Leading High School Softball Teams Begin Playoff Journey

Image: Melissa Schools | YouTube

Postseason action has begun for 15 teams in this week’s Top 25 high school softball rankings.

In Louisiana, No. 13 Calvary Baptist Academy (Shreveport) is gearing up for the Division III Select semifinals this Friday, with the championship matchup scheduled for Saturday.

Meanwhile, in Texas, top-ranked Melissa has exceeded 100 combined home runs as a team during a compelling start to the postseason, sweeping its series with scores of 13-1 and 12-1. The Cardinals hit five home runs in the opening game and added three in the second. Kennedy Bradley is leading the pack this season with 21 home runs, followed by Finlee Williams with 16 and both Caigan Crabtree and Hutton Adrian with 15 each.

In Alabama, Central (Phenix City) joins Thompson (Alabaster) as Top 25 squads taking on the state’s fiercely competitive Class 7A playoff bracket — considered one of the toughest postseason roads in the nation. Central has an impressive 27-game winning streak, anchored by Mississippi State commit Allyson Supan in the circle and Alabama commit Gerritt Griggs at the plate.

Arizona’s playoffs kick off this week, and Desert Mountain (Scottsdale) is riding a wave of momentum in pursuit of a third consecutive state title. The Wolves are currently on a 22-game winning streak, powered by Northwestern University commit Lilly Goodwin, who has recorded 248 strikeouts over 103 innings.

Top 25 High School Softball Rankings: Apr. 28

1. Melissa (Texas)
Record: 31-0 | Last week: 1
The Cardinals will face Wakeland in area play starting Friday.

2. Summerville (S.C.)
Record: 24-0 | Last week: 2
The Green Wave have accumulated 220 runs this season while conceding only 18.

3. Orange Beach (Ala.)
Record: 39-2 | Last week: 3
M.K. McMullan struck out 10 and Jayde Palmer hit a home run as the Makos completed 4A area play with a dominant 15-0 win over Satsuma.

4. Katy (Texas)
Record: 34-1 | Last week: 4
Following a crucial 3-2 win over No. 10 Barbers Hill to end the regular season, the Tigers breezed through bi-district play and will now take on Cy-Fair next in Class 6A Division 1 playoffs.

5. Norco (Calif.)
Record: 23-2 | Last week: 5
The Cougars racked up 18 hits and 16 runs in their victory against Corona Centennial on Thursday.

6. Lake Creek (Montgomery, Texas)
Record: 29-0 | Last week: 6
Chesney Davis and Madalyn Davis combined for powerful hits to aid the Lions in advancing in the Class 5A Division 2 playoffs.

7. Doral Academy (Doral, Fla.)
Record: 25-1 | Last week: 7
Anabela Abdullah hit a triple and a home run as the Firebirds overcame Dr. Krop 15-0 to kick off Class 6A postseason play.

8. Coahoma (Texas)
Record: 27-0 | Last week: 8
Hannah Wells notched two home runs while Kaedyn Lee, Addi Hart, and Blakeley Rodgers also contributed home runs in a 16-0 playoff win.

9. Orange Lutheran (Orange, Calif.)
Record: 20-3 | Last week: 9
The Lancers will return to the field Tuesday against JSerra Catholic.

10. Barbers Hill (Mt. Belvieu, Texas)
Record: 29-3 | Last week: 10
Aybrie Corona drove in Lainey Maricle with a double in the fifth inning, securing a 2-1 victory over La Porte to advance to second-round playoff action.

11. Montverde Academy (Montverde, Fla.)
Record: 23-2 | Last week: 11
The Eagles will kick off Class 2A postseason play on Tuesday.

12. Rosary Academy (Fullerton, Calif.)
Record: 22-2-1 | Last week: 12
Senior Gianna Serrano contributed two hits and an RBI that propelled the Royals to a 5-1 victory over Woodbridge on Thursday.

