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The Honolulu Advertiser

Updated at 4:24 p.m., Tuesday, November 20, 2007

Punahou girls No. 9 in USA Today's West rankings

Analysis by Joan Murphy and Jim Halley
USA Today

Punahou is No. 9 in the West Region in USA Today's girls basketball rankings released today.

The Buffanblu (22-7) were state runner-up to Konawaena last year and won state titles in 2005 and 2006.

The Interscholastic League of Honolulu's schedule has not been released. The girls basketball season is moving from spring to winter this school year.

Girls' Super 25 rankings

Super 25 high school girls basketball rankings. Last season's record in parentheses:

1. Long Beach Poly (36-1)

Starters returning: 2. Outlook: After finishing last season No. 2 in our Super 25 rankings, Long Beach Poly returns leading scorer Jasmine Dixon, a 6-0 forward who has signed with Rutgers, and starting G April Cook, who's headed to Washington State next year. Joining them are junior Kelli Thompson, sophomore twins Ashley and Brittany Wilson and sophomore Thaddesia Southall. The Jackrabbits add 6-3 junior C Monique Oliver (26.7 ppg, 13.5 rpg), who transferred from Cheyenne High in Las Vegas. Next: Dec. 6 vs. Central Catholic (Portland, Ore.) at the Northwest Nike Invitational in Beaverton, Ore.

2. Notre Dame Academy, Middleburg, Va. (29-1)

Starters returning: 4. Outlook: Coach Mike Teasley has 12 of 13 players returning from last season. The team is led by senior F Mia Nickson, who averaged 13 points and 8.5 rebounds. She's heading to Boston College. Joining Nickson is 6-4 C Azania Stewart (12.5 ppg, 3 bpg, 5 rpg), who is headed to Florida. Next: Dec. 1 vs. Holy Cross (Lynchburg) at the Holy Cross Tipoff.

3. Cy-Fair, Houston (39-1)

Starters returning: 4. Outlook: Cy-Fair made it to the state final last season and is loaded with sisters Chiney Ogwumike (11.0 ppg, 8.2 rpg), a 6-1 sophomore, and Stanford-bound 6-3 senior Nneka Ogwumike (19.6 ppg, 11.2 rpg), both forwards. The Bobcats also return starting guards Nicole Morris (5.6, 2.2 apg) and senior Mansa El (7.2 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 3.5 apg). Next: Tuesday at Taylor (Katy).

4. Murry Bergtraum,

New York (28-0)

Starters returning: 4. Outlook: Last season's New York state federation AA champions return senior F Shakeya Leary (13 ppg, 12 rpg), senior G Krystal Parnell (8 ppg, 4 apg), junior G Shanee Williams (10 ppg, 3 apg) and sophomore G/F Doris Ortega (9 ppg, 7 rpg). Next: Nov. 30 vs. Lehman (New York).

5. Bishop Gorman, Las Vegas (31-2)

Starters returning: 3. Outlook: Two seniors anchor Gorman's attack - Texas-bound 6-4 F Ashley Gayle (11 ppg, 9 rpg, 5 bpg) and Oregon signee G Darriel Gaynor (15 ppg, 5 apg). 6-4 junior Dannielle Diamant will create matchup problems with her three-point shooting and speedy senior G Kiara Belen (10 ppg, 6 rpg) and sophomore PG Aaryn Ellenberg (13 ppg, 3 apg, 3 spg) also will contribute. Next: Friday at Whitney Young Tournament in Chicago.

6. Winter Haven, Fla. (29-3)

Starters returning: 4. Outlook: The Blue Devils have three Division I signees back from a team that won the state's 5A title. Connecticut-bound 5-10 G Tiffany Hayes (18 ppg, 10 rpg, 3 apg) teams with Memphis signee Kiara Francisco (14 ppg, 10 rpg) and Morehead State signee Ashley Martin (8 ppg, 8 rpg). Next: Friday vs. Bishop Moore (Orlando) at Evans Thanksgiving Tournament.

