Power 5 weekly rankings: Top teams face busy week ahead
The top-ranked teams in the Herald’s Power 5 high school basketball rankings had relatively easy weeks, thanks to the winter storm that altered the schedule.
Lancaster, which has been atop the boys’ rankings since early January, did not play last week and remains No. 1.
Unbeaten South Pointe, the girls’ pacesetter, edged A.C. Flora on Saturday in its only game.
Each team will be considerably busier during the coming week.
Here is this week’s Power 5.
Boys
1. LANCASTER (14-1)
Last week: No. 1
Last week’s results: did not play
The Bruins’ stamina will face a test over the next 14 days, as Lancaster has a pair of three-game weeks ahead.
This week: Richland Northeast (Tuesday); at A.C. Flora (Friday); Dreher (Saturday)
2. FORT MILL (18-2)
Last week: No. 2
Last week’s results: beat Nation Ford 51-36; beat Catawba Ridge 51-34
The Yellow Jackets are in a comfortable position heading down the stretch. They play five of their last six games at home, including the big contest with No. 3 Indian Land.
This week: Clover (Tuesday); at Rock Hill (Friday)
3. INDIAN LAND (17-2)
Last week: No. 3
Last week’s results: did not play
The Warriors have a pair of big games coming up next month — Feb. 7 at home against Clover and Feb. 11 at Fort Mill. They’ll need to avoid any stumbles before then.
This week: Northwestern (Wednesday); Nation Ford (Friday)
4. SOUTH POINTE (12-6)
Last week: 4
Last week’s results: lost to A.C. Flora 55-51
The Stallions have hit a bit of a bumpy patch offensively. They’ve averaged only 52.6 points in their last three games, two of which were losses.
This week: at Richland Northeast (Wednesday); at Camden (Friday).
5. ANDREW JACKSON (11-5)
Last week: No. 5
Last week’s results: beat Trinity Collegiate 62-59; beat Cheraw 67-51
The Volunteers have won nine in a row. They shot 50% on their 3-point attempts Saturday against Cheraw.
This week: Chesterfield (Tuesday); at York Prep (Friday)
On the edge: Nation Ford (9-11); Lake Pointe Academy (13-3)
Girls
1. SOUTH POINTE (19-0)
Last week: No. 1
Last week’s results: beat A.C. Flora 60-55
JaNyia Cunningham had a huge game Saturday afternoon against A.C. Flora, with 22 points and 18 rebounds. She gives the Stallions an inside presence to complement their guards.
This week: at Richland Northeast (Wednesday); at Camden (Friday); River Bluff (Saturday)
2. ANDREW JACKSON (17-3)
Last week: No. 2
Last week’s results: beat Cheraw 101-32.
Saturday’s rout of second-place Cheraw was a statement victory. The Volunteers will be heavy favorites for the rest of the regular season. Tamia Watkins had 37 points, 13 rebounds, and shot 18-of-23 from the floor against Cheraw.
This week: Chesterfield (Tuesday); at York Prep (Friday)
3. CLOVER (17-2)
Last week: No. 3
Last week’s results: beat Catawba Ridge 63-23; beat Rock Hill 52-42
The Blue Eagles have an 11-game winning streak. As is the case with Andrew Jackson, Clover will be a big favorite in its remaining region games.
This week: at Fort Mill (Tuesday); Northwestern (Friday); Greenwood (Saturday)
4. LEGION COLLEGIATE (18-8)
Last week: No. 4
Last week’s results: played Sunday evening against Legacy Early College
The Lancers are peaking late in the season, but they have several difficult games ahead on the schedule, including Wednesday against 1 of 1 Academy out of Indian Trail.
This week: 1 of 1 Academy (Wednesday); at Rabun Gap School (Friday).
5. FORT MILL (12-7)
Last week: Unranked
Last week’s results: beat Nation Ford 45-44; beat Catawba Ridge 60-27
The Yellow Jackets’ two games this week will give fans a strong indication of how far Fort Mill might get in the 5A playoffs this season.
This week: Clover (Tuesday); at Rock Hill (Friday)
On the edge: Rock Hill (13-6)