ABV RANKINGS - 01-14-13

After a week away from the sport that I love due to the passing of my father, it is back to work with the rankings and a slew of Mid-Winter Tournaments. I want to thank everyone for their prayers and thoughts. It will be a tough few weeks but I have the best sport to cover to keep me occupied. Jack
ABV Class 1A Rankings
1. WATERLOO GIBAULT (14-3)
Losing to 3A Althoff is not enough to drop them a spot. Coach Rueter's Hawk will earn their wings as the top seed at the Nashville Invitational Tournament this week.
2. WOODLAWN (13-2)
The Cardinals added a pair of wins this past week, including a road win over 3A Herrin on Saturday. Coach Witzel's flock will be heavy favorites to win another Midland Trail Conference Tournament.
3. OBLONG (13-6)
The Panthers will need a big effort next week to make a dent in a tough Little Illini Conference Tournament. They still look like Woodlawn's biggest hurdle in the Altamont Sectional.
4. GALLATIN COUNTY (14-2)
The Hawks shouldn't lose a GEC game the rest of the way and will be big favorites to reach a third straight sectional. Drone is smashing school records with each outing.
5. GOREVILLE (11-3)
The Blackcats will face some bigger schools this week at the West Frankfort Mid-Winter Classic. Coach Tripp's team must continue to focus on getting to March.
6. MERIDIAN (16-3)
The Bobcats topped Madison on Saturday night in the annual MLK Shootout. Coach Mandrell's club just keeps winning. A rematch tonight with the Trojans @ Massac is on the docket.
7. MADISON (9-6)
With the schedule that the Trojans play, if they can stay a few games above .500, they will be a major threat to reach Peoria through the Jacksonville Super. Keeping the faith against tough teams is a key.
8. OKAWVILLE (11-4)
Rebounded with wins at Waltonville and Wesclin last week after losing their top scorer to injury. Coach Kraus' club gets five games in six days this week at the BIT.
9. NEW ATHENS (12-6)
Coach Marc Dewort's Yellow Jackets won the Chester Invitational Tournament and are in first place in the Cahokia Conference Kaskaskia Division. They are shaping into a postseason threat.
10. DIETERICH (11-6)
The Maroons picked up a conference win over South Central last week and are rated the team to beat at what appears to be a wide-open NTC Tourney.
Special Mention In Alphabetical Order
Altamont, Christ Our Rock Lutheran, Christopher, Cisne, Cowden-Herrick, Egyptian, Hutsonville-Palestine, Odin, Patoka, St. Elmo, Sesser-Valier, Steeleville, Stewardson-Strasburg, Waltonville and Zeigler-Royalton.
ABV Class 2A Rankings
1. HARRISBURG (16-1)
The Bulldogs finally tasted defeat at the hands of a powerhouse Tennessee team. They might get some competition from unbeaten Mt. Vernon (IN.) this week at the CWCIT.
2. BREESE CENTRAL (12-5)
The Cougars are looking at defending their NIT title this week but they will earn it against a loaded eight-team field. Coach Eagleson's team is also tied for first place in the Cahokia.
3. TEUTOPOLIS (14-3)
Southern Illinois fans can get a look at the Wooden Shoes this week at the NIT. Coach Fehrenbacher's club struggled a bit early in the season but look like a major postseason threat now.
4. ROBINSON (16-2)
Coach Thompson's troops are heavy favorites in next week's LIC tournament. The Maroons are a solid club that should have postseason aspirations, although they will have a lot of miles to log.
5. NASHVILLE (14-4)
Coach Weathers' team heads into the NIT on a roll after wins last week over Murphysboro and Du Quoin. The Hornets are in the drivers' seat in the SIRR Mississippi.
6. BREESE MATER DEI (10-8)
How tough is the NIT? The Knights are seeded fifth. Mater Dei annually faces a tough independent circuit of games and this week they will be a factor.
7. CARLYLE (8-6)
The Indians and Coach Palmer have yet to hit their best stride. They can get that won-loss mark shined up a bit this week at the BIT.
8. ROXANA (13-4)
The Shells topped a pretty good Staunton team last week and are unbeaten and in first place in the South Central Conference. They are the top seed at the Litchfield Tournament.
9. PANA (12-4)
A pair of wins sandwiched around a loss to 3A Taylorville summed up last week for the Panthers. They could get a rematch with Roxana this Saturday at Litchfield.
10. PINCKNEYVILLE (11-7)
The Panthers picked up a key win over Sparta last week. They get to defend their BIT title this week, a tournament that they have dominated for the last eight years.
Special Mention In Alphabetical Order
Casey-Westfield, Chester, Fairfield, Flora, Freeburg, Johnston City, Marshall, Murphysboro, Mount Carmel, Newton, Sparta, Staunton, Trico, Vandalia and Wesclin.