Walk into any gym in North Jersey on a Tuesday night and you’ll feel it. The smell of floor wax, the squeak of sneakers, and that specific brand of intensity that only exists in a state where basketball is basically a religion. If you’re looking for the latest new jersey high school basketball rankings, you probably already know that things are getting chaotic. We’re deep enough into the 2025-2026 season that the "preseason hype" has officially met reality, and honestly, reality is a lot more interesting.
The Power Struggle at the Top
Right now, everyone is chasing Bergen Catholic. The Crusaders are sitting at 9-1, and they aren’t just winning; they’re playing a brand of physical, disciplined ball that makes them look like a college program. Julius Avent is the engine there. He’s averaging nearly 15 points a game, but it’s his presence on the wing that changes how teams have to defend them. They’ve got this gauntlet coming up, though. By mid-January, they’ll have faced a "who's who" of the state including Don Bosco and Roselle Catholic.
Speaking of Roselle Catholic, they’re the ultimate enigma this year. They’ve taken some lumps against out-of-state giants, but in-state? They still look like the Lions. Kahlik Thomas has stepped up in a way most people didn’t see coming, putting up over 13 points a night. You can’t ever count them out because their schedule is designed to break them or make them invincible by the time the state tournament rolls around.
Then you’ve got St. Peter’s Prep. They’re 11-1 and just coming off a dominant performance against Linden. Richie Rosa and Mason Santiago are a backcourt nightmare for most public schools. They play with a chip on their shoulder that’s fun to watch if you aren't the one trying to guard them.
Public School Giants Making Noise
It isn't just the private schools hogging the spotlight. Plainfield is currently proving that last year’s No. 1 finish wasn’t a fluke. They had a tough loss down in Maryland at the Governor’s Challenge, but they’ve won 14 straight against New Jersey opponents. Micah Gordon is the real deal. If you saw his buzzer-beater against Linden back in December, you know he’s got that "it" factor.
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Montgomery is another one. They are 8-0 and basically destroying people. Their point differential is somewhere north of +200. Ethan Lin is scoring almost 20 points a game, and while their schedule has been a bit softer than the Top 5 heavyweights, that’s about to change. When they hit the stretch against Rutgers Prep and Gill St. Bernard’s, we’re going to find out if they’re contenders or just really good at beating up on their neighborhood rivals.
The Girls Circuit: A Two-Horse Race?
If the boys' side is a scramble, the girls' new jersey high school basketball rankings feel like a heavyweight boxing match between St. John Vianney and Red Bank Catholic.
SJV is back at the top spot with an 8-1 record. They have this system—the "Vianney Way"—that just produces wins. Stella Lockhart and Madison Kocis are playing at an elite level. But Red Bank Catholic is right there. They also sit at 8-1, led by Addy Nyemchek, who is arguably the most polished player in the state right now. When these two eventually collide, it’s going to be the ticket of the year.
- St. John Vianney: Currently 1 in most polls, featuring a balanced attack.
- Red Bank Catholic: Sitting at 2, but many scouts think they have the higher ceiling.
- West Orange: A dark horse at 10-1 that nobody wants to play in the playoffs.
- New Providence: Still undefeated at 9-0 and playing incredibly smart basketball.
The Players Everyone is Scouting
If you're at these games, you’ll notice a lot of guys in polo shirts with college logos sitting in the corner of the bleachers. They’re there for a reason. New Jersey’s Class of 2026 is loaded.
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Deron Rippey Jr. at Blair Academy is the name you need to know. He’s a five-star recruit for a reason. He recently committed to Duke, which tells you everything you need to know about his speed and vision. Blair plays a national schedule, so they aren't always in the local "Top 20" rankings because they don't play a full NJSIAA slate, but they are arguably the best team in the state on any given Saturday.
Over at Bergen Catholic, Julius Avent has committed to Michigan State. He’s got that Big Ten frame already. Then there’s Eric Hillsman at College Achieve, who is a human highlight reel. The talent level in the Shore Conference and the Skyland Conference this year is just absurdly high.
What to Watch for in the Coming Weeks
Rankings are just snapshots. They change the second a star player gets a rolled ankle or a "quiet" public school finds its rhythm. Keep an eye on Piscataway. They started 9-0 and have a win over Teaneck that turned a lot of heads. They’re averaging nearly 80 points a game, which is wild for high school ball.
Also, watch the "Non-Public A" bracket. It’s always a bloodbath. Between Seton Hall Prep, Bergen Catholic, and St. Peter’s, someone is going to have their heart broken long before the state finals.
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The most important thing to remember about new jersey high school basketball rankings is that they reward consistency, but the state tournament rewards "hot" teams. A team like Don Bosco Prep might have a mediocre record because they play a brutal schedule, but you do not want to see them in March.
How to Stay Ahead of the Curve
If you really want to track how these teams are moving, stop looking at just the win-loss column. Look at "Strength of Schedule." A 10-0 team playing in a weak division isn't as scary as a 7-4 team that’s been trading punches with national powerhouses in the SEC (Super Essex Conference) or the Gordon Conference.
Check the box scores for "points allowed." In NJ, the teams that move up the rankings in late January are the ones that can grind out a 45-42 win on a night when their jumpers aren't falling. Defense is what keeps you in the Top 10 when the pressure starts to mount.
Go out and catch a game at a local gym. There is nothing like the atmosphere of a packed house in Elizabeth or Camden when the local team is trying to knock off a ranked giant. That’s where the rankings are actually decided—not on a spreadsheet, but on the hardwood in front of a screaming crowd.
Keep an eye on the upcoming SCT (Shore Conference Tournament) and the various County Tournaments starting in late January. These are the best predictors of who will actually hold the trophy in March. Pay close attention to the health of the rotations in the Top 5, as depth is often the first thing to fail during the compressed schedule of the late season.