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NATCHEZ – One Natchez high school is ranked among the best in the state for student athletes, according to a survey by USA Today High School Sports.

Cathedral School, with eight varsity sports, ranks 20th in the poll, according to an article published on Wednesday.

“When your state has produced legends like Walter Payton and Jerry Rice, it’s hard not to include you as one of the best in the country when it comes to ranking high school athletics,” the article states. “Mississippi is right up there with other notable states regarding this distinction, and to this day, the Magnolia State develops student-athletes who succeed after high school.”

The study, compiled and shared by Niche Survey Statistics,  accounts for survey feedback from students and parents and data from the U.S. Department of Education.

The complete listing is as follows:

25. Winona Secondary School

Total number of sports: 14

24. St. Patrick Catholic High School (Biloxi)

Total number of sports: 23

23. Ridgeland High School

Total number of sports: 23

22. Ocean Springs High School

Total number of sports: 6

21. Ingomar Attendance Center (New Albany)

Total number of sports: 13

20. Cathedral High School (Natchez)

Total number of sports: 8

19. North Pontotoc High School (Ecru)

Total number of sports: 18

18. Senatobia High School (Senatobia)

Total number of sports: 19

17. Madison Central High School

Total number of sports: 6

16. St. Joseph Catholic School (Greenville)

Total number of sports: 18

15. West Jones High School (Laurel)

Total number of sports: 11

14. Forest High School (Forest)

Total number of sports: 15

13. Sacred Heart Catholic School (Hattiesburg)

Total number of sports: 17

12. Vancleave High School (Vancleave)

Total number of sports: 21

11. Gulfport High School (Gulfport)

Total number of sports: 20

10. Northwest Rankin High School (Flowood)

Total number of sports: 15

9. Itawamba Agricultural High School (Fulton)

Total number of sports: 24

8. St. Andrew’s Episcopal School (Ridgeland)

Total number of sports: 21

7. Meridian High School (Meridian)

Total number of sports: 18

6. Lafayette High School (Oxford)

Total number of sports: 25

5. Brandon High School (Brandon)

Total number of sports: 24

4. Saint Stanislaus High School (Bay St. Louis)

Total number of sports: 13

3. Corinth High School (Corinth)

Total number of sports: 21

2. Tupelo Christian Preparatory School (Belden)

Total number of sports: 14

1. Pearl High School (Pearl)

Total number of sports: 19