IMG Academy tops Florida high school basketball ratings for 2026-27 season
New preseason rankings released ahead of the Nov. 18 opening night place Bradenton's Ascenders at the summit of the state and national elite.
By Rebecca Foster ·
The official high school basketball season in Florida begins on Nov. 18, bringing with it the first set of preseason ratings for the 2026-27 campaign. The release marks a shift in focus from the autumn football playoffs to the hardwood, particularly in the Tampa Bay, Polk County, and Suncoast regions.
IMG Academy in Bradenton sits at the top of the state and national rankings. The program is described as the gold standard for performance, carrying a roster loaded with blue-chip national recruits and high-major talent. Because IMG Academy operates outside the traditional state playoff structure, its schedule serves as a benchmark for athletic development and tactical execution across the Gulf Coast.
Several Tampa Bay programs enter opening week with high state ratings and championship goals. Carrollwood Day School and North Tampa Christian Academy are noted for deep backcourts and versatile frontlines. In Hillsborough County, Tampa Bay Tech and Blake High School hold strong regional positions, supported by aggressive perimeter defense and elite transition scoring.
Traditional powers in Polk County also enter the season with high expectations along the Interstate 4 corridor. The Lakeland Dreadnaughts return a senior-led core focused on inside dominance and glass rebounding margins. Winter Haven and Santa Fe Catholic locked in strong early-season ratings, giving the county multiple contenders capable of deep runs toward the state tournament.
Along the Suncoast, Sarasota County programs start with impressive momentum. The Venice Indians rely on a disciplined half-court offense and tight perimeter containment to maintain high state ratings. Nearby, Booker High School and Cardinal Mooney bring explosive scoring potential, setting up competitive district battles.
In Lee County, Fort Myers High and Bishop Verot secured strong positions in the opening state ratings. Both schools enter the regular season with high-ranking defensive units and deep rotations. As non-conference showcase events begin across the state, teams from Tampa Bay, Polk County, and the Suncoast aim to convert early November ratings into sustained winter success.
