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At JWS Next, we are dedicated to providing the most comprehensive coverage of high school sports possible. That starts with our weekly rankings, which debut today. We took a microscope to the national basketball scene and carefully mapped out a top-25 we believe reflects the balance of power.
Healthy dialogue is not just expected, but encouraged. We want to hear from you — coaches, players, athletic directors, fans and more. If you think your team isn’t ranked fairly, reach out and state your case. Our goal here is put together the best rankings possible, and in order to do so, we encourage your feedback.
That being said, find our first rankings below:
1. Sidwell Friends (D.C.), 16-0
Anchored by the three-headed monster of senior point guard Kiki Rice (UCLA commit), junior forward Jadyn Donovan and sophomore guard Kendall Dudley, the Quakers are in a class of their own.
2. Hopkins (Minn.), 15-1
Forward Maya Nnaji, an Arizona commit, has the Royals rolling. Hopkins, the alma mater of 2020 No. 1 recruit and UConn star Paige Bueckers, picked up its lone loss of the season against Sidwell Friends on Jan. 21.
3. DeSoto (Texas), (23-2)
The Eagles reached a season-high in points in an 80-23 win over Mansfield on Jan. 28.
4. Etiwanda (Calif.), 22-0
The undefeated Eagles have beaten their last four opponents by an average of 52 points.
5. St. John Vianney (N.J.), 15-0
The Lancers, also undefeated, routed Colts Neck 79-19 on Jan. 27. Their highly anticipated showdown against Sidwell Friends last weekend was snowed out.
6. La Jolla Country Day (Calif.), 19-2
The Torreys have won 11 games in a row since an upset loss to Grandview on Dec. 18.
7. Classen SAS (Okla.), 16-1
A 53-51 defeat to Etiwanda on Dec. 22 is the lone blemish on the Comets’ otherwise perfect season record.
8. DME Academy (Fla.), 20-2
After a 10-point defeat to IMG Academy on Jan. 27, DME Academy will look for revenge on Saturday when the teams meet again.
9. Sierra Canyon (Calif.), 22-1
The Trailblazers have beaten each of their last four opponents by at least 25 points.
🎥: @BeachCityHoops pic.twitter.com/Co5SEUt5GO— Sierra Canyon Girls Basketball (@sierracanyongbb) February 3, 2022
🎥: @BeachCityHoops pic.twitter.com/Co5SEUt5GO
10. New Hope (Md.), 20-2
The Tigers are cruising heading into the final four games of their regular season slate.
11. Montverde (Fla.), 18-3
A big 59-51 win over Lake Highland Prep on Jan. 27 wrapped up the Eagles’ regular season slate.
12. Conway (Ark.), 21-1
The Wampus Cats face a stiff test Friday against rival North Little Rock on the road.
13. Cedar Park (Texas), 28-0
The Timberwolves ended the regular season unbeaten, and now turn their attention toward the Texas 5A playoffs.
14. Incarnate Word (Mo.), 17-0
The Red Knights will put their undefeated record on the line Friday against high-powered Cardinal Ritter.
15. Lake Highland Prep (Fla.), 18-4
Despite concluding the regular season with a loss to Montverde, the Highlanders feel confident entering the postseason. They’re led by star forward and Louisville commit Nyla Harris.
16. Rock Bridge (Mo.), 17-0
The Bruins shellacked Co Jesu Academy, 50-19, on Tuesday.
17. Fremont (Utah), 16-2
Led by forward Timea Gardiner, a five-star recruit (per ESPN) committed to Oregon State, the Silverwolves have won 10 in a row since a Dec. 21 loss to La Jolla.
18. Hazel Green (Ala.), 27-0
The unbeaten Trojans kick off the 6A postseason next Monday against local rival Huntsville.
19. Good Counsel (Md.), 13-1
The Falcons bolstered their resume with a definitive 60-50 win over Paul IV (Va.) on Jan. 25.
I knew @angieharrisss was locked in last night when she looked at us with fire in her eyes when we took her out for a rest. We have not coached a more competitive player. She embodies the GC way: Be coached hard and Play hard! Our lunch box winner from last night! Leader!! pic.twitter.com/JjEVhWRzK3— Good Counsel Women's Basketball (@falcongirlbball) January 26, 2022
I knew @angieharrisss was locked in last night when she looked at us with fire in her eyes when we took her out for a rest. We have not coached a more competitive player. She embodies the GC way: Be coached hard and Play hard! Our lunch box winner from last night! Leader!! pic.twitter.com/JjEVhWRzK3
20. Edison (Mich.), 12-1
Five-star guard Ruby Whitehorn, a Clemson commit, has the Pioneers riding a 10-game winning streak.
21. Johnston (Iowa), 15-0
The undefeated Dragons are four victories away from a perfect regular season.
22. Woodward Academy (Ga.), 20-2
After a 72-34 thrashing of local foe Banneker on Tuesday, the War Eagles head into their final two regular season contests.
23. Homestead (Ind.), 21-1
Wing Ayanna Patterson, a five-star recruit committed to UConn, and the Spartans kick off the 4A playoffs Friday against Columbia City.
24. Bishop McNamara (Md.), 10-4
The Panthers squeezed into the rankings this week, but need to beat Paul VI on Saturday to stay relevant in the national conversation.
25. IMG (Fla.), 11-4
Behind a 40-point performance from Arizona commit Kailyn Gilbert last week, the Ascenders beat DME to pick up a statement win late in the season.
Josh Needelman is the High School Sports Editor at Just Women’s Sports. Follow him on Twitter @JoshNeedelman.