13. Calvary Baptist Academy (Shreveport, La.)
Record: 35-1 | Last week: 13
Eighth-grader Brynn Robinson had three hits, and Kynzee Anderson smashed a home run as the Cavaliers triumphed 15-0 in the quarterfinals.

14. Catawba Ridge (Fort Mill, S.C.)
Record: 22-0 | Last week: 14
Aloni Hogan and Jaidyn Harris delivered pivotal RBI hits in the ninth inning as the Copperheads edged South Florence 6-4 in extra innings on Monday.

15. Thompson (Alabaster, Ala.)
Record: 39-4 | Last week: 15
Blakely Davis and Morgan Adolphus each recorded four RBIs as the Warriors went undefeated in the 7A Area 5 tournament.

16. Neshannock (New Castle, Pa.)
Record: 13-0 | Last week: 16
Payton Newman and Gabby Quinn both hit home runs during a 17-0 victory on Monday.

17. Calvary Christian (Clearwater, Fla.)
Record: 23-1 | Last week: 17
The Warriors will commence 2A postseason play on Tuesday against Lakewood.

18. Curry (Jasper, Ala.)
Record: 46-3 | Last week: 18
Skiely Perry dominated on the mound with 11 strikeouts and only two hits allowed as the Yellowjackets shut out Hamilton 7-0 on Monday.

19. Del Oro (Loomis, Calif.)
Record: 22-1 | Last week: 22
The Golden Eagles are riding an 11-game winning streak, securing significant victories over No. 33 Oak Ridge and No. 37 Destiny Christian Academy.

20. Bishop O’Connell (Arlington, Va.)
Record: 11-0 | Last week: 20
Following a break, the Knights are ready to face Paul VI at home on Tuesday.

21. Lincoln-Way Central (New Lenox, Ill.)
Record: 16-1 | Last week: 21
Jaimee Bolduc launched a home run, and Lisabella Dimitrijevici notched 17 strikeouts as the Knights triumphed over Lemont 5-0.

22. La Salle Academy (Providence, R.I.)
Record: 12-0 | Last week: 24
Phoenyx Silva homered, and Lily Roumelis collected two RBIs during a 6-1 win against Newtown on Sunday.

23. Hernando (Miss.)
Record: 29-1 | Last week: 25
The Tigers swept a two-game series against Tupelo and are set for second-round 7A playoff action against Lewisburg.

24. Central (Phenix City, Ala.)
Record: 42-3 | Last week: 27
Sophomore Khloe Broadwater has hit nine home runs this season while also boasting 51 RBIs.

25. Desert Mountain (Scottsdale, Ariz.)
Record: 25-1-1 | Last week: 28
Grand Canyon commit McKinsey Beyer has hit five home runs and is batting close to .500.

Next 25

26. Kingwood (Texas)
27. Kenosha Bradford (Kenosha, Wis.)
28. Marist (Chicago, Ill.)
29. Saint Francis (Mountain View, Calif.)
30. Forney (Texas)
31. Pace (Fla.)
32. Hempfield Area (Greensburg, Pa.)
33. Oak Ridge (El Dorado Hills, Calif.)
34. Sam Houston (Lake Charles, La.)
35. West Vigo (West Terre Haute, Ind.)
36. Centennial (Las Cruces, N.M.)
37. Destiny Christian Academy (Sacramento, Calif.)
38. Gaylord (Mich.)
39. Palo Verde (Las Vegas, Nev.)
40. North DeSoto (Stonewall, La.)
41. Central (Fresno, Calif.)
42. George County (Lucedale, Miss.)
43. Springville (Ala.)
44. Walsh Jesuit (Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio)
45. Bentonville (Ark.)
46. Etiwanda (Calif.)
47. Coral Springs Charter (Coral Springs, Fla.)
48. Rocklin (Calif.)
49. South Warren (Bowling Green, Ky.)
50. St. John-Vianney (Holmdel, N.J.)

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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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