Boston, MA, January 22, 2026
The Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) has released its Winter 2026 Power Rankings, highlighting teams in boys’ and girls’ basketball and ice hockey. These rankings reflect the efforts and competitive spirit of high school athletes across the state, serving as benchmarks for postseason aspirations. The rankings are set to be updated weekly, influencing tournament seeding and fostering community pride. Teams like Malden Catholic and Catholic Memorial are recognized as strong contenders early in the season. The rankings focus not only on athletic performance but also on the character, leadership, and commitment of student-athletes in their communities.
Boston, MA – The pulse of Massachusetts high school sports beats strong, and with the release of the MIAA Winter 2026 Power Rankings, the competitive landscape for boys’ and girls’ basketball and ice hockey has been clearly defined. These rankings are more than just numbers; they represent the culmination of hard work, discipline, and strategic gameplay that high school athletes across the Commonwealth pour into their seasons. They are a testament to the character built on and off the court and ice, showcasing teams that have truly earned their standing through dedication and teamwork.
For student-athletes in Boston and beyond, these rankings are a critical benchmark, offering a clear path to postseason aspirations. As teams vie for top spots, the pursuit of excellence fosters an environment where leadership qualities are honed, and personal responsibility is paramount. The passion ignited by high school sports transcends the athletic arena, bringing communities together to celebrate shared successes and support the development of young talent.
Winter Power Rankings Set the Stage for Postseason Push
The Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) officially released its initial Winter 2026 Power Rankings on January 9, 2026, encompassing boys’ basketball, girls’ basketball, boys’ ice hockey, and girls’ ice hockey. This crucial evaluation tool objectively assesses team performance throughout the winter season, directly influencing tournament seeding. Updated rankings will continue to be published weekly on Tuesdays and Fridays during the remainder of the regular season, reflecting the most current schedules and scores entered into the Arbiter system by athletic directors.
Understanding the MIAA Ranking Formula
The MIAA’s power ranking system is designed to provide an equitable framework for postseason qualification, moving beyond a simple win-loss record. The mathematical formula for the power ranking system considers the average point differential for games and the ranking of opponents played. A team’s “own value” is determined by the average of their win/loss margin of victory, while the “opponent value” is the average rating number of their opponents, which includes the opponents’ win/loss margin of victory. These two components combine to form a team’s overall rating. An important adjustment for the 2025-2026 basketball season is the reduction of the Margin of Victory cap from 10 to 6 points, aiming to further balance the competitive landscape.
Key Teams Making Their Mark in Early Rankings
Early indications from the MIAA Winter Power Rankings highlight several strong contenders across various divisions. In boys’ basketball, teams like Malden Catholic, Central Catholic, and Bridgewater-Raynham have established themselves among the top teams in Division 1. St. Mary’s and Pope Francis are noted among the leaders in Division 2, while Hanover leads Division 3. For boys’ ice hockey, prominent teams such as Catholic Memorial, St. John’s Prep, and Pope Francis were anticipated as top contenders even before the season began. In girls’ ice hockey, teams like Hingham, Archbishop Williams, and Duxbury are recognized for their strong starts. These rankings are dynamic and will continue to evolve as the season progresses, with every game offering an opportunity for teams to improve their standing.
Student-Athletes: Pillars of Character and Community
Beyond the competitive rankings, the MIAA actively promotes values that extend far beyond the playing field, emphasizing leadership, sportsmanship, community service, and wellness. The association encourages member schools and their student-athletes to leverage their influence to build stronger communities through initiatives like the MIAA Community Service Challenge, which recognizes positive impact made by giving back to local areas. These programs underscore the MIAA’s commitment to fostering well-rounded individuals who contribute positively to society.
Recent recognition of outstanding individuals further illustrates this commitment. Jack Shapiro of Boston Latin Academy was honored as the MIAA Student-Athlete of the Month for November 2025, praised for his academic excellence, multi-sport leadership in football and baseball, and dedicated community service, including work with the Special Olympics. Emily Anne Wintner of Cambridge Rindge & Latin School was also recognized for November 2025 as a Student-Athlete of the Month for her achievements in soccer, swimming & diving, and rugby. Samuel Phelps of St. Mary’s High School received the honor for October 2025, highlighting his academic rigor, multi-sport participation in football and basketball, and commitment to community. These student-athletes exemplify the discipline, leadership, and personal responsibility that sports instill, preparing them for future successes.
The Local Impact: Fostering Community Pride and Engagement
High school sports serve as a vital cornerstone of community identity across Massachusetts prep sports. The drama and excitement generated by competitive matchups and the pursuit of state titles engage fans, foster school pride, and strengthen local bonds. From local businesses sponsoring teams to packed gymnasiums and rinks on game nights, the impact is tangible. These events create opportunities for shared experiences, teaching young athletes the value of teamwork and perseverance while giving the community a rallying point. The MIAA actively promotes an environment of respect and civility, ensuring that these interactions remain positive and enriching for all involved.
