ABV RANKINGS - JANUARY 23, 2012
The Tournament champs of the Mid-winter tourneys have proved a point and are the collective ones to beat heading into the final stretch drive of the regular season.
As ABV has mentioned in the past, the weekly rankings are based on “who's hot” and “who's not” so the deck gets re-shuffled each week. ABV still believes that the preseason and current the top ones will make it to Carver Arena in March.
Editor's Note: A Snafu occured this week with Chester being placed in the Top Ten of 1A when in fact they are really 2A. So ABV adjusted the rankings slightly on Wednesday.
Carbondale Supersectional Area "Top Ten" Class 1A Rankings
1. MERIDIAN (16-2)
Outlasted a tough Egyptian team to cop the SEC Tournament title last week. The Bobcats should get tested @ Goreville this Tuesday.
2. WOODLAWN (17-2)
Romped to yet another MTC tournament, a.k.a. the Woodlawn Invitational, championship. The Cardinals hit the road for three straight games, including @ Sesser-Valier.
3. EGYPTIAN (15-4)
ABV questions the lack of Pharaoh respect state-wide. Their only losses are to Meridian (2), Trico and Herrin. Another shot at Meridian in the postseason is possible.
4. ST. ELMO (14-3)
With a win over Altamont in the first round of the NTC Tournament, the Eagles will get a severe test with a semifinal game with Teutopolis. Still one of the regional favorites.
5. CRAB ORCHARD (19-1)
Topped conference rival Gallatin County last Friday on the road. Coach Brown's club still has some exams to pass. Meridian at the SEC/GEC Shootout will be a big test.
6. GOREVILLE (12-5)
Playing in the Superman classic against some serious “kryptonite” helped the Blackcats this past week. They can now focus at making a move toward a BDC crown.
8. SESSER-VALIER (14-7)
Going 1-4 at the Benton Invitational will help this club be stronger in the postseason. Must win road games @ Trico, Goreville and improved Chester to nab BDC title.
9. HUTSONVILLE-PALESTINE (17-4)
These Tigers have quietly put together an outstanding season. Coach Travis Titsworth will get a stern test this week at the Little Illini Conference Tournament.
10. CAIRO (6-10)
The Pilots are a lot better than their record with wins over Crab Orchard and Du Quoin twice. Coach Baldwin's club will be a tough one to get past in the regionals.
HONORABLE MENTION (IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER)
Altamont, Cairo, Carrier Mills, Christopher, Cisne, Cowden-Herrick, Dieterich, Dongola, Gallatin County, Hardin County, Oblong, North Clay, Sandoval, South Central and Wayne City.
Carbondale Supersectional Area "Top Ten" Class 2A Rankings
1. BREESE CENTRAL (20-1)
Clearly the top club after another impressive showing at the Nashville Invitational Tournament. Back to work in the Cahokia Conference.
2. OLNEY EAST RICHLAND (20-2)
Survived a scare from Harrisburg in the CWCIT last Saturday night. Coach Flanagan's team will need to rest up and then focus on a postseason run to SIU Arena.
3. FLORA (19-2)
Coach Leib's team heads to Red Hill this week to defend their LIC Tournament title. Knapp and Painter continue to impress.
4. MARQUETTE CATHOLIC (20-1)
Picked up a huge win over Pana in the title game at the Litchfield Invitational. Coach Medford's Explorers are on a mission to get a crack at Central in the sectional.
5. HARRISBURG (18-4)
Rallied to nearly nail Olney at the wire of the Carmi Tournament title game. The Bulldogs have improved defensively as they continue to grow. Big conference games loom.
6. BREESE MATER DEI (15-4)
Slowing it down didn't work well against Breese Central in the NIT finale. Coach Perkes could see the Cougars twice more, one regular and one postseason.
7. NEWTON (15-3)
Picked up a win at always tough Effingham St. Anthony last week. One of the few schools who didn't play a Mid-Winter event, the Eagles should be rested for a big push.
8. PANA (15-2)
Fell just short in a bid to defend its Litchfield title dropping a close decision to Marquette Catholic. Coach Bowker's club will host a tough regional.
9. PINCKNEYVILLE (17-4)
Just another week at the BIT, the Panthers went 5-0 this past week (40-straight BIT wins). Should focus on winning the SIRR Misssissippi and a top seed at their own regional.
10. CARLYLE (12-5)
Great week @ BIT going 4-1 with a lone loss to Pinckneyville. Coach Palmer's club won't have to deal with Clinton Co. teams in the postseason unless they reach the sectional.
HONORABLE MENTION (IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER)
Anna-Jonesboro, Benton, Chester, Columbia, Du Quoin, Fairfield, Massac County, Murphysboro, North Mac, Pinckneyville, Pittsfield, Red Bud, Roxana, Trico, Vandalia and Wesclin.