By Anthony Gulizia, Globe Correspondent

At the start of the season it was the defending state champion Central Catholic Raiders that occupied the No. 1 spot in the state, and there's no doubt that they're primed for another run at the title.

But as the mid-point of the season approaches, it's the No. 1 St. Johns Prep Eagles that have a strangle hold on the competition.

Behind senior guard Pat Connaughton, the Eagles took down No. 3 New Bedford, then-ranked No.10 New Mission and No. 15 BC High. Coach Sean Connoly's crew is averaging 70.7 points per game, and is surrendering just 55.3.

Senior forward Jimmy Zenevitch is leading the way for the No. 2 ranked Raiders, who fell to Andover 55-52 in last month's annual Christmas Tournament.

The Raiders nipped the Golden Warriors earlier this month, winning 64-55, and are fighting for superiority in the Merrimack Valley.

The New Bedford Whalers fall in at No. 3 and are off to a 7-1 start behind senior guard Jules Tavares, who is averaging 19.2 points per game, since starting the season ranked at No. 12.

Tavares erupted for 32 points as the Whalers gave the Eagles a scare in late December, but they came up short and lost 81-77.

No. 4 Lynn English has proved its dominance in the Northeastern Conference so far, defeating opponents by an average of 17 points per game.

Andover established some credibility since knocking off then top-ranked Raiders in the Christmas Tournament, and senior guard Joe Bramanti and the No. 5 Golden Warriors look to make some noise in the MVC.

Sitting at No. 6 is Acton-Boxborough and senior guard Wes Schroll is leading the Colonials, scoring 16.8 points per game.

The Cambridge Falcons, after starting the season at No. 15, swoop in at No. 7 atop the Greater Boston League. Jacquil Taylor, the Falcons 6-foot-11 inch center, is averaging 13 points per game.

Sophomore guard Jared Terrell and the No. 8 Weymouth Wildcats were unranked at the start of the season, and have made some noise in the Bay State Conference since upending then No. 2 Newton North this month.

Terrell, who electrifies the crowd when he slams home thunderous dunks, is averaging 16.7 points per game.

No. 9 Franklin, which also started the season unranked, is emerging as the top-gun in the Hockomock league.

With big wins over King Phillip, No. 10 Charlestown and East Boston, the Panthers have the potential to take a shot at the Division 2 title.

Charlestown rounds out the Top 10 and the Townies are 8-1 since starting the season unranked.

The Townies took down No. 15 BC High 65-55 in early December.

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Click here for the full list of our boys basketball Top 20.