Sparta Bulldogs Make the Jump into the Top 5
- Russell Conwell
- Jan 26
- 3 min read
Updated: Jan 27
Some championships were finished this week, while others were postponed after a winter storm rolled through the area. Heavy snow and some ice caused several start times and schedules to get moved around as well. We’ll break down the new rankings, the tournament champions, and the tournaments that were pushed back.
The New Rend Lake Cabins In The Woods Rankings
The Centralia Orphans stay at the top of the rankings after beating Mt. Vernon for the second time this season, this time in the Salem Invitational Championship, winning 45–31. That game was originally scheduled for 7:30 PM Saturday, but was moved up to noon because of weather. With the loss, Mt. Vernon drops five spots in the rankings to #7.
Nashville jumps up to #2 after dominating their tournament and knocking off Breese Central 66–33 in the championship. Senior Maddox Ritzel led the way with 35 points and 7 rebounds in the title game as the Hornets continue to roll.
Waltonville holds steady at #3 after running through the final Midland Trail Conference Tournament. The Spartans beat Woodlawn 53–34 in a rematch to claim the championship. Gage Peterson was named Tournament MVP after scoring 23 points in the title game, breaking the school scoring record and reaching 2,000 career points. With the loss, Woodlawn slides down another spot to #8.
The Carterville Lions move back into the top five at #4 after wins over Meridian (64–35) and Hamilton County (60–38) to earn a spot in the Benton Invitational Championship against the host Benton Rangers. That championship game is set for Saturday, January 31st at 7:30 PM.
The Sparta Bulldogs make their first appearance in the top five this season after winning the Sparta Midwinter Classic, knocking off Pinckneyville 67–59 in the championship.
Goreville drops to #6 despite setting themselves up for a championship game in the Superman Classic. The Blackcats beat Century (66–37) and the host Massac County Patriots (65–53) to reach the finals, where they will face Murray, Kentucky. That championship date is still to be determined.
The Webber Trojans remain at #9 after finishing third in the MTC Tournament, picking up a win over Patoka/Odin 72–54. Nathaniel Marlow went off for 41 points in that game and now sits at 2,842 career points, putting him just 158 points away from 3,000.
Rounding out the rankings, the Benton Rangers move back into the top 10 after reaching the championship game of their own tournament. Meanwhile, the Marion Wildcats drop out of the rankings for the first time this season after taking a couple more losses over the week. The Wildcats are now 3-9 in their last 12 games after a 7-0 start to the season.
Tournament Championships
Benton Invitational: Benton vs Carterville - Saturday, January 31st 7:30 PM
Superman Classic (Massac County): Goreville vs Murray (KY) - TBD
Salem Invitational: Centralia 45, Mt. Vernon 31
West Frankfort Midwinter: West Frankfort Redbirds 3-0 on the week
Zeigler-Royalton Midwinter: Cobden 65, Galatia 60
Sparta Midwinter: Sparta 67, Pinckneyville 59
Carmi-White Co. Invitational: Mt. Vernon (IN) 49, Fairfield 47
Arrowhead Classic (Johnston City): DuQuoin Indians 3-0 on the week
Nashville Invitational: Nashville 66, Breese Central 33
Ballin4God Rankings – Week 10 (January 26th)
1. Centralia (22–1) — 130 points (13)
2. Nashville (20–2) — 104 points
3. Waltonville (20–2) — 96 points
4. Carterville (20–2) — 79 points
5. Sparta (20–2) — 74 points
6. Goreville (17–1) — 71 points
7. Mt. Vernon (17–4) — 63 points
8. Woodlawn (18–3) — 52 points
9. Webber (17–3) — 45 points
10. Benton (17–4) — 27 points
Others receiving votes: Pinckneyville 3, Marion 1
Full Game Highlights:
Webber vs Woodlawn: https://youtu.be/nWCT1kgCFdQ?si=qbyEpLIHrc8BYK-3
Goreville vs Massac County: Will be out soon
Waltonville vs Woodlawn: https://youtu.be/dvmjd7I0aGc?si=ih4feGuRXIjNwlWz
Comments