There may be no place like home for the holidays, but many of the D.C. area’s best boys’ basketball programs hit the road over the last two weeks, seeking out competitive games during winter break.
The most fruitful of those trips belonged to Gonzaga, which kept its perfect start alive with a commanding performance at the King Cotton Classic in Pine Bluff, Ark. The Eagles are one of just three teams featured in our last rankings (published two weeks ago) that did not lose a game in the days since.
Paul VI also traveled south, taking part in the City of Palms Classic the week before Christmas. The Panthers went 3-1 there, finishing third in a loaded field. Their first loss of the season came against Florida superpower Montverde Academy.
Many other ranked teams scattered across the country, taking part in events everywhere from South Carolina to Hawaii. The most popular destination for top teams was the Governor’s Challenge, a long-running, multi-tournament event held in Salisbury, Md., every year. DeMatha, South Lakes, Rock Creek Christian, Fairfax Christian, Georgetown Prep and Largo were among the participants winter.
Another Governor’s Challenge team, Gwynn Park, is one of two newcomers in the rankings. The Yellow Jackets join Alexandria City in the late teens.