WNC girls basketball power rankings, Week 9: Pisgah moves up 4 spots
Since the Citizen Times' New Year's rankings, WNC girls basketball has stayed steady.
The top three teams all remained in place, and only one new entrant makes this week's rankings.
Here are the WNC girls basketball power rankings for Week 9 of the 2023-24 season.
1. Reynolds (9-1)
The Rockets have sailed in the opening two games of conference play, beating Mountain Athletic Conference teams by an average of 41 points. A 31-point defeat of North Buncombe adds to an already strong resume.
Previous: No. 1.
2. Mountain Heritage (10-2)
Winners of six straight, Mountain Heritage is playing like one of the best teams in Class 1A. The Cougars have a list of strong wins – Rosman, West Henderson and two victories against Pisgah – while both their losses came against Watauga.
Previous: No. 2.
3. Cherokee (11-1)
The Braves are scoring 41.5 points per game more than their opponents through 12 competitions. Cherokee and Mountain Heritage may find themselves vying for a state championship appearance at this rate.
Previous: No. 3.
4. McDowell (10-2)
The Titans’ well-rounded offense is humming. Seven players average five points per game or more, led by junior guard Kensley Stewart’s 11.7 point per game.
Previous: No. 5.
5. North Buncombe (9-2)
The Black Hawks’ only loss over their last nine games came against Reynolds. They’ve also avenged their other loss, an early season road defeat to Smoky Mountain.
Previous: No. 4.
6. Pisgah (9-4)
The Bears are putting things together at the right time, winning four straight and starting 2-0 in conference play. Senior guard Dot Mills continues to be the motor for Pisgah, averaging 13.4 points, 7.7 rebounds, 5.6 assists and 4.1 steals – all team bests.
Previous: No. 10.
7. Rosman (10-3)
Rosman would be conference favorites if it didn’t have to face Mountain Heritage twice this season. Its guards, senior Alissa Cheek and junior Lexi Powell, are averaging 18 and 17.1 points per game, respectively.
Previous: No. 6.
PLAYERS TO WATCH: 20 WNC girls basketball players to watch during the 2023-24 season
8. Asheville School (9-3)
With junior guard Ryann Hernandez leading the charge, Asheville School is off to a 1-0 start in conference play. Of its last two losses, one was by a point to Freedom while the other was an overtime defeat by Hibriten.
Previous: No. 8.
9. West Henderson (9-4)
The Falcons are 2-4 in their last six games, in part due to their tough schedule.
Previous: No. 7
10. Hayesville (10-4)
Over its four-game winning streak, Hayesville has avenged losses to Hiwassee Dam and Franklin while edging out Robbinsville, 48-47, in overtime. The Yellowjackets’ young roster has a chance to build momentum in Smoky Mountain Conference play.
Previous: Not ranked.
This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: WNC girls basketball power rankings, Week 9: Pisgah moves up 4 spots
