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NJ High School Swimming: Rankings Reshaped After Sectionals

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, February 13th 2026 at 16:08 GMT by NJ.com
      Locales: New Jersey, UNITED STATES

February 13th, 2026 - The landscape of New Jersey high school swimming has been significantly altered following a thrilling series of sectional championship meets. A wave of new champions and standout individual performances have reshaped the Top 20 rankings for both boys and girls, signaling a competitive season heading into the state championships. This isn't simply a cosmetic shift; the results point to a rising tide of talent beyond the traditionally dominant programs, and suggest a potentially unpredictable state championship meet.

The latest rankings, released today, reflect not only season-long consistency but also the impact of peak performances at the sectional level. While established powerhouses remain near the top, several teams have surged forward, propelled by impressive showings from their swimmers. The sectional championships act as a crucial proving ground, identifying teams and individuals who are peaking at the right time, and capable of making a deep run at the state title.

Girls' Rankings: Ridge Remains Atop, But Competition Intensifies

Ridge High School continues to lead the girls' rankings, maintaining its position as the team to beat. However, the gap is closing. Northwestern, Watchung Hills, and Oak Knoll consistently challenge for the top spot, demonstrating depth and versatility across multiple events. Montclair and Millburn round out the top five, showcasing strong individual talent and a commitment to team performance.

The most notable changes in the girls' rankings come from teams lower down the list. Lawrence, Princeton, and Moorestown have all climbed several positions, buoyed by strong sectional performances. Hillsborough, Bridgewater-Raritan, and Hunterdon Central remain competitive, solidifying their positions in the top twelve. Teams like Pascack Valley, Notre Dame, and Sparta continue to demonstrate consistent improvement, proving that the competition is fierce throughout the state.

Notably, the rise of several public schools like Lawrence and Moorestown suggests a broadening of success beyond the traditionally dominant private and vocational schools. This demonstrates the increasing investment and dedication to swimming programs in public school districts across New Jersey.

Boys' Rankings: Ridge Leads a Tight Race

The boys' rankings mirror the girls' in many ways, with Ridge High School holding onto the number one position. Northwestern and Watchung Hills are hot on their heels, consistently pushing for the top spot. Millburn, Lawrence, and Princeton also maintain their positions within the top six, showcasing well-rounded teams with talent in all strokes and distances.

The most significant story in the boys' rankings is the emergence of several teams challenging the established order. Moorestown, Hillsborough, and Bridgewater-Raritan have all made significant gains, demonstrating a strong upward trajectory. Hunterdon Central, Pascack Valley, and Notre Dame continue to be competitive forces, battling for positions in the top twelve. The presence of schools like Westfield and Southern in the Top 20 highlights the depth of talent across the state, and the potential for upsets at the state championship.

What Does This Mean for the State Championships?

The sectional championships have provided a clear indication of which teams and individuals are primed for success at the state level. While Ridge is the clear favorite in both the boys' and girls' competitions, the chasing pack is closing in. The margin for error will be slim, and any team that delivers a stellar performance on the day could challenge for the title.

Individual rivalries are also heating up. Keep an eye on the sprint freestyle events, where a number of talented swimmers are vying for the top spot. The distance events are also shaping up to be particularly competitive, with several athletes capable of breaking state records. The breaststroke and butterfly events are consistently exciting, with swimmers pushing the boundaries of speed and technique.

The state championships promise to be a thrilling spectacle, showcasing the best high school swimming talent in New Jersey. With the rankings reshuffled and the competition fiercer than ever, fans can expect a day of exciting races, record-breaking performances, and unforgettable moments. This year's competition appears much more open than previous years, with potentially several teams vying for the championship title. The focus won't just be on Ridge, but a broader array of schools demonstrating competitive balance.

For the full rankings and detailed sectional results, click here.