ABV RANKINGS - JANUARY 1, 2011
There is a change in the rankings that fans will notice immediately. Windsor was shifted North for the postseason and isn't ranked here in 1A. If the Blue Devils had stayed in the Altamont Sectional area they would have been ranked very high. The teams listed here have proved they belong. As ABV has done in the past - the weekly rankings is based on "Who's Hot, and Who's Not." The asterisk * denotes teams ABV has seen in person. Enjoy!
Salem Supersectional Area "Top Ten" Class 1A Rankings
1. TRICO (11-0) *
Winners of the Carbondale Holiday Tournament must be respected here. Deep talented team that will get one of its leaders back this week. The Pioneers are the team to beat in 2011.
2. WOODLAWN (10-2) *
Ripped through the S-VHT field like Sherman through Atlanta - the Cards are on track for another 20-win season. They are the favorites to reach the Salem Super from the North.
3. MERIDIAN (14-3) *
Not as deep as last season's 29-win club but athletic enough to cause problems. Coach Mandrell is underrated in getting his kids ready. Regional foes will be tough.
4. NEOGA (9-4)
The Indians won the Monticello Holiday Tournament and should be a factor in the National Trail race. Coach Hanson gets his club prepared each night.
5. OKAWVILLE (8-6) *
Forget the won-loss record for this group. The Rockets have been in with some tough hombres this season. A young backcourt that will continue to get better.
6. GOREVILLE (8-4) *
The Blackcats were shown by Woodlawn that there is a lot of work to be done between now and February. They have talented kids that need to get better in a hurry.
7. STEELEVILLE (7-5) *
The Warriors strength of schedule has paid off. This club might surprise some teams in the postseason. Veteran group must grasp the urgency of the next two months.
8. WAYNE CITY (10-0) *
Undefeated Indians have two tournament titles but have yet to face a true test. Woodlawn and Okawville are on the upcoming schedule. Coach Gerlach has done a fantastic job here.
9. SESSER-VALIER (9-2) *
The Red Devils took home third place in their tournament and are playing their best basketball right now. The new group has stepped up after watching a state run last season.
10. CARRIER MILLS (9-4)
These Wildcats took some lumps at the Eldorado Holiday Tournament but in the long run they will be a postseason factor. Coach Motsinger keeps producing winning teams.
HONORABLE MENTION (IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER)
Altamont, Beecher City, Cairo, Chester *, Crab Orchard *, Dieterich, Egyptian *, Galatia *, Gallatin County *, Johnston City *, Joppa, New Athens *, North Clay, Oblong, Red Hill.
West Frankfort Supersectional Area "Top Ten" Class 2A Rankings
1. MURPHYSBORO (13-0) *
Coach Daryl Murphy's squad has beat some good teams in this run. Winners of the Freeburg/Columbia Holiday Tournament will tackle a tough SIRR slate.
2. BREESE CENTRAL (11-2) *
Central lost to a good Mater Dei team on the Knights home floor in the MDHT final. Coach Stan Eagleson - more than any other current coach - knows the way to Peoria.
3. DU QUOIN (9-1) *
Talented Tribe stubbed their toe in a game against Olney at Pinckneyville. This club has a talented backcourt and some really good athletes up front. A postseason factor.
4. HARRISBURG (13-1) *
With a mix of young and old the Bulldogs won the Eldorado Holiday Tournament title with a thrilling win over Massac County. Biggest threat to Murphysboro in the Ohio Division.
5. PINCKNEYVILLE (8-4) *
The Panthers' offense finally caught up with its defense in a 4-0 run at the Duster Thomas. Coach Waggoner's team will defend and rebound and get better as the season rolls on.
6. MASSAC COUNTY (9-6) *
The Pats were a few missed free throws away from the EHT crown. Coach Hosman (600-wins) has an athletic group that will be tough to deal with the rest of the season.
7. WESCLIN (10-3) *
The Warriors have five veteran starters that finally put things together at the Vandalia Holiday Tournament. A need to stay focused the rest of the season is most important.
8. NASHVILLE (12-2)
Although they lack overall size -the Hornets have the shooters chance every night. Coach Weathers' team will “weather” a lot of storms this winter.
9. HERRIN (4-9) *
Pay no mind to the won-loss mark – the Tigers have enough athletes to make things interesting in the Ohio Division. Coach Lukens has kept this ship sailing through tough waters.
10. GIBAULT CATHOLIC (7-3)
The Hawks have been in with some good ones and are playing well. Coach Dennis Rueter's club shouldn't be ignored. A definate factor the rest of the way.
HONORABLE MENTION (IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER)
Anna-Jonesboro *, Benton *, Carmi-White County *, Carlyle, Carterville, Columbia, Fairfield *, Greenville, Marquette Catholic, Litchfield, Pana, Roxana, Sparta *, Staunton and Vandalia.