BENSALEM, Pa. – The national portion of most teams from the Blue Star Media Go-To 25 girls’ basketball rankings have been completed. The big-time showcase weekends and tournaments have been reduced to a select few.
That means most teams are concentrating on the postseason, which in Indiana and Florida, start in less than two weeks. Hard to believe the holidays are a distant memory, but a time when teams built their national dossiers in hopes of a spot in the prestigious Go-To 25 rankings.
Having said that, two schools from California and Illinois join the Go-To 25 rankings. No. 22 St. Mary’s (Stockton, Calif.) and No. 23 Montini Catholic (Lombard, Ill.) climb aboard for the ride. St. Mary’s was in the preseason rankings but dropped out in late December. Coach Tom Gonsalves is one of the Golden State’s top mentors and will have the Rams vying for a Northern California Regional title.
In suburban Chicago, Montini is gaining momentum after defeating powerhouse Whitney Young (Chicago) and replacing them in the Go-To 25 rankings. Montini is a real force in Class 4A—Illinois’ largest—and will be a favorite to make it Downstate for the state tournament in March.
No. 13 St. John’s (Washington, D.C.) plunged seven spots after a loss to WCAC rivals Good Counsel (Olney, Md.), which moved into the East Region rankings.
There’s lot of hoops left, especially in the Northeast, where schedules are still a month or more from the postseason. By the time a state like New Jersey starts its tournament, several other states will be done.
This weekend the prime location will be Mercy Academy in Louisville Ky., home of the Raatz Fence/O’Shea Basketball Classic. Several team from Kentucky and teams from Missouri, Ohio and Tennessee will compete over two days in nine games. Our road warrior/columnist/national analyst extraordinaire, Mark Lewis, will be on hand for the action. Check out his columns and updates this weekend at www.bluestarmedia.org.
Hope to see you at a game soon. Enjoy a game in your area this weekend. – Christopher Lawlor (Follow me on Twitter | #clawlor)
Varsity Letters
Player of the Week
Kathryn Westbeld, 6-2, Fairmont, Kettering, Ohio: Westbeld, a multitalented junior, enjoyed a successful weekend at the Classic in the Country in Berlin, Ohio. She helped No. 10 Fairmont (14-0) win twice over quality competition. In two games, Westbeld made 14 of 19 shots and 9 of 12 free throws, totaling 37 points and 29 rebounds. Westbeld, a high-major recruit, recorded her first double-double of the weekend, with 21 points and 15 boards, in a 43-35 win over Regis Jesuit (Aurora, Colo.). She followed that effort up with a 16-point, 14-rebound performance in a win over Wadsworth (Ohio). She’s considered a skilled interior player, using her physicality and high basketball IQ to her advantage. Fairmont is No. 1 in Ohio’s Division I rankings and a favorite for the state title in March.
Places To Be
Now that the Martin Luther King Weekend has past—not without great games nationally—there are a dearth of true, quality-laden showcase events. This weekend the girls’ basketball universe will shift their attention to Mercy Academy in Louisville, Ky., for the Raatz Fence/O’Shea’s Basketball Classic.
The shootout-style event features three games on Friday and six on Saturday. Though the emphasis leans toward superior Kentucky teams, there are games that will impact the Blue Star Media Go-To 25 rankings.
Friday’s schedule: No. 18 Incarnate Word (St. Louis) vs. Louisville Christian Academy, 6 p.m.; Hathaway Brown (Shaker Heights, Ohio) vs., No. 6 Marion County (Lebanon, Ky.), 7:30; No. 20 Science Hill (Johnson City, Tenn.) vs. Mercy Academy (Louisville), 9.
Saturday’s schedule: Bullitt East (Mount Washington, Ky.) vs. Ryle (Union, Ky.), noon; Sacred Heart Academy (Louisville) vs. Withrow (Cincinnati), 1:30 p.m.; Manual (Louisville) vs. Hathaway Brown, 3:15; Marion County vs. Science Hill, 5; Mercy Academy vs. Incarnate Word, 6:45; and Butler (Louisville) vs. Dunbar (Lexington, Ky.).
