Top 25 Florida softball rankings (3/13/2024)

Bloomingdale and Lake Region are the newbies in this week's rankings

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 continue with the 2024 softball season with our second 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 (9-0)

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 and are well on their way with an undefeated record. 

2. Pace (8-1)

Having LSU signee Jayden Heavener pitching for you always makes things a little easier. The Patriots have scored 86 runs and only allowing nine. First loss came against Orange Beach (Alabama).  

3. Doral Academy (5-0)

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

4. Melbourne (9-0)

The Bulldogs have looked impressive, but having senior Jasmine Francik on the mound every game helps. The FSU signee is 8-0 with a 0.60 earned run average and 137 strikeouts. 

5. Windermere (6-2)

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. This club can play with anyone in the state.  

6. Montverde Academy (9-3) 

Last week was a bit of a whirlwind for the Eagles, falling to Bartow 1-0, but then beating Inspiration Academy 1-0 in extra innings. 

7. Bloomingdale (4-0)

The Bulls make a huge jump into the rankings and that's because of victories over Lake Region and Parrish Community. 

8. Parrish Community (4-1) 

The Bulls are coming off winning the Class 5A state championship last season and they dropped their first game to Bloomingdale (see above). 

9. Sumner (6-1) 

We're not going to be overly critical of a loss to Parrish Community a couple weeks ago. The Stingrays have been the surprise team in Tampa Bay this season. 

10. Berkeley Prep (8-1)

Having Notre Dame signee Kaia Cortes back in the fold makes this team a contender. Cortes has already driven in 17 runs through nine games. 

11. Plant (4-2)

Yeah, the Panthers may have lost in the state championship last year in 7A, but were red hot to start the season. Plant has some tough games ahead against Berkeley Prep and Bloomingdale.  

12. Wellington (8-0)

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. 

13. Baldwin (9-0)

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

14. East Lake (8-1)

Sophomore pitcher Lucy Mondok has been a big reason to the Eagles’ success. The pitcher is currently 7-1 with a 1.27 earned run average and 49 strikeouts. 

15. Inspiration Academy (6-2)

The Lions have looked good through eight tough games so far. Inspiration Academy has knocked off talented area powers Berkeley Prep, Sarasota and Venice. Only losses have come to Lake Region and Montverde Academy. 

16. Hagerty (8-1)

The Huskies make their debut on this list and for good reason. They defeated Deltona recently and their only loss has come against Montverde Academy. 

17. Western (8-1)

There’s a lot to like about the Wildcats down in South Florida. Western has scored 10 or more a runs in four of its eight victories this season. 

18. Park Vista (4-2)

The Cobras have been playing very well as of late. Big 5-2 win over Coral Springs Charter recently definitely made an impression. 

19. Lake Brantley (4-3)

Three losses on the season have come against Hagerty, Montverde Academy and Melbourne. 

20. Coral Springs Charter (6-1)

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. 

21. Deltona (6-1)

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

22. Lake Region (7-4)

The Thunder have played arguably one of the toughest schedules in the state so far. 

23. Evangelical Christian (8-1)

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. Only loss has come against Lake Region. 

24. Academy of the Holy Names (4-0)

Senior pitcher Keala Hollenkamp (2-0, 42 strikeouts) remains one of the best pitchers in Tampa Bay and has the Jaguars off to an undefeated start. 

25. Calvary Christian (5-3)

We’re not dropping the Warriors out of the top 25 as of yet. This team is still chalked full of talent and losses have come against ranked East Lake, Windermere and in extra innings to Oviedo. 

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