Arkansas high school boys basketball Top 25 rankings (2/13/2024)
The end of the regular season is near for Classes 5A and 6A, while many of the rest will tip off district tournaments this week.
With Bryant's thrilling win over Little Rock Central, along with Springdale's upset of Fayetteville, the Hornets claimed the top spot for this week and are the state's hottest squad.
Bryant's fellow Saline County program, Benton, is also on fire after taking down Pine Bluff in a Top 10 showdown, while Jonesboro and Nettleton found their way into the Top 10 following the biggest victories of their respective seasons thus far.
Additionally, a new face from Class 4A makes its season debut, checking in at the 25th and final spot.
1. Bryant (25-2)
Last week: 2
A victory in an instant classic with Little Rock Central in a Top-3 matchup put the Hornets' win streak at an impressive 25 straight as they are just three away from an unblemished 6A-Central run.
2. Little Rock Central (21-5)
Last week: 3
Despite getting down double digits early the Tigers battled to the wire with Bryant, and nearly paid back the Hornets back by stealing one on the road, but a late three-pointer sealed it for Bryant.
3. Fayetteville (23-3)
Last week: 1
Records always have to be thrown out when arch rivals collide and Tuesday's loss to Springdale was further proof as the Purple Dogs dropped their first contest to an in-state opponent.
4. Har-Ber (23-2)
Last week: 4
Winners of five consecutive, the Wildcats have a favorable week against Rogers Heritage and Fort Smith Southside before closing out the regular season with two crucial contests.
5. Benton (23-4)
Last week: 5
A Top-10 victory and key 5A-South win over Pine Bluff put the Panthers at 10 consecutive victories and they now have a 2.5 game lead in the brutal 5A-South race with three regular season games left.
6. Jonesboro (13-11)
Last week: 12
If we have said it once, we have said it a million times – do not ever count out a Wes Swift-coached squad, especially later in the year. After dropping four of five games, the Hurricane gained some momentum with a Top 10 6A-Central win over North Little Rock.
7. Farmington (28-2)
Last week: 7
After scoring a season-high 96 in their opener back in early November, the Cardinals closed the regular season but putting 90 on Gravette to complete their third consecutive unbeaten run through the 4A-1.
8. Lake Hamilton (21-5)
Last week: 8
The Wolves have not lost since falling by five points to No. 5 Benton on Jan. 12 and they get another crack at the Panthers, whom Lake Hamilton sits 2.5 games behind in the 5A-South race, on Tuesday.
9. North Little Rock (16-7)
Last week: 6
North Little Rock and Jonesboro have had some great matchups in recent years, and Friday's was another that unfortunately did not go the Charging Wildcats' way. There is no time to rest as their next two games are against top-ranked Bryant and No. 2 Little Rock Central.
10. Nettleton (17-8)
Last week: 15
Look out for these Raiders. A victory over Marion, along with West Memphis, put them in the 5A-East driver's seat and they have won eight consecutive games after dropping seven of their previous 10.
11. Pine Bluff (17-6)
Last week: 9
A 21-point rout of White Hall preceded an intense Top 10 showdown against No. 5 Benton, but the Z's were not able to overcome the Panthers and now hold the 5A-South's No. 3 seed.
12. Springdale (15-10)
Last week: 18
At a time when it was needed most, the Red Dogs came through and took down arch rival, and previously top-ranked, Fayetteville to claim their fourth victory in the past five contests.
13. Little Rock Christian (20-7)
Last week: 11
The upset double-overtime loss to Clinton on Jan. 23 certainly lit a fire under the Warriors as they have won five consecutive contests, with Pulaski Academy and Heber Springs up this week to finish the regular season.
14. Marion (15-4)
Last week: 10
A tough five-point loss to Nettleton put the Patriots a game behind for the 5A-East's top seed, but all of their goals are still in front of them with three regular season games remaining.
15. Maumelle (15-10)
Last week: 13
There is no question this Maumelle squad has way too much talent not to thrive and they seem to be hitting their stride at the right time having won nine of 10 contests since the calendar flipped to 2024. Now, they hope to snap a three-game skid to Catholic Friday.
16. Vilonia (18-6)
Last week: 14
Looking to keep pace with Maumelle at the top of the 5A-Central standings, the Eagles should handle business this week against eStem and Sylvan Hills before closing out the regular season next week.
17. Mills University Studies (19-8)
Last week: 19
The Comets keep shining bright as winners of 12 straight contests and close out the regular season this week against Monticello and Warren before looking to do damage in the postseason.
18. Alma (17-8)
Last week: 20
Currently owning a 1.5 game lead in the 5A-West, the Airedales can inch even closer to wrapping up the conference championship with a victory over No. 21 Van Buren on Tuesday.
19. Parkview (13-12)
Last week: 16
Despite back-to-back losses, the Patriots still have a grip on the 5A-Central's No. 3 seed with three regular season games remaining, starting with Beebe on Friday.
20. Subiaco Academy (24-1)
Last week: 21
Following a strong finish to the regular season with dominant wins over Clarksville and Mena, the Trojans are ready to prove that their impressive run thus far is not a fluke.
21. Van Buren (19-7)
Last week: 22
Since dropping back-to-back games by a combined seven points, Van Buren has won three straight and hosts No. 18 Alma in a crucial 5A-West matchup on Tuesday.
22. Morrilton (24-4)
Last week: 24
The Devil Dogs have bounced back well from a Jan. 23 loss to Subiaco Academy as they have won five consecutive contests and will be the No. 2 seed in this week's 4A-4 district tournament in Clarksville.
23. Russellville (21-5)
Last week: 23
It is not quite panic time for the Cylcones, who have lost two of their past three games, but they need to string some wins together as they currently have a loose hold on the 5A-West's final playoff seed.
24. Mountain Home (18-8)
Last week: 25
They did end the week with a defeat to Van Buren, but the Bombers avoided a loss to Harrison via a half-court buzzer-beater, their second of the season, by McGee Harris.
25. Clinton (21-6)
Last week: NR
Winners of 15 straight, the Yellowjackets make their season debut in the Top 25 and boast a Top 10 win over Little Rock Christian. They finish out the regular season with Heber Springs and Little Rock Hall before looking to extend the impressive run in the postseason.
Dropped out: Bentonville (17)
--Kyle Sutherland | @k_sutherlandAR
