The anticipation for the 2025-26 Indiana High School Boys Basketball tournament is building as the final poll from the USA Today Network is revealed. This year marks the 116th annual Indiana High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) state tournament, where teams will compete for glory at the iconic Gainbridge Fieldhouse on March 27, 2026.
As the tournament approaches, numerous teams are vying for a chance to be one of the last four standing and cut down the nets in celebration. The final rankings showcase the intense competition and shifting dynamics within the state.
Final Rankings Overview
The final USA Today Network Indiana High School Boys Basketball Poll showcases the top teams leading into the tournament. Notable mentions include **Lawrence North**, which previously held a rank but has now dropped from the standings, and **Hamilton Southeastern**, which received recognition with **7 poll points**. **South Bend Riley** also stands out with a strong record of **19-4**.
The following are the top-ranked teams as of March 3, 2026:
1. Cathedral
2. Ben Davis
3. Fishers
4. Carmel
5. Chesterton
6. Noblesville
7. Hamilton Southeastern (14-9)
8. South Bend Riley (19-4)
9. Lawrence North (18-5)
10. Bloomington South
Several teams received votes but did not make the cut into the top ten. These include **Fairfield** with **15 points**, **FW Blackhawk** with **13 points**, and **Batesville** with **12 points**. Additionally, **Yorktown** and **Ind. Crispus Attucks** each garnered votes, but both dropped from last week’s rankings.
Key Changes and Notable Trends
The rankings reflect significant changes, particularly with **Princeton**, which had to forfeit **15 wins** due to an administrative error that involved an ineligible player. This situation underscores the importance of compliance with eligibility rules in high school sports.
In the latest standings, teams like **Bremen** and **Ind. Riverside** have shown resilience, with Bremen holding a commendable **19-4** record, despite dropping from the previous polls.
According to **Austin Hough**, a sports editor at the USA Today Network, the excitement surrounding the tournament is palpable. He oversees high school sports coverage across five Indiana newspapers and emphasizes the unique spirit of basketball in the state.
As teams prepare for the highly anticipated tournament, fans and players alike are eager to see how the competition unfolds in one of the nation’s most celebrated high school basketball events. The stakes are high, and the tradition of Hoosier Hysteria is set to continue as teams pursue their dreams of championship glory.
