Power rankings: Top-10 local teams three weeks before sectionals

Justin Frommer, South Bend Tribune
·4 min read

The boys high school basketball season inches closer to this year's IHSAA Tournament Pairing Show, slated for Feb. 19.

Last week, NorthWood clinched its second consecutive Northern Lakes Conference title with its win over Concord paired with Mishawaka's loss to Warsaw.

In the Northern Indiana Conference, Penn continues to pace the field, while an off-the-court incident halted a competitive South Bend rivalry game.

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Here is how we rank the area's top-10 teams this week.

1. Penn (17-1, 8-0 NIC)

Last week's results: Won against John Glenn (88-44)

This week's games: Feb. 7 vs SB Adams, Feb. 10 vs SB Washington

Penn, ranked No. 2 in 4A, extended its winning streak to 11 games after last week's win over Glenn. It is the Kingsmen's best 18-game start since the 2013-14 season, when they lost in the regional to Lake Central.

2. NorthWood (15-2, 6-0 NLC)

NorthWood's Cade Brenner (3) shoots a three during the Saint Joseph vs. NorthWood boys basketball game Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2023 at Saint Joseph High School.
NorthWood's Cade Brenner (3) shoots a three during the Saint Joseph vs. NorthWood boys basketball game Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2023 at Saint Joseph High School.

Last week's results: Won against Concord (54-42)

This week's games: Feb. 7 at West Noble, Feb. 10 at Mishawaka

NorthWood, ranked No. 1 in 3A, won its second consecutive NLC title with its win over Concord last week. The Panthers have won seven consecutive games.

3. Mishawaka Marian (17-2, 6-1 NIC)

Last week's results: Won against Bremen (68-26)

This week's games: Feb. 7 vs New Prairie, Feb. 10 vs. SB Saint Joe

Marian, ranked No. 2 in 3A, extended its winning streak three games since its loss to Penn on Jan. 20. The Knights have won seven of their past eight games.

4. South Bend Washington (14-3, 6-2 NIC)

Last week's results: Trailing SB Riley 30-28 (game ppd. at half)

This week's games: Feb. 10 at Penn

Washington, ranked No. 6 in 3A, trailed South Bend Riley by two at halftime when brawls involving spectators forced the postponment of the game to a later date yet to be determined. before that game, the Panthers had won seven of their past eight games.

5. Mishawaka (14-4, 4-2 NLC)

Last week's results: Lost to Warsaw (57-54)

This week's games: Feb. 10 vs NorthWood

Mishawaka fell out of the 3A rankings and has now dropped two straight games following last weeks three-point loss to Warsaw. The road for the Cavemen doesn't get much easier when they host No. 1 NorthWood this week.

6. South Bend Riley (9-9, 5-3 NIC)

Last week's results: Leading SB Washington 30-28 (game ppd. at half)

This week's games: Feb. 10 vs Bremen

Riley held a two-point halftime lead at South Bend Washington when brawls involving spectators forced the postponment of the game to a later date yet to be determined. The Wildcats had lost their two previous contests before that game.

7. Northridge (9-9, 2-4 NLC)

Last week's results: Won against Wawasee (74-54), Jimtown (69-40)

This week's games: Feb. 10 at Concord

Northridge finally saw its eight-game losing streak come to an end and has now won two straight after back-to-back wins over Wawasee and Jimtown last week. The Raiders finish the regular season with four of five games on the road.

8. John Glenn (10-8, 4-5 NIC)

Last week's results: Lost to Penn (88-44)

This week's games: Feb. 10 vs Jimtown

Glenn has lost three of its past four games after last week's defeat at Penn. The Falcons finish with three of their final five games at home in the regular season.

9. South Bend Saint Joseph (9-10, 6-2 NIC)

Last week's results: Won against SB Clay (88-83/OT), Lost to Culver Academy (61-41)

This week's games: Feb. 10 at Mish. Marian

Saint Joe had lost four of its past five games before its overtime win against South Bend Clay. This week's lone matchup is against Catholic school rival, hosted by Marian this season.

10. Concord (9-8, 3-3 NLC)

Last week's results: Lost to NorthWood (54-42)

This week's games: Feb. 10 vs. Northridge

Concord has lost three of its last four games following its six-game winning streak from Dec. 20 to Jan. 17.

This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: HS basketball power rankings two weeks before tourney selection show