Albertus Magnus drops a girls basketball game, but doesn't drop in the rankings

With a few weeks left in the regular girls basketball season, surprises continue to occur.

Last week's loss by John Jay-East Fishkill to struggling Dutchess rival Arlington is but the latest. That, as might be expected, has hurt JJ-EF in this week's rankings. But the Patriots' overall performance keeps them in the top 10.

Below is a full list of who else made the top-10 list and which teams are on the cusp of doing so.

Note: Records are through Jan. 21.

10. Tappan Zee (6-6) — TZ is one of those better-than-its record teams with five losses vs. ranked opponents and one against a strong, non-Section 1 squad. This week if faces two more ranked squads in 10-win, big-school Ketcham and 12-win Ardsley. Playing a strong schedule is laudable and will no doubt help the Dutchmen in the postseason. But they'll have to start winning more soon to remain ranked, especially with teams like Irvington only a hair out of the top 10 and playing well. Previously: T10.

9. John Jay-East Fishkill (9-4) — The Patriots stumble a bit in the rankings after dropping two games last week, one a surprise setback to Arlington, which entered the game with just two wins. John Jay-EF will be favored in its two games this week but it would be a mistake for it to take either New Rochelle or North Rockland for granted. Previously: 7.

8. White Plains (11-5) — It wasn't always pretty (a huge first-quarter lead blown, for instance), but the Tigers showed resiliency in their win over Ossining, which was their sixth straight and second last week. They have one game this week and should win. Previously: 9.

7. Ardsley (12-1) — The Panthers picked up two victories last week, including a nice 14-point win over nine-win Pelham. Ardsley will face Pelham again Saturday. But beforehand, it will take the court against Lakeland and Tappan Zee. Those will not be automatic "Ws" and the Panthers will have to be on in both games, particularly against TZ. Previously: 8.

6. Pearl River (8-3) — After beating two teams with winning records last week, the Pirates should win all three of their games this week, despite the fact all these teams are also above .500. Previously: 6.

5. Harrison (8-4) — The Huskies rebounded from their loss to Ursuline with two wins. They have two more games this week and should win those as they prepare for next Monday's game against the best of the best locally, Albertus Magnus. Previously: 5.

4. Panas (11-2) — After coasting to easy wins in two games last week, the Panthers have three games this week that should also be wins. But these aren't give-mes. Arlington's 3-8 record isn't impressive but its upset last week of John Jay-East Fishkill was. And in playing Scarsdale and Hen Hud, Panas will face teams with winning records. Previously: 4.

3. Ursuline (10-1) — The Koalas will be busy with three games this week. Playing very good basketball, they've received contributions from multiple sources. A sweep seems likely. Previously: 3.

2. Ketcham (10-1) — The Storm's only loss to date was to a squad from Kentucky. Ketcham has two games this week and both should be wins. Previously: 2

1. Albertus Magnus (11-1) — The Falcons dropped their first game of the season, falling by two points in overtime to Xaverian early last week. Magnus subsequently had two games in Pennsylvania against strong opponents snowed out over the weekend. Continuing to play non-Section 1 teams to better itself, it'll be back in action, visiting Christ the King Saturday. Previously: 1

Last week's rankings: Ursuline moves up in the rankings, others don't

On the bubble: Hen Hud (9-3), Irvington (13-2), Pelham (9-3).

Nancy Haggerty covers cross-country, track & field, field hockey, skiing, ice hockey, basketball, girls lacrosse and other sporting events for The Journal News/lohud. Follow her on Twitter at @HaggertyNancy.

This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: lohud girls high school basketball rankings: OT loss doesn't hurt Magnus