Category: Softball 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. —Lake Creek kept winning and No. 1 in the 2023 USA TODAY Sports/NFCA High School Super 25 for a 22nd straight week.

The defending Texas state 5A champion (32-0) Lions blanked Magnolia, 9-0, last Friday and shut out A&M Consolidated, 7-0, on Tuesday to improve to 111-2 over the last three seasons, and extend their win streak to 73. Lake Creek hosts Rudder next on Friday.

Second-ranked Roncalli (7-1-1) defeated both Tri-West Hendricks and Southport to put its only loss farther in the rear-view mirror. The Royals play at Covenant Christian later today.

Some schools elsewhere in the top 10 shifted up or out. New-No. 3 Jackson (13-0) gained three places, while No. 4 Willow Canyon (24-0-1) and fifth-ranked Bentonville (20-1) each surged four spots, and No. 9 Watkins Memorial moved up one. But losses dropped Los Alamitos (19-3) and Neshoba Central (20-3) three places apiece, and Neshoba’s 2-1 loss to Northwest Rankin last Friday could easily have been their second loss to the Cougars this season, after the Rockets rallied for five unanswered runs late in a 5-4 victory in their first meeting on March 28.

No. 8 Moorpark (16-1) dropped one spot after its 3-0 loss to Camarillo on Monday, while St. Amant (31-2) cracked the top 10 after registering a playoff victory over Ponchatoula in which Boston College-bound senior Addison Jackson, high school’s national home run leader, hit a grand slam and tossed a no-hitter with 12 strikeouts.

Defending Kentucky state champion Ballard (15-0) finally forced its way into the rankings this week, debuting in the No. 11 spot after running its win streak to 54. Senior Brooke Gray fanned 22 batters in an 11-inning no-hitter against Greenwood in the Bruins’ second-to-last game, and fanned double-digit batters in all three of her team’s games last week. Ballard, who went 39-0 last season, hasn’t lost since falling 2-1 to Daviess County in the state playoffs on June 11, 2021.

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 20, 2023

1. Lake Creek (Texas)

Record: 32-0 | PR: 1

2. Roncalli (Ind.)

Record: 7-1-1 | PR: 2

3. Jackson (Wash.)

Record: 13-0 | PR: 6

4. Willow Canyon (Ariz.)

Record: 24-0-1 | PR: 8

5. Bentonville (Ark.)

Record: 20-1 | PR: 9

6. Los Alamitos (Calif.)

Record: 19-3 | PR: 3

7. Neshoba Central (Miss.)

Record: 20-3 | PR: 4

8. Moorpark (Calif.)

Record: 16-1 | PR: 7

9. Watkins Memorial (Ohio)

Record: 15-0 | PR: 10

10. St. Amant (La.)

Record: 31-2 | PR: 11

11. Ballard (Ky.)

Record: 15-0 | PR: NR

12. Rockridge (Ill.)

Record: 16-1 | PR: 13

13. Saint Francis (Calif.)

Record: 16-2 | PR: 5

14. Coral Springs Charter (Fla.)

Record: 16-0-2 | PR: 17

15. Norco (Calif.)

Record: 22-2 | PR: 14

16. Mount Vernon (Mo.)

Record: 22-1 | PR: 15

17. Anthony Wayne (Ohio)

Record: 8-1 | PR: 16

18. Benton (Ark.)

Record: 16-4 | PR: 12

19. Salpointe Catholic (Ariz.)

Record: 28-1 | PR: 18

20. West Stanly (N.C.)

Record: 17-1 | PR: 19

21. Spanish Fork (Utah)

Record: 12-1 | PR: 20

22. Donovan Catholic (N.J.)

Record: 10-0 | PR: 21

23. Queen Creek (Ariz.)

Record: 24-1-1 | PR: 23

24. Bend (Ore.)

Record: 13-2 | PR: 24

25. Bingham (Utah)

Record: 8-2 | 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.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Lake Creek scored its 30th win of the season to remain undefeated and atop the 2023 USA TODAY Sports/NFCA High School Super 25 for a 21st straight week.

The defending Texas state 5A champion (30-0) Lions generated plenty of offense in support of senior pitcher Ava Brown, powering past Magnolia and Brenham by a combined 19-1 score in their two triumphs. Florida commit Brown is now 68-0 for her stellar career. Lake Creek has won 71 straight games and 109 of its last 111 contests over the last three seasons.

