T-D girls' basketball rankings

1. Forest Hills 17-4
Rangers earned top seed in District 6 Class AAA playoffs.
 
2. Portage 20-2
WestPAC champs avenged previous loss to Berlin Brothersvalley in title game.

3. Westmont Hilltop 19-4
Hilltoppers struggled vs. Bishop Guilfoyle in LHAC title game. Of course, every team struggles against BG.

4. Berlin Brothersvalley 20-3
Rachel Prosser's squad had a 19-game win streak snapped against Portage.

5. Richland 17-5
Winners of four straight, Richland opens postseason play tonight against Central Cambria.

6. Ligonier Valley 15-6
Class AAA Rams haven't been able to solve Blairsville, the top seed in Class AA.

7. Conemaugh Township 18-4
Indians play Shade for first time this season in opening round of District 5 Class A playoffs.

8. Conemaugh Valley 16-6
Balanced Blue Jays won final four conference games.

9. Bishop McCort 12-9
Crimson Crushers should prove to be a tough out in District 6 Class AA bracket.

10. Windber 12-10
Ramblers will have 14-day layoff before playing in District 5 Class AA playoffs.

Tribune-Democrat boys' basketball rankings

Tradition-rich programs like Bishop McCort do not believe in moral victories, but the Crimson Crushers sure garnered a lot of attention the past week ... and it all started with a loss at Greensburg Central Catholic on Monday.

For starters, the Centurions have been a state power the last several years. This year is no different as GCC sports a 21-1 record with its lone loss at Quad-A Gateway. GCC is ranked No. 2 in Class AA in the state according to the Patriot-News of Harrisburg and there are many on the western side of Pennsylvania that believe GCC is the best team in the classification.

Bishop McCort, the defending District 6 Class AA champs, lost 81-72 on Monday in a highly competitive game as Nemo Trexler scored 32 points for the Crimson Crushers. GCC is one tough place to play.

Bishop McCort followed with a tough win at Greater Johnstown and by rallying from a double-digit deficit to defeat Bishop Carroll for the LHAC championship. It's McCort's second win over Carroll this season.

1. Bishop McCort 15-7
Forget the record, the Crimson Crushers are ready for the postseason, even as the No. 6 seed in District 6.

2. Bishop Carroll 19-4
Huskies enter District 6 Class A bracket as top seed.

3. Shade 22-1
Panthers went 24 of 25 from free-throw line in WestPAC title game - a convincing win over Conemaugh Township.

4. Penn Cambria 17-4
UPJ recruit A.J. Leahey is averaging 19.9 points, 11.8 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 2.5 blocks per game.

5. Northern Cambria 18-4
Colts bringing a five-game win streak into District 6 Class AA playoffs.

6. Conemaugh Township 20-3
Loss to Shade snapped 18-game win streak for Chuck Lesko's Indians.

7. Greater Johnstown 14-7
Trojans played just one game last week - a loss to Bishop McCort - and have this week off before the District 6 Class AAA championship game next week.

8. Somerset 14-8
Golden Eagles ended regular season on up note with wins at Richland and Bedford. They play the Bisons again in the D6 AAA semis.

9. Shanksville-Stonycreek 19-3
Vikings' loss to Shade was second home setback of season. First came against Conemaugh Township.

10. Ligonier Valley 14-7
Surging Rams have won five consecutive games entering postseason.

Patriot-News boys' basketball rankings

Class AAAA
1. Chester (19-3)
2. Lower Merion (20-2)
3. Harrisburg (20-2)
4. McCaskey (20-2)
5. New Castle (21-0)
6. Cathedral Prep (19-2)
7. Williamsport (17-2)
8. St. Joseph's Prep (18-4)
9. Martin Luther King (21-2)
10. York (21-2)
Honorable mention
Abington (18-4), Council Rock North (17-5), Norristown (19-3), Penn Wood (15-7), Pennsbury (15-7), Hatboro-Horsham (17-5), Ridley (17-5) , Great Valley (23-0), Coatesville (17-6), Roman Catholic (17-5), La Salle College (15-7), Archbishop Ryan (15-7), State College (13-7), Parkland (16-6), Freedom (15-7), Liberty (15-7), Pocono Mountain West (18-4), St. Clair (18-3), Gateway (15-5), Hampton (18-4), Seneca Valley (15-7), North Allegheny (18-3), Pittsburgh Central Catholic (16-5).

Class AAA
1. Imhotep Charter (19-4)
2. Neumann-Goretti (17-5)
3. Allentown Central Catholic (20-2)
4. Archbishop Carroll (18-4)
5. Susquehanna Twp (21-1)
6. Abington Heights (18-2)
7. Mars (18-3)
8. Berks Catholic (20-3)
9. Chartiers Valley (19-2)
10. Montour (17-4)
Honorable mention
Thomas Jefferson (16-6), Uniontown (16-3), West Mifflin (15-5), Beaver Area (17-3), Central Valley (16-6), Donegal (22-0), Bishop McDevitt (16-6), Steel-High (19-4), Palmyra (15-7), Gettysburg (16-6), Greencastle-Antrim (16-5), Wilson Area (21-1), Pottsville (18-4), Holy Ghost Prep (15-6).

Class AA
1. Beaver Falls (19-3)
2. Greensburg Central Catholic (20-1)
3. Meyers (18-2)
4. Jeannette (17-4)
5. Holy Cross (16-4)
6. West Middlesex (17-3)
7. Communications Tech (16-6)
8. Trinity (15-6)
9. Loyalsock (18-3)
10. Lewisburg (19-2)
Honorable mention
Seton-La Salle (20-2), Sto-Rox (14-7), Quaker Valley (18-4), California (18-3), Serra Catholic (13-7), Elk Lake (17-3), Mid Valley (17-3), Riverside (15-6), Dunmore (12-7), Catasauqua (16-6), Notre Dame-Green Pond (13-9), Wellsboro (18-1), Constitution (15-8), Tyrone (15-4), Bald Eagle Area (17-2), Bellwood-Antis (18-2), Penn Cambria (16-3),  Lakeview (17-3), Mercyhurst Prep (13-6).