Obviously the top matchup of the weekend is between Marion County and Science Hill, a pair of teams from the Go-To 25 rankings. Both are considered serious contenders for state championships in Kentucky and Tennessee, respectively. The Lady Knights boast 5-10 Makayla Epps and 6-1 Kyvin Goodin-Rogers, both of whom signed with Kentucky. The Middle Tennessee-bound 5-9 Shy Copney and coveted 6-1 junior center Gabby Lyon are the Lady Toppers’ main threats.
There’s more hoopla at the New York vs. New Jersey Challenge Sunday at Holmdel High in New Jersey. Five games highlight the agenda. The featured player is Connecticut-bound, high-scoring guard Saniya Chong of Ossining (N.Y.). Chong, who led Ossining to New York’s Class AA final in 2012, is a serious candidate for the McDonald’s All-American Game on April 3 in Chicago.
The schedule: Red Bank (N.J.) Catholic vs. Moore Catholic (Staten Island, N.Y.), 11 a.m.; Rumson-Fair Haven (N.J.) vs. Long Island Lutheran (Brookville, N.Y.), 12:30 p.m.; Holmdel vs. Bishop Loughlin (Brooklyn, N.Y.), 2; St. John Vianney (Holmdel) vs. Ossining, 3:30; Point Pleasant (N.J.) Boro vs. Archbishop Molloy (Briarwood, N.Y.), 5.
700 Club
Recently coach Miner Webster of Highland (Gilbert, Ariz.) picked up his 700th victory in his 25th season.
The veteran coach was relieved after beating rivals Mesquite (Gilbert) last Thursday for the milestone win, becoming only the second Arizona girls’ coach to do so and fourth overall. Several of his coaching cohorts were on hand. Great stuff from the East Valley (near Phoenix). Class act of a coach.
Red, White and Blue
Following the successful open trials for the 2011 USA Women’s U16 National Team, USA Basketball has announced it will again hold open tryouts to select the 2013 USA U16 National Team. The USA U16 squad will compete in the 2013 FIBA Americas U16 Championship in hopes of earning the U.S. a berth in the 2014 FIBA U17 World Championship.
Featuring up to 200 athletes age 16 or younger (born on or after Jan. 1, 1997), trials will be held May 23-27 at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colo.
In addition to the application process, the USA Basketball Women’s Developmental National Team Committee will issue invitations to attend trials to approximately 30 athletes. Athletes wishing to participate should complete and submit their application to USA Basketball by April 12.
Participants will receive confirmation of acceptance by April 26. Should the number of applicants exceed 200, the USA Developmental National Team Committee will determine the final roster of participating athletes.
Things begin with an evening skills session on May 23 and continue with morning and afternoon skills sessions on May 24. The skills sessions will include individual skills, position work and scrimmage opportunities. While the committee will evaluate athletes throughout the process, the first trials session is on the evening of May 24, followed by trials sessions the mornings, afternoons and evenings of May 25 and 26.
Due to the number of participants, players will be divided into two groups for the three skills sessions and the first four trials sessions. Roster reductions may begin following the completion of the second trials session, and the team is expected to be announced on May 27.
In 2011, 115 young athletes participated in the USA U16 National Team Trials. That list was pared to 53 by the third day of trials, to 34 on the fourth day and on the fifth and final day the 12-member team was finalized.
In 2012, several of the applicants from the 2011 U16 National Team Trials were invited to participate in the USA U17 World Championship Team Trials, two of whom, Lindsay Allen of St. John’s (Washington, D.C.) and Jessica Washington of Jenks (Okla.), earned spots on the 2012 squad and helped the U.S. capture the 2012 FIBA U17 World Championship gold medal.
The 2013-16 USA Basketball Women’s Developmental National Team Committee is still being finalized, but will include two representatives selected by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS), two representatives assigned by the AAU and one athlete representative.
Go-To 25 girls’ basketball rankings, Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2013
1. Mater Dei, Santa Ana, Calif. (20-0)
Previous: ranking 1.
Low-down: The nation’s top team bagged three wins in five days over the holiday weekend, culminating with an 81-25 drubbing of Pacifica (Oxnard). The Monarchs have a light week with JSerra (San Juan Capistrano) Saturday.
2. St. Mary’s, Phoenix (18-1)
Previous: 2.
Low-down: The Lady Knights drilled Pinnacle (Phoenix), 63-48, at the Martin Luther King Classic in Tempe. Courtney Ekmark dropped in 17 points and Chantel Osahor had 12 points, 16 rebounds and seven assists. The countdown is four games left in the regular season for the defending Class 5A, Division title-holders.
