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One of the few upsides of high school basketball season coming to an end?
It's officially no longer too early to look ahead to next season.
Based solely on 2025-26 performance and the extent to which underclassmen contributed to it, here's a look at who we think will be the nation's top 25 teams in 2026-27.
Realistically, these rankings might not mean much by the time the 2026-27 high school basketball season rolls around because of transfers, impact freshmen, and offseason injuries. Additionally, fast-rising teams poised for breakout years tend to announce themselves at offseason showcases like Section 7. Official preseason rankings will take those factors into account when they come out roughly six months from now. But these are the teams we'd go with as it currently stands.
1. Ontario Christian (34-2 – finished 1st)
Nancy Ziebell/Ontario Christian
Top players: Kaleena Smith, Tati Griffin, Dani Robinson, Chloe Jenkins, Skylah Archer
Rarely are national championships won in high school basketball by teams so heavy on underclassmen. Ontario Christian brings back its top five leading scorers as the nation's top trio – Player of the Year Kaleena Smith, top-ranked sophomore Tati Griffin, and 4-star junior Dani Robinson – enters its third year together. Do-it-all blue chip freshman Chloe Jenkins and incumbent sixth man Skylah Archer round out what'll again be a perimeter-heavy but overpowering nucleus.
2. Bishop McNamara (29-3 – 2nd)
Top players: Qandace Samuels, Nyair McCoy, Jaylah King, Tegan Primus, Dottie Eatmon
Like Ontario Christian, Bishop McNamara graduates an important contributor in Kai Powell but is a lock to compete for a national title once again with the above five names returning. 5-star wing Qandace Samuels stuffed the stat sheet with 21 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 3.7 steals per game on 49% FG while also helping lock down the interior defensively. The X-factor is 6-foot-4 freshman center Tegan Primus, who will be a strong candidate to build on her solid freshman season.
3. Etiwanda (30-4 – 13th)
Top players: Chasity Rice, Aliyah Phillips, Andrea Alamo, Tess Oldenburg, Sydney Roberson, Jaylee Moore, Cassidy Morgan
While Etiwanda is graduating one of the top perimeter scorers in the nation in Arynn Finley, the rest of the rotation consisted of underclassmen, primarily juniors. The Eagles have enough high-end talent to replace her scoring and a balanced roster that could compete for a national title. 4-star point guard Chasity Rice is primed for a massive senior year after already averaging 17.0 points, 5.8 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 3.1 steals as a junior. Tess Oldenburg (7.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, 2.7 blocks) and Jaylee Moore helped the Eagles reach another gear after becoming eligible midseason and, together with Aliyah Phillips (12 points, 5.4 rebounds, 2.1 steals, 1.7 blocks), will emerge as one of the nation's premier frontcourts with more continuity.
4. Bullis (29-7 – 11th)
The Bullis School
Top players: Ivanna Wilson-Manyacka, Taylor Williams, Adina Asuelimen, Dahlia Debourou
Adora Nwude was the Bulldogs' barometer this season, and the explosive playmaker is now off to play for Wake Forest. But it's hard to imagine that Bullis won't take another leap with First Team All-American Ivanna Wilson-Manyacka (21.2 points, 11.5 rebounds, 3.4 steals, 2.0 blocks, 1.9 assists) potentially vying for status as the nation's most complete player with a strong supporting cast around her.
5. Friends' Central (27-5 – 21st)
Top players: Ryan Carter, Zya Small, Faith Watson, Kayla Snyder, Phoenix Walker, Kiyari King
After a handful of losses to elite teams, Friends' Central finished with its highest ranking yet by toppling Westtown for a state title. And now the Phoenix bring back pretty much their whole team, including a trio of versatile high-major prospects standing upwards of six feet tall in Ryan Carter, Zya Small, and Faith Watson.
6. Westtown (29-3 – 18th)
Shelly Stallsmith/York Daily Record / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn
Top players: Jordyn Palmer, Jada Lynch, Ashley Kreiger, Jordyn Jones, Lara Csaplar-Nagy, Ihana Sundararajan, Radhi Sundararajan
Westtown isn't going anywhere for at least one more year with 5-star junior small forward Jordyn Palmer (23.2 points, 13.2 rebounds, and 6.4 assists) still a Moose for one more year. While the roster is a little frontcourt-heavy, it's still stacked despite 4-star combo guard Atlee Vanesko heading to Ohio State. A slight leap in perimeter playmaking could have Westtown on the verge of legitimate national title contention.
7. The St. James Performance Academy (23-4 – 14th)
Top players: Jezelle "GG" Banks, Ashley MacCalla, Jayda Dixon, Rylee Spinner
A few key Strivers are off to college, including All-American wing Jordyn Jackson (Maryland). But we still think St. James can rise just based on who it's returning before factoring in expected transfers. GG Banks and Ashley MacCalla form one of the most offensively gifted guard tandems in the nation and can carry a heavier load without losing efficiency. And the Strivers have two big-time breakout candidates in Jayda Dixon and Rylee Spinner. Dixon will be another season removed from the injury that took away her sophomore season, and Spinner (6-2) is ready for a bigger role in the frontcourt.
8. Montverde Academy (18-4 – 32nd)
Top players: Jordan Speller, Jayla Forbes, Mia-Elle Lieverst, Delissa Morris
MVA was scary this past season when it was healthy and connecting on three-pointers. And it's expected returners have the talent to pick up their scoring load to account for seniors graduating. Before factoring in potential transfers, the Eagles won't be as deep as usual next season, but another season of Jordan Speller (11.1 points, 5.0 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 2.1 steals) running the show at point guard, Mia-Elle Lieverst spotting up on the wing, and 6-foot-7 Jayla Forbes (10.4 points, 9.2 rebounds, 1.5 blocks) bruising inside will lead to natural improvement.
9. IMG Academy (16-8 – 38th)
Top players: Miciah Fusilier, Nevaeh Roberson, Jessie Moses, Madi Mignery, Mya Clark, Stevi Harmon
Injuries made it harder for the new-look Ascenders to assemble on the fly last season, but, health permitting, 2026-27 will be a return to what fans are used to seeing from IMG Academy. There probably isn't a team that can match its depth, length, and versatility at the wing.
10. Archbishop Mitty (28-3 – 3rd)
Top players: Ze'Ni Patterson, Maliya Hunter, Tiera McCarthy
For the first time in a while, Mitty is set for a reloading season in 2026-27. These days, a reloading season for the Monarchs could still mean a sweep of Northern California competition and top-10 national ranking. Their returning big three of Maliya Hunter (13.1 points, 6.5 rebounds), Ze'Ni Patterson (11 points), and Tee McCarthy (9.3 points, 4.1 assists) will be one of the top trios in the country.
11. Bishop Ireton (28-7 – 33rd)
Top players: Nina McEldon, MacKenzi Jackson, Geornae Davis, Aaliyah Harris, Kamiera Willis, Eva Willis
One year after a top-10 finish led by one of the nation's premier senior classes, the Cardinals spent nearly all of 2025-26 on the bubble of the top 25 without any seniors. They need only keep the band together and stay healthy heading into next season for consideration for a top-10 preseason ranking. Nina McEldon led the team with 12.1 points and 8.5 rebounds per game as a freshman and sophomore MacKenzi Jackson had 11.6 points, 2.5 assists, and 2.1 steals.
12. Sierra Canyon (30-3 – 7th)
Top players: Cherri Hatter, Rosie Oladokun, Hamiley Arenas, Jordyn Malek
It's hard to even try to guess exactly where Sierra Canyon will land in the rankings come 2026-27 without the likes of Jerzy Robinson (South Carolina), Emilia Krstevski (Oregon), and Delaney White (UC Irvine), but the Trailblazers will be formidable. Midseason transfer Hamiley Arenas will be ready to go, and presumably the combination of her and fellow sophomore Cheri Hatter and Rosie Oladokun will be among the better trifectas in the nation.
13. Windward (18-14 – Unranked)
Angelina Habis
Top players: Amel Cook, Charis Rainey, Angelina Habis, Alexie Wehrle, Shiloh Johnson
If Windward brings back all its current impact underclassmen and health permits it, the return of 5-star wing Amel Cook means the Wildcats could be the nation's most improved team in 2026-27. Cook missed her entire sophomore season with an injury, and Princeton-bound junior guard Angelina Habis also missed time with the CIF transfer sit-out period and an injury but helped the team to some big wins when available. 4-star junior guard Charis Rainey makes it a trio of stars in the backcourt.
14. Creekside (21-9 – Unranked)
Top players: C'india Dennis, Maliha Harris, Sydnee Hunter, Jacy Mitchell
Similarly to Windward, Creekside looks to get 5-star guard C'india Dennis back from injury and return to dominating next season. The 4-star floor general led the Seminoles to a 32-0 record in 2024-25 averaging 20.9 points, 6.0 rebounds, 6.0 assists, and 3.8 steals but missed nearly her entire junior season. Maliha Harris, Sydnee Hunter, and Jacy Mitchell all emerged as double-digit scorers and led Creekside to some high-profile wins in her absence.
15. Corona Centennial (24-5 – Unranked)
Top players: Sydney Douglas, Armanyie Reed, Thalithakoum Poialii-Hunkin, Keleesa Howard, Jelise Mix
While they're tasked with handling the graduation of McDonald's All-American center Cydnee Bryant (Kansas), the Huskies were otherwise comprised of underclassmen and seem likely to build on their strong finish to 2025-26. They still have elite size with 5-star sophomore Sydney Douglas (6-7), who returned from a midseason injury to play her best ball yet and lead the team to a state Division I title. Douglas averaged 19 points, 9.8 rebounds, 1.6 steals, and 1.3 blocks per game on 57% FG and 42% 3FG.
