BOYS BASKETBALL: RSN Top 10 for Week of 1/23/17

#10.
MARQUETTE BLAZERS
10-5/4-1

 

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LAST WEEK: NR

 

After a slow end to 2016, the Blazers have been on fire in 2017, winning six of seven since the changing of the calendar. Not only is Marquette winning as of late – they’re winning big with an average margin of victory just shy of 20 points during this streak. The defeat of Wheeler showed that by the time the GSSC race is all said and done, the Blazers will have their say.

 

#9
LOWELL RED DEVILS
12-4/3-1

 

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LAST WEEK: #7

 

The Red Devils won their only outing since last week’s rankings – a 32 point dismantling of KV – but they’re victims of other movement in the poll, so they fall two spots. Despite the drop, Lowell’s been playing well the last month or so, winning 10 of 11. They’ll need to continue that stellar play because the final seven games of the season are as tough as it gets locally. This week they win and move down, next week they could lose and move up. That’s how it goes.

 

#8
GRIFFITH PANTHERS
13-2/3-0

 

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LAST WEEK: #5

 

Even though the Panthers have dropped two of three, it’s not time to panic in G-Town…yet. With the Lowell game being their only signature victory over another quality club wouThey’ll have their chance this Thursday to prove they can beat the contenders when they travel to 5959 Broadway in a game that could very well decide the NCC championship. The question is, which Panthers will be in the Strack & Van Til Starting Lineup for this one? We’re hearing things.

 

#7
EC CENTRAL CARDINALS
9-6

 

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LAST WEEK: NR

 

Don’t let the record fool you – this is a darn good team that’s coming into their own as of late. Now all we need to see if the Cardinals put it together for an entire game on a consistent basis. Fourth quarter comeback wins over Griffith and Bowman are nice and show resiliency, but if this team learns to put together a full 32 minutes….watch out.

 

#6
LAPORTE SLICERS
12-3/2-1

 

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LAST WEEK: #8

 

Scoring their biggest victory of the season, the Slicers upset Michigan City on the road to move two spots in the rankings. And while folks in the Maple City have to be feeling good with that win and a gaudy 12-3 record, it might get rocky soon. Three of their next five games feature showdowns with Crown Point, Valpo and Merrillville. Buckle up.

 

#5
ANDREAN 59ERS
11-1/2-0

 

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LAST WEEK: #6

 

The road win over Chesterton last Wednesday was impressive, but a narrow victory at Highland keeps the Niners from rising too high in the rankings. Andrean is a fourth quarter collapse against Merrillville away from being undefeated, so they have credentials and can only strengthen them in the weeks ahead. Their next four games are against Griffith, EC Central, Lowell and Crown Point.

 

#4
MICHIGAN CITY WOLVES
13-5/1-2

 

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LAST WEEK: #4

 

The upset loss at the hands of LaPorte puts the Wolves in a really tough spot to contend for the DAC title, since they now trail Valpo by two games, but it doesn’t do much to diminish how good this team is. Their five losses have all come against teams either in the Top 10 or would be if they were in the Region. With a winnable schedule the rest of the way, City has a chance to build up momentum heading into the tournament.

 

#3
MERRILLVILLE PIRATES
12-4/2-1

 

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LAST WEEK: #3

Two games isn’t enough to be considered a trend, but the Pirates offense hasn’t been the same their last two times out, scoring 55 against Portage and 59 against FW Carroll – their lowest outputs of the year (both wins). Whatever offensive rhythm has been missing needs to come back soon – their next six games feature a tough stretch of Valpo, Lowell, LC, LaPorte, Warsaw & Michigan City. Batton down the hatches.

 

#2
VALPARAISO VIKINGS
14-2/3-0

 

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LAST WEEK: #1

The Vikings are the rare team that falls from the perch of the top spot despite not suffering a loss – its more about what the new #1 did than what the Vikings didn’t. Valpo’s “D” remains tenacious, holding Lake Central to 28 points and then SB Washington to 44 the next night. While Gang Green may not be happy about falling to #2, they’re still in the driver’s seat in the DAC and that’s more important.

 

#1
CROWN POINT BULLDOGS
13-2/2-1

 

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LAST WEEK: #2

Not only have the Bulldogs won four in a row, those wins have come over Merrillville, Griffith, Chesterton & defending Regional champion Warsaw. Needless to say, the ‘Dogs are on a roll. While that was a tough stretch, it doesn’t get much easier coming up with LaPorte, Warren Central, Andrean & Valpo looming. Gettin’ here’s one thing. Stayin’ here’s another.