Top 25 Softball Rankings: Hamilton Southeastern Sparks Early Season Buzz

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The top 15 teams in this week’s Top 25 high school softball rankings maintained their positions for the first time this season.

No. 13 Pace (Fla.) experienced its first defeat of the season on Friday, but standout right-handed pitcher Hannah DeMarcus was not on the mound. This was likely due to her remarkable performance the previous day, where she struck out 33 batters and allowed no hits during a 12-inning, 1-0 victory over Niceville. The sophomore ace has tallied an impressive 172 strikeouts in 64 innings so far.

Weddington (Matthews, N.C.) makes its debut in the Top 25 following a perfect 12-0 start. The Warriors bring back most of their lineup from the team that reached the Class 4A state championship last year. Junior Joella Thomas, who is committed to Lenoir-Rhyne, has excelled on the mound, while seniors Adriana Lamantia, Sammy Lamantia, Appalachian State commit Emersyn Presutty, and North Carolina A&T pledge Ava McCauley add significant offensive power to the lineup.

Hamilton Southeastern (Fishers, Ind.) has started strong with a 2-0 record, buoyed by the presence of reigning Indiana Player of the Year Grace Swedarsky. The junior returns this season following an 18-2 record and 270 strikeouts last year. The Royals concluded 2024 by seizing the 4A state championship in a thrilling walk-off 2-1 victory.

Top 25 high school softball rankings: Mar. 31

1. Melissa (Texas)
Record: 22-0 | Last week: 1
Kennedy Bradley launched three home runs, while Izzy Gonzales, Caigan Crabtree, and Paisley Needham contributed with multiple home runs in an 18-0 victory on Friday.

2. Doral Academy (Doral, Fla.)
Record: 14-0 | Last week: 2
The Firebirds had a week off but are set to return to the field on Tuesday against St. Brendan.

3. Summerville (S.C.)
Record: 14-0 | Last week: 3
The Green Wave went 4-0 at the Swamp Fox Invitational, securing the championship on Saturday.

4. Katy (Texas)
Record: 26-1 | Last week: 4
Caylee Gaytan fanned nine batters and permitted only two hits as the Tigers triumphed over Cinco Ranch 11-0 on Monday.

5. Norco (Calif.)
Record: 13-1 | Last week: 5
Peyton May struck out 15 batters, with Isabella Ray and Tamryn Shorter hitting home runs in a 4-0 shutout against Aquinas on Friday.

6. Lake Creek (Montgomery, Texas)
Record: 22-0 | Last week: 6
Sara Wiggins pitched a complete game, leading the Lions to a 3-0 win over Kingwood on Saturday.

7. Calvary Baptist Academy (Shreveport, La.)
Record: 27-0 | Last week: 7
Carlie Guile’s home run propelled the Cavaliers to a 6-5 victory over Pineville on Monday.

8. Coahoma (Texas)
Record: 19-0-1 | Last week: 8
Hannah Wells hit two home runs during a thrilling 7-6 win against Cooper on Friday.

9. Oak Ridge (El Dorado Hills, Calif.)
Record: 12-0 | Last week: 9
The Trojans will be back in action on Wednesday against St. Francis.

10. Orange Beach (Ala.)
Record: 17-1 | Last week: 10
Justine Henderson and K.G. Favors both hit home runs as the Makos secured a 15-0 win on Monday.

11. Barbers Hill (Mt. Belvieu, Texas)
Record: 22-2 | Last week: 11
JosLynn Cooper, Lainey Maricle, and Hailey Nutter combined for 10 RBIs in a dominating 22-0 victory on Friday.

12. Calvary Christian (Clearwater, Fla.)
Record: 15-0 | Last week: 12
Morgen Talley and Morgan Spinner teamed up for a no-hitter, beating Lakeland Christian 10-0 on Monday.

13. Pace (Fla.)
Record: 10-1 | Last week: 13
Kaylee Hicks scored the only run on a passed ball during a 1-0 victory over Niceville on Thursday.

