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Sierra Canyon Remains #1 in National Girls Basketball Rankings

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, February 9th 2026 at 7:50 GMT by Sporting News
      Locales: Texas, Tennessee, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Virginia, Wisconsin, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, UNITED STATES

Monday, February 9th, 2026 - The high school girls basketball season is heating up nationwide, and the latest USA TODAY Sports/Sporting News National Rankings, released today, offer a snapshot of the top contenders vying for national supremacy. Sierra Canyon (Chatsworth, California) remains perched atop the rankings with a dominant 23-1 record, continuing a season marked by consistent excellence. However, the landscape below the top spot is fiercely competitive, showcasing a wealth of talent and emerging programs.

The rankings, compiled using a holistic approach that weighs team records, strength of schedule, recent performance, and expert analysis, reveal a growing parity within the sport. The inclusion of schools from diverse geographic locations - California, Florida, Texas, Missouri, Oregon, and even Ontario, Canada - highlights the expanding reach and increasing competitiveness of girls basketball.

Sierra Canyon's Continued Dominance

Sierra Canyon's sustained success isn't accidental. The program has consistently attracted top-tier recruits and boasts a coaching staff dedicated to player development. Their single loss to date serves as a reminder that no team is invincible, but their overall body of work solidifies their position as the team to beat. The Trail Blazers' offensive firepower and stifling defense have proven difficult for opponents to counter.

IMG Academy and the Rise of National Programs

Close behind Sierra Canyon is IMG Academy (Bradenton, Florida) at 23-2. IMG's consistently high ranking demonstrates the increasing trend of nationally recognized programs drawing talent from across the country. These academies, often boarding schools or programs with robust travel teams, are able to assemble highly competitive rosters, providing a unique challenge to traditional high school powerhouses. Their strength of schedule is particularly noteworthy, exposing them to some of the best competition across multiple states.

Regional Powerhouses and Emerging Contenders

The rankings aren't solely dominated by national programs. Schools like Oak Park (Kansas City, Missouri) and South Salem (Salem, Oregon) have established themselves as regional powerhouses, consistently competing at a high level. These programs often rely on local talent and strong community support. Westlake (Austin, Texas) and Incarnate Word Academy (San Antonio, Texas) round out the strong Texas representation, indicating a thriving basketball scene in the Lone Star State. Further east, Mount Notre Dame (Hamilton, Ohio) and Holy Trinity Catholic (Melbourne, Florida) demonstrate strength in their respective regions.

Canadian Presence and International Growth

An interesting development in the rankings is the inclusion of Central Peel (Mississauga, Ontario) at number 10. This marks a significant moment, highlighting the growing talent pool north of the border and the increasing internationalization of high school basketball. It demonstrates that competitive high school basketball is no longer limited by geographic boundaries.

Key Trends and What to Watch For

The 2026 season presents several key trends. Firstly, the increased emphasis on strength of schedule suggests that teams are proactively seeking out challenging competition to prepare for postseason play. Secondly, the presence of several programs from different states underscores the widespread growth of the sport. Finally, the reliance on expert opinion alongside objective data demonstrates a nuanced ranking system that attempts to capture the full picture of team performance.

As the season progresses, several factors will determine the ultimate champion. Injuries to key players, unexpected upsets in tournament play, and the ability to perform under pressure will all play a crucial role. The remaining weeks promise exciting matchups and compelling storylines as these top 25 programs battle for national recognition. Beyond Sierra Canyon, teams like IMG Academy, Oak Park, and Westlake are well-positioned to make a deep run in the postseason. Fans can expect a thrilling finish to the 2026 high school girls basketball season, with several contenders vying for the crown.