UPDATE: Lutheran East has surged to the top of the cleveland.com boys basketball Top 25 as the 2026 season kicks off this Sunday in Euclid, Ohio. This comes after Brunswick suffered a shocking loss to Gilmour Academy, shifting the rankings just before the highly anticipated Play By Play Classic.
This year’s Classic will feature an action-packed lineup starting at noon on January 2, 2026, at Euclid High School, showcasing five thrilling games. The spotlight will be on the newly ranked No. 1 Lutheran East (6-0), which aims to maintain its lead against the area’s No. 12 team, Euclid (5-3), under first-year coach Quentin Rogers.
The Classic opens with Rhodes (4-2) facing Lutheran West (3-4) in a matchup that promises excitement. Rhodes nearly pulled off a comeback against Hawken in a recent tournament, led by senior guard Jahavi Dye, who scored 20 points. Meanwhile, Lutheran West welcomes back standout junior forward Aiden Monroe, who is crucial to their efforts after a recent injury.
Hawken (8-1), fresh off a victory over Rhodes, is looking to avenge last season’s state semifinal loss. Coach Greg Price acknowledged the weight of that rematch, stating, “We’re thinking about it a lot. It’s more about showing we can compete.” They will face Glenville (2-4), bolstered by returning stars Theo Castro and Arvell Nelson Jr.
Another critical matchup features Brunswick (7-1) and IU-Indianapolis recruit Trey Drexler, who will square off against St. Vincent-St. Mary (4-4) and DeCarlo Prince. After dropping to eighth in the rankings, Brunswick seeks redemption against a pressing defense led by Prince and sophomore Ascen Lomack.
As the clock counts down to the Classic, St. Edward (6-0) and St. Ignatius (5-3) will clash on Saturday at Public Hall, setting the stage for fierce competition in the coming days.
The action-packed Sunday lineup also includes a key game with No. 5 Garfield Heights (4-4) taking on Shaker Heights (1-4). Garfield Heights, led by Ohio Mr. Basketball Marcus Johnson, is eager to bounce back after a tough trip to Florida. Johnson recently scored 40 points against Glenville, highlighting his role as a game-changer.
The Play By Play Classic is not just about the games; it’s about community pride and showcasing the exceptional talent within Northeast Ohio. With Lutheran East’s recent victory against the defending Division II state champion Westerville North, they are poised to defend their top position with strong performances.
Fans can expect a thrilling showcase of high school basketball talent as the teams vie for supremacy in this competitive landscape. The urgency is palpable as the season heats up, with every game impacting rankings and community spirit.
Stay tuned for updates on the outcomes of these crucial matchups, as the Play By Play Classic is set to kick off a new year of basketball excitement!
