Hold onto your hats, basketball fans! The 2025-26 high school girls' basketball season is about to explode, and the competition is already fierce. But here's the burning question on everyone's mind: which teams will rise to the top? ESPN's SC Next Top 25 preseason rankings are here to give us a sneak peek, and the results might surprise you.
Published on November 17, 2025, by Shane Laflin, these rankings are more than just a list; they're a snapshot of the potential powerhouses across the nation. While some states like Texas and Indiana have already kicked off their seasons, the rest of the country is gearing up for what promises to be an unforgettable year. Mark your calendars, because events like the Hoopfest series, She Got Game stops, Nike Tournament of Champions, Hoophall, and of course, the state playoffs, will be crucial in shaping and reshaping these rankings as the season progresses. Think of this list as a living document, constantly evolving with every game, every upset, and every extraordinary performance.
Taking the coveted No. 1 spot to start the season is Ontario Christian from California. What makes them so formidable? They boast not one, but two players ranked No. 1 in their respective classes: Kaleena Smith (2027) and Tatianna Griffin (2028). That's some serious firepower! Ontario Christian has a target painted on their backs, and all other teams would love to dethrone them.
But hold on, because Long Island Lutheran (NY) is breathing down their necks. And this is the part most people miss: they're not at full strength yet! Once their roster is completely healthy, this program, already brimming with 2026 SC Next 100 talent, could become unstoppable. Long Island Lutheran’s roster includes Savvy Swords (No. 19) and Emily McDonald (No. 23), both committed to Kentucky; Sanai Green (No. 25), a Duke commit; and Olivia Jones (No. 14), heading to Vanderbilt. That's a lot of future college stars on one team! Can Long Island Lutheran live up to the hype and challenge Ontario Christian for the top spot? Only time will tell.
And then there's St. James Performance Academy (VA), an upstart program that's quickly making a name for itself. Led by the dynamic point guard Jezelle Banks (2027, No. 4) and with Jordyn Jackson (2026, No. 7), a Maryland signee, dominating on the wing, St. James is poised to become a fixture in these rankings. But here's where it gets controversial... Can a relatively new program truly sustain this level of success against more established basketball powerhouses? Some say yes, pointing to their exceptional coaching and player development. Others are more skeptical, arguing that they need to prove themselves over multiple seasons.
For easy reference, here's the full preseason Top 25:
SC Next Top 25: Preseason 2025-26
- Ontario Christian (CA)
- Long Island Lutheran (NY)
- The St. James Academy (VA)
- DME (FL)
- Archbishop Mitty (CA)
- Montverde (FL)
- IMG Academy (FL)
- Bishop McNamara (MD)
- Sierra Canyon (CA)
- Westtown (PA)
- Legion Prep (TX)
- Bullis (MD)
- Etiwanda (CA)
- Kingdom Christian (TX)
- Mater Dei (CA)
- St. John's (DC)
- Princess Anne (VA)
- Friends Central (PA)
- Tualatin (OR)
- Scanlan (NY)
- Providence Academy (MN)
- Hoover (AL)
- Minnetonka (MN)
- Christ the King (NY)
- Belleville (MI)
Don't forget to bookmark this page! The rankings will be updated monthly throughout the season, so you can stay on top of all the latest developments.
For a deeper dive into individual player rankings, check out these links:
- 2026 SC Next 100
- 2027 SC Next 60
- 2028 SC Next 25
So, what do you think of these preseason rankings? Are there any teams that are significantly overrated or underrated? Do you believe that Ontario Christian will maintain its No. 1 ranking throughout the season, or will Long Island Lutheran, St. James, or another team steal the crown? Sound off in the comments below! We want to hear your predictions and opinions.
