MaxPreps Top 25 national high school boys basketball rankings

21. (24) Carmel (Ind.), 7-0
Indiana's two-time defending 4A state champs have an interesting date ahead later this month against Bowman Academy (Gary), which handed No. 13 Arsenal its only loss of the season.

22. (NR) Findlay Prep (Henderson, Nev.), 18-3
After a disappointing showing at the Tarkanian Classic, the Pilots have responded in encouraging fashion with convincing wins over defending state champions DeLaSalle (Minneapolis) and Corona del Sol (Tempe, Ariz.).

23. (15) Corona del Sol (Tempe, Ariz.), 13-1
The Aztecs caught No. 22 Findlay Prep at the wrong time, falling 55-35 to a Pilot team looking for redemption. With a record of 74-6 over the past three seasons, Corona del Sol is a safe bet to bounce back.

24. (NR) Apple Valley (Minn.), 11-1
Yes, Whitney Young (Chicago) beat Apple Valley in early December. But the Dolphins also have losses against a pair of unranked teams. We're not writing off Tyrone Slaughter's squad but they will have to make the most of showcase opportunities this month. As for Apple Valley, the Eagles return to the rankings after knocking off then-No. 20 Blue Valley Northwest (Overland Park, Kan.) – winners of 26 in a row – over the weekend.

25. (25) Sierra Canyon (Chatsworth, Calif.), 13-1
Despite its Division IV status, Sierra Canyon won't be feasting on a soft, small-school schedule going forward. The Alpha League is loaded with quality teams like Brentwood (Los Angeles), Windward (Los Angeles) and Paraclete (Lancaster).

Dropped out: No. 19 last week Prime Prep (Dallas); No. 20 Blue Valley Northwest (Overland Park, Kan.)

Tough to leave out: Carlisle (Martinsville, Va.), DeMatha (Hyattsville, Md.), Jackson (Mill Creek, Wash.), Orlando Christian Prep (Fla.), Whitney Young (Chicago)