Morris Catholic (Denville, N.J.) has claimed the top spot as the No. 1 team in the latest MaxPreps Top 25 high school girls basketball rankings, following the successful culmination of their season with their third consecutive New Jersey state title. The momentous victory came over the weekend of March 15, 2025, against Paul VI (Haddonfield) with a final score of 54-44.
Leading the charge for Morris Catholic was the outstanding Mya Pauldo, who delivered a game-high 21 points alongside five rebounds. Her twin sister, Mia Pauldo, added to the formidable performance by contributing 15 points, five rebounds, and four assists. Daniella Matus also made significant contributions, chipping in with 11 points and five rebounds. Together, the Pauldo twins capped off their illustrious careers at Morris Catholic with three state titles, four county titles, and an impressive overall record of 107-5. "The Pauldo twins finish their Morris Catholic career with three state titles, four county titles, and a 107-5 record," noted MaxPreps, highlighting their remarkable achievement.
Meanwhile, Etiwanda (Calif.) also enjoyed similar success, winning their third consecutive title at the highest level of California high school basketball, the Open Division. They triumphed with a 75-59 victory against No. 7 Archbishop Mitty (San Jose). Arynn Finley was pivotal for Etiwanda, leading the team with 21 points, of which 17 came during the first half. Her teammates, Aliyahna Morris and Grace Knox, added 12 and 10 points, respectively, ensuring the Eagles continued their dominance on the court.
Grandview (Aurora, Colo.) completed the triumvirate of champions with their third Class 6A title over the past four seasons. They secured their title with a resounding 61-39 victory over Legend (Parker), led by dynamics from UCLA commit Sienna Betts. Betts posted impressive statistics, scoring 21 points, grabbing 16 rebounds, handing out five assists, and achieving three steals. Notably, Betts concluded her high school career as Colorado's all-time leading rebounder with over 2,000 points to her name. "Sienna Betts finished her career with over 2,000 points and is Colorado's all-time leading rebounder," affirmed MaxPreps, underscoring her historical significance to the sport.
Across various high school championships nationwide, teams are reaping the rewards of hard work and determination. For example, John Marshall (Virginia) showed their mettle by outperforming three state tournament opponents by more than 42 points per game, leading to their fourth consecutive title. The Justices, who outgrew their competition throughout the tournament, capped their season with a thrilling 107-81 victory against Graham, with four-star junior Latrell Allmond leading the scoring with 27 points and 10 rebounds.
North Carolina’s Reidsville also made headlines; they completed what can only be described as dominance through the state championship run, maintaining their impressive 60-game winning streak with another strong showing. The title was cemented with their victory over Northwood (Pittsboro) by 71-54, with Dionte Neal scoring 26 points and providing nine assists, and Kendre Harrison controlling the boards with 16 points, 12 rebounds, and six blocks.
Meanwhile, among schools stepping back onto the national stage is East Lansing, which made its first appearance on the MaxPreps Top 25 after claiming their first state championship since 1958. East Lansing achieved victory with ease, defeating their opponent, Wayne Memorial, 66-46, after overcoming defending state champion St. Mary’s (Orchard Lake) by 51-44 earlier in the tournament.
Overall, these teams exemplify excellence across the board, showcasing the talents of individuals and demonstrating how collective teamwork can lead to championship glory. The MaxPreps Top 25 rankings have seen several shifts after the conclusion of the state championships, with each title win impacting the overall standings.
Morris Catholic now stands at the top with their perfect 27-0 record, affirming their status as Non-Public A state champions. Etiwanda improved to 28-5 after their successful campaign, and Grandview solidified their position with 31 wins against just three losses, marking their remarkable achievements this season.
For high school athletes and fans alike, these victories are not just numbers; they symbolize the culmination of dedication, hard work, and the pursuit of excellence on and off the court. The stories of triumph, camaraderie, and personal achievement resonate beyond the boundaries of competition, inspiring future generations to aim high and excel.
