tooltip player_id='1810013' first='Elyjah' last='Thurmon'] brings tenacity and toughness to the paint. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->