Compiled By Rod Gipson
MaxPreps.com
Tampa Bay Boys Basketball Top Five
1. TAMPA SICKLES (16-4) – Behind 6-foot-11 forward John Henson, the Gryphons are unbeaten in January and winners of six in a row. Henson is averaging 17 points and five rebounds per contest. With two wins against St. Petersburg (most recently 67-38), Sickles has locked up the Class 6A, District 7 top seed.
2. CLEARWATER (17-3) – Previously the top team in this poll, the Tornadoes suffered another setback last week, falling 81-73 to No. 4 Lakewood. Bounced back with wins against Largo and Tarpon Springs East Lake. Playing in the Pinellas County Athletic Conference championship before beginning the district playoffs.
3. NEW PORT RICHEY RIDGEWOOD (18-2) – The Rams have won 17 games in a row but take a look at the scores in their last four: 74-50, 75-40, 59-19 and 72-45. Senior forward Lukas Poderis has been outstanding blistering opponents with 18 points a game.
4. ST. PETERSBURG LAKEWOOD (17-2) – The big win against then-No. 1 Clearwater was one of five times the Spartans have topped 70 points during its last six games – all wins. Guard Justin Minnis scored 38 points against Clearwater.
5. OLDSMAR CHRISTIAN (22-5) – Oldsmar Christian has dropped two games in the new year. The schedule isn’t getting any easier with games at the Montverde Tournament which will feature top teams across the country, including powerhouse Findlay Prep from Nevada.
Don’t Forget About…
Tampa Berkeley Prep (16-5) – Recent 1,000-career point scorer Johnathan Gray (18 points per game) and Austin Suarez (14) continue to pace the Buccaneers.
Tampa Prep (18-2) – Two losses in the last two weeks (Berkeley Prep in the Headmaster’s Challenge and to Indian Rocks Christian last week) have slightly tripped up the Terrapins.
St. Petersburg (15-4) – The Green Devils have not had success against Sickles this season but are still vying for the No. 2 seed in Class 6A, District 7.
Largo (16-4) – The Packers had won nine games before an 83-57 loss to No. 2 Clearwater. Largo is battling for the No. 2 seed in the 5A, District 9 tournament.
St. Petersburg Boca Ciega (15-3) – The Pirates have already lost one Class 5A, District 11 game to Lakewood but with one more meeting on the schedule, they have an outside shot at the top seed for the district tournament.
Tampa Bay Girls Basketball Top Five
1. CLEARWATER (21-1) – Lost first game of the season Jan. 17 to Pensacola Pine Forest (49-44). Still undefeated locally, the Tornadoes are tearing a path toward the post season. Still have to face St. Petersburg Gibbs in the Pinellas County title game.
2. TAMPA JEFFERSON (20-1) – Arguably the most dominant team in Hillsborough County, the Dragons posted a 56-50 comeback win against Tampa Blake last week to win its ninth straight game.
3. TAMPA CATHOLIC (21-2) – The Crusaders are coming off a 69-64 win against rival St. Petersburg Catholic, their second against their biggest rival. With the sweep, TC earned the top seed in Class 3A, District 11.
4. ST. PETERSBURG BOCA CIEGA (20-3) – The Pirates, owners of a 12-game winning streak, had a huge 46-43 win against St. Petersburg Gibbs last week. In the game before that, Tamara Taylor hit five 3-pointers during a 32-point outing.
5. WESLEY CHAPEL (20-1) – The Wildcats are well in control of the top seed in Class 5A, District 7. Wesley Chapel has been red-hot since its inexplicable 15-point loss to Trinity Mitchell on Jan. 9.The Wildcats are on a six-game winning streak.
Don’t Forget About…
St. Petersburg Catholic (17-5) – Despite being swept by No. 3 Tampa Catholic, the Barons are still a solid team heading into the Class 3A, District 11 tournament.
St. Petersburg Gibbs (17-3) – Second seed in Class 5A, District 11 race, the Gladiators have won 13 of last 15 games.
Seffner Armwood (18-2) – The surprising Hawks have won 10 in a row led by DeAndra Davis’ 12 points per game.
St. Petersburg (18-4) – Jazmyne Green is averaging 15 points a game for the streaking Green Devils.
New Port Richey Gulf (19-4) – The usual dominant Buccaneers have found themselves in a fight with Wesley Chapel Wiregrass Ranch for the Class 4A, District 8 top seed.