The Benton Rangers have taken the top spot in the SI Basketball Poll for the first time this season after a big 51-50 win at Pinckneyville over the host Panthers in the Duster Thomas Hoops Classic.
The Rangers were one of four teams receiving first place votes following the Holiday Tournament season.
There’s a logjam at #5 with three area teams tying for the spot between Pinckneyville, Herrin, and Murphysboro. The Panthers rolled their way to the DTHC championship before losing to Benton. Herrin won their fourth straight Eldorado Holiday Tournament. And Murphysboro won third place at the Duster Thomas Hoops Classic.
Here’s a look at the Full Rankings:
| Rank | School (First Place Votes) | Points | Rank Last Week |
| 1 | Benton (4) | 69 | 2 (+1) |
| 2 | Mt. Vernon (2) | 62 | 1 (-1) |
| 3 | Marion (1) | 60 | 3 (-) |
| 4 | Centralia (1) | 55 | 4 (-) |
| 5 | Pinckneyville | 46 | 5 (-) |
| – | Herrin | 46 | 7 (+2) |
| – | Murphysboro | 46 | 6 (+1) |
| 8 | Nashville | 24 | 8 (-) |
| 9 | Waltonville | 15 | 9 (-) |
| 10 | Goreville | 11 | 10 (-) |
Also receiving votes: Carbondale 2, Harrisburg 2
*The John A. Logan SI Basketball Poll is voted on by a trusted group of area coaches and media members each week
