Getting into the nitty gritty of things in girls basketball? It sounds quick, but look at it this way, we are nearing the midway point of the regular season of girls hoops.
And with that, the movement doesn’t look like its going to happen much until conference tournaments come into play. Once again this week, just one spot in the top 10 becomes available. A new team moves in, but around them, things are awfully similar.
1. HOMESTEAD (7-0, 3-0 SAC)
WHY #1?
Every time the Spartans are presented with a challenge, they rise above it. We thought that MAYBE Carroll could be an SAC team to give them a run. That was as accurate as when we thought Concordia could give them a game: hence, it wasn’t accurate. They won another tough one on Saturday and are, to no surprise, playing at a high level. To be ‘the man’, you have to beat ‘the man’ and nobody has shown they can beat Homestead.
WHY NOT HIGHER?
Do I have to answer this question every week?
RECORD VERSUS OTH TOP 10: 2-0
2. NORWELL (7-2, 1-0 NE8)
WHY #2?
Close wins and dominant performances both rang true in a six game winning streak and Norwell is able to get the job done in situations that other teams wouldn’t be able to. While Homestead hasn’t shown they can be beat, Norwell hasn’t shown much vulnerability down the stretch.
WHY NOT HIGHER?
Two tough road losses just keep them out of that spot occupied by a mostly unbeatable Homestead.
RECORD VERSUS OTH TOP 10: 3-0
3. SOUTH SIDE (4-2, 2-0 SAC)
WHY #3?
We don’t know enough about South Side to make much movement with them. They have the least amount of games played of anyone in the Top 10 and haven’t played anyone of note locally. Their two losses aren’t bad ones and show they can run with some of the better teams in the state, but are they closers?
WHY NOT HIGHER?
See above. We still don’t know enough about South Side.
RECORD VERSUS OTH TOP 10: 0-0
4. CARROLL (7-2, 1-1 SAC)
WHY #4?
Their bounce back win on Saturday was important. Not because of the opponent because at this point, every local team is beating Northridge. But, after a big letdown against Homestead, Carroll proved again they are a group of girls who will not wilt. They have handled adversity well all season long and we continue to look forward to them playing the other upper half SAC teams that aren’t Homestead.
WHY NOT HIGHER?
Like Concordia before them, a beatdown at the hands of Homestead is an open wound and hard to look past.
RECORD VERSUS OTH TOP 10: 0-1
5. BISHOP LUERS (6-2, 2-0 SAC)
WHY #5?
Luers’ best win remains Angola, but that is still a pretty big win considering how the Hornets have blazed through nearly everyone else. They need to be healthy heading into the big games, which they aren’t right now with Dori Javins’ absence. Delaney Bailey however has stepped into a complimentary role very well.
WHY NOT HIGHER?
The loss to Norwell means they stay behind the Knights. The loss to Columbia City means we are concerned about them being this high.
RECORD VERSUS OTH TOP 10: 1-1
6. ANGOLA (8-2, 5-0 NECC)
WHY #6?
The Hornets have won seven straight, the best win streak in the top 10, matching Homestead. They have looked unstoppable in the NECC and may have already wrapped up that conference title by beating all the other top teams. Coach Brandon Appleton sits just two wins now away from 100 in his career and every indication shows that Angola may run to those quickly.
WHY NOT HIGHER?
Two losses lead us to continue to believe that Angola fits in right here. Nobody they’ve beat has been as good as the two teams they’ve lost to.
RECORD VERSUS OTH TOP 10: 1-2
7. CONCORDIA LUTHERAN (6-2, 1-1 SAC)
WHY #7?
Without CC Calloway in the lineup, the Cadets have rallied together in some important, close wins. Bellmont, Northrop and Valpo are all good wins while the Cadets still need a great one. Freshman Annaka Nelson may get looked over too much as one of the best ninth graders in the area and certainly in the city.
WHY NOT HIGHER?
The Cadets have really played just above even with middle of the road, outside the top 10 teams.
RECORD VERSUS OTH TOP 10: 0-2
8. BISHOP DWENGER (7-2, 2-1 SAC)
WHY #8?
The Saints are now coming off back to back losses. The question then becomes, are those isolated. If they are, then the Saints still belong right here in the top 10. They have indicated to be a pretty balanced and comfortable team so far.
WHY NOT HIGHER?
The loss, in overtime, to a Northrop team that has struggled doesn’t help.
RECORD VERSUS OTH TOP 10: 0-0
9. EASTSIDE (6-1, 2-1 NECC)
WHY #9?
Entering the top 10 happens for the Blazers because they just beat both teams who have entered the top 10 in the last two weeks. Those wins are the best of the year for Eastside and now they are looking more like a true contender in games than just a team with a momentum building, maybe lucky start. Eastside is strong right now, but how good?
WHY NOT HIGHER?
We hesitate to put Eastside any higher as they haven’t been this good in some time. They are winning, but in close games almost every night.
RECORD VERSUS OTH TOP 10: 1-1
10. WOODLAN (7-2, 2-0 ACAC)
WHY #10?
There is the argument that with better shooting and finishing, the Warriors could be unbeaten as they, at the top end, could easily be better than Garrett and Eastside. Their dominance over Adams Central last week made the Warriors look like world beaters.
WHY NOT HIGHER?
When they popped into the top 10 last week, they lost that same day. Not a good look. Are the Warriors able to handle high expectations?
RECORD VERSUS OTH TOP 10: 0-1
Other teams in the conversation (in no particular order): Warsaw (5-5), Garrett (5-3), Central Noble (5-3), Bellmont (5-3), Columbia City (6-3), Heritage (7-3), Adams Central (5-2), South Adams (5-1)
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