It's that time of the year when the basketball courts in the Bluegrass region come alive. After the thrilling state football championships and the crowning of six new champions, the focus now shifts to the hardwood. The first week of Kentucky high school boys' basketball has truly been a spectacle, bringing with it a wave of excitement.

Excitement Translates to Rankings Movement

In KSR's second Top 25 rankings update of the 2024 - 25 season, the excitement on the court has manifested in significant changes. Great Crossing, with Kentucky signee Malachi Moreno leading the way, continues to hold the top spot and has garnered 9 first-place votes. St. Xavier has also made a strong showing, moving up by 2 spots and earning 1 first-place vote. Male has seen a remarkable rise, climbing 3 positions.However, the rest of the Top 10 has witnessed some reordering. Newport slipped by 1 spot, Trinity dropped 3 positions, and Lloyd Memorial managed to move up by 1. DuPont Manual also saw an upward trend, gaining 1 spot. Ashland Blazer, on the other hand, experienced a setback, falling 3 spots.But it's not just the top tier that has seen action. Hazard, a school that has made a big splash this week, beat a Top 10 Ashland Blazer team and is off to a 3 - 0 start. This impressive performance has led to Hazard shooting up 8 spots in the rankings. Conversely, Adair County saw a significant drop, losing 82 - 77 to Cumberland County last week and plummeting 8 spots.Three new teams have also broken into the backend of the Top 25, adding to the competitiveness. These teams are bringing a fresh energy to the rankings.

Detailed Look at the Updated Top 25

Great Crossing [9 first-place votes] - The team has been consistent and dominant, with their star player Moreno leading the charge. Their performance on the court has been nothing short of exceptional.St. Xavier [1] (+2) - This team has shown great improvement and is steadily climbing the rankings. Their offensive and defensive strategies are paying off.Male (+3) - The team's hard work and determination have paid dividends as they have moved up the ladder. Their players are showing great teamwork and individual skills.Newport (-1) - A slight setback for Newport, but they will bounce back. Their players are known for their tenacity and will work hard to regain their top form.Trinity (-3) - A challenging week for Trinity, but they have the talent and experience to recover. Their coaching staff will be working on strategies to get them back on track.Lloyd Memorial (+1) - A positive move for Lloyd Memorial, and they will look to build on this momentum. Their players are showing great potential.DuPont Manual (+1) - The team's consistent performance has earned them a spot in the top 10. Their coaching and player development have been key factors.Ashland Blazer (-3) - A setback for Ashland Blazer, but they still have a strong team. They will need to regroup and come back stronger.Butler County (+3) - The team has been on a roll and is making its presence felt in the rankings. Their players are playing with confidence.Bowling Green (-1) - A minor dip for Bowling Green, but they will continue to strive for excellence. Their coaching staff will be focusing on areas for improvement.George Rogers Clark (+4) - The team has shown great growth and is climbing the rankings. Their players are adapting well to the high school basketball level.Boyd County (-2) - A challenging week for Boyd County, but they have the talent to bounce back. Their coaching staff will be working on strategies to get them back on top.Bryan Station - The team is working hard to establish themselves in the rankings. Their players are showing promise and potential.Cooper (+4) - A significant rise for Cooper, and they will look to maintain this momentum. Their coaching and player development have been on point.Hazard (+8) - The team's victory over a Top 10 team has put them on the map. Their players are playing with a newfound confidence.Frederick Douglass (+3) - The team has been performing well and is making its way up the rankings. Their coaching staff has been instrumental in their success.Woodford County (-1) - A minor setback for Woodford County, but they will continue to work hard. Their players are showing great potential.Covington Catholic (-1) - A challenging week for Covington Catholic, but they will bounce back. Their coaching staff will be focusing on team chemistry.Adair County (-8) - A tough loss for Adair County, but they will learn from it and come back stronger. Their players have the ability to turn things around.South Laurel (+4) - The team has been on an upward trajectory and is making its mark in the rankings. Their players are playing with a lot of heart.Lyon County (+1) - A positive move for Lyon County, and they will look to continue their progress. Their coaching staff has been doing a great job.Harlan County (-2) - A setback for Harlan County, but they have the talent to recover. Their players will be working hard to get back to their winning ways.North Laurel (NR) - A new team making its debut in the rankings. Their players will be looking to make a name for themselves.Daviess County (NR) - Another new team with potential. Their coaching staff will be working on building a strong team.Calloway County (NR) - A team to watch out for. Their players have the talent and determination to make an impact.

Others Receiving Votes

Madisonville - North Hopkins (21) - A team that has been consistently performing well and is receiving a significant number of votes.Warren Central (17) - A strong team with a lot of talent. Their players are known for their athleticism.Henry Clay (14) - The team has been showing great improvement and is gaining recognition.Marshall County (12) - A team with a solid foundation. Their players are working hard to improve.Cumberland County (4) - A team that has had some big wins and is making its presence felt.Fleming County (1) - A team with potential. Their coaching staff will be working on developing their players.Central Hardin (1) - A new team with promise. Their players will be looking to make a name for themselves.