Every other week, Outside the Huddle will break down the top 10 teams on the girls side.
#1 – WARSAW TIGERS (15-0, 3-0 NLC)
Warsaw girls scored 195 points last Saturday in their one-day tournament. According to John Harrell, that was the most points scored in one day by an Indiana girls’ team this century. The Tigers are just an absolute buzzsaw right now and have showed no signs of stopping. The rate their defensive is turning the other team over is high but Warsaw’s ability to hit the three pointer at a high clip no matter the opponent is a defining characteristic that has them above and beyond everyone else in the area.
Why not higher?
Still looking for that number higher than one.
#2 – HOMESTEAD SPARTANS (14-2, 5-0 SAC)
Homestead has continued to roll and now has another 1,000 career point scorer in their midst as junior Myah Epps joined the prestigious club last week. The Spartans have now won three straight after their setback in the semi finals of the Hall of Fame Classic.
Why not higher?
Not a knock on Homestead, more of a push of what Warsaw does. These two are scheduled to meet up soon though, so we shall see.
#3 – BELLMONT BRAVES (14-1, 3-0 NE8)
Bellmont had a banner week. Like with Columbia City a short time ago, all attention should be on the Braves now. Beating two state ranked Class 2A teams was major for Bellmont to remind everyone just how good they are. Emily and Ashley Bleke have both been sensational as of late and it is starting to look like the Braves could have a big postseason run.
Why not higher?
A lopsided loss to the team that sits at #3.
#4 – COLUMBIA CITY EAGLES (13-3, 3-0 NE8)
The Eagles are jumped over by Bellmont because of the Braves’ big week, much like what happened with Columbia City not that long ago. All eyes will be on the crowd in Whitley County Friday when CC hosts Bellmont with major NE8 implications. Right now, Addison Baxter is the best scorer consistently in the area with three 30+ point games in her last four outings.
Why not higher?
Maybe they could be. Guess we find out real soon if they should be or not.
#5 – EASTSIDE BLAZERS (15-1, 6-0 NECC)
Eastside takes a short fall in the rankings more because of what Bellmont has done. The Blazers are still very good and already have a win over DeKalb this week in the old Eastside Gym, one of the coolest games every year. The continued emergence of Eastside’s scoring depth is something really special right now as we head to next week’s NECC Tournament.
Why not higher?
Took a loss to #3 and we are gambling a bit that #4 is better too, but the margins are tight here 3-6.
#6 – NORWELL KNIGHTS (11-5, 2-1 NE8)
Did you know that Norwell has not strung together more than four wins in a row this season? It is hard to believe when you see how strong they have been and how Vanessa Rosswurm is torching the nets scoring the ball no matter the opponent. The Knights picked up a nice quality win on Tuesday on this week already, topping Carroll.
Why not higher?
Just a dead period on the Knights schedule where some other teams have moved around more.
#7 – BLUFFTON TIGERS (13-2, 4-0 ACAC)
By this time next week, the Tigers could have all but wrapped up an ACAC title with their sights also set on the ACAC Conference Tournament next week. Bluffton plays Jay County this Friday and a win puts them at 5-0 in the conference with the remaining game against 1-14 Heritage. Would be big momentum for the conference tournament if Bluffton has already essentially wrapped up a regular season title.
Why not higher?
The loss to Bellmont leaves them here, still up from the last OTH power poll two weeks ago.
#8 – FAIRFIELD FALCONS (12-2, 6-0 NECC)
The Falcons added to their resume with a win over Garrett on Tuesday night that lines up Friday’s meeting with Eastside as being likely for the conference crown, although both teams still have work to do to clinch anything. The Falcons had not played since December 20, so bouncing back with a good win was nice work from them, led by Mykayla Mast’s 17 points.
Why not higher?
Still looking for a BIG marquee win. Check out that Friday schedule opposite Eastside.
#9 – NORTHROP BRUINS (9-5, 4-1 SAC)
The Bruins have a chance to make an impact in a rivalry game opposite Snider on Friday and they need it to end a three game skid. And I get it, why are they #9 if they have lost three straight? Well they haven’t lost to just anyone in that stretch. Northrop’s scoring and defensive prowess in the 8-game winning streak before that are more important than losses to tough out of area teams like Pike and Noblesville.
Why not higher?
Bruins coming off of three straight losses, even if they have been competitive ones.
#10 – WHITKO WILDCATS (9-3, 4-0 TRC)
Wabash’s surge had them in line for this 10th spot, but a win at Huntington North’s tournament over Northrop really opened things back up for Whitko. Why are they behind the Bruins? Well, Northrop’s strength of schedule in wins and losses has been better. But Whitko is also so much on a roll right now. The Wildcats have three players averaging above 12.5 points per game and that is a luxury not many can claim; Adriyanna Phillips is setting the pace with 15.5 points per contest.
Why not higher?
The Wildcats sneak in here over conference foe Wabash. Whoever wins that TRC battle this week will have an edge to maybe move up.
IN THE CONVERSATION (in no order):
Lakewood Park
Wabash
Woodlan
East Noble
Central Noble
Fremont
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