Louisiana Dominance Highlighted in Latest NFCA High School Softball Rankings
by Hunter Bower // Managing Editor
In the latest unveiling of the USA TODAY Sports/NFCA High School Super 25 Poll, Louisiana’s stronghold in high school softball remains undeniable, with four powerhouse teams securing spots on the prestigious list. Leading the charge is Calvary Baptist, whose impressive form has seen them ascend to the No. 4 spot in the nation.
The Lady Cavaliers’ relentless pursuit of excellence has propelled them to a stellar 26-1 record, a testament to their unwavering dedication and skill on the diamond. In their most recent triumph, Calvary clinched their remarkable 10th consecutive district title with a resounding 12-2 victory over D’Arbonne Woods. A key factor in their success lies in their elite pitching, which has stifled opponents, allowing a mere seven runs in their last 10 outings, while their offense has surged, averaging an impressive 12 runs per game.
Meanwhile, Sterlington holds steady at the seventh position despite a recent setback against fellow NFCA Super 25 member, North DeSoto. The defeat marked their first loss in 23 games this season, a testament to their prior dominance on the field.
St. Thomas More continues to make waves, climbing to No. 18 in the rankings. Boasting a formidable 23-2 record, the Lady Cougars have asserted their dominance in the LHSAA Select Division I power ratings, outscoring opponents by an average margin of 11 runs during their current five-game winning streak.
North DeSoto has also surged in the rankings, claiming the No. 19 spot following a remarkable resurgence. With a record of 23-3, the Lady Griffins bounced back from a challenging stretch, securing notable victories over Sterlington, defending state champion St. Amant, and Alexandria.
The upcoming matchups promise to deliver high-stakes action as Calvary Baptist prepares to face off against North DeSoto and St. Thomas More in an NFCA Super 25 showdown. With these titans of the softball world set to clash, anticipation is high for the potential shakeup in next week’s national rankings.
USA TODAY Sports/NFCA High School Super 25 Poll – March 28, 2024
| Rank | Team | 2024 Record | Previous |
| 1 | Pacifica (Calif.) | 14-0 | 1 |
| 2 | Katy (Texas) | 24-1-1 | 2 |
| 3 | Northwest Rankin (Miss.) | 18-0 | 4 |
| 4 | Calvary Baptist (La.) | 26-1 | 5 |
| 5 | Austintown-Fitch (Ohio) | 1-0 | 6 |
| 6 | Jackson (Wash.) | 7-1 | 3 |
| 7 | Sterlington (La.) | 23-1 | 7 |
| 8 | Basha (Ariz.) | 16-1-1 | 8 |
| 9 | Antioch (Ill.) | 5-0 | 9 |
| 10 | Diamond (Mo.) | 9-0 | 10 |
| 11 | Watkins Memorial (Ohio) | 3-0 | 11 |
| 12 | Lincoln-Way East (Ill.) | 5-1 | 17 |
| 13 | Owyhee (Utah) | 7-1 | NR |
| 14 | Bingham (Utah) | 7-1 | 13 |
| 15 | Ballard (Ky.) | 4-0 | 15 |
| 16 | Roncalli (Ind.) | 0-0 | 16 |
| 17 | Benton (Ark.) | 5-1 | 19 |
| 18 | St. Thomas More (La.) | 23-2 | 20 |
| 19 | North DeSoto (La.) | 23-3 | 21 |
| 20 | Marist (Ill.) | 3-1 | 22 |
| 21 | Rockridge (Ill.) | 1-0 | 12 |
| 22 | Lemont (Ill.) | 2-1 | 23 |
| 23 | Canyon Del Oro (Ariz.) | 17-2 | 18 |
| 24 | Red Mountain (Ariz.) | 14-2 | 14 |
| 25 | Neshoba Central (Miss.) | 14-2 | 24 |