ABV Rankings - 01-07-13

ABV RANKINGS - 01-07-13

Okay, here is the change from years past. Previously ABV would only rank the teams that would feed into the Carbondale 1A and 2A Supersectionals. Since the IHSA keeps changing everything each year, or so it seems, ABV is now going to use all teams from my preview to make out the lists. It doesn't matter which direction any of the schools go during the postseason, all 1A and 2A ABV programs are in the running.

ABV Class 1A Rankings

1. WATERLOO GIBAULT (14-2)
The Hawks have lost a pair of heartbreaking title games to Marquette and Roxana in their two tournaments. Coach Rueter's club is the top-seed at the upcoming Nashville Invitational Tournament.
2. WOODLAWN (11-2)
After a tough early start, they are playing well. Coach Witzel's Cardinals are the Sesser-Valier Holiday Tournament champs for a third straight season.
3. MADISON (8-5)
These athletic Trojans have a strong resume and the losses are to larger schools. Coach Cotto will have his team ready for the postseason with a strong independent schedule.
4. OKAWVILLE (11-4)
The Rockets' four losses are to loaded larger schools. The injury bug has bitten Coach Kraus' club but by February they should be ready when it counts.
5. OBLONG (12-5)
Four of the Panthers' defeats have come to 2A conference power Newton. A member of the Little Illini Conference, Oblong is a 1A Peoria threat. Senior Anthony Johnson is getting some D-I looks.
6. GALLATIN COUNTY (13-2)
The Hawks only two losses are to 2A power Harrisburg. Seven-foot senior Andrew Drone has already topped 2,000-points for his career.
7. GOREVILLE (9-3)
The Blackcats have losses to Woodlawn, Gallatin County and Carterville but Coach Tripp's club keeps getting better. They are the defending Black Diamond Conference West Division champs.
8. MERIDIAN (14-3)
They get Madison at home on January 12 and again in the opener at the Superman Classic. The Bobcats shouldn't be overlooked, especially in the postseason.
9. DIETERICH (10-6)
High scoring Maroons took down Altamont on Friday. Coach Jeff Staser's Dieterich team is the top-seed at the upcoming National Trail Conference Tournament.
10. ALTAMONT (11-3)
Coach Niebrugge's club gave up some big numbers to the high-flying Maroons on Friday night. The Indians play host to the long-standing NTC Tournament this month.
Special Mention In Alphabetical Order
Century, Christ Our Rock Lutheran, Christopher, Cisne, Cowden-Herrick, Egyptian, Hutsonville-Palestine, New Athens, Odin, St. Elmo, Sesser-Valier, Steeleville, Stewardson-Strasburg, Waltonville and Zeigler-Royalton.

ABV Class 2A Rankings

1. HARRISBURG (16-0)
The Bulldogs won their third consecutive EHT title. Coach Smithpeters has his club playing well. Defensively, this group is superior to last winter's Elite Eight squad.
2. BREESE CENTRAL (11-5)
Came close to winning another Mater Dei Holiday Tournament title. The Cougars are still a threat to reach Peoria. Coach Eagleson's offense will eventually catch up to the “D.”
3. TEUTOPOLIS (12-3)
The Wooden Shoes are now an Independent and are part of the Carbondale Supersectional. Coach Fehrenbacher's club won the Capital Classic and eye the Nashville Invitational title.
4. ROBINSON (14-2)
The Maroons have a slew of wins, including one over Breese Central early. Losses are to Teutopolis and unbeaten Rockville (IN.). Coach Mack Thompson has guard Aaron Siler playing well.
5. NASHVILLE (12-4)
The Hornets are playing Hornet basketball. Guards can shoot, forwards can rebound and all of them can defend. Seeded fifth in their own tournament.
6. BREESE MATER DEI (9-8)
Don't let the record fool you, the Knights are double-tough to match their brutal schedule. Coach Perkes is the fourth seed at a loaded NIT,
7. CARLYLE (8-6)
The Indians also have played some good ones this season and have a win over Central. Coach Palmer will have a good chance to dethrone Pinckneyville at this month's Benton Tournament.
8. ROXANA (11-4)
The Shells, after winning the MEL Thanksgiving event with a win over Gibault, have had some unexpected trouble. Reine must continue to shine if the Shells are going to do some February damage.
9. SPARTA (12-4)
The Bulldogs have played good basketball for Coach Jeff Bowlby so far. Aaron Rushing and Phil Lockhart have put up good numbers for the second place SIRR Mississippi squad.
10. PANA (10-3)
The Panthers, after dropping their first game of the season, have played at a high level. Coach Bowker's team won the Vandalia Holiday Tournament last month.
Special Mention In Alphabetical Order
Casey-Westfield, Chester, Fairfield, Flora, Freeburg, Johnston City, Marshall, Murphysboro, Mount Carmel, Newton, Pinckneyville, Staunton, Trico, Vandalia and Wesclin.