The NEPSAC postseason has just about arrived.
Some teams have already wrapped up their regular season schedules while most will be playing their final games Friday and Saturday. Then the playoff brackets for each class will drop, and from there it's a one-week sprint to Super Sunday, March 9 at Loomis Chaffee.
Most of the top prep squads have rounded into playoff form. We'll catch you up on their latest results and assess their places in the hunts for class championships.
Here's a final look at the Top 10.
1. Nobles (27-1)
Previous ranking: 1
Next game: at Milton Academy, Feb. 28, 6 p.m.
It's been another week of smooth sailing from our top squad. The Bulldogs disposed of Rivers, Dexter Southfield and Governor's, each by 20 or more points. They've scored 69 or more points in 12 consecutive contests and have won 15 straight dating back to their lone Jan. 17 loss at Tabor. Though I believe Tilton and Tabor both have strong championship claims, it appears that NEPSAC's top class once again goes through the Bulldogs.
2. Tilton (22-4)
Previous ranking: 2
Next game: vs. New Hampton, Feb. 28, 6 p.m.
A 102-31 drubbing of Vermont Academy on Wednesday says enough about the mentality Tilton is taking into the postseason. That being said, the Rams have a trap of a home stretch remaining: hosting New Hampton and then traveling to Hoosac on back-to-back days Friday and Saturday. Their only losses all season are to Nobles (twice), Tabor and Hoosac, so Saturday's culminating matchup has some extra intrigue.
3. Tabor (23-3)
Previous ranking: 3
Next game: at Northfield Mount Hermon, March 1, 3:00 p.m.
Since the Valentine's Day loss to Tilton, Tabor has played fierce with three wins by 19 or more points. Two were Class AAA matchups, including last Saturday's 71-42 rout against Hoosac. Saturday's finale against a stingy NMH squad represents a barometer for how the Seawolves are faring against tough defenses. Then they enter the frenzied battle for the first AAA title in NEPSAC girls basketball.
4. Loomis Chaffee (21-3)
Previous ranking: 4
Next game: vs. Miss Porter's, March 1, 5 p.m.
Once again, the Pelicans' impenetrable defense powered two quality wins against St. George's and Class A foe Hotchkiss. Since their Feb. 5 defeat against Tilton, they've stacked six straight victories by 15 or more points. Once Loomis gets past its last game, it can look forward to chasing a fourth straight Class A title as another comfortable top seed.
5. Hoosac (14-11)
Previous ranking: 5
Next game: vs. Tilton, March 1, 3 p.m.
Hoosac split a challenging back-to-back road trip, powering past Dexter Southfield before falling flat against Tabor. If they can win at home Saturday and sweep Tilton, that would be a major positive indicator for Hoosac's Class AAA playoff chances. With Carolina Williams and Anna Moser as a high-octane backcourt and Uliana Doronina headlining a versatile forward group, Hoosac has the pieces to play spoiler among the upper seeds.
FRIDAY RECAP: 5 standouts from Hoosac's road win vs. Dexter Southfield
6. New Hampton (18-7)
Previous ranking: 6
Next game: at Tilton, Feb. 28, 6 p.m.
The Huskies got back at St. Andrew's with a 71-63 win last Friday before cruising by Brewster Academy on Wednesday. Though this team has seven losses, they've split against Tabor, Hoosac and St. Andrew's and have only been swept by Nobles among Class AAA teams. The next chance to avenge a loss and enter the playoffs strong comes Friday against Tilton in one of the best games left during the regular season. Like Hoosac, New Hampton has a wide range of possible postseason outcomes.
7. Worcester Academy (18-10)
Previous ranking: 7
Next game: at Winchendon, Feb. 28, 6 p.m.
The Hilltoppers were 6-8 at our Jan. 22 update; in the month-plus since, they're 12-2, only losing to AAA teams New Hampton and Hoosac. Their latest boxes checked were commanding wins against Austin Prep and Cushing, both by more than 20 points. Also a shoutout to star forward Ella Getz (Wayland, Mass.), who committed to UNH this past week. She's one of the earliest commits in the 2026 class and has laid down a very strong season.
In a competitive top tier of Class AA, Worcester Academy seems to be separating itself as a clear favorite. They Hilltoppers already dramatically exceeded my expectations, and I'm excited to watch the playoff journey.
8. Northfield Mount Hermon (16-7)
Previous ranking: 8
Next game: vs. Tabor, March 1, 3 p.m.
In a 2-1 week, NMH took down Hotchkiss and lost to Kent before bouncing back with an important Class AA win against Newman on Wednesday. Kent is a quality Class A contender, so while that loss isn't great, the other two victories stand out more to me. NMH's regular season culminates with a huge home test against Tabor that should tell us where the team stands as a Class AA championship frontrunner. I'm still a firm believer, but NMH will have to find another gear with teams like Worcester Academy also surging.
9. Darrow (17-9)
Previous ranking: NR
Next game: vs. Newman, March 1, 2:30 p.m.
The jockeying behind Worcester Academy and Northfield Mount Hermon in Class AA has been fascinating to watch play out. There's no team with a significant edge among Darrow, Newman and Wilbraham and Monson.
I'm going to throw Darrow on the board for now. The Ducks have hit their stride recently, beating WMA, Austin Prep and a strong Putnam Science team during the last two weeks. Their record also includes close losses to Northfield Mount Hermon and Worcester Academy. Saturday's home game against Newman — who beat Darrow on Jan. 12 — will say a lot about both teams entering the playoffs.
10. Sacred Heart (18-4)
Previous ranking: 10
Next game: vs. TBD, FAA tournament, Feb. 28
By virtue of its continued winning, Sacred Heart stays on the right side of the Top 10 cusp. High-level 2027 prospect Lucianna Parrotta was the latest to stand out, posting a double-double against Storm King and 19 points against Gann Academy. Eva Wilkerson also continues to log insane rebounding numbers for a guard: 16 points and 20 boards against Storm King. Sacred Heart seems to have the lead among Class A challengers to Loomis Chaffee, having played the Pelicans the closest of any in-class opponent this season.
On the radar:Â Berkshire, Ethel Walker, Hotchkiss, Kent, Newman, St. Luke's, Wilbraham and Monson
