The Indians made an appearance in this #10 spot a few weeks back, but their stay in the rankings was short lived. However after three wins in a row, with two of those coming over Merrillville & EC Central, LC is back with a vengeance. Their next three games (Michigan City, CP & Marquette Catholic) are all against ranked teams, so the Tribe will either shoot up rankings or it’ll either be another short stay in the poll.
#9
MARQUETTE BLAZERS
12-7/5-1
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LAST WEEK: #9
Since the start of 2017, the Blazers only losses have come to Andrean (who you’ll find later in the poll) and two teams from across the Illinois border. Another non-IHSAA opponent is up next for Marquette as they host national powerhouse LaPorte LaLumiere – a loss there won’t drop the Blazers but a win will get them higher than the #9 spot.
#8
LAPORTE SLICERS
14-5/2-3
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LAST WEEK: #8
A three point loss to Valpo is not quite as good as a win, but it’s pretty darn close, considering how good the Vikings are. The Slicers still have their offensive issues, but they’ve won six of eight and their defense is up there with the best in the area. Up next is three straight on the road, including a trip to Merrillville on Friday.
#7
EC CENTRAL CARDINALS
10-8
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LAST WEEK: #5
Is a little bit of consistency too much to ask for? A few weeks back, the Cards looked like one of the best teams in the Region. Now they’ve lost back to back games and only beat five win West Side by single digits. EC holds this spot because of their potential, but we’re running out of patience. It’s time for the Cardinals to put that potential on display for a longer stretch.
#6
ANDREAN 59ERS
14-3/3-1
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LAST WEEK: #7
With a four game stretch that featured Griffith, EC Central, Lowell & Crown Point, the Niners actually impressed by going 2-2 during that time frame. Andrean’s remaining schedule isn’t all that difficult, as they should sweep their remaining five local games, so you’ll excuse us if we’re already looking ahead to the inevitable showdown against Twin Lakes in the sectional. But first, the make up with Lafayette Central Catholic on Monday. Should be a good one.
#5
GRIFFITH PANTHERS
15-3/5-0
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LAST WEEK: #6
The Tuesday night loss to Hammond High was far from ideal, but at least it was an improvement over the last time the Panthers hosted the Wildcats. Griffith’s been in an offensive slump the last few weeks as well – after averaging over 65 points a game through their first 11 contests, they’ve only averaged 57 per outing in their last seven. Time to start putting the ball in the hole.
#4
MERRILLVILLE PIRATES
13-6/2-3
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LAST WEEK: #4
How close are the Pirates to being 19-0? Each of their six losses have been by single digits with their largest loss came against Hamilton Southeastern by eight. So while six losses and a losing DAC mark aren’t exactly what we thought we’d see out of Merrillville, this is a team that’s better than their record. TJ’s team will be ready come sectional time.
#3
MICHIGAN CITY WOLVES
16-6/2-3
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LAST WEEK: #3
Good thing for the Wolves that pretty much everyone else below them in the rankings also lost this week, otherwise they’d be dropping after a 43 point outing against Chesterton. Unlike other teams who have a handful of games remaining, MC only has two more outings before the tournament and neither will be easy as they travel to both Lake Central and Merrillville to close out the regular season.
#2
CROWN POINT BULLDOGS
16-3/4-1
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LAST WEEK: #2
Give credit to the ‘Dogs for not overlooking Andrean on Tuesday night with the big showdown against Valpo coming up on Friday. CP hasn’t beaten Valpo in the regular season since 2012 – but the key words there are regular season as the ‘Dogs have won the last two post-season meetings. Of course they want a win on Friday, but if the loss means a continuation of the “lose regular season/win sectional meeting” trend, the Bulldogs will be fine with that.
#1
VALPARAISO VIKINGS
18-2/5-0
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LAST WEEK: #1
Not only would a win over Crown Point on Friday secure the DAC title for Valparaiso, it would also be the first time they won 19 games in the regular season since the 2006-07 campaign. Remember that team? Martin & Hummel! While the Vikes are still on a dominant stretch, having won eight in a row, the games are getting a bit tighter as three of their last four wins have come by single digits. Can’t wait for Friday!
