Opening 2024 USA TODAY Sports/NFCA High School Super 25 softball rankings

Pacifica opens No. 1 in USA TODAY Sports/NFCA High School Super 25.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Reigning California Division 1 Southern Section champion Pacifica opens the 2024 USA TODAY Sports/NFCA High School Super 25 as the top-ranked team, fresh off winning the prestigious Dave Kops Tournament of Champions in Arizona.

The unbeaten (9-0) Mariners won all six games at that event, including a 6-1 triumph over defending titlist Norco in the championship game’s matchup of ranked squads. Pacifica has now won its last 16.

No. 2 Katy (20-1-1) is the new Texas team at the top of the poll to start the year, after two-time 5A state champion Lake Creek spent all but two weeks of the last two seasons in the No. 1 spot, including the last 31 weeks. The Tigers followed up Saturday’s scoreless eight-inning tie with perennial Texas power Barbers Hill by mauling Paetow 16-0 on Tuesday.

Jackson, which finished second nationally in 2023 after winning its final 14 to capture the Washington state 4A crown, is strongly positioned at No. 3 heading into its March 11 season opener at Inglemoor.

No. 4 Northwest Rankin (8-0), which returned nine starters from last year’s Mississippi state 6A championship team, hasn’t skipped a beat in the newly-created Class 7A, outscoring its eight opponents so far 78-12. Louisiana powerhouse North DeSoto (14-0), which is chasing its fourth straight state crown and sixth title since 2015, rounds out the top five.

The other three teams in the poll off to perfect starts — North Carolina’s West Stanly (2-0), Arizona’s Canyon Del Oro (14-0) and Arkansas’ Benton (2-0) find themselves grouped at Nos. 16-18 this week.

State rankings submitted by the 2024 NFCA High School Steering Committee are used to compile the USA TODAY Sports/NFCA High School Super 25. Teams are chosen based on performance, roster quality and strength of schedule.

USA TODAY Sports/NFCA High School Super 25 Poll – March 7, 2024

1. Pacifica (Calif.)

Record: 9-0

2. Katy (Texas)

Record: 20-1-1

3. Jackson (Wash.)

Record: 0-0

4. Northwest Rankin (Miss.)

Record: 8-0

5. North DeSoto (La.)

Record: 14-0

6. Marist (Ill.)

Record: 0-0

7. Austintown-Fitch (Ohio)

Record: 0-0

8. Basha (Ariz.)

Record: 8-1

9. Desert Mountain (Ariz.)

Record: 7-1

10. Norco (Calif.)

Record: 8-2

11. Lemont (Ill.)

Record: 0-0

12. Watkins Memorial (Ohio)

Record: 0-0

13. Rockridge (Ill.)

Record: 0-0

14. Red Mountain (Ariz.)

Record: 7-1

15. Neshoba Central (Miss.)

Record: 5-1

16. West Stanly (N.C.)

Record: 2-0

17. Canyon Del Oro (Ariz.)

Record: 11-0

18. Benton (Ark.)

Record: 2-0

19. Ballard (Ky.)

Record: 0-0

20. Roncalli (Ind.)

Record: 0-0

21. Coral Springs Charter (Fla.)

Record: 3-1

22. Mount Vernon (Mo.)

Record: 0-0

23. Bingham (Utah)

Record: 0-0

24. St. Amant (La.)

Record: 10-3

25. Lake Creek (Texas)

Record: 17-5

Dropped out: Queen Creek (Ariz.).

About the NFCA:

The NFCA is the professional organization for fastpitch softball coaches. Known for its highly-regarded coaches polls and All-America awards, the NFCA also educates and supports softball coaches on a variety of different levels: from podcasts to awards, to in-person events and National Convention

Learn more about the NFCA and consider joining our lineup of over 7,000 coaches today!

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Final 2023 USA TODAY Sports/NFCA High School Super 25 softball rankings

Lake Creek finishes No. 1 in USA TODAY Sports/NFCA High School Super 25.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. —Lake Creek is the No. 1-ranked team in the final USA TODAY Sports/NFCA High School Super 25 following a 2023 season during which it won a second straight Texas 5A state title.

This past week, the (44-1) Lions got some more good news with the announcement of senior pitcher Ava Brown as the 2022-23 Gatorade National Player of the Year. Brown went 27-0 with 292 strikeouts and a 0.53 ERA over 172 innings this year, and was a remarkable 81-0 over the last two seasons. She is heading to the University of Florida in the fall to pitch for a Gators staff that will also include Keagan Rothrock of sixth-ranked Roncalli (31-4-1), who collected Gatorade national honors last season.

With the season now complete for all teams in the Super 25, there was no movement from last week’s listing. There are 11 state champions in the final ranking, plus No. 19 Hollister (30-3), who won both the Northern California (Division 1) and Central Section (Open) titles.

All of the top five were state titlists, including repeat champions Lake Creek and No. 4 Ballard (36-1), and three-time reigning champ Rockridge (38-1), which has won three of the last four Illinois state crowns. No. 2 Jackson (28-1) and No. 5 Rosemount (26-0) also closed their seasons with a crown.

Other state titlists were No. 9 Austintown-Fitch (22-0-1), No. 10 St. Amant (34-2), No. 12 Salpointe Catholic (35-1) and No. 13 West Stanly (31-1), No. 20 Spanish Fork (28-2) and No. 24 Benton (28-4).

