(1-5-26) A new year is here, and so are the first Ohio high school girls basketball ratings.

Before we jump in, countless teams have returned from out-of-state tournaments where, as a whole, Ohio had great success. The downside is that some data is still incomplete. I will continue working to ensure records and scores are as accurate as possible, and I welcome coaches, parents, fans, and players to point out any inaccuracies so they can be corrected for the next set of ratings.

Now, onto the show.

DIVISION I

After going 14–6 last season, West Clermont has looked invincible to open the year. Sitting at 9–0, the Wolves’ closest contest so far was a 17-point win over an 8–2 Walnut Hills team that debuts inside the top five.

An hour up the road, Kettering Fairmont has also remained undefeated, though the Firebirds have faced stiffer competition and tighter margins. Fairmont opened the season with a 60–54 win over defending Division I state champion Pickerington Central, a result that still anchors the top of the division.

DIVISION II

The city of Cincinnati claims the top three spots in Division II. Winton Woods holds onto the No. 1 position by a narrow margin, propelled by early wins over Sacred Heart (Ky.) and Walnut Hills.

Private-school powers Seton and Mount Notre Dame were reclassified to Division II over the summer and wasted no time making their presence felt. Both project as instant state championship contenders in 2026.

DIVISION III

Finally, the focus shifts away from southwest Ohio. St. Vincent–St. Mary comes off a regional final appearance to debut at No. 1 this season. The Irish have Bellbrook close behind them, as the Golden Eagles’ only two losses came by a combined five points — to Wayne and undefeated Mount Notre Dame.

Beyond the top two, Division III features a crowded logjam, highlighted by unbeaten teams such as Tippecanoe, Ashland, and Granville, all of whom are positioning themselves for deep postseason runs.

DIVISION IV

Defending state champion Bellevue has come out of the gates red hot. The Lady Red have won all of their contests by double digits, with their closest result being a 12-point victory over 10th-ranked Elyria Catholic.

As always, keep an eye on Laurel. The Gators consistently play one of the most demanding schedules in the state, so don’t be fooled by the 8–3 record — it’s a team that will be battle-tested when February and March arrive.

DIVISION V

Expect many of the usual suspects in Division V once again. Fairland, a regional champion last season, leads the way. The Dragons’ only two losses came against elite competition at the Myrtle Beach Classic, falling to two of South Carolina’s top programs.

The big question is who will emerge as Fairland’s primary postseason challenger: defending state champion Portsmouth, or unbeaten Ottawa-Glandorf.

DIVISION VI

The relationship between enrollment and talent continues to blur, as even Division VI features a top 25 team. Harvest Prep opened the season with statement wins over larger schools Wayne and Massillon, and the Warriors have been in cruise control ever since.

Columbus Grove surged out of the gate with nine straight wins before falling to Ottawa-Glandorf last week. The rest of the top five remains tightly packed, while St. Henry, Minster, and Tri-Village continue to represent west-central Ohio well.

DIVISION VII

Since a late-November loss, Strasburg-Franklin has been on a tear, winning eight straight games — seven of them by 30 or more points. Still, Division VII boasts real depth.

Miller City and Ottoville delivered an early-season classic in December, with Miller City edging out a 43–42 victory. Meanwhile, Russia and Mississinawa Valley are both off to strong starts as they look to establish dominance in the Miami Valley.