Who is the best team in the NHIAA? Well, the answer lacks consensus as we approach the start of the season.
Four teams head into 2026 as the tier one contenders in Division 1. But with the amount of high-level pitching across the state, plenty of teams are capable of going on an unexpected run in June. Last season, 10-seed Winnacunnet and 11-seed Salem each pulled off two tournament upsets to meet in the state semifinal. When single-elimination playoffs roll around, you never know what to expect.
No. 5 Exeter captured the Division 1 title in 2025, and top-seeded Souhegan took the crown in D2. Both defending champions are featured in our top 10 and should put together strong title defenses, but it’s a team that didn’t even reach the state semifinals that tops the list.
Now, let’s dive into our preseason Top 10.
