(Last week's rankings in parenthesis)
1. Andrean (1) 7-0
It wasn't pretty, but it counted as a W nonetheless. The 59ers finished strong against Indianapolis Northwest downstate on Saturday to remain unbeaten. They will play at Morton on Saturday. Chalk up another one. This is a done deal.
2. Merrillville (2) 7-1
Valparaiso comes to town tonight, and this one will say a lot. The Pirates looked like world beaters until they had to come back from the jaws of death at upstart Crown Point. The Bucs won twice by a point a year ago. Coin flip?
3. Munster (3) 6-0
The Mustangs play Columbia City and former Valpo coach Chris Benedict tonight in the Carroll Shootout. The 'Stangs also get Fort Wayne Blackhawk. Don't be surprised if Munster does big things in this event. They always do.
4. Valparaiso (4) 7-1
The Vikings continue to grind out victories in workman-like, blue-collar fashion, showing patience on offense while doing a great impression of Saran Wrap on defense. They've allowed one team to exceed 50 points. Can they hold Merrillville under half a buck tonight?
5. Bishop Noll (6) 6-0
The Warriors take their game on the road as they travel down to the Noblesville Tournament. Noll's offense remains steady, and the defense is plain nasty. The depth on this roster is silly. Will need every man in this field.
6. Lake Central (8) 4-4
The Indians stopped a three-game skid at Portage. Now, Michigan City is up next. You think, just maybe, L.C. might want to pass out a little payback after the Wolves shocked them last winter? Better bring the A game or else.
7. Kouts (9) 7-1
The Mustangs got their lunch handed to them at Pioneer. They've got 19 points to make up between now and a possible rematch with the Panthers in the regional. In the meantime, Kouts has the holidays off. Don't fill up on the eggnog.
8. Kankakee Valley (NR) 7-4
OK, who are these guys? The team that got drilled like a bad tooth by Andrean or the guys who lost by two in the championship game to unbeaten Hagerstown? Will play Warsaw tonight and we'll all find out who they are.
9. Chesterton (5) 3-4
The Trojans continue to have their ups and downs, from one game to the next and even one quarter to the next. If they can avoid the upset bug at limping LaPorte tonight, they have a chance to get on a little roll as 2013 begins.
10. Bowman Academy (NR) 2-4
It is clear now that the record is a myth. The Eagles beat a very good Brownsburg team in Indy last week. Will play in the Lawrence Central Shootout this weekend. When will Bowman come home? We miss you.
On the bubble: Crown Point (3-5), Boone Grove (5-1), E.C. Central (2-4), Gary 21st Century (4-3), Gavit (3-3), Hammond (5-3), Hanover Central (5-2), Lew Wallace (5-4), Marquette (5-1), Michigan City (4-3), Portage (4-3), West Side (3-3), Wheeler (4-2).
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