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The Girls Hoops Power 20

This might be the toughest Power 20 of the season with a crazy week of results in Class A and some surprises in conference tournament play as well. Bear with us and we’ll give this thing a shot on a Saturday morning. The heart of the season is upon us.

1 - Omaha North (15-3): A huge week for the Vikings as they put a nice lock on the overall No. 1 ranking with their 53-45 win over No. 2 Lincoln North Star last Friday. Then, they woke up early the next day to defeat Elkhorn North at Sokol Arena. Will play Westside, Millard North and Lincoln Southwest in a 3-game stretch starting next Saturday. Last week: 1.

2 - Lincoln North Star (16-1): No big concerns over the Gators loss to Omaha North. The ultimate goal to play them again on March 7. Have cruised to the HAC title game where they face Lincoln Southwest this afternoon. Last week: 2.

3 - Bennington (19-0): Bennington moves up off of Millard West’s loss to Bellevue West on Thursday night and the strength of their overtime win over Norris last week. Class B looks like a three or four team race as we head down the stretch. Last week: 4.

4 - Norris (16-2): Apparently, we made the Titans mad in last weeks ranking (like they would read this) What a show last night in a 62-37 win over Pius. That could get them this spot until the state tournament. Last week: 8.

5 - Millard West (13-4): The Wildcats have a week to get back on track and sometime some practice time in the gym is just what the doctor ordered after Thursday’s loss to Bellevue West. It also could be a sing that Class A districts may be pretty wild. Last week: 3.

6 - Kearney (15-2): Their 40-38 loss to Southwest causes a small drop, but staying here may require something more. Bellevue West, Millard West and Westview are three of their final five games. Last week: 5.

7 - Milford (18-1): Handled Wilber-Clatonia last night (Shayla Rautenberg had 38!!!!) and set a school record for points in a game earlier this week against Sutton. Can’t let up in this weeks Southern Nebraska Conference tournament. Last week: 9.

8 - Pender (18-1): It’s a big week ahead for Pender who was trailing to Class D-1, No. 2 Howells-Dodge at halftime on Monday and has a few health concerns as they head to the East Husker tournament this week. A conference title move move them up a few spots again. Last week: 6.

9 - Malcolm (17-1): The Clippers, believe it or not, have a shot at their first ever Trailblazer Conference title when they face Wahoo in Ashland tonight. That boys game after might be kind of fun, too. (Wink) Last week: 10.

10 - Lincoln Pius X (14-3): We were poised to put the loser of the Pius, Norris game at 5th yesterday afternoon if it was a close one. Norris had other plans. Last week: 7.

11 - Omaha Westview (14-5): Their escape over Bellevue West on Tuesday looks a little better now after the Birds topped Millard West. Last week: 11.

12 - Omaha Westside (15-5): Three straight wins for the Warriors, who will get a crack at Omaha North next Saturday. Last week: 12.

13 - Lincoln Christian (14-1): The Crusaders hung 88 points on Omaha Concordia on Thursday night in their best offensive output of the season. A private school classic on Saturday afternoon as they get Class C-2, No. 6 Hastings St. Cecilia (17-1) in the Centennial final. Last week: 13.

14 - Lincoln Southwest (12-4): Only a one spot jump for coach Tim Barada’s crew — we couldn’t find anywhere for them to go — after Thursday’s 40-38 win over No. 7 Kearney. The big move would come if they figured out a way to crack Lincoln North Star in this afternoon’s HAC final. Last week: 15.

15 - Lincoln High (12-4): An impressive year for the Links continued with their semifinal appearance in the HAC tournament that was highlighted by a 53-52 win over Northeast. Of their six games left, only Omaha North is in the Power 20. Last week: 18.

16 - Millard North (11-6): The Mustangs bounce back week was stalled on Thursday when they dropped a 51-44 game to Marian. Now they face two big tests in Sioux Falls this weekend that started with a 65-41 loss to Sioux Falls Jefferson. Those results might not have much effect on where they are placed here. Last week: 14.

17 - Omaha Marian (8-9): In winning four of their last five, the only Marian loss is a 73-39 setback to Johnston (IA) who has a 67-game winning streak. Can get to .500 with a win against Lincoln Southwest on Tuesday. Last week: NR.

18 - Bellevue West (9-7): Dane Bacon’s crew is back after an impressive win over Millard West on Thursday and another near upset of Westview on Tuesday. It does not appear anyone is going to want to play the Birds the rest of the season. The next four games? Elkhorn South, North Star, Kearney, Lincoln Southwest. 2-2 might keep them here. Last week: NR.

19 - Gretna East (11-5): The Griffins are back and their game today with Sidney in the Western Conference final (chuckle if you may) will weigh heavily on what we think Class B will look like the rest of the season. Next team up is Elkhorn Valley. Last week: NR.

20 - Papillion-LaVista (9-7): The Monarchs are hanging by a thread to the last spot. Bellevue West and Marian now have better wins. It appears that Papio will need to win out to districts to keep this spot. And, that may not be enough. Last week: 19.

Watching You (listed alphabetically by class): Elkhorn South (8-7), Lincoln Northeast (10-5), Sidney (11-1), Gothenburg (16-3), Holdrege (14-3), Ogallala (15-1), Omaha Nation (15-2), Alma (18-1), Elkhorn Valley (18-0), Hastings St. Cecilia (17-1), Oakland-Craig (17-2).

“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.