Herald Top 5 Poll

1.) Monroe ………………………………………………………….23-1

Right back on top again, after bouncing back from their only loss, the Tornadoes still might just be the best AAA team in the state. Next: vs. TBA at Westover, Thursday, 8:30 p.m.

2.) Westover ………………………………………………………..20-4

Well, they were No. 1 for about 24 hours before Cairo upset the Patriots, 67-64. Monroe thumped Cairo 74-53 four days later. What will happen next? Next: vs. TBA at Westover, Thursday, 5:30 p.m.

3.) Bainbridge……………………………………………………….21-4

The Bearcats have won 14 in a row. This is a team that lost the majority of its starters from the 2008-09 Final Four squad. Next: vs. Harris in Macon, Wednesday, 7 p.m.

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

They haven’t lost to a Class A team all year, and a possible showdown for the region crown with No. 5 Lanier County awaits. Next: vs. TBA at Terrell County, Thursday, 8:30 p.m.

5.) Deerfield-Windsor………………………………………………..24-1

The Knights open another run at a state title this week. Coach Gordy Gruhl’s team has won 24 games, and need four more for a state crown. Next: vs. Weber at FPD, Thursday, 8:30 p.m.

Girls

1.) Bainbridge……………………………………………………………23-2

They Lady Bearcats have won 10 in a row since that mental hiccup cost them two games around the holidays against teams they had beaten earlier.. Next: vs. Upson-Lee in Macon, today, 7:30 p.m.

2.) Westover…………………………………………………………….22-3

Monday’s win against Peach County was its 10th in a row as it clinched the top seed for the region tourney. Next: vs. Dougherty-Monroe winner at Westover, Thursday, 4 p.m.

3.) Randolph-Clay……………………………………………………..20-3

The Lady Red Devils will host the final three rounds of region. They’ve won eight in a row and haven’t lost to a Class A team all year. Next: vs. TBA, Wednesday, 8:30 p.m.

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

They’ve improved all year, and will make some noise in region. They open today but could face top-seeded Thomasville in the semis Thursday. Next: vs. Early County at Mitchell County, today, 4 p.m.

5.) Lee County……………………………………………………………18-7

Lee faces its biggest game today when it meets Jones County because a win earns the Lady Trojans an appearance in the state tourney. Next: vs. Jones County, today in Macon, today, 5:30 p.m.