Who’s #1? Check out the debut of The Albany Herald’s 2009 High School Basketball Top 5 Poll

Debut of The Albany Herald High School Basketball …

TOP 5 POLL

BOYS:

1.) Monroe……………………… 3-0

With returning starters, including fellow Super 6ers Brandon Johnson and Robert Arnold, Monroe is thinking state title. Next: vs. Colquitt County, Saturday, 8:30 p.m.

2.) Westover……………………………….. 2-0

The Pats lost key players, but after reaching the Class AAA state title game last season, there shouldn’t be much drop off. Next: vs. Lee County, today, 7:30 p.m.

3.) Bainbridge…………………………….. 2-1

After a 27-4 season in 2008, the Bearcats have started fast and are finding a way to replace its four lost starters. Next: vs. Baker County, Saturday, 7:30 p.m.

4.) Terrell County……………………….. 1-0

How good will the Greenwave be will be after losing 4 starters? With Super 6er Terel Hall running the offense, they should be fine. Next: vs. Americus-Sumter, Friday, 8:30 p.m.

5.) Deerfield-Windsor…………………. 0-0

The Knights are untested thus far, but open Friday vs. FPD looking to make their third straight trip to the state-title game. Next: at FPD, Friday, 8 p.m.

GIRLS

1.) Bainbridge…………………. 5-0

The return of three starters means the Lady Bearcats are primed for a trip back

to the GHSA Class AAAA Final Four. Next: vs. Thomasville, Friday, 6 p.m.

2.) Randolph-Clay………………………. 3-1

Arguably, the Lady Red Devils, who lost no starters from 2008 and return superstar Destiny Mitchell, could easily be No. 1. Next: at Westover, Friday, 7 p.m.

3.) Lee County…………………………….. 5-1

With star post player and Herald Super 6er Lindsey Crawford running the show, the Lady Trojans are off to a near perfect start. Next: at Westover, today, 6 p.m.

4.) Westover……………………………….. 1-0

After going 24-5 in 2008, the Lady Pats, led by Ieshia Young and DyTiesha Dunson, opened the year with win against Albany. Next: vs. Lee County, Today, 6 p.m.

5.) Dougherty……………………………… 1-0

Coming off a 21-7 year overall and 12-2 region mark, Dougherty opened up 2009 with a 45-39 win against city rival Albany Next: at Americus-Sumter, Today, 6 p.m.