Class A
1. Math, Civics & Sciences (22-1)
2. Vaux (16-7)
3. Lincoln Park (17-5)
4. Church Farm (17-5)
5. Vincentian (20-1)
6. Bishop Carroll (16-3)
7. Johnsonburg (18-2)
8. Ridgway (19-3)
9. Smethport (19-1)
10. St. John Neumann (19-1)
OUR HONORABLE MENTIONS
Shade (19-1), Shanksville-Stonycreek (18-2), Bishop Guilfoyle (15-3), North Catholic (14-5), Union Area (16-4), Our Lady of Sacred Heart (17-4), Clairton (13-6), A-C Valley (17-3), North Clarion (21-1), Elk County Catholic (16-5), Clarion (14-7), Greenwood (17-3), Lebanon Catholic (15-7), New Hope Academy (16-4), Sullivan County (19-2), Muncy (15-5), Lourdes Regional (16-5), Mahanoy Area (17-4), Marian Catholic (17-5), Pius X (16-2), Sankofa (13-10), Delco Christian (16-6),  Kennedy Catholic (15-5).

T-D girls' basketball rankings

1. Berlin 17-2
Big win versus Conemaugh Township last week. Mountaineers have clinched spot in WestPAC title game.

2. Westmont Hilltop 17-3
It's a battle of perennial powers (Westmont vs. Bishop Guilfoyle) in Saturday's LHAC championship game.

3. Forest Hills 17-4
Rangers should be top seed in District 6 Class AAA playoffs.

4. Ligonier Valley 13-4
Surging Rams should be Forest Hills' top competition in D6 bracket.

5. Portage 18-2
Mustangs are one win from spot in WestPAC championship game for first time.

6. Richland 14-5
Rams bounced back from loss to Westmont with key win versus Bishop McCort.

7. Conemaugh Township 15-4
Indians gave No. 1 Berlin tough game on the Mountaineers' home court.

8. Conemaugh Valley 14-5
Blue Jays remain among WestPAC elite.

9. Bishop McCort 11-9
If Crimson Crushers figure out how to beat one of the area's elite teams, could spell postseason success.

10. Windber 12-10
Ramblers ended regular season on three-game win streak.

T-D boys' basketball rankings

1. Bishop Carroll 16-3
Despite home loss to Bishop Guilfoyle, Huskies still worthy of top spot for now.

2. Penn Cambria 16-3
Panthers peaking at right time, especially with road game at Bishop Carroll on Wednesday.

3. Conemaugh Township 17-2
Indians face intriguing nonconference game tonight against a Richland team capable of beating anyone.

4. Bishop McCort 13-6
Crushers post impressive back-to-back wins against Somerset and Richland. Tonight's game at Greensburg Central Catholic could show how ready McCort is for postseason.

5. Northern Cambria 15-4
Colts haven't lost a home game in Heritage Conference play. They host Homer-Center in key game Tuesday.

6. Greater Johnstown 14-6
Trojans can play for LHAC championship with win vs. Bishop McCort on Wednesday.

7. Shade 19-1
Panthers can clinch spot in WestPAC title game with win at Shanksville Stonycreek. Could Ryan Fyock play in key game?

8. Shanksville Stonycreek 18-2
Vikings just keep winning and they host Shade on Tuesday. Their the only team to beat the Panthers.

9. Somerset 12-7
Up-and-down Golden Eagles have lost two of three. Of course, those losses are against Greater Johnstown and Bishop McCort.

10. Ligonier Valley 11-7
New to rankings, Rams probably need to win tonight at homes against Penn Cambria to stay.

T-D girls' basketball rankings

When a program has enjoyed as much success as Westmont Hilltop girls basketball, there are considerable expectations that come with wearing the Hilltoppers' red and white.

Consider Westmont Hilltop played for PIAA Class AA championships in 2005 and 2006, In 2005, the Hilltoppers lost a tough four-point game to Delone Catholic. A year later, the Hilltoppers suffered a five-point loss to another perennial power in York Catholic.

In the world of PIAA small-school girls basketball, private school tend to dominate in the state playoffs, which makes Westmont Hilltop's success all the more impressive.

"You don't play to lose and you don't play to go .500, you play to win," said Hilltoppers coach Jodi Hillegass, who is in her 10th season.

In order to live up to the yearly expectations at Westmont, players often go above and beyond what is expected from them.

"If you want to win championships and go to states, you can't be off weekends, you can't take the summer off," Hillegass said.

Westmont's current group has bought into the hard-working system, and it's resulted in a mid-to-late season surge. The Hilltoppers have climbed to No. 3 in the latest edition of The T-D girls' basketball rankings.


1. Berlin 15-2
Mountaineers bring a 14-game win streak into Tuesday's home game against Conemaugh Township.

2. Forest Hills 16-3
Rangers face tough task tonight as Bishop Guilfoyle comes to Sidman.

3. Westmont Hilltop 15-3
With Rachel Roper healthy, Hilltoppers may be peaking at right time.

4. Ligonier Valley 11-4
Healthy Rams secured two big road wins at Marion Center and Penns manor.

5. Conemaugh Township 13-3
Impressive double-digit home win vs. Portage makes Indians biggest upward movers.

6. Portage 17-2
Juniors Olivia McCabe and Emily Chobany both topped 1,000-point mark last week.

7. Richland 13-4
Rams can earn signature win tonight vs. Westmont Hilltop.

8. Conemaugh Valley 12-4
Blue Jays face Conemaugh Township and Meyersdale this week as part of tough five-game stretch.

9. Bishop McCort 10-8
Crimson Crushers have lost three of four. Those losses are against Forest Hills, Westmont Hilltop and Altoona.

