Top 25 N.E. Ohio High School Boys Basketball Teams

These are the top 25 high school boys basketball teams in northeast Ohio.

St. Ignatius takes over the top spot in the cleveland.com boys basketball Top 25, marking a new No. 1 for the third time in 2017.

via Cleveland.com

This is the Wildcats’ first time in the top spot since an early look ahead last March. In fact, the top two resembles that crystal ball with St. Vincent-St. Mary checking in at No. 2.

1. St. Ignatius (9-4)

Where they stand: The Wildcats have won six of seven, a difficult feat considering their schedule — a loss to North Canton Hoover and wins against Warren Harding, St. Vincent-St. Mary,

2. St. Vincent-St. Mary (9-4)

Where they stand: The Fighting Irish added two more impressive victories to a resume that includes

3. St. Edward (10-4)

Where they stand: A Jekyll and Hyde week for St. Edward began with a signature win at previous No. 1, Lorain, and ended with an early offensive struggle against Toledo St. John’s. Coach Eric Flannery’s crew will have a week to adjust, but the Lorain win is enough to jump the Eagles up two spots.

4. Lorain (10-2)

Where they stand: The Titans opened last week with a home loss to St. Edward that shakes up these rankings. A stiff test comes this week with two ranked teams and a Lake Erie League showdown.

5. Garfield Heights (11-3)

Where they stand: John Hay transfer Leonard Cottrell is now in the lineup, pushing this Bulldogs team to full strength. The energy player is someone Garfield Heights didn’t have for recent losses to former No. 1 Lorain and state power Upper Arlington.

6. Cleveland Heights (9-4)

Where they stand: The Tigers ended a two-game skid against smaller opponents, including Division IV state title contender Lutheran East and Division III Warrensville Heights. A showdown looms Friday against Lorain.

7. Archbishop Hoban (11-1)

Where they stand: All signs point to Friday’s North Coast League showdown with No. 8 Benedictine.

8. Benedictine (11-2)

Where they stand: Illness couldn’t stop Benedictine and neither has the opposition. The Bengals beat Lake Catholic without five rotation players, then came back a night later to top Revere.

9. Holy Name (13-1)

Where they stand: Dwayne Cohill’s career-high 47 points Friday helped Holy Name beat Bay for a second time, securing the Green Wave as favorites in the Great Lakes Conference and a likely No. 1 seed in the Division II North Ridgeville District. Elyria Catholic is still just a game back in the GLC, and they meet Friday.

Last week: Ranked No. 11, beat Bay, 83-65, on Jan. 20.

This week: Friday at Elyria Catholic.

10. Copley (12-0)

Where they stand: Coach Mark Dente’s Indians added a signature win against Stow, taking the battle of Suburban League division winners. Like Holy Name, this team’s shooting makes it dangerous.