Composite Computer Rankings Reveal Changes to 2026 CIF-SS Basketball Playoffs

CIF Southern Section assistant commissioner says a composite ranking system could be used next season to address concerns over the current competitive equity model.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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The CIF Southern Section is considering using a composite computer ranking system that combines Massey ratings, High School On SI rankings, and MaxPreps ratings to determine playoff divisions and seeding for the 2026-27 basketball season. This comes after coaches and administrators have voiced concerns about the current 'competitive equity' model that relies solely on one set of computer rankings. The composite approach could help address issues with outliers in the individual ranking systems.

Why it matters

The CIF Southern Section's playoff system has a major impact on high school basketball in the region, determining which teams make the postseason and how they are seeded. Switching to a composite ranking system could lead to significant changes in the playoff field and seeding compared to the current model, affecting which teams advance and the overall competitiveness of the playoffs.

The details

The composite ranking system would average the Massey, High School On SI, and MaxPreps ratings for the top 100 teams in the CIF Southern Section. This would result in some notable differences from the current High School On SI rankings used this postseason, such as St. John Bosco being ranked 14th in Massey compared to 5th in High School On SI, and Inglewood being 9th in Massey versus 15th in High School On SI. Additionally, the composite rankings would put Crean Lutheran in the Open Division instead of La Mirada, and have Mater Dei at 52nd overall, still in Division 2.

  • The CIF Southern Section is considering implementing the composite ranking system as soon as the 2026-27 season.
  • The section will hold a debriefing meeting after this year's playoffs to discuss potential changes, including the composite rankings.

The players

Jerry De Fabiis

CIF Southern Section assistant commissioner who says the section is considering using a composite ranking system to address concerns over the current competitive equity model.

Massey

One of the computer rating systems that would be used in the composite rankings, providing complete data on the top 100 teams.

High School On SI

The current computer ranking system used by the CIF Southern Section to determine playoff divisions and seeding.

MaxPreps

Another computer rating system that would be incorporated into the composite rankings.

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What they’re saying

“With a composite, you can take care of outliers. That might be the way to go.”

— Jerry De Fabiis, CIF Southern Section assistant commissioner (FATTAL FACTOR)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This potential shift to a composite computer ranking system highlights the ongoing challenges in creating a fair and accurate high school basketball playoff system. While no system is perfect, the CIF Southern Section is exploring ways to address concerns from coaches and administrators and produce a more balanced postseason field.