10. Meyersdale 14-4
Eric McCool's Red Raiders haven't allowed more than 34 points since a three-point loss at Shade.

T-D boys' basketball rankings

It's one of those games Bishop Carroll has circled on its calendar.

Leaders of Section 1 in the Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference, Bishop Carroll had a key home game scheduled against contender and fellow Class A power Bishop Guilfoyle on Friday night. It was more than a big LHAC contest as the Huskies were ranked No. 6 in the Patriot-News Class A rankings and the Marauders were ranked 10th.

Bishop Carroll didn't have school on last Friday. Thus, the game was moved to Saturday.

"It was definitely a long-awaited game, to have it postponed bummed us out," said senior Scott Ranck, who averages 13.0 points and 5.8 rebounds. "We were looking forward to that game."

The Huskies had to put those feelings aside quickly with a game scheduled at Richland on Saturday afternoon.

"That's a game that made me extremely nervous," said Bishop Carroll coach Cosie Aliquo. "Richland is loaded with talent everywhere you look."

Behind 23 points from Ranck, Bishop Carroll gutted out a 58-55 victory to move its win streak to 12 games.


1. Bishop Carroll 15-2
Big game vs. Bishop Guilfoyle postponed, but Huskies bounce right back with tough win at Richland.

2. Penn Cambria 13-3
Panthers posted impressive win at Bishop Guilfoyle.

3. Greater Johnstown 12-5
Pair of impressive road wins (Somerset, Richland) for Trojans.

4. Conemaugh Township 13-2
Indians on an 11-game win streak, and only one of those games (at Shanksville) was close.

5. Northern Cambria 13-4
Loss at Blairsville clogged top of Heritage Conference standings.

6. Shade 18-1
Panthers back on track after lone loss to Shanksville-Stonycreek.

7. Bishop McCort 10-6
Nemo Trexler is back for the Crimson Crushers.

8. Shanksville-Stonycreek 16-2
Vikings have pieced together four consecutive road wins.

9. Chestnut Ridge 13-2
Beau Bosch and Ben Pick close to averaging double-doubles for Lions.

10. Somerset 12-6
Golden Eagles have scored nearly 300 points more than any team in the LHAC.

Patriot-News basketball rankings

Class AAAA
1. Chester (14-3)
2. Lower Merion (16-2)
3. Harrisburg (18-1)
4. McCaskey (17-2)
5. New Castle (17-0)
6. St. Joseph’s Prep (15-3)
7. Cathedral Prep (15-2)
8. Williamsport (14-2)
9. North Allegheny (15-1)
10. Martin Luther King (18-1)
Honorable mention
\York (16-2), State College (12-4), Abington (13-4), Council Rock North (13-5), Norristown (15-3), Penn Wood (11-6), Pennsbury (12-4), Ridley (15-2), Great Valley (16-0) Hatboro-Horsham (13-3), Upper St. Clair (13-3), Gateway (11-3), Hampton (14-3), Seneca Valley (14-4), Bethel Park (14-2), Roman Catholic (13-5), La Salle College (13-4), Liberty (11-5), Parkland (14-4), Pocono Mountain West (14-2).

Class AAA
1. Neumann-Goretti (13-4)
2. Imhotep Charter (16-4)
3. Allentown Central Catholic (15-2)
4. Archbishop Carroll (13-4)
5. Beaver Area (15-1)
6. Chartiers Valley (16-1)
7. Susquehanna Twp (18-1)
8. Abington Heights (14-2)
9. Mars (13-3)
10. Berks Catholic (15-3)
Honorable mention
Donegal (19-0), Steelton-Highspire (15-2), Bishop McDevitt (11-6), Palmyra (14-5), Greencastle-Antrim (14-3), Gettysburg (15-5), Montour (13-4), Thomas Jefferson (12-5), Uniontown (13-2), West Mifflin (12-3), General McLane (11-4), Hickory (12-3), Girard (11-4), Wilson Area (17-1), Pottsville (13-4), Danville (12-2), Archbishop Wood (10-6), Philly Electrical (10-10), Glen Mills (11-6), Holy Ghost Prep (12-4).

Class AA
1. Beaver Falls (15-3)
2. Greensburg Central Catholic (16-1)
3. Jeannette (14-2)
4. Meyers (14-2)
5. Holy Cross (12-3)
6. Trinity (13-3)
7. Communications Tech (12-4)
8. West Middlesex (13-3)
9. Loyalsock (12-2)
10. Lewisburg (13-1)
Honroable mention
Seton-La Salle (15-2), Serra Catholic (12-3), Quaker Valley (12-4), Sto-Rox (9-7), Dunmore (9-5), Mid Valley (13-2), Riverside (10-5), Mercyhurst Prep (10-5), Lakeview (14-2), Bald Eagle Area (14-1), Bellwood- Antis (14-1), Penn Cambria (12-3), Constitution (11-8) , Freire Charter (13-7), Wellsboro (16-1).

