Believe it or not, the finish line is upon us. If you squint, you can see it.
Two weeks and four games to go, and with juicy races in Section 1 and Section 3 yet to be settled, we should be in for a fantastic (if not a photo) finish.
Based on my observations, here’s how I see the top 9 teams heading down the homestretch:
- Lancaster Catholic (last week 2) – 12-0, 17-2: How else can I say this? I think the Crusaders are the most well rounded team in the league, and I expect them to be in the Giant Center on Feb. 16. How’s that?
- Cedar Crest (last week 4) – 11-1, 17-2: The Falcons’ win at McCaskey was enormous, and senior guard Allison Smith has been rising to the challenge.
- McCaskey (last week 1) 11-1, 17-2: Slipped from 1 to 3 after the loss to Cedar Crest. But bounced back with a win (albeit another close win) over Hempfield on Saturday. McCaskey @ Crest on Feb. 8. Circle your calendars.
- Lebanon (last week 6) – 10-2, 13-6: The Cedars continue to roll along, winners of six games in a row, including a statement victory over Lampeter-Strasburg. <P.S. Senior guard Megan Strohman goes for 1,000 on Tuesday.>
- L-S (last week 3) 10-2, 13-6: Dipped a bit after the loss at Lebanon, but the Pioneers came back strong with a win over preseason pick Manheim Central to stay deadlocked with the Cedars atop Section 3. L-S, picked fourth, continues to amaze.
- Hempfield (last week 7) 9-3, 15-4: So the Black Knights fall to McCaskey, but jump up a spot in the rankings? Hey, it’s my poll. Hempfield gave the Tornado a dogfight, and the Knights are still in this sucker.
- Conestoga Valley (last week 8) 7-5, 11-8: The Buckskins are running away in Section 2, and can clinch a tie for the crown with a win Tuesday at E-town. Still think CV will cause some major headaches in the postseason.
- Warwick (last week 5) 9-3, 14-5: Still hanging around the Section 1 hunt despite a loss to last-place Penn Manor last Tuesday. Still, an unforgettable season for the Warriors.
- Lancaster Mennonite (last week: not ranked) 7-5, 13-6: Welcome to the show, Blazers. Currently alone in second place in Section 4, but Mennonite heads to Lancaster Catholic on Tuesday. Keep your fingers crossed. But the Blazers are very quietly putting together a nice season.
Also receiving consideration (listed alphabetically): Elco (8-4, 11-8), Manheim Central (8-4, 11-8), Manheim Township (6-6, 12-7) and Solanco (4-8, 8-11).
JEFFREY REINHART
