Humboldt stays No. 1 in Jackson area boys basketball poll

Jackson Sun

Peabody's Khance Hill attempts to block the shot of Humboldt's Justin Pankey during their game Dec. 15.

A look at the top high school boys basketball teams in West Tennessee, as ranked by the USA Today Sports network. Teams eligible come from The Jackson Sun’s 13-county coverage area –Madison, Gibson, Henderson, Chester, Hardeman, Haywood, Crockett, Weakley, Carroll, Benton, Decatur, McNairy and Hardin counties.

1. Humboldt (13-5) – The meeting of the top two teams in the Dirty Dozen didn’t happen last week, but the Vikings will now get to face a Class AA semifinalist from last year. This week: Friday vs. Madison; Saturday vs. Haywood. Last week: No. 1.

2. Middleton (13-2) – The Tigers had the past week off, but they have two games on the schedule this week. This week: Saturday vs. Chester County; Tuesday vs. Peabody. Last week: No. 2.

3. Liberty (16-3) – The Crusaders will try to double their District 13-AAA wins this week with a sweep of two opponents. This week: Friday vs. Munford; Tuesday at Hardin County. Last week: No. 3.

4. South Gibson (16-4) – The Hornets are now 3-0 in the second half of the season with two wins coming in District 13-AA play. This week: Friday vs. Dyersburg; Tuesday at Obion County. Last week: No. 4.

5. South Side (11-4) – The winning streak is up to nine games for the Hawks, and they have a chance this week to extend it to 12 games. This week: Friday vs. Scotts Hill; Saturday vs. Bolivar; Tuesday at Chester County. Last week: No. 5.

6. Peabody (13-6) – The Golden Tide have bounced back from an 0-2 start in District 14-A play with three straight wins, but they must face one of those two losses on the road this week. This week: Tuesday at Middleton. Last week: No. 6.

7. TCA (13-5) – The Lions got to end their three-game losing streak before the snow hit with a win over Gibson County. Now they try to build on that. This week: Friday vs. Halls; Tuesday vs. Madison. Last week: No. 7.

8. McNairy Central (13-4) – A win before the snow hit kept the Bobcats within one game of 14-AA leader South Side. This week: Friday vs. Lexington; Tuesday at Scotts Hill. Last week: No. 9.

9. Greenfield (11-6) – The Yellowjackets didn’t get to play this past week, but they will try to be well rested with a home game against Union City looming. This week: Friday vs. Union City; Tuesday at Lake County. Last week: No. 10.

10. McKenzie (13-5) – The Rebels suffered their first District 11-A loss on the season on a half-court shot, but they are still tied for first in the district. This week: Friday vs. Bradford; Monday at Clarksburg; Tuesday at Big Sandy. Last week: No. 8.

11. Crockett County (11-7) – A win before the snow hit kept the Cavaliers in the three-way tie for first place in District 13-AA. A road test against Dyersburg this week will tell a lot. This week: Friday at Milan; Tuesday at Dyersburg. Last week: No. 11.

12. USJ (11-7) – The Bruins will make up for being off this past week with two games on the schedule this week. This week: Friday vs. Carroll Academy; Tuesday at Sacred Heart. Last week: No. 12.

Reach Michael Odom at michodom@jacksonsun.com or 731-425-9754 and on Twitter @JSWriterMichael.