Tag: High school softball rankings

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Katy continued to overwhelm its opponents to stay No. 1 in the USA TODAY Sports/NFCA High School Super 25 for a third week.

The (29-1-1) Tigers blanked Seven Lakes 16-0 on Tuesday to win their 11th straight game and run their record to 21-0-1 over their last 22 contests. For the season, the Tigers have outscored their opponents by an impressive 319-10 margin.

Katy has not allowed a run since an 11-1 victory over Katy Taylor on March 22, while scoring 104 over that stretch. A second meeting with Katy Taylor is up next for the Tigers on Friday.

Meanwhile, six of the next seven teams remain unchanged this week, including the next five in a row. Northwest Rankin (25-0), Jackson (13-1), Calvary Baptist (32-2), Sterlington (28-1) and Orange Beach (27-0) combined to go 8-0, before newcomers Oak Grove (17-0) and Lancaster (14-1) jumped into the mix at No. 7 and 9, respectively. Calvary Baptist and Sterlington both continued their winning ways with Louisiana state regional playoff victories.

Saint Francis (16-0) stayed put at the No. 8 position, while Watkins Memorial (11-0) gained four spots to round out the top 10.

Unbeaten Lake Central (14-0) is the other school debuting this week, at No. 15. Two losses apiece dropped Lebanon and Lincoln-Way East out, and also left no room for Red Mountain at the bottom of the rankings.

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 – April 18, 2024

1. Katy (Texas)

Record: 29-1-1 | PR: 1

2. Northwest Rankin (Miss.)

Record: 25-0 | PR: 2

3. Jackson (Wash.)

Record: 13-1 | PR: 3

4. Calvary Baptist (La.)

Record: 32-2 | PR: 4

5. Sterlington (La.)

Record: 28-1 | PR: 5

6. Orange Beach (Ala.)

Record: 27-0 | PR: 6

7. Oak Grove (N.C.)

Record: 17-0 | PR: NR

8. Saint Francis (Calif.)

Record: 16-0 | PR: 8

9. Lancaster (Ohio)

Record: 14-1 | PR: NR

10. Watkins Memorial (Ohio)

Record: 11-0 | PR: 14

11. Basha (Ariz.)

Record: 23-1-1 | PR: 10

12. Anthony Wayne (Ohio)

Record: 7-0 | PR: 11

13. Diamond (Mo.)

Record: 25-0 | PR: 12

14. Sheridan (Ark.)

Record: 19-0 | PR: 13

15. Lake Central (Ind.)

Record: 14-0 | PR: NR

16. Austintown-Fitch (Ohio)

Record: 8-1 | PR: 8

17. Bartow (Fla.)

Record: 21-1 | PR: 15

18. Owyhee (Utah)

Record: 12-1 | PR: 16

19. Pacifica (Calif.)

Record: 19-2 | PR: 17

20. Bingham (Utah)

Record: 13-1 | PR: 18

21. Antioch (Ill.)

Record: 11-1 | PR: 20

22. St. Thomas More (La.)

Record: 29-3-1 | PR: 21

23. Roncalli (Ind.)

Record: 6-0 | PR: 22

24. Marist (Ill.)

Record: 13-1 | PR: 23

t-25. Ballard (Ky.)

Record: 10-2 | PR: 19

t-25. North DeSoto (La.)

Record: 28-4 | PR: t-24

Dropped out: Lebanon (Ohio), Lincoln-Way East (Ill.) and Red Mountain (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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LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Katy continued in the top spot in the USA TODAY Sports/NFCA High School Super 25 this week after a pair of lopsided victories.

The (28-1-1) Tigers mauled Jordan, 15-0, and Paetow, 11-0, and are now undefeated over their last 20 contests. They have won nine straight since an eight-inning scoreless tie with perennial Texas powerhouse Barbers Hill on March 2, and collected 19 victories in their last 21 games. Katy has outscored its opponents 297-10 this season.

Mississippi’s undefeated Northwest Rankin (21-0) continues in the No. 2 position following wins over Petal, South Panola and Lewisburg, while Washington’s Jackson (11-1) regained the third spot it last held two weeks ago following a 9-0 shutout of Kamiak and losses by new-No. 4 Calvary Baptist (31-2) and new-No. 9 Austintown-Fitch (5-1), who were both ahead of the Timberwolves last week.

