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 (15-1, 6-0 SAC)
WHY #1?
Have you seen them? Seriously though, in the last week they have turned back South Side yet again and beat arguably the state’s best team in Lawrence North. The Spartans ran the Wildcats away from the paint, forced them to shoot uncomfortable jumpers and now have to be considered the best team in the state themselves.
WHY NOT HIGHER?
Because they have never been higher. And never will be.
RECORD VERSUS OTH TOP 10: 5-0
2. SOUTH SIDE (10-7, 4-1 SAC)
WHY #2?
Despite their high number of losses, I have to keep maintaining that their schedule is so tough that they aren’t bad losses along the way. This Archer team has so many weapons and if they were in a different conference or Sectional, they would be major title frontrunners. Olivia Smith is currently taking her turn as the top Archer and it suits her.
WHY NOT HIGHER?
The losses are piling up. They may not maintain this spot much longer even with their schedule.
RECORD VERSUS OTH TOP 10: 0-2
3. ANGOLA (14-2, 8-0 NECC)
WHY #3?
A three win week propels Angola as Hanna Knoll continues her pursuit of being the area’s best. Lauren Leach also had a solid week while Ally Lorntz is making note of herself as a big game difference maker.
WHY NOT HIGHER?
The NECC schedule is only sometimes tough. But they are close to rising, so very close.
RECORD VERSUS OTH TOP 10: 2-2
4. NORWELL (13-4, 3-1 NE8)
WHY #4?
The Knights are as capable of anyone on this list of making a postseason run and winning any given game they are in. They are powerful and they have depth. What more could you want at this point in the season?
WHY NOT HIGHER?
They have some not so good losses on their schedule and they’ve been surprising ones.
RECORD VERSUS OTH TOP 10: 3-2
5. BISHOP LUERS (11-5, 4-1 SAC)
WHY #5?
The Knights are at full health (or as close as they will get) and that makes them dangerous. They went 2-0 last week as Dori Javins played strong and Kennedy Glenn’s return gives them more depth in their weaponry, which has grown by need in the absence of Glenn and others.
WHY NOT HIGHER?
Still at five losses, they are clinging to a top 5 spot because there is so much parity between 5 and 15.
RECORD VERSUS OTH TOP 10: 1-4
6. CARROLL (11-5, 4-1 SAC)
WHY #6?
Kudos to the way that Carroll is playing right now, winning games they maybe shouldn’t and winning games that some don’t expect them to do. They are doing that still without their two best players. Last week, Malia Williams showcased some of the offensive flare that made her a breakout player a year ago. And their win over Carroll means a lot about the Chargers’ potential.
WHY NOT HIGHER?
Are the Chargers good or are their wins mediocre? It could go either way right now because so many teams are trading wins and losses.
RECORD VERSUS OTH TOP 10: 1-2
7. WARSAW (11-6, 3-1 NLC)
WHY #7?
They have now won 7 of their last 8, playing as well during that period as any team in this countdown, sans for Homestead and Angola. The question comes in with their competition during that run, but they are winning consistently.
WHY NOT HIGHER?
The Tigers remain kind of a mystery. They have the wins on their resume, but are they consistent that they could get them again today?
RECORD VERSUS OTH TOP 10: 2-0
8. WOODLAN (12-5, 5-0 ACAC)
WHY #8?
Bounce got stuck about right here with seven teams that could all make a case for these last three spots. Woodlan is getting the bump after a 2-0 week because they are a constant. Not blowing anyone away per say, but they do what they do so very well. They are getting a share of the ACAC title and this is a big week for them to try and win the conference tournament.
WHY NOT HIGHER?
Sitting with five losses and the ACAC isn’t as strong as its been in the past.
RECORD VERSUS OTH TOP 10: 1-3
9. EASTSIDE (13-3, 4-3 NECC)
WHY #9?
Eastside sits right here still. Because their record and their wins are quality. Does that mean Eastside is quality? Maybe you can be the judge. The NECC Tournament could explain a lot.
WHY NOT HIGHER?
See above.
RECORD VERSUS OTH TOP 10: 1-1
10. BELLMONT (11-4, 3-1 NE8)
WHY #10?
Maybe there are others who could make the case for this spot, but Bellmont looked really strong in their win last Friday. Their defensive pressure and length is downright disturbing.
WHY NOT HIGHER?
They had a tough patch and offensive inconsistency has been a downfall during those times.
RECORD VERSUS OTH TOP 10: 1-1
Other teams in the conversation (in no particular order): Huntington North (13-4, 3-1 NE8), Columbia City (10-7, 3-1 NE8, Central Noble 9-6, 4-2 NECC, Garrett 12-4, 4-3 NECC)
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