7. Murrah, Jackson, Miss. (37-2)

Starters returning: 5. Outlook: The Lady Mustangs have almost everyone back from their 5A championship team. Leading the returning starters is LSU signee 6-1 F LaSondra Bennett (16.8 ppg, 10.4 rpg, 5.2 bpg). Junior G Tanecka Carey (17.8 ppg, 3.4 apg, 2.4 spg) was all-state and all-metro last season. Next: Tuesday vs. Callaway (Jackson).

8. Washington,

South Bend, Ind. (28-1)

Starters returning: 2. Outlook: Won the state championship last season. The team is lead by Skylar Higgins and Emily Phillips. Higgins, a 5-9 junior, averaged 24.4 point, 6.1 assists, 4.9 rpg and 4.7 steals and set a record in the state final with 17 rebounds. Phillips, a 5-4 senior who signed with Penn State, averaged 9.1 ppg, 2.7 steals and 5 assists. Next: Saturday vs. Bishop Luers (Fort Wayne).

9. Mount Notre Dame,

Cincinnati (23-4)

Starters returning: 5. Outlook: With all five starters back and a deep bench, the Cougars are looking for a state title three-peat. Senior 6-1 F/C Tia McBride (13.1 ppg, 7.2 rpg) is headed to Georgetown and 5-11 F Channing Hillman (11.8 ppg, 5.8 rpg) is going to Texas-El Paso. Next: Saturday vs. Mt. DeChantel at Olentangy Liberty.

10. Iota, La. (43-0)

Starters returning: 5. Outlook: The Lady Dogs could have another undefeated season. The team averaged more than 74 ppg last year. Coach Stan Baggett's twin daughters have almost identical statistics in the team's backcourt - Ashlyn (18.5 ppg, 5.7 rpg, 5.8 apg and 4.5 steals) and Caitlyn (18.9 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 5.5 apg and 4.8 steals) have already signed with McNeese State. Also returning is 5-10 junior Candace LaCombe (11.6 ppg and 7.2 rpg). Next: Nov. 27 at Northside (Lafayette).

11. Southridge,

Beaverton, Ore. (25-4)

Starters returning: 3. Outlook: The three-time defending state champions return their top three players and scorers - 6-3 F Michelle Jenkins (14.9 ppg), a 6-3 senior who is heading to USC; 5-10 PG Alex Earl (12 ppg), who is headed to Arizona State and junior 5-7 F/G Kiara Tate, who averaged 13 points last season. Next: Nov. 30 at Lake Oswego.

12. Sacred Heart Cathedral,

San Francisco (32-2)

Starters returning: 4. Outlook: The team has won the state championship twice and is a threat for a three-peat. Seniors Jazmine Jackson (13 ppg, 8 rpg, 4 apg) and Lauren Bell (10 ppg, 6 rpg and 3 apg) are headed to Pepperdine. Juniors Tierra Rogers (12 ppg, 5 rpg, 4 assists) and Ki-Shawna Moore round out the key players. Next: Saturday vs. Branson (Ross).

13. Ursuline Academy,

Wilmington, Del. (21-5)

Starters returning: 5. Outlook: There's depth on the bench, too. And one of the starters is the No. 1 senior in the country - 6-4 G Elena Delle Donne (28 ppg, 10 rpg and 4 apg) who is heading to Connecticut. G Kayla Miller (7 ppg, 3 apg and 2 spg) signed with George Washington. Next: Dec. 8 vs. Archbishop Ryan (Philadelphia).

14. Central, St. Paul (32-0)

Starters returning: 4. Outlook: Senior F Kiara Buford (12.3 ppg, 5.2 rpg) has been all-conference for the past three years and has signed with Minnesota. Senior C Georgie Jones, 6-2, (12.9 ppg, 9.6 rpg and 2.9 blocks) has been all-conference for the past two years. Joining them are junior G Theairra Taylor (11 ppg, 4.8 rpg and 2.8 steals) and senior C Megan Howard (10.2 ppg, 7.7 rpg) for the defending AAAA champion. Next: Friday vs. Totino-Grace (Fridley) at Hamline University.