Sterlington (27-1), Orange Beach (24-0) and unbeaten newcomers Lebanon (3-0) and Saint Francis (14-0) occupy the fifth through No. 8 positions, while Basha (22-1-1) rounds the top 10.

Anthony Wayne (5-0), which finished last season ranked 15th nationally, joins the poll for the first time in 2024 at No. 11 after a perfect start. Bartow (19-1), whose only blemish is a 1-0 loss to unbeaten Melbourne, is this week’s other newcomer at No. 15.

In all, 20 of the 26 ranked schools have one loss or less. Three others have just two defeats.

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 – April 11, 2024

1. Katy (Texas)

Record: 28-1-1 | PR: 1

2. Northwest Rankin (Miss.)

Record: 21-0 | PR: 2

3. Jackson (Wash.)

Record: 11-1 | PR: 5

4. Calvary Baptist (La.)

Record: 31-2 | PR: 3

5. Sterlington (La.)

Record: 27-1 | PR: 6

6. Orange Beach (Ala.)

Record: 24-0 | PR: 10

7. Lebanon (Ohio)

Record: 3-0 | PR: NR

8. Saint Francis (Calif.)

Record: 14-0 | PR: NR

9. Austintown-Fitch (Ohio)

Record: 5-1 | PR: 4

10. Basha (Ariz.)

Record: 22-1-1 | PR: 8

11. Anthony Wayne (Ohio)

Record: 5-0 | PR: NR

12. Diamond (Mo.)

Record: 21-0-1 | PR: 11

13. Sheridan (Ark.)

Record: 16-0 | PR: 13

14. Watkins Memorial (Ohio)

Record: 9-0 | PR: 12

15. Bartow (Fla.)

Record: 19-1 | PR: NR

16. Owyhee (Utah)

Record: 9-1 | PR: 15

17. Pacifica (Calif.)

Record: 17-2 | PR: 7

18. Bingham (Utah)

Record: 11-1 | PR: 16

19. Ballard (Ky.)

Record: 8-0 | PR: 17

20. Antioch (Ill.)

Record: 6-1 | PR: 9

21. St. Thomas More (La.)

Record: 27-3 | PR: 19

22. Roncalli (Ind.)

Record: 5-0 | PR: 18

23. Marist (Ill.)

Record: 9-1 | PR: 21

t-24. Lincoln-Way East (Ill.)

Record: 10-3 | PR: 14

t-24. North DeSoto (La.)

Record: 27-4 | PR: 20

25. Red Mountain (Ariz.)

Record: 20-2 | PR: 25

Dropped out: Canyon Del Oro (Ariz.), Lemont (Ill.) and Rockridge (Ill.).

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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LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Katy took over the top spot in the USA TODAY Sports/NFCA High School Super 25 this week after Pacifica’s perfect run came to an end with two losses.

The (26-1-1) Tigers moved up from second to No. 1 for the first time following another strong week. Katy has now won 18 straight games since a 2-1 loss to Weslaco on Feb. 22, and has outscored its opponents 271-10 so far this season. And in the seven games since an eight-inning scoreless tie with perennial Texas powerhouse Barbers Hill on March 2, the Tigers have routed opponents 103-1.

Unbeaten Northwest Rankin (18-0) didn’t play this week but is the new No. 2 team after gaining one spot. The defending Mississippi Class 6A champion Cougars have a 26-game win streak dating back to last season.

Calvary Baptist, Austintown-Fitch, Jackson and Sterlington all kept winning to jump ahead of Pacifica (15-2), which was No. 1 for the first four rankings, but lost twice at the prestigious Michelle Carew Classic to drop to seventh nationally.

New No. 3 Calvary Baptist (29-1) captured last Friday’s ranked matchup with then-No. 19 North DeSoto, 6-4, and has now won 14 straight. Fourth-ranked Austintown-Fitch (3-0) won two more games and has outscored its opponents 28-0 through its first three contests.

No. 5 Jackson (10-1) routed Arlington, 15-0, on Wednesday among its three victories over the past week. Sixth-ranked Sterlington (24-1), which has wins earlier this season over fellow Louisiana ranked squads St. Thomas More and North DeSoto, rolled in its only action, 13-1 over Neville.

Elsewhere, Alabama’s Orange Beach (20-0) and Arkansas’ Sheridan (14-0) are the two newcomers this week at No. 10 and 13, respectively.

