SPORTS

DIRTY DOZEN: Lexington then the rest

Brandon Shields

USA TODAY NETWORK – Tennessee

The second week of the Dirty Dozen has some surprising teams in it.

In somewhat of a rarity, the second-ranked team was unranked a week ago. Explaining why West Carroll jumped so high is pretty easy when you look at what the Lady War Eagles have done so far.

Three teams are ranked this week who weren’t last week.

District play heats up this week for most teams.

Teams like Lexington, Riverside and University School of Jackson will also be dealing with the loss of classmates after separate tragic events this past week.

Here are this week’s Dirty Dozen top teams in the area:

1. Lexington (13-0): The Lady Tigers won seven games in Week 1 and six games in Week 2 including playing in one of the higher-profile tournaments in the state in Murfreesboro this week. Last week’s ranking: 1.

2. West Carroll (7-0): Being undefeated through the first two weeks and knocking off two teams in this ranking propelled the Lady War Eagles near the top of the list. Last week’s ranking: Not ranked.

3. Scotts Hill (7-1-1): The Lady Lions played quality competition and went unbeaten this week while trying to test themselves early in the year and build toward a postseason push. Last week’s ranking: 4.

4. Chester Co. (6-1): The Eaglettes knocked off some quality competition in the two games they played and have started the season well. Last week’s ranking: 3.

5. South Side (4-2-1): The Lady Hawks picked up a district win and beat another team who was ranked last week as they build momentum before hitting district play hard this week. Last week’s ranking: 5.

6. McNairy Central (6-2): The Lady Bobcats spent their spring break in South Alabama playing in a tournament and won four of six games. Last week’s ranking: 9.

7. Riverside (5-2): The Lady Panthers won all three of their games and look effective so far. Last week’s ranking: 11.

8. Camden (6-1): The Lady Lions’ one loss is to a bona fide contender in Class AAA on Friday. They’re hitting the ball well so far. Last week’s ranking: Not ranked.

9. Hardin Co. (4-1): After a slow start in Week 1, the Lady Tigers came back with a vengeance to win all four of their games this week. Last week’s ranking: Not ranked.

10. USJ (3-0): The Lady Bruins dropped in the rankings, but it’s not because of anything they did or didn’t do. They played no games for spring break, and the teams that jumped ahead of them had quality weeks. Last week’s ranking: 6.

11. Huntingdon (8-4): The Fillies admittedly had a less-than-stellar week this past week, but they can be one of the best in their class in the state if they hit the ball like they did in Week 1. Last week’s ranking: 2.

Lexington head softball coach Ronnie Burke looks toward home while one of his players is batting during the bottom of the third inning Monday night in Lexington.

12. Jackson Christian (4-4): There were a number of teams who could’ve held the last spot on this list, but Jackson Christian’s body of work so far and their record keeps the Lady Eagles hanging in there. Last week’s ranking: 10.

Teams that dropped out of the ranking: Milan (5-3); South Gibson (1-3); Crockett Co. (6-5).

Reach Brandon Shields at bjshields@jacksonsun.com or at 425-9751. Follow him on Twitter @JSEditorBrandon.