Class A
1. Math, Civics & Sciences (19-0)
2. Vaux (13-6)
3. Lincoln Park (11-5)
4. Church Farm (11-5)
5. Johnsonburg (15-1)
6. Bishop Carroll (13-2)
7. Vincentian (15-1) 
8. Ridgway (13-3)
9. St. John Neumann (15-0)
10. Bishop Guilfoyle (12-2) 
Honorable mention
Greenwood (16-2), Lebanon Catholic (13-6), New Hope (15-2), North Catholic (11-4), Union Area (13-2), OLSH (14-3), Clairton (8-5), Wilkinsburg (8-7), Smethport (14-1), North Clarion (16-1), A-C Valley (14-2), Clarion (13-4), Mahanoy Area (14-3), Shenandoah Valley (13-5), Pius X (12-2), Marian Catholic (14-5), Lourdes (13-4), Sullivan County (16-1), Shade (14-1), Shanksville-Stonycreek (13-2), Kennedy Catholic (11-4), Delco Christian (12-5).

T-D girls' basketball rankings

1. Berlin 12-2
Mountaineers have tough back-to-back road games at Conamaugh Valley and Shade this week.

2. Portage 15-1
Only time Mustangs allowed more than 50 points in a game this season was against Quad-A Greater Latrobe, and Portage won that game.

3. Forest Hills 13-3
Loss to Bishop Guilfoyle couple weeks ago must have angered the Rangers as they've blown out four straight opponents.

4. Westmont Hilltop 13-3
Hilltoppers' Erin Rodgers is one of area's top scorers, but she's also averaging 4.9 steals per game.

5.  Richland 12-4
The Rams are solid, but 15-ppint home loss to Bishop Guilfoyle proves Marauders' mettle.

6. Ligonier Valley 9-4
A convincing 13-point win over Conemaugh Township could be a jump start for Rams.

7. Conemaugh Valley 11-3
Tough to find fault in Blue Jay's loss to Portage.

8. Conemaugh Township 11-3
Indians rebound from loss to Ligonier Valley with win vs. North Star. Big game vs. Portage on Wednesday.

9. Bishop McCort 9-6
Crimson Crushers had five-game win streak snapped against Forest Hills.

10. Shade 12-3
The Panthers are on an eight-game win streak and freshman Emma Spinelli is averaging 19.2 points per game.

T-D boys' basketball rankings

Through its first five games, Northern Cambria was 3-2 and not looking like a team that returned a majority of key components from a team that won the 2011-12 District 6 Class A championship and qualified for the state playoffs.

There was a two-point loss to Blacklick Valley in the finals of the Rockwood Tournament. The Colts lost by three at Ligonier Valley and a two-point loss to rival Cambria Heights put Northern Cambria's record at 5-3.

The shaky start raised some eyebrows as expectation were high in Northern Cambria, even if the Colts moved up to Class AA this season.

Well, that 5-3 record has morphed into a 13-3 record. In District 6 Class AA, only Bald Eagle Area and Bellwood-Antis have better won-loss records.

Northern Cambria is coming off its most impressive performance – a 62-24 victory over Ligonier Valley in a game where senior guard Adam Polites reached 1,000 career points.

Polites is averaging 22.3 points per game for the Colts. Jeff Hogan (13.7 ppg) and Josh Bonatesta (12.7) add depth to the Colts' offense. With a 9-1 league record, Northern Cambria sits in first place in the Heritage Conference, a game ahead of Homer-Center and a game-and-a-half over Marion Center.

They're also holding steady as the No. 2 team in The Tribune-Democrat boys' basketball rankings.

1. Bishop Carroll 13-2
Huskies host Bishop Gulfoyle on Friday in matchup of top two teams in LHAC Section 1.

2. Northern Cambria 13-3
Colts on an eight-game win streak.

3. Penn Cambria 12-3
Panthers earned big win last week versus Bishop McCort

4. Conemaugh Township 11-2
Indians earned gritty win last week at Shanksville.

5. Greater Johnstown 10-5
Trojans face two tough games on road – Somerset, Richland – this week.

6. Somerset 11-5
Golden Eagles can force tie in LHAC Section 2 if they beat Greater Johnstown.

7. Bishop McCort 8-5
Crushers have lost three of five and dealt tough blow with Nemo Trexler injury.

8. Shade 14-1
Without Ryan Fyock, Panthers beat Blacklick Valley. Fyock may return before end of regular season.

9. Shanksville-Stonycreek 12-2
Three consecutive road games loom for Vikings.

10. Chestnut Ridge 12-2
Lions are unbeaten in the Sideling Hill Conference with a 7-0 record.

Patriot-News boys' basketball rankings

Class AAAA
1. Chester (12-3)
2. Lower Merion (14-2)
3. Harrisburg (14-1)
4. McCaskey (14-2)
5. New Castle (15-0)
6. St. Joseph’s Prep (12-3)
7. Cathedral Prep (13-2)
8. Williamsport (13-2)
9. North Allegheny (13-1)
10. York (14-2)
Honorable mention
Abington (11-4), Council Rock North (13-2), Norristown (12-3), Penn Wood (9-4), Pennsbury (11-3), Ridley (13-2), Great Valley (15-0), Hatboro-Horsham (13-2), Gateway (10-2), Hampton (12-3), Seneca Valley (12-3), Bethel Park (14-1), Roman Catholic (11-4), La Salle College (12-4), Martin Luther King (15-0), State College (12-3), Parkland (13-3) , Pocono Mountain West (12-2).

Class AAA
1. Imhotep Charter (14-3)
2. Neumann-Goretti (11-4)
3. Allentown Central Catholic (13-2)
4. Mars (13-2)
5. Archbishop Carroll (12-3)
6. Beaver Area (13-1)
7. Chartiers Valley (13-1)
8. Susquehanna Twp (16-1)
9. Abington Heights (11-2)
10. Berks Catholic (14-3)
Honorable mention
Bishop McDevitt (10-5), Donegal (17-0), Greencastle-Antrim (12-3), Palmyra (11-5) Steel-High (13-2), Gettysburg (14-4), Montour (10-4), Thomas Jefferson (10-4), Uniontown (12-2),West Mifflin (11-3), Central Valley (12-4), General McLane (10-3), Hickory (10-2), Girard (10-3), Wilson Area (15-1), Pottsville (11-4), Holy Ghost Prep (11-3), Glen Mills (10-4) , Philadelphia Electrical (9-8), Archbishop Wood (8-5), Danville (10-2).

