MaxPreps uses a computer program to determine team rank. We do not poll coaches, sports writers, or fans.
Nor does our staff make any judgments on the merits of any individual team. Prior season history, school size,
nor comments on message boards are a consideration in the MaxPreps rankings.
The system utilizes the huge number of game results stored in the MaxPreps database. For instance,
as of January 17th, the system has analyzed the results of nearly 9,000 games to arrive at our initial
rankings. Generally, the more a team wins the higher the ranking, but the system takes into account quality
wins (against other highly ranked opponents) and strength of schedule. For example, a team's ranking is
hurt more by losing to a team that is ranked below them verses a
team ranked ahead.
The system also takes into account margin of victory. If a highly ranked team barely beats a lower
ranked team, that will adversely affect the rankings of the higher ranked team and help the lower
ranked team. Other factors that will affect the rankings are times when MaxPreps has incomplete or inaccurate
information. We will correct errors when they are reported to us. If we are missing a score, report
it to us on the team's MaxPreps page. If we are missing a game on the schedule, e-mail us (Correction Request)
as much info about the game as possible including opponents, location and an accurate score.
Generally, the more games that are played the more accurate the rankings, so if a team that you perceive
as being very strong has played substantially fewer games than other ranked teams it may reflect the fact
that we have less data to work with.
Playoff games are weighed 2.1 times what a regular season game is.
Movement indicates the up or down movement within the rankings when compared to our previously published rankings.
MaxPreps rankings will be updated three times a week through the end of March for basketball.
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