Courier & Press high school girls basketball power rankings entering the postseason
EVANSVILLE — Another high school basketball regular season has come to a close.
It's always startling how quickly those three months go. It may not feel like it during the random mid-week game or occasional running clock, but it does. Reaching this point means something better: Hoosier Hysteria.
There will be plenty to discuss as the girls basketball state tournament begins this week. First, let's take a look at the final edition of the Courier & Press power rankings. It wouldn't surprise me if a few teams in Southwestern Indiana compete for a state championship.
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1. North Knox (23-1)
The Warriors have been in the top spot since midseason. What reason would you have for moving them? Zero losses since Nov. 27 and another Blue Chip Conference championship. And to think the core of this group returns next season too.
2. South Knox (22-1)
I came away impressed by the Spartans in the Niehaus Lumber Classic championship. More specifically, junior Ella Bobe. South Knox may not have the same depth as their rival but will have the top player in the sectional field. It wouldn't be a shock if the Spartans avenge their only loss.
3. Memorial (20-3)
The Tigers responded well down the stretch with nine straight victories to close the season. Two stood out in particular, Central and Castle, to earn the Southern Indiana Athletic Conference championship. Avery Kelley and Sophie Johnson are obviously vital but keep an eye on freshman Rylee Canaan (four double-figure outings in the last five games) this week.
4. Gibson Southern (19-4)
The Titans are who everyone thought they'd be. A strong backcourt between Gabby Spink and Chloey Graham partnered with enough role players to win a lot of games. The victory over Washington on Jan. 13, which effectively won the Pocket Athletic Conference, was their best following the holidays.
5. Washington (19-4)
Putting the Hatchets here is slightly unfair considering they've lost once since Nov. 11. It was to Gibson Southern though and we're honestly splitting hairs with most of the top teams. Washington has probably exceeded expectations this winter. Make no mistake though, the future is strong for the Hatchets.
6. Princeton (19-4)
The win at Central last week was enough to solidify the Tigers' spot. I like the depth of the lineup and their style will give opponents trouble. Princeton seems to be forgotten in the PAC compared to rival Gibson Southern and Washington. Remember, the Tigers are the defending sectional champions.
7. Central (18-5)
The Bears have a lot of positives including a strong post player (Maddy Shirley), capable shooters and good team defense. They were just missing a strong victory in the second half of the season to push up the power rankings. Goes to show how tough the best teams have been if Central is seventh.
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8. Castle (12-8)
The Knights are top four or five on this list at their best. Some of that can depend on shooting, but good luck to anybody if they're firing. A strong January, that included an overtime win against defending state champion Bedford North Lawrence, should have the Knights feeling confident.
9. Heritage Hills (17-5)
A tough team to crack. The Patriots aren't flashy nor do one thing great. They win a lot though. Heritage Hills should make Sectional 31 that much more competitive this week. Quite possibly the deepest field with the argument of Sectional 16 in Class 4A.
10. Reitz (14-5)
The Panthers are a tough out when the defense is forcing turnovers and/or wings are making shots. They did lack a true top-tier victory but wasn't for lack of effort with close losses to Castle, Princeton and Heritage Hills. Still one of the better seasons in a long time.
Honorable mention: Jasper (17-7), North (13-10), Tecumseh (14-10), Southridge (12-10)
This article originally appeared on Evansville Courier & Press: IHSAA girls basketball Evansville power rankings postseason