Roncalli (5-1-1) stayed second despite suffering its first loss — 7-5 to Avon last Saturday — after winning its other four games easily, including 19-1 over Brebeuf Jesuit Prep on Wednesday.

The next five teams moved up one spot apiece after Benton (12-3) tumbled out of the No. 3 spot following two straight losses. California’s Los Alamitos (17-2), Saint Francis (15-1) and Moorpark (13-0) are three of those schools at third, fifth, and seventh, respectively, while Mississippi’s Neshoba Central (19-2) is the new No. 4 and Washington’s unbeaten Jackson (11-0) is now sixth.

Elsewhere, Ohio’s Anthony Wayne (7-0) continued to roll and gained three places, to No. 16, this week. The Generals have outscored their opponents 96-0 this season and registered double-digits in the runs column in all seven games.

New Jersey’s Donovan Catholic (7-0) and Immaculate Heart Academy (4-0) flipped order and also moved up in the rankings to 21st and 22nd this week.

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 13, 2023

1. Lake Creek (Texas)

Record: 30-0 | PR: 1

2. Roncalli (Ind.)

Record: 5-1-1 | PR: 2

3. Los Alamitos (Calif.)

Record: 17-2 | PR: 4

4. Neshoba Central (Miss.)

Record: 19-2 | PR: 5

5. Saint Francis (Calif.)

Record: 15-1 | PR: 6

6. Jackson (Wash.)

Record: 11-0 | PR: 7

7. Moorpark (Calif.)

Record: 13-0 | PR: 8

8. Willow Canyon (Ariz.)

Record: 20-0-1 | PR: 10

9. Bentonville (Ark.)

Record: 13-1 | PR: 11

10. Watkins Memorial (Ohio)

Record: 11-0 | PR: 12

11. St. Amant (La.)

Record: 28-2 | PR: 9

12. Benton (Ark.)

Record: 12-3 | PR: 3

13. Rockridge (Ill.)

Record: 10-1 | PR: 13

14. Norco (Calif.)

Record: 18-2 | PR: 14

15. Mount Vernon (Mo.)

Record: 17-1 | PR: 15

16. Anthony Wayne (Ohio)

Record: 7-0 | PR: 19

17. Coral Springs Charter (Fla.)

Record: 14-0-2 | PR: 16

18. Salpointe Catholic (Ariz.)

Record: 26-1 | PR: 17

19. West Stanly (N.C.)

Record: 16-1 | PR: 18

20. Spanish Fork (Utah)

Record: 7-1 | PR: 20

21. Donovan Catholic (N.J.)

Record: 7-0 | PR: 25

22. Immaculate Heart Academy (N.J.)

Record: 4-0 | PR: 24

23. Queen Creek (Ariz.)

Record: 21-1-1 | PR: 21

24. Bend (Ore.)

Record: 8-2 | PR: 22

25. Bingham (Utah)

Record: 5-2 | PR: 23

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.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Lake Creek remained undefeated and atop the 2023 USA TODAY Sports/NFCA High School Super 25 for a 19th straight week.

The defending Texas state 5A champion (26-0) Lions surrendered just one run combined in lopsided victories over A&M Consolidated (11-1 last Friday) and Rudder (12-0 on Tuesday) to extend their win streak to 67. Lake Creek has now won 105 of 107 games over the last three seasons. The only losses over that stretch were pair of defeats (one in extra innings) to eventual state champ Barbers Hill in the best-of-three regional finals in May 2021. The Lions play College Station next on Friday.

Roncalli (Ind.) will hold onto the No. 2 spot for at least another week. The Royals finally start their 2023 season on Tuesday versus Columbus North. Third-ranked Benton (6-1) is likely anxious to get on the field as well, after not playing since a 16-1 win over Hot Springs on March 14. The Panthers don’t play again until April 11 at El Dorado.

Meanwhile, California powers Norco (13-1) and Los Alamitos (8-2) moved up one place apiece to fill out the first five, while Neshoba Central (10-2) is No. 6 this week, followed by unbeaten newcomers Saint Francis (5-0) and Jackson (7-0), still-perfect Moorpark (9-0) and one-loss St. Amant (23-1).

No. 14 Rockridge (4-0), No. 16 Coral Springs Charter (11-0-2) and 18th-ranked West Stanly (9-1) are the three others to break into the rankings this week.