Class AA
1. Meyers (12-1)
2. Beaver Falls (12-3)
3. Greensburg Central Catholic (15-1)
4. Jeannette (13-2)
5. Holy Cross (10-3)
6. Trinity (11-3)
7. Communications Tech (9-4)
8. West Middlesex (11-3)
9. Loyalsock (10-2)
10. Lewisburg (11-1)
Honorable mention
Dunmore (8-5), Mid Valley (12-2), Riverside (10-4), Seton-La Salle (13-2), Sto-Rox (8-5), Quaker Valley (12-3), Serra Catholic (12-2), Lakeview (12-2), Mercyhurst Prep (9-5), Bald Eagle Area (12-1, Bishop McCort (8-4), Wellsboro (14-1), Constitution (9-7), Del-Val Charter (7-8) and Freire Charter (11-5).

Class A
1. Math, Civics & Sciences (15-0)
2. Vaux (10-5)
3. Lincoln Park (10-4)
4. Church Farm (10-4)
5. Johnsonburg (13-1)
6. Bishop Carroll (11-2)
7. Vincentian (14-1)
8. Ridgway (11-3)
9. St. John Neumann (12-0)
10. Bishop Guilfoyle (11-2)
Honorable mention
Shade (12-1), Shanksville-Stonycreek (11-1), North Catholic (10-4), Union Area (13-2), OLSH (11-3), Clairton (8-3), Smethport (12-1), North Clarion (13-1), A-C Valley (12-2), Elk County Catholic (10-3), Clarion (11-3), Mahanoy Area (12-3), Marian Catholic (13-3), Pius X (12-2), Shenandoah Valley (11-4), Lourdes Regional (11-4), Sullivan County (14-1), Muncy (8-3), Greenwood (15-2), Lebanon Catholic (12-4), New Hope Academy (12-2), Kennedy Catholic (8-3), Old Forge (9-5), Delco Christian (10-4).

T-D girls' basketball rankings

1. Berlin 11-2
The Mountaineers had a rare off week. No game played.

2. Portage 13-1
Tuesday's game against Conemaugh Valley should be a sturdy test.

3. Forest Hills 11-3
If Rangers can beat Bishop Guilfoyle at home, they should run the table.

4. Westmont Hilltop 11-3
The Hilltoppers were the latest area team to lose to Tussey Mountain.

5. Richland 11-3
The Rams are finally getting healthy again.

6. Conemaugh Valley 11-2
The Blue Jays haven't lost since Dec. 17.

7. Conemaugh Township 10-2
Indians are averaging 13.3 steals per game.

8. Bishop McCort 8-5
The only newcomer to the rankings, the Crimson Crushers are 5-1 and in first place in LHAC Section 1.

9. Penn Cambria 8-5
The Panthers have quietly pieced together a four-game win streak.

10. Ligonier Valley 8-4
The Rams are struggling to score points. A healthier team may be the remedy.

T-D boys' basketball rankings

The hottest team in The Tribune-Democrat coverage area? It's the Bishop Carroll boys.

Consider:

* The Huskies have won eight consecutive games and ascended to the top of the Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference Section 1 standings.

* During that span, Bishop Carroll won at Bishop Guilfoyle by 24, at Penn Cambria by 11, at Vincentian Academy by two on a Saturday and at Cambria Heights by 23.

* Even the Huskies' most recent loss was impressive. Bishop Carroll took Bishop McCort to overtime at McCort before losing by three points.

* Sophomore Brandon Martinazzi is emerging as a big-game player and Marcus Lee is a force inside.

After a game tonight against North Star, Bishop Carroll faces two tough tests - home against Greater Johhnstown on Wednesday and at Richland on Friday.

For now, the Huskies have accomplished more than enough to replace Shade atop The Tribune-Democrat boys basketball rankings.

1. Bishop Carroll 11-2
Huskies haven't lost since Dec. 22 or to any Class A team.

2. Northern Cambria 11-3
Colts living up to preseason billing. Big home game versus Ligonier Valley on Thursday.

3. Bishop McCort 8-4
The Crimson Crushers show moxie late against Trojans, but stumbled early in week against Richland.

4. Greater Johnstown 9-4
Roshon Fields and Phil Madison playing well in the big games.

5. Penn Cambria 10-3
A.J. Leahey is as talented as any player around. UPJ has to be happy about that.

6. Shanksville-Stonycreek 11-1
Vikings' Carter Slade hits buzzer-beater at Shade. Three tough games this week.

7. Conemaugh Township 10-2
Indians haven't played a close game in more than a month.

8. Shade 12-1
Panthers lost at buzzer to Shanksville minus leading scorer Ryan Fyock.

9. Somerset 10-5
Jake Close found his scoring touch and Eagles scored big win versus Richland.

10. Richland 7-4
Bishop McCort win proves Rams capable of beating any area team.

Patriot-News boys basketball rankings

Class AAAA
1. Chester (9-3)
2. Lower Merion (12-1)
3. St. Joseph’s Prep (10-2)
4. Harrisburg (12-1)
5. McCaskey (12-2)
6. New Castle (13-0)
7. Cathedral Prep (11-1)
8. Abington (10-2)
9. Williamsport (11-2)
10. Parkland (11-1)
Honorable mention
York (11-2), Council Rock North (11-1), Norristown (9-3), Penn Wood (8-2), Pennsbury (8-3), Ridley (12-1),  Pocono Mountain West (9-2), Gateway (9-1), North Allegheny (11-1), Hampton (11-2), Seneca Valley (9-3), State College (10-3), La Salle College (8-4), Roman Catholic outfit (9-4), Martin Luther King (13-0).

