Chasing Greatness: The Evolving Landscape of Girls' High School Hoops
The Shifting Tides: Key Movements in National Standings
As the high school girls' basketball regular season draws to a close across the nation, the latest weekly rankings reveal some compelling changes. Notably, DME Academy, previously a top contender, experienced a defeat, while Wauwatosa East from Wisconsin made a significant impact by unseating Arrowhead and securing a spot in the top 25.
Bishop McNamara's Resilience: Maintaining the Top Position
Bishop McNamara (MD) holds onto its No. 1 ranking, showcasing an impressive ability to clinch victories in closely contested games. Their recent triumphs include a 59-53 win against St. John's and a narrow 44-42 victory over Paul VI (VA), underscoring their championship aspirations.
Ontario Christian's Ascent: Nearing Playoff Dominance
Ontario Christian (CA) remains a formidable force, poised to be the top seed in the CIF-Southern Section Open Division playoffs. Their strong performance continues as they head into their final regular-season game, maintaining their No. 2 position.
Princess Anne's Historic Run: Reaching New Heights
Princess Anne (VA) is on the verge of completing a second consecutive undefeated regular season, marking their highest national ranking ever at No. 3. Their consistent excellence has been a defining feature of their season.
Long Island Lutheran's All-American Talent and Dominance
Long Island Lutheran (NY), ranked fourth, is preparing for a rematch against Bullis, having previously defeated them decisively. The team also garnered national recognition with three players selected for the 2026 McDonald's All-American Game, highlighting their exceptional talent.
Archbishop Mitty's Defensive Prowess: A League Apart
Archbishop Mitty (CA) continues its dominant run in the WCAL, with an unblemished league record where opponents have consistently scored under 30 points. Their defensive strength is a key factor in their No. 5 ranking.
Sierra Canyon's Unbroken Streak: Mission League Mastery
Sierra Canyon (CA) is set to complete its fourth consecutive sweep in the Mission League, demonstrating consistent superiority. Their commanding victory over Harvard-Westlake earlier in the season illustrates their continued dominance.
Incarnate Word Academy's Remarkable Surge: A January Turnaround
Incarnate Word Academy (MO) saw a dramatic rise in the rankings, going undefeated in January, including a significant win against Long Island Lutheran. Their strong performance positions them at No. 7.
Johnston's Quest for Perfection: A Challenging Week Ahead
Johnston (IA) is striving for a third straight undefeated regular season. They face a critical week with matchups against Dowling Catholic and West Des Moines Valley, which will test their resolve.
Etiwanda's Tough Test: Overcoming Challenges
Etiwanda (CA) successfully navigated a challenging non-league game against Mission Hills, securing a 62-51 victory. This win prepares them for the Southern Section Open Division playoffs, maintaining their No. 9 position.
Westtown's Continued Success: Despite Schedule Changes
Westtown (PA) recorded a strong 77-50 win against Friends' Central. While a highly anticipated game against DME Academy was canceled, Westtown's performance keeps them at No. 10.
SPIRE Academy National's Unblemished Record: A Perfect Season
SPIRE Academy National (OH) concluded its regular season undefeated, overcoming strong challenges from Canadian teams Orangeville Prep and CODE Academy. Their ability to win close games, like the 56-50 finish against CODE Academy, showcases their resilience.
The St. James Performance Academy's Breakthrough: First Loss for DME
The St. James Performance Academy (VA) has hit its stride, extending a 13-game winning streak. A highlight was handing DME Academy its first loss of the season, solidifying their No. 12 spot.
DME Academy's Setback: A Minor Drop in Rankings
DME Academy (FL) experienced a 10-spot drop after a single-digit loss to St. James. Despite the setback, their impressive season record and challenging schedule suggest they remain a top contender.
Legion Prep's Steady Position: Holding Strong During Bye Week
Legion Prep (TX) moved down slightly in the rankings due to DME Academy's loss, one of the two teams LPA has fallen to this season. They remain a strong presence at No. 14.
St. John Vianney's Momentum: A Winning Streak Continues
St. John Vianney (NJ) is on a roll, securing dominant wins against Rumson-Fair Haven and Manasquan, followed by a 53-40 victory over Morris Catholic, reinforcing their No. 15 ranking.
Red Bank Catholic's Statement Win: Unseating an Undefeated Rival
Red Bank Catholic (NJ) delivered a significant victory by defeating previously unbeaten Paul VI (NJ) 64-54. This win marks a crucial moment in their season, elevating them to No. 16.
Westlake's Unbeaten Path: Approaching a Perfect Regular Season
Westlake (TX) is on track for an undefeated regular season, with their last competitive game being a narrow 52-49 win over Brennan in December. Their consistent performance places them at No. 17.
Tualatin's Upcoming Challenge: A Conference Showdown
Tualatin (OR) faces a significant test with an upcoming conference meeting against West Linn, another strong Oregon contender. This matchup will be crucial in determining their standing.
Wagner's Dominance in Texas: Another Undefeated Contender
Wagner (TX) joins Westlake as the only 30-win teams in the national rankings, poised to complete an undefeated regular season. Their consistent blowouts against opponents highlight their strong performance.
St. John's Close Call: Pushing the Top Team
St. John's (DC) pushed top-ranked Bishop McNamara to its limits in a 59-53 game, demonstrating their competitive spirit. They will have a chance for a rematch soon.
Bullis' Rescheduled Battles: Preparing for Key Matchups
Bullis (MD) returned to action with a decisive 82-44 win against Georgetown Visitation Prep after several cancellations. They face critical games, including a rematch against Long Island Lutheran on ESPN.
Belleville's Scorched Earth Policy: Dominating the Competition
Belleville (MI) continues its dominant run in the Kensington Lakes - East competition, winning its last three games by a combined score of 265-41, showcasing overwhelming superiority.
Hoover's Resurgent Season: A Strong Winning Streak
Hoover (AL) is expected to finish the regular season on a 29-game winning streak after an initial loss. They face a final challenge against Holy Innocents' Episcopal to seal their impressive run.
Sage Hill's Hot Streak: A New Entry with Stellar Performance
Sage Hill (CA) enters the rankings with one of the hottest streaks in high school girls' basketball, having not lost since early December. Senior point guard Amalia Holguin's 64-point performance highlights their exceptional talent.
Wauwatosa East's Upset Victory: A Promising Debut
Wauwatosa East (WI) made a notable debut in the rankings with an overtime upset victory against Arrowhead. Their undefeated season showcases their strength against top Midwest teams.