The Star’s high school basketball rankings (Jan. 8)

The Star’s high school basketball rankings

(Records through Wednesday’s games)

BIG-CLASS BOYS; RECORD

1. Blue Springs South;9-0

The Jaguars face the state's top-ranked senior, Columbia Hickman's Jimmy Whitt, on Friday.

2. Lawrence;7-0

The Chesty Lions are the top-ranked team in the Kansas Class 6A coaches poll.

3. Blue Valley West;3-1

The Jaguars’ only blemish this season is a one-point loss to top-ranked Blue Springs South.

4. Blue Springs;9-0

One of the KC area’s top surprise teams is only five wins shy of matching last season’s total.

5. St. Thomas Aquinas;5-0

The Saints are off to a hot start with a victory against Class 6A runner-up BV North.

6. Park Hill;9-1

The Trojans’ potent offense is centered around attacking the basket with aggression.

7. Park Hill South;8-1

James Byrd scored 30 points in a win Tuesday against Lee's Summit.

8. Olathe Northwest;6-0

The Ravens won the Paola Invitational before break and have momentum.

9. Raymore-Peculiar;8-2

The Panthers will be tested with five straight games away from their home gym.

10. Olathe East;4-2

The Hawks have two early losses, but return an experienced group that should bounce back.

SMALL-CLASS BOYS; RECORD

1. Barstow;7-1

An impressive start has Barstow ranked atop the Missouri Class 3 state coaches poll.

2. Basehor-Linwood;5-0

The Bobcats are trying to build off a 19-4 finish and first-round exit from the state tourney.

3. Bishop Miege;4-0

Rick Zych appears to have brought the magic back for the undefeated Stags.

4. Eudora;5-1

The Kansas Class 4A DII defending state champions have star guard Mitchell Ballock back.

5. O’Hara;8-4

The Celtics are winning close games. They're 4-2 in contests decided by single digits.

BIG-CLASS GIRLS; RECORD

1. Leavenworth;6-0

The Kansas Class 5A defending state champions are the team to beat with three Division I signees.

2. St. Thomas Aquinas;7-0

The Saints are off to another strong start with victories against Truman and Blue Valley.

3. Olathe South;5-1

The Falcons’ only loss came against Missouri Class 5 three-time champion Rock Bridge.

4. William Chrisman;10-1

The Bears have won seven straight and avenged their only loss (LS West) last week.

5. SM Northwest;5-1

After losing just one senior, the Cougars have a good chance to contend in the Sunflower League.

6. Blue Valley;4-1

The Tigers will try to bounce back from their first loss of the season, which came against Aquinas.

7. Lawrence Free State;6-0

The Firebirds have won four of their six games this season by double digits.

8. Lee’s Summit West;8-3

The Titans’ three losses have come against teams who have combined record of 22-3.

9. Blue Valley Southwest;6-1

The Timberwolves were crushed by Bishop Miege but regrouped to defeat Blue Valley West.

10. Smithville;10-2

The Warriors are allowing only 42 points per game this season.

SMALL-CLASS GIRLS; RECORD

1. Bishop Miege;5-0

The Kansas Class 5A defending state champion has picked up where it left off.

2. St. Pius X;9-1

Sophomore Abby Hipp is averaging 14.9 points and 10 rebounds per game.

3. Paola;6-0

The Panthers have won three of their six games by three points or fewer.

4. Odessa;6-2

Each of the losses came against teams with only one loss — Cameron and St. Pius X.

5. Piper;4-2

The Pirates hope to build on last year’s 20-5 record and fourth place finish at state.

This story was originally published January 8, 2015 at 6:00 PM with the headline "The Star’s high school basketball rankings (Jan. 8)."