Class 2A state champ Orlando Christian Prep finished right where it started in the Sentinel Super 16 boys basketball rankings.
On top.
The Warriors went wire-to-wire as No. 1 in this season’s Orlando area rankings. They put the icing on the cake by collecting the program’s ninth state championship in 14 years since 2008 and achieving OCP’s first undefeated season.
Orlando Christian Prep has won 47 consecutive games over two seasons.
It took a Florida High School Athletic Association title to be No. 1 because another Orlando state champion, Class 7A Dr. Phillips, was knocking at the door and finished No. 2.
OCP did not play DP but did have wins against the second-, third- and sixth-ranked teams in 7A, Oak Ridge, Windermere and West Orange, respectively. The Warriors won 15 games against state top-10 teams, including 3A state runner-up Jacksonville Jackson and the No. 2 team in 2A, Central Florida Christian Academy.
DP captured its first boys basketball championship after more than two decades of trying and finished second to OCP in MaxPreps power rankings that included all seven FHSAA classifications.
Oak Ridge finished fourth on that list, just behind 4A state champ Fort Lauderdale Pine Crest (21-1).
Here are the rankings, which include teams in the FHSAA playoff system:
1. Orlando Christian Prep (27-0): Warriors’ smothering defense surrendered just 41.9 points per game. Final six playoff foes averaged measly 33.
2. Dr. Phillips (24-3): Panthers, with four underclassmen starting, won final 12 games to capture Class 7A state championship.
3. Oak Ridge (23-3): Top-ranked in 7A before losing 56-44 to DP in state semifinal. They sorely missed injured SMU signee Jalen Smith.
4. Windermere (17-6): Brutal schedule included losses to OCP by 3 points and DP by 4. Had Oak Ridge on ropes before 68-58 region semifinal defeat.
5. Olympia (21-7): Titans dropped two overtime heartbreakers again to DP, then lost 47-45 to Panthers in excruciating region semifinal rematch.
6. West Orange (18-6): Warriors were on 17-1 streak before ending season with “District of Death” semifinal loss at Olympia.
7. Windermere Prep (16-6): Lakers were on 11-1 streak when COVID-10 sidelined five players before season-ending loss to Trinity Prep.
8. Apopka (15-7): Six losses for overachieving Blue Darters were to top-six teams; scared DP in 52-44 district semifinal defeat.
9. Central Florida Christian Academy (21-9): No. 2 team in MaxPreps’ 2A rankings trailed by just two at halftime of 57-44 region final loss at OCP.
10. Leesburg (16-5): Won 13 of 14 to reach 5A state tournament, then lost 59-58 heartbreaker to Fort Walton Beach Choctawhatchee.
11. The First Academy (15-9): Class 3A Royals were area’s only three seed that won district title.
12. Lake Highland Prep (13-8): Season with high expectations was hindered by injuries; still district champ and region runner-up.
13. Kissimmee Osceola (13-9): Seven of Kowboys’ losses were to teams in top 10 of their class; three leading scorers were underclassmen.
14. The Master’s Academy (17-5): Eagles won 11 straight before falling 77-72 to The First Academy in district semifinal.
15. Seminole (16-8): ‘Noles started 0-4 without football players but won district and reached region final for fourth consecutive year.
16. Evans (13-13): Second highest-rated .500 team in state had quality wins, including OT victory vs. Olympia and winning at Boone by 20.
Bubble teams: Boone (17-11), Lake Brantley (14-9), Mount Dora Christian (21-7), Poinciana (12-7), Trinity Prep (9-9), Orlando University (19-9).
This story was first published at OrlandoSentinel.com. Varsity Content Editor Buddy Collings can be reached by email at bcollings@orlandosentinel.com.
![Through two games against the Magic, the Cavs average the most first-quarter points (31.5) among all playoff teams. "For us, we've just got to get off to a better start [and] not let them get off to this hot start," Orlando guard Cole Anthony said.](https://www.orlandosentinel.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Magic-Cavaliers-Basketball-14.jpg?w=525 "Through two games against the Magic, the Cavs average the most first-quarter points (31.5) among all playoff teams. \"For us, we've just got to get off to a better start [and] not let them get off to this hot start,\" Orlando guard Cole Anthony said.")