Class AAA
1. Imhotep Charter (11-3)
2. Neumann-Goretti (8-4)
3. Allentown Central Catholic (11-2)
4. Mars (11-2)
5. Beaver Area (12-0)
6. Chartiers Valley (11-1)
7. Archbishop Carroll (9-3)
8. Susquehanna Twp (14-1)
9. Abington Heights (9-2)
10. Berks Catholic (11-3)
Honorable mention
Bishop McDevitt (9-4), Donegal (14-0), Palmyra (10-5),  Greencastle-Antrim (11-2), Steel-High (11-2), South Fayette (11-2) Thomas Jefferson (9-3), Glen Mills (7-4), Holy Ghost Prep (8-3), General McLane (8-3), Hickory (8-2), Meadville (9-2), Wilson Area (13-1), Philly Electrical (8-7), Archbishop Wood (8-4).

Class AA
1. Meyers (10-1)
2. Beaver Falls (10-3)
3. Jeannette (12-1).
4. Greensburg Central Catholic (13-1)
5. Holy Cross (8-3)
6. Trinity (9-3)
7. Communications Tech (8-3)
8. West Middlesex (8-3)
9. Loyalsock (8-2)
10. Lewisburg (10-0)
Honorable mention
Constitution (8-5), Del-Val Charter (6-7), Freire Charter (9-5), Dunmore (7-4), Mid Valley (10-2), Riverside (9-3), Delone Catholic (8-4), Wellsboro (13-1), Bald Eagle Area (11-0), Bishop McCort (7-3), Mercyhurst Prep (7-5), Lakeview (10-2), Quaker Valley (10-3), Washington (11-2), Seton-La Salle (11-2), Serra Catholic (10-2).

Class A
1. Math, Civics & Sciences (12-0)
2. Vaux (7-5)
3. Lincoln Park (8-4)
4. Church Farm (9-4)
5. Johnsonburg (10-1)
6. Bishop Carroll (9-2)
7. Vincentian (11-1)
8. Ridgway (11-2)
9. Shade (10-0)
10. St. John Neumann (10-0)
Honorable mention
North Catholic (8-4), Sullivan (11-1), Muncy (7-2), Lourdes (9-3), Mahanoy Area (10-3), Marian Catholic (10-3), Pius X (10-2), Shenandoah Valley (9-3), Bishop Guilfoyle (7-2), Shanksville-Stonycreek (9-1), Kennedy Catholic (6-3), Greenwood (12-2), Lebanon Catholic (11-3), New Hope Academy (8-2), Smethport (10-1), North Clarion (11-1), A-C Valley (11-1), Elk County Catholic (8-3),  Old Forge (8-4), Delco Christian (8-3)

T-D girls' basketball rankings

This far into the girls basketball season, we know ... is anyone quite sure what we know yet?

Think we know that Richland is good when healthy. Think we know that Ligonier Valley needs Maddie Grimm back. Think we know that Forest Hills is solid. Think we know Westmont Hilltop is capable of beating any team in the region, especially with Jodi Hillegass as coach.

Think we know that Berlin and Portage are solid in Class A, and that Meyersdale is a team to watch.

Other than that, who knows?

1. Berlin 11-2
Twenty-point win at Meyersdale solidifies Mountaineers as team to beat in WestPAC South.

2. Portage 11-1
Dynamic duo of Emily Chobany and Olivia McCabe have the Mustangs thinking big.

3. Forest Hills 10-3
Loss at Bishop Guilfoyle proves Marauders remain team to beat in the LHAC.

4. Westmont Hilltop 10-2
Behind 1,000-point scorer Erin Rodgers, Hilltoppers have won eight of nine.

5. Ligonier Valley 7-3
The Rams are talented, but blowout loss to Blairsville was an eye-raiser, despite Grimm's absence.

6. Richland 10-3
A double overtime loss at Bishop McCort Monday is the Rams' second-straight setback.

7. Conemaugh Valley 9-2
The Blue Jays' only losses are to Portage and Richland.

8. Conemaugh Township 9-2
Portage and CV are the only teams to knock the Indians. Both losses were by four points.

9. Penn Cambria 6-5
Tori Shingler's return from injury has Panthers pointed in right direction.

10. Meyersdale 8-3
Red Raiders were 8-1 before losses to Portage and Berlin.

T-D boys' basketball rankings

There were a pair of impressive, eye-opening victories the past week.

The first happened on Saturday as Bishop Carroll traveled to unbeaten Vincentian Academy, which is located a couple miles north of Ross Park Mall, and defeated the Royals, 81-81. Vincentian was a top-10 team in PIAA Class A according to the Patriot-News of Harrisburg. Credit Bishop Carroll for playing with focus following a long Saturday road trip.

On Monday night, Greater Johnstown traveled to Altoona for a clash of old-school rivals. The Mountain Lions were coming off a win over State College, but the undaunted Trojans put together a strong third quarter and got another standout performance from Philip Madison en route to a confidence-building 60-45 win.

With the postseason coming into view, both victories are good signs for the Huskies and Trojans.

