North DeSoto, St. Amant Softball Teams Featured in First NFCA High School Super 25 Poll
by Hunter Bower // Managing Editor
In the realm of Louisiana high school softball, two formidable teams have once again etched their names onto the national stage as the initial USA TODAY Sports/NFCA High School Super 25 Poll rolls out.
Leading the charge is North DeSoto, a powerhouse hailing from Stonewall, Louisiana. This Class 4A juggernaut, boasting three consecutive state titles, enters the season with a resounding presence, securing the prestigious No. 5 spot in the national rankings. The Lady Griffins, under the tutelage of their seasoned coaching staff, have embarked on a flawless 14-0 journey, leaving a trail of victory in their wake. Notable triumphs against formidable opponents such as West Monroe, John Curtis, and Buckeye have solidified North DeSoto’s reputation as a force to be reckoned with.
Meanwhile, adding to the Louisiana softball spectacle is none other than the defending Non-Select Division I state champions, St. Amant. With a commendable 10-3 record and riding the crest of a seven-game winning streak, the Lady Gators stamp their mark on the national scene, claiming the No. 24 slot in the Super 25 Poll. Led by a cadre of skilled athletes and guided by a coaching staff steeped in expertise, St. Amant showcases resilience and prowess on the diamond, epitomizing the state’s rich softball tradition.
The selection process for the USA TODAY Sports/NFCA High School Super 25 Poll relies on the discerning eye of the 2024 NFCA High School Steering Committee, which scrutinizes teams based on a trifecta of criteria: performance, roster quality, and strength of schedule. Through meticulous evaluation, these esteemed panelists curate a dynamic ranking system that reflects the essence of high school softball excellence across the nation.
USA TODAY Sports/NFCA High School Super 25 Poll – March 7, 2024
| Rank | Team | 2024 Record |
| 1 | Pacifica (Calif.) | 9-0 |
| 2 | Katy (Texas) | 20-1-1 |
| 3 | Jackson (Wash.) | 0-0 |
| 4 | Northwest Rankin (Miss.) | 8-0 |
| 5 | North DeSoto (La.) | 14-0 |
| 6 | Marist (Ill.) | 0-0 |
| 7 | Austintown-Fitch (Ohio) | 0-0 |
| 8 | Basha (Ariz.) | 9-1 |
| 9 | Desert Mountain (Ariz.) | 7-1 |
| 10 | Norco (Calif.) | 8-2 |
| 11 | Lemont (Ill.) | 0-0 |
| 12 | Watkins Memorial (Ohio) | 0-0 |
| 13 | Rockridge (Ill.) | 0-0 |
| 14 | Red Mountain (Ariz.) | 7-1 |
| 15 | Neshoba Central (Miss.) | 5-1 |
| 16 | West Stanly (N.C.) | 2-0 |
| 17 | Canyon Del Oro (Ariz.) | 11-0 |
| 18 | Benton (Ark.) | 2-0 |
| 19 | Ballard (Ky.) | 0-0 |
| 20 | Roncalli (Ind.) | 0-0 |
| 21 | Coral Springs Charter (Fla.) | 3-1 |
| 22 | Mount Vernon (Mo.) | 0-0 |
| 23 | Bingham (Utah) | 0-0 |
| 24 | St. Amant (La.) | 10-3 |
| 25 | Lake Creek (Texas) | 17-5 |