If you’ve been hanging around any gym in Central Arkansas or up in the Northwest corner lately, you know the atmosphere is getting a little tense. We are deep into the 2025-2026 season now. The "new year" smell has worn off, and the reality of conference play is hitting teams like a ton of bricks. Honestly, the arkansas high school basketball rankings look a lot different today than they did back in November when everyone was just guessing based on returning starters.
Right now, if you aren't talking about Bryant, you probably aren't watching the same games I am. They’ve been sitting at the top of the heap with a 17-3 record, and it’s not just because they have the name. It’s the way they’re playing. When you have guys like Camarion Bead and R.J. Young leading the charge, you’re going to win a lot of track meets on the hardwood. But the gap between No. 1 and No. 5? It’s basically a razor-thin margin this year.
The Power Struggle in the Arkansas High School Basketball Rankings
It’s easy to look at a computer ranking and see Bryant at the top, but the "eye test" tells a more complicated story. Farmington is sitting there at 16-1. One loss. That’s it. They’ve been absolute surgeons on the court, yet because of the strength of schedule arguments that always pop up in the 5A vs. 6A debates, they sometimes get pushed down a spot.
Then you have Marion. They are 14-4 and playing some of the grittiest basketball in the state. If you’ve seen them lately, you know they don't care about your rankings. They just want to outwork you. Bentonville West and Parkview round out that top tier, with Parkview specifically making a massive jump recently. They were sitting lower a few weeks ago, but a 14-5 record and some key wins have catapulted them into the conversation for the best team in the state, regardless of classification.
Why the 5A Classification is the Real Gauntlet
A lot of people focus on the 6A schools because of the size, but the 5A rankings are where the real drama lives. Look at this mix:
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- Farmington: The 16-1 juggernaut.
- Marion: The 14-4 powerhouse that feels like a 6A team in disguise.
- Little Rock Christian Academy (LRCA): Don't let the 10-8 record fool you. Their schedule is a nightmare by design.
- Benton: Sitting at 14-6 and proving they can hang with anyone on a Tuesday night in January.
LRCA is a great example of why records are kind of a lie in the early season. They have Jashawn "JJ" Andrews, who is arguably the best player in the state (and a 4-star national recruit). They play everyone. They'll go out of state, play the biggest schools in Little Rock, and take some lumps just to be ready for March. When the state tournament hits Hot Springs, nobody is going to want to see a "battle-tested" 10-loss LRCA team in their bracket.
Individual Stars Changing the Landscape
You can’t talk about the arkansas high school basketball rankings without talking about the kids actually putting the ball in the hole. We’re seeing some elite talent this year. JJ Andrews is the name everyone knows, but have you seen Jacob Lanier at Parkview? He’s a 6-5 guard who makes everything look effortless.
Then there’s Aidan Chronister over at The New School. He’s 6-7, can shoot over anyone, and is basically a walking mismatch. It’s kind of wild to see this much high-major talent in the state at once.
On the girls' side, the talent is just as deep. Whitley Rogers at LRCA has been a human highlight reel, averaging 20 points a game. She’s the 2024 Underclassman of the Year for a reason, and she hasn't slowed down a bit. In the girls' 2026 class, you’ve got Tyaas McNeese-Sledge and Emma McConnell making huge waves. The girls' rankings are currently seeing a massive shift as North Little Rock and Central Arkansas schools start beating up on each other in conference play.
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The Small School Sleepers
We often ignore the 4A and 3A schools until the state tournament, but that’s a mistake. Little Rock Hall is 11-3 and looks dangerous. Nashville is sitting at 10-0. Ten and zero! It doesn't matter who you're playing; going undefeated this deep into January is a feat. Brookland is 13-4, and eStem is out here playing 25 games already, sitting at 20-5.
"Records are for the fans; the state tournament is for the players."
That's a sentiment you hear a lot from coaches in the smaller divisions. They know that a ranking in January is basically just a target on their back.
What to Expect Heading into February
The next three weeks are going to be chaotic. We have the AAA State Championships coming up March 12-14 at Bank OZK Arena in Hot Springs, and the seeding is far from settled.
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If you're following the arkansas high school basketball rankings, watch the "Strength of Schedule" column. Teams like Har-Ber (11-6) and Jonesboro (14-6) might have more losses than some of the smaller schools, but their "Power Rating" is sky-high because of who they play.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Recruiters:
- Watch the 5A Central: This is the most volatile conference right now. Any team can beat anyone on a given night.
- Ignore the "L" Column: Especially for teams like LRCA or North Little Rock. They play national schedules. A 10-loss team here is often better than a 2-loss team elsewhere.
- Get Your Tickets Early: The AAA has already announced that state final tickets must be bought in advance through the schools. Don't show up at Bank OZK Arena expecting to buy them at the gate.
- Follow the Sophomores: The Class of 2026 is exceptionally deep in Arkansas. Guys like JJ Andrews and Jacob Lanier are the real deal, but keep an eye on the "under the radar" guards in the 4A schools who are starting to get mid-major looks.
Basically, the rankings are a snapshot, not a crystal ball. Bryant is the team to beat right now, but with the way Farmington and Marion are playing, the top spot is anything but safe. Tune in, get to a gym, and see it for yourself. The atmosphere in places like Bentonville or Jonesboro on a Friday night is something you just can't get from a box score.
If you're planning to follow the bracket reveals, keep an eye on the RPI standings which the AAA uses to help finalize those tournament spots. The computer doesn't have feelings, but it definitely rewards those tough road wins in late January. Look for teams like Bentonville West to make a late-season push as their rotation gets fully healthy for the home stretch.