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WCPO's Power 9 Ohio girls basketball rankings for the week of Jan. 16

Posted at 12:29 PM, Jan 17, 2017
and last updated 2017-01-17 12:29:36-05

CINCINNATI -- A significant weekend of Ohio girls’ basketball games tested several area teams, especially those who made the long journey to Berlin, Ohio.

Mason, Lakota West, Mount Notre Dame and Glen Este faced some of the state’s toughest teams over three days during the Martin Luther King Jr. Day weekend at the annual Classic in the Country Challenge.

Meanwhile, Princeton has won seven consecutive games as coach Jill Phillips continues the turnaround for that program.

Let’s take a look at the Power 9 this week:

1. Mason

Record: 12-1

Last week’s ranking: 1

This week’s schedule: Versus Princeton Wednesday. Versus Fairfield 2 p.m. Saturday.

The Comets suffered their first loss of the season to Homestead (Indiana) 53-46 in the Classic in the Country Challenge Saturday.

Homestead was ranked No. 15 nationally by the MaxPreps Freeman Rankings entering this past weekend. Sophomore guard Sammie Puisis had 20 points and eight rebounds but Homestead outscored Mason 20-10 in the fourth quarter. The Comets bounced back to defeat Gilmour Academy 63-60 in overtime Sunday in Berlin, Ohio. Puisis and senior forward Samari Mowbray each scored 22 for the Comets.

RELATED: See this week's Ohio boys Power 9 ranking.

2. Lakota West

Record: 13-2

Last week’s ranking: 3

This week’s schedule: Versus Lakota East 2 p.m. Saturday.

The Firebirds had back-to-back wins against Sycamore and St. Rose (New Jersey) last week before they lost to Solon 66-54 Monday. Abby Prohaska and Nevaeh Dean each had 12 points and Jasmine Ballew added 11 points and nine rebounds in the win over St. Rose at the Classic in the Country. Prohaska, a Notre Dame commit, had six assists. Madisyn Oxley had 15 points and Prohaska had 12 points and 12 rebounds in the loss to Solon.

3. Mount Notre Dame

Record: 12-3

Last week’s ranking: 4

This week’s schedule: Versus St. Ursula Thursday.

The Cougars won three of four games last week in a busy schedule of games.

MND had quality wins over Springboro and Wadsworth and lost by two to Pickerington Central. Sophomore guard Gabbie Marshall had 12 points and junior forward Abby Voss had 11 points and nine rebounds. The Cougars will be a serious threat if they make it to the regional tournament.

4.  McAuley

Record: 11-2

Last week: 2

This week’s schedule: Versus Winton Woods Tuesday. At Seton Thursday.

The Mohawks lost to Glen Este 47-44 in overtime last week. Sophomore guard Sydney Benning had 10 points in the game for the Mohawks. Next week will be an important stretch with games against Ursuline, Mercy and Beavercreek.

5. Princeton

Record: 10-3

Last week: Unranked

This week’s schedule: At Mason Wednesday.

The Vikings are one of the most consistent teams in the area right now with seven consecutive wins entering an important GMC matchup with Mason Wednesday night.

Coach Jill Phillips is quickly turning the program around after a 7-17 record last season. Junior forward DeAsia Reid averages 11.4 points and 10.3 rebounds. Junior guard Malika Wildon averages 10.3 points and 3.0 steals. Watch for this Vikings in the tournament and into next season.

6. Summit Country Day

Record: 15-0

Last week: 6

This week’s schedule: Versus North College Hill Wednesday. Versus Norwood Saturday.

Summit is 15-0 for the second time in three seasons. Summit has scored 60 or more points in three consecutive games. Junior guard Kiana Allen averages 11.1 points, 2.9 steals, 2.4 rebounds and 2.3 assists. Junior guard Ravin Alexander averages 10.1 points, 5.7 assists and 5.0 steals. Junior guard Alea Harris averages 10 points and 5.3 rebounds.

7.  Glen Este

Record: 9-7

Last week: Unranked

This week’s schedule: Glen Este played a rugged schedule last week and it produced some good results. They defeated reigning Division I state champion Wadsworth 57-52 in overtime in the Classic in the Country. Glen Este also defeated Toledo Whitmer 42-36 Sunday. Junior guard Jasmine Hale had a season-high 22 points and six assists in the win over Wadsworth. She had 21 points, four rebounds and three assists against Whitmer.

8.  Mariemont

Record: 10-2

Last week: Unranked

This week’s schedule: At Taylor Wednesday. Versus Indian Hill 1:30 p.m. Saturday.

Mariemont has been undefeated in January, winning five consecutive games including a 44-35 victory over Seton Monday night.

Mariemont defeated Madeira 40-35 Saturday. Senior center Rebekah Justice (Iona signee) scored 14 points in both games. She had 12 rebounds against Madeira and 17 against Seton.

9.  Madeira

Record: 12-3

Last week: 9

This week’s schedule: Versus Finneytown Wednesday. At Purcell Marian Thursday.

Madeira defeated Milford and Turpin last week and lost to Mariemont. Madeira junior forward Mary Englert continues to have a very good season. She tied a season-high with 28 points to go along with 14 rebounds in the 56-50 win over Milford. She had 22 points and six rebounds against Turpin.