Top 25 Florida softball rankings: Bartow, Pace start off No. 1-2 in first 2024 rankings

The defending Class 6A state champions start atop of our rankings this 2024 season

Break out the bats and gloves as high school softball season is upon us across the country, especially in the Sunshine State. One of the tops when it comes to high level softball, Florida features several teams that are among the nation’s best around. 

We start off the 2024 softball season with our first top 25 rankings. Starting off at the top spot is the Bartow Yellow Jackets, who are coming off a Class 6A state championship and return a loaded roster. Right behind them is Pace, who brings back LSU signee Jayden Heavener. Check out our power rankings and let us know what you think. 

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Find the complete breakdown of the SBLive Sports Florida Softball Power 25: 

1. Bartow (3-0) 

Bartow defeated Pace last year for the Class 6A state championship to conclude the 2023 campaign. Now the Yellow Jackets are gunning for another title. 

2. Pace (3-0)

Having LSU signee Jayden Heavener pitching for you always makes things a little easier. The Patriots have scored 30 runs and only yielding four. 

3. Parrish Community (1-0)

The Bulls are coming off winning the Class 5A state championship last season and they opened up the season with a 6-3 win over Palmetto.

4. Doral Academy (2-0)

Anytime you've got a pitcher like senior Yessenia Lopez, you've got a chance to win on any given night. 

5. Lake Brantley (2-0)

Bats have come alive in the first couple of games for Lake Brantley as they've piled up 22 runs in wins over Ocoee and University. 

6. Coral Springs Charter (1-0)

Another South Florida team that features one of the top pitchers in the state is the Panthers. Junior hurler Sophia Bertorelli will take this club to another 20-plus win campaign. 

7. Plant (3-0)

Yeah, the Panthers may have lost in the state championship last year in 7A, but they're red hot to start the season. Plant has notched wins over Gaither, Newsome and Riverview. 

8. Windermere (4-0)

You've got to like what the Wolverines have done early on this season. Victories over Clearwater Calvary Christian and Montverde Academy definitely were impressive. 

9. Montverde Academy (3-1)

I mean, the Eagles only loss of the season so far has come against the team just ahead of them. A 2-1 decision to Windermere leaves the Eagles right there with anyone. 

10. Clearwater Calvary Christian (3-1) 

Another team that lost to Windermere this season and rounds out the top 10 here are the Warriors. With junior Morgen Talley leading the way, Calvary has a chance to win another Class 3A state crown. 

11. Sumner (3-0)

Whoa, slow down the Stingrays. A season opening 11-5 victory over Steinbrenner to start the season definitely opened a lot of eyes up. 

12. Inspiration Academy (3-0)

The Lions have looked good through three tough games so far. Inspiration Academy have knocked off Berkeley Prep, Sarasota and Venice. 

13. Berkeley Prep (4-1)

Having Notre Dame signee Kaia Cortes back in the fold makes this team a contender. Cortes has already driven in 10 runs through five games. 

14. Wellington (3-0)

This Wellington bunch is showing a ton of potential in making a lot of noise again this season in Class 7A. Early victories over Centennial, Oxbridge Academy and Palm Beach Central have this club playing as good as anyone. 

15. River Ridge (3-0)

Scoring runs has been no issue whatsoever for the Royal Knights as they've piled up 44 runs and allowed zero in wins over Wesley Chapel Cypress Creek, Gulf and Hudson. 

16. Melbourne (3-0)

The Bulldogs have looked impressive, but having senior Jasmine Francik on the mound every game helps. The FSU signee is 3-0 with a 0.00 earned run average and 51 strikeouts. 

17. University Christian (2-0)

Coming off a nice season in 2023, the Christians have notched wins over Bolles and Flagler Palm Coast to start the campaign. 

18. Deltona (4-0)

Nothing short of winning it all in Class 5A is on the minds of everyone at Deltona. The club has won three games by 15 or more runs. 

19. Baldwin (4-0) 

Four games and four shutouts. Hard to not see that this Indians team won't be in the mix once again in Class 3A. 

20. East Lake (3-0)

Whenever the Eagles have taken the field this season, they've dominated. East Lake has won three games by a combined 38-0. 

21. Wakulla (4-1)

Reaching the state championship in Class 4A last season and falling short looks to have motivated this War Eagles bunch. 

22. Evangelical Christian (2-0)

Finishing as the state runner-up a season ago in Class 2A, the Sentinels have looked solid in victories over Barron Collier and Southwest Florida Christian. 

23. Academy of the Holy Names (3-0)

Senior pitcher Keala Hollenkamp remains one of the best pitchers in Tampa Bay and has the Jaguars off to a undefeated start. 

24. Sarasota Riverview (5-0)

The Rams have had some close calls, but they're answering the bell against all competition. Wins over Braden River, Palmetto and Venice makes this team one on the rise. 

25. Westminster Christian (3-0)

The Warriors will be a team to watch as they opened up the season in impressive fashion. Back to back wins over state semifinalist Key West from a season ago has the team trending up. 

-- Andy Villamarzo | villamarzo@scorebooklive.com | @sblivefl