SIMA FAB 50: Boys No. 1 still on hold

by Sheldon Shealer

November 5, 2019

St. Benedict's Prep (N.J.) wrapped up its season with a third straight undefeated campaign, but unlike that last two, the Gray Bees might have to wait a bit before claiming that 13th star.

The New Jersey powerhouse currently sits at No. 1 in the SIMA FAB 50, but No. 3 Medina (Ohio) could make a case for No. 1 if it defeats No. 2 St. Ignatius (Ohio) and wins the Ohio state title -- all which will play out this weekend.

If St. Ignatius defeats Medina, St. Benedict's will be secured in at least a share of the FAB 50 title -- the program's 13th national crown.

Now, on with the rest of the rankings ...

BIG MOVERS: BOYS: Troy Athens (Troy, Mich.). Troy Athens started the season ranked No. 15 in the SIMA FAB 50 and following a state title this past weekend, the Redhawks have secured a lofty ranking for this year. Troy Athens jumps from No. 47 to No. 24 this week. ... GIRLS: Hamilton Southeastern (Fishers, Ind.). In a rare move, Hamilton Southeastern jumped 11 spots to land at No. 32 despite the team's season being long over. The reason for the move? Well, HSE's three losses were to teams that won state titles over the weekend. Therefore, as those teams moved up, Hamilton Southeastern benefitted, as well.

NEWCOMERS: BOYS: No. 26 Neenah (Wis.), No. 27 Homestead (Mequon, Wis.), No. 28 Olentangy Liberty (Powell, Ohio), No. 42 Naperville North (Naperville, Ill.), No. 43 Benet Academy (Lisle, Ill.), No. 44 Baldwinsville (N.Y.), No. 45 Wake Forest (N.C.), No. 47 Boyertown (Pa.), No. 49 West Chicago (Ill.) and [St. Albans School dc-m] (Washington, D.C.). ... GIRLS: No. 30 Mars (Pa.), No. 33 Loveland (Ohio), No. 39 Highlands (Fort Thomas, Ky.), No. 48 Mason (Ohio), No. 49 Hunterdon Central (Flemington, N.J.) and No. 50 South Eugene (Eugene, Ore.).