Every two weeks throughout the season, Bounce will look back in on the power poll that started this preseason as we previewed girls basketball season.
We are now two weeks and some change into this girls basketball season, so lets see how things rank now with teams having some time to get comfortable and play some games to give Outside the Huddle a better overall measuring stick.
Most weeks, the Bounce Power Poll will appear on Tuesdays, but this week we wanted to get in Tuesday night’s big game with Homestead and Norwell before we checked in.
#1 WARSAW TIGERS (5-0)
Why #1?
The Tigers have looked incredibly smooth in their undefeated start. They are winning by over 20 points per game on average, with Snider being the only team to keep it in single digits so far. Their big win over the #2 team in this power poll – and given that team’s big win just this week – shows what the spread may truly be between Warsaw and the rest of the field just a couple of weeks into the season.
Why not higher?
They don’t get much better than #1. Actually, they don’t get better at all.
#2 NORWELL KNIGHTS (5-1)
Why #2?
We knew that Norwell would be very good and they have proven it time and time again already this season. There is depth in their scoring and the defense of the Knights continues to shine. On November 18, they picked up a massive win over Homestead, who was ranked #1 in the state regardless of class going into the game.
Why not higher?
They lost 69-55 to Warsaw on November 8.
#3 HOMESTEAD SPARTANS (3-1, 1-0 SAC)
Why #3?
Despite a loss on Tuesday of this week to Norwell, Homestead still came into the week ranked #1 in the state. The likelihood of them falling too far state wide isn’t likely, so here they will simply drop below Norwell and the one team that Norwell has lost to this season. This is still a super well oiled machine and their 14 point win over Pike has shown that they are still among the state’s best and top contenders in Class 4A.
Why not higher?
They lost to Norwell 59-46 on November 18.
#4 EASTSIDE BLAZERS (4-0, 1-0 NECC)
Why #4?
The Blazers have reloaded and remain the unbeaten favorite in the NECC. Last season, the Blazers won their first 14 games and there is plenty of evidence to support that they may be able to go on another extended run to start this season. They have found good depth in scoring and a load of players who may be their go to on any given night.
Why not higher?
Despite Fremont and Leo sitting at a combined 9-2 right now and Eastside having wins over both, they just don’t have the quality of wins of any of the 3 teams ranked higher than them.
#5 BELLMONT BRAVES (3-0)
Why #5?
Bellmont is sailing a bit under the radar in their unbeaten start. That is something somewhat odd as they are beating opponents by an average of 41 points so far this season. They also have three players averaging double digit scoring including Marianne Bleke, who was averaging 11 ppg while shooting 84.6 percent going into Bellmont’s win Tuesday over Bishop Dwenger.
Why not higher?
Their opponents have a combined 4-9 mark this season, so the wins – like for Eastside – aren’t quite as good as some of the ones that our top 3 possess.
#6 NORTHROP BRUINS (1-1, 1-0 SAC)
Why #6?
We have not gotten the opportunity to see Northrop fully yet. They have played the least amount of games of any team in the Power Poll. Still, when the Bruins are on, they are dangerous. In their win over Concordia, the Bruins had 22 steals paced by Khala Williams-Thomas’ nine swipes.
Why not higher?
They do sit with the “worst record” of our Top 10 teams. Such a small sample size so far in this season, but they did lose to our #2 team.
#7 SNIDER PANTHERS (4-2, 1-0 SAC)
Why #7?
The Panthers have only lost by a combined 8 points so far this season and have surprised a lot of people as star sophomore Janaya Cooper has not played in the last three games for them. Their win over a surging Columbia City team on Tuesday was another eye opener that Snider continues to remain among the top contenders in the SAC.
Why not higher?
Three of Snider’s four wins come against teams with losing records. We will hold here for now, but don’t be shocked if the Panthers eventually soar up this ranking.
#8 EAST NOBLE KNIGHTS (4-0)
Why #8?
Winners by 22.5 points on average, East Noble is another team that has shown significant depth in all statistical categories early in the season. They have been and will continue to be a difficult team to shut down because of how many people can step up on any given night.
Why not higher?
Quality of opponent is not as high as the teams ranked above. 2 of the 4 East Noble wins come against teams with losing records, while Westview and Bluffton (their wins) have yet to prove how good they may be.
#9 ANGOLA HORNETS (3-0)
Why #9?
Angola has been one of the best early season surprises under new coach Caela Walker. The Hornets have clicked on all cylinders with many changes going into the season. They are a standout program early when we are really looking at how much teams can change/improve from season to season. All eyes are on them right now.
Why not higher?
Still skeptical on if Angola is the real deal with a new coach and a new star player or if its just a hot start against opponents who are a combined 4-10. We will learn a lot more with Eastside and Norwell on the schedule before this month ends.
#10 COLUMBIA CITY EAGLES (4-1)
Why #10?
The Eagles are one point in an overtime loss to Snider away from being unbeaten. Because of that and what they lost to graduation, it has made Columbia City one of the bigger stories so far this season. The Eagles are proving how dynamic their system is even with personnel changes.
Why not higher?
Waiting for another big win before we count ourselves fully in on the Eagles. The upcoming Crown Point Classic is going to give us way more to work on when determining where Columbia City is right now.
OTHERS WITH CONSIDERATION (LISTED ALPHABETICALLY)
Central Noble (3-1)
Fairfield (2-3)
Fremont (5-1)
Garrett (3-1)
Leo (4-1)
Manchester (3-1, 1-0 TRC)
Southern Wells (5-1)
Westview (4-1, 1-0 NECC)
Whitko (3-1, 1-0 TRC)
These opinions represent those of Bounce and Outside the Huddle. No opinions expressed on Outside the Huddle represent those of any of our advertisers. Follow Bounce on Twitter at Bounce_OTH
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