Marion defeated Centralia last Friday and that was all the John A. Logan College SI Basketball Poll voters needed to see to place the Wildcats above the Orphans headed in to the final weekend of the season.
The Orphans aren’t too far behind, finishing just six points behind Marion. Fellow South Seven rival Mt. Vernon isn’t too far behind in third with two first place votes. The Rams can win the South Seven outright with a win at Marion on Friday night. Otherwise, there will be a three-way tie for the conference crown.
Nashville’s ascent was halted with a 71-51 loss to #4 Pinckneyville on Friday. They still moved up a space above the 1A trio of Meridian, Goreville, and Waltonville.
Here’s a look at the Full Rankings:
| Rank | School (First Place Votes) | Points | Rank Last Week |
| 1 | Marion (7) | 115 | 2 (+1) |
| 2 | Centralia (3) | 109 | 1 (-1) |
| 3 | Mt. Vernon (2) | 96 | 3 (-) |
| 4 | Pinckneyville | 86 | 4 (-) |
| 5 | Benton | 67 | 5 (-) |
| 6 | Murphysboro | 52 | 6 (-) |
| 7 | Nashville | 40 | 8 (+1) |
| 8 | Meridian | 36 | 7 (-1) |
| 9 | Goreville | 31 | 9 (-) |
| 10 | Waltonville | 16 | 10 (-) |
Also receiving votes: Herrin 10, Vienna 2
*The John A. Logan SI Basketball Poll is voted on by a trusted group of area coaches and media members each week
