D2 Big School Girls Basketball Rankings (1/6/25)
By: Brad Loff | Sportzwire | January 6, 2025
Swerve's D2 Big School Girls Basketball Rankings Powered by NEPA Elite (1/6/25): Prep Poised for Dominance, Valley View in the Crosshairs
The latest NEPA Elite D2 Big School Girls Basketball Rankings keep Scranton Prep firmly atop the standings, holding steady as the No. 1 team. Hazleton trails closely at No. 2, while Valley View climbs to No. 3, setting up a high-stakes matchup on January 10 between the Cougars and Prep.
Key Rankings & Recent Performances
1. Scranton Prep (Previous Rank: 1)
• Scranton Prep continues to dominate, solidifying their top ranking with a 69-36 blowout victory over Scranton on January 3. Their ability to overwhelm opponents with a potent offense and stifling defense makes them the team to beat. In December, they defeated Scranton 56-41, showcasing consistent excellence. Prep’s balance, depth, and leadership make them the undisputed favorite heading into their January 10 clash with Valley View.
2. Hazleton Area (Previous Rank: 2)
• The Lady Cougars maintain their position at No. 2 with a decisive 79-40 win over Williamsport and a commanding 59-18 victory against Wilkes-Barre Area. Hazleton’s strong inside presence and sharp outside shooting keep them in contention, though they’ve yet to face Prep this season.
3. Valley View (Previous Rank: 4)
• Valley View climbs to No. 3 after an impressive 47-29 win over North Pocono and a dominant 54-23 victory against Mid Valley in recent action. The Cougars’ mix of size and speed has propelled them into the top three, but their undefeated record will be tested against Prep on January 10. All eyes are on whether they can rise to the challenge or suffer their first loss.
4. Scranton (Previous Rank: 3)
• Scranton slides to No. 4 following their 69-36 loss to Prep. Despite the setback, they remain a competitive force with a deep roster capable of bouncing back. They’ll need to regroup to stay in the hunt for a top-three finish.
5. Abington Heights (Previous Rank: NR)
• Making a grand entry at No. 5, Abington Heights has been on a roll, defeating Delaware Valley 45-34 and Wallenpaupack 45-31. Their disciplined play and defensive prowess make them a rising threat in the rankings.
6. Crestwood (Previous Rank: 5)
• Crestwood moves down a spot but remains a solid contender. A 72-41 victory over Dallas and a 64-28 win against Nanticoke Area highlight their scoring capabilities.
7. Pittston Area (Previous Rank: 6)
• Pittston Area’s 75-38 win over Berwick and a 51-24 victory against Wyoming Area showcase their ability to dominate lower-ranked teams. However, they’ll need a signature win to climb higher.
8. Honesdale (Previous Rank: 7)
• Honesdale retains their position with a solid 59-36 win over Lakeland. Their steady play keeps them in the mix as a tough out for any opponent.
9. North Pocono (Previous Rank: 8)
• Despite a loss to Valley View, North Pocono stays at No. 9 with a strong defensive effort in their previous games. Their consistency could propel them higher with key wins.
10. Mid Valley (Previous Rank: 10)
• Mid Valley rounds out the rankings, holding on at No. 10 after a narrow 29-27 win over Riverside. Their defensive grit keeps them competitive in tight games.
The Matchup to Watch: Scranton Prep vs. Valley View (1/10/25)
The impending clash between Prep and Valley View is shaping up to be a defining moment in the season. Both teams are undefeated, but Swerve predicts that Valley View will fall to Prep’s well-oiled machine. Prep’s ability to dictate the pace and impose their will on opponents gives them a significant edge. Valley View, however, will rely on their size and resilience to try and upset the reigning champions.
Can Prep Be Stopped?
With Prep’s current trajectory, it’s hard to imagine them faltering. Their mix of offensive firepower, defensive tenacity, and veteran leadership has proven too much for every team they’ve faced. Whether Valley View can defy the odds remains to be seen, but the stakes couldn’t be higher.
As the rankings heat up and the season progresses, the question isn’t just who will be No. 1—it’s who can stop Scranton Prep? Tune in on January 10 for what promises to be an unforgettable game.