15. Lexington (Ky.) Christian (34-3)

Starters returning: 4. Outlook: Top returners include G Anna Martin, a 5-9 junior all-state candidate who averaged 14.8 points last season, junior G Courtney Clifton (13 ppg), junior F Clara Mitchell (9.8 ppg, 8.6 rpg), sophomore G Sarah Beth Barnette (8.8 ppg, 6.3 rpg) and senior G Hilary Thornton (4.7 ppg). Next: Nov. 26 at Clark (Winchester).

16. Buffalo Grove, Ill. (34-2)

Starters returning: 4. Outlook: Returning nine of their top 10 players including these three four-year starters - 5-10 senior G Maggie Mocchi (13.6 ppg and 7.1 rpg). Along with her twin Allison, they're going to Northwestern next season. Allison, the team's top defender, averaged 10.3 ppg and 6.6 rebounds. G Ellen Ayoub (14.5 ppg, 5.9 rpg), a 6-0 senior, is headed to Loyola. Next: Friday vs. Regina (Wilmette).

17. Brea Olinda, Brea, Calif. (33-2)

Starters returning: 3. Outlook: Nucleus of a team that finished second for state's Division II title is back, led by sophomore 5-10 G Kelsey Harris (10.2 ppg, 3.3 rpg). Three-point shooter G Jonae Ervin (8.8 ppg, 2.5 spg) is also in the backcourt. Next: Monday vs. Venice.

18. Regis Jesuit, Aurora, Colo. (26-2)

Starters returning: 4. Outlook: The four returning starters include the team's leading scorer, Mariah Williams (12.5 ppg and 5.1 apg), Diana Rolniak (10.5 ppg and 7.1 bpg), T'Keyah Shealy (10.2 ppg) and Megan Winters. New senior starter Kamile Nacikait is from Lithuania. Next: Nov. 30 at Grand Junction.

19. Hampton, Va. (30-2)

Starters returning: 3. Outlook: Returns six players from AAA state championship team. Transfer Debbie Smith from Charles City scored 508 points last season. Returning stars include 5-9 junior Tiffany Davis (19 ppg and 8 apg) and Alyssa Bennett, 6-2 (16.5 ppg, 12 rpg), who can probably play all five positions. Next: Dec. 4 vs. Gloucester.

20. Webb School,

Knoxville, Tenn. (29-4)

Starters returning: 4 Outlook: Tennessee signee Glory Johnson, a senior F/C who averaged 16 points, 10 rebounds, 4 steals and two blocks for a state championship team, joins junior F/C Faith Dupree (10 ppg, 6 rpg and 1 block) in a quest to repeat. Next: Tuesday vs. Greenville.

21. Sequoyah,

Tahlequah, Okla. (27-0)

Starters returning: 5. Outlook: The Lady Indians are aiming for a fourth consecutive state championship. G Angel Goodrich (17.9 ppg, 6.4 rpg, 6.9 steals and 7.5 apg) will lead the way. Next: Dec. 4 at Broken Arrow.

22. Wichita Heights, Wichita (24-1)

Starters returning: 2. Outlook: ""My freshman class is the best I have had in my eight years here," coach Kip Pulliam says. The Lady Falcon will depend on seniors Jennifer Lane (12.4 ppg, 7.6 apg and 3.7 spg) and Amanda Orloske (11.6 ppg, 4rpg, 3 apg). Junior transfers Nyisha Miles and Stephanie Glasper from Wichita East join a team looking for its third consecutive state championship. Next: Nov. 30 vs. Wichita South.