14. Orange Lutheran (Orange, Calif.)
Record: 9-1 | Last week: 14
Carlyn Snyder recorded two RBIs to help secure a 3-2 win over Mater Dei on Monday.

15. Canyon del Oro (Tucson, Ariz.)
Record: 15-0 | Last week: 15
Molly Herman and Briseis Ramirez both achieved doubles while Kayla Hendrix hit a home run in the Dorados’ 15-2 triumph over Maricopa on Friday.

16. Montverde Academy (Montverde, Fla.)
Record: 13-1 | Last week: 24
Addison Poe, Miranda Murch, and Danika Spinogatti all contributed home runs during a 16-2 victory on Monday night.

17. Neshannock (New Castle, Pa.)
Record: 3-0 | Last week: 17
Gabby Quinn’s home run propelled the Lancers to a 6-4 victory over Union Area on Monday.

18. Hernando (Miss.)
Record: 19-0 | Last week: 18
Kate Johnson, Olivia Skinner, and Haylee Jackson combined for a no-hitter in an 11-0 win against Des Arc on Saturday.

19. Catawba Ridge (Fort Mill, S.C.)
Record: 14-0 | Last week: 19
Kendra Murray homered and drove in three runs as the Copperheads triumphed over Rock Hill 16-0.

20. Thompson (Alabaster, Ala.)
Record: 23-2 | Last week: 20
The Warriors took a break last week and prepare to face Tuscaloosa County on Tuesday.

21. Austintown-Fitch (Youngstown, Ohio)
Record: 4-0 | Last week: 22
The Falcons secured 16 hits and scored 15 runs during their match on Monday night.

22. Saint Francis (Mountain View, Calif.)
Record: 7-0 | Last week: 23
Ava Bulanti and Gabby Rocha each homered as the Lancers defeated St. Ignatius College Preparatory 10-0 on Friday.

23. Bishop O’Connell (Arlington, Va.)
Record: 7-0 | Last week: 25
Callie Lissenden and Emma Prykanowski both had three RBIs, contributing to the Knights’ 13-1 victory over Elizabeth Seton on Friday.

24. Weddington (Matthews, N.C.)
Record: 12-0 | Last week: 29
Adriana Lamantia hit two home runs in a 5-1 win against Cuthbertson on Friday.

25. Hamilton Southeastern (Fishers, Ind.)
Record: 2-0 | Last week: 37
Junior Kenzie Lee has started strong with two home runs and seven RBIs in the opening two games.

Next 25

26. Springville (Ala.)
27. Park Vista (Lake Worth, Fla.)
28. Central (Phenix City, Ala.)
29. Del Oro (Loomis, Calif.)
30. Curry (Jasper, Ala.)
31. Desert Mountain (Scottsdale, Ariz.)
32. Forney (Texas)
33. Marist (Chicago, Ill.)
34. Gray Collegiate Academy (West Columbia, S.C.)
35. Atascocita (Humble, Texas)
36. Lake Brantley (Altamonte Springs, Fla.)
37. Coral Springs Charter (Fla.)
38. Lincoln-Way Central (New Lenox, Ill.)
39. La Salle Academy (Providence, R.I.)
40. St. John-Vianney (Holmdel, N.J.)
41. Gaylord (Mich.)
42. St. Charles North (St. Charles, Ill.)
43. George County (Lucedale, Miss.)
44. Riverton (Riverton, Utah)
45. Kenosha Bradford (Kenosha, Wis.)
46. Patterson Mill (Bel Air, Md.)
47. Sam Houston (Lake Charles, La.)
48. Canyon (Anaheim, Calif.)
49. Empire (Tucson, Ariz.)
50. Ichabod Crane (Valatie, N.Y.)

