The undefeated Windward Wildcats are currently No. 4, but anything can happen now that playoff time is upon us.
Photo by Nicholas Koza
As expected, postseason play is starting to shake up what was a pretty stable Xcellent 25 — four teams dropped out this week, and expect more of the same as we move through the playoffs.
View the girls McDonald's All American selectionsThen again, as state championships are won (expect St. Mary's of Arizona to do so this week), records will be set in stone. Of course, states like California still have more than a month to go, so don't expect this set of rankings to look all that much like the final one.
View the girls basketball state playoff bracketsMaxPreps Xcellent 25 Girls Basketball Rankings Presented by the Army National Guard1. (Last week 1) Mater Dei (Santa Ana, Calif.) 26-0The competition is getting stiffer, but it would be an epic upset if the Monarchs were to lose before Feb. 26, when Long Beach Poly is the likely opponent.
2. (2) Riverdale (Murfreesboro, Tenn.) 28-0Another week, another game against previously-ranked Blackman — but this time the 68-58 win was a little bit tougher. And even though this was the playoffs, the two teams could easily meet Feb. 27.
3. (3) Duncanville (Texas) 37-0The Panthers are just two wins from the state tournament, and the first hurdle, Bowie, is a team they already beat by 34. Coronado, though, is riding a 34-game winning streak going into its game with Marcus, and the winner would be Duncanville's next opponent.
4. (4) Windward (Los Angeles) 27-0Morro Bay, Wednesday's opponent, is one of the best defensive teams in the state. But then again, the Pirates haven't faced anyone like
Jordin Canada,
Kristen Simon or the rest of the powerhouse Windward lineup.
5. (5) Marion County (Lebanon, Ky.) 30-0The likely opponent in the 20th District finals is Adair County — which Marion County has already beaten by 32 and 31.
