16. (18) Taft (Cincinnati, Ohio) (3-0)The Senators kept rolling toward a Saturday showdown at the City of Palms against No. 8 Grace Prep by coasting past Hughes Center 106-69. Taft is averaging 91.6 points per game through three contests and has won each by 28 points or more.
Ja'Quan Newton, Neumann-Goretti
File photo by Paul Burdick
The Saints took on a tough task by opening their season at the Gonzaga D.C. Classic, taking the hosts to the wire in the final after beating Bishop McNamara (Forestville, Md.) and Sidwell Friends (Washington, D.C.) in the first two rounds. Sophomore guard
Ja'Quan Newton was sensational in the event, averaging 19.6 points per game.
18. (21) St. Augustine (New Orleans, La.) (11-0)The Purple Knights captured their second tournament victory in as many weeks Saturday night, beating host Newman (New Orleans) in the final of its own event 59-37. A trip to South Carolina for the Beach Ball Classic after Christmas will provide a real litmus test for the program.
19. (22) Southwind (Memphis, Tenn.) (8-1)Junior
JaJuan Johnson continued to fill it up for the Jaguars on Friday in a 76-66 win over Arlington, tossing in a team-high 21 points. Southwind also rolled Bolton (Arlington) earlier in the week 92-62.
20. (24) Hamilton Southeastern (Fishers, Ind.) (4-0)Michigan State-bound
Gary Harris tallied 24 points to help the Royals get past Noblesville 70-52 Friday night. Hamilton Southeastern has a big one on the slate Saturday night against North Central (Indianapolis) – No. 17 in last week's rankings before falling to Carmel.