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 – April 4, 2024

1. Katy (Texas)

Record: 26-1-1 | PR: 2

2. Northwest Rankin (Miss.)

Record: 18-0 | PR: 3

3. Calvary Baptist (La.)

Record: 29-1 | PR: 4

4. Austintown-Fitch (Ohio)

Record: 3-0 | PR: 5

5. Jackson (Wash.)

Record: 10-1 | PR: 6

6. Sterlington (La.)

Record: 24-1 | PR: 7

7. Pacifica (Calif.)

Record: 15-2 | PR: 1

8. Basha (Ariz.)

Record: 19-1-1 | PR: 8

9. Antioch (Ill.)

Record: 5-0 | PR: 9

10. Orange Beach (Ala.)

Record: 20-0 | PR: NR

11. Diamond (Mo.)

Record: 10-0 | PR: 10

12. Watkins Memorial (Ohio)

Record: 5-0 | PR: 11

13. Sheridan (Ark.)

Record: 14-0 | PR: NR

14. Lincoln-Way East (Ill.)

Record: 6-1 | PR: 12

15. Owyhee (Utah)

Record: 8-1 | PR: 13

16. Bingham (Utah)

Record: 8-1 | PR: 14

17. Ballard (Ky.)

Record: 6-0 | PR: 15

18. Roncalli (Ind.)

Record: 1-0 | PR: 16

19. St. Thomas More (La.)

Record: 25-2 | PR: 18

20. North DeSoto (La.)

Record: 26-4 | PR: 19

21. Marist (Ill.)

Record: 4-1 | PR: 20

22. Rockridge (Ill.)

Record: 4-1 | PR: 21

23. Lemont (Ill.)

Record: 2-2 | PR: 22

24. Canyon Del Oro (Ariz.)

Record: 19-2 | PR: 23

25. Red Mountain (Ariz.)

Record: 17-2 | PR: 24

Dropped out: Benton (Ark.) and Neshoba Central (Miss.).

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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LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Pacifica continued its perfect run to remain atop the USA TODAY Sports/NFCA High School Super 25 for a fourth straight week.

The (14-0) Mariners shut out Cypress, 5-0 on Tuesday, in their only action since last week. Senior Brynne Nally led the way on both sides of the ball for Pacifica with an one-hitter in the circle and two-hit, two-RBI day at the plate. She and the Mariners play at Calexico today.

Meanwhile, Katy (24-1-1) kept pace with two more victories, 11-1 over Katy Taylor last Friday and 15-0 over Tompkins on Tuesday. The Tigers have Morton Ranch up next this afternoon.

Northwest Rankin (18-0), Calvary Baptist (26-1) and Austintown-Fitch (1-0) all moved up one spot, leapfrogging Jackson (7-1), which slid to sixth after losing 1-0 on Saturday to Skyview.

The next five teams remained the same, ahead of new No. 12 Lincoln-Way East (5-1) and poll newcomer Owyhee (7-1) at No. 13.

No. 20 North DeSoto (23-3) gained a spot after beating No. 7 Sterlington 7-1 on Tuesday to earn a season split with the Panthers. Elsewhere, Lemont (2-1) rebounded from last week’s ranked loss to Marist with an 11-0 rout of Evergreen Park to remain 23rd in the Super 25.

