Richland County Girls Basketball Power Poll: Clear Fork Colts ready to get season started
It has been a slow start to the season, but we are officially underway in 2022-23.
Richland County teams went 3-4 on opening weekend so it was an OK start. The season is about to get a lot better moving forward. Let's check out this week's Richland County Girls Basketball Power Poll.
1. Clear Fork (0-0)
The Colts tip off their season on Tuesday against Madison in what should be one heck of a game to bring in the start of the year. They were supposed to start with Lucas last week, but the Cubs are battling low numbers and injuries right now and had to push it back. We will have to wait and see what kind of statement Lilly Wortman and the No. 1 Colts make on Tuesday night.
2. Mansfield Senior (1-0)
Speaking of statements, the Tygers made one loud and clear in their opening night victory over Sandusky winning 65-31. Kiyah Wentz put on a show with 14 points on four 3-pointers while Monetta Hilory had 13 and Kiersten Bradley had 10 to give the Tygers three players in double figures. Annaleise Norris nearly posted a double-double with nine points and eight boards and Kyeona Myers had eight points so the Tygers are showing some amazing balance throughout the lineup. It is only a matter of time before they make the jump to No. 1.
3. Mansfield Christian (1-0)
The Flames picked up a nice season-opening win over New London 52-42 after responding to some fourth-quarter adversity where they saw a comfortable lead shrink down to just a single point before ending the game on a 13-2 run to close it out. Alexis Ripple scored a game-high 20 points while Abby Little had a successful debut as the new starting point guard. The Flames looked great and showed veteran poise withstanding New London's comeback bid. If they continue to play that way, watch out.
4. Shelby (0-1)
The Whippets easily had the toughest start to the season of any team in Richland County having to go on the road to a loaded Margaretta without four of their Top 5 scorers from last season. The Whippets put up a good fight before Margaretta pulled away late with a 58-41 victory handing the Whippets their first regular season loss since the 2020-21 season. Audi Albert had 11 points and Charlie Niese had a nice varsity debut with 10. Shelby will try to bounce back on Saturday against Mansfield Senior in what should be one heck of a battle.
5. Lexington (0-0)
Lady Lex had the start of the season pushed back a few days after the new gym proved not yet able to host basketball. So, Lex will travel to Ontario on Tuesday night to tip off the season as the two teams get set for what should be another incredible battle as it was last year. Lexington will send out some talented youngsters in their first varsity games in a big rivalry matchup. What better way?
6. Ontario (0-0)
The Warriors begin their season on Tuesday night hosting Lexington in what should be a great game. Last year, Ontario erased a double-digit lead in the fourth quarter to pull off the impossible and pick up a season-opening win. The Warriors hope there is more magic to be found this year.
7. Plymouth (1-1)
For the first time since the 2006-07 season, the Plymouth Big Red started the year 1-0 thanks to a 35-32 victory over Hillsdale last Friday in the season opener. Jaylin Branham ended the 16-year streak by dropping a game-high 18 points while Destiny Detillion added eight and Autumn Wilson had seven. Plymouth lost to following night to Black River 40-34 and is now 1-1 on the year, but the program is already headed in the right direction winning game No. 1.
8. Madison (0-1)
The Rams gave Wooster a run in the season opener falling 61-49. They are scoring some points this year as Bri Bowles led the team with 12 points while freshman Madison Berry had a nice start to her high school career with 11. The Rams struggled to score points last year so it is nice to see them put up 49 in Game 1 of the season. Things won't get easier though with Clear Fork coming to town on Tuesday.
9. Crestview (0-1)
The Cougars ran into a buzzsaw in their season opener falling to Waynedale 56-10 to start the year 0-1. But, if you remember right, last season, the Cougars started the year 0-3 before breaking out to an 18-5 finish. With the tough teams at the beginning of the schedule, it could be a repeat for the Cougars.
10. Lucas (0-0)
The Cubs had to push back their season opener against Clear Fork due to some injuries that would have left them short of players. It isn't the way the Cubs envisioned starting the season, but it will be a growing year with a lot of adversity to overcome. If the young players embrace the journey, the Cubs will be just fine moving forward.
11. St. Peter's (0-0)
The Spartans are set to open the season on Dec. 2 against Crestline as they embrace the opportunity to get the program back on the right track. It will be a test, but with the right attitudes, who knows what can happen?
jfurr@gannett.com
740-244-9934
Twitter: @JakeFurr11
Preseason Power Poll Rankings
Clear Fork
Shelby
Mansfield Senior
Mansfield Christian
Crestview
Lexington
Madison
Ontario
Lucas
Plymouth
St. Peter's
This article originally appeared on Mansfield News Journal: Richland County Basketball Power Poll: Colts ready to get season started
