For the third week in a row this 2026 high school softball season, the Texas Melissa Cardinals are the No. 1 team in the latest Rivals High School Top 25 rankings, with Barbers Hill (TX) slightly behind them in second place and Lake Creek (TX) in third, respectively. Multiple high school softball programs enter this week’s set of rankings, all coming from different states and regions of the country. Which national high school softball teams made the rankings this week?
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We dive into the best high school softball teams on the national scene and give you our take on which teams remain in the conversation as of April 26.
1. Melissa Cardenales (TX) (29-2)
Melissa The Cardinals (29-2) began the season as the No. 1 team and have returned to first place after bouncing back from two losses, which for perspective the program had only one in its previous 50 games. The roster is loaded and it all starts with the Class of 2027 right-handed pitcher. Eloisa Maes (Arizona commit), who is currently 20-2 with 158 strikeouts. After a season in which Melissa defeated Barbers Hill in a best-of-3 series to win the UIL Class 5A, Division I state championship, the Cardinals have high expectations once again this spring to repeat. Florida Gator Pledge Kennedy Bradley He has been red-hot at the plate this season, hitting 18 home runs and driving in 58 runs in 31 games.
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The Barbers Hill Eagles (32-3) have only lost three games this season and remain one of the top programs nationally on an annual basis. The Eagles have a number of players moving on to the college level, including junior receiver. Isabella Lorenzowho is committed to the University of North Carolina. The last time Barbers Hill won a state title was in 2021 and with the talent spread throughout the roster, it’s certainly something that could happen again this spring. In their last 16 games, Barbers Hill has outscored their opponents an astonishing 194-1. Allowing just one run in over a dozen games is about as impressive as it gets.
3. lake stream Lions (TX) (31-1)
The Lake Creek Lions (31-1) cracked the Top 5 a few weeks ago and now hold firm in third place as the Lone Star State owns the top three teams in our latest set of rankings. With the Lions’ only loss against the top team (Barbers Hill), there are plenty of reasons why this group remains just ahead of Alabama’s Orange Beach Makos. Lake Creek is currently on an 18-game winning streak and is heading into the UIL postseason with plenty of momentum.
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The Orange Beach Makos (36-1) have bounced back nicely from their only loss of the season to Kentucky’s South Warren with . Although the team graduated some key pieces from last year’s group, the Makos bring with them plenty of strength at the plate and in the circle as well. On the mound, Orange Beach has leaned on the sophomore McMullanwho is currently 22-1 with 165 strikeouts so far this season. The Makos are just as good at the plate with power hitters. Teagan Revette (Mississippi State Pledge), Ava Hodo (Arkansas Compromise). Orange Beach in 37 games has outscored its opponents 390-50 so far.
He Calvary Baptist Academy The Cavaliers (35-1) recently became another national high school softball power that fell victim to going from undefeated to losing their first game of the season, losing to unranked West Monroe. The Cavaliers ended up winning last year’s LHSAA Division III select state championship and did so in dominant fashion. Calvary Baptist Academy once again dominated the competition, outscoring their opponents 374-33. Bockhaus Baylor has had a tremendous freshman campaign so far this spring, hitting 20 home runs and driving in 68 runs in 36 games so far. Georgia Commitment Kynzee Anderson is back in the circle and this season he is 28-1 with a 0.58 ERA and 300 strikeouts.
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Rivals High School Softball Rankings Nos. 11-25
6. Norco Pumas (CA) (21-2)
7. South Warren Spartans (KY) (29-0)
8. Thompson Warriors (AL) (36-1)
9. Taunton Tigers (MA) (10-0)
10. gray schoolboy War Eagles (SC) (23-0)
11.Melbourne Bulldogs (FL) (23-1)
12. Kenton Ridge Pumas (OH) (14-0)
13. Murrieta Table Rams (CA) (21-1)
14. Doral Academy Firebirds (FL) (21-2)
15. Fullerton Indians (CA) (21-2)
16. Midway Panthers (TX) (27-4)
17. Chariho Regional Chargers (RI) (10-0)
18. Masuk Red Hawks (CT) (9-0)
19. Queen Creek Bulldogs (AZ) (26-1)
20. Saint John Vianney Lancers (New Jersey) (14-0)
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21. La Salle Academy Rams (IR) (10-1)
22. christian calvary Warriors (FL) (18-4)
23. Marist RedHawks (IL) (19-0)
24. Saraland Spartans (AL) (34-6)
25. parish community Bulls (FL) (13-5)