Power 5 rankings: What could go wrong for Rock Hill area’s top prep basketball teams?
The Rock Hill area has been blessed with some excellent high school basketball teams, and they’ll begin play Monday night in the S.C. High School League playoffs.
But while we honor the top teams in The Herald’s weekly Power 5 rankings, this might be a good time to look at the possible flaws that could derail these squads in postseason play.
Boys
1. LANCASTER (20-1)
Last week’s ranking: 1.
Last week’s results: beat Camden 83-55; beat York 77-56
The Bruins have been ranked No. 1 all season, and they’re the Upper State’s No. 1 seed in the 4A playoffs. But have not been forced to win games with 3-point shooting this season. What happens if an opponent shuts down Lancaster’s mid-range and inside shooting?
This week: Emerald (Monday), in first round of 4A playoffs.
2. FORT MILL (24-2)
Last week’s ranking: 2.
Last week’s results: beat Indian Land 52-44; beat Nation Ford 68-41.
The Yellow Jackets have no apparent flaws. They have a balanced attack and don’t make many mistakes. Down the stretch, freshman Jermier Nelson has taken on a bigger role for the team. How will a freshman hold up during the playoff pressure?
This week: Woodruff or Nation Ford (Friday), in second round of 5A/Division 2 playoffs.
3. INDIAN LAND (23-3)
Last week’s ranking: 3.
Last week’s results: lost to Fort Mill 52-44; beat Northwestern 54-39.
There was a familiar theme in the Warriors’ two losses to Fort Mill and their setback against Cross Creek — they were outrebounded. What if that problems surfaces again?
This week: Northwestern or Easley (Friday), in second round of 5A/Division 2 playoffs.
4. SOUTH POINTE (16-8)
Last week’s ranking: 4.
Last week’s results: lost to Dreher 35-34; beat Richland Northeast 75-49.
The Stallions have looked spectacular in many games, but their offense has sputtered occasionally this season. There’s little or no room for that in postseason.
This week: Seneca (Monday), in first round of 4A playoffs.
5. ANDREW JACKSON (17-5)
Last week’s ranking: 5.
Last week’s results: beat Pageland Central 61-59; beat Cheraw 79-44.
The Volunteers are red-hot, winning 15 in a row. But Region 4 2A didn’t appear to be particularly strong this season. How will the Vols fare as the playoff competition toughens?
This week: Whale Branch (Tuesday), in first round of 2A playoffs.
In contention: Clover (17-9); Northwestern (6-16)
Girls
1. SOUTH POINTE (26-0)
Last week’s ranking: 1.
Last week’s results: beat Dreher 95-15; beat Richland Northeast (78-22).
Really ... Can anyone stop the Stallions? Their shooting has been less than spectacular at times this season, but the team has so many strengths that it’s hard to notice any shortcomings.
This week: Bluffton (Tuesday), in first round of 4A playoffs.
2. ANDREW JACKSON (23-3)
Last week’s ranking: 2.
Last week’s results: beat Pageland Central 82-21; beat Cheraw 87-21.
See “South Pointe” above. The Volunteers will be tough to stop in the playoffs.
This week: Barnwell (Tuesday), in first round of 2A playoffs.
3. CLOVER (23-2)
Last week’s ranking: 3.
Last week’s results: beat Nation Ford 49-19; beat Catawba Ridge 61-16.
The Blue Eagles have won 17 in a row, but they had 29 turnovers in each of their two losses to Gaffney. That’s something to watch in the playoffs.
This week: Rock Hill or Silver Bluff (Thursday), in second round of 5A/Division 1 playoffs.
4. LEGION COLLEGIATE (22-13)
Last week’s ranking: 5.
Last week’s results: beat Butler 60-54; beat Porter Ridge 65-48.
The Lancers saved the best for last. They knocked off Charlotte-area 4A powerhouse Butler last Tuesday, then traveled to Union County the next night and stopped Porter Ridge.
This week: season finished.
5. ROCK HILL (18-6)
Last week’s ranking: 4.
Last week’s results: beat Catawba Ridge 59-43.
The Bearcats might prove to be better than this No. 5 rankings, as they have plenty of talent and won eight of their last nine. But they lost most of their games against their toughest competition this season and will need big wins in the postseason.
This week: River Bluff (Tuesday), in first round of 4A playoffs.
In contention: Fort Mill (16-10); Nation Ford (12-14)