Week 6: Local prep basketball power polls

`Who’s No. 2?’ the big question in our local prep polls this week

By Steve Tappa, stappa@qconline.com  

 

 

 Who’s No. 1? How about, instead, considering who’s worthy of being the bridesmaid right now in the Quad Cities Prep Basketball Power Poll.

 After all, the Davenport pair of Central’s boys (9-1) and Assumption’s girls (14-0) have distinguished themselves as unanimous top picks for the second straight week.

 Behind that Iowa-rated duo, though, there are a bunch of questions in the joint venture between WQAD-TV, The Dispatch, The Rock Island Argus and The Leader newspapers.

 For instance, the Moline girls (12-7) have lost to four state-rated foes now after falling at Iowa’s Cedar Rapids Washington over the weekend. But, does that qualify the Western Big 6 Conference leaders as a clear-cut No. 2?

 And, if not, who?

 How about 15-2 Rock Falls? Remember, one of this state-rated crew’s two losses is to the Maroons.

 Alleman? The state-ranked Pioneers (17-6) have lost to Moline as well, and are just 6-5 since an 11-1 start.

 Sterling Newman? The state-rated Comets are 15-2, but one of those setbacks was to Rock Falls.

 In the boys’ poll, is Bettendorf still worthy of No. 2? The ‘Dogs (9-2) have dropped two home games on back-to-back weekends to fellow state-rated clubs.

 Or is it Moline (10-5), winners now of five straight after a third upset of a state-rated foe in as many weekends?

 And, what about rebounding Geneseo (11-5)?

 Indeed, the sixth installment of these local rankings posed many questions to our panel of 10 local sportswriters and broadcasters.

 The rankings are determined on a descending points system, with a first-place vote receiving 10 points, a second-place vote receiving 9 points, and so on.

 To see how the individual media members voted, see www.qconline.com or wqad.com. Throughout the week, and for continued comment, the local polls can also be found on The Dispatch/Argus sports blog.

 ————————————————

 

 QC PREP BASKETBALL POWER POLLS

 

 

 BOYS

 Rank. Team (Record) Points (1st) Last Wk.

 

 

 

 1. Davenport Central (9-1) 100 (10) 1

 – Comment: The rich get richer. Iowa’s state-ranked Blue Devils added another college recruit to the rotation last week with electric Davenport West transfer Steven Harris becoming midseason-eligible. Will there be enough shots to go around, though? Next: Tuesday at Cedar Rapids Jefferson; Friday hosts Pleasant Valley.

 

 2. Bettendorf (9-2) 88 2

 – Comment: The Bulldogs suffered a 3-point weekend loss to fellow state-rated Iowa City High. University of Iowa-signee Matt Gatens gouged Bettendorf for a whopping 37 points. Next: Friday at Davenport West.

 

 3. Moline (10-5) 78 3

 – Comment: With Shawn Ledbetter back now from injury, the Maroons are beginning again to look like the team everyone picked to win the Western Big 6 Conference this season. After 2-point weekend win over state-rated Peoria Richwoods, Isiah Nunn is averaging 30.4 points and 9.8 rebounds in a five-game Moline winning streak. Next: Friday vs. Alleman at Augustana College’s Carver P.E. Center.

 

 4. Geneseo (11-5) 66 4t

 – Comment: The “Storm Troopers” have their mojo back, and at just the right time in the NCIC Reagan race. Rematches with fellow league title-contenders Ottawa and Sterling are coming the next two weekends. Next: Friday hosts Ottawa.

 

 5. Monmouth-Roseville (14-3) 56 4t

 – Comment: Followed up a big win over Orion, and a Class 2A state-ranking, by suffering a costly 2-point home loss last week to Olympic Conference leader Farmington (4-0). The Titans are now two games back in an ultra-competitive league race. Next: Tuesday at Rockridge; Saturday at the Abingdon Shootout.

 

 6. Orion (13-2) 54 6

 – Comment: After a full week off, the state-rated Chargers take their shot at the Olympic Conference lead at Farmington (4-0 in league play). Next: Tuesday at Farmington; Thursday at Knoxville; Saturday at the Abingdon Shootout.

 

 7. Central DeWitt (8-1) 36 9

 – Comment: The state tournament-tested Sabres keep rattling off wins. A 2-point loss to Western Dubuque before Christmas has been the only blemish for a team receiving votes in Iowa’s Class 3A rankings. Next: Tuesday hosts Maquoketa; Friday hosts Benton; Saturday hosts Fort Madison.

 

 8. Sterling (13-6) 20 7

 – Comment: A weekend setback to a sub-.500 Freeport club isn’t so bad when considering the Pretzels beat NIC-10 leader Rockton Hononegah the weekend before. Still, Illinois committed Joseph Bertrand was limited to 6 points on 3-for-11 shooting in Sterling’s sixth setback in the last nine games. Next: Friday hosts Dixon; Saturday at Bensenville Fenton.

