We have a lot of movement in our new rankings. This season has been very interesting thus far. Covid-19 has had a major impact on the outcome of a lot of games with players having to miss games due to being in quarantine. It has also caused teams to have to cancel games altogether. All things considered, there has still been some good basketball being played here in Northeast Florida.
1. Oakleaf (9-0)
Our new Number 1 this week is Oakleaf. They remain undefeated at 9-0 including a win against an undermanned Bishop Kenny team who was formerly Number 1 in our rankings. They continued to be led by their sensational sophomores Fantasia James, Taliah Scott and Kaylah Turner. The toughest part of their schedule is still to come though. Let’s see if they can hold on to the top spot as they begin to face tougher competition. They play Nease, Jackson, Terry Parker and Bishop Kenny all in January. (Previous Rank – 4)
2. Nease (9-1)
Nease continues to impress with their gritty play against quality opponents and has earned a spot a Number 2 this week. They continue to be led by the excellent play of Junior Sydney Gomes who seems to will her team to wins in close games. She has scored 85 points in her last 3 games, including a 35-point, 14 rebound performance in an overtime win against rival St. Augustine. Things may get tougher for Nease though, as they lose one of their key players, Savannah Gomes. We send our prayers for a speedy recovery to Savannah as she had season-ending surgery on December 16th. (Previous Rank – 5)
3. Raines (8-3)
Raines has continued their strong play with recent wins over Jackson and an undermanned Bishop Kenny. They have been led by the outstanding play of Seniors Selah Reddick and Ahliah Brown. Raines has played one of the toughest schedules so far and it doesn’t get any easier as they face Spruce Creek and Ribault back to back coming up. Their defense has carried them in close games as foul trouble has plagued them of late, keeping key players on the bench in crucial moments. This was evident in a close loss against Florida High earlier in the season. Their bench will have to continue to step up as the season continues if foul trouble continues to be a problem. (Previous Rank – 2)
4. Bishop Kenny (8-3)
Bishop Kenny moves down in our rankings this week because of recent losses to Oakleaf and Raines. Their young players were put to the test as they went into both games missing key players, including leading scorer and Miami signee Jasmyne Roberts. They look to get back to things back on track as these players return just in time to face three of the top teams in Florida over the Christmas break (Monteverde, DME and Florida High). (Previous Rank – 1)
5. Ribault (5-1)
Ribault moves down in this week’s rankings simply because they haven’t been playing. They were off to a great start to the season but has had to reschedule games and hasn’t played since December 7th when they defeated Bartram Trail. Let’s hope they can shake off the rust as they look to build on their strong play in their next game against their biggest rival Raines. (Previous Rank – 3)
6. Jackson (8-1)
Jackson moves up in our rankings this week after big wins against Terry Parker and district rival Episcopal. Their lone defeat was a 4-point loss to Raines who is Number 3 in our rankings. They are led by Juniors Jazmine Jackson, Irene Kabassubabo, In’dreaunna Bargeron and Sophomore Xaniya Jackson. Defense and rebounding have been the key to their success early. They look to continue their strong play to close out 2020 with six games remaining in the year. This is a team that you definitely want to keep an eye on. (Previous Rank – 9)
7. Columbia (6-2)
Columbia falls one spot in this week’s rankings. Their two losses came against Nease, who is Number 2 in our rankings, and Hawthorne. They are led by Junior guards Na’Haviya Paxton and Anzarria Jenkins. Paxton is currently the leading scorer in Northeast Florida. Unfortunately, the team has suspended all games until January “out of an abundance of caution due to health concerns” per their twitter account. (Previous Rank – 6)
8. St. Augustine (6-1)
St. Augustine enters our rankings for the first time at Number 8. They beat a good Mandarin team that previously occupied our rankings in this same spot. Their lone loss came against rival Nease in overtime, 50-53. Looking forward to seeing how good this team can really be as they look to build on a strong finish from last season. (Previous Rank – NR)
9. Terry Parker (5-5)
Terry Parker falls two spots in our rankings after two close losses to quality opponents (Mainland and Jackson) after winning four games in a row. They play one of the toughest schedules in the area. Hopefully, it will prepare them as they push to make the playoffs after missing out last season. They have a lot of talent on the team and have several different players that have led them in scoring. They look to get back on track next week but it won’t be easy as they face Ribault, who is currently at number 5 in our rankings, on December 21st. (Previous Rank – 7)
10. Mandarin (6-5)
Mandarin also falls two spots in our rankings this week. They have a solid team but like Terry Parker, they have played a very tough schedule so far. They have losses to Oakleaf, Ribault, St. Augustine and Terry Parker, all of whom appear ahead of them in our rankings. They play Atlantic Coast on December 17th and then have two weeks off during Christmas break. (Previous Rank – 8)
Other teams in consideration:
Batram Trail (5-5) (previously ranked at 10)
Episcopal (5-3)
NFEI (5-0)
Ponte Vedra (4-3)
St. Josephs Academy (located in St. Augustine) (9-0)
