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The Girls Hoops Power 20

We head into the heart of basketball season this week. Big games galore, including two No. 1 vs. No. 2 matchups tonight in Class A and B that will have huge implications for next week’s Power 20. No fluff this week, let’s dive right in.

1 - Omaha North (11-3): Two more wins last week included an 87-76 win over Elkhorn South. The big one tonight with Lincoln North Star likely determines our No. 1 team heading into the state tournament. Four of their last five regular season games will be against Power 20 teams. Last week: 1.

2 - Lincoln North Star (14-0): An impressive week with wins over No. 3 Millard West and No. 5 Kearney. But….. we leave the rankings for now. Tonight should be awesome. The Gators made 18 triples in their wins over MW and Kearney. Last week: 2.

3 - Millard West (12-2): The ‘Cats got a nice win over rival Millard South last night. A big test awaits tomorrow when they play Sioux City (IA) Bishop Heelan at Sokol Arena. Last week: 3.

4 - Bennington (17-0): Very little has bothered the young and fun Badgers so far. Tonight’s game with Norris would allow them to put a firm grasp on this rating. Last week: 4.

5 - Kearney (14-1): Didn’t get a win over North Star, but showed very well. Guess what? They might have another shot next Saturday. Will need to advance to HAC final to stay year. Last week: 5.

6 - Pender (15-1): Love the Dragons willingness to play anyone. A Class A team. South Dakota’s best in Wayne. Tomorrow they get Council Bluffs (IA) St. Albert at Sokol Arena. St. Albert is 13-1 on the season. Two games Monday and Tuesday before a break that leads into the East Husker Tournament. Last week: 6.

7 - Lincoln Pius X (13-2): How did the Bolts do this week? Beat then No 16 Papillion-LaVista on Friday. Beat No. 12 Lincoln Christian on Saturday. Beat “watching you” Elkhorn South last night. Ho hum. Freshman Ava Fredrick coming into her own after a 26-point effort against the Storm. Last week: 13.

8 - Norris (13-1): Seven in a row for Norris who moves up a spot, but falls behind Pius who we think is playing just a bit better. But, tonight is a big, big chance. Last week: 9.

9 - Milford (16-1): The Eagles now 16-1 after wins over Aurora and Lakeview this week. Then, added a 43-26 win over “watching you” Beatrice last night. Last week: 10.

10 - Malcolm (13-1): The Clippers get York tonight after the Dukes just played Norris on Tuesday so that will be a nice comparison next week. Equally as important is taking care of the Trailblazer Conference Tournament next week. Last week: 11.

11 - Omaha Westview (11-5): A blip on the radar loss to an improving Omaha Marian team last week, drops the Wolverines. It also really muddies up what to do with the Class A teams below Kearney. Last week: 7.

12 - Omaha Westside (12-5): Warriors lost to Millard North who moved up a spot this week to No. 14. A big weekend ahead with Papillion-LaVista and Millard South. Last week: 8.

13 - Lincoln Christian (14-1): Bounced back from the Saturday loss to Pius with wins over GACC and Omaha Concordia. Gonna need to roll through the Centennial Conference tournament next week to stay here. Last week: 12.

14 - Millard North (10-4): The Mustangs have bounced back well from loss to Pender with nice wins over Millard South and Papillion-LaVista this week. Benson and Marian this week before a trip next weekend to play two of the top teams in South Dakota. Last week: 15.

15 - Lincoln Southwest (10-4): A nice week for the Silverhawks that included a win over No. 18 Lincoln Northeast. To stay here? A semifinal appearance in the HAC, but big move possible with a finals appearance. Last week: 20.

16 - Gothenburg (12-2): A big one tonight with “watching you” Sidney and we have to say that the Swedes will need to win the loaded Southwest Conference Tournament next week to stay here. Last week: 17.

17 - Lincoln Northeast (9-3): Rockets lost to Lincoln Southwest last week which moved the Silverhawks up. Tonight’s game with Lincoln High is a measuring stick game. Last week: 18.

18 - Lincoln High (10-3): A win over Lincoln Northeast would add to the Links other big win over Lincoln Southwest. For both teams, the HAC Tournament next week is another barometer. Last week: 19.

19 - Papillion-LaVista (7-6): Head-to-head edge for Papio on our last spot based on their early season win over Millard South. Need to win some games, however. Last week: 16.

20 - Millard South (7-7): Patriots have lost five straight heading into tonight’s game with Westside. But, all of them have been to Power 20 teams. Need a couple wins to get back rolling. Last week: 14.  

Notes: The Elkhorn Valley, Central City game is one we are watching for an addition to our list, as well as Gretna East and Sidney’s big weekend (Gothenburg and Ogallala).

Watching You (listed alphabetically by class): Elkhorn South (7-6), Omaha Marian (6-8), Blair (10-3), Gretna East (10-5), Sidney (11-1), Central City (15-1), Ogallala (12-1), O’Neill (14-1), Omaha Nation (13-1), Elkhorn Valley (15-0), Oakland-Craig (16-2).

“Discipline, drive, and dedication. Competitive spirit. A commitment to constant improvement. These qualities make great athletes and coaches. They also make great financial advisors. Northwestern Mutual advisors educate clients to make important decisions to live differently and achieve their goals of financial security. Learn more about joining our team. Karges Financial Group and the Great Plains District are proud supporters of Nebraska high school athletics.