The Globe’s Top 20 boys’ basketball poll has seen significant shifts in its rankings, particularly within the top ten teams. The two leading teams, Central Catholic and Andover, are set to face off again this Friday in the highly anticipated MVC Cup final. Their first encounter on December 19 resulted in a narrow victory for Andover, who won 60-57.
Bridgewater-Raynham, currently ranked third, has a demanding schedule ahead as they participate in the annual Blue Bombardiers Classic. Their upcoming matches include contests against Brockton, Catholic Memorial, and Attleboro, which will be crucial for maintaining their ranking.
St. Mary’s, after reaching a peak at the number two position, has faced setbacks, losing games to both Salem and Archbishop Williams. They are set to challenge the eighth-ranked Wareham on Wednesday, marking another important test for the team.
Salem experienced a setback of their own, losing to Swampscott shortly after their significant victory, which has impacted their standing. Meanwhile, Cambridge, who had been riding an 11-game win streak, suffered a heartbreaking loss to Bedford due to a buzzer-beater shot, ending their impressive run.
In contrast, Mansfield made a strong statement with a decisive win at Bishop Feehan on Sunday, which has propelled them upward in the rankings. Needham continues to excel within the Bay State Conference, consistently delivering strong performances. Additionally, Holland (Burke) has re-entered the poll following a successful stretch, signaling a resurgence in their season.
These rankings reflect scores reported to the Globe as of February 12, 2026. The selections were made by the Globe sports staff, ensuring a comprehensive overview of the current high school basketball landscape.
For further updates and insights, Nate Weitzer can be reached at [email protected] and followed on X @nweitzer7.
