HS: Fall SIMA FAB 50, Aug. 29

by Sheldon Shealer

August 29, 2017

The early season rankings function more like a revolving door.

As teams with lofty expectations take early losses and unexpected ties, they fall back in line to allow other teams their chance at glory.

Such is the case this week on the boys side. St. Ignatius (Ohio) had its undefeated run ended at 61 contests in a third-place finish at the Jesuit Cup, which was won by St. Xavier (Ohio). Naperville North (Ill.) and Morton (Ill.) both slipped, but remain in the Top 25, after playing to a 1-1 draw. North Central (Ind.) also dropped a few spots following a tie. But make mo mistake about it, all four teams are very much state title contenders and easily could work their way back up the SIMA FAB 50 as other teams falter.

The girls rankings could see a bit of a shakeup next week, thanks to a pair of important early season events. The Lady Eagle Invitational in Zionsville, Ind., features seven SIMA FAB 50 teams representing three states. This mixer event could help top-ranked Penn (Mishawaka, Ind.) reinforce its national standing with a pair of victories. Penn's only blemish on an otherwise perfect season last year came as a result of a tie at the Lady Eagle Invitational. The other important event this week will be in Strongsville, Ohio, where nationally ranked Medina (Ohio) and Strongsville (Ohio) will take turns facing McDonogh School (Owings Mills, Md.) and Upper St. Clair (Pittsburgh, Pa.).

BIG MOVERS: BOYS: Libertyville (Ill.). Led by an Indiana recruit, Libertyville jumped from No. 33 to No. 15 this week. ... GIRLS: Franklin (Tenn.). In a week where most moves were measured in 1-3 spots, Franklin jumped nine places to No. 40, leading all teams in advancement.

NEWCOMERS: BOYS: No. 28 [Cincinnati Moeller oh-m] (Cincinnati, Ohio), No. 36 St. Charles Prep (Bexley, Ohio), No. 37 Novi (Mich.), No. 43 Troy Athens (Troy, Mich.), No. 44 Waukegan (Ill.), No. 46 Anderson (Cincinnati, Ohio) and No. 48 St. Xavier (Cincinnati, Ohio). ... GIRLS: No. 24 Noblesville (Ind.), No. 45 Alta (Sandy, Utah), No. 46 Dublin Jerome (Dublin, Ohio), No. 47 Brighton (Cottonwood Heights, Utah), No. 48 Castle (Newburgh, Ind.), No. 49 Notre Dame Academy (Covington, Ky.) and No. 50 Beavercreek (Ohio).