POWER 8: OFC top hoops seeds take 1-2 spots

Editor's note: This poll was based on results through Wednesday. All rankings are performance-based per level and sport and not a head-to-head potential barometer.

The regular season for basketball, swimming and wrestling are just about over with hoops still having a week or so remaining before the games that matter most tip off.

Once again, there was a little movement as some squads took one on the chin and other continued trending in the right direction.

Week 8: POWER 8

1. Doniphan girls basketball (1, last week): They have clearly embraced the role of favorite as they moved their way into the Ozark Foothills Conference title game 7 p.m. Friday night against Neelyville when the teams lock up at Three Rivers College. The Donettes made quick work of Naylor and are now ranked fourth in Class 4 by the Missouri Basketball Coaches Association. With a bone-chilling defense supported by 10 able-bodied ballers to use in the regular rotation, what more can these girls do?

2. Greenville boys basketball (3): The Bears, like the Donettes, continue to dominate as they also played their way into the OFC final on the boys side. It’s not even that Greenville just makes people bad — Neelyville and Twin Rivers had strong showings in defeats — it’s more that they just seem to do better than everyone. The inside-outside display will be in full effect 8:30-ish p.m. Friday at Three Rivers when they take on the Doniphan boys for the crown. The Bears are now No. 5 in Class 2 according to the MCBA.

3. Three Rivers women’s basketball (2): It was a confluence of elements that led to the Lady Raiders dropping a shock decision at home against a quality, nationally-ranked opponent in Moberly Area last weekend. The ESPN cameras, Gene Bess being honored with a statue, Alumni reunion weekend, and enough to think about with a big game may have led to the Lady Raiders shooting woes, but they are still a top-20 team and that says something.

4. Neelyville girls basketball (new): The No. 8 team in girls Class 2 hoops has exploded back into the poll with two resounding victories in the OFC tournament including an impressive double-digit win over East Carter to get to the OFC finals. Could the Lady Tigers get the win over Doniphan that came so close at the Lady Royals Christmas Classic?

5. Ellington girls basketball (7): The Lady Whippets are now 12-7 with a lone, big win over Sikeston a week ago. The roster got a little longer and the players continue to improve around scoring magician Kaylee King.

6. Dexter boys basketball (4): The Bearcats once again ran into a buzzsaw among their bigger SEMO conference kin, losing to Sikeston in a mighty way over the weekend. It still doesn’t change the fact the Dexter boys are 16-6 and could make some noise come district time.

7. Poplar Bluff wrestling (7): The Mules took care of business Monday night as they rolled past a feisty group of Dexter grapplers. It will be interesting to see how they navigate through the district tournaments on both the boys and girls sides.

8. Doniphan boys basketball (new): The Dons have gone away from being the Cardiac Kids winning close games galore, to now being the big kids on the block with two emphatic victories to set up the showdown with Greenville. Could these guys be finding their mojo at the right time?

Honorable mention: Dexter girls basketball, Puxico boys basketball, Malden boys basketball, Poplar Bluff girls swimming.

Considering for final poll: Poplar Bluff football, Van Buren cross country, Dexter cross country, Neelyville softball, Doniphan softball, Poplar Bluff cheer.