The top two teams in the Globe’s Top 20 boys’ basketball poll are set to face off again on Friday, as Central Catholic hosts Andover in the MVC Cup final. Their previous encounter on December 19 resulted in a narrow victory for Andover, who triumphed with a score of 60-57. This rematch promises to be a thrilling contest as both teams vie for supremacy.
As the season progresses, third-ranked Bridgewater-Raynham is gearing up for a challenging week. The team will compete against Brockton, Catholic Memorial, and Attleboro as part of the annual Blue Bombardiers Classic. Their performance in these matches could significantly impact their ranking in the poll.
Meanwhile, St. Mary’s, which previously climbed to the No. 2 position, has faced setbacks, losing to both Salem and Archbishop Williams. They will need to rebound quickly, as they face another critical challenge on Wednesday against eighth-ranked Wareham.
Salem, after their impressive victory, encountered difficulty, suffering a loss against Swampscott. Additionally, Cambridge experienced a dramatic end to their 11-game winning streak with a buzzer-beater loss to Bedford. These unexpected results have contributed to significant shifts within the rankings.
In a positive turn, Mansfield achieved an emphatic victory over Bishop Feehan on Sunday, which has propelled them upward in the rankings. Needham continues to perform well in the Bay State Conference, maintaining their competitive edge. Notably, Holland (Burke) has made a return to the poll after a series of strong performances, highlighting the dynamic nature of the competition.
The rankings, based on scores reported to the Globe, reflect the ongoing developments within the league. The Globe poll, as of February 12, 2026, is compiled by the Globe sports staff, ensuring a comprehensive overview of the current state of boys’ basketball. For further insights and updates, readers can reach Nate Weitzer at [email protected] or follow him on X @nweitzer7.
