Harding Academy debuts in this week’s girls basketball rankings

Makyah Malone has been on a roll for Harding Academy this season, recently eclipsing the 1,000 career-points mark. The Lions have just two losses in the last eight games and large part of that has been because of Malone’s play.

It’s helped the Lions debut in this week’s area girls basketball power rankings as the postseason approaches. Here’s where everybody else stands.

1. Briarcrest (21-3): The Saints knocked off St. Agnes on Friday night and still hold the No. 1 spot in this week’s rankings.

2. Bartlett (21-7): The Panthers were idle last week after inclement weather canceled several area games. They remain No. 2.

3. Fayette-ware (19-6): The Wildcats are undefeated in 2023, winning the last eight. They are still No. 3 with games against Craigmont, Raleighegypt, Millington and Bolton remaining.

4. Whitehaven (16-2): The Tigers remain No. 4 after not playing last week with inclement weather affect area games. They close the regular season against Kingsbury, Central and Overton.

5. Arlington (16-6): Arlington remains No. 6 and hosts rival Bartlett on Thursday night for a chance to sweep the Panthers this regular season.

6. FACS (16-3): The Crusaders have won their last seven. They conclude their season with Northpoint and Lausanne.

7. Houston (17-9): The Mustangs have dropped the last two to Bartlett and Collierville and fall to No. 7 in this week’s rankings.

8. Trezevant (14-4): The Bears have won the last five and remain at No. 8 in this week’s rankings.

9. Hillcrest (9-5): The Vikings move up to No. 9 despite an idle week last week due to game cancellations.

10. Harding Academy (12-9): The Lions, led by Makyah Malone, debut in this week’s rankings, following a win over Northpoint last week.