We are rounding the corner on the final weeks of the regular season and coming off a week with two conference tournaments and two big NE8 games, we got more clarity and a little movement but at this point, things are still pretty steady in my Top 10 on the girls side.
1. HOMESTEAD (18-1, 7-0 SAC)
WHY #1?
The Spartans proved an important point in Ohio on Monday. Despite being held 22 points under their season average, the Spartans were able to gut out a one point win. It isn’t often we see Homestead with their backs against the walls, so seeing that they can perform and win under that pressure makes them even better.
WHY NOT HIGHER?
Really?
RECORD VERSUS OTH TOP 10: 5-0
2. ANGOLA (17-2, 8-0 NECC)
WHY #2?
I said last week that they were on the brink of moving up. Winning last week the way they did, as many times as they did and proving beyond a shadow of a doubt that they are the top team in the NECC earns a raise. Angola is clicking on a lot of cylinders right now with quality depth.
WHY NOT HIGHER?
They are no Homestead, nobody is.
RECORD VERSUS OTH TOP 10: 2-2
3. SOUTH SIDE (11-8, 5-1 SAC)
WHY #3?
The Archers play at a high level and their two losses to Homestead prove that. Around the area, there are few teams that can claim their can even contend with South Side, let alone beat them.
WHY NOT HIGHER?
South’s win-loss total is still what it is, even if few of their losses can be considered bad.
RECORD VERSUS OTH TOP 10: 0-2
4. NORWELL (15-4, 4-1 NE8)
WHY #4?
Unless things go terribly wrong, Norwell will reach their championship goal with at least a share of the NE8 title. The Knights know how to spread the ball out and last week they did just that with a barrage of scorers against Bishop Dwenger and Bellmont.
WHY NOT HIGHER?
They’ve lost three times to teams we’d consider lower than them in this poll.
RECORD VERSUS OTH TOP 10: 4-2
5. CARROLL (12-6, 5-1 SAC)
WHY #5?
In the area, they have handled business well, at times shorthanded. They have positioned themselves to play for second place in the SAC and that is no snub of a sport to wind up.
WHY NOT HIGHER?
Their meeting with Homestead keeps them high off #1 pace and a tournament loss to Northrop still lingers.
RECORD VERSUS OTH TOP 10: 2-2
6. BISHOP LUERS (12-6, 4-2 SAC)
WHY #6?
They are winning by almost 16 points per game and living up to expectations in winning games they should be winning. The Knights have probably never found their best flow because of injuries, but have a full roster right now of competent scorers.
WHY NOT HIGHER?
Luers is just that middle team. That is what they appear to be built for in the regular season. Their loss to Carroll knocks them back.
RECORD VERSUS OTH TOP 10: 1-5
7. WOODLAN (15-5, 5-0 ACAC)
WHY #7?
Three win week, five wins in a row, a monster comeback and an ACAC Tournament title. Woodlan has loads of momentum right now at the right time. This is a team that can dominate others but you can never count out of a game. Addison Bayman is making her mark as one of Woodlan’s best ever.
WHY NOT HIGHER?
They still have five losses and haven’t fared well against other top teams.
RECORD VERSUS OTH TOP 10: 1-3
8. WARSAW (13-6, 5-1 NLC)
WHY #8?
Warsaw has now won four games in a row for the third time this season. Their game against Homestead, which may be over by the time you read this, will say a lot. They finish this season with three quality games. If they can win all three, you’ll see them rise.
WHY NOT HIGHER?
How would they fair full time in our area? That is the big question. Is that fair to them in this poll? Maybe, maybe not.
RECORD VERSUS OTH TOP 10: 2-0
9. EASTSIDE (14-4, 4-3 NECC)
WHY #9?
You probably wouldn’t like it if I just said ‘why not?’ But seriously, why not? Eastside has a quality resume, they are 4-2 in their last six and those losses were in overtime to a rising NECC Tournament finalist Fairfield and a close one to Central Noble in the NECC Tournament. They have a chance in each of their last four games and are almost guaranteed a 15-win season at worst.
WHY NOT HIGHER?
They have lost two straight. So that seems fair.
RECORD VERSUS OTH TOP 10: 1-1
10. BELLMONT (13-5, 3-2 NE8)
WHY #10?
Try figuring out Bellmont for most of the season, it was tough. But lately, they’ve just been trending upward. They won seven straight before taking rival Norwell to the limits over the weekend. The didn’t want to lose that one, but it wasn’t a bad loss at all.
WHY NOT HIGHER?
They lost to Norwell, they beat Columbia City (arguably #11 if there was #11). They may not be getting a piece of the conference title, but this spot seems right for them.
RECORD VERSUS OTH TOP 10: 1-2
Other teams in the conversation (in no particular order): Adams Central 12-7, Jay County 11-7, Columbia City 12-7, Huntington North 13-5, Central Noble 11-7, Garrett 13-5
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