The recent Kentucky high school basketball media poll brings forth an updated perspective on the state's leading teams. The boys' rankings show a consistent hierarchy at the top, largely influenced by Louisville St. Xavier's continued dominance, marked by their third consecutive win at the Louisville Invitational Tournament. Meanwhile, the girls' poll highlights a significant presence of Northern Kentucky teams, now making up 38% of the ranked list, with Bishop Brossart's Lady 'Stangs making their debut this season. This comprehensive report details the top 16 teams for both boys and girls, alongside in-depth regional analyses, offering a clear picture of the current competitive landscape in Kentucky high school basketball.
Dominance and Stability in Boys' Basketball Rankings
The second media poll for the 2026 Kentucky high school basketball season shows a stable environment at the top of the boys' rankings. Louisville St. Xavier has firmly held its number one position, a testament to its consistent performance and recent triumph at the Louisville Invitational Tournament for the third consecutive year. This victory has reinforced their standing as a formidable force in the state. The poll, compiled from votes by 16 media members across Kentucky, meticulously tracks the top teams, reflecting both statewide and regional strengths. The representation from various regions ensures a comprehensive and fair assessment of the teams' current form and potential. Local teams, such as Covington Catholic, continue to demonstrate strong performances, securing their positions within the top tier and showcasing the depth of talent across Kentucky.
St. Xavier's unwavering hold on the top spot with 15 first-place votes and 255 points underscores their command over the boys' basketball scene, boasting a formidable 14-4 record. Madison Central follows closely in second, moving up from third with an impressive 18-1 record and 225 points, while Male, despite a slight dip to third, maintains a strong presence with 13-5 and 223 points. Covington Catholic is a notable contender at fourth with a stellar 17-1 record and 219 points. The poll also highlights significant shifts, such as Eastern entering the top 16, replacing previously ranked teams. Regional breakdowns reveal intense competition, with teams like McCracken County leading the First Region and Jeffersontown dominating the Sixth Region. The persistent evaluation by media members ensures these rankings accurately capture the evolving dynamics and standout performances within Kentucky's high school basketball landscape.
Northern Kentucky's Rising Influence in Girls' Basketball
The girls' basketball poll for the current season marks a significant development with Northern Kentucky teams now constituting a substantial 38% of the rankings. This increased representation is largely attributed to the Bishop Brossart Lady 'Stangs, who have made their inaugural appearance in the statewide poll this season. Their inclusion, alongside other strong teams from the region, signals a growing competitive edge and talent pool in Northern Kentucky. The poll meticulously details the top 16 teams, providing insights into their records, points, and changes from the previous week. This analysis offers a detailed perspective on the shifting power dynamics and emerging contenders in Kentucky high school girls' basketball, emphasizing the impact of regional performance on statewide recognition.
Sacred Heart leads the girls' rankings with 11 first-place votes and 246 points, boasting a 12-3 record, moving up from third last week. Assumption, with one first-place vote, holds the second spot at 11-5 and 228 points, while George Rogers Clark, also with a first-place vote, stands third at 13-2 and 221 points. Calloway County has shown remarkable consistency, holding T4 with an undefeated 21-0 record and 199 points. Notably, Bishop Brossart's Lady 'Stangs enter the rankings for the first time this season, securing the 16th position with an 18-1 record, underscoring their strong performance. Other Northern Kentucky teams like Simon Kenton, Cooper, Campbell County, Notre Dame, and Covington Holy Cross also feature prominently, showcasing the region's increasing influence and talent depth in the state's girls' high school basketball scene. The regional polls further dissect these performances, with teams like Simon Kenton leading the Eighth Region and Cooper topping the Ninth Region, reflecting a robust and competitive landscape.