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Athletic Highlights
Tufanua Ionatana Umu-Cais Joins 2026 Polynesian Bowl Roster
2026 Englewood Cherry Creek DL offer Tufanua Umu-Cais
Englewood (Colo.) Cherry Creek defensive lineman Tufanua Ionatana Umu-Cais has received an invitation to participate in the 2026 Polynesian Bowl, as announced on Tuesday.
The standout player from Colorado expressed his excitement about this honor.
“Being selected to the Polynesian Bowl is a huge honor,” stated Umu-Cais. “It’s a recognition of all the hard work, dedication, and sacrifices I’ve made, and it means even more knowing how much pride and history are connected to the game. I have seen many players in the Poly Bowl and even players that are in the league now. It is truly special to be a part of something like that.”
Umu-Cais is eager to immerse himself in the experience in Hawaii.
“I’m extremely excited,” he said. “The Polynesian culture is so rich, full of pride, family, and tradition. I’m looking forward to learning more, meeting new people, and embracing everything the experience has to offer. I am extremely excited to immerse myself in the Poly community because it’s my culture. I can’t wait to really put on for my family as well as my community.”
This will mark his first visit to the Aloha State.
“I haven’t been to Hawaii yet, so this will be my first time,” Umu-Cais shared. “I’m really looking forward to it—the beauty, the culture, and the experience of a lifetime.”
Additionally, Umu-Cais is enthusiastic about the opportunity to compete alongside some of the nation’s top talents.
“I do not know the roster yet and what players are going to be attending, but I look forward to meeting them and also competing,” he noted.
The roster for the 2026 Polynesian Bowl includes early invitees such as Immanuel Iheanacho, Faizon Brandon, DJ Jacobs, Myson Johnson-Cook, Brandon Arrington, Chris Henry Jr., Kendre Harrison, Cederian Morgan, Honor Fa’alave-Johnson, Xavier Griffin, Kelsey Adams, Jamier Brown, George Toia, and Jett Washington.
The 2027 Polynesian Bowl will feature early invites including Elijah Haven, Trent Seaborn, and Marcus Fakatou.
Launched in 2017, the Polynesian Bowl saw its first Offensive MVP awarded to former Stanford all-purpose back Connor Wedington, while Buffalo Bills defensive lineman A.J. Epenesa earned the Defensive MVP. The following year, Kyler Gordon from the Chicago Bears and Tanner McKee from the Philadelphia Eagles were named Co-MVPs.
The 2019 contest awarded co-MVP honors to Daniel Heimuli, a linebacker from Arizona, and Puka Nacua of the Los Angeles Rams. In 2020, Sol-Jay Maiava, the quarterback from BYU, and Meki Pei from Hawaii won co-MVP awards.
The 2021 edition saw Travis Hunter from Colorado take home the offensive MVP title, while Jaishawn Barham of Michigan earned defensive MVP honors. In 2023, Nico Iamaleava, a quarterback from Tennessee, was named offensive MVP, and linebacker Andrew Harris garnered defensive MVP accolades.
The 2024 game awarded offensive MVP to Mike Matthews from Tennessee and defensive MVP to David Stone of Oklahoma. Lastly, the 2025 contest featured co-MVPs on offense in Husan Longstreet from USC and Dakorien Moore from Oregon, while 2026 defensive lineman Deuce Geralds earned the defensive MVP honor.
The tenth Polynesian Bowl is scheduled for January 16, 2026, in Honolulu and will be broadcasted by NFL Network.
For more details on the 2026 Polynesian Bowl roster, go here.
The eleventh Polynesian Bowl is slated for January 22, 2027, in Honolulu and will also be aired by NFL Network.
For insights on the 2027 Polynesian Bowl roster, go here.
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Athletic Highlights
Creighton Secures Former MEAC Player of the Year Blake Harper
DMV Hoop Session Interviews Suburban All Star Blake Harper
Blake Harper, a standout freshman basketball player from Howard University, confirmed his transfer to Creighton University on Sunday through social media.
