Albany Herald

Photo by Scott Chancey

HERALD TOP 5 HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL POLL -- Week 18

BOYS:

1.) Westover ...............................................20-3

So much for the Monroe guarantee that it would stay unbeaten as the rival Pats not only ended the Tornadoes' perfect season Friday, they also take over their No. 1 spot. Next: at Cairo, today, 7:30 p.m.

2.) Monroe....................................................21-1

It was a long run for Monroe all year at No. 1, but just like in college football, losing late in the year hurts a team's ranking -- and as of last Friday, Westover was the better team. Next: at Worth Co. today, 7:30 p.m.

3.) Bainbridge...............................................20-4

Bearcats faithful were not happy two weeks ago after being dropped to No. 4 despite not losing, but after three more wins last week, they're back at No. 3. Next: at Lee County today, 7:30 p.m.

4.) Terrell County.........................................18-5

The Greenwave beat No. 1 Westover 10 days ago, but like Monroe, which they lost to Saturday, TC's dropped for losing late and has a previous loss to No. 3 BHS. Next: in Region 1-A tourney, Feb. 18, TBA.

5.) Deerfield-Windsor....................................22-1

The one-loss Knights closed out their regular season with authority last week with an 84-31 beatdown of rival Southland. Next: Region 3-AAA tourney vs. play-in game winner, today, 8:30 p.m. at GSW.

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GIRLS:

1.) Bainbridge...........................................................22-2

There may have been a new No. 1 this week if not for a gutsy performance by the Lady Bearcats to hold off Region 1-AAAA rival TCC, 61-60, last Friday. Next: at Lee County, today, 6 p.m.

2.) Randolph-Clay....................................................19-3

The Lady Red Devils' defense looks as strong as ever, beating two opponents last week by a combined 139-67 to complement its outstanding offense. Next: vs. Wilkinson County, Saturday, 6 p.m.

3.) Westover..............................................................19-3

Three up, three down for the Lady Pats last week, including huge wins against region foe Worth, and region and city rivals Monroe and Albany. Next: at Cairo today, 6 p.m.

4.) Albany.................................................................11-9

Don't let the record fool you -- AHS is the hottest girls team around right now, having won 9 of their last 12 while keeping pace with No. 3 Westover in a 36-29 loss Saturday. Region 1-AA tourney, TBA.

5.) Lee County.........................................................19-6

The Lady Trojans went from losing 3 games all year to 3 in the last three weeks, but beat Americus on Friday as they look to finish strong tonight vs. No. 1 Bainbridge. Next: vs. Bainbridge, today, 6 p.m.