3. Duncanville, Texas (30-0)
Previous: 3.
Low-down: Cathy Self-Morgan, a renowned coach, has the Pantherettes in the zone after winning their 58th consecutive game, topping Mansfield Timberview, 69-61. Five games left in the regular season.
4. North Gwinnett, Suwanee, Ga. (17-0)
Previous: 4.
Low-down: Round One of Rivalry Week went to Bulldogs in a 64-49 win over ranked Norcross last Tuesday. Baylee Rexing, a junior guard, drilled four 3-pointers scoring 16 points. The region rematch is Wednesday. Peyton Whitted, a Penn State recruit, contributed 16 points, seven rebounds and blocked four shots.
5. Riverdale, Murfreesboro, Tenn. (20-0)
Previous: 5.
Low-down: Tyisha Petty (19 points) nailed all six free throws in the final 40.3 seconds in a 55-42 triumph over crosstown rivals Blackman before 2,200. The Lady Warriors used a 12-0 run in the opening half to take a 25-9 lead. Up next is ranked Oakland (Murfreesboro) Friday.
6. Marion County, Lebanon, Ky. (21-0)
Previous: 7.
Low-down: Now the fun begins for coach Trent Milby’s squad when they face ranked Science Hill (Johnson City, Tenn.) and Ohio powerhouse Hathaway Brown (Shaker Heights) at the Raatz Fence Classic in Louisville.
7. Columbus North, Columbus, Ind. (20-0)
Previous: 8.
Low-down: The Bull Dogs clamped down on defense allowing only 50 points in two lopsided wins. The regular season dwindles to three games.
8. Shabazz, Newark, N.J. (14-0)
Previous: 9.
Low-down: Zaire O’Neill tossed in six of game-high 17 points in the final 73 seconds in a narrow 52-51 victory over Blair Academy (Blairstown). De’Aisha Jones scored 14 points and pulled down eight rebounds in a 39-31 win over Montclair. The defending champion Bulldogs earned the top-seed in the upcoming Essex County Tournament.
9. Edwardsville, Ill. (21-0)
Previous: 10.
Low-down: Louisville-bound G Emmonnie Henderson flipped in 17 points in a 58-35 win over Jackson (Mo.), capping a crowded schedule that saw the Tigers win three games in three days.
10. Fairmont, Kettering, Ohio (14-0)
Previous: 11.
Low-down: Defeated Regis Jesuit (Aurora, Colo.), 43-35, at the Classic in the Country Challenge in Berlin, Ohio. Kathryn Westbeld had 21 points and 15 rebounds. Also defeated Wadsworth (Ohio), 67-47, as Westbeld contributed 16 points and 14 rebounds.
11. Windward, Los Angeles (19-0)
Previous: 12.
Low-down: The Wildcats had little resistance in three league wins.
12. Pflugerville, Texas (29-0)
Previous: 13.
Low-down: A tight defense allowed only 47 points per game in two win, with an average margin of victory over the District 16-5A opponents nearly 28 points.
13. St. John’s, Washington, D.C. (16-1)
Previous: 6.
Low-down: The Cadets lost to archrivals Good Counsel (Olney, Md.), 70-60, but rebounded to beat Nazareth Regional (Brooklyn, N.Y.), 62-54. The crowded schedule catches up this week with four games in eight days.
14. Poly, Long Beach, Calif. (16-2)
Previous: 14.
Low-down: Coach Carl Buggs’ club improved to 6-0 in Moore League play, crushing crosstown rivals Millikan and Woodrow Wilson.
15. Dr. Phillips, Orlando, Fla. (19-3)
Previous: 15.
Low-down: The Panthers started on a 10-0 run en route to a 71-23 pounding of Cypress Creek (Orlando). Jade Creek threw in 22 points and Hannah Schaible scored 13 of her 17 points in the opening quarter. With the top-seed already clinched for the upcoming district tournament, the Panthers have three competitive Metro League West games this week to close the regular season.
16. Central Catholic, Portland, Ore. (14-3)
Previous: 16.
Low-down: The Rams, Oregon’s top-ranked large school (Class 6A), brushed aside three Mount Hood League opponents.
