Lady Wildcats now tied for No. 1 in Class B statewide basketball poll

The Wayland girls’ basketball team will have plenty on the line Friday night when it plays at Grand Rapids Catholic Central.

The Wildcats probably will be looking to extend their unbeaten winning streak to 18 games this season. They also will be playing for the O-K Gold Conference championship, as Catholic Central has just one league defeat, that one last month at the hands of Wayland in a double overtime thriller. And coach Marty Howard’s group will be defending its lofty position as tied for No. 1 with Midland Bullock Creek in the state-wide Associated Press Class B poll.

The Wildcats will take a 16-0 record tonight into a home nonleague contest against Mattawan before going up against Catholic Central in the “Second Showdown” of two state-ranked powers.

Meanwhile, the Wayland boys now are ranked No. 7 in this week’s statewide Class B poll. Coach Mike Hudson’s ‘Cats are 12-3 overall. Wyoming Godwin Heights, which Wayland is very likely to play in the district tournament during the second week of March. Aleague title is probably out of the question because Ottawa Hills is one beaten in the O-K Gold while all of Wayland’s three losses have been in league play.

The latest rankings:

 Class B Girls

1. Midland Bullock Creek 71

1. (tie) Wayland 71
   3. Goodrich 66
   4. Grand Rapids Catholic Central 58
   5. Detroit Country Day 52
   6. Williamston 51
   7. Haslett 40

   (tie) Manistee 40

   9. Frankenmuth 31
   10. Dearborn Divine Child 22

   (tie) Dearborn Heights Robichaud 22

   Others receiving 12 or more votes: Plainwell 15.

Class B Boys

1. Milan 59
2. New Haven 54
3. Wyoming Godwin Heights 52
4. Yale 45
5. Flint Northwestern 42
6. Battle Creek Harper Creek 38
7. Wayland 37
8. Goodrich 33
9. Otsego 28
10. Benton Harbor 23

Others receiving 12 or more votes: Detroit Henry Ford 20, Haslett 13, Frankenmuth 12