ASWA Basketball Rankings: New No. 1 Teams Emerge in 2026

January 8, 2026

BIRMINGHAM, AL – The first Alabama Sports Writers Association (ASWA) basketball poll of 2026 reveals a significant shakeup across the state, with six new teams ascending to the top spots in their respective classifications. The updated rankings, which reflect games played through Tuesday, highlight impressive winning streaks, key victories, and the rise of new contenders as teams position themselves for the second half of the season.

Among the most notable changes, the Pelham Panthers boys’ team takes the No. 1 position in Class 6A, boasting an undefeated 20-0 record. On the girls’ side, North Sand Mountain has claimed the top rank in Class 2A, setting up a compelling area rivalry with defending state champion Pisgah, who sits at No. 2.

This article will break down the new rankings, spotlighting the top teams in each classification for both boys and girls, and detail the movements that are shaping Alabama high school basketball.

New Boys’ Teams Claim Top Spots

Five new teams have climbed to the No. 1 ranking in the latest boys’ poll, signaling a highly competitive landscape. Dothan, Pelham, Williamson, Hale County, and Cold Springs each earned the top position in their class.

Class 7A: Dothan Takes Over

Dothan (20-1) has moved into the No. 1 spot in Class 7A, supplanting Hoover (15-6), which now sits at No. 2. Huntsville (17-3) follows at No. 3, with James Clemens (12-3) and Sparkman (16-6) rounding out the top five. Tuscaloosa County holds a strong 18-4 record at No. 6.

Class 6A: Pelham Remains Unbeaten

The Pelham Panthers (20-0) stand alone as the only undefeated team at the top of the boys’ rankings, securing the No. 1 position in Class 6A. Shades Valley (16-3) comes in at No. 2, followed closely by Cullman (18-2) and Gadsden City (20-1), both of which have impressive records. Oxford (14-4) completes the top five.

Class 5A: Williamson Rises to the Top

In Class 5A, Williamson (15-3) is the new No. 1. East Limestone (18-3) is ranked second, with Wenonah (15-4) at third. The undefeated Andalusia Bulldogs (12-0) enter the rankings at No. 5, behind Guntersville (14-3).

Class 4A: Jackson Holds Firm

Jackson (10-1) maintains its No. 1 ranking in Class 4A. The classification sees consistent leaders with Plainview (11-3) at No. 2 and Madison Academy (11-7) at No. 3. Orange Beach (15-5) and West Morgan (12-5) fill out the top five spots.

Class 3A: Hale County Claims No. 1

Hale County (16-6) has ascended to the top of Class 3A. The Wildcats are followed by Whitesburg Christian (15-4) at No. 2 and Midfield (10-6) at No. 3. Sumter Central (13-2) holds the No. 4 spot with a strong record.

Smaller Classifications See Shifts

In Class 2A, Cold Springs (18-1) takes the No. 1 ranking with only a single loss on its record. Sand Rock (14-4) and Section (13-6) are ranked second and third, respectively.

Oakwood (10-11) remains No. 1 in Class 1A, while Abbeville Christian (16-0) continues its dominant, undefeated season as the top-ranked team in the AISA.

Girls’ Rankings Feature Familiar and New Leaders

On the girls’ side, Hoover holds its position atop Class 7A, while North Sand Mountain is the sole new team to capture a No. 1 ranking.

Class 7A: Hoover Stays Dominant

The Hoover Lady Bucs (18-1) continue their reign at No. 1 in Class 7A, having won seven consecutive games since the last poll. Albertville (14-4) is ranked second, and Bob Jones (16-5) is third. Fairhope (19-3) and Daphne (15-5) complete the top five.

Class 6A: Park Crossing Leads a Strong Field

Park Crossing (17-1) maintains its top ranking in Class 6A. The classification is packed with talent, including No. 2 Hazel Green (18-2) and No. 3 Clay-Chalkville (15-1), both formidable contenders. McGill-Toolen (17-2) and Stanhope Elmore (17-3) are also in the top five.

Class 5A: Scottsboro Holds Off Undefeated Challenger

In Class 5A, Scottsboro (15-2) remains No. 1. Guntersville (19-2) is ranked second, just ahead of undefeated Charles Henderson (16-0) at No. 3. West Point (18-1) and Priceville (15-4) also feature in a competitive top five.

Class 4A: Plainview Continues to Lead

Plainview (17-2) stays at No. 1 in Class 4A, with Good Hope (18-3) following at No. 2. The rest of the top five includes Deshler (15-3), Cherokee County (17-2), and St. Michael (13-2).

Class 3A: Saint James Maintains Top Spot

Saint James (14-3) holds its position as the No. 1 team in Class 3A. Mars Hill Bible (16-2) is ranked second, with Midfield (14-4) at No. 3.

Smaller Classifications Update

North Sand Mountain (13-6) makes its debut at No. 1 in Class 2A, just ahead of area rival Pisgah (12-6). In Class 1A, Ider (14-5) remains the top-ranked team. Springwood (10-1) continues to lead the AISA rankings.