Stateline Preps: Boys Hoops Power Rankings (Week 8)
In one of the most exciting games of the season, Beloit Memorial pulled off something that no team has done this year.
Beating the No. 1 team in the state and handing Madison East its only loss of the season.
It was refreshing to see how good the Purple Knights can be when everything is clicking on all cylinders.
It looks like all those players have finally discovered their roles and they’re finally beginning to flourish. The biggest problem for the Knights seems to be their lack of focus during games.
That was evident in Saturday’s non-conference loss to Milwaukee Washington where it was clear Beloit’s minds weren’t completely focused on Washington. But in the grand scheme of things, it really doesn’t matter. At this point, it’s all about the conference and getting better for regionals and sectionals.
(Disclaimer: This is my opinion only, so if you don’t agree with it, feel free to send me a comment on the bottom of the page. Otherwise, it’s not a life-and-death situation.)
1. BELOIT MEMORIAL (10-6): You beat No. 1, you are No. 1 in the Power Rankings. While this isn’t a rule in Power Rankings, what I personally witnessed on Friday night at Barkin Arena is that if Beloit plays to its fullest, the Knights are a very, very dangerous team. K.J. Evans has finally stepped into his leadership role and the Knights have followed his lead. NEXT: Thursday at Madison La Follette, 7:30 p.m.
2. PARKVIEW (12-4): I was really sold on the Vikings last week, especially after they whipped arch-rival Brodhead, 66-54. But then came Thursday’s 18-point loss to RVC North foe McFarland and then I began questioning how good Parkview really is. It seems like the South always has problems beating the North teams and Parkview is no different. All season long, coaches have figured that the South will be a three- or four-team race and that looks to be true. If Nick Melton can continue his dominance, Parkview should walk away with the RVC crown. If not, it’s definitely wide open. NEXT: Tuesday vs. East Troy, 7:15 p.m.; Friday vs. Palmyra-Eagle, 7:15 p.m.
3. HONONEGAH (16-6): The Indians have no problems taking care of business against the NIC-10 teams they should beat, but it’s the upper echelon teams they haven’t figured out yet. Hononegah is 0-2 against Rockford Boylan and Rockford Auburn — the top 2 teams in the NIC-10. Luckily for the Indians, the Titans face Auburn and Rockford Jefferson this weekend, meaning, if they’re swept and Hononegah wins, the Indians will be tied for first place in the NIC-10. NEXT: Friday vs. Freeport, 7 p.m.; Saturday at Rockford East, 7 p.m.
4. SOUTH BELOIT (14-4): The SoBos can beat anybody they play, but they can also lose to anyone they play. They looked impressive in last Friday’s 77-55 NUIC East victory over Milledgeville, even with Denzel Woods scoring only 2 points. Things will get interesting Thursday night when the SoBos host Pecatonica, who has defeated South Beloit twice already this year. NEXT: Thursday vs. Pecatonica, 7:30 p.m.; Saturday at Orangeville, 7:30 p.m.
5. BIG FOOT (7-8): The Chiefs get the nod over Beloit Turner, simply because they’ve been better in conference play as of late. A big 76-64 win over Evansville last week showed that Big Foot can play against North squads. If senior guard Mike Walker can keep scoring like he has been (25 points vs. Evansville), the Chiefs could factor into the RVC South race. NEXT: Tuesday vs. Whitewater, 7:15 p.m.; Friday vs. Beloit Turner, 7:15 p.m.
STAR SYSTEM
(I award stars to the top five players in the past week, checking out who had star performances in Week 8).
1. K.J. EVANS (BELOIT MEMORIAL) — K.J. is starting to become a regular in the Star System and for good reason. Evans was brilliant in last Friday’s win over Madison East, scoring 26 points, including knocking down a key jumper in the closing minutes to seal the victory.
2. MIKE WALKER/ALEC MCGREEVY (BIG FOOT) — This is a combination award due to their effectiveness in the Chiefs’ victory over Evansville. Walker scorched the Blue Devils from the perimeter, scoring 25 points, while McGreevy pounded the paint to the tune of 18 points.
3. KATONKA FRIAR (SOUTH BELOIT) — Friar’s 22 points in the win over Milledgeville is a big reason why the SoBos don’t need Denzel Woods to be great all the time. There’s no question that Friar has been one of the most improved players on South Beloit this year. Once known as a slasher, his all-around game has taken off.
4. LUCAS LIMBERG (HONONEGAH) — Maybe Limberg will finally be that third scorer the Indians have been searching for. Limberg scored 12 points in Friday’s romp over Harlem and 14 more in Saturday’s 70-66 win over Rockford Guilford.
5. LEKETRIUS BROOMFIELD (BELOIT MEMORIAL) — Broomfield was an excellent game-manager in the Purple Knights upset of Madison East. When he wasn’t scoring (18 points), he was finding open teammates and taking it to the basket against Marquis Mason, who was saddled with foul trouble all night.
K.J. Evans (left) and Leketrius Broomfield celebrate a basket by Beloit Memorial on Friday night.
