UPDATE: The 2026 Scholastic Play By Play Classic kicks off this Sunday at Euclid High School, featuring top teams in a must-see basketball showdown. Lutheran East has surged to the top of the cleveland.com boys basketball Top 25, following an unexpected loss by Brunswick to undefeated Gilmour Academy earlier this week.
Starting at 12:00 PM, five exciting games will unfold, beginning with Rhodes (4-2) facing Lutheran West (3-4). Rhodes nearly clinched victory against Hawken last Sunday, thanks to senior guard Jahavi Dye, who scored 20 points. Meanwhile, Lutheran West will be bolstered by junior forward Aiden Monroe, returning from injury.
The Play By Play Classic also features a hotly anticipated rematch from last season’s Division IV state semifinals. Hawken (8-1) aims to prove their competitiveness, especially after their recent victory over Rhodes. Coach Greg Price emphasized the team’s focus on redemption, stating,
“We’re thinking about it a lot. It’s more about showing we can compete.”
Another key matchup includes Brunswick (7-1) facing St. Vincent-St. Mary (4-4). Trey Drexler, a recruit for Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, leads Brunswick against the formidable duo of DeCarlo Prince and sophomore Ascen Lomack from St. Vincent-St. Mary. Brunswick dropped to eighth in the rankings after their loss to Gilmour.
The showcase concludes with the newly ranked No. 1, Lutheran East (6-0), battling host Euclid (5-3). The Falcons come off impressive victories, including over the defending Division II state champions, Westerville North. They recently avenged a loss to Warrensville Heights on their path to the Division V state crown.
Boosting the excitement, rivals St. Edward (6-0) and St. Ignatius (5-3) are set to meet on January 2, 2026, at Public Hall in Cleveland, further igniting the competitive spirit of the region.
As the basketball season heats up, all eyes will be on Euclid this Sunday for a thrilling day of high school basketball action. Fans and players alike are eager to see how the rankings will shift after these crucial games. Stay tuned for updates and highlights from this exciting weekend!