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 6, 2023

1. Lake Creek (Texas)

Record: 28-0 | PR: 1

2. Roncalli (Ind.)

Record: 1-0-1 | PR: 2

3. Benton (Ark.)

Record: 6-1 | PR: 3

4. Los Alamitos (Calif.)

Record: 14-2 | PR: 5

5. Neshoba Central (Miss.)

Record: 17-2 | PR: 6

6. Saint Francis (Calif.)

Record: 9-1 | PR: 7

7. Jackson (Wash.)

Record: 10-0 | PR: 8

8. Moorpark (Calif.)

Record: 11-0 | PR: 9

9. St. Amant (La.)

Record: 26-1 | PR: 10

10. Willow Canyon (Ariz.)

Record: 18-0-1 | PR: 11

11. Bentonville (Ark.)

Record: 11-1 | PR: 12

12. Watkins Memorial (Ohio)

Record: 5-0 | PR: 13

13. Rockridge (Ill.)

Record: 7-0 | PR: 14

14. Norco (Calif.)

Record: 16-2 | PR: 4

15. Mount Vernon (Mo.)

Record: 14-1 | PR: NR

16. Coral Springs Charter (Fla.)

Record: 13-0-2 | PR: 16

17. Salpointe Catholic (Ariz.)

Record: 23-1 | PR: 17

18. West Stanly (N.C.)

Record: 13-1 | PR: 18

19. Anthony Wayne (Ohio)

Record: 1-0 | PR: 19

20. Spanish Fork (Utah)

Record: 6-1 | PR: 20

21. Queen Creek (Ariz.)

Record: 18-1-1 | PR: 21

22. Bend (Ore.)

Record: 6-2 | PR: 22

23. Bingham (Utah)

Record: 3-2 | PR: 23

24. Immaculate Heart Academy (N.J.)

Record: 2-0 | PR: 24

25. Donovan Catholic (N.J.)

Record: 3-0 | PR: 25

Dropped out: North Augusta (S.C.).

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.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Lake Creek remained undefeated and atop the 2023 USA TODAY Sports/NFCA High School Super 25 for a 19th straight week.

The defending Texas state 5A champion (26-0) Lions surrendered just one run combined in lopsided victories over A&M Consolidated (11-1 last Friday) and Rudder (12-0 on Tuesday) to extend their win streak to 67. Lake Creek has now won 105 of 107 games over the last three seasons. The only losses over that stretch were pair of defeats (one in extra innings) to eventual state champ Barbers Hill in the best-of-three regional finals in May 2021. The Lions play College Station next on Friday.

Roncalli (Ind.) will hold onto the No. 2 spot for at least another week. The Royals finally start their 2023 season on Tuesday versus Columbus North. Third-ranked Benton (6-1) is likely anxious to get on the field as well, after not playing since a 16-1 win over Hot Springs on March 14. The Panthers don’t play again until April 11 at El Dorado.

Meanwhile, California powers Norco (13-1) and Los Alamitos (8-2) moved up one place apiece to fill out the first five, while Neshoba Central (10-2) is No. 6 this week, followed by unbeaten newcomers Saint Francis (5-0) and Jackson (7-0), still-perfect Moorpark (9-0) and one-loss St. Amant (23-1).

No. 14 Rockridge (4-0), No. 16 Coral Springs Charter (11-0-2) and 18th-ranked West Stanly (9-1) are the three others to break into the rankings this week.

