Phoenix, AZ, January 7, 2026

Benet Academy has made a remarkable debut in the MaxPreps Top 25 high school basketball rankings, entering at No. 20 after securing victory at the Proviso West tournament. This milestone follows an impressive stretch of 14 consecutive wins. Alongside Benet Academy, other teams such as Lakota West, Bartow, and Gainesville have entered the rankings, reflecting the rising talent across the nation. Closer to home, local teams like Sunnyslope and Millennium continue to showcase their excellence in the sport, fueling growth and community support in high school basketball.

Benet Academy’s Rise: Shaking Up the National Basketball Rankings

National recognition for high school basketball programs inspires excellence across the country, setting new benchmarks for teams, including those here in Phoenix, AZ.

Introduction: National Spotlight on Prep Hoops

Phoenix, Arizona, is a vibrant hub for high school sports, where young athletes dedicate themselves to the pursuit of excellence on and off the court. Our local basketball scene thrives on spirited competition, strong teamwork, and the invaluable lessons of discipline and personal responsibility. While our focus at HEREPhoenix.com often centers on the triumphs within our state, it’s crucial to acknowledge the broader landscape of high school basketball, where national rankings serve as a powerful motivator and a measure of elite performance across the United States.

The recent update to the MaxPreps Top 25 national high school basketball rankings, released on January 6, 2026, brought significant shifts, highlighted by the entry of four new teams. This development underscores the dynamic nature of prep sports and the continuous emergence of talent nationwide. For teams in Phoenix, AZ, understanding these national benchmarks can inspire greater dedication and a deeper appreciation for the level of play at the highest echelons of high school basketball. These rankings are not just about who is number one; they celebrate the hard work, strategic coaching, and community support that elevate programs to national prominence.

Benet Academy Headlines Newcomers in MaxPreps Top 25

The latest MaxPreps Top 25 high school basketball rankings saw Benet Academy (Lisle, Ill.) make a significant splash, entering the national spotlight at No. 20. Benet Academy earned its place after securing the championship title at the storied Proviso West tournament. This achievement reflects a remarkable run, including 14 consecutive victories in 31 days during December 2025, a period that also featured a 3-0 trip to Philadelphia and two holiday tournament titles. The team capped this impressive stretch by winning its first Pontiac tournament title with a 52-43 victory over DePaul Prep, a battle between defending Class 4A and 3A state champions.

The Expanding National Landscape

Benet Academy is not alone in its ascent. The MaxPreps Top 25 welcomed three other new teams alongside them: Lakota West (West Chester, Ohio) at No. 23, Bartow (Fla.) at No. 24, and Gainesville (Ga.) at No. 25. These additions demonstrate the depth of talent and competitive spirit present in high school basketball programs across the nation. Each team’s journey to the national rankings is a testament to consistent performance, strategic development, and the collective effort of players and coaching staff.

Arizona’s Presence in the National Rankings

Closer to home, Phoenix, AZ, continues to demonstrate its strength in high school basketball. Sunnyslope (Phoenix, Ariz.) has further solidified its position, climbing five spots to No. 4 in the MaxPreps Top 25. This upward movement follows their second consecutive major championship win at the Hoophall West traditional bracket championship. Another local powerhouse, Millennium (Goodyear, Ariz.), also remains a strong contender, ranked at No. 10. The consistent presence and high ranking of Phoenix-area teams like Sunnyslope and Millennium showcase the exceptional level of competition and player development within our local prep sports scene, providing inspiring examples of what hard work and dedication can achieve.

The Values of National Recognition

Achieving a spot in the national rankings signifies more than just a winning record; it’s a reflection of disciplined practice, effective coaching, and unwavering teamwork. High school basketball, at its core, is a powerful platform for character development, fostering leadership qualities, and opening doors to future opportunities for young athletes (Nationwide). The spotlight on teams like Benet Academy, Lakota West, Bartow, Gainesville, Sunnyslope, and Millennium highlights the dedication required to compete at the highest level (Nationwide). It underscores the importance of every drill, every strategy session, and every game, emphasizing personal responsibility and the drive to improve continually.

Community and Economic Impact

The success of high school athletic programs, whether on a local or national stage, significantly strengthens community identity. For Phoenix, AZ, high school basketball, strong performances lead to increased local sponsorships, greater school pride, and enhanced fan engagement. Businesses often see the value in supporting successful athletic programs, recognizing the positive impact on local morale and visibility. These partnerships provide vital resources for teams and facilities, creating a virtuous cycle that benefits athletes and the broader community by investing in programs that teach competition, discipline, and personal responsibility.

Conclusion: A Call to Support Excellence

The latest MaxPreps Top 25 rankings reinforce the idea that dedication, strategy, and teamwork are the cornerstones of success in high school basketball (Nationwide). The rise of teams like Benet Academy and the continued strong showing of Phoenix’s own Sunnyslope and Millennium inspire athletes and communities alike. These national benchmarks underscore the importance of competitive spirit and the fundamental values that sports instill in our youth: character, leadership, and the pursuit of opportunity.

HEREPhoenix.com encourages all our readers to celebrate the achievements of these remarkable high school athletes and their dedicated coaches (Nationwide). Get involved by attending local Phoenix AZ high school basketball games, supporting athletic programs, and following our ongoing coverage of prep sports. Your engagement helps cultivate an environment where young athletes can thrive, build character, and achieve their fullest potential, contributing to a stronger, more united community.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the significance of the latest MaxPreps Top 25 high school basketball rankings?

The latest MaxPreps Top 25 high school basketball rankings, updated on January 6, 2026, indicate significant shifts in the national high school basketball landscape, with four new teams entering the top tier (Nationwide).

Which teams are new to the MaxPreps Top 25?

Four new teams entered the MaxPreps Top 25: Benet Academy (Lisle, Ill.) at No. 20, Lakota West (West Chester, Ohio) at No. 23, Bartow (Fla.) at No. 24, and Gainesville (Ga.) at No. 25 (Nationwide).

How did Benet Academy achieve its ranking?

Benet Academy (Lisle, Ill.) entered the MaxPreps Top 25 at No. 20 after winning the championship title at the Proviso West tournament (Nationwide). Their December included 14 consecutive victories, a 3-0 trip to Philadelphia, and two holiday tournament titles (Nationwide).

Are there any Phoenix, AZ, teams in the MaxPreps Top 25?

Yes, Sunnyslope (Phoenix, Ariz.) moved up to No. 4, and Millennium (Goodyear, Ariz.) is ranked at No. 10 in the MaxPreps Top 25 (Nationwide).

What factors contribute to a team’s national ranking?

Factors contributing to a team’s national ranking include their win-loss record, strength of schedule, consistent performance, and strategic development (Nationwide).

Key Features of the MaxPreps Top 25 Rankings

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Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER

The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.