1. Shade 11-0
Panthers face difficult home game tonight vs. one-loss Shanksville-Stonycreek.

2. Greater Johnstown 8-3
Difficult nonconference schedule starting to pay off in win column.

3. Bishop Carroll 9-2
Face another difficult test Friday at Penn Cambria.

4. Penn Camrbia 9-2
After back-to-back one-point losses, Panthers have blown out three consecutive opponents.

5. Bishop McCort 8-3
Crimson Crushers are as talented as any team around.

6. Northern Cambria 10-3
Five-game win streak has put shaky start in the past.

7. Shanksville-Stonycreek 9-1
Tiny Shanksville's lone loss is to Class AAA Somerset.

8. Cambria Heights 8-4
Two trips to Ebensburg resulted in a split, including a 23-point loss to Bishop Carroll.

9. Conemaugh Township 7-2
The Indians must take offense to giving up points judging by their scores.
10. Somerset 7-5
The Golden Eagles can hang with any team as long as the 3-pointers are falling.

Patriot-News boys' basketball rankings

Class AAAA
1. Chester (7-2)
2. Lower Merion (9-1)
3. St. Joseph’s Prep (8-2)
4. Harrisburg (10-1)
5. McCaskey (9-2) .
6. New Castle (10-0)
7. Cathedral Prep (9-1)
8. North Allegheny (10-0)
9. Hampton (10-0)
10. Williamsport (9-2)
HONORABLE MENTION
York (8-2), Abington (8-2), Bensalem (7-2), Council Rock North (8-1), Norristown (8-2), Penn Wood (7-1), Bethlehem Liberty (6-2), Easton (6-3), Parkland (8-1), Pocono Mountain West (7-1), Gateway (7-1), State College (8-2), La Salle College (7-3), Roman Catholic (7-4), Martin Luther King (10-0).

Class AAA
1. Neumann-Goretti (7-3)
2. Imhotep Charter (7-3)
3. Chartiers Valley (8-0)
4. Archbishop Carroll (8-2)
5. Abington Heights (7-1)
6. Mars (9-2)
7. Allentown Central Catholic (8-2)
8. Beaver Area (10-0)
9. Archbishop Wood (7-3)
10. Susquehanna Twp (10-1)
HONORABLE MENTION
Berks Catholic (6-3), Bishop McDevitt (8-3), Donegal (11-0), Palmyra (9-3), General McLane (6-2), Hickory (6-2), Warren (6-1), Meadville (8-2), Montour (7-2), South Fayette (7-2), West Mifflin (8-2), Wilson Area (10-1), Holy Ghost Prep (7-2, Philly Electrical (6-5).

Class AA
1. Meyers (8-1)]
2. Trinity (8-2)
3. Beaver Falls (8-2)
4. Communications Tech (6-2)
5. Holy Cross (6-3)
6. Constitution (8-3)
7. Jeannette (10-1)
8. Greensburg Central Catholic (10-1)
9. West Middlesex (5-3)
10. Loyalsock (7-1)
HONORABLE MENTIONS
Bishop McCort (5-2), Mercyhurst Prep (5-5) , Sto-Rox (5-4), Delone Catholic Squires (6-4), Lakeview (9-1), Seton-La Salle (9-2), Lewisburg (8-0), Serra Catholic (9-1), Del-Val Charter (5-3), Dunmore (6-3).

Class A
1. Math, Civics & Sciences (10-0)
2. Vaux (4-5)
3. Church Farm (7-3)
4. Lincoln Park (5-4)
5. Johnsonburg (8-1)
6. North Catholic (7-2)
7. Vincentian (9-0)
8. Ridgway (9-2)
9. Shade (10-0)
10. Sullivan County (9-0)
HONORABLE MENTION
Old Forge (8-2), Kennedy Catholic (4-3), Shanksville-Stonycreek (7-1), Greenwood (9-2), Lebanon Catholic (9-2), New Hope Academy (7-2), St. John Neumann (8-0), Lourdes Regional (8-2), Bishop Carroll (6-2), Bishop Guilfoyle (5-1), Clairton (3-1), Our Lady of Sacred Heart (9-1), Union (9-1), Elk County Catholic (6-3), North Clarion (8-1), Smethport (8-1), Mahanoy Area (8-3), Marian Catholic (8-2), Pius X (8-2), Shenandoah Valley (6-3).

The season's first Tribune-Democrat basketball rankings

Other work commitments have kept The Varsity Club on the quiet side in recent weeks, and there were even thoughts of keeping the blog dedicated to high school football. But we're going to crank things up for the rest of the winter sports season and see how things go.

T-D sports staffer Shawn Curtis suggested The Varsity Club offer the area's first intergender basketball rankings. Interesting idea (kind of), but we'll keep things separate ... at least for now.

Since most teams are at or nearing the halfway mark of the regular season, seems like a good time to do some local basketball rankings.

Boys
1. Shade 10-0
2. Bishop McCort 6-2
3. Greater Johnstown 6-3
4. Penn Cambria 7-2
5. Somerset 7-4
6. Bishop Carroll 7-2
7. Cambria Heights 7-3
8. Northern Cambria 7-3
9. Richland 4-1
10. Conemaugh Township 6-2

Girls
1. Richland 9-1
2. Forest Hills 8-2
3. Berlin 8-2
4. Portage 9-1
5. Ligonier Valley 7-2
6. Westmobt Hilltop 7-2
7. Conemaugh Valley 7-2
8. Meyersdale 7-1
9. United 7-4
10. Conemaugh Township 7-2

Final Patriot-News football rankings

The final 2012 Pennsylvania high school football rankings from the Patriot-News of Harrisburg, with school’s district in parentheses, followed by record and position in last week’s rankings. NR means not ranked.
CLASS AAAA
1. North Allegheny (7) 16-0 1
2. Coatesville (1)13-3 2
3. Woodland Hills (7)10-3 5
4. LaSalle College (12)12-2 3
5. Wilson (3)13-2 4
6. St. Joseph’s Prep (12)10-1 6
7. Harrisburg (3)11-3 7
8. Upper St. Clair (7)10-2 9
9. Parkland (11)11-3 8
10. Spring-Ford (1)12-2 10
Honorable mention
x-Central Dauphin (3) 10-3, Delaware Valley (2) 11-2, Gateway (7) 9-2, McDowell (10) 7-6, Ridley (1) 11-1, Scranton (2) 11-1.