The continued release of the MIAA Power Rankings throughout the winter season keeps the energy high, drawing attention to emerging talents and highlighting the dedication of both athletes and coaching staff. It encourages local engagement, transforming every game into an opportunity for community members to support their schools and witness the development of future leaders.
Looking Ahead: A Season of Opportunity
The MIAA Winter 2026 Power Rankings provide a dynamic framework for the remainder of the season, guiding teams as they strive for tournament berths and ultimately, championship glory. The journey through the winter sports season is a powerful lesson in competition, teamwork, and personal growth for these young athletes. As the standings continue to shift with each game played, the excitement builds, promising thrilling contests and inspiring performances across Boston MA high school football (though rankings are winter sports), basketball, and ice hockey. We encourage all our readers to embrace the spirit of competition by attending upcoming games, cheering on local talent, and supporting high school athletic programs. Stay tuned for continuous coverage of Massachusetts prep sports and all the thrilling stories emerging from our local athletic arenas.
Frequently Asked Questions About the MIAA Winter Power Rankings
What are the MIAA Winter Power Rankings?
The MIAA Winter Power Rankings are a crucial tool used by the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association to objectively evaluate team performance throughout the winter season for tournament seeding.
When were the first MIAA Winter Power Rankings released for the 2026 season?
The first edition of the MIAA Winter Power Rankings for the winter season was released on January 9, 2026, with some initial releases also occurring around December 13, 2025.
Which sports are included in the MIAA Winter Power Rankings?
The MIAA Winter Power Rankings include various winter sports such as boys’ and girls’ basketball and boys’ and girls’ hockey, providing competitive standings for teams across Massachusetts.
How do the MIAA Power Rankings affect high school teams?
The MIAA Power Rankings are fundamental in determining tournament seeding for high school teams, providing a clear path for those striving for postseason success. They also serve as an early indication of where teams stand statewide and help to foster competition and discipline.
How often are the MIAA Winter Power Rankings updated?
Updated power rankings will be published on the MIAA website every Tuesday and Friday throughout the remainder of the Winter 2026 regular season.
Key Features of MIAA Winter Power Rankings
| Feature | Description | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Objective evaluation of team performance for tournament seeding. | State-level |
| Release Frequency | Released weekly throughout the winter season, specifically on Tuesdays and Fridays. | State-level |
| Included Sports | Boys’ and girls’ basketball, boys’ and girls’ hockey, among other winter sports. | State-level |
| Impact | Determines tournament seeding, fosters competition, encourages discipline and teamwork, boosts community pride. | State-level |
| Key Dates Mentioned | Initial releases around December 13, 2025, and January 9, 2026; weekly updates begin January 9, 2026. | State-level |
| Formula Components | Includes “own value” (average win/loss margin of victory) and “opponent value” (average opponent rating, including their win/loss margin of victory). | State-level |
| Basketball Margin of Victory Cap | Reduced from 10 to 6 points for the 2025-2026 season. | State-level |
Now Happening on X
- @mass_basketball (January 20, 2026): Updated MIAA Division 1 Power Rankings feature Malden Catholic at #1, followed by Central Catholic, Bridgewater-Raynham, Needham, and Andover, reflecting current team standings in boys’ basketball. View on X
- @mass_basketball (January 20, 2026): In the latest MIAA Division 3 Power Rankings, Hanover holds the top spot, with Salem and HS of Science and Tech rounding out the early leaders for smaller school divisions. View on X
- @mass_basketball (January 20, 2026): Updated MIAA Division 2 Power Rankings place St. Mary’s at #1, followed by Pope Francis and Oliver Ames, highlighting strong performances in girls’ and boys’ basketball categories. View on X
- @mass_basketball (January 20, 2026): The MIAA Division 5 Power Rankings update shows Drury leading, with Hopedale and Prospect Hill close behind, showcasing emerging talent in lower divisions. View on X
- @mass_basketball (January 20, 2026): MIAA Division 4 Power Rankings have Wareham at the top, joined by Millbury and Wahconah, as teams continue to shift standings with recent games. View on X
- @mass_basketball (January 16, 2026): Recent MIAA Division 1 Power Rankings update lists Central Catholic first, with Malden Catholic and Bridgewater-Raynham in the top three for boys’ basketball. View on X
- @mass_basketball (January 16, 2026): Updated MIAA Division 2 Power Rankings feature St. Mary’s leading, followed by Oliver Ames and Pope Francis, aligning with winter season progress. View on X
- @seastrxck (January 19, 2026): Personal Hockey East rankings place Lowell at #1, with Northeastern and Boston College following, sparking discussion on regional college hockey tied to high school pipelines. View on X
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