Hey, you’ve probably heard by now, but its 2020. There isn’t much movement at all in this week’s countdown but don’t expect for many on the girls side from here on out. With the exception of a few key games, these 10 teams really have established themselves well.
With about five more knocking on the door of the backside of the top 10.
1. HOMESTEAD (13-1, 5-0 SAC)
WHY #1?
The Spartans’ win at North Central was their only game of the last week but it was a quality one. The Spartans are just riding high at this point and it is hard to know if anyone can slow them enough for four quarters in this area to make a difference.
WHY NOT HIGHER?
1 comes before 2. Nothing comes before 1.
RECORD VERSUS OTH TOP 10: 4-0
2. SOUTH SIDE (10-5, 4-0 SAC)
WHY #2?
The Archers picked up two more losses last week but again they are playing against some top caliber teams so their losses aren’t bad considering how much fight they put up. This is a team that showed they can run with Homestead through large portions of their first contest. They get a chance to move that one spot higher this Friday.
WHY NOT HIGHER?
Until they beat Homestead, they stay second fiddle. Stay tuned?
RECORD VERSUS OTH TOP 10: 1-1
3. ANGOLA (11-2, 6-0 NECC)
WHY #3?
The Hornets were inactive last week but are going to get to try and assert their dominance over the NECC this week and with next week’s conference tournament.
WHY NOT HIGHER?
Some may say this is too high. I’d love a good Angola/South Side game but we don’t get that so lets call it this way, that the Hornets don’t match up in my mind with the teams higher than them right now.
RECORD VERSUS OTH TOP 10: 2-2
4. NORWELL (12-3, 2-1 NE8)
WHY #4?
The Knights picked up a three win week while most other teams were taking breaks last week. Maiah Shelton has become impossible to slow down, let alone stop and Kaylee Fuelling is keeping her same frantic pace too. The Knights have won five straight now.
WHY NOT HIGHER?
They are razor close to being higher.
RECORD VERSUS OTH TOP 10: 3-2
5. BISHOP LUERS (9-5, 3-1 SAC)
WHY #5?
Another team without a game last week. Let them stay put there they are. They have twice shown to hang with Homestead, I’ve mentioned that before. But it stays relevant. The Knights are tough, they fight hard and we’ve yet to actually see them at 100 percent.
WHY NOT HIGHER?
Best five loss team in the area? Still a five loss team.
RECORD VERSUS OTH TOP 10: 1-4
6. WARSAW (10-6, 2-1 NLC)
WHY #6?
This is a team who can beat a lot of really good teams. That keeps them here after a 1-1 week last week where they probably should have won their invitational. But they didn’t, so it is hard to let them climb even if they are unbeaten against the top 10.
WHY NOT HIGHER?
The Tigers are kind of like this Top 10 right now, stagnant. They are good, but are they getting better or just settling in?
RECORD VERSUS OTH TOP 10: 3-0
7. CARROLL (9-4, 3-1 SAC)
WHY #7?
Carroll will climb a spot after being idle last week. Look for a focused team this week after quite the layoff and the return of Olivia Hoeppner, who brings a strong mix of focus and effort to the core of this team.
WHY NOT HIGHER?
The Chargers need some consistency on their side; they won the first 4 games of the season and then haven’t put together more than two since. That said, they also have not lost back to back games.
RECORD VERSUS OTH TOP 10: 1-2
8. COLUMBIA CITY (9-6, 4-0 NE8)
WHY #8?
The Eagles were rolling along and their wins over Norwell and Bishop Luers make this team a complete challenger. They also remain atop the NE8 and that is a great accomplishment to keep them strong in the rankings.
WHY NOT HIGHER?
Two losses last week slide the Eagles back a little bit. They are a far stretch back from the #2 team, so we know they aren’t a top team right now.
RECORD VERSUS OTH TOP 10: 2-3
9. EASTSIDE (12-2, 4-2 NECC)
WHY #9?
Eastside was another idle team last week. As good as the Blazers have been playing, there is no reason to move them up or down.
WHY NOT HIGHER?
Still lacking a major key win. Could they get that next week in the NECC Tournament?
RECORD VERSUS OTH TOP 10: 1-1
10. WOODLAN (10-5, 5-0 ACAC)
WHY #10?
There is even more depth emerging in the Warriors heading into an ACAC Tournament next week where they are the favorite. If they can keep 5 or 6 girls as viable options on the offensive end, the Warriors are very capable of closing out their regular season schedule with no more losses.
WHY NOT HIGHER?
They remain one of just two teams in the Top 10 with five total losses and they haven’t beat any team ahead of them.
RECORD VERSUS OTH TOP 10: 0-3
Other teams in the conversation (in no particular order): Huntington North (12-4), Bellmont (9-4), Central Noble (9-5), Garrett (10-3), Concordia Lutheran (8-5)
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