Ranking the Top 10 Large & Small 2026 – Week 9

Large Schools

1. Health Sciences (AAA) – The Falcons earned a 21-point victory over Canisius at the Centercourt Classic on Saturday evening, supporting their position at the top of the rankings.
2. St. Joe’s (AA) – Proved too much for visiting Orchard Park to handle at the Centercourt Classic on Friday evening. The Marauders can stay in first place in the MMA with victories at Nichols and at St. Francis this week.
3. Canisius (AA) – A big win over St. Francis was followed by a big loss to Health Sciences. Back in action this week with three games at O’Hara, followed by home games with Nichols and St. Mary’s.
4. Nichols (AA) – Following a victory over Park, the Vikings dug an 18-point hole in the first half, before storming back to earn a thrilling victory in the finale of the Centercourt Classic against Jamestown. A massive week ahead with games against St. Joe’s and Canisius this week.
5. Niagara Falls (AAA) – Rolled up 88 points in a victory at McKinley during the week before getting out of the Centercourt Classic with a victory over Timon on Saturday. The Wolverines have a date with Sweet Home on Saturday afternoon.
6. St. Mary’s (AA) – The Lancers showed off their balance & firepower in a thumping of Akron at the Centercourt Classic on Saturday afternoon. They have rematches with Timon and Cardinal O’Hara this week, before their first date with Canisius on Saturday afternoon.
7. Orchard Park (AA) – Had no trouble with Clarence during the week, before suffering their 2nd loss of the season at St. Joe’s on Friday. Wednesday night brings a most important game at home against Jamestown with first place in ECIC I at stake, before closing the week with a visit to Lancaster.
8. Jamestown (AAA) – Earn an impressive victory over Williamsville North and followed that with another over Lancaster. However, the Red & Green were unable to hold off a furious Nichols rally in the Centercourt Classic, giving up an 18-point lead. A pair of road trips ahead this week with games at Frontier and a big one in Orchard Park.
9. Grand Island (A1) – Got tripped up for the first time locally in a loss at North Tonawanda, but rebounded in a big way in a thorough victory over Lew-Port. The Vikings start this week by hosting Niagara Wheatfield, before visiting both of the Kenmore directions.
10. Williamsville North (AA) – Bounced back from a road loss at Jamestown with a dominant victory over Williamsville East. A very busy week coming up for the Spartans with four games, three in league play and one district rivalry game at Williamsville South.

Small Schools

1. Tapestry (B2) – Knocked off Eden for a 2nd time to move to 13-0 on the season. After hosting JFK this week, the Thunderhawk have their first date against league rival Global Concepts on Friday.
2. Wilson (C) – The Lakemen saw their win streak reach 15 games with a pair of league victories during the week before dropping their first of the season to Lew-Port at the Centercourt Classic on Saturday. An important date at Medina looms this week.
3. Akron (B2) – Avenged in earlier loss at the hands of Newfane with a sound victory before being beaten soundly by St. Mary’s at the Centercourt Classic. The Tigers will seek return to the win column at Barker and at home against Roy-Hart this week.
4. Global Concepts (C) – The Gators picked up victories over Holland, JFK, and Westfield last week, while losing in overtime to Northstar Christian. They visit Cleveland Hill ahead of a big home game with Tapestry on Friday.
5. Middle College (B1) – The Kats return to action this week at MST on Monday and closing out the week with home games against Buffalo Culinary and East.
6. Medina (B1) – Earned season sweeps over Barker and Roy-Hart last week in preparation for a huge week ahead with a home rematch against Wilson, followed by a trip to rival Albion.
7. Olmsted (B1) – Pulled out of victory in the 4th quarter at Starpoint last week. This week, the Owls host Bennett before visiting Buffalo Culinary and Riverside.
8. MST (B2) – The Wolves have a big game with Middle College on Monday night, followed by home games with Bennett and IPrep to close the week.
9. Southwestern (B1) – The Trojans enter the rankings on the strength of victories over Salamanca and Falconer last week. The only loss for Southwestern since the New Year was against league leading Fredonia. The Trojans host Dunkirk on Monday night, visit Clymer, and then take on Olean.
10. Sherman (D) – The Wildcats earned 4 victories last week and none were bigger than the one that got them into the Top 10 against Clymer, the only team to beat Sherman this season. They have more tough games ahead this week, with road trips to Maple Grove & Westfield, followed by a visit from Forestville.