SBLive Power 10 Boys Basketball Rankings: Led by Daeshun Ruffin, Callaway jumps up to No. 2

Every week during the 2020-2021 boys basketball season, SBLive will rank the Top 10 high school boys basketball teams in the state of Mississippi, regardless of

Every week during the 2020-2021 boys basketball season, SBLive will rank the Top 10 high school boys basketball teams in the state of Mississippi, regardless of classification.

Here are the SBLive Power 10 boys basketball rankings for Jan. 19, as compiled by SBLive Sports reporter Tyler Cleveland. 

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SBLIVE POWER 10 BOYS BASKETBALL RANKINGS

Jan. 19, 2021

1. Clinton (11-0)

Last week: No. 1

The top-ranked Arrows handled business against Germantown, beating the Mavericks 78-45, then turned around and beat then-No. 3 Starkville in the Rumble in the South event at Mississippi College on Monday. The long, athletic Arrows look like the best team in the state.

2. Callaway (6-0)

Last week: No. 4

The Chargers made quick work of Harrison Central (13-5) in the Rumble in the South Monday. They beat the Red Rebels 85-65, but coach David Sanders could have named the score. The guard combo of Daeshun Ruffin and Keivion Hunt is presenting opposing coaches with quite the conundrum.

3. Forest Hill (11-1)

Last week: No. 5

The Patriots already held big wins over Lanier, Murrah and Vicksburg, but Monday’s 47-45 win over Oak Grove is a clear signal that Forest Hill is among the best teams in the state. Jayme Mitchell and the Marshall boys — Gemari and George — are all fantastic two-way players.

4. Oak Grove (9-1)

Last week: No. 2

The Warriors suffered their first loss of the season Monday, when Forest Hill beat them 47-45 at the Rumble in the South event. The potential game-winning three-pointer just didn’t go in, but Oak Grove should be fine going forward.

5. Pontotoc (17-3)

Last week: No. 6

The Warriors took care of business against overmatched teams from Mooreville and Caledonia last week to run their winning streak to eight games. The Jan. 26 date with Itawamba AHS is the biggest test remaining on the schedule.

6. Starkville (13-2)

Last week: No. 3

The Yellow Jackets had won five-straight before they ran into top-ranked Clinton at the Rumble in the South Monday afternoon. The defending state champs were very competitive in a back-and-forth game, but must find a way to slow down the Arrows before they (hopefully) meet again in the playoffs.

7. Raymond (15-2)

Last week: No. 8

The Rangers whipped North Pike and McComb, then capped the week by becoming the first team in Mississippi to beat MAIS powerhouse Madison-Ridgeland Academy with a 74-66 win over the Patriots. Coach Tony Tadlock is getting great guard play out of Jabarie Robinson and Tremaine Dixon.

8. Biloxi (9-1)

Last week: No. 7

Biloxi trampled St. Martin 72-39 Friday night to get to 9-1. This week should be interesting, as the Indians travel for road games at Ocean Springs and D’Iberville.

9. Brandon (11-4)

Last week: NR

All four of the Bulldogs' losses have come against teams listed in these rankings. Their 59-55 win over Murrah Monday in the Rumble in the South event at Clinton ran their winning streak to five games. Next up are a pair of games against Rankin County rivals Northwest Rankin and Pearl, then a date with Terry.

10. Vicksburg (9-6)

Last week: No. 10

Vicksburg played just one game last week, losing to Callaway 75-60. The Gators’ resume includes solid wins over Brandon and Murrah, but they are 1-4 against teams ranked ahead of them in these Super 10 rankings.

Dropped out: Petal (No. 9)

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(Feature photo by Keith Warren)