 

 9. Annawan (12-5) 18 11

 – Comment: Welcome to our Top 10 for the first time, Braves. With All-Stater Tanner Carlson, consider this battle-tested team a threat to do some big damage in the Class 1A postseason next month. Next: Tuesday at Princeville; Friday at Alexis United.

 

 10. United Township (8-8) 12 8

 – Comment: Lost weekend for the Panthers, who didn’t just fall out of the Western Big 6 Conference top spot with a loss at co-leader Quincy. The terrible tumble taken by Kannon Burrage forced UT’s leading scorer to miss a rematch loss with Geneseo. Burrage’s status is in question this week. Next: Friday hosts Rock Island; Saturday hosts Peoria Woodruff.

 Also receiving votes:

 

 Riverdale (14-7) 10; Rock Island (7-10) 7; Macomb (10-5) 3, Clinton Prince of Peace (10-0) 2.

 ——————————————

 GIRLS

 Rank. Team (Record) Points (1st) Last Wk.

 

 

 

 1. Davenport Assumption (14-0) 100 (10) 1

 – Comment: Annie Smith, Alyson Spinas-Valanis and Lauren Lybbert are averaging in double figures for Iowa’s top-ranked Class 2A team. No one has come closer than 15 points of the “Good Knights,” Iowa’s fourth-highest scoring team at 70.1 points-per-game. Next: Tuesday at Rock Island; Friday hosts Clinton.

 

 2. Moline (12-7) 85 2

 – Comment: Four losses now to state-rated foes. After ripping Quincy by nearly 60 points, the Western Big 6 Conference leaders lost over the weekend at Iowa Class 4A’s second-ranked team (Cedar Rapids Washington). Next: Thursday hosts Rock Island; Saturday hosts Peoria Notre Dame.

 

 3. Rock Falls (15-2) 73 4

 – Comment: The NCIC Lincoln’s runaway leaders (7-0) are more than just Wisconsin recruit Jamie Russell. Runningmate Molly Anderson also has scored more than 1,000 points in her prep career. Next: Tuesday hosts Rochelle; Thursday hosts Princeton.

 

 4. Alleman (17-6) 60 3

 – Comment: Survived a scare against United Township only to lose an overtime heartbreaker to a good Peoria Notre Dame team over the weekend. The reward? A six-hour roundtrip ticket on a school bus to Quincy. Next: Thursday at Quincy.

 

 5. Sterling Newman (15-2) 57 5

 – Comment: By winning the next three games, Illinois’ Class 2A state-rated Comets can mathematically clinch the Three Rivers Conference crown two weeks ahead of schedule. Next: Tuesday at Morrison; Thursday hosts Fulton; Saturday at Amboy.

 

 6. Galesburg (16-5) 45 6

 – Comment: The “Evil Empire” is striking back, with six straight wins heading into a rare Western Big 6 Conference doubleheader this week. However, the big test will be how Galesburg measures up to postseason nemesis Morton. Next: Tuesday at Quincy; Thursday at United Township; Saturday hosts Morton.

 

 7. Geneseo (17-5) 41 7

 – Comment: With Sterling losing to Ottawa last week, the Leafs are back in the NCIC Reagan race, and hosting one of their fellow title contenders. Next: Thursday hosts Ottawa; Saturday hosts Aurora’s Illinois Math & Science Academy.

 

 8. Prophetstown (18-6) 24 8

 – Comment: Emily McLain became her school’s all-time leading scorer last week. However, a 5-point loss at Peru St. Bede soured the sweet moment for Class 1A’s Illinois state-rated Prophets. Next: Thursday at Erie; Saturday hosts Morrison.

 

 9. Knoxville (18-4) 21 9

 – Comment: Battling state-rated Macomb for Olympic Conference honors. All of the Blue Bullets losses have been to state-ranked teams — Macomb, Prophetstown, West Central and Brimfield. Next: Tonight hosts Rockridge; Saturday at Abingdon.

 

 10. Kewanee Wethersfield (13-5) 15 10

 – Comment: After a pair of 30-plus point victories, the Flying Geese should battle former AlWood coach Brad Jackson’s West Central Heat for Lincoln Trail Conference honors this week. Next: The Lincoln Trail Conference tournament (all week).

 Also receiving votes:

 

 Biggsville West Central (19-3) 9; Macomb (18-5) 8; Central DeWitt (11-3) 2.