State rankings submitted by the 2023 NFCA High School Steering Committee are used to compile the USA TODAY Sports/NFCA High School Super 25. Teams are chosen based on performance, roster quality, strength of schedule, and active NFCA membership.

Final 2023 USA TODAY Sports/NFCA High School Super 25 Poll

1. Lake Creek (Texas)

Record: 44-1

2. Jackson (Wash.)

Record: 28-1

3. Rockridge (Ill.)

Record: 38-1

4. Ballard (Ky.)

Record: 36-1

5. Rosemount (Minn.)

Record: 26-0

6. Roncalli (Ind.)

Record: 31-4-1

7. Bentonville (Ark.)

Record: 29-2

8. Willow Canyon (Ariz.)

Record: 30-2-1

9. Austintown-Fitch (Ohio)

Record: 22-0-1

10. St. Amant (La.)

Record: 34-2

11. Mount Vernon (Mo.)

Record: 37-1

12. Salpointe Catholic (Ariz.)

Record: 35-1

13. West Stanly (N.C.)

Record: 31-1

14. Donovan Catholic (N.J.)

Record: 28-2

15. Anthony Wayne (Ohio)

Record: 28-5

16. Coral Springs Charter (Fla.)

Record: 25-1-2

17. Watkins Memorial (Ohio)

Record: 28-2-1

18. Springfield (Holland, Ohio)

Record: 27-1

19. Hollister (Calif.)

Record: 30-3

20. Spanish Fork (Utah)

Record: 28-2

21. Norco (Calif.)

Record: 28-4

22. Neshoba Central (Miss.)

Record: 25-5

23. Saint Francis (Calif.)

Record: 28-4

24. Benton (Ark.)

Record: 28-4

25. Bend (Ore.)

Record: 26-4

Super 25 Scoreboard

About the NFCA:

Celebrating 40 years in 2023, the NFCA (National Fastpitch Coaches Association) is the professional organization for fastpitch softball coaches. Known for its vast library of digital education, the NFCA also educates and supports softball coaches on a variety of different levels: from podcasts to an extensive Awards & Scholarships platform, to NFCA Webinars and a National Convention.

USA TODAY Sports/NFCA High School Super 25 softball rankings: Week 15

State champions move up in USA TODAY Sports/NFCA High School Super 25.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Two schools captured state titles to move up the rankings, as seasons rolled to a close for teams in the 2023 USA TODAY Sports/NFCA High School Super 25.

Ballard scored a second straight Kentucky state crown and Rosemount won the Minnesota Class 4A championship to both move into the top five behind No. 1 Lake Creek, which successfully defended its Texas 5A title two weeks ago and remained the top team for a 30th week.

The (36-1) Bruins capped their run to another state crown with a 12-4 victory over Henderson County in Saturday’s final at the University of Kentucky. Wildcat signee Emory Donaldson powered the offense, going 4-for-4 with a double, triple, four runs scored and two RBI, while Louisville-bound Brooke Gray, the tournament’s most valuable player, completed a second-straight year undefeated in the circle by fanning 10 in a four-hitter.

Ballard, which went a perfect 39-0 en route to its first state crown last season, is now 75-1 over the last two years. The only game it lost over that stretch — 6-4 to Great Crossing last month — was a contest Gray missed due to illness.

Rosemount (26-0), meanwhile, wrapped an unbeaten season with a 6-1 victory over defending state champ Forest Lake in the Minnesota 4A final last Friday. Paige Zender hit her fourth home run of the state tournament in the fourth inning to fuel the triumph. The Irish had defeated both Hopkins and White Bear Lake by identical 10-0 margins last Thursday to reach the championship game.

In the only other action among Super 25 teams, Roncalli was denied a third consecutive state title by a 2-1 nine-inning loss to Penn in the Indiana 4A final. Two-time Gatorade National Player of the Year Keagan Rothrock did all she could, allowing just one run in the circle through the first eight innings, striking out 17 and hitting a game-tying homer in the bottom of the seventh to force extras. The loss left the Royals one win short of New Palestine’s Indiana-record 21 straight state tournament wins.

State rankings submitted by the 2023 NFCA High School Steering Committee are used to compile the USA TODAY Sports/NFCA High School Super 25. Teams are chosen based on performance, roster quality, strength of schedule, and active NFCA membership.

