D2 Small School Boys Basketball Rankings (1/6/25)
By: Brad Loff | Sportzwire | January 6, 2025
D2 Small School Boys Basketball Rankings (1/6/25): Holy Cross Holds Firm After Narrow Escape
The latest NEPA Elite D2 Small School Boys Basketball Rankings see Holy Cross clinging to the top spot after surviving a scare from Old Forge in a thrilling 61-56 victory on January 2. While the Crusaders remain undefeated, the competition continues to heat up, with several teams making strong cases for contention.
Key Rankings & Game Highlights
1. Holy Cross (Previous Rank: 1)
• Holy Cross demonstrated resilience in their close win over Old Forge, led by a strong fourth-quarter effort to maintain their unblemished record. Earlier in the week, the Crusaders notched a 51-35 victory over Scranton, further cementing their dominance. The ability to close out tight games keeps them on top, but challengers are closing in.
2. Riverside (Previous Rank: 2)
• The Vikings stay at No. 2 after a solid 52-39 win over Mid Valley on January 2. Riverside’s defensive intensity and balanced scoring make them a consistent threat to Holy Cross. They’ve built a strong resume with other key wins, including a dominant 88-17 victory over Forest City on December 27.
3. Old Forge (Previous Rank: 4)
• Old Forge jumps to No. 3 despite the loss to Holy Cross, showing they can compete with the best. A decisive 62-47 win over Northwest earlier in the week showcased their offensive firepower. The Blue Devils are surging and could challenge for the top spot with continued strong play.
4. Dunmore (Previous Rank: 3)
• Dunmore drops to No. 4 after a mixed week, including a comfortable 57-32 win over Western Wayne but a tough loss to Scranton Prep (84-56) on December 29. The Bucks remain a solid contender, but consistency against top teams will be key.
5. Elk Lake (Previous Rank: 5)
• Elk Lake holds steady at No. 5 with a dominant 60-28 win over Carbondale Area on January 2. Their disciplined approach and strong inside presence keep them in the mix for a higher ranking.
6. Mountain View (Previous Rank: 6)
• Mountain View continues to impress, narrowly defeating Sayre 49-47 on December 30 and securing a 52-34 win over Susquehanna on January 2. Their gritty performances show they can handle close games.
7. Montrose (Previous Rank: 7)
• Montrose maintains their position with a 53-34 win over Forest City. Their steady improvement and defensive focus make them a team to watch.
8. Lackawanna Trail (Previous Rank: 8)
• The Lions delivered a convincing 61-40 victory over Blue Ridge on January 2, demonstrating their ability to control games against lower-ranked opponents. They’ll need to prove themselves against tougher competition to climb higher.
9. Lakeland (Previous Rank: 9)
• Lakeland stays at No. 9 after falling 62-50 to Honesdale. The Chiefs continue to battle but will need key wins to move up in the rankings.
10. Holy Redeemer (Previous Rank: NR)
• Holy Redeemer cracks the top 10 following a 47-33 win over Lake-Lehman. Their return to form puts them back on the radar as a team capable of making a late-season run.
Looking Ahead
The D2 Small School Boys Basketball landscape is heating up, with Holy Cross barely holding off challengers like Riverside and Old Forge. The Crusaders remain undefeated, but close calls like their game against Old Forge suggest the gap at the top may be narrowing. As the season progresses, these teams will undoubtedly cross paths again, with the stakes only getting higher.
Stay tuned as the rankings evolve and teams vie for district supremacy!