 ————————————————

 

 HOW THEY VOTED

 

 Marc Nesseler, sports editor/Rock Island beat man mailto:mnesseler@qconline.com”>mnesseler@qconline.com>

 

 

 

 Boys

 1. Davenport Central (9-1)

 2. Moline (10-5)

 3. Bettendorf (9-2)

 4. Geneseo (11-5)

 5. Orion (13-2)

 6. Monmouth-Roseville (14-3)

 7. Rock Island (7-10)

 8. Annawan (12-5)

 9. Riverdale (14-7)

 10. United Township (8-8)

 

 

 Girls

 1. Davenport Assumption (14-0)

 2. Rock Falls (15-2)

 3. Moline (12-7)

 4. Alleman (17-6)

 5. Kewanee Wethersfield (13-5)

 6. Sterling Newman (15-2)

 7. Prophetstown (18-6)

 8. Galesburg (16-5)

 9. Geneseo (17-5)

 10. Knoxville (18-4)

 

 

 ————————————————

 Mick Moninghoff, WQAD sports director

 Mick.Moninghoff@WQAD.com

 

 

 

 Boys

 1. Davenport Central (9-1)

 2. Bettendorf (9-2)

 3. Monmouth-Roseville (14-3)

 4. Moline (10-5)

 5. Geneseo (11-5)

 6. Orion (13-2)

 7. Central DeWitt (8-1)

 8. Annawan (12-5)

 9. Macomb (10-5)

 10. Sterling (13-6)

 

 

 Girls

 1. Davenport Assumption (14-0)

 2. Moline (12-7)

 3. Knoxville (18-4)

 4. Prophetstown (18-6)

 5. Alleman (17-6)

 6. Sterling Newman (15-2)

 7. Rock Falls (15-2)

 8. Geneseo (17-5)

 9. Galesburg (16-5)

 10. Central DeWitt (11-3)

 

 

 ————————————————

 Jeff Wendland, lead sportswriter mailto:jwendland@qconline.com”>jwendland@qconline.com>

 

 

 

 Boys

 1. Davenport Central (9-1)

 2. Bettendorf (9-2)

 3. Geneseo (11-5)

 4. Moline (10-5)

 5. Orion (13-2)

 6. United Township (8-8)

 7. Monmouth-Roseville (14-3)

 8. Rock Island (7-10)

 9. Central DeWitt (8-1)

 10. Sterling (13-6)

 

 

 Girls

 1. Davenport Assumption (14-0)

 2. Galesburg (16-5)

 3. Moline (12-7)

 4. Alleman (17-6)

 5. Geneseo (17-5)

 6. Rock Falls (15-2)

 7. Sterling Newman (15-2)

 8. Prophetstown (18-6)

 9. Knoxville (18-4)

 10. Kewanee Wethersfield (13-5)

 

 

 ————————————————

 Matt Randazzo, WQAD sports anchor

 Matt.Randazzo@wqad.com

 

 

 

 Boys

 1. Davenport Central (9-1)

 2. Bettendorf (9-2)

 3. Moline (10-5)

 4. Geneseo (11-5)

 5. Central DeWitt (8-1)

 6. Monmouth-Roseville (14-3)

 7. Orion (13-2)

 8. Sterling (13-6)

 9. United Township (8-8)

 10. Annawan (12-5)

 

 

 Girls

 1. Davenport Assumption (14-0)

 2. Moline (12-7)

 3. Rock Falls (15-2)

 4. Alleman (17-6)

 5. Galesburg (16-5)

 6. Sterling Newman (15-2)

 7. Geneseo (17-5)

 8. Biggsville West Central (19-3)

 9. Macomb (18-5)

 10. Prophetstown (18-6)

 

 

 ————————————————

 Steve Tappa, Big 6/Moline beat man mailto:stappa@qconline.com”>stappa@qconline.com>

 

 

 

 Boys

 1. Davenport Central (9-1)

 2. Moline (10-5)

 3. Bettendorf (9-2)

 4. Geneseo (11-5)

 5. Monmouth-Roseville (14-3)

 6. Orion (13-2)

 7. Central DeWitt (8-1)

 8. Sterling (13-6)

 9. United Township (8-8)

 10. Macomb (10-5)

 

 

 Girls

 1. Davenport Assumption (14-0)

 2. Moline (12-7)

 3. Rock Falls (15-2)

 4. Alleman (17-6)

 5. Galesburg (16-5)

 6. Sterling Newman (15-2)

 7. Geneseo (17-5)

 8. Macomb (18-5)

 9. Biggsville West Central (19-3)

 10. Prophetstown (18-6)

 

 

 ————————————————

 Matt Veto, United Township beat man/Leader sports editor mailto:mveto@qconline.com”>mveto@qconline.com>

 

 

 

 Boys

 1. Davenport Central (9-1)

 2. Bettendorf (9-2)

 3. Geneseo (11-5)

 4. Moline (10-5)

 5. Central DeWitt (8-1)

 6. Monmouth-Roseville (14-3)

 7. Orion (13-2)

 8. Riverdale (14-7)

 9. Sterling (13-6)

 10. Annawan (12-5)

 

