I've learned something about basketball here in the Dogwood Circle as we near the halfway mark for district play in the area: We've got some teams that can ball.
As it currently stands, there are seven local squads (four boys/three girls) that sit inside the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches (TABC) Top-25. Oddly enough, all of them are in the state's smallest two classifications, Class 1A, Div. I and Class 1A, Div. II.
So, with that being said—and with squads from area districts also being ranked—from here on out during the basketball season we'll dive into the polls weekly to see where the movement, if any, has been for the local squads.
GIRLS (For complete rankings, click HERE)
CLASS 3A
There are no local squads in Class 3A ranked, but a district-rival has been a stalwart in the poll all season long. From the first week of the season to this past week, the Mexia Lady Blackcats have resided somewhere inside the poll, getting as high as a top-10 squad. No longer, the Blackcats fall out, losers of two of their last three, including a loss at Palestine. But, where one left one also emerged. Fairfield, District 20-3A's lone undefeated squad who just beat Palestine on Friday, enters the poll at No. 25.
CLASS 2A
No local squads or district rivals
CLASS 1A, DIV. I
Both Slocum (No. 13) and LaPoynor (No. 18) reside here, and both held their positions from last week's poll after undefeated weeks. The highest-ranking member of area interest in this poll is Martin's Mill, which sits at No. 3. Martin's Mill, of course, shares a district with both the Lady Flyers and Cayuga. As far as competition for Slocum, Lovelady comes in at No. 17, despite the Lady Lions topping the Lady Mustangs early last week. Slocum is still a great story, a squad that was unranked heading into the year.
CLASS 1A, DIV. II
The only local squad ranked in this poll is Neches, which sits at No. 2 behind undefeated Saltillo, the same spot they've occupied for the better part of two months.. The Lady Tigers, of course, went wire-to-wire last season en route to a state title, but have been adjusting to life without Raven McFarland, who's been out with a knee injury. Neches and Oakwood hook-up tonight in a district battle in Neches.
BOYS (For complete rankings, click HERE)
CLASS 3A
Much like in the girls' poll, no local squads call the top-25 home, but a local rival does. Mexia has taken up a spot inside the top-15 all season long, and currently sits at No. 12 in the latest poll. The Blackcats pay a visit to Westwood tonight, which should provided a big opportunity for the young Panthers to see what they're all about.
CLASS 2A
The Class 2A poll isn't short on East Texas squads (Crockett, White Oak and Tatum to name three), but no local squads nor district rivals have as much as flirted with a ranking so far this season.
CLASS 1A, DIV. I
The most congested classification when it comes to area squads, all four local teams call the top-25 home here. The highest is defending state champion Cayuga, which sits at No. 9, a steady hold for the past three weeks. Grapeland (No. 14), Slocum (No. 15) and LaPoynor (No. 17) all moved up a spot this week after undefeated stretches. This classification, at least locally, will get sorted out some tonight, when Grapeland travels to Slocum and LaPoynor travels to Cayuga.
CLASS 1A, DIV. II
No local squads here, but Laneville, which sits in District 22 with Neches and Oakwood, comes in at No. 6 this week.
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