Statewide top 30 spotlights early leaders in Indiana boys basketball

A statewide boys’ basketball top-30 ranking dated Jan. 11, 2026 puts a spotlight on undefeated teams and early resume builders as Indiana moves into the second half of the regular season. The snapshot, driven by an internal strength-of-schedule methodology and reflecting games through the prior Saturday, lists Crown Point (10-0) at No. 1, followed by Fishers (12-0) at No. 2 and Carmel (9-0) at No. 3.

Plainfield (12-1) holds the fourth spot, with Mt. Vernon (Fortville) (11-2) at No. 5. Pike (9-2) and Lawrence North (10-1) occupy sixth and seventh, respectively, Silver Creek (14-1) is eighth, Indianapolis Cathedral (8-3) sits ninth and Northridge (10-1) rounds out the top 10. The full expanded Top 30 and a “Below the 30 (alphabetical)” roll name numerous other notable programs across the state, creating a broad picture of where teams stand after holiday tournaments and early non-conference slates.

Because the ranking uses strength of schedule as a core input, records alone don’t tell the whole story. A 12-0 mark against a stacked out-of-state holiday bracket will move differently than a 12-0 against weaker local competition. That nuance makes this list useful to coaches and fans tracking not just wins but the quality of those wins heading into conference play and sectional seeding conversations.

For coaches, the snapshot offers a real-time barometer for scheduling and scouting. Teams near the top will feel pressure to maintain pedigree against league rivals; teams rising through the list can point to the ranking when lining up tough matchups to further bolster postseason resumes. For fans and local media, the list frames the bracket chatter that will dominate the next six weeks: who needs marquee wins, who can be forgiven a late slip, and where rematches matter most.

This mid-January timing is crucial. Holiday tournaments and early-season non-conference games often create the footprint selection committees and local seeding bodies use when slots become contested. A team like Silver Creek sitting at 14-1 already has a heavier game load that can be either a benefit or a risk depending on upcoming matchups.

The ranking snapshot is a conversation starter more than a final judgment. It tracks perception and provides measurable context as league games pile up and sectionals loom.

The takeaway? Treat these rankings as a resume check, not a mandate. Use them to find who needs a statement win and who can ride momentum into league play. Our two cents? Keep an eye on strength of schedule, not just the ledger—those are the wins that will matter come March.