USA TODAY Sports/NFCA High School Super 25 Poll – June 15, 2023

1. Lake Creek (Texas)

Record: 44-1 | PR: 1

2. Jackson (Wash.)

Record: 28-1 | PR: 2

3. Rockridge (Ill.)

Record: 38-1 | PR: 4

4. Ballard (Ky.)

Record: 36-1 | PR: 7

5. Rosemount (Minn.)

Record: 26-0 | PR: 8

6. Roncalli (Ind.)

Record: 31-4-1 | PR: 3

7. Bentonville (Ark.)

Record: 29-2 | PR: 5

8. Willow Canyon (Ariz.)

Record: 30-2-1 | PR: 6

9. Austintown-Fitch (Ohio)

Record: 22-0-1 | PR: 9

10. St. Amant (La.)

Record: 34-2 | PR: 10

11. Mount Vernon (Mo.)

Record: 37-1 | PR: 11

12. Salpointe Catholic (Ariz.)

Record: 35-1 | PR: 12

13. West Stanly (N.C.)

Record: 31-1 | PR: 13

14. Donovan Catholic (N.J.)

Record: 28-2 | PR: 14

15. Anthony Wayne (Ohio)

Record: 28-5 | PR: 15

16. Coral Springs Charter (Fla.)

Record: 25-1-2 | PR: 16

17. Watkins Memorial (Ohio)

Record: 28-2-1 | PR: 17

18. Springfield (Holland, Ohio)

Record: 27-1 | PR: 18

19. Hollister (Calif.)

Record: 30-3 | PR: 19

20. Spanish Fork (Utah)

Record: 28-2 | PR: 20

21. Norco (Calif.)

Record: 28-4 | PR: 21

22. Neshoba Central (Miss.)

Record: 25-5 | PR: 22

23. Saint Francis (Calif.)

Record: 28-4 | PR: 23

24. Benton (Ark.)

Record: 28-4 | PR: 24

25. Bend (Ore.)

Record: 26-4 | PR: 25

Dropped out: none.

Super 25 Scoreboard

About the NFCA:

Celebrating 40 years in 2023, the NFCA (National Fastpitch Coaches Association) is the professional organization for fastpitch softball coaches. Known for its vast library of digital education, the NFCA also educates and supports softball coaches on a variety of different levels: from podcasts to an extensive Awards & Scholarships platform, to NFCA Webinars and a National Convention.

USA TODAY Sports/NFCA High School Super 25 softball rankings: Week 14

Lake Creek still No. 1 in USA TODAY Sports/NFCA High School Super 25.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Lake Creek claimed a second straight Texas state 5A championship and remained No. 1 in the 2023 USA TODAY Sports/NFCA High School Super 25 for a 29th week.

The (44-1) Lions defeated previously-unbeaten Canyon, 8-0, in the state final last Saturday, after beating Heritage, 9-0, in Friday’s semifinal. University of Florida-bound senior pitcher Ava Brown tossed a 74-pitch, one-hitter and fanned 15 Cougar batters in the championship.

Roncalli (31-3-1) maintained its No. 3 spot behind second-ranked Washington state 4A titlist Jackson by winning two more games to advance to Saturday’s Indiana state 4A final against Penn. The Royals rolled past both Evansville North, 10-1, and Pendleton Heights, 8-0, last Saturday.

Fourth-ranked Rockridge (38-1) captured the Illinois state 2A crown for a third-straight year with a 7-1 triumph over Beecher, while No. 7 Ballard is in the Kentucky state semis following a 4-1 victory over Greenwood in 11 innings last Saturday. Minnesota’s Rosemount (23-0) remains unbeaten in the No. 8 spot after claiming a sectional title, and faces Hopkins later today in the Class AAAA quarters.

Austintown-Fitch (22-0-1) finds itself in the poll for the first time this season at No. 9 after defeating new-No. 15 Anthony Wayne, 6-1, for the Ohio state Division I championship on Saturday. No. 19 Hollister (30-3) is the other newcomer this week after winning the California’s NorCal Division I crown.

State rankings submitted by the 2023 NFCA High School Steering Committee are used to compile the USA TODAY Sports/NFCA High School Super 25. Teams are chosen based on performance, roster quality, strength of schedule, and active NFCA membership.

USA TODAY Sports/NFCA High School Super 25 Poll – June 8, 2023

1. Lake Creek (Texas)

Record: 44-1 | PR: 1

2. Jackson (Wash.)

Record: 28-1 | PR: 2

3. Roncalli (Ind.)

Record: 31-3-1 | PR: 3

4. Rockridge (Ill.)

Record: 38-1 | PR: 5

5. Bentonville (Ark.)

Record: 29-2 | PR: 6

6. Willow Canyon (Ariz.)

Record: 30-2-1 | PR: 7

7. Ballard (Ky.)

Record: 34-1 | PR: 8

8. Rosemount (Minn.)

Record: 23-0 | PR: 10

9. Austintown-Fitch (Ohio)

Record: 22-0-1 | PR: NR

10. St. Amant (La.)

Record: 34-2 | PR: 11

11. Mount Vernon (Mo.)

Record: 37-1 | PR: 12

12. Salpointe Catholic (Ariz.)

Record: 35-1 | PR: 13

13. West Stanly (N.C.)

Record: 31-1 | PR: 14

14. Donovan Catholic (N.J.)

Record: 28-2 | PR: 15

15. Anthony Wayne (Ohio)

Record: 28-5 | PR: 19

16. Coral Springs Charter (Fla.)

Record: 25-1-2 | PR: 16

17. Watkins Memorial (Ohio)

Record: 28-2-1 | PR: 9

18. Springfield (Holland, Ohio)

Record: 27-1 | PR: 4

19. Hollister (Calif.)

Record: 30-3 | PR: NR

20. Spanish Fork (Utah)

Record: 28-2 | PR: 20

21. Norco (Calif.)

Record: 28-4 | PR: 25

22. Neshoba Central (Miss.)

Record: 25-5 | PR: 21

23. Saint Francis (Calif.)

Record: 28-4 | PR: 22

24. Benton (Ark.)

Record: 28-4 | PR: 23

25. Bend (Ore.)

Record: 26-4 | PR: 24

Dropped out: Los Alamitos (Calif.) and Moorpark (Calif.).

Super 25 Scoreboard

About the NFCA:

Celebrating 40 years in 2023, the NFCA (National Fastpitch Coaches Association) is the professional organization for fastpitch softball coaches. Known for its vast library of digital education, the NFCA also educates and supports softball coaches on a variety of different levels: from podcasts to an extensive Awards & Scholarships platform, to NFCA Webinars and a National Convention.

USA TODAY Sports/NFCA High School Super 25 softball rankings: Week 13

Lake Creek remains No. 1 in USA TODAY Sports/NFCA High School Super 25.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Lake Creek’s win streak ended at 82 games, but they advanced to Friday’s Texas state 5A semifinals and remained No. 1 in the 2023 USA TODAY Sports/NFCA High School Super 25 for a 28th week.

The (42-1) Lions defeated Georgetown, 2-1 in eight innings last Thursday, but then lost the first of two games Friday — losing 8-2 and winning the decisive third game 3-2 in eight innings — to set up a Friday matchup with Heritage and keep their dreams of a repeat state title intact. Lake Creek is still 121-3 over the past three seasons.

No. 2 Jackson (28-1) earned the Washington 4A state crown in a weird way, having been awarded a 5-1 win in five innings over Glacier Bay by officials while trying to wait out a rainstorm in an adjacent gymnasium. The Timberwolves won six playoff games last week alone.

Third-ranked Roncalli (29-3-1) plays Evansville North in the Indiana 4A semi-state semis on Saturday, while Springfield held onto the No. 4 spot for one more week despite a loss to then-No. 22 Anthony Wayne (27-3) in an Ohio regional final. Anthony Wayne and ninth-ranked Watkins Memorial (28-1-1) will square off in the state semifinals on Friday.

Rosemount (22-0) kept winning and unbeaten to move into the top 10.

State rankings submitted by the 2023 NFCA High School Steering Committee are used to compile the USA TODAY Sports/NFCA High School Super 25. Teams are chosen based on performance, roster quality, strength of schedule, and active NFCA membership.

USA TODAY Sports/NFCA High School Super 25 Poll – June 1, 2023

1. Lake Creek (Texas)

Record: 42-1 | PR: 1

2. Jackson (Wash.)

Record: 28-1 | PR: 2

3. Roncalli (Ind.)

Record: 29-3-1 | PR: 3

4. Springfield (Holland, Ohio)

Record: 26-1 | PR: 4

5. Rockridge (Ill.)

Record: 36-1 | PR: 7

6. Bentonville (Ark.)

Record: 29-3 | PR: 5

7. Willow Canyon (Ariz.)

Record: 30-2-1 | PR: 6

8. Ballard (Ky.)

Record: 32-1 | PR: 8

9. Watkins Memorial (Ohio)

Record: 28-1-1 | PR: 9

10. Rosemount (Minn.)

Record: 22-0 | PR: 11

11. St. Amant (La.)

Record: 34-2 | PR: 10

12. Mount Vernon (Mo.)

Record: 37-1 | PR: 13

13. Salpointe Catholic (Ariz.)

Record: 35-1 | PR: 14

14. West Stanly (N.C.)

Record: 29-1 | PR: 15

15. Donovan Catholic (N.J.)

Record: 28-2 | PR: 16

16. Coral Springs Charter (Fla.)

Record: 25-1-2 | PR: 17

17. Moorpark (Calif.)

Record: 21-2 | PR: 12

18. Los Alamitos (Calif.)

Record: 24-4 | PR: 18

19. Anthony Wayne (Ohio)

Record: 27-3 | PR: 22

20. Spanish Fork (Utah)

Record: 28-2 | PR: 23

21. Neshoba Central (Miss.)

Record: 25-5 | PR: 19

22. Saint Francis (Calif.)

Record: 27-3 | PR: 20

23. Benton (Ark.)

Record: 28-4 | PR: 21

24. Bend (Ore.)

Record: 26-3 | PR: 24

25. Norco (Calif.)

Record: 28-4 | PR: 25

Dropped out: none.

Super 25 Scoreboard

About the NFCA:

Celebrating 40 years in 2023, the NFCA (National Fastpitch Coaches Association) is the professional organization for fastpitch softball coaches. Known for its vast library of digital education, the NFCA also educates and supports softball coaches on a variety of different levels: from podcasts to an extensive Awards & Scholarships platform, to NFCA Webinars and a National Convention.

USA TODAY Sports/NFCA High School Super 25 softball rankings: Week 12

Lake Creek keeps rolling in USA TODAY Sports/NFCA High School Super 25.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Undefeated Lake Creek picked up its 81st straight win and continued to move closer to a Texas state 5A title defense while remaining atop the 2023 USA TODAY Sports/NFCA High School Super 25 for a 27th week.

The (40-0) Lions defeated Barbers Hill twice in its latest playoff series and plays Georgetown in a best-of-three regional final starting later today. Lake Creek, which is 119-2 over the past three seasons, beat the Eagles, 10-4, in a meeting earlier this season.

Meanwhile, Jackson (22-1), Roncalli (28-3-1) and Springfield (26-0) all leapfrogged last week’s No. 2 team, Bentonville (29-3), following the Tigers’ 6-4 loss to eventual champ Bryant in the Arkansas 6A state semifinals. Springfield next plays No. 22 Anthony Wayne (26-3) in Friday’s Ohio Division I region final.

Minnesota’s Rosemount (20-0) is a newcomer in the latest rankings, debuting at No. 11, after staying perfect for the season with a 10-0 rout of Apple Valley on Tuesday. The Irish face East Ridge in today’s Section 3AAAA semifinal.

State rankings submitted by the 2023 NFCA High School Steering Committee are used to compile the USA TODAY Sports/NFCA High School Super 25. Teams are chosen based on performance, roster quality, strength of schedule, and active NFCA membership.

USA TODAY Sports/NFCA High School Super 25 Poll – May 25, 2023

1. Lake Creek (Texas)

Record: 40-0 | PR: 1

2. Jackson (Wash.)

Record: 22-1 | PR: 3

3. Roncalli (Ind.)

Record: 28-3-1 | PR: 4

4. Springfield (Holland, Ohio)

Record: 26-0 | PR: 5

5. Bentonville (Ark.)

Record: 29-3 | PR: 2

6. Willow Canyon (Ariz.)

Record: 30-2-1 | PR: 6

7. Rockridge (Ill.)

Record: 34-1 | PR: 9

8. Ballard (Ky.)

Record: 32-1 | PR: 10

9. Watkins Memorial (Ohio)

Record: 27-1 | PR: 8

10. St. Amant (La.)

Record: 34-2 | PR: 11

11. Rosemount (Minn.)

Record: 20-0 | PR: NR

12. Moorpark (Calif.)

Record: 21-2 | PR: 12

13. Mount Vernon (Mo.)

Record: 37-1 | PR: 14

14. Salpointe Catholic (Ariz.)

Record: 35-1 | PR: 15

15. West Stanly (N.C.)

Record: 28-1 | PR: 16

16. Donovan Catholic (N.J.)

Record: 27-1 | PR: 17

17. Coral Springs Charter (Fla.)

Record: 25-1-2 | PR: 13

18. Los Alamitos (Calif.)

Record: 24-4 | PR: 18

19. Neshoba Central (Miss.)

Record: 25-5 | PR: 7

20. Saint Francis (Calif.)

Record: 26-2 | PR: 19

21. Benton (Ark.)

Record: 28-4 | PR: 20

22. Anthony Wayne (Ohio)

Record: 26-3 | PR: 22

23. Spanish Fork (Utah)

Record: 24-2 | PR: 23

24. Bend (Ore.)

Record: 25-2 | PR: 24

25. Norco (Calif.)

Record: 28-4 | PR: 21

Dropped out: Queen Creek (Ariz.).

About the NFCA:

Celebrating 40 years in 2023, the NFCA (National Fastpitch Coaches Association) is the professional organization for fastpitch softball coaches. Known for its vast library of digital education, the NFCA also educates and supports softball coaches on a variety of different levels: from podcasts to an extensive Awards & Scholarships platform, to NFCA Webinars and a National Convention.

USA TODAY Sports/NFCA High School Super 25 softball rankings: Week 11

Ballard moves into top 10 in USA TODAY Sports/NFCA High School Super 25

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Kentucky state champion Ballard was all the buzz in the 2023 USA TODAY Sports/NFCA High School Super 25 after defeating two-time reigning Indiana titlist Roncalli in a dream neutral-site matchup at the University of Louisville.

The (29-1) Bruins moved into the top 10 after scoring a signature victory, 2-1 in nine innings, over No. 4 Roncalli and two-time reigning Gatorade National Player of the Year and Florida commit Keagan Rothrock on Saturday. Lilli Koch scored the winning run in the second extra inning when Rothrock, who was trying to battle through a blister, threw a wild pitch moments after receiving treatment on her pitching hand.

Brooke Gray, who will soon be playing her college home games for Louisville at the same Don Dobina Field at Ulmer Stadium, won the epic duel of pitching aces, who combined to fan 17 batters in the contest. Both squads scored wins earlier in the day over Floyd Central in the round-robin hosted by the perennial Indiana power Highlanders.

Meanwhile, no change at the top, as No. 1 Lake Creek continued to take care of business. The (38-0) Lions rolled past Pflugerville, 9-0 in last Thursday’s state 5A regional quarterfinal, and face Barbers Hill on Friday in the first game of a best-of-three regional semifinal series.

Bentonville (28-2) and Jackson (21-1) are the new No. 2 and 3 teams after Willow Canyon (30-2-1) lost 4-2 in Monday’s Arizona state 5A title game to Desert Mountain. Springfield (25-0) surged five places to fifth after winning three games to advance to Friday’s Ohio district title game against Perrysburg.

Elsewhere, No. 15 Salpointe Catholic (35-1) wrapped up the Arizona 4A championship with a 2-0 victory over Greenway on Tuesday, and No. 17 Donovan Catholic (26-1) gained two more places this week after posting six wins over the last seven days.

State rankings submitted by the 2023 NFCA High School Steering Committee are used to compile the USA TODAY Sports/NFCA High School Super 25. Teams are chosen based on performance, roster quality, strength of schedule, and active NFCA membership.

USA TODAY Sports/NFCA High School Super 25 Poll – May 18, 2023

1. Lake Creek (Texas)

Record: 38-0 | PR: 1

2. Bentonville (Ark.)

Record: 28-2 | PR: 3

3. Jackson (Wash.)

Record: 21-1 | PR: 5

4. Roncalli (Ind.)

Record: 23-3-1 | PR: 4

5. Springfield (Holland, Ohio)

Record: 25-0 | PR: 10

6. Willow Canyon (Ariz.)

Record: 30-2-1 | PR: 2

7. Neshoba Central (Miss.)

Record: 25-5 | PR: 6

8. Watkins Memorial (Ohio)

Record: 25-0 | PR: 8

9. Rockridge (Ill.)

Record: 32-1 | PR: 11

10. Ballard (Ky.)

Record: 29-1 | PR: 15

11. St. Amant (La.)

Record: 34-2 | PR: 10

12. Moorpark (Calif.)

Record: 21-2 | PR: 7

13. Coral Springs Charter (Fla.)

Record: 25-0-2 | PR: 14

14. Mount Vernon (Mo.)

Record: 35-1 | PR: 15

15. Salpointe Catholic (Ariz.)

Record: 35-1 | PR: 17

16. West Stanly (N.C.)

Record: 26-1 | PR: 18

17. Donovan Catholic (N.J.)

Record: 26-1 | PR: 19

18. Los Alamitos (Calif.)

Record: 24-4 | PR: 12

19. Saint Francis (Calif.)

Record: 24-2 | PR: 19

20. Benton (Ark.)

Record: 27-4 | PR: 21

21. Norco (Calif.)

Record: 28-3 | PR: 22

22. Anthony Wayne (Ohio)

Record: 22-3 | PR: 20

23. Spanish Fork (Utah)

Record: 21-2 | PR: 23

24. Bend (Ore.)

Record: 23-2 | PR: 24

25. Queen Creek (Ariz.)

Record: 29-3-1 | PR: 25

Dropped out: None.

About the NFCA:

Celebrating 40 years in 2023, the NFCA (National Fastpitch Coaches Association) is the professional organization for fastpitch softball coaches. Known for its vast library of digital education, the NFCA also educates and supports softball coaches on a variety of different levels: from podcasts to an extensive Awards & Scholarships platform, to NFCA Webinars and a National Convention.

USA TODAY Sports/NFCA High School Super 25 softball rankings: Week 10

No changes at top in USA TODAY Sports/NFCA High School Super 25.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Top-ranked Lake Creek won its area championship game and moved forward to the Texas state 5A regional quarters to remain No. 1 for a 25th straight week, and the first five teams stayed the same in the 2023 USA TODAY Sports/NFCA High School Super 25.

The defending state champion (37-0) Lions mauled Elgin, 11-0, last Friday as Florida commit Ava Brown tossed a no-hitter (11 strikeouts) and hit a home run. Lake Creek has a regional quarterfinal against Pflugerville later today at Mumford High.

Meanwhile, No. 2 Willow Canyon (29-0-1) topped Campo Verde, 2-0, on Saturday and has a playoff game versus Canyon View today. Third-ranked Bentonville (28-1) earned a bye in the Arkansas state playoffs and will face the winner of today’s game between Conway and Rogers Heritage on Friday.

No. 4 Roncalli (20-2-1) went 6-0 in a busy week during which the Royals outscored their opponents, 50-2. Fifth-ranked Jackson (19-1) needed nine innings Monday to score a 3-0 victory over Lake Stevens and rolled past Mariner, 23-2, on Wednesday.

Neshoba Central (24-3), Moorpark (20-1), Watkins Memorial (23-0) and Louisiana state champion St. Amant (34-2) all gained one spot with Los Alamitos’ 5-1 CIF Southern Section Division 1 quarterfinal loss to Pacifica, while unbeaten Springfield (22-0) moved into the top 10 with its second come-from-behind ranked triumph over Anthony Wayne (19-2) of the season, 4-3, on Monday in a matchup of two of the top three Northern Lakes League squads. Springfield faces the third — Perrysburg — tonight.

Queens Creek (29-3-1) dropped from 21st to 25th after two losses in the past week, including a 3-0 defeat Wednesday in the opener of its best-of-three Arizona state 6A semifinal with Basha.

State rankings submitted by the 2023 NFCA High School Steering Committee are used to compile the USA TODAY Sports/NFCA High School Super 25. Teams are chosen based on performance, roster quality, strength of schedule, and active NFCA membership.

USA TODAY Sports/NFCA High School Super 25 Poll – May 11, 2023

1. Lake Creek (Texas)

Record: 37-0 | PR: 1

2. Willow Canyon (Ariz.)

Record: 29-0-1 | PR: 2

3. Bentonville (Ark.)

Record: 28-1 | PR: 3

4. Roncalli (Ind.)

Record: 20-2-1 | PR: 4

5. Jackson (Wash.)

Record: 19-1 | PR: 5

6. Neshoba Central (Miss.)

Record: 24-3 | PR: 7

7. Moorpark (Calif.)

Record: 20-1 | PR: 8

8. Watkins Memorial (Ohio)

Record: 23-0 | PR: 9

9. St. Amant (La.)

Record: 34-2 | PR: 10

10. Springfield (Holland, Ohio)

Record: 22-0 | PR: 12

11. Rockridge (Ill.)

Record: 26-1 | PR: 13

12. Los Alamitos (Calif.)

Record: 24-1 | PR: 6

13. Saint Francis (Calif.)

Record: 23-2 | PR: 14

14. Coral Springs Charter (Fla.)

Record: 24-0-2 | PR: 15

15. Ballard (Ky.)

Record: 24-1 | PR: 11

16. Mount Vernon (Mo.)

Record: 34-1 | PR: 16

17. Salpointe Catholic (Ariz.)

Record: 33-1 | PR: 18

18. West Stanly (N.C.)

Record: 24-1 | PR: 19

19. Donovan Catholic (N.J.)

Record: 20-1 | PR: 20

20. Anthony Wayne (Ohio)

Record: 19-2 | PR: 17

21. Benton (Ark.)

Record: 24-4 | PR: 22

22. Norco (Calif.)

Record: 27-3 | PR: 23

23. Spanish Fork (Utah)

Record: 21-2 | PR: 24

24. Bend (Ore.)

Record: 22-2 | PR: 25

25. Queen Creek (Ariz.)

Record: 29-3-1 | PR: 21

Dropped out: None.

About the NFCA:

Celebrating 40 years in 2023, the NFCA (National Fastpitch Coaches Association) is the professional organization for fastpitch softball coaches. Known for its vast library of digital education, the NFCA also educates and supports softball coaches on a variety of different levels: from podcasts to an extensive Awards & Scholarships platform, to NFCA Webinars and a National Convention.

USA TODAY Sports/NFCA High School Super 25 softball rankings: Week 9

Much the same in USA TODAY Sports/NFCA High School Super 25.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Undefeated Lake Creek swept its Texas playoff series to remain No. 1 for a 24th straight week, and everyone else kept pace in an unchanged 2023 USA TODAY Sports/NFCA High School Super 25.

The defending state champion (36-0) Lions kicked Shoemaker, 12-0 and 11-1, last Friday to claim their bi-district playoff series. A best-of-three area playoff series against Elgin starts tomorrow.

Meanwhile, just one team in the entire Super 25 lost over the last week, and that loss came in extra innings to an undefeated team.

Two-time reigning Gatorade National Player of the Year Keegan Rothrock struck out 13 and had four hits, including a home run, as fourth-ranked Roncalli (14-2-1) breezed past New Palestine, 13-4, on Wednesday. Rothrock had a perfect game against Martinsville last Wednesday, during which she fanned 11 of the 15 batters she faced.

No. 10 St. Amant (34-2) was the first team in the rankings to claim a state championship in 2023, winning its second straight crown and third in the past four years. The Gators defeated West Monroe — which they beat in the final last season — in Friday’s semis, 13-1, and then topped Sam Houston, 4-0, for the Division I non-select title on Saturday.

Elsewhere, defending Kentucky state champion Ballard (22-0) kept rolling, extending its win streak to 61 games with a 4-2 victory over Green County on Wednesday to stay put in the 11th spot.

No. 20 Donovan Catholic (16-1) didn’t move in the rankings after Wednesday’s 3-0 loss to Notre Dame in eight innings. Julia Apostolakos was her usual stellar self, fanning 12 batters and allowing just one hit through the first seven innings. But Rylee Michalak was a wee bit better for the (13-0) Irish, striking out 16. And after Notre Dame had gone ahead, 1-0, in the top of the eighth, Madelena Creo made sure the game was out of reach with a two-run homer.

State rankings submitted by the 2023 NFCA High School Steering Committee are used to compile the USA TODAY Sports/NFCA High School Super 25. Teams are chosen based on performance, roster quality, strength of schedule, and active NFCA membership.

USA TODAY Sports/NFCA High School Super 25 Poll – May 4, 2023

1. Lake Creek (Texas)

Record: 36-0 | PR: 1

2. Willow Canyon (Ariz.)

Record: 28-0-1 | PR: 2

3. Bentonville (Ark.)

Record: 27-1 | PR: 3

4. Roncalli (Ind.)

Record: 14-2-1 | PR: 4

5. Jackson (Wash.)

Record: 17-1 | PR: 5

6. Los Alamitos (Calif.)

Record: 24-3 | PR: 6

7. Neshoba Central (Miss.)

Record: 22-3 | PR: 7

8. Moorpark (Calif.)

Record: 18-1 | PR: 8

9. Watkins Memorial (Ohio)

Record: 19-0 | PR: 9

10. St. Amant (La.)

Record: 34-2 | PR: 10

11. Ballard (Ky.)

Record: 22-0 | PR: 11

12. Springfield (Holland, Ohio)

Record: 19-0 | PR: 12

13. Rockridge (Ill.)

Record: 21-1 | PR: 13

14. Saint Francis (Calif.)

Record: 21-2 | PR: 14

15. Coral Springs Charter (Fla.)

Record: 23-0-2 | PR: 15

16. Mount Vernon (Mo.)

Record: 29-1 | PR: 16

17. Anthony Wayne (Ohio)

Record: 16-1 | PR: 17

18. Salpointe Catholic (Ariz.)

Record: 32-1 | PR: 18

19. West Stanly (N.C.)

Record: 22-1 | PR: 19

20. Donovan Catholic (N.J.)

Record: 16-1 | PR: 20

21. Queen Creek (Ariz.)

Record: 28-1-1 | PR: 21

22. Benton (Ark.)

Record: 21-4 | PR: 22

23. Norco (Calif.)

Record: 24-3 | PR: 23

24. Spanish Fork (Utah)

Record: 20-2 | PR: 24

25. Bend (Ore.)

Record: 19-2 | PR: 25

Dropped out: None.

