The new year brings a lot of change, and the world of DII women’s basketball can’t escape it. With the loss of Grand Valley State—which had been holding the No. 10 ranking in DII women’s basketball since the preseason—there’s a new No. 1 on the floor. Undefeated Ashland Eagles have the honor of being an amazing dog (or bird, as the case may be).
Since we haven’t gotten a new Power 10 since last year (I know, I know), here’s a reminder. The NCAA.com Power 10 rankings are my rankings, mine alone. There is no voting committee, and I would try to incorporate which metrics the selection committee uses with the eye first test and which teams play basketball well.
Look back: Latest Power 10 rankings for 2022
Without further ado:
3rd regular season DII Women’s Power 10 ranking (Note: All games through January 9th)
No. 1 Ashland | Previous: 2: This team looks intimidating, now 16-0 and has been pretty much blowing people off since November. The Eagles are the fifth best scoring team in DII women’s basketball winning games by more than 25 points a game, second best in the division. This team has incredible depth, but there’s no denying that Ani Rochak plays as one of the best teams in the land.
No. 2 Drury | Previous: 3: Panthers 13-1 vs. 18 Toughest schedule in the division. They’re rolling offensively, too, scoring 93 or more points in each of their last three games. And as a reminder, the Panthers’ only loss was by one point against the first team in DII women’s basketball. The “big three” seem to be getting stronger every week. To say this team is very good is an understatement.
No. 3 Central Missouri | Previous 6: The Jennies continue to progress, and they remain undefeated against one of the strongest schedule strengths in the division. More important than their 13-0 start is the fact that the Jennies are 9-0 in the MIAA with wins over Nebraska-Kearney, Fort Hays State, Pittsburg State, and Missouri Southern. Brooke Littrell plays sensational basketball, averaging nearly a double-double per game with 19.9 points and 9.3 rebounds per game.
No. 4 Glenville State | Previous: 5: Coach Kimberly Stephens makes a really strong case for being named the best coach in the division. She lost almost her entire championship roster and this team was 13-1 against a very tough schedule while leading the division in scoring (90.9), forced turnovers per game (29) and turnover margin (11.57). Breanna Campbell and Mickayla Perdue were very nice additions, putting together 30.7 points per game and leading the way for this powerful offense.
No. 5 Western Washington | Previous: 5: The Vikings have won 11 in a row since falling to Azusa Pacific national standings by one on Opening Night. They’ve been starting to catch on lately, scoring 100 points on consecutive nights before recording a double-digit win over nationally ranked Central Washington. As always, this defense is tough and the attack is very balanced which makes it difficult for opponents to focus on one player. However, Brooke Walling is the pack leader with team highs in points and rebounds.
No. 6 Grand Valley State | Previous: 1: The Lakers falter a bit after losing Lewis on New Year’s Eve. The reason Grand Valley State is ranked sixth is because the teams ahead of them either went undefeated or played a tougher schedule. But make no mistake, this team is very good on both sides of the ball. The Lakers have a top 10 offense and defense, which pushes them to the largest scoring margin in the division. If any team can jump these ratings quickly, it’s the Lakers.
All team stats: A dream start with five of the best stats through December
No. 7 Tampa | Previous: 7: Finally, the Spartans dropped a game, but sitting at 14-1, they’re still very strong. They have a tough stretch this week with Nova Southeastern and fellow Power-10er Eckerd on deck. The Sydney Kin lead the way, scoring 17.6 points per game, but four rookies score at least 11 points per game.
No. 8 Colorado School of Mines | Previous: First Five: The Orediggers face one loss early in the season against the toughest defense in the division (Nebraska-Kearney if you were wondering). Since then, she has pulled back 11 in a row in somewhat dominant fashion. All five starting players can score, and they are a very selfless team. With so little support in the RMAC, the conference looks set to lose them as they continue to build a solid March resume.
No. 9 Minnesota | Previous: 9: Yes, the Mavericks have lost two of their last four games, but this team has played a tough schedule and still sits at 12-2. They can certainly score, averaging 85.1 points per game and defeating opponents with an average of 21.4 points. Joey Pate, Destiny Burch, and Natalie Bremer lead the scoring charge, averaging over 14 points per game.
No. 10 Eckerd | Previous: First Five: The Sunshine State Conference represents another. Yes, the Tritons have had two losses, but no one has played a tougher schedule in DII with a whopping . 723 combined opponents winning percentage. So, being 12-2 is pretty impressive. This includes several non-collegiate victories against teams ranked at the time. Four of the five starting players average at least 10 points and hit the ball well. Couple that with a solid defense and this team will make it tough for opponents.
DII WOMEN’S HOOPS CENTRAL: News, stats, history and results
First five (in alphabetical order)
- assumption
- Cal State Dominguez Hills
- Charleston
- Southwest Georgia
- North Georgia
just missed: Lenoir Rhine, Minnesota Duluth, Texas Woman, West Texas A&M