(Last week's rankings in parenthesis)
1. Andrean (1) 4-0
Nick Davidson could run for mayor the way the senior guard is playing. He was unbelievable against rival Merrillville last Saturday. With Wheeler on Thursday night and Kankakee Valley on Friday, the Niners should keep rolling.
2. Merrillville (2) 5-1
It's still unclear how this senior-laden team lost to Andrean. On paper the Pirates are probably the best team around. They'll get a test tonight when Lake Central comes to town. This one is very, very BIG.
3. Munster (3) 4-0
The Mustangs were sick good at East Chicago on Saturday. Now, a long drive this weekend to take on Penn. Then, pop the popcorn because the 'Stangs will be at Lake Central on Tuesday. Ring the bell. Ding.
4. Valparaiso (6) 5-1
Defense lives here. The Vikings haven't given up more than 52 points in a game. It's a far cry from Joe Otis' 3-happy days at LaPorte. Speaking of which, the Slicers limp into town tonight holding up the rest of the DAC standings. Didn't have Josh Fleming Tuesday. Really need him here.
5. Hanover Central (9) 4-0
Wildcats are hoping not to have a lost weekend. They'll make their final drive to South Central as a PCC member tonight. Then, Kankakee Valley comes to Da Lake on Saturday. It'll be tough to go 2-0, but doable.
6. Chesterton (7) 2-3
The Trojans were looking a little over-hyped after three straight losses until L.C. came to town and left with just the L. Get used to sophomores Matt Holba and Chris Palombizio posting fat numbers for Chesterton. Corey Rusboldt can play a little bit, too.
7. Lake Central (4) 3-2
The Indians hit the snooze alarm at Chesterton on Tuesday, sleep-walking in a 79-75 loss. It's happened before. It's got to stop happening. If that button gets punched tonight at Merrillville, duck.
8. Bishop Noll (NR) 4-0
While it may not have the sizzle of recent matchups, Saturday's game at Lake Station should still be pretty good. The Warriors are off to a surprising start. Scary thing is they are going to keep getting better.
9. Portage (NR) 4-1
The last time the Indians inhabited these parts ... sorry, can't remember. Rick Snodgrass' rebuilding project is finally starting to take shape. A little winning can go a long way in changing a mindset. That said, here comes Chesterton.
10. Kouts (NR) 5-0
The Mustangs didn't miss a beat during Max Everaert's five-game hiatus. Matt Stewart and Cody Nelson have stepped it up. This team isn't going to lose very often. PCC's looking like a two-team race this season.
On the bubble: Crown Point (2-3), Boone Grove (3-1), Bowman Academy (0-4), E.C. Central (2-2), Gary 21st Century (2-3), Hammond (3-2), Lake Station (2-1), Lew Wallace (4-3), Marquette (4-1), West Side (2-3), Wheeler (4-0).
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