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Sporting News Releases National High School Girls Basketball Top 25 Rankings

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, January 5th 2026 at 19:17 GMT by Sporting News
      Locales: Texas, California, Maryland, Virginia, Illinois, UNITED STATES

The Nation's Best: A Look at Sporting News’ Top 25 High School Girls Basketball Rankings

The high school girls basketball season is reaching its crucial stretch, with playoffs looming large across the country. Sporting News has released their latest iteration of the National Top 25 rankings (as of February 15, 2024), providing a snapshot of the elite programs vying for national championships and state titles. The list showcases a compelling mix of established powerhouses, rising stars, and teams demonstrating remarkable consistency throughout the season. This article breaks down the top performers, highlights key storylines, and examines what makes these teams so formidable.

The Reigning Champion Still on Top: South Salem (Oregon) Leads the Pack

Unsurprisingly, South Salem High School in Oregon holds the #1 spot. The Spartans boast a stellar 23-0 record and are considered the team to beat nationally. Their dominance isn't just about winning; it’s about doing so with impressive margins and showcasing exceptional teamwork. They represent a strong showing from the West Coast, which consistently produces top-tier girls basketball talent. While specific player breakdowns aren't detailed in this particular ranking article, South Salem’s success is attributed to their overall team chemistry and disciplined play – hallmarks of a well-coached program.

A Familiar Face at #2: Sidwell Friends (Washington D.C.) Remains Competitive

Sidwell Friends School from Washington D.C. sits comfortably at number two with an impressive 23-1 record. They’ve consistently been a force in the national conversation, and their only loss underscores the competitive nature of high school basketball. Like South Salem, Sidwell Friends benefits from a strong program tradition and access to talented players. Their ranking reflects not just current performance but also historical success and reputation within the girls basketball landscape.

The Top 10: A Blend of Powerhouses and Rising Programs

Rounding out the top ten are several teams that deserve recognition. #3 is Lake Highland Prep (Florida), known for its strong athletic program and consistently high-performing basketball team. #4 goes to IMG Academy (Florida), a boarding school renowned for its elite sports training, including girls' basketball. Their roster often includes highly recruited players from across the country, making them a formidable opponent. #5 is Archbishop Mitty (California), another West Coast powerhouse with a history of championship contention. Following closely are #6 Millbrook (New York), #7 Duncanville (Texas), #8 Bishop Gorman (Nevada), #9 Providence Academy (Minnesota) and #10 Oak Park (Illinois). Each team within this top ten demonstrates exceptional skill, coaching, and dedication to the sport.

Notable Movers & Shakers: Teams Climbing the Ranks

The rankings aren't static; movement reflects recent performances and emerging talent. Several teams have made significant strides in the latest iteration. For example, a team demonstrating notable upward mobility is likely due to a string of impressive victories or a particularly strong showing in a key tournament. While specific details on individual movers weren’t explicitly provided in this article, it's safe to assume that recent wins against highly-ranked opponents are contributing factors.

Regional Representation: A National Picture

The Top 25 provides a good representation of basketball talent across the United States. While Florida and California consistently feature prominently due to their strong high school programs and favorable weather for year-round training, teams from other regions – including the Midwest (Minnesota, Illinois), Northeast (New York), and Northwest (Oregon) – are also making their mark. This demonstrates that exceptional girls basketball isn't confined to specific geographic areas; it thrives wherever dedicated athletes and coaches cultivate a passion for the game.

Beyond the Rankings: The Bigger Picture

The Sporting News rankings serve as more than just a list of teams; they reflect broader trends in high school girls basketball. The increasing emphasis on athleticism, skill development, and strategic play is evident across the top programs. Furthermore, the rise of academies like IMG Academy highlights the growing professionalization of high school sports, with athletes often receiving specialized training and exposure to college recruiters from a young age.

Looking Ahead: Playoff Season & National Championship Contenders

As the season progresses, these rankings will undoubtedly shift as teams face tougher competition in their respective state tournaments and begin vying for national championships. The pressure intensifies, and upsets are always possible. The teams currently ranked within the Top 25 have earned their place among the elite, but the road to a championship is long and arduous.

Where to Find More Information:

Sporting News regularly updates its rankings throughout the season. Readers can find the complete list and further analysis at [ https://www.sportingnews.com/us/high-school/girls-basketball/news/national-high-school-girls-basketball-top-25-rankings/f591dcf2634e89999a33e407 ]. Following Sporting News’ coverage provides a valuable resource for fans eager to stay informed about the nation's top high school girls basketball teams and players.

This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the Sporting News Top 25 rankings, highlighting key teams, trends, and storylines shaping the landscape of high school girls basketball in the United States.