(Last week's ranking in parentheses; games through Wednesday)
1. Bloom Township 13-0 (1)
The Blazing Trojans won the McDipper XXXIX and Donald Moore was the MVP, but there is a great cast here. L.J. Johnson, Henry Hicks and Johnny Griffin all are playing major roles. Bloom plays tough defense and it's also not afraid to put up shots. Rich South, which the Blazing Trojans beat in one McDipper semifinal, comes to M'Cann Gymnasium tonight and expect a thriller on Chicago Road.
2. Crete-Monee 9-3 (4)
Crete-Monee knocked off then No. 2 Seton Academy in one McDipper semifinal then lost to Bloom Township in the championship. The Warriors are off until Tuesday when they face Thornwood. This team looked like it was getting it together, but it struggled against Bloom. The time off should do them some good.
3. Seton Academy 13-2 (2)
The Sting dropped a pair at the McDipper, but still finished fourth. They play St. Laurence tonight. Seton plays a tough, pressing defense which forces a lot of turnovers. Damon Goodloe Jr., Kamal Shasi, Mark Weems Jr. and J.R. Tolliver are just a few of the cast who can come up big at anytime.
4. Homewood-Flossmoor 9-4 (3)
The Vikings play Bolingbrook tonight and have struggled as was evident at the Proviso West Holiday Tournament. There is talent, but it has to play together. Tim Williams had a good Proviso tourney and is a force on the boards. It is time to kick it up a few notches.
5. T.F. South 8-5 (5)
It was a somewhat disappointing Medieval Classic with the Rebels dropping two games. Tonight is a good chance to get things going again as Shepard comes to town and it will be a good game. Just remember -- patience is the key. South needs to make that extra pass and look for the open shot. That is what was part of its early-season success and that will be the key down the road.
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