National rankings always include a lot of educated guesswork, as top teams often don't play each other and some have limited local schedules — but this year, obviously, is different. This year, some high school girls basketball teams may not play at all. This year, some states plan to play basketball in the spring. This year, some won't start their season until Feb. 1. This year, some have played their normal schedules.
So how to sort it all out? First, by conceding that this year's rankings will be even more problematic than most, as intersectional games and major events are few and far between. Second, by excluding schools from the rankings that do not begin play until April. Third, by relying more on perceived talent level than on game results — though that said, losses to in-state rivals that in the past could be offset by wins over other nationally-ranked teams will now be more critical when it comes to putting together the MaxPreps Top 25 high school girls basketball rankings.
Of course, no one knows how the season will play out, as state associations and local school districts are making decisions on a daily basis that will affect the teams mentioned below, so schools may appear and disappear from the rankings much more frequently than in previous seasons.
But regardless, here we go...
Maria Mykleburst, Montverde Academy
Photo by Pete Wright
Uneasy lies the crown. Point guard
Sierra Godbolt tore her ACL and unbeaten No. 14 Montverde Academy is tonight's opponent. The Highlanders only managed 36 points against No. 17 New Hope in a three-point win Dec. 22.
0-0
| Last week: 2
The first of many teams that has yet to play. An abbreviated season for this uber-talented group is expected to begin around Feb. 1.
3. Westlake (Atlanta)Record: 6-0
| Last week: 7
A big win against a strong McEachern team was good news for Westlake in the early going, but several intersectional games were canceled over the holidays. The Peach State's best will resume play this week, however.
4. Hopkins (Minnetonka, Minn.)
Record: 0-0
| Last week: 4
Despite the graduation of Paige Bueckers, Hopkins still has one of the most talented rosters in the country. The Royals are expected to begin play this week.
Record: 0-0 | Last week: 5
A perennial fixture in the MaxPreps Top 25 should get under way in mid-January.
Record: 10-0 | Last week: NR
The first newcomer, Mount Notre Dame lands in the top 10 thanks to wins over previously-ranked North Central of Indianapolis and another strong Indiana team, Carmel. And unlike most teams this year, Mount Notre Dame also added another intersectional win, this one over Madison Academy of Alabama.
Record: 0-0
| Last week: 8
In the same league as No. 2 Bishop McNamara, St. John's and
Azzi Fudd are still on hold. A February start is anticipated.
Record: 2-0 | Last week: 9
Incarnate Word played two games in early December, but has been shut down since then. An in-state schedule should resume Jan. 14.
Record: 0-0 | Last week: 1
New Jersey teams always start the season later than other states, but this year's Jan. 15 beginning actually is earlier than many.
Record: 16-0 | Last week: 18
Texas, as always, rolls on. After playing 42 games last year (losing one), Cypress Creek has played 16 games already this year. Of those 16 wins, the closest was by 12 points.
Record: 2-0 | Last week: NR
Classen SAS jumps into the rankings thanks to a 50-46 win over previous No. 11 DeSoto. Mark Feb. 11 on the calendar, as that's when a game against No. 13 Norman pops up on the schedule.
Record: 2-0 | Last week: 12
Reynoldsburg's ranking will be tested next week, as unbeaten Newark and once-beaten Pickerington Central (the loss was to Newark) are on tap.
Record: 5-0 | Last week: 13
Norman gets back in full swing with two games next week.
Record: 11-0 | Last week: 23
A big win over Compass Prep of Arizona was a major reason for the jump. An even bigger win is possible tonight against No. 1 Lake Highland Prep.
Record: 0-0 | Last week: 15
A Feb. 1 start is anticipated for a new kid on the MaxPreps Top 25 block.
Record: 18-0 | Last week: 16
Hoover handled unbeaten Hewitt-Trussville on Saturday, and with 18 wins already, is off to a very impressive start.
Record: 4-1 | Last week: 14
It's no disgrace to lose to No. 1 so New Hope drops only three spots this week.
Record: 12-1 | Last week: 11
The loss to No. 11 Classen SAS was balanced by a 62-55 win over previous No. 2 Duncanville — but note that the Duncanville-DeSoto rematch Jan. 23 could scramble the rankings again.
Record: 2-0 | Last week: 19
Some teams in Tennessee have played as many as 15 games; Ensworth has reported only two. Still, those two wins are enough to keep Ensworth in the MaxPreps Top 25.
Record: 0-0 | Last week: 20
Like St. John-Vianney, Rutgers Prep has yet to start play.
Record: 0-0 | Last week: 21
Valley Vista will begin an 18-game, in-state season Jan. 19.
Record: 0-0 | Last week: 22
Archbishop Wood is a bit of a mystery as no schedule has been posted — even though Pennsylvania is expected to begin play this week.
Record: 12-1 | Last week: 2
The loss to No. 18 DeSoto dropped the Panthers to No. 23, but the Jan. 23 rematch will be a shot at redemption – and a rise in the rankings.
Record: 0-0 | Last week: 24
Washington will meet this week to decide if the season will begin Feb. 1 or be postponed until spring (as is the case in California, among others). But for now, Chiawana stays at No. 24.
Record: 8-0 | Last week: NR
Fremont jumps into the rankings thanks to a hot start and a loaded roster. Davis, at 5-1, will be a test this Friday.
NOTE: Coaches are encourage to update schedules and results on MaxPreps. For support, contact us via email at coachsupport@maxpreps.com.
