It’s incredible that we are already past the halfway point of the girls basketball season. Conference play will dominate most schedules moving forward as teams battle for league titles and favorable seeding in the upcoming state tournament. Let’s take a quick look around the state.

Before we begin, next week’s ratings will be released one day later than usual for two reasons. First, I will be out of town through Monday and I’m not dragging my desktop computer across time zones. Second, several major MLK Weekend tournaments will take place next Monday, and those results will be vital in keeping the ratings accurate.

Now, onto the show.

DIVISION I

Lakota West opened the new calendar year in dominant fashion, blowing out GMC rivals Colerain and Fairfield by 40+ points each. The Firebirds have been led by Stephen F. Austin commit Katie Fox, who tops the team in both scoring (13.5 per game) and assists (5.5 per game).

The Firebirds will face a major test during MLK Weekend when they travel to Upper Arlington to face the host school along with 12–3 Lawrence Central (Ind.).

DIVISION II

Since Christmas, Worthington Kilbourne has been on a roll, winning four straight games, including 20+ point victories over Fairbanks and Thomas Worthington last week. The Wolves remain firmly in the OCC Capital race and have an important rematch with Westerville South on Friday.

A win there would avenge an early-season loss and put Kilbourne in prime position to challenge Big Walnut for the conference title.

DIVISION III

We have a new No. 1 in Division III. Bellbrook moved to the top after handing Monroe its third loss of the season, a dominant 59–26 road victory.

Meanwhile, St. Vincent–St. Mary barely edged 4–5 Lutheran East last week and now sits just behind the Golden Eagles. The Irish will have a chance to regain the top spot with a strong showing against Archbishop Alter on Wednesday.

Bellbrook won’t have any time to enjoy its new ranking, as the Golden Eagles face 11–1 Tri-Village on Tuesday before a loaded weekend featuring Magnificat and Fairland.

DIVISION IV

Very little changed at the top of Division IV, as the top three teams continued to separate themselves from the rest of the field. One of the biggest movers was Archbishop Alter, which climbed three spots after a 49–42 win over Carroll — only the Patriots’ second loss of the season.

To the east, Logan Elm extended its winning streak to nine with double-digit home victories over Hamilton Township and Fairfield Union.

DIVISION V

Just when it looked like Division V might be a three-team race, Madison-Plains made a loud statement. The Golden Eagles returned from a long layoff and went 3–0 last week, knocking off Tree of Life, Mechanicsburg, and Fairbanks to improve to 10–0.

So far, only 11–1 West Liberty-Salem has managed to keep a final score within single digits against Madison-Plains. With Cedarville and Southeastern looming later this month, the Golden Eagles have a real chance to reach February undefeated.

DIVISION VI

If anyone knows who is going to win Division VI, let me know — it is as wide open as any division in the state. The biggest mover this week was Fayetteville-Perry, which climbed two spots after wins over North Adams and Manchester.

Still, four teams remain unbeaten: Harvest Prep, Shenandoah, St. Henry, and Southern Local. At this point, nearly every team in the top six has a legitimate case to be considered the favorite.

DIVISION VII

There was absolutely zero movement in the top ten of Division VII this week, but that’s partly because Strasburg-Franklin’s early dominance had already created separation. Their loss to Tuscarawas Valley on Wednesday simply tightened the race.

Miller City rebounded with a 56–22 win over Arlington, Russia knocked off Fairlawn 37–20, and Ottoville bounced back with wins over Lima Bath and Continental. The division remains wide open heading into the heart of conference play.