Mississippi
Which MHSAA girls basketball teams have surged in their new classifications?
The MHSAA released its new reclassifications during the fall of 2024, which saw teams move classes based on student population for the 2025-27 school years.
With the 2025-26 Mississippi high school girls’ basketball season entering its first year with the new classes, teams have adapted well to the change.
The Clarion Ledger looked at six teams that have not been rattled due to a change in scenery.
Canton
Record: 19-3, Old Class: MHSAA 5A, New Class: 6A
Canton will seek to rebound this season after losing in the MHSAA 5A championship game. The Tigers are not showing any signs of trouble while hoping for a return trip to the Mississippi Coliseum after moving up to 6A. Seton Hall signee and reigning Miss Basketball Shamira Morton leads the team, averaging 22 points.
Ingomar
Record: 22-2, Old Class: 2A, New Class: 1A
The defending 1A champions have a good shot at repeating while in a higher class in 2A. Ingomar eclipsed 20 wins or more for a sixth straight season and aims for a 15th overall title in five of the last six years. Freshman Peyton Wray and senior Daylen Grisham lead the Falcons.
Kemper County
Record: 16-2, Old Class: 3A, New Class: 2A
Kemper County had a 14-game win streak last season and followed up with an 11-game streak this year, thanks to a monstrous defense that’s only allowed 717 points through 18 games. Shariah Wooten and Jakayla Chamberlin lead a Wildcats team that averages 50 points a game and 12.2 steals.
Pisgah
Record: 14-4, Old Class: 2A, New Class: 3A
A shift up in classes has not affected Pisgah in the slightest. The Dragons are rolling through 3A with their only losses coming from 7A Brandon and 5A Florence. Senior Laylah Johnson and freshman Desiree Morris have paved the way for Pisgah to make a deep playoff run and a possible appearnce at the Coliseum.
Quitman
Record: 14-8, Old Class: 4A, New Class: 3A
The Panthers are fitting in well after a move to 3A. Quitman has relied on its younger core and a strong defense this season, averaging 14 steals and allowing only three teams to score 60 or more points in 22 games. Freshmen Ka’ley Moody and Sariah Bingham lead Quitman.
West Harrison
Record: 19-1, Old Class: 6A, New Class: 7A
West Harrison has been the only team to move up to 7A, and the Hurricanes have become one of the strongest teams in the class. Senior guard Sydnei Barber has helped command a West Harrison team that has outscored its opponents 950-551 this season, including strong wins over Harrison Central and St. Martin.
Michael Chavez covers high school sports, among others, for the Clarion Ledger. Email him at mchavez@gannett.com or reach out to him on X, formerly Twitter @MikeSChavez.