HERALD PREP PEEK: New Fab 5 Poll; Quote of the Week; Games of the Week; By The Numbers; area schedule

NEW HERALD FAB 5 POLL:

BOYS:

1.) Westover …………. 9-3

The Patriots started out rough, but are as hot as anyone recently, winning eight of their last nine heading into a monster week of tests, beginning tonight. Next: at Crisp County, 7:30 p.m. today.

2.) Albany ……………. 9-1

The Indians demolished city rival and No. 3 Monroe on Saturday, 53-40, but face their biggest test of the season Friday at Darton vs. defending 1-AA champ Thomasville. Next: at Berrien, 7:30 p.m. today.

3.) Monroe ……………9-3

The Tornadoes barely beat city rival Dougherty in an ugly 32-30 game Friday, then fell hard to Albany High, but none of that will matter if they beat No. 1 Westover on Friday. Next: vs. Cairo, 7:30 p.m. today.

4.) Early County …….11-1

The red-hot Bobcats were down by 10 points but came back to beat state-ranked Thomasville, 67-61, and now find themselves ranked No. 9 in the state poll. Next: at Miller County, 7:30 p.m. today.

5.) Bainbridge. ………..8-4

The Bearcats drop one spot this week because they lost to Thomasville earlier in the season and Early County, which moved from No. 5 to 4, beat the Bulldogs. Next: at Cairo, 7:30 p.m. Saturday.

GIRLS:

1.) Westover ……………….. 12-0

The Lady Patriots picked up two more easy wins to start the new year and look unstoppable as they debuted in the state poll at No. 4 in Class AAA. Next: at Crisp County 6 p.m. today.

2.) Americus-Sumter…………………………………………11-1

The Lady Panthers, ranked No. 8 in the state poll, move up to No. 2 spot in the Fab 5 Poll this week after a huge 52-48 win against state No. 9 Crisp County. Next: vs. Worth County, 6 p.m. today.

3.) Pelham……………………………………………………………11-1

The defending Region 1-A champion Lady Hornets, ranked No. 9 in the Class A state poll, are the hottest team around, winners of 11 in a row heading into this week. Next: vs. Baker County, 6 p.m. today.

4.) Dougherty………………………………………………………..7-3

The Lady Trojans drop two spots this week from No. 2 to No. 4 after a stunning loss to Monroe, which was preceded by a loss to Crisp County. Next: vs. Americus-Sumter, 6 p.m. Friday.

5.) Calhoun County…………………………………………….9-4

The Lady Cougars and star Brandi Buie are still rolling since making their debut in the poll for the first time this year, but face a big game Friday at Randolph-Clay. Next: vs. Stewart County, 6 p.m. today.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK: