Montverde Academy, you’ve just made history! In them, four gifted players from the university’s dynamic women’s basketball program were selected in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft. Cooper Flagg had been the consensus No. 1 pick, and was taken No. This accomplishment is a testament not only to his immense talent but reinforces Montverde’s legacy of creating exceptional players. Flagg capped an excellent two-year run at Montverde with a strong all-around performance. Statistically he averaged 13.6 points, 6.5 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 1.6 steals, and 2.5 blocks per game showcasing his diverse talents on the floor.
The draft served to shine a light on Montverde’s remarkable coaching pedigree. Kevin Boyle, the former head coach who turned Montverde into the nation’s preeminent powerhouse, now heads SPIRE Academy in Ohio. Under his guidance, Montverde became a powerhouse in high school basketball, culminating in a season that ended with a Chipotle Nationals title in 2024. Boyle reflected on the team’s dynamics, stating, “A lot of people throw around ‘unselfish,’ but these guys really sacrificed numbers and accolades to win.”
A Legacy of Excellence
Montverde’s success in the NBA Draft isn’t without precedent. It is the second time that four players from the same team have been chosen in the opening round. That first case was in 2021. Flagg wasn’t the only outlier on draft day. Cade Cunningham being selected first overall by the Detroit Pistons, Scottie Barnes went fourth to the Toronto Raptors, and Moses Moody went fourteenth overall to the Golden State Warriors. Plus, Day’Ron Sharpe was drafted No. 13 overall by the New Orleans Pelicans.
These individual accomplishments underscore the high level of talent that has emerged from Montverde Academy. Jalen Newell was one of the most productive players ever at the school, averaging 9.1 points and 4.8 rebounds. At the same time, Liam McNeeley stood out by making 44% of his three-pointers and scoring 12.4 points to go with 3.9 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game.
Building Team Culture
Boyle pointed to strong team culture as a key factor in Montverde’s success. Right across all of the time that they have been in this academy, these players have committed to a real unified effort to teamwork. “There was never complaining or pushback,” he remarked. And they would have been able to very credibly do that given who they are. That really established the tone on the team. It celebrated them as champs that represent the winning culture, selflessness, and teamwork.
These values quickly became the fire inside the engine that drove the team’s success. They prepared them for the competitive world of professional basketball. Montverde’s pride and passion extend far beyond their high school days. The camaraderie of Montverde players extends well beyond their time in high school.
Looking Ahead
As a program, Montverde Academy is committed to cultivating great variety of talent. The impact of this most recent draft class will certainly be felt for generations. Cooper Flagg and his teammates set an example for future athletes. They demonstrate all that goes into getting to the peak of basketball achievement.
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