It will take a while for things to move much in the top five and in this, our third in season Power Poll on the girls side, it is still way too early to move those top five other than amongst each other.
On the flip side, there are a lot of teams who could be good enough in the back five so we have to way who has the most momentum and bigger wins, better competitive efforts and more.
The power poll will now come twice a month throughout the season, every other Monday.
No. 1 – COLUMBIA CITY EAGLES (9-0, 1-0 NE8)
This is a continual no brainer and will be until the top team in the entire state loses a game. Winning by 33.4 points per game (3rd best in the state), the Eagles’ closest wins are 14 and 15 points. Two of the biggest challenges remaining on the schedule are their next two games so we will see where the Eagles sit when we revisit the power poll next. But as of right now, what else is there to say? Columbia City is the standard and someone has to show they can at least compete with the Eagles before we even raise a second thought, though that thought will be fleeting until someone can win opposite CC.
No. 2 – SNIDER PANTHERS (9-1, 2-0 SAC)
Snider continues to roll after their one loss. They were able to hit some career marks lately and when those things happen, it is only going to keep momentum and excitement up. The Panthers are winning by 19.9 a game, which is 36th best in the state.
Why Not Higher?
That one loss to Columbia City will loom until the Eagles themselves have a loss.
No. 3 – HOMESTEAD SPARTANS (5-1, 2-0 SAC)
It looked like the Spartans were going to be on upset watch, trailing Carroll in the first half of last Friday’s rivalry game. But then, a fire alarm intervened. While I’m not saying that 45 minute break was why Homestead won the game, it certainly gave them unprecedented time to refocus and Myah Epps went crazy after.
Why Not Higher?
The loss keeps them from one. What keeps them from 2? Its something even I have to ponder as the weeks go by with Snider not until January 12.
No. 4 – NORWELL KNIGHTS (7-2, 1-0 NE8)
Winners of five straight, the Knights have put themselves in great position ahead of Friday’s game opposite Columbia City. The Knights haven’t faced a lot of tough opposition in that time, but the fact is they are still winning games and with a three point shooting prowess that is incredibly impressive.
Why Not Higher?
Two losses on the books.
No. 5 – NORTHROP BRUINS (5-2, 3-0 SAC)
Who has had a better year for the Bruins? Destini Craig putting up double doubles every night and being a big force on the boards or the consistent double double threats from Khala Williams-Thomas when it comes to scoring and steals? What a good problem to have for Northrop.
Why Not Higher?
The loss to Noblesville is a hurter. Sure, Noblesville is really good by #3 Homestead played close to them, so the gap in Northrop’s 30 point loss this past week to Noblesville is worth noting.
No. 6 – BELLMONT BRAVES (7-1, 1-0 NE8)
Emily Bleke has been very good, scoring 17 against Blackhawk Christian last week. She is a tough two way player that has helped lead Bellmont back into our collective conscience. Now they have won seven straight and winning by just under 20 points per game on the season. DeKalb and Jay County wins are nice ones that erase that opening night loss to Woodlan in my mind.
Why Not Higher?
Baby steps with the Braves. But, it looks like they could be in line to try and play NE8 spoiler again.
No. 7 – WARSAW TIGERS (6-2, 1-0 NLC)
The only three loss team on this list, including dropping one Saturday to Westfield. That said, their losses are to teams with a combined five losses of their own. After Brooke Winchester led the way early, Joslyn Bricker is coming off a fantastic week, where she had 26 points and seven steals against NorthWood last week.
Why Not Higher?
Ok, so I know what I just said. But three losses is three losses.
No. 8 – FAIRFIELD FALCONS (8-1, 3-0 NECC)
Two more conference wins this week were nice, but the victory over Angola was the nicest. Going to play in Angola is never an easy environment. The Hornets’ win later in the week over Central Noble actually bolsters Fairfield’s standing while Eva Herbert has continued to be one of the most consistent players in the conference to lead the Falcons.
Why Not Higher?
A down year in the NECC means that even conference wins aren’t going to be weighed a lot in Fairfield’s favor.
No. 9 – JAY COUNTY PATRIOTS (6-2, 1-0 ACAC)
The Patriots aren’t going anywhere. And this is great forum to point that out in because their two losses aren’t bad ones. Jay County is still the standard in the ACAC and they have been able to showcase their ability to have a next person up mentality and actually be able to make it happen.
Why Not Higher?
How good are their wins outside of the one over Bellmont?
No. 10 – EAST NOBLE KNIGHTS (8-1, 1-0 NE8)
It is time to give the Knights some more recognition. They moved to 8-1 Saturday in a win over New Haven, led by 17 points/6 assists/6 steals from Addison Deming, who has been taking a bit of lead for the Knights after leading them with 12 points on Tuesday. That said, their 8 wins is one off the total from the last two seasons combined and their most since 2020-2021. The last time this team won 8 of their first 9 was 2014 and that means that the start to this season has been something special for first year coach Britain Issacs and his team.
Why Not Higher?
The heart of the conference hasn’t come around yet. What will East Noble do when it does?
UNDER CONSIDERATION
Lakewood Park, 7-1
Bluffton, 7-1
Woodlan, 6-2
DeKalb, 5-3
Eastside, 7-1
Bishop Luers, 5-2
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