1: Gate City: The Blue Devils put a stamp on their position on the top of the list after a double digit victory over Hurley on a neutral floor at the Arby's Classic. The Arnold boys and Ervin continue to be dominate forces while Coach Vermillion can go deep onto the bench as usual.

2: Twin Springs: The Titans move up to number two this week due to Hurley's losses at the Arby's Classic. The Titans are the favorites in the Cumberland District and could end up the top seed in the Region D Division I Tournament.

3: Hurley: Coach Cooper's Rebels have lost two in a row but they are still a force to be reckon with in the Division I ranks. The Rebels were missing some players against Gate City but, Hurley's loss to Gate City could end up hurting them in a tiebreaker situation for seeding later in the year.

4: John I. Burton: I caught some grief for having Burton on my list last time but the Raiders are still undefeated. Coach Williams' club won the Greenwave Classic and did so over Lebanon and Honaker, two teams that are contenders for the top five. The Raiders play Twin Springs early in the new year in what could be a preview of a semi-final or final in February's regional tournament.

5: Virginia High: Somebody has to be number five and I still have the 'Cats here. Potential is oozing out of this team but they will have to beat the teams they are supposed to beat to remain in the top five. Virginia High's match ups against Gate City will be crucial for Virginia High to get a high seed in February; the 'Cats could fall victim to a poorer seed due to Honaker or Union finishing higher in a weaker league.