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 28, 2024

1. Pacifica (Calif.)

Record: 14-0 | PR: 1

2. Katy (Texas)

Record: 24-1-1 | PR: 2

3. Northwest Rankin (Miss.)

Record: 18-0 | PR: 4

4. Calvary Baptist (La.)

Record: 26-1 | PR: 5

5. Austintown-Fitch (Ohio)

Record: 1-0 | PR: 6

6. Jackson (Wash.)

Record: 7-1 | PR: 3

7. Sterlington (La.)

Record: 23-1 | PR: 7

8. Basha (Ariz.)

Record: 16-1-1 | PR: 8

9. Antioch (Ill.)

Record: 5-0 | PR: 9

10. Diamond (Mo.)

Record: 9-0 | PR: 10

11. Watkins Memorial (Ohio)

Record: 3-0 | PR: 11

12. Lincoln-Way East (Ill.)

Record: 5-1 | PR: 17

13. Owyhee (Utah)

Record: 7-1 | PR: NR

14. Bingham (Utah)

Record: 7-1 | PR: 13

15. Ballard (Ky.)

Record: 4-0 | PR: 15

16. Roncalli (Ind.)

Record: 0-0 | PR: 16

17. Benton (Ark.)

Record: 5-1 | PR: 19

18. St. Thomas More (La.)

Record: 23-2 | PR: 20

19. North DeSoto (La.)

Record: 23-3 | PR: 21

20. Marist (Ill.)

Record: 3-1 | PR: 22

21. Rockridge (Ill.)

Record: 1-0 | PR: 12

22. Lemont (Ill.)

Record: 2-1 | PR: 23

23. Canyon Del Oro (Ariz.)

Record: 17-2 | PR: 2

24. Red Mountain (Ariz.)

Record: 14-2 | PR: 14

25. Neshoba Central (Miss.)

Record: 14-2 | PR: 25

Dropped out: Coral Springs Charter (Fla.) and West Stanly (N.C.).

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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LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The first four places in the USA TODAY Sports/NFCA High School Super 25  remained the same this week, led by unbeaten No. 1 Pacifica.

The (13-0) Mariners stayed perfect for the season with a 13-0 romp over Valencia on Wednesday, and also defeated Crean Lutheran and El Modena in a 3-0 week. Katy (22-1-1), Jackson (5-0) and Northwest Rankin (12-0) combined to go 5-0 and keep pace in places 2-4.

After that, things got interesting with big moves and three poll newcomers joining the top 10.

Losses above them allowed one-loss Calvary Baptist (20-1) to surge six spots to fifth and highly-rated Austintown-Fitch, which opens its season Saturday against Lakeview, to move up to No. 6. Basha (14-1-1) stayed eighth after a 3-0-1 week that included a 10-0 rout of No. 18 Canyon Del Oro, just below new No. 7 Sterlington. The (21-0) Panthers have wins over last week’s fifth-ranked team, North DeSoto and debuting No. 20 St. Thomas More this season.

Unbeaten newcomers Antioch (4-0) and Diamond (7-0) round out the top 10. Antioch beat incoming No. 17 Lincoln-Way East on Saturday, while Diamond defeated then-No. 22 Mount Vernon twice in the last week, including 9-5 on Wednesday in the final of the two-day Mount Vernon Tournament.

Coral Springs Charter and West Stanly are tied for the 25th spot after losses dropped them four and eight places, respectively. Desert Mountain, Lake Creek, Mount Vernon and Norco all fell out of the poll 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 21, 2024

1. Pacifica (Calif.)

Record: 13-0 | PR: 1

2. Katy (Texas)

Record: 22-1-1 | PR: 2

3. Jackson (Wash.)

Record: 5-0 | PR: 3

4. Northwest Rankin (Miss.)

Record: 12-0 | PR: 4

5. Calvary Baptist (La.)

Record: 20-1 | PR: 11

6. Austintown-Fitch (Ohio)

Record: 0-0 | PR: 7

7. Sterlington (La.)

Record: 21-0 | PR: NR

8. Basha (Ariz.)

Record: 14-1-1 | PR: 8

9. Antioch (Ill.)

Record: 4-0 | PR: NR

10. Diamond (Mo.)

Record: 7-0 | PR: NR

11. Watkins Memorial (Ohio)

Record: 1-0 | PR: 13

12. Rockridge (Ill.)

Record: 1-0 | PR: 14

13. Bingham (Utah)

Record: 7-0 | PR: 24

14. Red Mountain (Ariz.)

Record: 12-1 | PR: 15

15. Ballard (Ky.)

Record: 1-0 | PR: 19

16. Roncalli (Ind.)

Record: 0-0 | PR: 20

17. Lincoln-Way East (Ill.)

Record: 4-1 | PR: NR

18. Canyon Del Oro (Ariz.)

Record: 15-1 | PR: 18

19. Benton (Ark.)

Record: 4-1 | PR: 22

20. St. Thomas More (La.)

Record: 20-2 | PR: NR

21. North DeSoto (La.)

Record: 20-3 | PR: 5

22. Marist (Ill.)

Record: 2-1 | PR: 6

23. Lemont (Ill.)

Record: 1-1 | PR: 12

24. Neshoba Central (Miss.)

Record: 8-2 | PR: 16

t-25. Coral Springs Charter (Fla.)

Record: 7-2 | PR: 21

t-25. West Stanly (N.C.)

Record: 8-1 | PR: 17

Dropped out: Desert Mountain (Ariz.), Lake Creek (Texas), Mount Vernon (Mo.) and Norco (Calif.).

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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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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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.

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.

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.

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.