Harper, who garnered both the MEAC Player and Rookie of the Year honors, shared his decision on Instagram @_bharp.
“you can’t say i ain’t earn it??” he wrote. “RDJ”
A Washington, D.C. native who previously played at Gonzaga College High School, Harper entered the transfer portal on March 24 and ultimately chose Creighton, turning down offers from LSU and Ohio State. Standing 6-foot-8, he also had the choice to return to Howard.
Harper is set to join a Creighton team coached by Greg McDermott, who led the Bluejays to an impressive 25-11 overall record, including a 15-5 performance in the Big East Conference during the 2024-25 season. The Bluejays secured an NCAA Tournament spot and concluded the season ranked 24th in the USA Today Coaches poll.
Throughout the 2024-25 season, Harper made an impact at Howard, starting in all 32 games and averaging 19.5 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 3.4 assists, contributing to the Bison’s 12-20 record, which included a 7-7 performance in the MEAC.
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Athletic Highlights
Which Teams Are Leading Michigan High School Baseball This Week?
Bay City Western baseball ready for state semifinals
The Michigan high school baseball season has kicked off, and we’re here to deliver weekly rankings of the top teams across the state during the spring and summer months.
Check out this week’s standout teams in the Mitten region.
Michigan High School Baseball Rankings: Apr. 29
1. Bay City Western (12-1)
Bay City Western triumphed over Flint Powers Catholic 9-0 last Thursday but faced a setback with a 4-1 loss against Midland on Monday. The Warriors are gearing up for their next games against Lapeer on May 1 and Grand Blanc on May 5.
2. De La Salle (12-2)
The Pilots swept Auburn Hills Avondale on Saturday, winning both games 15-0, with game one ending after four innings and game two after three. De La Salle’s next challenge comes in the form of a doubleheader against Bloomfield Hills Brother Rice on April 30.
3. Northville (14-1)
The Mustangs notched wins against Hartland and two over Utica last week, followed by a victory against Howell on Monday. Northville is poised for a rematch against Howell on April 30.
4. Dakota (11-4)
After a heavy 10-0 loss to Rochester Adams last weekend, the Cougars bounced back with decisive wins against Sterling Heights Stevenson, claiming victories of 10-0 on Monday and 14-2 on Tuesday. Dakota is slated to face Stevenson two more times to wrap up their four-game series.
5. Birmingham Brother Rice (11-6)
The Warriors pulled off a sweep against Detroit Edison last week (2-0) and secured a 10-6 victory over Hartland on Friday. Up next, Brother Rice will face rival De La Salle for a doubleheader on April 30.
6. Grosse Pointe South (18-2)
With a win over Detroit Edison on Saturday, the Blue Devils set a new school record with their 15th consecutive victory. Although they stumbled against Anchor Bat on Monday, they have a chance for revenge on April 30 and May 1.
7. Saline (15-1)
The Hornets swept Chelsea in two games on Saturday and achieved a similar result against Ann Arbor Huron on Monday. With a five-game winning streak, Saline is stepping into the final match of their three-game series against Ann Arbor Huron on April 30.
8. Orchard Lake St. Mary’s (10-8)
OLSM traveled to Ohio over spring break, where they faced three games: an 8-7 defeat against Anthony Wayne, a 3-2 loss to Defiance on Saturday, and an 8-3 loss to Perrysburg later that day. The Eaglets are set to resume their Catholic League schedule on April 30 with a doubleheader against U of D Jesuit.
9. Romeo (16-2)
The Bulldogs are on an impressive seven-game winning streak, recently sweeping Stoney Creek on Saturday. They’ll look to maintain their momentum with a visit to Utica Ford next on May 1.
10. Sterling Heights Stevenson (12-2)
Stevenson is riding a three-game winning streak after defeating Anchor Bay twice on Saturday and mercying Dakota on Monday. The Titans will meet Dakota again on April 30 and May 1 before a brief pause, then face Utica Ford on May 5.
