Our second official power poll of the week sees a little bit of movement, mostly caused by the strong start of the Concordia Lutheran Cadets.
Other than that, some of the top teams stay strong, BUT there are some big games featuring top teams coming up this week.
1. HOMESTEAD (3-0, 1-0 SAC)
WHY #1?
The Spartans were strong against Northridge and Sydney Graber is playing very strong basketball offensively right now. They opened the SAC with a no brainer win, but they are playing hard and finding ways to click when the opponent is good or not so good. They will miss Ayanna Patterson’s presence and ability to get it and go while she was out, but the quicker they all settle in, the easier it will be.
WHY NOT HIGHER?
I’m still working on the equation to have a higher number to use to rank teams.
RECORD VERSUS OTH TOP 10: 0-0
2. SOUTH SIDE (1-1)
WHY #2?
The Archers showed a lot of fight over the weekend to get the win at Northridge. That isn’t an easy place to head to. The Archers have had to fight through two straight close games and you can tell they learned quite a bit from their season opener with how they battled at Northridge.
WHY NOT HIGHER?
They took that opening ‘L’ so no way to move them up past an undefeated top ranked team.
RECORD VERSUS OTH TOP 10: 0-0
3. NORWELL (3-1)
WHY #3?
Norwell’s win over Angola was a huge one. Down 10 at half time, they were able to fight and fight and use their speed and aggression to find their way to another win. It is starting to look more like their one loss was just a minor blip on the radar. If the Knights can continue to be strong around the basket, they are a tough matchup.
WHY NOT HIGHER?
They have a loss on their record and hard to diagnose whether they’d able to top the SAC’s best programs.
RECORD VERSUS OTH TOP 10: 1-1
4. BISHOP LUERS (2-0)
WHY #4?
This team is hard to beat at home, we know that much. Angola came in with a lot of confidence and praise and the Knights turned them away with Lydia Reimbold posting one of the best individual games of this young season anywhere. The Knights are looking like they have a deep core and could be dangerous in the SAC.
WHY NOT HIGHER?
Their best win of the two is Angola. We aren’t sure who Angola really is yet as far as their overall level of play.
RECORD VERSUS OTH TOP 10: 1-0
5. CARROLL (2-0)
WHY #5?
The Chargers area averaging 75 points per game in their first two wins. That is a high number that shows there is plenty of scoring to go around and their distribution is carrying through. Right now, the Chargers are scoring at an elite level. That is going to get tested in three tough games this week.
WHY NOT HIGHER?
We know little more than we did a week ago. Any win is a good one, but Leo didn’t exactly present a unique challenge.
RECORD VERSUS OTH TOP 10: 0-0
6. CONCORDIA (3-0, 1-0 SAC)
WHY #6?
Knocked off OTH ranked Bellmont. Knocked off OTH ranked Northrop. If that doesn’t move you from unranked to highly in my conversation, I don’t know what does? Concordia’s ability to play off Chanteese and Chastity Craig has made them dangerous. The sisters are both strong inside, but throw in the shooting of Elle Fritcha and others and it is going to be hard for many teams to find the right defense to through at the Cadets.
WHY NOT HIGHER?
There are enough things we worried about in the preseason that are still relevant. Is this opening run and isolated incident or is it sustainable.
RECORD VERSUS OTH TOP 10: 1-0
7. NORTHROP (1-1, 0-1 SAC)
WHY #7?
A very good team with a lot of weapons, Northrop’s TiAuna White and Destiny Jackson have continued to show why they are some of the best players in the SAC. Northrop’s style, speed and pressure is a problem for most teams.
WHY NOT HIGHER?
The loss to Concordia causes some concern to how high the Bruins were on this list. They need a good win under their belt.
RECORD VERSUS OTH TOP 10: 0-1
8. ANGOLA (1-2)
WHY #8?
The Hornets took a pair of losses in their first week, but they aren’t exactly bad losses. Their offense, outside of Hanna Knoll, is starting to pick up but their defense is at an upper level already. Their full court press is already giving teams a handful.
WHY NOT HIGHER?
Losing record doesn’t help, even if they are good.
RECORD VERSUS OTH TOP 10: 0-1
9. WARSAW (3-0)
WHY #9?
The Tigers got another decent win at Tippecanoe Valley and are playing at strong level for who they play. The next month will tell us a lot about their sustainability with Indy area teams and a couple of SAC opponents on the schedule.
WHY NOT HIGHER?
We didn’t learn enough more about Warsaw this week to move them up.
RECORD VERSUS OTH TOP 10: 1-0
10. BISHOP DWENGER (3-0)
WHY #10?
The Saints have made it to 3-0 and its looking like their coaching hire was clearly a good one. What has been more impressive is their ability to close out games. Both East Noble and Bluffton have kept things relatively close into the second half, but the Saints can turn on the afterburners and cruise to a win.
WHY NOT HIGHER?
Three wins are against middle of the road opponents. Get by Bellmont this week and we’ll talk.
RECORD VERSUS OTH TOP 10: 0-0
In consideration (in no particular order): Huntington North (3-0), Columbia City (2-1), Heritage (3-1), Woodlan (2-1), Eastside (3-0), Garrett (3-0), Bellmont (0-2)
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