Last rankings of the regular season before district play begins next week. I have gotten the chance to see a lot of games between some really good teams this year. It has made my job very difficult in picking the top ten teams throughout the season. I won’t complain though, because this is a good problem to have. It is a sign that girls basketball is back on the right track in Northeast Florida. If you haven’t been following us for the entire season, these rankings only include teams from Duval, Clay, St. Johns, Nassau, Baker and Columbia Counties.
1.Raines (18-4)
Moving up to Number 1 this week is Raines. Raines has been one of the most consistent teams I have covered this season. They seem to always find a way to win tough games as they have played one of the toughest schedules in the area. They are back-to-back Gateway Conference Champions and look to carry their strong play into their district tournament next week. They are the number 1 seed and have a first round bye. They play in one of the toughest regions as they must get pass both Ribault and Bishop Kenny to reach Lakeland. (Previous Rank – 2)
2.Ribault (15-4)
Moving up to Number 2 this week is Ribault. Like their district rival Raines, Ribault has also been very consistent this season. They had to overcome some adversity though having to shut down for over two weeks due to Covid-19 protocols. They look to avenge two of their four losses in their district tournament against Raines next week. They play Yulee in the first round on 2/2/21. It will be the first step in their quest to get back to Lakeland where no other program in Florida has had more success than them. (Previous Rank – 3)
3.Oakleaf (19-2)
Dropping to Number 3 this week is Oakleaf. After starting out the season undefeated at 15-0 they suffered their first two losses since the last rankings came out. They still had a very strong season and enter their district tournament as the Number 1 seed. The core of their team is young but very talented and look to make it to Lakeland. They must first take care of business in districts which won’t be an easy task as it contains some really good teams in Nease, Bartram Trail (host), Mandarin and Sandalwood. (Previous Rank – 1)
4.St. Augustine (21-1)
Moving up to Number 4 this week is St. Augustine. They have been on a steady climb since they entered the rankings. They are well-coached and very balanced. They recently won the St. Johns River Conference Championship against Nease, avenging their only loss from earlier in the season. The earned the number 1 seed and a first-round by in their district tournament next week. Their strength of schedule is the only thing that kept them from being higher in the rankings. (Previous Rank – 5)
5.Bishop Kenny (15-9)
Moving up to Number 5 this week is Bishop Kenny. You may be wondering how a 9-loss team is ranked so high, but make no mistake, they are one of the best teams in the area. They have faced a lot of adversity this season and played a lot of games with key players in and out of their line-up. They also have played arguably the toughest schedule in the area. They are clicking at the right time as they are 6-2 since our last rankings and are favorites to win their district as the number 1 seed. They are looking to get back to Lakeland as they have unfinished business as they were runner-up the last two years in the championship. They first must potentially get pass Raines and Ribault, both of whom defeated them earlier this season. (Previous Rank – 8)
6.Nease (18-5)
Moving down to Number 6 this week is Nease. January has not been a very good month for them as they have suffered 4 of their 5 losses during this time. They are a hard-working, well-coached team and look to get back on track as they enter their district tournament as the number 2 seed. Their path to Lakeland won’t be easy though as their district includes Oakleaf, Bartram Trail (host), Mandarin and Sandalwood.
7.Columbia (12-5)
Staying at the Number 7 spot this week is Columbia. Like other teams in the rankings, the had a two-week shut down due to Covid-19. They have been solid all season and have earned the top seed in their district.
8.Bartram Trail (13-6)
Moving up to the Number 8 spot this week is Bartram Trail. They have been playing strong as of late with a big win over Bishop Kenny. They have earned the third seed in a very tough district that includes Oakleaf, Nease, Mandarin and Sandalwood. They come in with a little advantage though as the host school. This will most definitely be one of the most interesting district tournaments to key an eye on. (Previous Rank – 9)
9.Jackson (10-5)
Moving down to the Number 9 spot is Jackson. They had to shut down due to Covid-19 over Christmas Break and have played inconsistent since they have returned. They are still one of the best teams in their area and earned the top seed in their district. They look to get back on track and make a push to Lakeland. (Previous Rank – 6)
10.Terry Parker (9-8)
Moving back into the rankings at Number 10 is Terry Parker. Again, you may be wondering how an 8-loss team makes the top ten. Like Bishop Kenny, they have played one of the toughest schedules in the area. They have also faced all kinds of adversity with Covid-19 and injuries to key players. Even with all these things going on, they still earned the top seed and a first round bye in their district. They are eager to make it past districts this season as they missed the playoffs even though they played in the championship game. (Previous Rank – NR)
Others in consideration:
Episcopal (11-6)
Fleming Island (8-5)
Fletcher (18-2)
Lee (9-10)
Mandarin (14-6)
NFEI (7-2)
Ponte Vedra (14-5)
St. Joseph’s Academy (18-0)
