Preps 24/7: Volatility at top of boys hoops rankings
A down weekend for Batavia sends the Bulldogs tumbling down the rankings. Here are the updated boys basketball rankings as of Feb. 8, with a Bulldogs-Vikings rematch on tap at the end of the week.
10. Aurora Christian. The Eagles have some decent pieces, but have played just well enough to lose against most of the tougher teams on their schedule.
9. Burlington Central. Central hopes a road win against North Boone on Saturday serves as a springboard to an overdue hot streak.
8. St. Francis. The Spartans had been playing good ball in conference, but missed a key opportunity with a SCC Blue loss on Friday against contender Marian Central.
7. Kaneland. Kaneland is feeling a little better about itself after regrouping to defeat Sycamore, but recent losses to WSC also-rans Rochelle and Yorkville were tough to swallow.
6. Aurora Central Catholic. ACC would like to keep its nose clean between now and a potentially crucial showdown on Feb. 20 against powerhouse Wheaton Academy.
5. St. Charles East. The slow-starting Saints never quit on their season, and as a result, have played their way back to respectability and an above-.500 record.
4. Batavia. The Bulldogs badly need to beat Geneva on Friday to regain the confidence that was dented in an often-ugly weekend of home losses to Glenbard South and St. Joe.
3. Marmion. Marmion has the size, athleticism and defensive intensity to be a factor in the 3A postseason.
2. Geneva. Give the Vikings an 'A' for effort in Friday's narrow loss at DeKalb that likely doomed the Vikings' WSC title hopes.
1. St. Charles North. Winning a conference game without Josh Mikes on Friday has to be good for the confidence of North's dependable supporting cast.
