We knew last week was going to be a big one for our power poll with the top 4 teams having games against each other, but as it turns out, it won’t really alter a whole lot up there.
Down at the bottom of the top 10, there is a little shake up and a lot of teams who would like to lay claim to spots 6-10 for those ranked and those who just miss out…miss out this week anyway.
#1 – COLUMBIA CITY EAGLES (5-0)
Since we last left the Eagles, they were impressive in topping previously #1 Snider. The Eagles are playing really complete basketball and are shooting the ball extremely well. Columbia City has now won for half a decade against Snider and their win over the Panthers is the best of any team in the area to this point.
WHY NOT HIGHER?
It is an impossible task.
#2 – SNIDER PANTHERS (6-1, 1-0 SAC)
Snider bounced back from their one loss to dominate North Central. Even though NC is very down from their traditional play, it is a major way to come back for Snider that allowed their stars to shine and other players, like Zy Phinezy, to have tremendous and breakout performances. Games like the loss to Columbia City will test and motivate Snider while games like the win over North Central allow them to get even deeper with varsity minutes.
WHY NOT HIGHER?
The loss to Columbia City is absolutely it.
#3 – HOMESTEAD SPARTANS (3-1, 1-0 SAC)
The Spartans established themselves firmly in this spot by beating Norwell last week in a game that was highly anticipated. Myah Epps had another stellar week and was a major scoring threat while Gabby Helsom knocked down seven threes in their loss to Noblesville. Even though Homestead picked up their first loss this week, they competed strong with a really good Noblesville team.
WHY NOT HIGHER?
Homestead is really good. Snider and CC just happen to be really, really good.
#4 – NORWELL KNIGHTS (4-2)
No reasons to move Norwell despite the loss to Homestead because it was a close game with a very good Spartan team. Norwell then bounced back with wins against Blackhawk Christian and Oak Hill and even though those aren’t marquee wins, the Knights looked crisp still and put up big numbers including a major three point shooting night from Makenzie Fuess and Kennedy Fuelling in the win over BC.
WHY NOT HIGHER?
The loss to Homestead means we can’t move them up.
#5 NORTHROP BRUINS (3-1, 2-0 SAC)
The Bruins had just one game this week and pretty solidly dispatched sometimes rival Carroll behind a major night from sharpshooter Niya Bell and another physical effort out of Destini Craig. Northrop’s next five include three either in this power poll or under heavy consideration and a game opposite a Noblesville team that just beat #3 Homestead.
WHY NOT HIGHER?
The loss to Norwell. That’s fair, right?
#6 – WARSAW TIGERS (3-2)
Warsaw bounced back from a 1-2 start with two really nice wins this weekend over Crown Point and Merrillville at the Duneland-Northern Lakes Classic Tournament. In those games, Brooke Winchester played like a person possessed as she hauled in two really great double doubles.
WHY NOT HIGHER?
Back-to-back losses already this season to two of the teams ranked above them.
#7 – WOODLAN WARRIORS (4-0)
Here sit the Warriors after adding a win over a sharpshooting Wayne team earlier this week. That one would be bigger if we knew yet what kind of team the up and down Generals were to this point. But still, Woodlan has looked good in their wins this season and have been able to control almost every aspect in each of their four wins.
WHY NOT HIGHER?
Small sample size against quality opponents. Only one of their four games have been what we’d consider high end.
#8 – EASTSIDE BLAZERS (5-0, 2-0 NECC)
Eastside has looked fantastic in their five wins, spreading the ball around and putting themselves in the early drivers seat in the NECC. Sydnee Kessler is following the family tradition of becoming a tough scorer and Eastside is, early, one of the more fun area teams to watch.
WHY NOT HIGHER?
We’ve yet to see a marquee win for the Blazers. Their are convincing in their victories, but not until playing at Bishop Luers this week will they get a truly good test.
#9 – FAIRFIELD (5-1, 1-0 NECC)
The defending state champions have a solid track record to begin the season, but did take their first loss of the season this week opposite Northridge, where Fairfield only managed to score 25 points. The Falcons never scored in the 20’s last season and as good as 5-1 Northridge is, you’ve gotta hope for more offensive output even in a loss.
WHY NOT HIGHER?
Fairfield’s one game since their loss was a win, but how impressive is a 14 point win over Churubusco?
#10 – DEKALB BARONS (5-0)
DeKalb is 5-0 for the first time since 2016 and Ashley Cox is looking like one of the area’s best pure scorers in the process. The early returns on the Barons are that we not only could have underestimated them in the preseason but that we didn’t give Cox enough credit possibly for how she can effect winning.
WHY NOT HIGHER?
DeKalb’s best win sits over an underwhelming Angola team. This could grow with bigger wins, but the Barons don’t have that marquee victory yet.
UNDER CONSIDERATION
Blackhawk Christian (4-2)
Lakewood Park (5-0)
Bishop Luers (3-0)
Bluffton (4-0)
East Noble (5-1)
Bellmont (4-1)
Leo (4-2)
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