16. (17) Blanche Ely (Pompano Beach, Fla.), 16-1Scoring balance is a theme in the Xcellent 25 and the Tigers illustrate the point with four players averaging double figures:
Richard Lee (14.3),
Lance Tejada II (12.0),
Kahlil Thomas (11.8) and
Darrion Allen (10.9). Senior shooter
Dallas Cameron also chips in with 9.7 points per outing.
17. (18) Columbia (Decatur, Ga.), 17-1The Eagles have been living in the danger zone recently with close calls against Marist (Atlanta) and Chamblee. Grady (Atlanta) and South Atlanta are both capable of making it another nervous week.
18. (19) Omaha Central (Neb.), 15-2Showdowns with Omaha South and Oak Hill Academy (Mouth of Wilson, Va.) are ahead in the next three weeks.
19. (20) Centennial (Corona, Calif.), 19-1The CIF Southern Section Division I-AA playoffs are going to be brutal. In addition to Centennial, the bracket will feature No. 9 Mater Dei, No. 10 Long Beach Poly, Chino Hills, Etiwanda, Loyola, Mission Viejo, Orange Lutheran and at least a handful of other teams that would love to create an argument for inclusion in the state's new Open Division state championship format by getting hot late.
20. (21) North Little Rock (Ark.), 16-1Weather wiped out a recent NLR contest against Searcy, which will be made up Jan. 29. The Charging Wildcats dominated Marion 81-41 in their last outing.