About the NFCA:

Celebrating 40 years in 2023, the NFCA (National Fastpitch Coaches Association) is the professional organization for fastpitch softball coaches. Known for its vast library of digital education, the NFCA also educates and supports softball coaches on a variety of different levels: from podcasts to an extensive Awards & Scholarships platform, to NFCA Webinars and a National Convention.

USA TODAY Sports/NFCA High School Super 25 softball rankings: Week 8

Shakeup behind Lake Creek in USA TODAY Sports/NFCA High School Super 25.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. —Undefeated Lake Creek tuned up for the Texas 5A playoffs with a pair of victories to remain atop the 2023 USA TODAY Sports/NFCA High School Super 25 for a 23rd straight week.

The defending state champion (34-0) Lions play the first two games of a best-of-three series with Shoemaker on Friday at Mumford High after blanking Rudder, 13-0, last Friday and beating Katy, 7-1, on Tuesday. Lake Creek has won 75 straight games and is 113-2 over the last three seasons.

Meanwhile, the No. 2 and 3 teams changed this week following losses by both Roncalli (12-2-1) and Jackson (14-1). Willow Canyon (26-0-1) jumped up to second after two victories over Kellis and Bentonville (25-1) took over third after a 5-0 week.

Roncalli and Jackson still loom large at No. 4 and 5, respectively, ahead of an unchanged rest of the top 10, that is rounded out by St. Amant (32-2), which faces the team it beat for last year’s Louisiana Division I state crown — West Monroe — in Friday’s state semis. The winner plays Sam Houston or Live Oak in Saturday’s championship. The Gators have wins over all three remaining playoff teams.

Defending Kentucky state champion Ballard (19-0) is poised to move up if anyone falters, after extending its win streak to 58 on Wednesday, as is unbeaten poll newcomer Springfield (16-0) in the first two spots after the top 10. Ballard went 39-0 last season and hasn’t lost since falling 2-1 to Daviess County in the state playoffs on June 11, 2021. Springfield scored a 5-4 victory over No. 17 Anthony Wayne last week and has showed no signs of slowing down anytime soon.

Elsewhere, No. 20 Donovan Catholic (15-0) scored five more wins to gain two more spots this week, while Bingham lost twice and dropped out.

State rankings submitted by the 2023 NFCA High School Steering Committee are used to compile the USA TODAY Sports/NFCA High School Super 25. Teams are chosen based on performance, roster quality, strength of schedule, and active NFCA membership.

USA TODAY Sports/NFCA High School Super 25 Poll – April 27, 2023

1. Lake Creek (Texas)

Record: 34-0 | PR: 1

2. Willow Canyon (Ariz.)

Record: 26-0-1 | PR: 4

3. Bentonville (Ark.)

Record: 25-1 | PR: 5

4. Roncalli (Ind.)

Record: 12-2-1 | PR: 2

5. Jackson (Wash.)

Record: 14-1 | PR: 3

6. Los Alamitos (Calif.)

Record: 23-3 | PR: 6

7. Neshoba Central (Miss.)

Record: 20-3 | PR: 7

8. Moorpark (Calif.)

Record: 17-1 | PR: 8

9. Watkins Memorial (Ohio)

Record: 19-0 | PR: 9

10. St. Amant (La.)

Record: 32-2 | PR: 10

11. Ballard (Ky.)

Record: 19-0 | PR: NR

12. Springfield (Ohio)

Record: 16-0 | PR: NR

13. Rockridge (Ill.)

Record: 18-1 | PR: 12

14. Saint Francis (Calif.)

Record: 18-2 | PR: 13

15. Coral Springs Charter (Fla.)

Record: 20-0-2 | PR: 14

16. Mount Vernon (Mo.)

Record: 29-1 | PR: 16

17. Anthony Wayne (Ohio)

Record: 10-1 | PR: 17

18. Salpointe Catholic (Ariz.)

Record: 30-1 | PR: 19

19. West Stanly (N.C.)

Record: 20-1 | PR: 20

20. Donovan Catholic (N.J.)

Record: 15-0 | PR: 22

21. Queen Creek (Ariz.)

Record: 26-1-1 | PR: 23

22. Benton (Ark.)

Record: 18-4 | PR: 18

23. Norco (Calif.)

Record: 23-3 | PR: 15

24. Spanish Fork (Utah)

Record: 16-2 | PR: 21

25. Bend (Ore.)

Record: 16-2 | PR: 24

Dropped out: Bingham (Utah).

About the NFCA:

Celebrating 40 years in 2023, the NFCA (National Fastpitch Coaches Association) is the professional organization for fastpitch softball coaches. Known for its vast library of digital education, the NFCA also educates and supports softball coaches on a variety of different levels: from podcasts to an extensive Awards & Scholarships platform, to NFCA Webinars and a National Convention.