Regional rankings take shape as playoffs near

The first full week of October means playoffs -- at least for a couple of states. While it's barely midseason in the Northeast, other states start their wind down once October hits. Indiana begins postseason play this week, and North Dakota crowns state champions Saturday. Every weekend from now through the Saturday before Thanksgiving, state champions will be crowned. For now, the ranking jockeying continues as teams near the finish. This week, there are two new regional No. 1s in each the boys and girls rankings. Lewiston (Maine) in the Northeast and Conestoga (Pa.) in the Mid-Atlantic inherit the top spots. On the girls side, St. Joseph (Conn.) in the Northeast and Faith Lutheran (Nev.) in the West take over at No. 1. For the regional rankings, VISIT THE FULL RANKINGS PAGE (Note: The Top 25 rankings are updated on Tuesdays). The state rankings also are updated. In order to view the state rankings, visit that state's home page and select boys or girls rankings. New State No. 1s this week are BOYS - Berkley (Mich.), Carmel Christian (N.C.), La Cueva (N.M.), Nauset (Mass.), New Trier (Ill.), and Norwalk (Conn.); GIRLS - Bishop Guertin (N.H.), Plymouth North (Mass.), and St. Joseph (Conn.).