MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Musselman, which boasts the second highest strength of schedule in the state, surged to No. 1 in the most recent MetroNews boys basketball Power Index computer ratings, presented by AARP.
The Applemen (10-1) edged No. 2 University (12-0) for the top spot by just two points, with a PI rating of 925.69 compared with the Hawks’ 923.08. No. 3 Morgantown (11-2) was more than 120 points back with a PI rating of 800.83.
Part of Musselman’s rise includes a win last week over then-No. 2 Martinsburg, 49-46, and an early-season 12-point win over South Charleston, which has developed into more of a quality victory. The Black Eagles have won five of six, improving their record to 9-5 — an overall boost to Musselman’s schedule strength.
University, meanwhile, was No. 1 a week ago and remained unbeaten heading into Wednesday. The Hawks will have a chance for another high quality win on Friday when they host rival Morgantown.
Hedgesville (13-1) is No. 4 overall, with Martinsburg (9-4) dropping to that No. 5 spot after losses to both Musselman and Morgantown within the past week. George Washington (11-2) is No. 6, while Parkersburg (9-3) comes in at No. 7. The Big Reds have won nine of their last 10 games, including high quality victories over No. 8 Capital (9-3) and Woodrow Wilson (7-4).
Bluefield (10-2), despite a 54-49 setback last week to Shady Spring (9-5), remains the highest rated Class AA team, coming in at No. 9 overall. The Beavers picked up quality points on Tuesday night with a 73-63 win over AAA Greenbrier East (8-3).
Poca (9-2) is the second highest AA team, coming in at No. 10. The Dots are followed in AA Fairmont Senior (10-3), North Marion (11-3), East Fairmont (12-3), Chapmanville (10-3) and Mingo Central (9-3).
Fayetteville (13-0) is the only other unbeaten team in the state (besides University) and is the highest rated Class A team, overall at No. 16. Wheeling Central (13-2) is second in Class A at No. 24 overall, followed by Ravenswood (12-1), Pendleton County (11-2) and Gilmer County (10-2).
The MetroNews Power Index is a computer based formula that factors in strength of schedule. Records listed are for games played through Tuesday, January 24.
2017 BOYS BASKETBALL COMPLETE METRONEWS POWER INDEX