17. Bishop O’Dowd, Oakland, Calif. (14-3)
Previous: 17.
Low-down: The Dragons trimmed La Jolla (Calif.) Country Day, 54-48, at the Martin Luther King Shootout in Stockton.
18. Incarnate Word, St. Louis (16-0)
Previous: 18.
Low-down: The Red Knights waxed Joliet (Ill.) Catholic, 74-46, at the MLK Girls Basketball Showcase in Florissant, Mo. Super sophomore Napheesa Collier had 23 points and hauled down 17 rebounds. Nakiah Bell added 15 points. Up next are two key showcase games in Louisville this weekend.
19. Paul VI, Fairfax, Va. (19-0)
Previous: 19.
Low-down: The Panthers notched two wins by an average margin of 46.5 points.
20. Science Hill, Johnson City, Tenn. (19-2)
Previous: 20.
Low-down: The Lady Hilltoppers won two district games improving to 9-0 but this weekend they’ll have two quality games in Louisville, Ky., including a date with ranked Marion County (Lebanon, Ky.).
21. Martin Luther King, Detroit (11-0)
Previous: 21.
Low-down: Michigan’s top-ranked Class A team rolled to three wins. Jannae Williams (14 points) and Antania Hayes (13) combined to score 27 points in a 58-40 win over Southfield-Lathrup.
22. St. Mary’s Stockton, Calif. (18-1)
Previous: Not ranked.
Low-down: Won two games at St. Mary’s MLK Showcase, beating La Jolla (Calif.) Country Day and South Medford (Medford, Ore.). Unique Coleman and Charise Holloway scored 19 points apiece for the Rams against LJCD.
23. Montini Catholic, Lombard, Ill. (24-1)
Previous: Not ranked.
Low-down: Defeated previously ranked Whitney Young (Chicago), 51-36, at the McDonald’s Shootout.
24. Riverdale Baptist, Upper Marlboro, Md. (18-3)
Previous: 24.
Low-down: The Lady Crusaders traveled west, recording two victories, including a 62-46 decision over The Bishop’s School (San Diego). Marshall-bound F Maya Singleton topped four double-figure scorers with 15 points.
25. Hopkins, Minnetonka, Minn. (14-1)
Previous: 25.
Low-down: The Royals resumed play Tuesday after an 11-day layoff. Northwestern-bound F Nia Coffey leads the team at 17.8 points per game.
Dropped: No. 22 Norcross (Ga.) and No. 23 Whitney Young (Chicago).
High-Fives by Region
East
1. Good Counsel, Olney, Md. (15-3)
2. Seton LaSalle, Pittsburgh (15-1)
3. Archbishop Spalding, Severn, Md. (16-1)
4. Lake Taylor, Norfolk, Va. (17-0)
5. Life Center Academy, Burlington, N.J. (16-0)
Geography: Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont and Virginia.
Midlands
1. Whitney Young, Chicago (17-4)
2. Bedford (Ind.) North Lawrence (17-0)
3. Marian Catholic, Chicago Heights, Ill. (20-1)
4. Twinsburg, Ohio (16-0)
5. St. Thomas More, Champaign, Ill. (23-2)
Geography: Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, North Dakota, South Dakota, West Virginia and Wisconsin.
South
1. Sparkman, Harvest, Ala. (24-0)
2. New Hope Christian Academy, Thomasville, N.C. (20-1)
3. Dutch Fork, Irmo, S.C. (18-0)
4. Blackman, Murfreesboro, Tenn. (18-1)
5. Plano West, Plano, Texas (28-3)
Geography: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas.
Far West
1. Pinnacle, Phoenix (21-2)
2. Oregon City, Ore. (15-1)
3. Mount Rainier, Des Moines, Wash. (16-1)
4. Centennial, Las Vegas (19-2)
5. Bingham, South Jordan, Utah (15-0)
Geography: Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wyoming.
Records are though Monday.
About: The Blue Star Media Go-To 25 Girls Basketball Rankings are released weekly until the conclusion of the high school season. Criteria considered are the quality of the team and its players, strength of schedule, tradition and quality of league, conference, region or district. The rankings are compiled by Blue Star Media’s Senior Writer Christopher Lawlor, who consults with a national network of coaches, talent evaluators and prep sports writers.
