The News-Gazette's girls' basketball Top 10: Watseka jumps to No. 1

Dec. 14—A few area teams have started to separate themselves from the pack as Sports Editor Matt Daniels unveils this week's rankings, with a new team in the top spot:

1. Watseka (11-1)

Previous ranking:

* No. 2

What's working: A five-point loss at Peotone is the only setback for coach Barry Baue

* r's team, which has won nine of its games by double digits.

2. Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley (7-1)

Previous ranking:

* No. 1

What's working: Coach Ross Harden's Falcons responded from home loss to Tremont by cruising past rival Fisher on Monday. Tough test awaits tonight at El Paso-Gridley.

3. Tuscola (8-1)

Previous ranking:

* No. 4

What's working: Coach Tim Kohlbecker

* 's Warriors carry a four-game win streak into tonight's home game with Windsor/Stewardson-Strasburg.

4. Cissna Park (8-2)

Previous ranking:

* No. 7

What's working: Coach Anthony Videka

* 's Timberwolves haven't lost since Nov. 18, winning six straight before tonight's trip to Westville.

5. LeRoy (9-3)

Previous ranking:

* No. 5

What's working: Panthers had four-game win streak snapped Monday against Deer Creek-Mackinaw. Coach Chris Houser

* 's team returns Saturday at the Meridian Holiday Express Tournament.

6. Arcola (6-3)

Previous ranking:

* No. 9

What's working: An impressive 56-40 home win against Tri-County should have coach Corey Roberts' Purple Riders feeling confident before tonight's game at Heritage.

7. Tri-County (8-3)

Previous ranking:

* No. 3

What's working: Josie Armstrong is the latest senior standout for coach Joe Morrisey'

* s Titans, who lost their second straight game on Wednesday night at Paris.

8. Salt Fork (7-3)

Previous ranking:

* Not ranked

What's working: Storm is hitting its stride, with coach Brian Russell

* 's roster having won four straight by an average of 34 points before tonight's home game with Milford.

9. Bismarck-Henning/Rossville-Alvin (7-2)

Previous ranking:

* No. 6

What's working: Coach Hannah Cronk

* 's Blue Devils saw six-game win streak end at Cissna Park on Monday. Will try to regroup tonight at St. Joseph-Ogden.

10. Cerro Gordo/Bement (8-2)

Previous ranking:

* Not ranked

What's working: Many who helped Broncos' volleyball team reach Sweet 16 in Class 1A are doing the same on basketball court, with coach Andy Buhr's team on seven-game win streak before tonight's game at Cumberland.