2026-27 High School Girls Basketball Rankings: A Look Ahead

Anticipating the Future of High School Girls Basketball

As the high school basketball season concludes, we find ourselves already pondering the next. With the dust settling on the 2025-26 season, it's thrilling to look ahead to 2026-27, especially as key teams and players emerge as front-runners. The current rankings aim to provide a glimpse into what to expect next season based on last year's performances and underclassmen contributions.

However, keep in mind that these rankings can shift dramatically due to various factors such as transfers, injuries, and the emergence of fresh talent during summer showcases. Thus, while these insights provide a snapshot, official preseason rankings in six months will surely reflect new developments.

Top 25 Teams and Their Standout Players

1. Ontario Christian (34-2)

Key Players: Kaleena Smith, Tati Griffin, Dani Robinson, Chloe Jenkins, Skylah Archer

Claiming the No. 1 spot, Ontario Christian returns their entire core, including the illustrious Kaleena Smith, who has already made a name for herself as a top-tier player. With their collective experience and skill, they are poised for another competitive run.

Having finished last season strong, their return means they should maintain their edge in upcoming tournaments. Read more about Ontario Christian's achievements here.

2. Bishop McNamara (29-3)

Key Players: Qandace Samuels, Nyair McCoy, Jaylah King, Tegan Primus, Dottie Eatmon

After a stellar season, Bishop McNamara should remain within the title conversation, bolstered by a strong returning lineup. Qandace Samuels leads the charge, leveraging impressive statistics from last season.

3. Etiwanda (30-4)

Key Players: Chasity Rice, Aliyah Phillips, Andrea Alamo

Pivoting from a solid roster, Etiwanda might need to fill some gaps but remains a serious contender thanks to their young talent, especially Chasity Rice, who is expected to shine in her senior year.

4. Bullis (29-7)

Key Players: Ivanna Wilson-Manyacka, Taylor Williams

With Ivanna Wilson-Manyacka leading the way, look for Bullis to actively vie for top honors, expecting her to take her game to even loftier heights in the upcoming season.

5. Friends' Central (27-5)

Key Players: Ryan Carter, Zya Small, Faith Watson

Coming off a strong state title run, the Phoenix return a formidable lineup full of versatility—making them a team to watch closely in the next chapter.

6. Westtown (29-3)

Key Players: Jordyn Palmer, Jada Lynch

Having lost some big names, Westtown's remaining talent will still make waves, with Jordyn Palmer expected to elevate her teammates around her as she leads this squad.

7. The St. James Performance Academy (23-4)

Key Players: Jezelle "GG" Banks, Ashley MacCalla

St. James looks set to rise up the rankings with an impressive guard duo ready to steer the team through the upcoming season.

8. Montverde Academy (18-4)

Key Players: Jordan Speller, Jayla Forbes

Although facing some graduation losses, Montverde's returners are expected to step up and fill critical roles in the upcoming season.

9. IMG Academy (16-8)

Key Players: Miciah Fusilier, Nevaeh Roberson

The Ascenders are expected to return to form, leveraging their depth and versatile roster in hopes of returning to their championship-winning ways.

10. Archbishop Mitty (28-3)

Key Players: Ze'Ni Patterson, Maliya Hunter

Archbishop Mitty must adapt but their baseline talent can still guide them to another successful season with significant matchups awaiting.

Key Themes Emerging from the Rankings

While predicting outcomes is always a challenge, the underlying trend in this era is the reliance on a solid core of underclassmen. For many teams, the blend of youth and experience will dictate their prowess on the court and their ability to adapt to in-season developments.

In a rapidly evolving landscape, where transfers and new rookie talents can influence dynamics overnight, the ability to maintain stability within rosters becomes crucial. Teams like Ontario Christian, blessed with a well-established core, are likely to reap the rewards of continuity.

What Lies Ahead

As we approach the 2026-27 high school basketball season, we'll keep our eyes peeled for standout summers for rising stars. This off-season activity, combined with the incoming freshmen and transfers, will undoubtedly shape the landscape. The anticipation is palpable as we want to see how these narratives will unfold.

More High School Girls Basketball News

• The Sporting News season-end national top 25 team rankings
• Kaleena Smith is SN's National Player of the Year
• Meet SN's All-America Team
• 5 takeaways from Chipotle Nationals: DME Academy dominates