23. Ben Davis, Indianapolis (18-5)

Starters returning: 4. Outlook: Six of last season's top seven players are back. Alex Bentley (18.3 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 3.4 apgand 3.3 spg) led the way last season. DeAirra Goss (12.2 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 1.3 apg and 2.3 spg) and Vivian Holcomb (7.5 ppg, 6.8 rpg) will help. Next: Friday at Brownsburg.

24. Germantown Academy,

Fort Washington, Pa. (26-3)

Starters returning: 3. Outlook: The team finished last season ranked first in the Philadelphia area. Returning this year are junior 5-10 G Jesse Carey (6 ppg, 5 apg), sophomore G Maggie Lucas who shot better than 51 percent from the three-point line, senior 6-0 C Bri Cowden, sophomore F Tory Theirolf and freshman G Alexa Gallagher (who contributed last season as an 8th grader). The team averaged 60 ppg and 19 spg last season. Next: Dec. 4 vs. Conwell Egan (Fairless Hills).

25. Detroit Country Day,

Beverly Hills, Mich. (22-3)

Starters returning: 5. Outlook: Has won six Class B state championships and have been runners-up twice since 1997. Leading off is 6-2 F Erica Solomon (15 ppg, 10 rpg) who has signed with Notre Dame. Top returning juniors are 5-8 G Sharena Taylor (12 ppg, 6 apg, 3 spg), 5-1 G Amber Moore (16 ppg, 8 rpg) and 5-9 F Faziah Steen (8 ppg, 4 rpg). Rounding out the starting five will be 6-6 sophomore C Madison Williams (10 ppg, 8 rpg, 6 blocks). Next: Nov. 28 vs. Detroit CMA.

Regional rankings

East

1. Murry Bergtraum, New York (28-0)

2. Ursuline Academy, Wilmington, Del. (21-5)

3. Germantown Academy, Fort Washington, Pa. (26-3)

4. University, Newark (33-2)

5. Cardinal O'Hara, Springfield, Pa. (22-6)

6. Archbishop Carroll, Radnor, Pa. (22-8)

7. Eleanor Roosevelt, Greenbelt, Md. (27-3)

8. Bishop McNamara, Forestville, Md. (24-9)

9. Harrisburg, Pa. (23-6)

10. St. John the Baptist, West Islip, N.Y. (23-5)

South

1. Notre Dame Academy, Middleburg, Va. (29-1)

2. Cy-Fair, Houston (39-1)

3. Winter Haven, Fla. (29-3)

4. Murrah, Jackson, Miss. (37-2)

5. Iota, La. (43-0)

6. Lexington Christian, Lexington Ky. (34-3)

7. Hampton, Va. (30-2)

8. Webb School, Knoxville, Tenn. (29-4)

9. Dunbar, Fort Worth (33-4)

10. Shelbyville (Tenn.) Central (30-7)

Midwest

1. Washington, South Bend, Ind. (28-1)

2. Mount Notre Dame, Cincinnati (23-4)

3. Central, St. Paul (32-0)

4. Buffalo Grove, Ill. (34-2)

5. Sequoyah, Tahlequah, Okla. (27-0)

6. Wichita Heights, Wichita (24-1)

7. Ben Davis, Indianapolis (18-5)

8. Detroit Country Day, Beverly Hills, Mich. (22-3)

9. Whitney Young, Chicago (29-4)

10. St. Joseph's Academy, St. Louis (21-8)

West

1. Long Beach Poly (36-1)

2. Bishop Gorman, Las Vegas (31-2)

3. Southridge, Beaverton, Ore. (25-4)

4. Sacred Heart Cathedral, San Francisco (32-2)

5. Brea Olinda, Brea, Calif. (33-2)

6. Regis Jesuit, Aurora, Colo. (26-2)

7. Riverside, Auburn, Wash. (27-2)

8. Highland Ranch, Colo. (25-3)

9. Punahou, Hawai'i (22-7)

10. St. Mary's, Stockton, Calif. (28-5)