News Summary

The 2025-26 high school girls basketball season is about to begin, with preseason rankings highlighting the top teams across the nation. The Johnston Dragons, with a perfect record last season, are ranked first, followed by Minnesota’s Hopkins Royals and Bishop McNamara in third. Other notable teams include Long Island Lutheran and Dowling Catholic among the top five. The rankings are driven by data from Massey Ratings, ensuring a thorough analysis of team performance as fans gear up for an electrifying season ahead.

Preseason Rankings Released for 2025-26 High School Girls Basketball Season

Welcome, basketball fans! The excitement is in the air as high school girls basketball season prepares to kick off across the nation. Following a thrilling 2024-25 season, we are ready to dive into the preseason rankings for the upcoming year. Grab your pom-poms and let’s see who made the cut!

Johnston Dragons Soar to the Top

First up, we have the Johnston Dragons from Iowa, soaring straight to the number one spot in the preseason rankings. Finishing their last season with a perfect record of 26-0, these talented athletes also clinched the prestigious Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union (IGHSAU) Class 5A state championship. Not only are they the reigning champs, but they are also riding high on a stunning 52-game winning streak, having secured back-to-back state titles. With senior point guard Jenica Lewis returning, who had a strong showing in the state title game with 12 points, the Dragons are eager to prove they are still the team to beat.

The Hopkins Royals Stand Strong

In the second position, we have the Hopkins Royals from Minnesota. Last season, they dazzled fans with an impressive 27-5 record, ultimately taking home the state championship trophy. Erma Walker, a junior point-forward, was a standout player during the championship game, racking up 28 points and snagging 8 rebounds. It’s easy to see why they’re ranked high as they prepare to reclaim their title.

Bishop McNamara Looks to Rise

Next up, Bishop McNamara finished the previous season with a solid record of 29-2, landing them in third place for the upcoming season. Despite a couple of tough losses to Mater Dei from California and Bishop Ireton from Virginia, this powerhouse program continues to be regarded as a top competitor in the world of high school girls basketball.

Long Island Lutheran’s Legacy

Onward to the Northeast, Long Island Lutheran continues to be a force to be reckoned with. Known for their fierce gameplay against notable teams, they maintain their status as a powerhouse. Leading the charge is their four-star junior point guard, Taylor Brown, who has received accolades for her impressive skills on the court.

Dowling Catholic Rounds Out the Top Five

Last but not least, we have Dowling Catholic sitting at the fifth spot with a commendable 19-5 record from last season. As runners-up in the state championship, they have something to prove this year. Formerly the alma mater of WNBA star Caitlin Clark, the Maroons are back with a promising roster, including 6-foot-3 senior forward Ellie Muller, who is committed to play for Missouri.

Other Notable Teams Making Waves

The excitement doesn’t stop there! Other teams making waves include Sierra Canyon from California, Montverde Academy from Florida, and Providence Academy from Pennsylvania, among others who are also featured in the Top 25 rankings. With such a diverse group of talent and competition, fans can look forward to an electrifying season ahead.

Data-Driven Analysis

The Massey Ratings provide the backbone for these rankings, analyzing game outcomes, strength of schedule, and margin of victory, ensuring a fair assessment of each team’s performance. High school girls basketball enthusiasts can keep the energy alive with real-time scores and updates available on platforms such as the Rivals High School Scoreboard.

As the season approaches, the focus remains on fostering engagement within the local and national high school sports community. With team rivalries igniting and players striving for greatness, we’re all in for a season full of unforgettable twists and turns. Buckle up, basketball fans; it’s time to play ball!

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