As the nation gears up for high school basketball, the Sunshine State is ablaze with exciting hoop action. Thanksgiving has passed, and Christmas/New Year is fast approaching, making national tournaments a prominent feature across the state, featuring many top teams. Who are these teams that everyone should be keeping an eye on? Our first set of Power 25 rankings for girls basketball in Florida has got you covered.

Uncover Florida's Elite Girls Basketball Teams

Returning Champions: The Eagles

The Eagles take the top spot in the Sunshine State for the 2024-2025 season. Despite a loss on their record, Montverde Academy has achieved impressive victories this season against state powers like Dr. Phillips and St. Thomas Aquinas. The anticipation for the end-of-season matchup between Montverde Academy and IMG Academy is palpable. The Ascenders have only suffered two losses, to national powers Hebron Christian (Georgia) and Bishop McNamara (Maryland).The Eagles' dominance on the court showcases their exceptional skills and determination. Their ability to compete with some of the best teams in the nation is a testament to their coaching and player development.

Florida's Rising Stars

DME Academy has been playing exceptionally well to start the season. Among the Florida teams just on the outside looking in of the latest High School On SI national rankings, DME Academy has been making a strong case. Their performances have been consistent, and they have shown that they are a force to be reckoned with.Central Pointe Christian, the defending Class 3A state champs, has also been impressive. They have pulled off some notable victories, beating Cardinal Mooney, Dr. Phillips, and St. Thomas Aquinas. Their ability to handle tough competition is a sign of their strength and resilience.

Local Powerhouses

Winter Haven's Blue Devils have been right up there in the mix with everyone else in the state. Their only loss was a narrow 45-44 defeat to Palm Bay. The team's tenacity and skill on the court have earned them a respected place among the top teams.The Panthers from another local team have shown their mettle with four losses on the season, three of which came against Florida teams. Their out-of-state loss was to Mt. Zion Prep Academy, highlighting their competitiveness on a broader scale.

Teams on the Rise

After a 1-2 start to the season, the Raiders have gone 4-2 in the following six games. Their improvement and ability to bounce back from losses demonstrate their growth and potential.The Cougars have had some narrow losses to state powers like Dr. Phillips and Winter Haven. Despite these setbacks, their performance has been commendable, and they are steadily making their mark.

Impressive Performances

The Firebirds have made a strong case to be higher up on our rankings. With only a couple of losses to Central Pointe Christian and DME Academy, their play so far has been outstanding.The Stallions from Northeast Florida have been one of the top clubs, with only one loss earlier in the season. Senior shooting guard Abby Knauff has been a standout, averaging a team-high 15.3 points per game.

South Florida's Lions

The Lions from King's Academy in South Florida have been impressive. Their only loss came against Somerset Prep. Their performance this season has been a testament to their hard work and talent.They have made a huge jump from last season and handing Plantation American Heritage a loss speaks volumes about their current standing.

Other Notable Teams

The Barracudas have had impressive wins over Blanche Ely and Mainland, making it difficult to keep them out of the rankings. Their ability to perform against tough opponents is a sign of their quality.The Tigers have only suffered one loss to a Florida-based team this season, with Blanche Ely falling 49-28 against them. Their consistency and competitiveness are evident.The Trojans of Jacksonville from Northeast Florida have also been impressive, with a solid victory over Bishop Kenny to their credit.The Crusaders have had a hot start to the season, propelling them into the Class 3A state championship conversation. Their only loss was a 72-21 decision against Bolles.The Bulls have been dominant in most of their games, with only one decided by single digits. Their victories have been convincing, showing their strength and teamwork.The Lions from another team have come out of the gates with impressive victories lined up in their schedule. Their most impressive win was against Evangelical Christian, and they have split the season series so far.The Wildcats have started the season on a sizzling note, with eight straight victories highlighted by a win over Lakewood. Their consistent performance is a cause for excitement.It's clear that the high school basketball scene in the Sunshine State is filled with talent and excitement. Follow SBLive Florida throughout the 2024 season for live updates, schedules, scores, and complete coverage from the preseason through the state championships! Be sure to bookmark High School on SI for all the latest news. To get live updates on your phone, download the SBLive Sports app: Download iPhone App | Download Android App.— Andy Villamarzo | villamarzo@scorebooklive.com | @highschoolsi