 

 Girls

 1. Davenport Assumption (14-0)

 2. Sterling Newman (15-2)

 3. Moline (12-7)

 4. Rock Falls (15-2)

 5. Alleman (17-6)

 6. Galesburg (16-5)

 7. Geneseo (17-5)

 8. Knoxville (18-4)

 9. Biggsville West Central (19-3)

 10. Central DeWitt (11-3)

 

 

 ————————————————

 Dan Tomlin, Geneseo/girls beat man mailto:dtomlin@qconline.com”>dtomlin@qconline.com>

 

 No vote. On vacation.

 ————————————————

 Ryan Sergeant, Alleman beat man mailto:rsergeant@qconline.com”>rsergeant@qconline.com>

 

 Boys

 1. Davenport Central (9-1)

 2. Bettendorf (9-2)

 3. Moline (10-5)

 4. Central DeWitt (8-1)

 5. Geneseo (11-5)

 6. Orion (13-2)

 7. Monmouth-Roseville (14-3)

 8. Sterling (13-6)

 9. Riverdale (14-7)

 10. Annawan (12-5)

 

 

 Girls

 1. Davenport Assumption (14-0)

 2. Rock Falls (15-2)

 3. Moline (12-7)

 4. Alleman (17-6)

 5. Sterling Newman (15-2)

 6. Galesburg (16-5)

 7. Geneseo (17-5)

 8. Knoxville (18-4)

 9. Kewanee Wethersfield (13-5)

 10. Prophetstown (18-6)

 

 

 ————————————————

 Tom Johnston, MAC beat man mailto:tjohnston@qconline.com”>tjohnston@qconline.com>

 

 

 

 Boys

 1. Davenport Central (9-1)

 2. Bettendorf (9-2)

 3. Moline (10-5)

 4. Monmouth-Roseville (14-3)

 5. Orion (13-2)

 6. Geneseo (11-5)

 7. Annawan (12-5)

 8. Sterling (13-6)

 9. United Township (8-8)

 10. Clinton Prince of Peace (10-0)

 

 

 Girls

 1. Davenport Assumption (14-0)

 2. Moline (12-7)

 3. Rock Falls (15-2)

 4. Alleman (17-6)

 5. Sterling Newman (15-2)

 6. Galesburg (16-5)

 7. Geneseo (17-5)

 8. Kewanee Wethersfield (13-5)

 9. Macomb (18-5)

 10. Knoxville (18-4)

 

 

 ————————————————

 Terry Duckett, area beat man mailto:tduckett@qconline.com”>tduckett@qconline.com>

 

 

 

 Boys

 1. Davenport Central (9-1)

 2. Bettendorf (9-2)

 3. Moline (10-5)

 4. Geneseo (11-5)

 5. Monmouth-Roseville (14-3)

 6. Orion (13-2)

 7. Sterling (13-6)

 8. Central DeWitt (8-1)

 9. Annawan (12-5)

 10. Riverdale (14-7)

 

 

 Girls

 1. Davenport Assumption (14-0)

 2. Alleman (17-6)

 3. Moline (12-7)

 4. Rock Falls (15-2)

 5. Sterling Newman (15-2)

 6. Geneseo (17-5)

 7. Prophetstown (18-6)

 8. Knoxville (18-4)

 9. Biggsville West Central (19-3)

 10. Kewanee Wethersfield (13-5)

 

 

 ————————————————

 Joel Donofrio, copy editor/prep reporter mailto:jdonofrio@qconline.com”>jdonofrio@qconline.com>

 

 

 

 Boys

 1. Davenport Central (9-1)

 2. Bettendorf (9-2)

 3. Orion (13-2)

 4. Moline (10-5)

 5. Monmouth-Roseville (14-3)

 6. Geneseo (11-5)

 7. Central DeWitt (8-1)

 8. Annawan (12-5)

 9. Riverdale (14-7)

 10. Clinton Prince of Peace (10-0)

 

 

 Girls

 1. Davenport Assumption (14-0)

 2. Moline (12-7)

 3. Rock Falls (15-2)

 4. Alleman (17-6)

 5. Sterling Newman (15-2)

 6. Geneseo (17-5)

 7. Galesburg (16-5)

 8. Prophetstown (18-6)

 9. Kewanee Wethersfield (13-5)

 10. Macomb (18-5)

 

 

 ————————————————

 Convince us

 

 Instead of decrying who’s in the poll, tell us who should be in our rankings. Negative comments about teams and players won’t be tolerated, and will be deleted.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Posted 1/14/2008, 3:21:AM, by Tappa | No Comments »

---