There has never been a season like this one — and hopefully there never will be again.
Though some teams have been able to play a nearly full schedule, others have yet to start, and many key games have been canceled. The result? The Top 25, which always contains a fair amount of guesswork, is even more chancy than in the past. As always, we are sure the 25 we've listed are very good teams, and they deserve full respect for their achievements, but it must be noted that a lot of teams that might have been on this list aren't likely to play.
In fact, No. 24 Chiawana may drop out next week if Washington cancels its season, and California's governing body meets Jan. 25 to determine if the Golden State's teams will even be allowed to play in the spring. And yet, at the same time, No. 21 Valley Vista returned the rankings after the state of Arizona reversed course and allowed the basketball season to be played.
So who knows what's next? We don't, that's for sure, but all credit to the coaches, players and staff who've made it this far, whether they're in the Top 25 or not.
(NOTE: Please update schedules and results on MaxPreps. If there are issues, please reach out to coachsupport@maxpreps.com for assistance.)
MaxPreps Top 25 Girls High School Basketball Rankings
Record: 11-0 | Last week: 1
A key game against powerful Plant scheduled for Saturday has been canceled. The Highlanders have played one game in 2021. It's hoped the Jan. 29 matchup with Colonial will mark the No. 1 team's return to action.
Record: 0-0 | Last week: 2
Several Washington Catholic Athletic Conference teams have canceled their seasons, but the Mustanges are set to begin play Feb. 3 against Elizabeth Seton.
Record: 11-0 | Last week: 3
A big win Monday over strong Forest Park cements Lions' No. 3 ranking. Next up is a rematch Jan. 26 with a solid Langston Hughes team.
Record: 1-0 | Last week: 4
One of the most talented teams in the country, the Royals have begun league play. There may not be many tests the rest of the way, but at least Hopkins is playing again.
Record: 0-0 | Last week: 5
The Pioneers are set to begin play Jan. 27.
Record: 15-0 | Last week: 6
The Cougars finish the regular season with four games against teams it handled easily the first time around.
Record: 0-0 | Last week: 7
Though the Cadets have been playing as a club team, none of the results are official. It's anticipated St. John's will be able to play as a high school in the near future.
Record: 12-0 | Last week: 8
The Red Knights beat Westminster Christian by four the first time around, so Friday's rematch could be a serious test.
Record: 0-0 | Last week: 9
The Lancers get in the mix Jan. 21 against Raritan, but right now, the schedule calls for only 11 games.
Record: 19-0 | Last week: 10
The Cougars rolled over previously unbeaten Jersey Village 92-31 but Memorial and Cypress Ridge could be more of a challenge. Or not.
Record: 7-0 | Last week: 11
Oklahoma is loaded this year, but so far the Tigers look to the best. But Sooner State fans are already circling Feb. 11, when Classen SAS comes to Norman.
Record: 15-0 | Last week: NR
With wins over Wayne and Reynoldsburg — among others — the Wildcats jump into the Top 25 as Ohio's best. But Pickerington Central is the Jan. 20 opponent, so there's not much margin for error.
Record: 11-0 | Last week: 13
The Redskins play in a local tournament this weekend, and then draws 10-4 Bixby on Tuesday.
Record: 13-1 | Last week: 14
The Eagles get a serious test against 16-1 Plant on Friday, but there are only two more regular season games after that.
Record: 21-0 | Last week: 16
Hoover's game with perennial Georgia power St. Francis was canceled, but with 22-1 Hazel Green on the schedule Saturday, the Buccaneers have another chance to show just how good they are.
Record: 10-0 | Last week: 18
The Tigers have been on a break, but jump right in against 8-1 Father Ryan next Tuesday.
Record: 4-2 | Last week: 17
Next up for talented New Hope is Paul VI on Jan. 28, but it's possible coach Sam Caldwell will find some willing opponents before then.
Record: 12-0 | Last week: 20
The Silverwolves jump two spots, but 10-1 Syracuse, Friday's opponent, will show whether they deserved the bump.
Record: 0-0 | Last week: 19
The Argonauts begin the season Feb. 2
Record: 14-1| Last week: 21
The Eagles' ranking is a reflection of a very talented roster, but to keep it, a Saturday win over No. 23 Duncanville, at home, is mandatory.
Record: 0-0 | Last week: NR
Despite mounting COVID cases, Arizona's high school association reversed its decision to cancel winter sports — which means the Monsoon not only jump back into the rankings, but will play three games in the next week.
Record: 0-0 | Last week: 22
The Vikings plan to begin Jan. 29, and will face an "early" test Feb. 2 vs. Neumann-Goretti.
Record: 19-1 | Last week: 23
The Panthers have already lost to DeSoto once, and now must try to deal with DeSoto's height and talent on the road.
Record: 0-0 | Last week: 24
Even if the Riverhawks are given permission to play, star Talia Von Oelhoffen graduated early so she could start playing at Oregon State — which will make it very hard for Chiawana to hang on to this spot even if Washington allows basketball.
Record: 10-0 | Last week: 25
The talented Wildcats have a fairly easy week ahead, though it's always tough to play three games in that span of time, as Mississippi's best must do.
Dropped out: No. 12 Reynoldsburg (Ohio), No. 15 Sidwell Friends (Washington D.C.) season canceled.