16. Johnston (27-0 – 17th)
Zach Boyden-Holmes/The Des Moines Register / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Top players: Ari Phillips, Kelli Kalb, Paige Andernacht, Mariah Dixon
At this point, Johnston is probably just penciled in for a top-20 spot until further notice. The Dragons will once again be tasked with graduating elite senior talent, particularly 4-star shooting guard Jenica Lewis (Notre Dame), but whether or not they can keep the undefeated streak going, they're in good shape with Kelli Kalb and Ari Phillips leading the way.
17. West Linn (26-3 – Unranked)
Top players: Kaylor Buse, Reese Jordan, Kinley Buse, Ayla Arnold, Sophie Maxwell
Coming off an OSAA 6A title run with no seniors, West Linn projects to be one of the top 25 or so teams in the nation next season any way you slice it. Lead guards Kaylor Buse and Reese Jordan combined for 29.6 points, 14.9 rebounds, 9.3 assists, and 5.2 steals per game last season as the Lions lost only by single digits to Tualatin (twice) and Sage Hill.
18. A.C. Davis (24-2 – Unranked)
Top players: Cheyenne Hull, Isa Garcia, Averie Brandt, Kobe Johnson
Returning nearly the whole team after going unbeaten against Washington competition. Davis' only losses in 2025-26 came by a combined eight points to Oregon juggernauts Tualatin and South Medford, and an undefeated campaign would've had them near the top 25 already. In 2026-27, the Pirates project to return nearly their whole team, including decorated 4-star wing Cheyenne Hull, and pick up where they left off.
19. Principia (30-2 – Unranked)
Top players: Dasia Scott, Loganne Love, Aniyah Poniewaz, Paige Ivy, Nadia Bateman, Nya Walker
Like Davis, underclassmen-heavy Principia is a safe bet to be national-caliber good next season if all its non-seniors return healthily. 4-star forward Dasia Scott has been one of Missouri's brightest stars for a while now and led the Panthers to a MSHSAA Class 3 state crown with 20.8 points, 8.7 rebounds, 2.3 steals, and 1.4 blocks a game.
20. Miami Country Day (28-2 – 31st)
Top players: Jalynn Belton, Kori Edge, Kennedy Deal, Rachel Luis, Arianna Robinson, TJ Laing-Ariche
We like Miami Country Day's chances to keep moving up the ladder despite the graduations of impact players Kamie Ellis and Casey O'Connell. Points and assists leaders Jalynn Belton and Kori Edge can carry a heavier load if needed, but they might not need to with so many other young, talented Spartans waiting in the wings.
21. Argyle (34-5 – 48th)
Top players: Landry Murphy, Wrigley Green, Kensley Vest, Lexi Ehrhardt
Fresh off a 5A D2 state crown and top-50 finish, Argyle projects to return essentially its whole team in 2026-27. That includes a whopping four all-state selections, with productive 6-foot-2 wing/forward Landry Murphy surrounded by a slew of standout guards.
22. Wagner (35-1 – Unranked)
Top players: Nia McBride, Elle Williams, Kyzarriah Fox, Nahilah Bell
The Thunderbirds took an undefeated record and top-25 national ranking into the UIL 5A D1 quarterfinals before narrowly getting upset by Glenn. Should Nia McBride, Elle Williams, and Kyzarriah Williams all return as seniors, we'd expect Wagner to come back with a vengeance.
23. Highlands Ranch (25-3 – Unranked)
Top players: Kimora Banks-Thomas, Addie Rogers, Jayda Moon, Katie Moon, Kennedi Tolliver
Had 10-PPG scorers Addie Rogers and Jayda Moon not missed several games around midseason, the Falcons might've run the table in the regular season too before steamrolling their way to the CHSAA 6A state finals, where they defeated Northfield 54-51 for the title. That would've had Highlands Ranch in or near almost everyone's national top 25. Rogers, Moon, and nearly the entire rest of the rotation could return in 2026-27, including sophomore Kimora Banks-Thomas, who led the team with 17.1 points, 3.4 assists, and 2.5 steals per game.
24. Somerset Academy - Canyons (24-4 – Unranked)
Alex Peterman / The Palm Beach Post / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Top players: Alanna Pinnock, Alanna Fabrini, Delanie Doty, Abigail Philistin
With a sizzling finish to the season and dominant FHSAA 3A state title run, Somerset Academy - Canyons finished 2025-26 as one of the best teams just outside of the national radar. Other than a season-opening 20-point loss to DME Academy, the Cougars lost only to Holy Innocents' Episcopal, Grandview Prep, and Miami Country Day in close games before winning their last 12 games, with wins including Grandview Prep, Doral Academy, American Heritage and Lake Highland Prep. Many of the top Cougars were underclassmen, including a trio of 13-PPG scorers in Alanna Pinnock, Alanna Fabrini, and Delanie Doty.
25. Princess Anne (28-0 – 9th)
Top players: Micah Ojo
We just aren't ready to count the Cavaliers out after back-to-back undefeated seasons, The Throne notwithstanding. Princess Anne graduates one of the better senior classes in the nation now, including 4-star wing Tristan Rickenbacker (East Carolina), but the team's lone expected returner is its top incumbent player: 5-star junior and do-it-all wing Micah Ojo.
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