11. Hudsonville (12-2)
The Eagles wrapped up last week with a strong 5-1 record, including victories against Jenison and Rockford. Hudsonville is set to take on Rockford again on May 1 before hosting a doubleheader against Maple Valley the following day.
12. Jenison (8-2)
The Wildcats dominated Muskegon with a 15-0 win but narrowly lost to Hudsonville 9-8 last week. They split a doubleheader against Caledonia on Tuesday (W, 10-0; L, 3-2), with a rubber match scheduled for May 1.
13. New Boston Huron (16-0)
The Chiefs kept their unbeaten record intact last week with wins over Allen Park and Milan. They are set to play Flat Rock next on April 30 and have a matchup with Dearborn Divine Child on May 2.
14. Detroit Catholic Central (10-6)
The Shamrocks are currently on a four-game winning streak, most recently sweeping Portage Central on Tuesday. Up next, Detroit Catholic Central will face St. Francis de Sales in a doubleheader on April 30.
15. West Bloomfield (8-3)
The Lakers split a doubleheader with Rochester last week and followed that up with back-to-back wins against Groves, including an 8-1 victory on Tuesday. West Bloomfield will meet Groves once more on May 1 before taking on Stoney Creek on May 3.
16. Dexter (13-6)
The Dreadnaughts have struggled recently, dropping four of their last six games, including both matches in a doubleheader against Ann Arbor Skyline on Monday. They have another opportunity against Skyline on April 30 before heading to Adrian on May 3.
17. Woodhaven (15-5)
The Warriors have secured consecutive victories after experiencing two losses in a row, with their latest triumph coming against Dearborn Edsel Ford, winning 2-1 in a dramatic nine-inning game on Monday. Woodhaven’s upcoming opponents include Wyandotte on April 30, followed by Taylor on May 1.
18. Rochester Adams (15-4)
Rochester Adams holds a 2-2 record over its last four games, having recently suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Stoney Creek on Tuesday. The Highlanders have another chance to face Stoney Creek on May 2 before taking on Grosse Pointe North in a doubleheader on May 3.
19. Trenton (13-3)
The Trojans went 2-1 at the 9th Bob Kreszyn Classic on Saturday, achieving victories over Wayland and Flint Powers Catholic, with their only setback against Utica Ford. Additionally, Trenton triumphed over Taylor on Monday, and their next matchup is against Dearborn Edsel Ford on April 30.
20. Midland (6-2)
Midland upset the top-ranked team in the state, securing a 4-1 victory over Bay City Western on Monday. Despite a number of canceled games this season, the Chemics’ schedule is about to heat up, starting with a game against Davison on April 30.
21. Pontiac Notre Dame Prep (9-5)
Pontiac Notre Dame Prep faced a tough doubleheader against Flushing on Saturday, resulting in two losses, but bounced back on Monday with a solid 9-2 win over U of D Jesuit.
22. Detroit Western (13-5)
After a 12-7 win against Grosse Pointe North on Saturday, the Cowboys suffered an 8-3 loss to Grosse Pointe South later that day. However, they regained their momentum with a 5-2 victory over Cass Tech on Tuesday. Detroit Western is set to face Livonia Stevenson next on April 30.
23. Grand Ledge (13-5)
The Comets faced a tough defeat in a doubleheader against Okemos on Monday, breaking a four-game winning streak. Grand Ledge will aim to bounce back during a doubleheader against Lansing Everett on May 1.
24. Mattawan (8-2-3)
Mattawan has triumphed in four of its last five outings, although they faced a setback against Grandville, losing 4-3 on Saturday. The Wildcats will take on Gull Lake next in a doubleheader on April 30.
25. Allen Park (8-5)
The Jaguars managed to avoid a third consecutive loss by overpowering Lincoln Park with a decisive 15-0 win on Monday. Allen Park will look to build on this momentum as they prepare to host Taylor for a doubleheader on April 30.
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