Earlier this week saw another match-up between #1 and #2 in the SI Basketball Poll. This time it was #1 Centralia against #2 Marion. The Wildcats had control in the first half, leading 16-12 at the half. But the Orphans came out on top, 36-26. Centralia remains #1 and the Wildcats’ effort is rewarded as they retain their #2 ranking.
The tie between Woodlawn and Mt. Vernon was broken this week. The Ram’s 54-40 win over Collinsville and a 30-point win over Kentucky’s Christian County the very next day seems to have solidified their #3 ranking.
Carterville rose the most this week. After suffering a loss to Waltonville a few weeks back, the Lions haven’t lost. With wins over Goreville and Nashville, Carterville shot up five spots from #10 to #5 this week.
Here’s a look at the Full Rankings:
| Rank | School (Record) [First Place Votes] | Points | Rank Last Week |
| 1 | Centralia (11-0) [10] | 100 | 1 (-) |
| 2 | Marion (7-1) | 81 | 2 (-) |
| 3 | Mt. Vernon (7-1) | 72 | 3(t) (-) |
| 4 | Woodlawn (9-0) | 65 | 3(t) (-1) |
| 5 | Carterville (8-1) | 59 | 10 (+5) |
| 6 | Waltonville (10-1) | 55 | 6 (-) |
| 7 | Nashville (6-2) | 35 | 5 (-2) |
| 8 | Sparta (8-1) | 29 | 9 (+1) |
| 9 | Goreville (8-1) | 27 | 8 (-1) |
| 10 | Benton (9-1) | 15 | NR |
Also receiving votes: Pinckneyville 6, Vienna 3, Anna-Jonesboro 1
*The John A. Logan SI Basketball Poll is voted on by a trusted group of area coaches and media members each week