Main image by Leverage Photography
We have reached the final week of girls basketball regular season action and the second to last girls power poll of the season. There are actually some pretty solid changes this week, but you know what won’t change?
Here is #1:
1. HOMESTEAD (20-1, 8-0 SAC; SAC CHAMPIONS)
WHY #1?
The Spartans continue to be the class of Northeast Indiana. While their road through the state tournament won’t be easy with how loaded Class 4A is, they are considered amongst the best in the state for a reason. Their win over Warsaw last week added an exclamation point on their hold in the area. Their solid starting five has developed into a solid top 9, any of whom could start anywhere in this area.
WHY NOT HIGHER?
If they made them higher, Homestead would be there.
RECORD VERSUS OTH TOP 10: 7-0
2. ANGOLA (19-2, 10-0 NECC; NECC CHAMPIONS)
WHY #2?
The Hornets have not lost since November 16, the longest streak without a ‘L’ of area teams this season. After starting 1-2, they have won 18 straight and are considered one of the area’s best chances for a big postseason run. The continued development of their underclass has made this team just get better thought out the season.
WHY NOT HIGHER?
They are GOOD. They are not Homestead GOOD.
RECORD VERSUS OTH TOP 10: 1-2
3. NORWELL (17-4, 5-1 NE8)
WHY #3?
Why wouldn’t Norwell be one of the scariest teams heading into the postseason? They can wrap up at least a share of the Northeast 8 on Friday at home against East Noble. That is a major mark for a team who desperately wanted to bring a title back to Ossian this season. Norwell is playing very good basketball.
WHY NOT HIGHER?
Not a single loss on their schedule is bad, but Homestead and Angola have just played better consistently. And no, I don’t forget that the Knights beat Angola.
RECORD VERSUS OTH TOP 10: 4-2
4. CARROLL (13-6, 6-1 SAC)
WHY #4?
Beating South Side at the Archers home last Friday pushes the Chargers up the poll. They are Sectional favorites and now officially the second best team in a tough and balanced SAC, which is a great honor in my opinion. Carroll has been able to win tight, close games and been able to easily beat who they should; that is a good characteristic of diversity in their lineup and abilities.
WHY NOT HIGHER?
Their winning streak of four to start the season is the longest winning streak of their season. Carroll hasn’t strung together more than two wins in a row since.
RECORD VERSUS OTH TOP 10: 4-2
5. SOUTH SIDE (12-9, 6-2 SAC)
WHY #5?
South Side has to be the toughest nine-loss team in this state. They have fought hard and fought tough teams all season. They have the toughest strength of schedule in the SAC and the 17th hardest in the state. Nobody can claim that South Side, with a balanced roster of quick guards, sharp shooters and quality bigs, has not challenged themselves.
WHY NOT HIGHER?
Nine losses in nine losses. Tough schedule aside, the Archers have some games in that stretch they could have won.
RECORD VERSUS OTH TOP 10: 1-3
6. BISHOP LUERS (14-7, 5-3 SAC)
WHY #6?
The Knights have continued to be significant and a constant when talking about teams that are capable of winning on any given night. They are winning by 15 points per game and are consistent enough that they have not lost a back to back games all season.
WHY NOT HIGHER?
Their best program win came two and a half months ago against a slow starting Angola.
RECORD VERSUS OTH TOP 10: 2-5
7. WOODLAN (17-5, 6-0 ACAC; ACAC CHAMPIONS)
WHY #7?
Reaching their highest winning streak of the season at seven straight, the Warriors wrapped up an outright ACAC title over the weekend. They didn’t lose a single game to ACAC opponents all year, also claiming the tournament title. Woodlan is now winning y an average of 13 points per game, with only one win staying within 10 points during this win streak.
WHY NOT HIGHER?
Without playing any SAC teams, we just have to wonder how they’d fair against the likes of Bishop Luers or South Side.
RECORD VERSUS OTH TOP 10: 0-2
8. WARSAW (14-7, 6-1 NLC)
WHY #8?
The Tigers have won four or more games in a row three times this season. They have been able to upset some of the best teams in Northeast Indiana along the way in some close battles.
WHY NOT HIGHER?
Like a knock on some of the others in this power poll, consistency can hurt. Plus, their loss to Homestead last week indicated how big this gap is.
RECORD VERSUS OTH TOP 10: 3-1
9. HUNTINGTON NORTH (15-5, 4-2 NE8)
WHY #9?
Welcome into the power poll Huntington North, better late than never. Some people didn’t like the low scoring aspect of their wins last week, but they played critical defense, something they have been doing all season. At 29.55 points per game, they have the best defensive average in the state. That is a fantastic accomplishment under a first year coach.
WHY NOT HIGHER?
They will finish third in the NE8 and their strength of schedule is only the 112th best in the state.
RECORD VERSUS OTH TOP 10: 0-5
10. COLUMBIA CITY (13-7, 5-1 NE8)
WHY #10?
The Eagles can also at least share the Northeast 8 with a win at New Haven on Friday. That will prove a lot of doubters wrong, who didn’t see the Eagles as a contender. They are a very balanced team that has won three games in a row for the third time this season.
WHY NOT HIGHER?
Their loss to Bellmont still stays a concerning one as does some lack of consistency.
RECORD VERSUS OTH TOP 10: 3-3
Other teams in the conversation (in no particular order): Eastside 14-6, Bellmont 14-6, Adams Central 14-7, Fairfield 13-8, Lakeland 13-8, Central Noble 12-8, Garrett 14-6, Northrop 13-8
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