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 – March 30, 2023

1. Lake Creek (Texas)

Record: 26-0 | PR: 1

2. Roncalli (Ind.)

Record: 0-0 | PR: 2

3. Benton (Ark.)

Record: 6-1 | PR: 3

4. Norco (Calif.)

Record: 13-1 | PR: 5

5. Los Alamitos (Calif.)

Record: 8-2 | PR: 6

6. Neshoba Central (Miss.)

Record: 10-2 | PR: 7

7. Saint Francis (Calif.)

Record: 5-0 | PR: NR

8. Jackson (Wash.)

Record: 7-0 | PR: NR

9. Moorpark (Calif.)

Record: 9-0 | PR: 8

10. St. Amant (La.)

Record: 23-1 | PR: 9

11. Willow Canyon (Ariz.)

Record: 15-0-1 | PR: 10

12. Bentonville (Ark.)

Record: 10-1 | PR: 11

13. Watkins Memorial (Ohio)

Record: 3-0 | PR: 12

14. Rockridge (Ill.)

Record: 4-0 | PR: NR

15. North Augusta (S.C.)

Record: 7-2-1 | PR: 3

16. Coral Springs Charter (Fla.)

Record: 11-0-2 | PR: NR

17. Salpointe Catholic (Ariz.)

Record: 18-1 | PR: 14

18. West Stanly (N.C.)

Record: 9-1 | PR: NR

19. Anthony Wayne (Ohio)

Record: 0-0 | PR: 16

20. Spanish Fork (Utah)

Record: 6-1 | PR: 17

21. Queen Creek (Ariz.)

Record: 14-1-1 | PR: 18

22. Bend (Ore.)

Record: 6-2 | PR: 19

23. Bingham (Utah)

Record: 3-2 | PR: 21

24. Immaculate Heart Academy (N.J.)

Record: 0-0 | PR: 23

25. Donovan Catholic (N.J.)

Record: 0-0 | PR: 24

Dropped out: Basha (Ariz.), Lakewood Ranch (Fla.), Marist (Ill.), Redmond (Wash.) and West Johnston (N.C.).

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.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Lake Creek remained undefeated and atop the 2023 USA TODAY Sports/NFCA High School Super 25 for a 18th straight week.

The defending Texas state 5A champion (24-0) Lions rolled past Magnolia, 12-2 on Tuesday, to extend their winning streak to 65. Lake Creek has now won 103 of 105 games over the last three seasons. The only losses over that stretch were pair of defeats (one in extra innings) to eventual state champ Barbers Hill in the best-of-three regional finals in May 2021.

No. 2 Roncalli (Ind.) inched closer to opening its season, but still has to wait until April 4 for its debut against Columbus North. Just below the Royals, Benton (6-1) and North Augusta (5-1) swapped the third and fourth positions this week, with California’s unbeaten Norco (11-0) and Los Alamitos (7-2) — which has only lost to Norco — making a big move into the rankings at No. 5 and 6, respectively.

The debut of perennial powers Norco and Los Alamitos slides down Neshoba Central (6-2) two spots to seventh, while Moorpark (9-0), St. Amant (21-1) and Willow Canyon (13-0-2) round out the adjusted top 10.

Brazoswood (18-5) and Santa Margarita (9-3-1) both lost again this week to fall out of the poll.

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 – March 23, 2023

1. Lake Creek (Texas)

Record: 24-0 | PR: 1

2. Roncalli (Ind.)

Record: 0-0 | PR: 2

3. Benton (Ark.)

Record: 6-1 | PR: 4

4. North Augusta (S.C.)

Record: 5-1 | PR: 3

5. Norco (Calif.)

Record: 11-0 | PR: NR

6. Los Alamitos (Calif.)

Record: 7-2 | PR: NR

7. Neshoba Central (Miss.)

Record: 6-2 | PR: 5

8. Moorpark (Calif.)

Record: 9-0 | PR: 7

9. St. Amant (La.)

Record: 21-1 | PR: 8

10. Willow Canyon (Ariz.)

Record: 13-0-2 | PR: 9

11. Bentonville (Ark.)

Record: 8-1 | PR: 10

12. Watkins Memorial (Ohio)

Record: 1-0 | PR: 11

13. Basha (Ariz.)

Record: 9-1 | PR: 12

14. Salpointe Catholic (Ariz.)

Record: 15-1 | PR: 13

15. West Johnston (N.C.)

Record: 8-0 | PR: 14

16. Anthony Wayne (Ohio)

Record: 0-0 | PR: 15

17. Spanish Fork (Utah)

Record: 5-1 | PR: 19

18. Queen Creek (Ariz.)

Record: 9-1-1 | PR: 20

19. Bend (Ore.)

Record: 3-2 | PR: 16

20. Redmond (Wash.)

Record: 3-1 | PR: 17

21. Bingham (Utah)

Record: 3-2 | PR: 18

22. Lakewood Ranch (Fla.)

Record: 8-3 | PR: 21

23. Immaculate Heart Academy (N.J.)

Record: 0-0 | PR: 23

24. Donovan Catholic (N.J.)

Record: 0-0 | PR: 24

25. Marist (Ill.)

Record: 1-0 | PR: 25

Dropped out: Brazoswood (Texas) and Santa Margarita (Calif.).

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.