In a blink, we've made it to the MIAA state postseason.
The last week packed a plethora of high-stakes matchups into February vacation. Most of the top programs received their toughest tests of the winter, a fitting way to ramp up to the playoffs.
This will be the last Top 10 reveal before the end of the state tournament. A lot has changed, including — for the first time all season — a new squad at No. 1.
With a day to breathe before the release of the MIAA postseason brackets, let's take a look at the list.
1. Foxboro (19-1)
Previous ranking: 6
In its statement week, the Warriors proved they have multiple ways to beat opponents. Kailey Sullivan can drop 25-plus points in her sleep. If a team's too small? They'll hammer the ball inside to skilled center Addie Ruter. Against a faster offense? They have the guards to keep up in transition and on the perimeter. Foxborough still has plenty of winning experience from its last two state titles, and it's showing up against the state's best. For now, they're the favorites once again in Division 3.
2. Medfield (18-2)
Previous ranking: 2
Medfield stays at No. 2 after prevailing over St. Mary's on the road but losing in the Comcast Tournament to Foxboro. They're still a cut above as a Division 2 championship favorite. The Warriors' starters aren't just capable shooters; all five of Naya Annigeri, Tess Baacke, Jailen Annigeri, Abby Broderick and Izzy Kittredge are good-to-elite behind the arc. That makes the offense challenging to contain.
3. St. Mary’s (20-3)
Previous ranking: 3
I've covered games at St. Mary's for four years; Wednesday's loss to Medfield was an extremely rare home defeat. That being said, the Spartans played well in the 57-53 setback, and they overpowered quality Oliver Ames and Whitman-Hanson squads in their home Spartan Classic. Is this still-young group ready to win a Div. 3 title? We'll see with Foxboro and potentially Norwell in the way.
4. Bishop Feehan (19-3)
Previous ranking: 1
The Shamrocks get the short end of the stick here; these top four spots are so closely contested. But their loss to Foxboro in the Comcast Tournament was notable and it shows Feehan is vulnerable as a Div. 1 title defender. That being said, they're still the favorites, and star guards Charlotte Adams-Lopez and Maddy Steel are among the most experienced winners in the state.
5. Wachusett (19-1)
Previous ranking: 8
The likely top seed in Division 1 withstood a dangerous challenge from Central Catholic to win its Comcast Tournament bracket and end the regular season strong. Unlike last season, when Wachusett was the veteran-laden favorite over Bishop Feehan, this winter's young Mountaineers enter as challengers. But their talent is undeniable and they're undoubtedly out for revenge after last year's championship defeat.
6. Norwell (19-1)
Previous ranking: 5
The Clippers survived two grueling games in their home Norwell Invitational, beating Needham in overtime, 55-48, and powering past Bishop Fenwick in a 44-39 battle. Last Tuesday, Maddie Oliver also logged a monster 18-point, 24-rebound double-double against Middleboro. This team still has not lost in-state, though Norwell has not played another Top 10 team this season. That being said, they're experienced and proven as reigning Div. 3 finalists.
7. Cathedral (14-5)
Previous ranking: 7
The Panthers fell behind again versus Bishop Feehan last Tuesday, but unlike the first meeting, they rallied and nearly overcame a 15-point deficit to lose at home, 56-53. Cathedral needs those late-regular-season tests, as it now returns to the Division 4 tournament as the heavy favorite to three-peat.
8. Notre Dame Hingham (19-1)
Previous ranking: 9
East Bridgewater almost surprised the Cougars, who fought off the Vikings in a 59-56 win to cap the regular season. Notre Dame's only loss was to Quincy back on Dec. 30; the team has now won 16 games in a row. As a No. 4 seed in the latest power rankings update, the Cougars could meet fifth-seeded Worcester South — to whom they lost in the Div. 2 quarterfinals last season — again in the same round.
9. Dartmouth (18-2)
Previous ranking: NR
Dartmouth rejoins the rankings following two victories in the Spartan Classic at St. Mary's. With two competitive losses to St. Mary's and Bishop Feehan as its only blemishes, Dartmouth enters the Division 2 tournament strong. As of Tuesday, they're a projected No. 2 seed and have likely locked up home court through the quarterfinals.
10. Woburn (19-1)
Previous ranking: 4
Saturday's Comcast Tournament loss to Central Catholic was a reality check for a Tanners team that had played almost all of its schedule against Middlesex League opponents. They were able to bounce back Sunday and defeat Norwood, and they still enter the Division 1 tournament as a premier challenger to Bishop Feehan and Wachusett.
On the radar: Central Catholic, North Quincy, Pittsfield, Springfield Central, Worcester South
It's time to put some preseason Top 10 teams back on our radar. That includes Central Catholic, following its spirited Comcast Tournament showing, and Springfield Central, which is quietly reassembling as a powerhouse out in Western Mass. Similarly, Worcester South has hit its stride, and the reigning Div. 2 runner-up might be a sleeper pick to return to the championship game.