CLASS AAA
1. Cathedral Prep (10)15-0 1
2. x-Archbishop Wood (12)12-3 2
3. West Allegheny (7)12-2 3
4. Bishop McDevitt (3)14-1 4
5. Thomas Jefferson (7)11-1 5
6. Allentown C.C. (11)9-6 6
7. West York (3)13-1 7
8. West Mifflin (7)11-2 8
9. Montour (7)9-2 9
10. Interboro (1)11-3 10
Honorable mention
Abington Heights (2) 10-3, Berwick (2) 10-2, xx-Lancaster Catholic (3) 9-4, Mars (7) 9-2, Pottsgrove (1) 11-1, West Chester Henderson (1) 9-3.

CLASS AA
1. Wyomissing (3)16-0 2
2. Aliquippa (7)15-1 1
3. Imhotep Charter (12)14-1 3
4. Richland (6)14-1 4
5. Washington (7)12-1 5
6. South Fayette (7)11-1 6
7. Hickory (10)11-2 7
8. Pen Argyl (11)11-3 8
9. Wyoming Area (2)10-3 9
10. Catasauqua (11)12-1 10
Honorable mention
Bermudian Springs (3) 12-1, Danville (4) 11-3, Grove City (10) 9-2, Jeannette (7) 10-2, Wilmington (10) 9-3.

CLASS A
1. x-Clairton (7)16-0 1
2. Dunmore (2)14-2 2
3. Sto-Rox (7)11-2 3
4. Bellwood-Antis (6)13-2 4
5. Southern Columbia (4)12-1 5
6. Port Allegany (9)13-1 6
7. Old Forge (2)11-1 7
8. Sharpsville (10)11-2 8
9. Delone Catholic (3)9-4 9
10. Bristol (1)9-2 10
Honorable mention
Monessen (7) 9-2, Neshannock (7) 10-2, North Catholic (7) 9-3, Rochester (7) 9-2, West Middlesex (10) 10-3, Williams Valley (11) 12-1.
x-2011 PIAA champion. xx-2011 Class AA champion. Number in parentheses is PIAA district.

Patriot-News football rankings

CLASS AAAA -- Record -- Previous rank
1. North Allegheny (7) -- 13-0 -- 1
2. LaSalle College (12) -- 11-1 -- 2
3. Harrisburg (3) -- 11-2 -- 3
4. Parkland (11) -- 11-2 -- 5
5. Woodland Hills (7) -- 10-3 -- 4
6. St. Joseph’s Prep (12) -- 10-1 -- 6
7. Wilson (3) -- 12-1 -- 8
8. Coatesville (1) -- 11-2 -- NR
9. Spring-Ford (1) -- 12-1 -- NR
10. Upper St. Clair (7) -- 10-2 -- 7
Honorable mention
 Central Dauphin* (3) 10-3, Delaware Valley (2) 11-2, Gateway (7) 9-2, McDowell (10) 7-5, Ridley (1) 11-1, Scranton (2) 11-1.

CLASS AAA -- Record -- Previous rank
1. Cathedral Prep (10) -- 12-0 -- 1
2. Bishop McDevitt (3) -- 13-0 -- 2
3. Archbishop Wood* (12) -- 10-2 -- 3
4. West Allegheny (7) -- 12-1 -- 4
5. Thomas Jefferson (7) -- 11-1 -- 7
6. West York (3) -- 13-0 -- NR
7. West Mifflin (7) -- 11-2 -- 5
8. Allentown C.C. (11) -- 8-5 -- NR
9. Montour (7) -- 9-1 -- 9
10. Interboro (1) -- 11-2 -- NR
Honorable mention
 Abington Heights (2) 10-3, Berwick (2) 10-2, x-Lancaster Catholic (3) 9-4, Mars (7) 9-2, Pottsgrove (1) 11-1, Selinsgrove (4) 10-3.

CLASS AA -- Record -- Previous rank
1. Aliquippa (7) -- 13-0 -- 1
2. Imhotep Charter (12) -- 13-0 -- 2
3. Wyomissing (3) -- 13-0 -- 3
4. Hickory (10) -- 11-1 -- 5
5. Washington (7) -- 12-1 -- 4
6. Richland (6) -- 13-0 -- 7
7. Pen Argyl (11) -- 11-2 -- 8
8. South Fayette (7) -- 11-1 -- 6
9. Wyoming Area (2) -- 10-3 -- 10
10. Catasauqua (11) -- 12-1 -- NR
Honorable mention
Bermudian Springs (3) 12-1, Danville (4) 11-2, Grove City (10) 9-2, Jeannette (7) 10-2, Wilmington (10) 9-3.

CLASS A -- Record -- Previous rank
1. Clairton* (7) -- 13-0 -- 1
2. Dunmore (2) -- 12-1 -- 3
3. Sharpsville (10) -- 11-1 -- 5
4. Sto-Rox (7) -- 11-2 -- 4
5. Bellwood-Antis (6) -- 12-1 -- 6
6. Southern Columbia (4) -- 12-1 -- 2
7. Old Forge (2) -- 11-1 -- 7
8. Port Allegany (9) -- 12-0 -- 10
9. Bristol (1) -- 9-1 -- NR
10. Delone Catholic (3) -- 9-3 -- NR
Honorable mention
 Monessen (7) 9-2, Neshannock (7) 10-2, North Catholic (7) 9-3, Rochester (7) 9-2, West Middlesex (10) 10-3, Williams Valley (11) 12-1.