OS.Net Boys Basketball Rankings - 12/17/09

CLASS 1

1. Dadeville
2. Thomas Jefferson
3. Dora
4. Fair Play
5. Niangua

Considered: Bakersfield, Walnut Grove, Wheatland

So far Dadeville has done nothing to disappoint, they look as good as expected.  Jordan Stauffer has TJ looking even better than expected as they continue to overpower teams.  Dora has torn through the Koshkonong Tournament, Koshkonong, & Couch so far.  Fair Play already owns a win over Wheatland and 2 wins over Greenfield.  New coach Charley Parker has Niangua off to a great start.  Including a win over Walnut Grove.

CLASS 2

1. Stoutland
2. Clever
3. Spokane
4. Crane
5. Norwood

Considered: Gainesville, Galena, Greenfield, Greenwood, Laquey, Liberal, Miller, Plato, Weaubleau

Stoutland has come out on fire under new coach Lynn Long with only Plato challenging them so far.  Clever’s Dresslear/Smith combo has lead them to a tournament title & a win over Miller.  Spokane has nothing but quality wins and a loss to Mt. Vernon.  Crane is very disciplined & savvy, and will be battle tested in the SWCL.  Only a loss to Ava keeps Norwood from being perfect so far.

CLASS 3

1. Mt. Vernon
2. Seneca
3. Strafford
4. Blue Eye
5. Southwest

Considered: Ava, El Dorado Springs, Fair Grove, Mt. View-Liberty, Pleasant Hope

Mt. Vernon gets the nod at this point due to their loss being over a better team.  Can they stay strong & healthy?  Seneca has recovered nicely after puzzling loss to Carthage.  Strafford is really playing well right now with a couple of quality wins over Crane and Southwest.  Blue Eye may not have the fire power they had last year but they keep rolling along.  Southwest can outscore just about anyone when they’re on.

CLASS 4

1. Republic
2. Rogersville
3. Webb City
4. Bolivar
5. Carl Junction

The absolute thinnest group in the Ozarks.  Republic is ahead of schedule and genuinely playing well.  Rogersville is also doing well after having to replace so much.  2nd place finish at Arvest Invitational is a good sign for Webb City.  Dalton Kelly has shown that Bolivar is not just Preston Guiot.  And no bad losses for CJ so far.

CLASS 5

1. Nixa
2. Ozark
3. Branson
4. Hillcrest
5. Glendale

Considered: Joplin, Kickapoo, Parkview

Nixa has been dominating the competition so far and definitely deserves the top spot for now.  Ozark has been nearly as impressive with a win over Fayetteville.  Is it possible that Branson may be even better than last year?  It’s not as far fetched as it we would have thought.  Still not sold on Hillcrest, but Taylor Sade gives them some extra punch & depth.  Glendale gets the nod over the rest for higher quality losses.